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‘We will still march without permission’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  DESPITE being denied the use of Rawson and Parliament Squares for a protest on Majority Rule Day in January, We March Bahamas organiser John Bostwick II said yesterday the demonstration “will go on as planned, on

the same route as planned� even without the government’s permission.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Bostwick II said “there will be no compromise� and the group will “not be deterred by this attempt toward fascist coercion and the abuse of our rights and constitutional freedoms�.

In a post on Facebook, lead or-

‘STAY VIGILANT’ AS ZIKA CASE TOTAL RISES TO 25

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH officials yesterday urged residents to remain vigilant against environmental factors that breed mosquitoes despite the “lull� in local transmission of the Zika virus.

Director of Public Health Dr Pearl McMillan yesterday confirmed that there have been no new confirmed cases since the department’s press release on December 5, which raised the number of cases in New Providence from 22 to 23.

There is one case each on

the islands of Bimini and Eleuthera, bringing the total to 25 confirmed cases nationwide. “This is like a lull, quiet period,� Dr McMillan said. “We continue to get samples as they send them in for testing but we have no further cases, which is good.

We’re still monitoring and doing our surveillance. “I think we have been progressing well as it relates to getting the message out there and persons heeding it. This Zika thing came down in July, which is when we usually get our first case SEE PAGE SIX

ganiser Ranard Henfield revealed that “after several weeks of back and forth� the Cabinet Office on Wednesday rejected the group’s application to protest in Rawson and Parliaments Squares because the “event conflicts with another event� already booked for that date.

Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts an-

nounced last month that the PLP planned a march to mark the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule.

This latest development is yet another set back for the organisation that planned to protest on Monday, January 9 - the original observance date announced for Majority Rule Day. However, earlier this month it was announced in Parliament that

the holiday would be observed on the actual date of the historic event, Tuesday, January 10.

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

ROLLINS: NO LEGAL BASIS FOR DISCIPLINING THE REBEL SEVEN

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said last night that “there will be no disciplinary action� taken against the seven Free National Movement MPs who ousted party Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition, because there is no legal basis for such a move.

He added that a formal objection has been lodged against “the bogus charges� levelled against him and the six other members of Parliament who took part in the action of removing Dr Minnis from the post. Dr Rollins said a growing number of FNMs are admitting “that the best course of action for the party to take under the present circumstances is to

THE REBEL SEVEN of, from left, Hubert Chipman, Edison Key, Richard Lightbourn, Loretta Butler-Turner, Neko Grant, Theo Neilly, and Andre Rollins.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff solidify widespread support FNM’s Executive Commitaround a new leader.� tee would not have a case His remarks came in an because the group’s actions e-mail in response to ques- “were consistent with the tions from The Tribune. constitutionally protected Dr Rollins echoed the right of parliamentarians to sentiments of Long Island recall a parliamentary leadMP Loretta Butler-Turner er when they no longer have and St Anne’s MP Hubert confidence in his/her ability Chipman, who last week to lead.� said the if the matter were SEE PAGE THREE to be taken to court, the

PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR FOREIGN BAHA MAR STAFF

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN former employees of Baha Mar will be paid by the government appointed Claims Commit-

tee next month, committee Chairman James Smith said yesterday.

Since the money was given on an ex-gratia basis by the China Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and was intended primarily for Baha-

mians, most of the foreign former employees won’t receive all that is due to them.

Mr Smith said they will, however, receive a “high figure�.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SIX

HUSBAND KILLED AFTER GUNMEN FORCED COUPLE TO STOP CAR

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  CHIEF Superintendent Clayton Fernander, officerin-charge of the Central Detective Unit, warned drivers yesterday to be “extra cautious� after armed men forced a couple to stop their vehicle in the middle of the road before shooting and killing the driver.

Chief Supt Fernander said police believe armed robbery may be the motive for the killing. He said the incident could have “happened to anyone�.

The murder took place shorty after 9pm on Tuesday in the area of Millennium Gardens, off Tonique Williams Darling Highway, and brought the country’s murder count to 109 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Chief Supt Fernander said the victim, identified by police as Kendrick Simms, was driving with his wife, when another car pulled ahead of them forcing them to stop. “The man was driving through Millennium SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

YEAR IN REVIEW

RELIVE 2016’S MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN TOMORROW’S TRIBUNE

THE VIEWING for the late retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Errington ‘Bumpy’ Watkins at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre, Police Headquarters.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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Hundreds pay respect to Errington Watkins

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net HUNDREDS of police officers viewed the body of the late Errington “Bumpy” Watkins at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s headquarters yesterday as the family of the former parliamentarian prepares for his military funeral.

Watkins was a police officer for 21 years.

The 90-year-old was elected to the House of Assembly in 1972.

He led an unsuccessful effort by Abaconians to secede from the Bahamas ahead of Independence.

Family members remembered him yesterday as a strict disciplinarian who nonetheless had a great sense of humour.

“We are a family that has been around since 1840,”

Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday about the RBPF and Watkins.

“The least we can do is demonstrate our love and affection for one another, to always nurture the human spirit and when this life is all done, despite how we feel, despite our opinions, to know that there’s a measure of respect to show to our loved ones.

“He loved his country and he believed in decency and honesty,” said Watkins’ daughter, Erica WatkinsLaing. “It was also a disappointment to him to see how things deteriorated in the country but through it all he loved his country.

Today is a special day…because it was his last wishes that he have a military funeral and I’d like to thank the prime minister for allowing it.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 3

Collie pledges MPs will get fair tribunal

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday defended the party’s newly appointed tribunal given the task of deciding the fate of the “rebel seven” members of Parliament against accusations of possible bias, saying he was satisfied that the threeperson panel will come to a “fair decision”.

Asked to speak to the party’s constitutional safeguards from bias, Mr Collie said the disciplinary panel would take its mandate seriously and be led to make “very deliberate” and methodical decisions. However, he said the dissenting MPs have the right to seek judicial review in the Supreme Court.

Mr Collie would not reveal who would sit on the panel, but said the members were all “seasoned” party supporters who would operate autonomously, setting their own agenda and time lines.

Last week, Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner told The Tribune there was no need for her to appear before the FNM’s tribunal - which she called a “kangaroo court” on “trumped up” and “bogus” charges.

Mrs Butler-Turner also denied claims by Mr Collie that she did not respond to the party’s Executive Council concerning the charges against her and the six MPs who ousted FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly in early December.

To this, Mr Collie yesterday maintained that neither he nor the party’s Secretary General Michael Foulkes had received any formal defence from anyone in the group attempting to exculpate themselves from the charges.

While he further admitted that Mr Foulkes received an email from Leader of Opposition Business

in the House Theo Neilly, which “purported” to include a defence, Mr Collie said it was unclear whether this was the MP’s personal response or one on behalf of the group.

However, yesterday Ft Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins told The Tribune that the dissenting members of Parliament “have all lodged a formal objection to the bogus charges levelled against us by Dr Minnis.”

St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, in an interview with The Tribune yesterday, also said the group responded together, but he said he was unsure of whether it was an email, a formal letter or who sent it.

He added that he was never served with a formal letter of charges from the party despite several of his colleagues being served.

Mr Chipman said he was sent an email from Mr Foulkes containing the charges and also a promise that a letter would be hand delivered to him, but this was never done.

“Firstly, no leadership personnel in the hierarchy of the FNM is permitted to comment on the work of the tribunal because the tribunal got its remit from the (party’s) constitution,” Mr Collie said when he was contacted yesterday.

“It’s a constitutional matter and even though it’s a private constitutional matter the persons who are being dealt with by the tribunal always have the right to go for a judicial review in the Supreme Court and so in order to keep this strictly a constitutional matter, the tribunal’s work is proceeding very deliberately by the members of the tribunal.

“They got their remit after the executive submitted the names and selected three and it was taken to the council. There was very little debate in the council.

The council approved the three and they were given their remit and under the constitution they set their own agenda, they decide on

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie said that the three-person panel appointed for the tribunal into the actions of the rebel seven will come to a fair decision.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff their own process, they fix ing MPs’ future with the their own dates and dead- organisation. The MPs face lines and they set about their expulsion, suspension from work in their own deliberate the party or a fine.

The party accused the fashion without any interference or tampering from any- group of MPs of bringing the party into “disrepute, one,” Mr Collie said.

“At the end of their pro- division, rancour and discess they could be as quick honour” as well as signing, as they would like or as de- delivering and causing to be liberate and time consum- a read in the House of Asing as they like, but once sembly a letter to withdraw they are complete they pre- support for Dr Minnis. They sent a report to the council. had seven days to write the The council is chaired by Executive Committee of me and when I get that re- the FNM to attempt to export we will go to council culpate themselves.

Mr Collie has mainand let the council know tained that there has been their position.”

Explaining how the tri- no official response from bunal would be free from the group but in an e-mail bias, Mr Collie said: “The obtained by The Tribune constitution is a written dated December 15, Long document. It lays down con- Island MP Loretta Butlerstitutional provisions. The Turner acknowledged retribunal is a human body ceipt of a letter from Mr and they bring to their jobs Foulkes on December 8 and their own human and per- responded to the charges.

In the document attached sonal experiences and they are guided by the mandate to the email, the Long Isof the tribunal and they set land MP said the seven about their work based on members are not “prepared to get into a fight with our the written document.

“With regards to person- party, which focuses once al views, personal opinions, again on Dr Hubert Minnis biases and other matters it as this is a futile exercise.”

“It is imperative, and our will be no different from any court or any quasi-ju- primary concern, that we dicial tribunal anywhere in consider what is in the best the world that is sitting to interest of all the people determine the quasi-judi- of the Commonwealth of cial matter. The process in the Bahamas. Indeed, the selecting them was very de- Bahamian people and our liberate. They are very sen- FNM supporters demand ior members of the party that we rid our country of and they know the process. an inept and corrupt PLP All of them have been there government,” she wrote.

“Contrary to the charge, longer than I have been there so they are very sea- we, duly elected parliamentarians, have exercised our soned persons.

“I suspect that they will constitutional right in the be taking their mandate best interest of our fellow very seriously and they will FNM supporters and all the be coming to a decision people of the Bahamas,” very deliberately and very her letter added.

Mrs Butler-Turner said methodically. I am satisfied that we are going to get as the party has no recourse fair a decision as you can against her or the other MPs and if they took their get in any such tribunal.”

Last Wednesday, the “charges” to a real court, FNM appointed the tribu- they would not have a “leg nal to decide the dissent- to stand on.”

ROLLINS: NO LEGAL BASIS FOR DISCIPLINING THE REBEL SEVEN from page one

Dr Rollins said: “It would be selfish for party officers and supporters to sit back and watch the party hobble into the next general elections with a leader who has lost the confidence of the majority of his troops.

“It makes absolutely no sense to say that you will allow the party to self destruct and lose the next elections and then begin the process of putting it back together again in time for the 2022 elections under new leadership. The Bahamian people, even those who are sympathetic to Dr Minnis, would rather the FNM re-engineer itself now, as opposed to waiting for the 2022 election cycle.

“The electoral hopes of the FNM can be salvaged in time to win the next general election. However, it requires an acknowledgment that new leadership is needed to bring the FNM together in the short time that remains. Our country can’t wait until 2022 for the FNM to get its act together.

It must deal with its leadership problem now. For the sake of our country, much more than our party, humility and compromise among the various stakeholders is needed urgently.”

Dr Rollins said under similar circumstances, if the majority of the Progressive Liberal Party parliamentarians had voted no confidence in Prime Minister Perry Christie, Dr Minnis would be among the first to call for the prime minister to resign.

“This is a concept that Dr Minnis has said on many occasions he supports – the right of constituents to recall a member of Parliament.

Well, after more than four years of failing to effectively lead the opposition in Parliament, we used the provisions of the Constitution to recall him. It’s that simple,” Dr Rollins said.

“Surely Dr Minnis doesn’t believe that he is above being recalled. This is yet another example of the contradiction between Dr Minnis’ words and his actions. He has on numerous occasions called for Mr

Christie and some of his Cabinet colleagues to resign after they lost the moral authority to lead. The only reason that Mr Christie has not called on Dr Minnis to resign as leader of the FNM is because the only chance that the PLP has of being re-elected is if Dr Minnis remains leader of the FNM.” Last week, the FNM appointed a three-person tribunal to decide the fate of the seven MPs. The party accused the politicians of bringing the party into “disrepute, division, rancour and dishonour” through their actions.

The petition to remove Dr Minnis was signed by

Mrs Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, Mr Chipman and Dr Rollins.

All of the signatories have declared that they will not quit the party, despite calls from Dr Minnis for them to do so.

They now face expulsion, suspension or a fine.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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Thanks to those who helped bring Christmas cheer ON BOXING DAY, hundreds of under privileged children crossed Paradise Island bridge — many of them for the first time — to attend the Santa Claus Committee’s Christmas party organised especially for their enjoyment.

Atlantis made the Crown Ballroom in the Beach Towers available and provided lunch for the children, who when they saw the glistening chandeliers, and surrounding beauty thought they had arrived in “wonderland”.

Many Bahamians and foreigners gave generously to make the special day possible with $30,000 worth of toys for Santa to distribute. Rupert Roberts of SuperValue also provided food to ensure that the committee’s volunteers, and many of the community’s senior citizens and shut-ins also had a Christmas dinner.

The work of the Santa Claus committee, was started by Tribune publisher, the late Sir Etienne Dupuch, in a back room at The Tribune in 1963 – 53 years ago.

The intention of Sir Etienne and his small committee was to bring joy to as many of the community’s poor children as possible at Christmas time. Members of the community contributed toys and money for the purchase of new toys. Even prisoners at HM Prison, Fox Hill, turned out toys for the children from their prison workshop. Committee women met annually at The Tribune to sort and wrap the gifts and arrange for their delivery to homes that would have had no Christmas without them.

The work ended in 1969.

Many years later, Robert Carron, one of Sir Etienne’s grandsons, on his return from Notre Dame University in 1991, was going through his grandfather’s large file of charities, which he had either started or sponsored.

Robert’s eyes lit on the work of the Santa Claus committee. He vowed to resurrect that charity to the memory of his grandfather.

Robert got a group of his friends interested and on that first Christmas they loaded a truck with brightly wrapped gifts and went into the poorer areas of New Providence to play Santa Claus. As children ran behind their truck, Robert’s group was heartbroken by the numbers that had to be turned away when the last gift was handed out.

Robert and his small band realised that if they were to have an impact, they had to enlarge the scope of their work.

In 1993, the Santa Claus committee with John Sitomer of Gold’s Gym now on board, was relaunched. The committee appealed to the public for funds. As usual the public was generous. That first Christmas — and many Chistmases afterwards — Gold’s Gym was turned into a Christmas wonderland.

It was amazing who willingly gave

up their Christmas day to go to the Gym to help serve the poor, and who contributed food and drinks for the large party. There were bank managers and their wives, CEOs of companies, hoteliers, and men and women from almost every section of the community — from Lyford Cay to Grants Town — united in a common cause to serve those less fortunate in material possessions. Even visitors from abroad, here to spend Christmas with family or friends, gave up the day to carve turkeys for the children.

And so the work grew until it was too large for Gold’s Gym.

By Christmas 2000, it had been relocated to the ballroom at Atlantis on Paradise Island, then owned by the Kerzner family. By now the committee was not only taking care of almost 2,000 children, but it also included some of the elderly.

Before the party for the children, Santa Claus, with a bag of toys first visited the children’s ward of the Princess Margaret Hospital, where Christmas Carols were sung and gifts distributed.

About 1995 when the party was still held at Gold’s Gym a teacher arrived with a small group of children. The children quietly took their places at the table, bowed their heads in thankful prayer, ate their Christmas dinner, received their gifts, and as the party ended one of them stood to make a short speech of thanks. With their teacher in the lead they quietly left the gym. Robert was so impressed by such well behaved children that he made it a point to get to know the teacher. This was his first introduction to Cynthia “Mother” Pratt.

For the past three Christmases, instead of parties in one location, the toys have been sent to certain recipients, such as “Mother” Pratt, who was by then the MP for St Cecilia’s, later Deputy Prime Minister. They were also sent to parish priests, and MPs so that they too would have gifts to distribute at their own Christmas functions. Many of the Family Islands have always been included in this Christmas giving.

Monday’s function at Atlantis was a return to the annual event being held at one venue.

As “Mother” Pratt said of Monday’s party: The experience for these children, including some of their parents, as they “rose over that bridge for the first time” it transformed their lives it gave them hope, it made them feel that they were somebody. “It was that sense of hope as they clutched their toy that made it all so touching, so worthwhile.”

The Tribune would like to thank all of those who in some way – large or small — contributed to making it possible to embrace the less fortunate of our communities and let them know that they too are important.

Christmas decorations EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHAT a shame that only

Confusion ahead EDITOR, The Tribune.

HUGE BALL OF CONFUSION What next?

PAM BURNSIDE Nassau, December 18, 2016.

one person/business benefited from the ramshackle Christmas decorations instead of us using this time for the sharing of good will, which would actually embody the spirit of Christmas.

May I suggest that next year all primary school art departments are asked to submit a plan/ proposal for decorating our town, and one can be announced as the winner of the contract by a panel of art experts.

Not only would this encourage young children to be a proud part of our society, it would build a sense of community and spread the wealth to areas that actually deserve our tax dollars.

We could then celebrate our artful youth with the tourists instead of them laughing at our third world incompetence.

S APPLETON Nassau, December 20, 2016.

Excuses, excuses by the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

NEW Year’s 2017 is coming up fast so we have to look back through 2016 or as 2017 is Election Year forward, even Christie can’t stop that or postpone it like he has the PLP Party Convention.....it’s coming!

Imagine no Convention for nine years?

Oh the excuse is now on the two hurricanes - sorry the two storms should have caused employment and development - the clean-up, the rebuild, the millions of insurance moneys but....

• Travel to Long Island and from Joaquin still reconstruction - repair etc, even of Government buildings has not been completed or started - remember NEMA really got activated in the middle of 2016 some eight months after the storm.

• Unemployment? 2008 we all accept the effects we had numerous Lehmann Bros financed proposed projects all dead but surely if • Investments/OPM was awake they could have redirected these projects? If there is one Department of Government that can take the cake for being unproductive that is it.

• S&P downgraded The Bahamas I suspect on such clear evidence of past Government policies and actions and the lack of seriousness of the Government to collect owed taxes.

Incredibly it seems come hell or high water Christie will launch NHI-I predict you may get your ‘smart card’ but little else.....then excuses.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net • Grand Bahama - the words of the PM....Container Port closed so I presume the much flaunted expansion, MSC, is dead - Our Lucaya, Dreams etc, closed much flaunted everything in good stay opps that was their dream or delusion. Comment by the MP for West End at the recent ground breaking - simply All hail to the chief I’m loyal PC don’t fire me for doing such a bad job at Tourism. Yes what a bad job.

Zero increase in stay-over visitors, yes Zero!

• Too much money floating doing absolutely nothing because there is zero confidence - too difficult to get approvals and those other reasons.

• Has anyone any idea how much money the now legalised Gaming places (Numbers) took in in their first year? Much more importantly how much did the houses give out in winnings? To what extent is Numbers drawing negatively on the economy. It seems to be the survival source for a lot of people. Seeking that rainbow thing - rags to riches (believe me it does not come!)

NIB - will it be able to pay Pensions in five-years?

Government has been stalling the advised increase in weekly payments to meet the Actuary’s requirements. Can we afford a further increase?

• VAT - here the lack of understanding, from Gov-

ernment that really we have a VAT of 35% not 7.5% Editor check wherever you have a service charge there is 7.5% so if there are five-steps to get an item off the dock it is 5x7.5% = 35%. So Finance projected pre-VAT the total revenue would be around $680m....

How on earth is it close to one billion? You mean the boys at Finance were so far off in their estimates? Even Christie says the economy is dead?

• NHI - remember what Christie argued the why we have to have NHI - the 700 dying because they did not get medical care - Christie by 2018 tell us how many still died because they could not afford life-saving medical care? One enormous political flam.

The PLP slate of candidates for 2017 - all seems to indicate only the seats of the two who left for the FNM and the forced retirement of Exuma will you see any new faces - a further term of tired geriatric MPs who have shown collectively how not to govern - don’t understand money missing and accountability.

The other parties might be all torn up but a segmented vote split between the Butler faction - the DNA could see a coalition which would save us.

Wonder how big the deficit will be by May, 2017?

Successive Governments have left enormous deficits and debts (cheques issued but not released).

W THOMPSON Nassau, December 27, 2016.

Hoping for change in the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

WITH the collapse of the opposition it seems clear now that Perry Christie will have a third term as prime minister. His government has been poor at the job, but at least the PLP is a coherent party.

The FNM/DNA/Tribe of Loretta is a daily train wreck. I want Mr Christie gone but cannot see the splintered opposition winning.

If the PLP is returned the

hope for change will be in ousting Mr Christie after the election.

Alfred Sears seems to be the only man or woman of courage on that side. When the time comes, assuming Sears wins his seat, those in our country who want change should lend him their support. He is an accomplished man; a man of intelligence; a moderate who would be a good representative on the world’s stage for our country.

Mr Sears is challeng-

ing the PLP leader at next month’s convention. That effort is more symbolic, however.

The true effort at change will come after election day.

It is sad that the FNM is such a lousy party. This was an election it was supposed to win with ease.

But they just can’t get their act together – no unity, no vision.

MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, December 21, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

US man bailed after fight on PI

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN AMERICAN tourist was granted $1,000 cash bail yesterday after he was charged in connection with a physical altercation with another tourist that occurred on Paradise Island during the Boxing Day holiday.

David Kermerko, 42, of Blumfield, Michigan, appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy facing a single charge of causing

harm stemming from an incident on Monday, December 26.

It is alleged that he, while in the area of Royal Towers in the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, did intentionally and unlawfully cause harm to Seth Adams.

The charge was filed under Section 135(1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84.

“Do you understand the charge, sir?” the magistrate asked.

“Yes I do,” the accused said.

The judge asked: “And how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?”

“I plead not guilty,” the American answered.

Magistrate Delancy asked the police prosecutor if he had any objections to Kermerko being granted bail.

The police prosecutor said he had none as the accused was on police bail prior to the arraignment.

However, he asked that the bail be a cash bond if the court was minded to consider it.

Magistrate Delancy granted bail in the amount of $1,000 cash and ordered the American to return to court for his trial on March 3, 2017.

“Sir, I am warning you to not have any interaction with the virtual complainant,” the magistrate added.

“I understand,” the accused answered.

Kermerko has retained attorney Terrel Butler to represent him against the allegation, which could see him face up to six months in prison if convicted.

TEENAGER ACCUSED OF BREAK-IN AND INDECENT ASSAULT

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TEEN was remanded to prison without bail yesterday after he was charged in Magistrate’s Court in connection with a home invasion and indecent assault that occurred a week ago on a Family Island.

Liston Russell, 18, ap-

peared before Magistrate Constance Delancy to face a count each of housebreaking and indecent assault stemming from an incident on Thursday, December 22, in Calabash Bay, Andros.

It is that he unlawfully entered the home of a woman with the intent to commit an offence.

It is then alleged that he indecently assaulted her.

Russell elected to be tried in Magistrate’s Court before he pleaded not guilty to both charges when asked

by Magistrate Delancy.

The accused will stand trial on March 24, 2017.

“As you are charged with housebreaking, you are not eligible for bail and therefore remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial,” the

magistrate said.

However, Russell was advised of his right to apply for a bond in the Supreme Court.

A conviction for indecent assault carries up to three years imprisonment while housebreaking has a maximum term of seven years.

Russell had no lawyer in yesterday’s arraignment.

ASP Clifford Daxon is prosecuting the case.

PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR FOREIGN BAHA MAR STAFF from page one

He expressed confidence that no one, including foreign employees and foreign companies that did business with Baha Mar, will seek legal remedies to obtain the monies owed to them by the time payouts are complete.

“The foreign employees fall into different categories,” he said. “Some have been re-employed at Baha Mar or have continued working at the resort.

Some didn’t put in for a claim. There was a relatively small number of foreign workers, though. There might not have even been five per cent of them in the overall total.”

Despite the ex-gratia payment process, critics have expressed concern that the process does not prioritise paying foreign staff and companies owed money by Baha Mar, saying it could harm the reputation of the country.

Mr Smith said he and others were able to convince officials to provide payouts to foreign staff and

JAMES SMITH, left, with Baha Mar’s senior vice-president, Sandy Sands. companies even though this was not the initial intention of the EXIM Bank.

Mr Smith’s comments came as his committee wraps up its work, having “settled claims of virtually all Bahamian unsecured creditors”.

While not every eligible person or entity put forward a claim, more than 90 per cent did.

So far, more than $90 million has been paid out to

former employees and contracted companies.

A little more than $100m is expected to be paid out by the time the process is complete.

This includes payment to 330 unsecured companies.

“The majority of them were majority Bahamian owned,” Mr Smith said. “It includes 253 that were owed under half-a-million. The others were combination of Bahamian sub-contractors,

non-Bahamian companies who would be used again and non-Bahamian subcontractors.”

Mr Smith told The Tribune earlier this month that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) received 100 cents on the dollar, despite Prime Minister Perry Christie’s previous suggestion that government owned agencies would not receive all that is owed to them.

Mr Smith clarified yesterday that BPL received a special payment arrangement from the committee because of the company’s desperate need for cash in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

“They needed everything they could get,” he said.

By contrast, the Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) received 85 cents on the dollar, not all the money owed to it as Mr Smith had previously said.

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 5

HUSBAND KILLED AFTER GUNMEN FORCED COUPLE TO STOP CAR from page one

Gardens in his Kia (vehicle) with his wife, when a male in a Nissan vehicle forced him to a stop. A man came out of the car with a handgun and pointed it toward the couple,” Chief Supt Fernander said.

“The husband tried to move around the vehicle and the suspect but was shot several times. The victim crashed into a nearby fence and died on the scene. The wife was unharmed during the incident.”

Simms’ wife, Tamara, yesterday posted on social media the day of her husband’s murder was the worst day of her life.

“Last night (Tuesday) was the worst day of my life,” she posted. “Someone came and took you away from me. Someone please wake me up and tell me it’s all a dream. Babes please come back. I miss you so much. Jesus please help me.”

Chief Supt Fernander said police believe the incident was isolated, but warned motorists to be careful while driving home at night.

“Attempted robbery is a lead we are following,” Chief Supt Fernander said.

“This was an isolated incident but it could have happened to anyone who was driving on that road at the time. Please be aware of your surroundings, you have to be careful when driving.

“If you do not know who the person is, do not stop if you can help it. There is not a trend of people being forced off the road, but we want drivers to be vigilant.

This murder really touched home because it could have been anyone.”

Meanwhile police are still on the hunt for the person or persons responsible for killing a man and injuring four other persons, including three women, on Boxing Day.

The incident took place shortly after 3am on December 26.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the victims were travelling in a vehicle on Tonique Williams Darling Highway when they were attacked by several men.

“Around 3am, police received reports that three females and two males were on the highway, when the occupants of a white vehicle pulled up on the side of them and fired several shots into the car before speeding off,” ACP Dean said.

“All five of the victims were shot and rushed to hospital where one of the males died of his injuries. The other four victims are listed in serious condition.”

ACP Dean said police currently have no one in custody for the homicide.

This year the country may still record its lowest murder total since 2010, when 94 people were killed.

In 2011, 127 people were killed, 111 in 2012, 119 in 2013, 122 in 2014 and 146 in 2015.

Anyone with information on any of these homicides is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. Investigations into these matters continue.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

PAGE 6, Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE PROTEST march to Rawson Square on Black Friday.

Clearing Banks’ Association Reduction of Prime Lending Rate

Based on the action taken by The Central Bank of The Bahamas on 22nd December 2016 to lower the Discount Rate from 4.50% to 4.00%, the Clearing Banks’ Association hereby advises that effective 3rd January 2017 the Prime Lending Rate will be lowered from the present level of 4.75% to 4.25%.

Variable rate loans (the rate of interest is expressed as “prime rate plus or minus a percentage”) will be re-priced according to their contractual terms.

Fixed rate loans (the rate of interest is expressed as a “percentage” without reference to prime rate) keep the same rate from origination until maturity.

Customer queries should be addressed to their respective bank(s) to determine how the change in the Prime Lending Rate may impact their credit facilities and investments.

THE TRIBUNE

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

‘WE WILL STILL MARCH WITHOUT PERMISSION’ from page one

Earlier this month, Mr Henfield told The Tribune that regardless of when the holiday is, thousands of Bahamians will assemble and “won’t be ignored”.

Yesterday, Mr Bostwick II said because of the strong showing of the first march, he believes this latest development is an attempt by the government to “frustrate” the people into giving up.

“Let me make this clear, there has been no cancellation of our plans,” the former Free National Movement (FNM) senator told The Tribune. “There will be no compromise. We had applied for permission to march immediately after the last march in November.

“We indicated that the march would be held on the Majority Rule holiday at that time it was January 9. We had been given confirmation that the date was available and that there had been no request made for any event made on the

same date.

“Ranard had been following up by going there and calling for confirmation (for the new date) and they were noncommittal until today. We are aware that the PLP indicated that they would be marching on the same day. We do not know whether they were approved but they indicated their intent well after we would have made application for the date.”

Mr Bostwick II said the group will reapply and will march “even without permission should it not be forthcoming.”

“This is an attempt to frustrate the constitutional rights of the people and the expressed will and desire of the people,” he said.

“Whatever the date of the holiday we will march.

There has been no change in the planned route. We plan to march the same route as last time. It is our belief that Bahamians have the constitutional right to protest, the right of the freedom of assembly and the right to assemble in public places. We intend to exercise our constitutional rights and freedoms for, on behalf of and with the Bahamian people.”

On November 25, We

March Bahamas staged a ‘Black Friday’ march to show the government citizens’ frustration over national issues.

Just over a thousand protesters marched from Arawak Cay to Rawson Square singing the Bahamian national anthem and chanting things like “the power of the people is better than the people in power.” A large group also occupied Rawson Square for 12 hours as part of the protest.

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

However, Mr Henfield later walked back on that threat.

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

However this offer was rejected.

‘STAY VIGILANT’ AS ZIKA CASE TOTAL RISES TO 25 from page one

of this type of (viral) illness, if it’s mosquito-borne.

We saw that with dengue fever, and Chikungunya was around the same time.

“In warm months there is a lot of breeding, so we have to make sure we decrease sites, fogging, removing standing water because of the mosquito we’re dealing with here (Aedes aegypti).

“A lot of it is around homes, church, school not in open field areas with other mosquitoes. So individual families and communities have a big responsibility.

We were kind of fortunate with the hurricane washing out what was breeding at the time. That may have played some role in what we’re seeing now.

“We have continue to be on alert and be aware,” she added.

According to the December 5 release, all confirmed cases have been treated for associate symptoms and are doing well. Based on

the histories received from the cases it has been determined that there is a mix of travel associated and local transmission.

The Bahamas reported an initial case of the virus on August 10 of a Pinewood Gardens man who had recently travelled to Jamaica.

Officials confirmed local transmission along with three more cases on August 23.

The Ministry of Health is intensely monitoring the situation with an active surveillance programme within the Department of Public Health, and in partnership with the Department of Environmental Health is continuing its intense vector control and mosquito management, according to the release.

If you think you or your family member might have Zika virus infection please visit your doctor or nearest health care provider.

For further information, contact the National Disease Surveillance Unit at 502-4776, 502-4790, 3763809 or 376-4705.

THE TRIBUNE

MINISTRY HITS OUT AT ‘FAKE NEWS’ SHARED ON SOCIAL MEDIA OVER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday sounded the alarm on “fake news” after a social media post claiming that the country’s currency had been devalued was circulated on several platforms.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry maintained that the value of Bahamian currency in The Bahamas remains on par with the US dollar when traded in The Bahamas, and strongly discouraged persons from sharing “fake news” on social media.

The ministry noted the Bahamian dollar was not a convertible currency, and

as such, could not be freely converted outside of the country like the US dollar, the British pound, and the Euro. It also means that the Central Bank of The Bahamas does not have to honour the exchange of any Bahamian dollar or dollars spent or exchanged outside The Bahamas, the ministry added.

The rebuke follows the posting of a receipt that purported to show the exchange of Bahamian dollars at the Sawgrass Mall in Florida for US currency.

The post sought to demonstrate that the Bahamian dollar was not being traded one-for-one with its American counterpart, and had been devalued.

“Such a conclusion would

be false (and) is discouraged,” the ministry’s statement read.

“This is what is now being described as ‘fake news’ and Bahamians travelling overseas should be warned. Sharing of this ‘fake news’ on social media or on any other media platform is strongly discouraged.

“The public is advised that in Bahamian law, the Bahamian dollar is one-forone to the US dollar when traded across the counter in Nassau and throughout The Bahamas, whether in a bank or in a store.

“This has been the position since the change from the Bahamian pound to the Bahamian dollar in 1966,” the statement continued.

“That position remains unchanged today.”

Speaking directly to the social media post about exchanging currency at the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Fort Lauderdale, the ministry explained: “Further, a private trader such as the one purportedly accepting Bahamian dollars for exchange at the Sawgrass Mills in Florida does so at his or her own risk and can charge whatever they believe the market can bear.

“Whatever price the trader in the US charges is entirely a matter for that trader and his or her customer but does not impact or reflect the trading value or official one-for-one exchange rate of the Bahamian currency in The Bahamas.”

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 7

THE RECEIPT showing the currency exchange in Florida.

EXPLORING by kayak as a tourism team visited Peterson’s Cay.

Nature tourism ‘is still in good condition’ despite resort closures

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Tourism reports that the “nature tourism product” is in good condition and continues to draw visitors to Grand Bahama, despite closures of major resort properties.

Even though many of the major properties are still closed because of significant hurricane damage, tourism public relations official Brooke Grant said visitors remain eager to visit the island.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Unit conducted an extensive assessment of various eco-tourism sites to see first-hand the state of many of the island’s most fre-

quently accessed nature trails and beach access points.

The assessment exercise began on November 4 with the national park at Peterson’s Cay, an off-island site known for its beautiful coral reef systems and untouched natural landscape.

“The national park has always been a favourite among tour companies,” said Mrs Grant.

Calabash Ecoadventures escorted a tourism team, along with a visiting couple from Germany, to the park at Peterson’s Cay. The group participated in a kayak and snorkel tour.

Mrs Grant said that despite the state of the island at the time, the German couple’s plans to visit Grand Bahama were not derailed

THE KAYAK tour highlighted eco-attractions in The Bahamas.

by the closure of many of the major properties and tourist hubs.

“Cancelling their trip to the island was never an option as the two visitors had booked their travel online through Air B&B, which allowed them to secure lodging at an apartment complex that suited their preference,” she said.

Mrs Grant noted that there were drastic changes to the island’s topography and its tourism economy due to Hurricane Matthew.

She stated that Grand Bahama is known for its diverse offering of soft adventure experiences from east to west, appealing to a cross section of travellers.

“The resiliency of Grand Bahama island’s nature tourism product remains a

force to be reckoned with,” she said.

She said the Sustainable Tourism Unit set out on an extensive assessment of various popular nature-based tour sites and beach access points on Grand Bahama.

Jeffrey Pinder, senior executive for sustainable tourism, said that tour companies were able to make an impact almost immediately, helping the economy of Grand Bahama.

“There were some damage to the coral reefs and the park but what was most important is that the changes to the environment were not a concern for the visitors; this is what we want to ensure,” he said.

In addition to the assessment, Mr Pinder said the purpose of the exercise was

also to help provide exposure for the eco-tour operators by placing them on website www.bahamasgeotourism.com, an eco-tour specific website that delivers information to visitors interested in “off the beaten path experiences.”

The website is a joint venture between the Ministry of Tourism and National Geographic for ecotourism related information.

Mr Pinder reported that there are over 11 direct ecotour operators who rank from first to ninth place in the top ratings on Trip Advisor, an international travel website.

“The focus of the exercise is to help them get the word out that they are ready and operating,” he said.

Shamie Rolle, owner of

Calabash Ecoadventures, explained that Hurricane Matthew caused some damage when it hit in October, but it also helped nature.

“Before the hurricane came through, the reef was bleaching because the water was very warm causing a (discolouration) of the coral; what the hurricane did was lower the temperature and keep the environment healthy,” Mr Rolle said.

Calabash Ecoadventures was able to resume operations within two weeks after Hurricane Matthew.

The other Grand Bahama eco-tour companies that are fully operational are Blue Green Outdoors; Paradise Cove; UNEXSO; Grand Bahama Nature Tours; CocoNutz Cruisers; Reef Tours, among others.

PAGE 8 , Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

New Year resolve required to energise a modern Bahamas A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

B

Y all accounts, in 2017 the major political parties will no doubt be conducting a scorched earth policy in the lead up to what will likely be a hotly contested general election.

I am hopeful that in the new year, a line is drawn in the political sand and the dross occupying our governmental ranks is tossed out and a new ethical and moral framework is created for a new generation.

Corruption and dishonesty are major stumbling blocks to our country attaining its greatness.

For far too long, our leaders have been fiddling on the deck of the Titanic whilst our economic engines seize up and demoralising social issues continue to afflict our society.

We need a fresh blueprint for the modern Bahamas.

Reality has caught up with The Bahamas. What is clear from 2016 is that the game is now over … this is for real.

The bottom is dropping out in terms of foreign direct investment being seen as the panacea for The Bahamas’ economy.

The political rhetoric has proven to be empty and without salvation. The glitter that surrounded the oldtime politician is no more.

The people, having realised the state that we now find ourselves in, have found their voices. Life for the average Bahamian is no longer the so-called Cinderella story but reflective

of the harsh reality on the ground, where people can hardly find food to eat, have no place to live, have lost all their earthly possessions in the hurricane, are unemployed and so on. All of this forces us to understand that we stand at a singular moment when the decisions we make and the path we choose will have a tremendous impact on the life of subsequent generations in a way that we have probably not known in many decades. In 2017, I am desirous of seeing a level of political honesty and commitment to solving real Bahamian problems. I would like to see a coalition of minds/ thought. Such a coalition is necessary for us to move beyond the gridlock we are in.

I would also like to see a national commitment to real energy reform. Energy undergirds almost everything that happens in this economy. While a commitment to clean energy is ideal, the first order of business ought to be to make energy affordable for the running of our economy. Unfortunately, political patronage trumps such initiatives!

This new year, we must make a conscious effort to assist and encourage our student population in a united thrust to strive to increase the national Grade Point Average from a D to a C. As a former educator, I am not an advocate of standardised tests. I firmly believe that while some students may perform well

LOURAWLS NAIRN runs some drills with students at his old school. Adrian Gibson calls for elevating the achievements of our nation’s students, and increasing the national grade average. academically, standardised tests cannot measure the full range of the multiple intelligences.

Standardised tests are also criticised for tending

to be outdated as a curricu- will always be a need for lum changes, failing to as- repairmen, handymen, sess an adequate sample of plumbers, masons and so skills and for failing to meet on. At grade nine, teachthe standards ers and adof their own ministrators field, among ‘I constantly should be several other encounter people able to gauge criticisms. student’s giving poor service aabilities, The ministry and must align and behaving as if thereby sepathe curricu- they are doing a rate the more lum with the stuspecial favour (their scholarly developmendents from tal needs of job). If such subpar those with the coun- service is being technical and try in order vocational to imbue a rendered, is there leanings. strong sense any wonder why Furtherof self, speak tourists are going more, conto nationsideration elsewhere?’ building, should be address the given to question of self-reliance establishing a pilot proand entrepreneurship, gramme, where male and teach the Constitution, etc. female students are eduOnly the most scholarly cated at separate schools/ of students, in my opinion, classes. This possibly will should be permitted to sit revolutionise education and the BGCSE/BJC exams. To lead to greater productivtruly diversify and establish ity, as students of both sexes a more comprehensive edu- would have fewer distraccational system, the govern- tions and spend less time ment and private entities seeking to impress one should also construct tech- another. Moreover, classnical and vocational schools rooms must be outfitted to teach the less bookish, with cable tv/internet to fosacademically-disinclined ter interactive learning. students a trade/skill.

It is a misconception to ne wish is that assume that every Bahathis new year, a mian is studious (or intergreater number of ested) enough to become a parents positively become doctor, lawyer, educator or involved in their children’s to attend university. There lives, whilst also construc-

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tively reinforcing the lessons learnt at school.

In the new year, Bahamians must strive for greater social cohesion and partake in community drives to reduce violent crimes.

As it stands, Bahamas is rated highly among countries - per capita - where rapes and heinous murders are frequent. We must return to being our brother’s keepers.

The government must formally articulate its position on capital punishment. As it relates to capital punishment, the law - as entrenched in the Constitution - must be carried out or reviewed and reformed.

Our declining tourism product needs a facelift, particularly since 90 cents of each dollar earned locally is generated from this industry. The Ministry of Tourism and other interested parties must hastily move to ensure that tourists are offered better vacation packages and services, so that the tourist product is enhanced and that there are superior attractions. Our tourism product must be reinvigorated to highlight the distinction and indigenous nature of this country’s tourism product when compared to any other country in the wider Caribbean, targeting new markets and nurturing wider market share.

Our service quality is poor ... poor, poor, poor. I constantly encounter people giving poor service and behaving as if they are doing a special favour (their job). If such subpar service is being rendered, is there any wonder why tourists are going elsewhere?

Considering the spate of violent crime and other social issues, more emphasis must be placed on implementing mental health programmes and a plan to confront rampant alcoholism and drug abuse. Furthermore, I look forward to the broadening of the healthcare coverage - particularly for the elderly and indigent.

Greater efforts must be made to diversify the economy. We must gradually begin shifting from tourism to other industries or we will become a nation of overly dependent, virtual slaves. Sadly, although the Bahamas’ government may change, their investment policies, which primarily

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 9

A TILE business in Freeport damaged badly during Hurricane Matthew. Grand Bahama was already in need of socio-economic improvement - a situation exacerbated by the hurricane. focus on developing hotels and high-end exclusive communities, remain the same.

Our government must encourage the local entrepreneurial spirit and foster economic diversification through a variation of different industries such as farming, fishing, gaming, research and development, manufacturing and so on.

Whatever happened to the five-year development plan for agriculture and fisheries that was formulated in 2011?

This year, the implementation and enforcement

of more stringent laws/ ships and the disposal of regulations to manage the waste products in our terconstruction ritorial waof future pro- ‘Sadly, although ters; attenjects along The Bahamas’ tion must be beachfronts paid to nais imperative. government may tional parks More work change, their and those must be done foreign investment policies, sports fishto protect coral reefs, which primarily ermen who mangroves focus on developing enter under and wetlands; the guise of greater moni- hotels and highgaming, but toring must end exclusive purportedly be under- communities, leave the taken relative country with to develop- remain the same.’ coolers filled ments on priwith an ilvate islands/cays, of cruise legal catch; and there must

be more of a concerted effort to address the environmental impact of climate change, particularly as the Bahamas is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world.

The Family Islands, including Grand Bahama, are in desperate need of socio-economic elevation and must become a greater priority on the next government’s agenda. There is an urgent need of infrastructural improvements, basic amenities like running water and cable TV, job opportunities, road repairs, medicine and improved

healthcare, etc.

We must be prepared to engage in a process, preferably of non-punitive correction of the systems challenges that have gotten us to this point. If we take a punitive approach, nearly everyone would perhaps go down and, with so many folks covering their own skin, such an approach would not work.

This year, when electioneering is sure to spring into in high gear, I trust that both major political parties would move forward with the people’s agenda, scrupulously working towards

bettering the Bahamas instead of squabbling over semantics and other trivial, rather foolish barbs.

We must bypass the gargantuan egos and pass progressive legislation for the betterment of our country.

2017 must be the year of restoration of our national focus.

Happy New Year Bahamas!

Adrian Gibson is the Free National Movement candidate for Long Island at the 2017 general election.

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

PAGE 10, Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE CAST of “My Fair Lady” performed by Aquinas College students in the spring of 1986.

College gets ready for 60th anniversary AQUINAS College is gearing up for its 60th anniversary celebrations in the new year, with a number of events planned to mark the milestone in the life of the historic and influential institution.

The launch event for the anniversary - the theme for which is “Ever the Flame of Faith” - is scheduled for January.

Aquinas College boasts a rich history and, for years, has made significant contributions to the community.

At the invitation of Bishop Paul Leonard Hagarty, OSB, five Dominican Sisters arrived in Nassau in December, 1956, to begin preparations for a teacher training school. Aquinas

College opened the following month in the old Hibiscus Inn on Montrose Avenue. In 1958, in addition to teacher training, the Sisters began giving evening classes in English, Mathematics and Business.

Students took BJC and RSA examinations, and those who were successful were among the first black Bahamians to assume positions of employment on Bay Street.

The importance of Aquinas College to the history of The Bahamas and its legacy of providing quality education to individuals regardless of race, colour or religion was described eloquently by the late Sir Etienne Dupuch, Publisher

and Editor of The Tribune.

“Bishop Leonard was aware of the need of a school to train secretaries capable of filling responsible posts in banks and other places which had been closed to coloured people,” he wrote.

“In an interview upon her return to the United State Sister Kevin, one of the five Dominican Sisters who established Aquinas College, was asked what her greatest accomplishment was. She responded, ‘I guess helping the first black Bahamians gain entrance into the business world’.”

The official 60th anniversary logo was recently unveiled in preparation for the celebrations. The winning design was chosen because

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

Sheena Bullard Abaco, Bahamas Lung and Breast Cancer Patient

its depiction of the anniversary theme was simple yet strongly identifiable. Zahna Fisher, a grade 12 student, won the design competition open to all Aquinas students with her logo featuring the colours and key elements of the school’s visual identity including the torch and the spade. The torch has been a part of the school’s history since 1957. The school’s yearbook, which was established in 1970, was called ‘The Torch’. The final line in the first verse of the school’s alma mater reads: “Proving words with Christian actions bearing on the Torch of Truth.”

Aquinas also has a strong arts tradition. Andrew Curry, the first Bahamian principal of the school, put Aquinas on the map as a musical centre. Aquinas performances of “The Sound of Music”, “The King and I” and “My Fair Lady” are remembered fondly by many. Today, the famous Aquinas College Marching Band and bi-annual school productions continue the tradition of arts and excellence that defines the institution. Additionally, the school boasts numerous notable alumni, particularly in the entertainment

A PICTURE of former Aquinas College student Senior Officers. field, including the original members of the Soulful Groovers, Steve McKinney, Carlton Smith, Rudy Grant and Tony Seymour.

The Aquinas College 60th Anniversary Committee, led by Principal Shona Knowles, is calling upon all members of the Aquinas College community, past and present, to reconnect with their school during this historic occasion. Alumni can sign up to receive updates about Aquinas College’s 60th Anniversary events at cboe.cec.edu.bs/ alumni/reconnect/ and are

invited to share old pictures as well as their experiences at Aquinas College by emailing aquinas60@cec. edu.bs.

“Once an Ace, always an Ace,” Mrs Knowles said. “We invite alumni, former staff and teachers from all eras to join us as we celebrate this historic milestone. Our anniversary theme, ‘Ever the Flame of Faith’, is indicative of the burning flame of faith which all Aquinas College alumni carry in their hearts and which continues to bind them to Aquinas College.”

SCHOOL REOPENING DATES CONFIRMED PUBLIC schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros will reopen to students on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education.

Schools in the remaining islands/districts will open as previously stated on Janu-

ary 3, 2017, the ministry added.

The ministry released its statement due to the government changing the observance of the Majority Rule Day holiday from Monday, January 9 to Tuesday, January 10 - the actual date of Majority Rule.

All teachers in New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros are asked to report to school on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

The ministry also said teacher work days are January 3-6, 2017 while Monday, January 9, 2017 is National Report Card Day.

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

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

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

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

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

THE RIOTRENS FUND, LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 28th day of December, 2016. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. M. Rudolph Smith, Jr. CPA, CISA, P. O. Box CB-11723, Nassau, Bahamas.

All persons having Claims against the above-named Company are required on or before the 29th day of December, 2016 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company or, in default thereof, they may be excluded from the benefit or any distribution made before such debts are proved.

Dated this 28th day of December, 2016.

Mr. M. Rudolph Smith, Jr. CPA, CISA Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 11

CLOCKWISE from top left, Local boy Bentley Pinder put Steven Johnson on the Yellowfin Tuna near Spanish Wells; an early morning bite near West End, Grand Bahama; Team Spearhamas member Andre Musgrove with a nice Amberjack; Jeffery Moss with a Crooked Island Yellowfin Tuna; Proud youngsters Matthew and Luke with a Yellowfin Grouper; and Luke Maillis in the Christmas spirit with Wahoo and Mahi Mahi.

BAHAMAS Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert Chang Chin has been guiding Matthew and Luke through a superb week’s Christmas fishing in the Bahamas.

“Started off the week fishing for Wahoo and snagged a nice one,” he reports. “Wind was tricky on a small boat. Kids requested to do some spear fishing and we did. Bagging some nice lobster and Yellowfin and Tiger Grouper.

“The next day, their request was to live bait a big Amberjack on spinning rods. They were up at 5am on the dock filling the live well with blue runners.

Paired with a Saragosa 6000 and a Stella 8000 braid and 80lb mono leader with 8/0

circle hook, they bagged (and released) two large AJs on a ‘special’ reef in the first half hour. We then moved to the edge of the dropoff where they hooked a nice Yellowfin Grouper on a live Yellowtail Snapper in 80 feet of water. Also jigged up some nice jacks including this black jack.”

Keep checking the BSFN expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots”

and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

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

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

PAGE 12 , Thursday, December 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MARINE Seaman Michael Williamson receives his plaque for overall Defence Force Marine of the Year from Commodore (Retired) Leon Smith during the annual Christmas Carol service. Also pictured are (from left) Acting Lieutenant Commander Omarv Saunders, Captain Coral Harbour Captain Clyde Sawyer and (right) Captain Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting).

Photo: Marine Seaman Michael Turner/RBDF

SERVICE HONOURS DEVOTED MARINES SEVERAL outstanding marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were recognised for their dedication and devotion to duty during the annual Christmas Carol service at Coral Harbour Base.

Marine Seaman Michael Williamson, from the Squadron Department, received the force’s top award as Marine of the Year, the Leon Smith Award. The trophy is in named in honour of the first Bahamian Commander of the Defence Force, from 1983 to 1997,

and Mr Smith and his wife were in attendance to present the award.

Leading Woman Marine Denise Oliver, from the Training Department, was the first runner-up and Able Seaman Rodney Adderley, from the Military Police and Force Protection Department, received the second runner-up trophy.

Marines from the various departments of the Defence Force were also recognised as overall winners in their respective departments.

The festive occasion

serves as a time of reflection and to give thanks to the officers and Marines.

Captain Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting), encouraged the officers and Marines to stay focused on the tasks ahead and congratulated them for a productive and rewarding year. In thanking the hardworking members of the force, he reminded them to rise to the challenge ahead, and to continue making a positive impact for the betterment of our nation.

BTC URGES TV VIEWERS TO GO WITH THE FLOW - FOR FREE

BTC yesterday officially unveiled its mobile television app, “FLOW to Go”, with 29 channels.

As a special introductory offer, FLOW to Go will be offered free for 30 days to all BTC customers with a mobile data subscription, BTC said in a press release.

FLOW to Go currently offers 29 channels with a unique mix of local, international, radio and sports channels. This new service offers complete convergence, as customers are able to access FLOW to Go, through a variety of mediums, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

CEO Leon Williams said: “Today is another blue letter day in the history of BTC, as we are the first to launch mobile television services. With over 300,000 mobile subscribers, the introduction of ‘FLOW to Go’ has made BTC the widest distributor, with the largest national footprint, offering modern, on demand television services.

“Customers all the way in Rum Cay and Inagua can access television where they want and when they want to. This is unparalleled for customers that are still without television services in some of the Family Islands. We have moved beyond the standard and the status quo of providing mobile services, to now

providing entertainment on demand.”

“We have launched the service with 29 channels, and the team is currently seeking to expand this offer in the upcoming weeks.

What is particularly amazing, is that all mobile customers with a data subscription will be able to access FLOW to Go absolutely free for the next 30 days. So whether you are on the go, travelling overseas, you are able to access ‘FLOW to Go’ services free of charge.”

BTC has been trialling FLOW to Go services since August. All customers with residential FLOW TV services, already have access to this new app. To access FLOW to Go, customers can visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, search for the FLOW to Go App, follow the simple activation steps and be ready to watch FLOW TV within minutes.

BTC introduced FLOW TV services in January to the island of Bimini, since then, the company has pursued an aggressive plan of introducing television services across the country.

To date, residents in Bimini, Inagua, eastern New Providence, Rum Cay, SanSalvador segments of Long Island and Grand Bahama are enjoying FLOW TV services.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 13

PILOTS, stewardesses, executives and staff members of Bahamasair at the “Fly-Out”.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

Children treated to Christmas in Freeport NEARLY 50 children from various residential homes in Nassau spent Christmas Day in Freeport, Grand Bahama, thanks to a partnership between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Bahamasair and the Ministry of Tourism.

The group of 48 youngsters of varying ages came from Bilney Lane, Colby House, Elizabeth Estates Home, The Nazareth Centre and the Ranfurly Home for Children and arrived in the second city around 8.45am. They were treated to breakfast before beginning their tour of Freeport and other parts of Grand Bahama.

Lillian Quant-Forbes, Deputy Director at the

Department of Social Services, who was among the chaperones for the group, said that the Christmas Day “Fly-Out” by Bahamasair was something which the former Managing Director of Bahamasair had iniated years ago.

“This is a programme where a number of Bahamasair staff members have gotten together, along with a number of other corporate partners, to assist our children,” Mrs QuantForbes said. “It was so exciting on the fly over here to Freeport, because for many of these youngsters, this was their first time on an airplane. So to watch their reactions when the plane took off and when we hit some turbulence, it was exciting for them.

“I always say that little people become adults and so what we do to help them now makes a difference to move them forward. Some of them who are here are young adults and are at the voting age and so they will be voting in the upcoming general elections. Some of them are preparing to make their way into the world as adults and trying to find employment. So what we do for them now will make a difference. The Government cannot do something like this alone, so we are always looking for partners to come on board and assist us. So we are really appreciative of the work which the staff at Bahamasair has done to assist us and to make this day possible for these children and young

HEART FOUNDATION DONATION BY CIBC CHILDREN with heart problems requiring costly treatment or surgery will continue to benefit from a donation from CIBC FirstCaribbean to the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation.

Corporate donations assist the Foundation in helping parents take their children for medical attention to specialist centres in Florida at no cost to the families. CIBC FirstCaribbean made a donation this month to help support the families of children with heart conditions.

“We are thankful for this CIBC FirstCaribbean donation, which will go to-

THELMA Johnson (left), president of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation, accepts a cheque from Maya Nottage, marketing manager at CIBC FirstCaribbean. ward the aid and medical care of children afflicted with heart disease or who need heart surgery,” said Thelma Johnson, president of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation. “Families who need financial aid are referred to us by local cardiologists and donations like this make it possible for us to pay for their children’s

needs.”

The Foundation is one of the most respected charitable organisations in the Bahamas. It is a privately funded charity that raises money primarily through donations and the Annual Heart Ball, which will be held again on February 2 at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

READERS DO NOT FORESEE ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN 2017 IN The Tribune’s latest online poll, we asked readers if they thought The Bahamas would make an economic recovery in 2017.

Well, 78 per cent of those voting saw a bleak year ahead and did NOT foresee a recovery, 22 per cent predicted a more positive 2017.

Readers also responded to Prime Minister Perry Christie’s assertion that the government is charting a course of correction and fiscal responsibility following the nation’s recent credit rating downgrade.

MonkeeDoo said: “We MUST get to a stage in this country where if people in government or government agencies do a poor job that they are personally held liable to repay the losses or do time in the correctional institution. You lose our money we take it back from your personal resources, if you don’t have it you go up so for a few years and crack rock.”

Hallmark didn’t think the Prime Minister had time on his side: “Better hurry up Mr PM, you have less than six months left to start ‘charting fiscal responsibility’. My, how time flies, four-and-half-years gone already!”

There was this from Economist: “He is like a man in the desert desperate for water and seeing one mirage of an oasis, with water, after another. He really believes it. The only problem is that it isn’t true, it is just a mirage.”

And after FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis said his party will “privatise carnival” and invest the country’s money into Junkanoo if it wins the election, B_I_D___ said: “Who in their right mind would take on Carnival without

HEAVY govt subsidies?

Govt themselves have been quoted as saying it is not a venture designed to turn a profit . . .”

Ohdrap4 had this to say: “The place being downgraded and he uses his soapbox to talk about Carnival.”

MonkeeDoo said: “Almost exclusively, everything that is bad or anti-social can be laid at the doorstep of the Progressive Liberal Party. This is just one such.

Gambling is another such.

VAT. Unpunished thievery from government departments. And finally Perry Christie and the PLP’s legacy to the Bahamas. JUNK STATUS in the world’s credit markets.”

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

adults from these residential facilities in Nassau.”

After the tour, the chaperones and representatives from Bahamasair presented a cheque to Dudley Seide, of Reach Out Ministries, to assist in the work which he and his staff are doing in Freeport to help children in need.

According to Mrs. QuantForbes, the idea behind the “Fly-Out” was to give the children from these residential facilities a fun-filled Christmas Day in Grand Bahama. On their return to Nassau all of the children were presented with a gift, which was purchased through the initiatives and donations from Bahamasair’s Board of Directors, Executive Management and the general staff body.

LILLIAN QUANT-FORBES, director of Social Services, said that the Christmas Day “Fly Out” event was a way of giving children from the residential facilities in Nassau an opportunity to experience life in a different part of The Bahamas.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

PAGE 14, Thursday, December 29, 2016

BOXING DAY JUNKANOO

SCENES from the Boxing Day Junkanoo. For more photographs, see pages 2024 in our extra sections.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 29, 2016, PAGE 15

DEBBIE REYNOLDS DIES A DAY AFTER DAUGHTER CARRIE FISHER LOS ANGELES Associated Press

DEBBIE Reynolds, who lit up the screen in “Singin’ in the Rain’ and other Hollywood classics despite a tumultuous life, has died a day after losing her daughter, Carrie Fisher. Reynolds was 84.

Her son, Todd Fisher, said Reynolds died Wednesday.

“She’s now with Carrie and we’re all heartbroken,” Fisher said from Cedars-

IN this Sept 10, 2011, file photo, Debbie Reynolds, left, and Carrie Fisher arrive at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Sinai Medical Center, where was 60 and was famed for his mother was taken by am- her role as Princess Leia in bulance earlier Wednesday.

Star Wars, had been hospiHe said the stress of his talised since Friday. sister’s death on Tuesday “She said, ‘I want to be “was too much” for Reyn- with Carrie,’” her son said. olds. Carrie Fisher, who “And then she was gone.”

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THE TRIBUNE

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