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The Tribune
Volume:115 No.27, DECEMBER , 29TH, 2017
Established 1903
Weekend
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
Friday, December 29, 2017 books theatre film fashio n music puzzles garden ing food animals
Weekend
MISS DAISY RETURNS Page 7
‘Home’ is where the art is
WEEKEND: ARTIST EXPLORES BAHAMIAN IDENTITY IN EXHIBITION
‘Scantily dressed girls invite attack’
‘Go out like a prostitute - what do you expect?’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DEFENDING the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s (RBPF) advice that Junkanoogoers “dress appropriately” to “avoid unwanted attention” and groping, Anglican Archdeacon James Palacious, pictured, said yesterday “if you are dressed like a prostitute, people will treat you like a prostitute.” The statement of Father
Palacious, vice-president of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), came after the RBPF said in a recent post on Facebook about Junkanoo safety tips, “if you appropriately dress, it takes away the chance of being groped or touch in an inappropriate manner.” Critics accused police of “victim blaming,” and promoting rape culture, prompting the law enforcement agency to SEE PAGE FIVE
OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday called on the government to expose the names and provide justification for all contract hires worth more than $100,000 per year. Mr Davis slammed the Minnis-led administration for what he called “blatant hypocrisy” in its public
statements since taking office on May, most notably its intense criticism of contracts for emoluments exceeding $100,000 per year. He said the admission from Press Secretary Anthony Newbold that the incoming government had hired people above that threshold, further exposed the narrative that earlier condemnation was a “political show”. SEE PAGE TEN
TEENAGER KILLED IN BOATING TRAGEDY By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was killed yesterday after a crane fell and pinned him to a boat in Exuma. Police said shortly after 11am, the young man was “assisting with hoisting a sailboat (Lady Sonia) from the waters at the government dock in George Town when the crane that was being used snapped from the truck it was attached to, hitting the male and pinning him to the boat, which became submerged in the water”. Police said the teenager was rescued from the water and taken to the local clinic where he was pronounced dead. Another man was examined at the local clinic and was later airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment. SEE PAGE THREE
HAITIAN ILLEGALS - 114 TO FLY HOME
DAVIS DEMANDS ‘$100K’ NAMES By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
Bahamian identity explored pages 14 & 15
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
IRIS Adderley going shopping in her wheelchair - but she finds difficulty with access to many places, and told The Tribune about the challenges she faces. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
ARE WE GEARED UP FOR NEW DISABILITY LAW? SPECIAL REPORT
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WHEN the fire alarm sounded at one of the country’s busiest government facilities scores of employees frantically rushed to exit the building. Behind them they left one colleague, Tamara,
terrified as she anguished how she was going to get to safety on her own. It was only when the staff all gathered safely outside, one person realised Tamara had not joined them and returned to lead her out of the building. Tamara, not her real name, could not make it out on her own because she is disabled. Iris Adderley, who is wheelchair bound, told The Tribune
a day out in the city to handle means she has to avoid drinking. The reason: “If I drink there is no bathroom that is easily accessible.” She added: “That’s why I say I exist, I don’t live. The ordinary person doesn’t have to stop and think whether they can easily use the restroom. But that is something I have to think about always.” SEE PAGES SIX AND SEVEN
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
THE Department of Immigration will deport 114 Haitians today and charge 14 people who were caught in Bahamian over the holiday weekend. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force previously announced it apprehended more than 100 migrants in two separate exercises on Saturday and Tuesday. Most of the migrants were Haitians who were found aboard a sloop near Inagua on Saturday. The vessel which originated from Île de la Tortue, Haiti, had a total of 87 migrants - 72 males, 12 females and three children - on board. SEE PAGE TEN
THE COLDEST MOMENTS OF 2017
SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Friday, December 29, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE IS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 2.
PREPARATIONS under way for Junkanoo in Grand Bahama. Photos: Denise Maycock/ Tribune Staff
WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR
GRAND BAHAMA READY FOR NEW YEAR JUNKANOO By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
BLIDC BAHAMAS LIGHT INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
JUNKANOO groups in Grand Bahama are putting the final touches on their costumes and are ready put on a spectacular showing for fans at the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade in downtown Freeport on January 1. Grand Bahama lost one of the best and brightest leaders in Junkanoo this year when Ken “Motorboat” Ferguson died at the age of 62. This year’s parade is named in his honour and Junkanoo groups have pledged to rush their hearts out for Mr Ferguson, the leader of the New Classic Dancers, who inspired many of them. The Tribune visited the shacks of two major groups on yesterday to get an idea of what fans can expect. Thomas Curry, leader of the Platinum Knights Junkanoo Group, said that fans will see a great show from the defending champions. “We are ready... and the other groups out there will have to come really tough to beat us,” he said. Mr Curry said the group is nearly finished with its preparations and is just touching up costume pieces. Their theme is “Come Dine With Us - Fast Food and Famous Restaurants in Grand Bahama.” Despite roof damage during the last major storm and the rain getting in the shack, Mr Curry said group members are taking it in stride. “Platinum Knights, especially myself coming under Mr Ferguson all these years, we are going to put on a real Junkanoo show for him. We will bring the culture at its best in Grand Bahama for the fans.” Mr Curry thinks that construction of multipurpose Junkanoo facilities is a great idea to help them
raise revenue and keep the art-form alive. “The groups in Freeport are always going out there looking and begging for sponsors, but if we can get these buildings, then we can open a mini-museum and have cultural shows where we can bring revenue in for the group,” he said. Platinum Knights member Philistine Saintil said he put a lot of time and effort in his off the shoulder costume. “At the end of day I looking to go for the win,” he said. “This is our culture and we got to represent and go out there and battle for first place and entertain the visitors and residents.” Mr Saintil said he has been rushing since age five and said it is in his blood. “I participated in Junior Junkanoo and every time I hear the music it does something to me, it inspires me,” he said. “I don’t see myself giving it up because this keep me out the road and out of trouble because I go to the shack, to go work, and back at home with the family.” He said Platinum Knights is changing Junkanoo. “We are not leaving anything, we are sweeping every category,” he said. The Tribune also visited the Superstar Rockers shack, where we spoke with James Wildgoose who said they are ready for the parade and that fans can expect to see great things from the group.
“It’s been a rough year dealing with the shacks, but we have been able to get it together and we are 170-members strong,” Mr Wildgoose said. He said the group’s theme’s is inspired by Disney Land, with costumes depicting all of the Disney princesses. Mr Wildgoose said that naming the parade in honour of Mr Ferguson is a fitting tribute to him. “We are going to rush hard because Mr Ferguson was one of main pioneers who brought Junkanoo to where it is today; almost every group can say they look up to him for his contributions to the cultural art form in Freeport - he inspired me.” Mr Wildgoose has been involved in Junkanoo since childhood. “I was age six or seven when my uncle brought me in the shack and from then I been rushing. It is embedded in my soul,” he explained. He supports the idea of building multipurpose Junkanoo facilities because performers are sometimes challenged to find suitable shacks to build costumes and to store them after the parade. “Many times the big costumes are discarded but we could showcase those costumes in those facilities to help teach people how they are made and it can bring the community together to learn more about Junkanoo itself,” he said.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 29, 2017, PAGE 3
Teenager killed in boating tragedy from page one The teenager has been identified as Cameron Williams, 16, pictured. Police said he worked for a tow truck company. He was described as a sailing enthusiast. Among the photos of him that circulated online was one accepting an award from Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at a recent regatta event. A Facebook page associated with Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper called the news “heart rending” and offered condolences to the young man’s family. “Our condolences also go out to the Exuma Sailing
Club and the entire sailing community,” the post said. “Cameron was a hard working young man, a well-behaved student and sailing enthusiast who was taken too soon. Exuma mourns Cameron’s passing. We pray the strength of the Lord carries his family through this difficult time. We are also praying for the recovery of Harcourt ‘Hacky’ Rolle who was injured in the accident this morning.” The young man “sailed with Buzzy Rolle of Lady Sonia at the recent Best of the Best Regatta in Nassau,” Mr Cooper told The Tribune. The Exuma-based Lady Sonia is well-known for its success in sailing competitions.
THE SCENE of the incident in Exuma yesterday.
THREE HELD AFTER MARIJUANA SEIZURE IN ABACO
WOMAN STABBED AT HOME By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
DRUG Enforcement Officers are pictured last night with a large quantity of marijuana confiscated while in the area of Abaco. A total of 50 bags were seized by officers, and three men are in custody in connection to this recent drug bust. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
A WOMAN is in hospital after being stabbed during a domestic dispute on Wednesday evening, police reported. Police said the woman was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital shortly after 8pm with a wound to the upper body. The victim told police that while at her residence a male family member stabbed with a knife. She was treated by doctors and is listed in stable condition. ASP Terecita Pinder said a 27-year-old man is assisting police with their investigations into the stabbing. • POLICE in Eleuthera arrested a man after the seizure of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Wednesday. Sometime around 2pm, officers from the Eleuthera
Division went to the settlement of Green Castle where they searched a home and property and recovered a quantity of marijuana. One man was subsequently taken into custody and is expected to appear in court later this week to be formally charged. • POLICE are looking for two gunmen who tied up and robbed two men and a woman inside a home in Coral Harbour yesterday morning. Shorty before 1am, police said two men and a woman had just pulled up to a home in Coral Harbour when they were approached by two gunmen. The thieves forced the trio inside the home, tied them up and robbed them of cash and other items before fleeing in one of the victim’s black Ford truck. The truck was later recovered on East Street South, police said. An investigation is ongoing.
BUZZING FOR A NEW CAREER IN BEEKEEPING By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THIRTY people are one step closer to becoming beekeepers, having completed a two-day introductory bee-keeping workshop and are now preparing to move on to the advanced training segment of the Youth Apiary Programme. State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson recently commended the successful participants who will undergo 14 weeks of training, starting on January 2 at the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation (BAIC). The Youth Apiary Programme is a partnership between the government, Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) and The InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Mr Thompson met with some of the participants at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday where he told “the future business owners” they are the first of such a programme that will expand a vital industry. “I wish to extend congratulations to the 30 persons ... who have completed the introductory workshop which first exposed them to the honey production industry, as well as a rigorous interview process, and will now participate in hands-on training that will prepare them to create and sustain their own business,” he said. “The best thing about this programme is that it
does not just create jobs, it creates business owners.” Participants in the programme will receive a weekly stipend from the government during their training, and successful graduates will be granted funding through the development bank for their business startup. Mr Thompson said that the programme also requires that participants are assigned business mentors for one year who will give them advice and assist them through difficult decisions, and the business process to ensure their success. He said the government remains dedicated to programmes such as the YAP that generates employment and provides training and skills that can be beneficial in the long-term. Mr Thompson said the emphasis of such programmes is building entrepreneurs, not just creating jobs. “The apiary programme is unique and valuable... and the step towards the expansion of an important industry. By training more persons to harvest food products we will decrease our country’s reliance on foreign imported food products,” he said. He is optimistic participants will be able to supply the food stores, hotels and local markets in Grand Bahama. “I encourage you to think on a bigger scale; think about supplying the entire Bahamas with your own special brand of honey. But don’t stop there, think
WEEKEND CORRECTION IN today’s Weekend section, a report on the return of Dynamite Daisy has an incorrect show time. The event is listed as having showtimes at 1pm
and 8pm - but after our Weekend edition’s deadline, The Tribune was informed that there will be no 1pm performance. We are happy to clarify.
about supplying the Caribbean, the US and the world.” Mr Thompson said the participants’ honey could be sold to tourists in airports in the Bahamas, the US and Europe. Shacara Lightbourne, acting country manager and national technical specialist at IICA, said the organisation is committed to supporting the successful participants in their journey. She explained there are various avenues in generating income in addition to the bee-keeping, and said ICCA is looking at agritourism aspects. “We have made linkages and partnerships with the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, and they are excited about helping with this programme. And you can look at putting on your first event in Grand Bahama to attract people to attend something called a Caribbean bee college.” Marsha Moncur, assistant manager at BDB, said the bank would handle financing of the businesses with a maximum of $15,000 in funding for supplies, setting up the company, and purchasing equipment. She said the new business owners would be provided a three-year mentorship after starting their businesses.
Leopold Wright and Teneil Capron, two of the 30 participants, completed the workshop and are excited to be a part of the programme. “The workshop was really great; it was an eyeopening experience as we were able to go out and experience bees first hand,” said Mr Wright. Ms Capron said: “The two-day experience was transforming and impacted me in so many ways I did not know was possible. I am passionate about bees.”
FML
Sunday
December 2017
31st of
PAGE 4, Friday, December 29, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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Happy New Year to all our readers AS 2017 draws to a close, we reflect in this final commentary of the year on the uncertainties and challenges facing us here at home, together with fears about world conflict, as we look towards a brighter future during the coming months. Last week, as we anticipated the peace and goodwill of Christmas, we urged our fellow Bahamians to give thanks for their many blessings. Not least, we should all appreciate living in a politically stable, well-ordered and relatively prosperous country despite the various setbacks and reverses of the past year including unacceptably high levels of crime, poverty and social deprivation. But, with another New Year almost upon us, this is also a moment to look ahead in a new spirit of cooperation and unity while we move forward as a nation to better and more rewarding times. The sense of love, joy and peace in celebrating the birth of their Saviour that underpins the beliefs of Christians remains strong and enduring in this country even though, in modern times, the true meaning of Christmas has become increasingly obscured as the festivities become swamped by excessive commercialism. Gratitude, the practice of generosity and the care of others in need are gradually being superseded by an attitude of entitlement as people in Western countries become more consumer-oriented and expect their ever increasing demands to be satisfied as a priority. At the international level, a heightened sense of inevitability has developed, with growing fears among some of unstoppable world conflict that could even lead ultimately to nuclear warfare and widespread destruction, if not annihilation. In such dangerous times, people are crying out for calm and considered statesmanship but are faced with uncertainty and potential confusion exacerbated by the presence of an impulsive US President as leader of the free world. In the realisation, however, that small countries like our own are unable to influence, let alone determine, the direction of global events, it makes sense to ensure our own house is in order by concentrating on the fortunes of this nation during the coming year. We seem to be at a turning point. A
new government with an overwhelming parliamentary majority has an unprecedented opportunity to transform the country by more effective management of the economy and greater efficiency across-the-board after a long period of poor governance marked by unacceptable corruption. After more than six months in office and now appearing to have made a sound start, the new set of politicians occupying positions of power have had time to settle into their jobs. At this stage, we implore them to respect, in particular, the need for humility. In its true meaning, this is universally considered to be a strength that implies an open and receptive mind and recognises that no single person knows all the answers. Those placed in charge of our country and its fortunes should provide much-needed leadership, but they must be careful not to overreach themselves as has happened all too often in past governments on both sides of the political divide. At the same time, is it too much to expect that as a nation of less than 400,000 we might now try to overcome some of our traditional disagreements, differing opinions and conflicting attitudes and work together in a non-partisan manner for the overall good? We are too small a country to tolerate existing levels of divergence when we should be loving our neighbour, as the Bible bids us to do, in a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. But, above all, we need to reflect the qualities of decency, kindness, patience, faithfulness and goodness which should determine how we relate to one another and which we should teach our children as the basis for conducting their own lives. It is said that pain, heartache and despair are part of the human condition. But, equally, it is within the power of human-beings to help to alleviate such suffering among others by bringing comfort to the needy, if only the compassion within us can be released. As we urge our fellow citizens to come together for their mutual benefit and in the interests of our nation, we look forward to 2018 in a spirit of faith, confidence and real expectation. We wish all our readers a Happy New Year.
Enterprise zone plan EDITOR, The Tribune. REGARDING the Grants Town and Over-theHill Enterprise Zone what is initially very fundamental to know is has any due diligence been done on this project? (1) An Economic profile has to be taken - like you know-your-customer at the Bank, you have to know what Grants Town is ...... (2) Land ownership? Every plot has to be identified as to who owns them. (3) Of those owners who is still ‘resident’ and who isn’t? (4) Average size of plot/ land holding and physical state of any standing property. (5) Is ownership lease or freehold? (6) How much do people owe in Real Property Tax, BEC/BP&L, Water & Sewerage, BTC?
(7) Identify Crown Property? (8) Identify residential which is Owner-Occupier? (9) Identify any Covenants on any part of the land? (10) Traffic Study of traffic flows North-south, east-west and opposite. I am sure the Minnis Government had no time to even cover half of these points so we have to give them time but sure his speech and announcement was a real Santa Claus giveaway. Another very fundamental issue is whether the absent property owner who is renting his property and has never improved the property going to qualify? Will persons who reside outside of the zone be able to purchase property and take advantage of the tax concessions? Editor this is not
new .... Back in the late 70’s then Minister of Finance A D Hanna proposed precisely the same and had obtained a commitment from The World Bank to fund the proposal. Regrettably nothing came of it. This complex planning is years away. Progressive in concept but $5 million will hardly pay for, at best, septic tank systems. Sure as things improve surely the existing property rents will increase - will this be causing displacement of long-term residents? I fear we could end up with these people having no chance of ever pulling themselves out of the economic position they find themselves. ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, December 9, 2017.
Commercial Enterprises Bill 2017 EDITOR, The Tribune. AS we approach the end of 2017, I should like to weigh in on the recently introduced Commercial Enterprises Bill. I commend the government for this effort on behalf of Bahamians everywhere who are naturally enterprising spirits. It is about time we embrace the times and realize the importance of facilitating innovation and creativity, elements of the future, in this country. There are too many Bahamians who cannot work at home simply because the business climate is not amenable to their needs, and/or the monetary benefits are not comparable or attractive. I am interested in how this message to potential investors (Bahamian and foreign alike) will be distributed abroad to the wider world as this Bill presents an opportunity to establish the environment that will attract business persons in innovative fields, offer opportunities for our own Bahamian millennials that they can relate to and thrive in. In today’s world there is no reason why Bahamians who are immersed in technology, robotics, animation and such, cannot have the opportunities and outlets here at home to hone their skills, along with other approved professionals
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net from anywhere in the world. Since amendments were made to level the playing field to ensure that Bahamians have the same concession.s as the foreigners, and mandate that Bahamians be trained in any new industry, this Bill can be a ‘win-win’ for all involved. For too long we have bent over backwards for the foreigner and denied our own to their detriment. Let’s think ‘Bahamians first’ in the first beginning. However, as in all things Bahamian, whereas the above theory might well hold water, the sixty-four dollar question is: can it be efficiently implemented and executed? Herein lies the rub. The term ‘ease of doing business in The Bahamas’ is an oxymoron - for anything to work in Bahamian business, an essential change needs to begin here. Another year of Business Licence renewals is but days away. Dare the business community expect recent promises of necessary improvements in this area?To reach a point where government agencies and institutions are working efficiently and effectively will take a
miracle, so I reserve judgment on this aspect until massive ‘evacuations’ and training exercises take place there on a consistent basis. The role of the Immigration Department is crucial to the efficient implementation of this Bill and with the illegal .mmigrant regularization process looming on the horizon, I also reserve judgment in this regard. Cooperation and collaboration amongst various government agencies is also essential, but I am sceptical of these individuals opening up the windows and doors of their fiercely protected silos to share anything with anyone – this is a sad and regressive state of affairs. Financial opportunities and business skills assistance are also sadly lacking here, particularly for SMEs and creative business persons – whereas their ideas abound in fecund abandon, they are also wont to shrivel up like a raisin in the sun as they fall on barren earth.Education remains the key to any success, so we live in hope that plans in tandem with relevant agencies and Bahamian schools starting at the pre-school level, are also being put in place. Together, let us look forward and upward to a Hopeful New Year 2018, Bahamas. PAM BURNSIDE Nassau, December 29, 2017.
Minnis’ view EDITOR, The Tribune.
Re: MINNIS: I DON’T HAVE A PERSONAL VIEW. The Tribune, December 20, 2017. IF smitten with jellyfish-itis, it doesn’t have
to be all that difficult to make a personal decision, rather than just wait for an epiphany. When faced with seemingly weighty topics, such as the violent act of marital rape, some people just ask themselves: what is morally right & what is wrong
here? (Others simplify it to ‘WWJD’). They then take a stand based on their honest answer….but take a stand they do! KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, December 26, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 29, 2017, PAGE 5
‘Scantily dressed girls invite attack’ from page one amend its post to remove the offending comment and announce the matter is being reviewed internally. But Father Palacious, who has courted controversy in the past on social issues, said critics are being “politically correct”. “If one woman coming down the road is dressed in a business attire and another woman is dressed scantily, the fellas are more likely to grope the one who is scantily dressed than the one who is fully dressed,” he said. “If you are dressed like a prostitute, people will treat you like a prostitute.” Father Palacious said the RBPF’s statement was poorly worded and the organisation, rather than withdrawing its remark, should have merely added a warning to men as well. “You should tell men that women have a right to dress the way they wish and you don’t have freedom to grope them because of how they are dressed, but you should also be able to
advise women about the consequences of dressing a certain way,” he said. “People don’t want to hear the truth. Everyone is in to being politically correct but the police is just warning you about making yourself attractive to criminals. The police is right in saying if you dress in a particular way you are more likely to attract the scums and bums of the earth who might believe they have licence to touch you. The police should be able to warn that the more scantily you are dressed, the more you attract people to you and lure some of these weed heads, which is probably what you want to do, but that goes along with some unintentional consequences.” Father Palacious said the RBPF could have defended its decision, adding: “The police is trying to build up good faith so they ain’t in to coming back and forth to try and justify a poorly worded, well-intentioned exhortation, and that’s all it was, an exhortation, not a condemnation.”
Father Palacious likened the advice police gave to other advice regularly issued by authorities. “Police often warn people against putting their materials in visible places in their cars to avoid having it stolen,” he said. “They say don’t travel late at night, don’t go down dark alleys; you are free to do these things but police is just saying it’s not wise to do it.” Father Palacious said while he personally does not like the way some women dress, everyone is entitled to wear what they see fit. “I’d prefer women not to dress as provocatively as some of them do,” he said. “However, that is your right provided it’s not nudity, provided it doesn’t border on committing an infraction or indecent exposure. Do it, but just know that the more you do that the more likely groping is to happen. “Even in churches people don’t know how to dress,” he added. “Go to some churches, some women look like they going to a cocktail party. Little
strings, shoulder out, much more exposure than you would expect in a more conservative environment. From time to time I comment generally: learn how to dress when you go to church.” Despite his support for women’s issues, including on hot-button topics like the criminalisation of marital rape and last year’s gender equality referendum, Father Palacious is no stranger to controversy on social matters involving women. Earlier this year at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule, he faced backlash after saying “black people breed too much” and Bahamian women “should stop having babies” they cannot afford. He also called former Free National Movement (FNM) MP Richard Lightbourn’s proposal in 2016 for state-sponsored sterilisation of women with more than two children “most unfortunate,” but said he agreed with the principle of what Mr Lightbourn had said.
ARCHDEACON JAMES PALACIOUS
ROLLE’S MARITAL RAPE COMMENTS ‘ABSOLUTE NONSENSE’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ANGLICAN Archdeacon James Palacious has weighed in on Social Services Minister Lanisha Rolle’s remark that martial rape is a private matter, calling her statement “absolute nonsense”. Yesterday, he called on her to publicly withdraw her comment. “I think she misspoke,” Father Palacious
told The Tribune. “It was extremely nonsensical and I hope that she would really withdraw it and that’s not what she really thinks. It’s very injudicious and injurious to the cause of womanhood in the country.” Mrs Rolle drew fierce pushback for the remark on marital rape she made last week. Asked outside a Cabinet meeting if martial rape should be criminalised, she said the country does not
support violence against women in any form but added: “In relation to marital rape, I have always said it is an issue that is private. It can become public, but we want to start where marriage is sacred and marriage is private.” Father Palacious yesterday said he hopes the Minnis administration presses forward with legislation to criminalise spousal rape. “I was in agreement with it from the first time
in 2009 when it was tabled and that is still my position, that a woman’s right is her right and no man has a right of access to sexual privileges or intercourse against her will,” he said. “There are some pastors who did not agree the last time and we probably won’t agree this time. The Christian Council, I’m sure we will meet on it early in the New Year and talk, but the mainland denominations said we believe it’s possible to rape
your wife.” Father Palacious is the vice-president of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC). BCC President Bishop Delton Fernander has declined to give his personal view on marital rape and has said he will poll members of the council for their views. Father Palacious said he hopes the matter proves less controversial to criminalise now than it was in 2009, when the Ingraham
administration tabled a bill aiming to make spousal rape a crime. That bill was withdrawn after some public outcry. “Now that we are aware of being a part of an international community and we’ve signed on to some conventions and the new debate has been spurred on by the comments of the UN rapporteur, that should urge change in our country and make it possibly less controversial,” he said.
EQUALITY BAHAMAS SAYS MINISTER MUST GO OVER COMMENTS By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
ANOTHER activist group is calling for the resignation of Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle over her controversial comments on marital rape. Equality Bahamas (EB) lambasted Mrs Rolle over her stance in a press statement yesterday, pointing out it demonstrated Mrs Rolle was ill-suited for the job. The group said Mrs Rolle’s appointment to the post was an insult to Bahamian women given her public opposition to the 2016 gender equality referendum, and questioned whether the move was “sinisterly strategic” given the ministerial portfolio includes oversight of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs. EB also said Mrs Rolle’s remarks represented a de-facto response to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Dubravka Šimonović’s charge that marital rape is the most pressing gender-based issue in the country. It called for solidarity from all women’s rights organisations and advocates to join in clearly stating that rape is not a private matter, and expressed concerns about the activity, or lack thereof, of the ministry’s Department of Gender and Family Affairs. The statement described the tendered resignation of its director Gaynel Curry as “unsettling,” and intimated the move was “possibly linked to the minister’s unacceptable positions on issues of relevance and import, and her influence on processes within the Department.” “No member of
Parliament or Cabinet minister has the right to disagree with the actual definition of rape which is currently not reflected in the Sexual Offences Act, ignore the trauma it causes, or influence legislation and policy by placing personal beliefs and preferences above the human rights to which all Bahamians are entitled,” EB noted. “Minister Lanisha Rolle is unfit for her position, and must resign or be ousted by the parties responsible for her appointment should they have integrity and the ability to understand and promote the fact that women are human beings deserving of all human rights including protection from violence and access to justice.” The EB statement continued: “In her comment, Rolle revealed her opinion that marital rape is not an act of violence. This made clear, yet again, her lack of understanding of gender-based violence and discrimination. Her appointment to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development — likely motivated by traditional gender roles and distribution of ‘soft portfolios’ to women — was ill-advised and underscored the flippancy with which the current administration regards women’s rights.” Earlier this month, Ms Šimonović, a human rights expert, stressed the legality of spousal rape is “a sign that something is deeply wrong,” adding the issue could easily be resolved through legislative changes. She was tasked with presenting a report on the status of human rights in the Bahamas - with special focus on women and children - due to the country’s renewed bid for a seat on the UN’s Human Rights Council. When asked for
comment, Mrs Rolle told reporters marital rape was a “private” matter that could become public and shied away from taking a firm position on whether it should be outlawed. Instead she insisted the sanctity of marriage should be protected. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told ZNS he had no personal view on the issue of spousal rape, and when later asked by reporters about the matter he said he was more concerned about Christmas. “To support women’s rights,” EB noted, “one must support all rights for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, marital status, or any other identity marker. It is abhorrent, and perhaps sinisterly strategic, to appoint a nonsupporter of women’s rights to the ministry with oversight of the Department and Gender and Family Affairs.” Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest, State Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson and former Transport and Aviation Minister Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin have given their full support of criminalising marital rape. Equality Bahamas’ stance joins calls for Mrs Rolle to step down from Rights Bahamas, and staunch condemnation from leading women’s rights activist attorney and United Nations expert Marion Bethel. “As evidenced by official report and word of mouth, (Mrs Rolle) is unprepared to carry out the mandate of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, or even to address the Bahamian people or respond to the media regarding the progress — and regression as is the case with the discontinued RISE programme — of the department,” EB also noted.
PAGE 6, Friday, December 29, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Are we geared up for from page one “You know, as a blind woman I have to worry about whether the bathroom is clean or not. A few times I have gotten infections because no one thinks to keep the bathrooms clean. I can only know if there is pee or stool on the toilet if someone goes ahead of me and can tell me whether the toilet is clean and wipe it up a little bit for me. But again, what are the odds of me going into a bathroom stall and someone is with me? Not every time I go will someone be there,” she said. For these three people with disabilities, there are many others throughout the country for whom these struggles are also a part of daily life. In 2014, the disabled community thought it reached a major milestone when the Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014 passed unanimously in the House of Assembly. The legislation was seen as a tool to propel the country to uncharted, but progressive territory. It would be the gateway to advance the Bahamas to the same levels of accessibility in other countries around the world. IRIS Adderley parking her car - but it took her 20 minutes to find More importantly it a space near the store’s entrance, while other cars were parked in mandated every build- the designated accessible spots. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff ing in the country, which the public uses, must be “Accessibility means easily accessible to those born blind and is a teacher entry ways and exits, who are blind, deaf, use a at the Salvation Army’s restrooms and other wheelchair or have other Erin H Gilmour School for common areas, sales or disabilities requiring par- Blind and Visually Impaired Children. Ms Adderley is a service counters must be ticular accommodations. designed so that persons Ultimately a deadline of consultant for the National with disabilities can use Commission for Persons December 31, 2017, was them. Buildings with more set to do this. It applies with Disabilities (NCPD) than one story must have and Mr Leuto all banks, Brunson, 38, elevators or lifts,” the supermarkets, ‘If I want to take a is profoundly NCPD says. churches, taxi somewhere, As we visited a popular deaf and schools, supermarket, it was evident earns a living that’s a total complexes, as an air-con- finding accessible parking is government stranger, and if ditioner and definitely one of the most facilities and vexing issues for people refrigeration other pub- the cost of the with disabilities. technician. licly used fare is $15 and I It took Ms Adderley The Tribune buildings. have a straight more than 20 minutes to also spoke to These builda few others park her modified van near ings must also $20, who is to say in the disabled the store’s entrance, and have sufficient that when that even then this was done community accessible individual gives illegally because she was who privately parking spaces. me the change and voiced con- forced to make a space of However, cerns about her own beside where other with this it happens to be visiting the cars were parked in the desdeadline just one note and he House of ignated accessible spots. Of hours away, the cars parked in the area Assembly, people with says that it’s five solely for people with disthe Regisdisabilities that it’s actually trar General’s abilities, two of the cars have told a five and not a should not have been there. Department The Tribune, Once inside the store, and the Disthey still face one dollar bill? we experienced first hand abilities widespread Even when you go Commission’s a typical visit to the grochallenges into the stores we offices on cery store. There are no ranging from braille labels to decipher public sen- depend heavily on John F Kenthe kinds of food items on nedy Drive. sitivity, to trustworthiness. The main the shelves. However, the many public So we really issue for them aisles are wide enough for places failis these build- easy maneuvering and most ing to make need accessible ings should, items were within arms the necessary currency as well.” by now, have reach. When it all comes changes to made the nec- down to it, visiting the groaccommodate cery store or any other their needs. They say it essary upgrades to be seen retail store for most people as benchmarks for other has been disappointing to with disabilities requires find there remains a great facilities in the country. the assistance of a willing They note public transdeal of places around the as another and patient store employee. country, particularly in the portation Ms Adderley highlighted capital that have not taken challenge needing to be one widespread problem. the December 31 deadline rectified. “One of my major chalSo what does making a seriously. lenges is bathrooms. I This was evident when building accessible mean? stopped looking at them The Tribune along with According to literature because they are just not Kevin Cartwright, Ms provided by the National accessible,” she said. Commission for Persons Adderley and Da Vinci Asked to explain, Ms Leu-Brunson visited several with Disabilities (NCPD), Adderley continued: “How a building that is accessible places in New Providence. can you go? There is none These included a fast-food means people with disto go. It’s like today; the abilities are able to access restaurant, an automated only thing I had was an teller machine, a super- and use the features and energy bar. I was just saying spaces within the buildmarket, a shopping plaza, how dehydrated I am. It’s a popular pharmacy and ing on an equal basis as all because if I drink there is other people who enter the retail stores. no bathroom that is easily Mr Cartwright, 40, was building. accessible. That’s why I say I exist, I don’t live. You don’t have to stop and think, well is there a bathroom I can easily use? But I have to think that way.” For his part, Mr
Dr. Robert Ramsingh Office Number Down Our office number is down due to circumstances beyond our control.
Our new numbers are
601-8684 or 823-9862 We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Cartwright spoke of the absence of accessible paper currency, which often leaves those who are blind vulnerable to theft. “We do not have here in The Bahamas accessible paper currency. The coins are accessible because you can feel those and decipher by touch what a quarter is or a dime, nickel or penny is, but as far as paper money goes, that seems to be a challenge. “Now I have noticed some of the new bills have some little raised dots on them, the ten and five (bills). However, the cluster of dots is basically the same so it can be confusing. We need to find a way to make currency available to people who are blind or visually impaired because we cannot simply place our trust in people when it comes to our finances. “For example, if I want to take a taxi somewhere, that’s a total stranger, and if the cost of the fare is $15 and I have a straight $20, who is to say that when that individual gives me the change and it happens to be one note and he says that it’s five that it’s actually a five and not a one dollar bill? Even when you go into the stores we depend heavily on trustworthiness. So we really need accessible currency as well.” And when it comes to sensitivity, Mr Cartwright said in settings like these, there is much to be desired as he is often sidestepped and ignored. He is “irked” every time this occurs, he
told The Tribune as we spoke at the grocery store. “Say for example I go into a local grocer and purchase an item and instead of a cashier returning the change to me they are going to give it to a person who is with me. That irks me for every time that happens. If someone accompanies me, I always take the opportunity to correct that. And I find that in going to a lot of the same places, people become familiar with me and don’t repeat those things any more. “Even some people who want to know things about me, they would address commentary about me to the people that are with me rather than to me. I find that disrespectful and that’s dehumanising because I am completely able to communicate for myself and talk to anyone about me.” The experience was similar at several other retail stores we visited. While paying for items is one thing, Mr Cartwright said retrieving the money from ATMs is another. When he lived in West Virginia in the United States for several years, using an ATM was easy, but at home using the machine is very different. We visited an ATM on Bay Street. There was braille on its keys, along with an earphone jack, but it did not speak. This made navigating its various functions extremely difficult. “In the US, everything talks from the point of input. When you get there,
WHAT DOES THE DISABILITY ACT SAY?
THE Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act mandates that every person with a disability shall be entitled to a barrier-free and disabled friendly environment to enable him or her to have access to buildings, information communication technology (ICT), roads and other social amenities, and assistive or adaptive devices and other equipment to promote his mobility. It also states a building owner - where the public is given access - shall also
provide access for disabled people, including suitable parking spaces. The law also says no disabled person should be denied equal access to opportunities for suitable employment or face discrimination on the job. Buildings and businesses that are not compliant with the law by the December 31 deadline could face a fine of up to $5,000 or even imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both. The court may also order the offending person to
pay the injured party whatever sum the court deems appropriate compensation. Earlier this month, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) CEO Edison Sumner told a local newspaper the chamber would be looking into ensuring all buildings the public has access to are outfitted for people with disabilities. At the time, he said some businesses may require more time to put certain measures in place to be compliant with the act.
it tells you to enter your pin asking what you want to do, all those options are spoken. To provide the user with security, the ATMs also have an earphone jack and the screen goes blank so no one can see what’s on the screen. So I don’t know how much research has been put into it but this should be a part of the change and is something that we would want to see.” Americans are also more open to the acceptance of assistance dogs, Mr Cartwright said. He grew accustomed to using a guide dog in the US. The irony in this government-imposed December 31 deadline is there are quite a few state-owned buildings that are quite frankly nightmares for people with disabilities. The House of Parliament where the law was passed, the Registrar General’s Department and the Disabilities Commission’s offices on John F Kennedy Drive fall into this category. One official, who did not want to be named, said the Commission’s offices should be the perfect example of an accessible government building. Instead, the kitchen is not accessible for someone who uses a wheelchair, the ramps are narrow and not long enough and toilet facilities are inaccessible, making for a building that is not up to code. “It needs to be mentioned the Commission offices should be the benchmark,” the official said. “What the building does is it stops you from being independent because the doors don’t have the proper opening. There is a knob on the door to open it instead of something you put your hand through or a lever to push it down. “The toilet facilities are not accessible or up to code. They have an accessible sign but it’s not accessible. “Being able to get in and out of the building on your own is a challenge. The ramps are not only narrow, but they are not long enough. If someone in a wheelchair is going up the ramp they have to lean forward or else their chair would slip. You just can’t be dependent if you are in
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 29, 2017, PAGE 7
new disability law?
KEVIN Cartwright talks to Khrisna Russell about difficulties he faces in terms of accessibility and, below right, doing his shopping. a wheelchair. The bottom line is the place is not up to code. Most of these government buildings are not,” the official added. And at the Registrar General’s Department, there are no accessible parking spots meaning those who need certain accommodations must either go to the back of the building to find parking or park at the General Post Office on East Hill Street. The official continued: “If government officials are going around inspecting buildings and making sure they are not breaking the law how can a government building be breaking the rules?” It’s a similar situation at the House of Assembly. “A person with a wheelchair can’t get in there without being lifted in and out,” the official said. “It’s dehumanising. On the other side of it, what if someone in the House, an MP becomes disabled tomorrow? How do they function? Everyone should have free access.” The deaf community is also faced with great challenges, Mr Leu-Brunson said. Not only does he have a hearing aid, but he uses sign language to communicate and lip reads when people do not speak loud enough for him to understand. Because many others in the community are not in this position, Mr Leu-Brunson said he fears those who are deaf could face continued marginalisation.
“It’s getting a bit better, but a lot needs to be done,” he said. “Everybody is talking but there is no action. We need more help for those people who want to find jobs and given equal opportunities like everyone else.” He continued: “Because I have partial hearing I am able to understand. But there are a lot of people who don’t talk loud enough for me to understand, so I would tell them I need to read your lips. Like, for example, if I go into a bank or into Cable Bahamas there is a challenge because the people are not saying ‘who’s next’ loud enough and in that case I have to lip read, so it’s hard at some things but it’s not hard at others. “But for those who are completely deaf it’s going to be a real challenge for them. Most interact with other deaf people very quickly but there are some who can’t get the attention of others and that frustrates them. I think they easily get upset and frustrated because no one wants to help them. “Say, for example if they went into a shop people would not recognise that they are deaf right away until they hear the slur in their voice, not understanding them, so it’s going to be a challenge.” This is where OllyMae Knowles comes in, at least partly. She has launched transport services with a fleet of about 12 vehicles for people
with disabilities to combat the exorbitant costs associated with transportation and to ensure those in the community are no longer exposed to prejudices often experienced in trying to use jitneys and taxis. At $10 round trip, the service has been a blessing for those who really need it. She said: “I’ve been in forums where they indicate that there seems to be a level of prejudice. So someone sees a cane or someone in a wheelchair that already sends up a barrier of ‘OK I don’t think I want to be bothered, this person is going to hinder me moving quickly’ and so that creates a challenge. “Then some of the vehicles are not appropriate for the disability type. A jitney, at least some of them need to have the special equipment to accommodate certain types of wheelchairs. “I was very much familiar with the lack thereof because, even now with a label with the sticker on your car, you still see people driving as if asking, ‘why are you on the road,’ assuming that I am perhaps a person with a disability rather than me being someone who is moving a person with a disability to engage in social events or to do business, banking or go to a restaurant and those types of things,” she said. *Some names have been changed to protect persons with disabilities who fear they may be victimised for voicing their concerns.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
IRIS Adderley getting a helping hand to reach the trays at the salad bar in a supermarket.
PAGE 8, Friday, December 29, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
‘Hospital left me in a pool of blood after I had my baby’ By MORGAN ADDERLEY A NEW mother is railing against Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for the poor treatment she claimed she received while delivering her baby girl. Rayne Rutherford’s litany of complaints include being left to lie in a pool of blood, no hot water in the showers and a backlog of billing which has prevented her from filing an insurance claim. She told The Tribune her experience was marred by poor communication and substandard facilities at the hospital. Ms Rutherford underwent a caesarean section and was an in-patient from November 28 to December 1. She said she faced difficulties upon arrival; although she had paid for a private room in PMH’s private ward, she was informed the only accommodation available was a shared room. Ms Rutherford told The Tribune it wasn’t until she checked in that nurses informed her private rooms are distributed on a “first come, first serve basis”. Ms Rutherford said: “Well I was surprised at that, but I had to (accept it). I had to take the shared
room, (which had) three beds in it. The nurse said two other patients along with me would be in the room. “And the room was a mess. It had a sink, no restroom. So to use the restroom and to use the shower, I had to exit my room.” Ms Rutherford also had a difficult experience with the bathroom. “They had no hot water to bathe with. So I had to ask one of the nurses for hot water and she had to get it from the kettle. I had to put (the hot water) in the little tub they gave me, a little container, and I had to mix it with the cold water. This is me pregnant, the next day, getting ready to go in for surgery. It was just awful.” Although her c-section was successful, Ms Rutherford was disappointed with the treatment she received after she gave birth. She said although “the nurses were nice…the level of professionalism wasn’t there”. According to Ms Rutherford, the nurses didn’t frequently check on her, and this culminated in her being left to lie in her own blood. Although a nursing assistant promised to call a nurse, Ms Rutherford had
to watch while “another set of persons came in to deal with (my roommates), and I’m still waiting. I’m in a pool of blood, that’s number one, trying to get assistance. “I had to go through five persons to get my nurse to come.” This lack of communication and accommodation extended to care for Ms Rutherford’s newborn, as the new mother said she was not given a bottle to feed her baby with. “I asked where the bottle was. You know what they gave me? They gave me the (measuring cap you find on medicines) to feed the baby. “That was new to me. I have sisters that went to public hospitals in the States, and that was never done. So for me to go through that… I was like ‘What? Am I really supposed to feed the baby out of a cup and not a bottle?’ “I’m a new mother. Nobody took the time to explain to me how I should be feeding the baby. The only thing that was said was ‘You give the baby an ounce out of this cup’. That’s it. “I tried to feed the baby, but the baby wasn’t taking it. Like I said, I’m new to all of this. (After I called for assistance) two nurses came
in and said ‘Yea you just got to feed it.’ Because you’re pouring out of a cup into a baby’s mouth, so most of it is wasting. And so I did what I could.” Ms Rutherford said she was given her baby at 8am, and it wasn’t until 2am that a nurse actually showed her how to feed the baby. Ms Rutherford had been attempting to feed her daughter every two to three hours. She said the particular nurse who finally assisted her was very nice. “(The nurse) took the time to show me and say ‘Rayne, you should be feeding the baby an ounce and a half’. So I (questioned) why was I told just an ounce? She said that’s okay, but she showed me, and I was appreciative of that.” This poor communication extended to the end of her stay, when Ms Rutherford experienced difficulties with her bill and obtaining her receipts. Ms Rutherford said that there was a lack of communication regarding the total number of charges or bills she would receive. For the payments she made, she was told that she would not receive her receipts to claim until approximately January because there was “a
backlog of billing”. Due to these circumstances and the delay, Ms Rutherford said, “I’m basically out of money.” In response to these claims, The Tribune contacted Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Director of Communications Judy Terrell. In terms of the additional costs, Ms Terrell said: “It would be an assumption that this particular patient would have been advised by her private physician regarding all associated fees.” Although all patients are advised of the breakdown of the structured fees, Mr Terrell said: “In this particular patient’s case, she would have had additional charges related to the operating theatre and the anesthetic fees, (physician’s professional fee).” In response to the backlog claim, Ms Terrell said: “All payments should be concluded by providing the client with a receipt. The staff of the Billing and Collections (Departments). . . should simply state that they are processing the relevant documents. The delays are usually associated with the obtaining of (a) physician’s signature, and their service demands.”
And regarding the issue of the shared room, she said: “There are situations, due to high occupancy rates, occasions when surgical patients are accommodated on Private Medical (as opposed to Private Surgical). However, obstetric patients are an exception to this accommodation due to the concentration of specific surgical resources at the Private Surgical location. Therefore, it is a patient safety matter, why this patient grouping is not accommodated on Private Medical.” “In the case of obstetric admissions; clients are urged to book and pay a deposit a minimum of four weeks prior to admission. (However) it must be appreciated that patient demand for service is dynamic and there may be instances where the specific room requested cannot be provided. In that instance the client then has the option of seeking admission accommodation at another facility, based on consultation of their obstetrician.” Ms Rutherford said that she chose to have her baby at PMH because of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, next time she would “definitely” go to Doctors Hospital.
HENFIELD ISSUES SALARY CHALLENGE TO PARLIAMENTARIANS By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
SENATOR RANARD HENFIELD
SENATOR Ranard Henfield has challenged Members of Parliament and senators to donate at least a quarter of their salaries to individuals or groups launching community or national initiatives. In what he called the “Salary Challenge,” Mr Henfield pledged to give his entire salary, each month, to “help people, help people.” In an interview with the Tribune, he said his objective is to turn “national leaders into nationalists” and “financially empower more persons to improve the lives of others.” “From January 31 to December 31, 2018, my Senate salary each month will go to one Bahamian that can propose and launch a community or national initiative to help at least five children, five senior citizens or five single parents improve their lives,” Mr Henfield said. “I challenge each senator, Member of Parliament, minister or permanent
YOUR
secretary to donate 1/4 of their salary to a worthwhile cause as well. My objective is to turn national leaders into nationalists. If you look at the House of Assembly and the Senate, there are 55 persons and that does not include other national leaders and board chairmen and permanent secretaries. “One of the things I find the prime minister and I have in common is we see our jobs as service. We are here to serve the people and if I am here to serve I need to do what is the best interest of the masses and minority groups. So I want to empower more people to help the community, there is no way the 55 of us have all the answers and all the solutions.” Mr Henfield said in order to receive a donation, an organisation must be transparent in how the funds are used. “Every month I want it done publicly, it has to be transparent, we have to know what you are doing with the money. To qualify for my salary each month, submit publicly on my Facebook page what your
Initiative will be and how you’d use the salary to get it off the ground. I won’t choose the winner. The idea that gets the most approval from the persons that follow my page on the last day of each month wins,” he said. “For example, you can have my Senate salary for ideas like these: can you provide breakfast to a class or the seniors in a community? Can you provide a safe house for persons escaping abuse? Can you teach adults to read on a weekly basis? Can you launch a soup kitchen and shower station for the homeless? These are ideas we are looking for. “I don’t expect all the MPs to give but I think a good number of them will. They don’t have to do it in the way I am but as long as it goes to a good initiative. I just need to get more nation leaders to think from a nationalist perspective and not think as a party. It makes no sense to say ‘I am a voice and I want to help persons’ and I cannot assist them with the funding.”
CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 29, 2017, PAGE 9
When it gets cold in The Bahamas THE TOP 5 COLDEST MOMENTS OF 2017 1. THE JOHNSONS Ah, our ‘Climate Change Refugees’ the Johnsons. More great international exposure for the Bahamas. From the suspect ‘Go Fund Me’ account, to living in terror in fear of hurricanes. A single stranded son left behind to fend for himself, because they couldn’t afford to bring him along, to camping out in the Toronto International Airport looking “dusty” at best. The Johnsons made the 242 go viral for all the wrong reasons. But wait there’s more, just as I predicted on my various platforms, as soon as they get a taste of that merciless Canadian winter they would be on the first thing smoking back to Nassau. Thanks to the Johnsons for making me look genius again, they returned home to Nassau last week, right in time for Christmas. 2. FRED SMITH - As far as hot streaks go, QC Fred Smith is in the zone. Let’s follow the time line of events. i. Smith released a video, pre election bragging of his funding of the opposition FNM party. Simply to rid the nation of, in his opinion, “the scourge” against democracy in The Bahamas, the PLP. ii. Smith releases another video post election reminding the PLP of his campaign contributions to the FNM. Calling it “money well spent”. iii. Smith continues to eviscerate newly installed
PERRY Christie’s pre-election salute - a bird that came home to roost in the polls. PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell, every chance he gets. Even branding Mitchell as “the anti Christ of democracy” in the nation. iv. Smith challenges PM Minnis and his Cabinet to a debate on several issues of national importance. v. Smith takes on Brent Symonett and the Immigration Department regarding the human rights, and detention of foreign nationals, here legally and illegally. (Latest from the courts, Smith and Rights Bahamas seem to be winning this one to.) Fred Smith is 5 for 5, those are All Star numbers at any level. 3. PERRY’S SALUTE - He must have had a premonition of things to come, because former PM Perry Christie played his “Jungaliss” card during a pre election address, actually giving the “bird” when reminded of comments made by political actavist Omar Archer Sr. Unfortunately for the PM that “birdie” came back home to roost, as the nation gave their own ‘Perry Salute’ to the now former PM at the polls on election day. 4. FNM’S DOUBLE TALK - If you were a member of the voting populace and a part of the
last election process, you can only be dumbfounded by the post-election performance of the new administration and its failure to deliver on numerous campaign promises. (The FNM will send alleged corrupt individuals before the courts, jail remains to be seen.) The complete one hundred and eighty degree turn post election on BahaMar, ‘The Spy Bill,’ NIA, FOIA, VAT exemption, immigration, crime, unemployment etc, has left citizens, dubious in regards to this administration and their plans to say the least. 5. BLAMING BASIL/ JUNKANOO JUDGING - Let’s be honest, Junkanoo in The Bahamas mirrors a bad reality TV series. Every December, the plot thickens, with the NJC finding new ways to butcher the beloved annual event, leaving new conspiracy theories about political affiliations, judging, scoring and costumes. This year, there is no “Shuffling Perry” to blame. Enter Chief Meteorologist Basil Dean. Yes, when he’s off, he’s off. However, he’s been right way more often, thus earning him high praise from his peers internationally, including the Weather Channel and award-winning meteorologist Brian Norcross.
READERS RESPOND TO TOP STORIES TRIBUNE readers have been posting their reactions to the stories making the news on tribune242.com. After Sarkis Izmirlian claimed Baha Mar’s main contractor would have cost him $169m in “grossly overvalued bids” had he not intervened in its procurement process, Porcupine had this response: “I have a strong sense that Sarkis is on the right side of history. We have continued to compromise ourselves as a country due to the ever lowering bar set for corruption, ethical behaviour, and a whole host of activities, some legal, some not, that have become prevalent, only some coming to light. I also have a strong sense that Sarkis truly wanted a first class project which would have benefited all Bahamians in so many ways, and that he was well on his way. He was footing the bill to train so many Bahamians, bringing them up to world class standards. Something every government says it will do, but never does. We in the Bahamas helped crush Sarkis’ dream, to the detriment of our children’s future. None of us should be proud about this sad saga. Whatever happens in the courts, pales in comparison to the damage done to our country, economically and spiritually. Right now, rightfully so, Mr Izmirlian should be busy helping manage one of the largest positive endeavours this country has ever had the opportunity to have. Instead, he is forced to waste his time seeking justice in an increasingly unjust world. Bahamians should hang their heads in shame. The only glimmer of hope is that much of what went on may come to light. If it is shown that our politicians used this opportunity to enrich themselves, I would hope that they are duly assassinated in the court of public opinion, and held to account in an unbiased court of law.”
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis recently announced a Letter of Intent had been signed between the owners of the Grand Lucayan hotel strip in Grand Bahama and the Toronto-based Wynn Group, prompting John to say: “This would have been a really historical event if this was a group of BAHAMIANS signing on this agreement. The time has come for BAHAMIANS to take control on our economy and stop pandering to some boogeyman in the closet. There are multimillionaires in this country and many with a wealth of business experience. Time for Bahamians to get their fair share of the tourism pie and keep the wealth at home.” That prompted SP to reply with this: “Whereas I totally agree that Bahamians must become owners in our economy, this LOI signing with the Wynn group is a positive step in the right direction mainly due to the fact that they have 40 years experience, international clout providing the ability to ‘jump-start’ this facility. “Factoring in that statistically 60 percent of all new ventures fail, unfortunately this is not the right place in time for a new Bahamianowned group to try their hand at reviving this property. Freeport needs an immediate infusion of experienced investors with deep pockets and the wherewithal to succeed. “That being said, nobody travels to a vacation destination just to sit in a hotel room! “Bahamian investors can still play major roles in owning and developing the economy with far fewer risk factors by investing in fun
resort amenities – ie. theme parks, nightclubs, restaurants, bars, water activities, etc, which feed off resort properties. “However, again, the Bahamas is far behind the eight ball and need not waste time reinventing the wheel – initially Bahamian investors would be better off partnering with experienced companies with similar operations.” Watcher agreed: “Well said. Let the major international players do their thing, while local entrepreneurs benefit from, and assist with, the smaller infrastructure by providing ancillary amenities. Government should play no part, except for providing reliable utilities and roads.” John2 had this to say: “I think everyone here would agree that only about five per cent of wealthy Bahamians have the financial capacity to purchase and own one of the major hotels. The problem is they are reluctant to do so because, I think, of the historical track record of hotels in the Bahamas. If you look back in time, every major hotel got into some kind of financial problem and could not meet its financial obligations resulting in either bankruptcy, selling out or closing down and I think it’s because we have to simply redefine the hotel models we allow to be built in this country. “Bahamian institutions such as credit unions, pension funds and insurance companies have the financial capacity to purchase a major hotel but the uncertainty of the steady and reliable returns from such an investment is a major hindrance to venturing in that area – especially when you factor in the many unrealistic demands of the archaic unions in this day and time.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
No I haven’t forgoten Irma, but I clearly recall Basil announcing the all clear on national media outlets, as well as social media, well in advance, that the previously reported weather system threatening the parade, had decipated. It was “all clear” for the Boxing Day Junkanoo parade.
So with all due respect, Basil is not the blame here, he deserves to be cut some slack. Who needs to be questioned, Spanish Inquisition style, are the judges. One of them needs to explain how a parade, clearly between the Saxons and One Family for the overall title, was actually
won by the Roots, who were viewed as a non-factor by those in attendance. How much Christmas Spirits did the judges down? Clearly they were watching a totally different parade than the rest of us! (So much for objectivity. Saxons in ya belly.) Happy New Year everybody, all the best in 2018.
PAGE 10, Friday, December 29, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Island Luck’s Christmas goes with a
BANG!
ISLAND Luck customers flocked to the carnival site at the National Stadium for Island Luck’s Big Bang Finale with CEO Sebas Bastian over the festive period. There was music and other entertainment and lots of prizes on offer for lucky visitors. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Davis demands ‘$100k’ names from page one “They (the Minnis administration) made those contracts seem as if it was a corrupt deal,” Mr Davis told The Tribune yesterday. “They gave an indication that all contracts over $100,000 they were going to cancel, and gave the impression even if they did not say it expressly, that they were not going to award contracts in excess of $100,000. “Several contracts have been issued in excess of $100,000 and it’s not a question of the value you’re paying, it’s what the job description is worth and the competence and qualifications of who you’re hiring. Sometimes you have to pay for talent. The decision to cancel contracts over $100,000 had nothing to do with whether the person or talent was worth
the amount - it was always a show for them.” In July, during his national address, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that as part of his government’s costcutting measures, there would “be no renewal of contracts for emoluments which exceed $100,000 per year.” This, Mr Newbold said in a statement to The Tribune on Wednesday, does not mean the new administration won’t hire people above such a threshold. Mr Newbold explained the government was systematically reviewing human resources needs given the significant number of consultants hired by the former administration. He said contracts would not be renewed unless there was “demonstrated need,” and in exceptional cases the
government has hired persons at that pay level. “These are in places where there is a clear need and market rate for the talent is simply at a premium level,” Mr Newbold said. Mr Newbold did not provide requested information on how many people hired on contract by the former Christie administration received emoluments of at least $100,000 and have either since had their contracts terminated or renegotiated. Yesterday, Mr Davis said: “It was a political show, just mischief to make it appear the PLP was doing something that was scandalous and it just again demonstrates the hypocrisy of this government who truly don’t appreciate the worth of an individual or the value of a post in an organisation. “Here it is this
government also talks about transparency. They went to great pains to embarrass persons, disclosing their personal information, and then here it is the same thing they have been complaining of they themselves are doing. “But yet fail to disclose these new persons.” Mr Davis said he has submitted questions in Parliament concerning the salary of the new acting financial secretary, the new director of works, as well as the new chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Bahamas Power and Light. “There are a number of other persons hired,” Mr Davis said, “but they should be transparent, they should let us know who are those persons making more and why, and why they felt the need to cancel those other contracts.”
OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.
HAITIAN ILLEGALS - 114 TO FLY HOME from page one
On Tuesday morning, 14 foreign nationals from five countries were apprehended for illegal entry into The Bahamas by members of the RBDF’s Harbour Patrol Unit. The vessel and its crew were subsequently taken into custody. The foreigners, consisting of nine Ecuadorians, one Colombian, one Dominican, one Jamaican and one American were later handed
over to police and immigration officials for further investigation. “Those 14 individuals will appear before the courts and be charged with overstaying and illegal entry,” head of the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit, Kirklyn Neely said. “We are sending 114 persons back to Haiti at a cost of $40,000. We are also keeping an eye out for the remaining four boats we expect to come to the Bahamas before the
end of the holiday season. We got good information that they are on the way and so we have our guard up.” Mr Neely said to date, the Department of Immigration has deported nearly 7,000 persons this year. Last week, Mr Neely doubled down in defence of his department’s practices, expressing distaste over the outcome of recent court proceedings. In an interview with The Tribune, he said immigration officers have
no intention of changing the way they apprehend illegal immigrants and will instead be “stepping up” efforts despite criticism from human rights groups. The Department of Immigration intensified its apprehension efforts in November after a large empty sloop was discovered on the shoreline of Adelaide Beach. One month later, a boat “loaded” with Haitian migrants landed near Clifton Pier, about three
miles from Coral Harbour. Immigration officers and other authorities spent the following days combing the area for the migrants. The RBDF said 57 people - 43 men, 11 women and three children - were taken into custody and transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre as a result of that sloop landing. The immigration sweeps angered president of Rights Bahamas, Fred Smith, who has written to members of the government expressing
displeasure about the “complete and intentional” breakdown of the rule of law regarding the actions of immigration officials and the RBDF. In October, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis gave illegal immigrants a December 31 deadline to leave the country voluntarily or face being “aggressively pursued and deported.” Last week he reiterated the call, saying undocumented migrants must leave the country by the end of the year or apply for legal status.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, December 29, 2017, PAGE 11
NEW FEAR OF OIL LEAK AT CLIFTON PIER A PHOTO sent to The Tribune raising concerns about fuel in the water at Clifton Pier. By RICARDO WELLS tourists are swimming and diving there, Tribune Staff Reporter that is cause enough to address it,” she said. rwells@tribunemedia.net “We are literally killing ourselves and harming our visitors. I have to ask over and THE Minnis administration is facing repeatedly, are we truly serious? renewed pressure “to get to work” on “If this problem isn’t a priority yet, it remediation of major fuel leaks at Clifton needs to be a priority now. We seem to be able Pier, the latest occurring as recently as to borrow money for everything under the December 17. sun, but we can’t find the nerve to borrow the The incident came less than a month money needed to fix this problem? after Environment and Housing Minis“Tourism is our number one industry and ter Romauld Ferreira stressed, during a the environment plays a big role in that. press conference, the government’s inten- We’ve had the opportunities over the last tion to create a long-term solution to 20 years to become major players in our address environmental concerns at Clifton. environment but have continued to opt out. The Marathon MP at the time explained “The Minnis administration promised his office was in the process of developing transparency and follow-through, where is a restoration and remediation plan that it? This is a disgrace.” would be “bid ready” for the Clifton Pier The Tribune contacted several Cabinet site in the not too distant future, contend- ministers for insight into what their respecing the issue was considered a priority that tive ministries were doing to help address was receiving attention at Cabinet level. this issue. Health Minister Duane Sands Reflecting on these claims yesterday, expressed concern over the ongoing Sam Duncombe, founder of environment issues at Clifton. He also said his ministry group ReEarth, accused the government would monitor the matter closely. of providing lip-service on a matter which Works Minister Desmond Bannisneeds urgent attention. ter called the leaks a “serious issue.” He Admitting her concern over the ordeal had also said the government was looking to festered into frustration, Ms Duncombe ques- address the matter. tioned whether the government was clear on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister the role the environment plays in tourism and of Finance Peter Turnquest said he was its overall value to the country’s economy. unaware of the latest fuel leak, adding he “Are we serious? This is an issue that has to would raise the matter in Cabinet at its be dealt with same vigour and intensity we next meeting. treat any major problem because this is the In addition to Mr Ferreira, Agriculture biggest,” she told The Tribune when contacted Minister Renward Wells and Transport for comment on a photo of the latest incident. Minister Frankie Campbell could not be “We can’t continue to put our heads in reached for comment yesterday. the sand as leaders and push the issue from Leaks at Clifton Pier, an area where mulone stop to the next. The facts are, Baha- tiple operators offload fuel, have been an mians are eating fish from that area and environmental concern for years.