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VOLUME:115 No.15, DECEMBER 11TH, 2017

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Gunned down on a Sunday morning

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ONE man is dead and two others are in serious condition after they were shot multiple times while working on a construction site yesterday afternoon.

The murder took place shortly after noon off Shirley Street and is one of two killings which occurred on the weekend.

Yesterday, police said they have two men in custody in connection with the murder of a 27-year-old father of one late Friday night.

That shooting death took place shortly before 10pm off Farrington Road. The killings brought the country’s murder count for the year to 120 and marked the first two homicides for December, according to The Tribune’s records.

Regarding the latest incident, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, officerin-charge of the Central Detective Unit, said police were alerted to the crime scene after two of the victims ran through Fowler Street after being attacked by two men.

“Sometime after noon, police responded to reports of gunshots off Shirley Street and Fowler Street.

When officers arrived on the scene, they met two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds through Fowler Street,” Chief Supt Cash said.

“Officers were directed to Shirley Street west of Fowler Street where they found the lifeless body of a male lying on the construction site.”

SEE PAGE THREE

HOME

STERLING GROUP EYES HURRICANE HOLE BID

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

DAVID Kosoy’s Sterling Global Financial is in negotiations to acquire Paradise Island’s Hurricane Hole property from Atlantis’s owner, Tribune Business can reveal.

Multiple sources familiar with developments have confirmed that the acquisitive real estate financier and developer, based on East Bay Street, is moving to purchase the near-13 acre site adjacent to the Paradise Island police station and “off-bridge”. Mr Kosoy declined to comment when contacted.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

TOURISM NUMBERS JUMP BY A THIRD

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A BODY is taken from the scene after a murder shortly after noon yesterday off Shirley Street.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

‘DISAPPOINTING’ IF JEAN RONY DEPORTED

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PEOPLE who are born in The Bahamas to undocumented foreign parents are “not usually” deported, according to Immigration Minister Brent Symonette, who said he would be “disappointed” if this practice was being carried out.

Mr Symonette, however, stressed that under Bahamian law if a person

is born in The Bahamas to parents who are not legal residents they would not qualify for automatic citizenship but rather have the right to apply to receive it at age 18.

His comments come days after Director of Immigration William Pratt told The Tribune Jean Rony Jean-Charles, who relatives said was born and raised in The Bahamas to Haitian parents, has been flown to Haiti.

Mr Pratt said Mr Jean-Charles

was sent to Port au Prince, Haiti on November 24 after not being able to prove he was in the country legally.

Last week, the Supreme Court gave the government until December 19 to produce Mr Jean-Charles and provide evidence justifying his detention or be held in contempt of court.

Mr Jean Charles is being represented by Fred Smith, QC. SEE PAGE SIX

‘10% TAX PROBABLY INEVITABLE’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER financial services minister believes it is “probably inevitable” that The Bahamas will have to introduce some form of low-rate income tax, warning: “We’re not in the clear yet.”

Ryan Pinder, pictured, told Tribune Business that while the entire financial services industry had “exhaled” at The Bahamas escaping

the European Union’s (EU) blacklist last week, it knows “a lot of work needs to be done” to meet both its demands and those of the Organisation for Economic CoOperation and Development (OECD).

Mr Pinder, who held the financial services ministerial post from 2012 to end-2014,

warned that the EU and OECD, together with the G-20 group of nations, were unlikely to ease the pressure intended to drive the Bahamas away from its current ‘zero tax’ platform and towards income tax implementation.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL visitor arrivals to The Bahamas for the month of October have grown over 30 percent compared with the same time last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

The ministry, in a statement, said after months of “lagging,” international visitor arrivals to The Bahamas grew by 31.9 percent this October compared with last year’s numbers, which the ministry said were “hampered” by Hurricane Matthew.

SEE PAGE 12

‘GIVE A LITTLE’ TO FEED THE 5,000 THIS CHRISTMAS

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL charitable organisation yesterday urged Bahamians to “give a little of what we have” as it aims to honour a monthlong drive to feed 5,000 families for Christmas.

Philip Smith, executive director of the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN), urged Bahamians to “do their best” as it seeks to execute the ambitious Feed 5,000 Families initiative by December 17.

SEE PAGE 11

NASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Monday, December 11, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

THE WRECKAGE of a car involved in a fatal crash on Thursday night.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Boy, 15, dies as car hits wall in crash

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER is dead after the vehicle he was in slammed into another car before hitting a wall Thursday night.

The crash took place in the area of East Street South and Sealink Drive at about 10pm, according to police.

Police press liaison officer, Superintendent Shanta Knowles said the accident involved a black Nissan Fuga and a white Honda Fit. “Around 10pm, we received reports of a traffic accident near East Street,” Supt Knowles said.

“When officers arrived on the scene they received information that a black Nissan Fuga was travelling north on East Street and a white Honda Fit was travelling south when both vehicles collided. The impact resulted in the vehicle spinning out of control and the white vehicle then collided with a lamp pole.

We can confirm a juvenile male died on the scene.

The drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital where they are listed in serious condition.”

Police identified the teen as 15-year-old Da’ron Pickstock.

Supt Knowles said speed as well as “inexperience and the conditions of the road” contributed to the accident.

She encouraged members of the public to drive with extreme care and caution and be a little patient with each other and adhere to the rules and regulations that govern the road.

The traffic incident came less than a week after six people died in four separate traffic fatalities in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

In light of the incidents, Assistant Superintendent Craig Stubbs, officerin-charge of the Traffic Division, urged motorists and pedestrians to operate with extreme caution and care when traversing streets

across the country.

ASP Stubbs said his office has recognised an increase in traffic infractions, many of which can lead to major accidents.

He told The Tribune: “We are encouraging all forms of responsible driving. Drivers have to not only drive for themselves, but also for the persons in front of them, the persons behind them and the pedestrians that may be walking in their immediate area.”

He continued: “We see the increased cell phone usage which we firmly believe is contributing to many of the accidents we are seeing. We are asking the motoring public to, if you need to take a call, please pull to the side of the street.

“We are also concerned by the consumption of alcohol by persons intending to operate motor vehicles. We ask that you not do that in any case.

Have a designated driver.

We ask parents who are loaning their vehicles to their kids, if you know your child may be in situations where alcohol may be consumed, say to them have a designated driver that can operate that car from point A to point B sober.

“We encourage those persons who are driving at night and those persons leaving work in the early morning hours after completing a hectic shift at work, if you are tired, there is no need to go on the road for a long drive.

“If you think you may be impaired or fatigued in any way, call a taxi or arrange with a nearby police station to pull in that yard a get a few hours of sleep before heading out for that long journey. These are the things that will prevent accidents. They may save your life as well as others,” ASP Stubbs added.

A total of 44 people died as a result of traffic fatalities in 2016; 25 of those who died were drivers, eight were passengers, five were pedestrians, five were motorcycle riders and one was a bicyclist.

A BODY is taken away after the crash.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2017, PAGE 3

THE BODY of a man was found inside a vehicle on Friday night after a shooting on Farrington Road.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Gunned down on a Sunday morning from page one

“EMS personnel came to the scene and examined the male victims found on Fowler Street and they were taken to the hospital. The other male was pronounced dead on the scene. The information we have is that the men were working at the construction site when two persons approached them and gunshots erupted.”

Chief Supt Cash said police have no motive for the shooting at this time.

As it relates to the murder on Friday, Chief Supt Cash said it occurred in a community known to be a “crime hotspot.” However, he urged residents of Farrington Road to “walk about as normal” because they are still “safe.”

“Sometime after 9.40pm, police were called to the report of a shooting off Farrington Road. When officers arrived on the scene they met a white Honda vehicle which was parked on the western side of the street with a male lying on the inside,” Chief Supt Cash said.

“After examination, they discovered he had several gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene and pronounced him dead on

CHIEF Superintendent Solomon Cash. the scene. What we know thus far is that shortly after 9.40pm, two males were sitting in the car, with two other persons when a Japanese type vehicle pulled up behind them. A lone gunman emerged from the vehicle and opened fire on the deceased.”

Police have not identified Friday’s victim but The Tribune understands he is Javan Forbes. According to police sources, Forbes aka “Stutter” was previously shot in May of this year at Providence Avenue.

Chief Supt Cash also said police have been conducting “frequent searches” in the area that is “known to be a hotspot” for crime and drug peddling.

“Over the year, we have

been searching this area for persons we suspect to be involved in crime and the peddling of dangerous drugs and we will continue to do that. We will like to tell residents of this area that they are free to walk about as normal and they are safe,” he said.

“We are geared at going after person who we know are responsible for committing these serious offences and we will continue to do that of course. As you understand we just formed an Anti-Gang Unit and we just recently established the Flying Squad Unit and those units, their concentration is to look at hot spots and prolific persons we know are continuously committing serious crimes in communities.”

Last week, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean attributed the recent downward trend in crime to the “grace of God” and the new crimefighting initiatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis have both recently said overall crime is trending down. Despite frequent police reports of shootings and armed robberies, only one homicide was recorded in November – an anomaly

THE SCENE of a shooting at a construction site on Shirley Street yesterday. this year. However, murders are up overall by about 17 per cent, according to The Tribune’s records. Up to press time, there were 120 murders so far this year compared with 102 as of December 5, 2016, according to this newspaper’s records.

Anyone with information on the recent homicides or any crime is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

HUNT FOR GUNMEN AFTER DRIVETHROUGH ROBBERY POLICE are searching for two gunmen who held up a man and stole his car as he waited in the drive-through line of a fast food restaurant on Mackey Street on Saturday night.

The incident happened shortly after 9pm, police said. The victim was at the drive-thru when two gunmen approached and stole his black Toyota Passo, licence number AH8535.

It was one of three armed robberies that

occurred on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, shortly after 9am, two men armed with firearms walked into a local gaming shop on Carmichael and Lazaretto Roads and robbed the cashier of an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing on foot.

Some time later, a man was standing outside a hardware store on Cowpen Road when he was approached by a gunman who fired a shot at him and robbed him of

cash before speeding off in a Black Nissan March

vehicle.

Investigations continue.

PAGE 4, Monday, December 11, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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The shrinking of US foreign policy AMERICAN embassies can represent a lot of things to different people, but they generally become important when someone needs to renew a visa or replace a lost passport. For Americans overseas, there might be an invitation to a Fourth of July party celebrating the US national day.

But there are also days like these days, when embassies are remembered for a different reason. When the US president declared last week that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, shock waves predictably rumbled across the Middle East. Almost reflexively, American embassies throughout the region and around the world have placed themselves on high alert. Now everyone is once again conscious of the US embassy.

America’s formal bilateral representation in foreign capitals finds itself again in the gun sights.

Readers with long memories will recall the bombings of US embassies in East Africa 20 years ago which, in hindsight, were the clear precursors of the horrendous assaults on New York City and Washington DC on 9/11/01. Fifteen years earlier still, a truck bomb assault on the US mission in Beirut cost over 240 American lives and shocked the world. And a political decision in 1979 to admit the Shah of Iran to the US for medical treatment spurred rioting in Tehran that led to the occupation of the American embassy there and taking hostage the staff for 444 days.

So, embassies have often been trip wires and flash points. Less frequently, the home office, also known as the State Department, finds itself in the headlines.

That has changed under Donald Trump.

On the campaign trail and especially since taking office, the American President has signalled his disdain for the US diplomatic and foreign policy establishment. He has populated the National Security Council and foreign policy advisory staff with ideologues and neophytes and his notably inexperienced son-in-law.

Trump’s choice for Secretary of State, retired Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson, inspired initial, innocent hope that he would emulate Ronald Reagan’s great Secretary of State George Shultz.

But as the months have passed, Tillerson has focused more on imposing a 30 percent cut on his department than on tempering Trump’s international impulses.

Nevertheless, Tillerson’s

alliance with generals who serve as Secretary of Defence, National Security Advisor and White House Chief of Staff seemed likely to moderate the intemperate president.

While there is no apparent present threat to the generals, Tillerson’s tenure is now publicly measured in days or weeks at the most. The New York Times has joined the chorus, predicting the Secretary of State will be replaced by year’s end by the current CIA director, former Kansas congressman and Tea Party favorite Mike Pompeo.

Pompeo’s appointment, if it happens, would represent even more bad news for the US foreign policy establishment. He has reportedly ingratiated himself with Trump through his forceful advocacy of harsh tactics toward North Korea and Iran. It is not unreasonable to anticipate that under Pompeo, American isolationism and protectionism would be even further stimulated. To whatever extent Tillerson’s voice has been a moderating influence on an unmoored president, Pompeo’s stridency would represent a further setback to sensible foreign policy.

The presidential assaults on the State Department, regarded as the senior cabinet department since the earliest days of the American republic, have not stopped at the executive suite and the budget. American newspapers have run headlines all year long warning that “Planned State Department Cuts Cause Fear” (Washington Post) and decrying “The Shriveling State Department” (New York Times). There has been much public lamentation about the unprecedented exodus of senior experienced career officials from the department.

Many senior positions have remained unfilled. The president’s choice as Ambassador to The Bahamas remains unconfirmed by the US Senate more than six months after his nomination was announced in May. Neither Tillerson nor the White House seems to mind these vacancies very much. And to be fair, the loss of dozens of special envoys for various international issues is hardly to be lamented. Such appointments were often political rewards and needlessly duplicated existing staffing. In truth, American foreign policy has largely been made in the White House since the Kennedy administration. But it has rarely been made with such ineptitude and contempt.

Sorry don’t ease no pain EDITOR, The Tribune. it!

SAY ya sorry and mean

Hubert Minnis having been placed under enormous pressure, coming from his own supporters and the wider country, especially the less fortunate, has forced him to confess his sins publicly. He did, now he should do penance.

After the the rank and file of the FNM, many of whom are planning to take him down, one way or the other, has publicly expressed their disgust, he ran to church.

God answers all prayers!

It is said that more than 5,000 people have been fired since May. The inhumane destruction done to the lives of Bahamians at BAIC, Urban Renewal, Gaming Board and other government agencies are a clear indication that the FNM hates Bahamians, especially the maids, janitresses, janitors,

secretaries, handymen, clerical workers.

Minnis made sure the foreign expatriate, consultants who live high-rise condominiums, paid for by the government, whose children get free education, and who get living allowances have been kept on the job.

Since May, list of beggars have increased.

These despicable exercises are not accidents, He had the full support of every FNM member of Parliament who are everywhere justifying his efforts.

In fact some are literally gloating about the many Bahamians who are losing their jobs. They even think more poor people should go home.

Oh Lord, who would be next or what would be next in this destruction of The Bahamas as we once knew it.

But I am forced to iterate, it was Hubert Ingraham who said at the rally to “Fire them from the

hill to the valley!”. Lord help us.

Minnis displayed more compassion for Dominica than the regular Bahamian from over the hill from the same neighbourhood, he said he grew up in. He sent his friends and their families home, and all the PLP. Saying you are sorry in one second, and going to Freeport with a police bus to humiliate the people who are already at a great disadvantage, proves that you are not genuine in your confession.

The janitress with several small children and no job, do not believe you are sorry, they believe you are only saying it because you know that your Waterloo is nigh. Saying sorry simply do not ease anyone’s pain.

“Look what you get when you tired of what you got!”

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM Nassau, December 5, 2017.

The process of creating our laws EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE social media frenzy of opposition from certain quarters to the Commercial Enterprise Bill, 2017 is a direct result of Parliament not following the guidelines for developing laws.

A similar thing is happening with the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) (Flats Fishing) Regulations, 2017 except the opposition to or recommendations for amendments are emanating from different quarters.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s guidelines on how laws should be made are clear: 1. Identifying Issues And Opportunities.

2. Proposals for New Laws/Amendments.

4. Stakeholder Consultation: Preparation of a ‘green paper’, which gives an introductory outline of the idea. Following consultation, a ‘white paper’ might be produced, giving a more concrete statement of the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net government’s intentions. d. Proposals are Made Into ‘Bills’: Proposals for new laws are sent to the Office of the Attorney General (AG) where the lawyers there turn the instructions of the Cabinet into special forms called “Bills” (with) detailed language that reduces the chance that the intention of the bill may be misinterpreted.

There is a tremendous amount of effort (sweat equity) that goes into the preparation of legislation, either from special interest groups (in the case of the fly fishing legislation) or civil servants and politicians (in the case of the Commercial Enterprise Bill) and when amendments are offered after the bill is drafted people take umbrage.

The opprobrium from the

proponents of the flyfishing law and the opponents of the Commercial Enterprise Bill, while mostly the same people, it all provides a lesson for the government and the process they use to create legislation.

Kickstarting economic growth is no doubt an urgent matter hence the Commercial Enterprise Bill. The fly fishing regulations present no such urgency. However, it is important to note the government’s willingness to look at amendments to both Bills.

Will the government and proponents of legislation follow the proper procedures going forward?

If history is our guide it’s doubtful, but the present government promised to be different.

Time will tell if they meant what they said.

Yours in Liberty, RICK LOWE Nassau, December 2, 2017

Speak up for Rodney Moncur EDITOR, The Tribune.

I MIGHT not share Rodney Moncur’s views on most topics but I sometimes listen to his Radio/TV Talk Show. The reasons are varied. He is controversial, his subject matter is always interesting, he calls a spade a spade and he is funny and entertaining.

If he offends and defames the courts are there for redress. However, if he tells the truth there is no reason to involve the court system.

On one of the happiest

weekends of his life, the celebration of his 60 plus birthday and his 40 plus wedding anniversary his car was fire bombed. This is a sad affair in our country. The police should not rest until the guilty party is brought before the courts.

In our democracy Free Speech is paramount.

Though I may not agree with what Rodney Moncur says, as long as he tells the truth I would defend his right to free speech to the end.

If the fire bomb is connected to his diatribe

his fellow talk show host should support his right to free speech. Remember those who did not speak up because they were not in a certain category could not escape condemnation when the free speech oppressors came to incarcerate them... all the category were depleted, there was nobody left to speak up.

Speak up talk show hosts!

A PATRIOTIC DEMOCRAT Nassau, December 7, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2017, PAGE 5

Officer did not see any threat to murder suspect

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CORPORAL Gayshell Russell testified on Friday that murder accused Paul Belizaire was not beaten or threatened in her presence when he directed police investigators to where he and three others had disposed of a stolen truck and a set of keys following an armed robbery and double murder in Deadman’s Reef.

She was with several officers who went out on inquiries with Belizaire on September 18, 2015, after his arrest and recorded it on a Sony camcorder.

Belizaire, Devaughn

Hall, and Kevin Dames are on trial in the Freeport Supreme Court for the murders and armed robbery of Barry and Sheena Johnson. Two other codefendants, Allan Alcime and Virgil Hall, accepted plea deals with the Office of the Attorney General to testify as witnesses for the Crown. The murder charges were withdrawn against Alcime and Hall, who pleaded guilty to the armed robbery charges and are serving prison time.

Johnson and his wife were held up by four armed masked men at their residence in Deadman’s Reef on September 12, 2015. The

two were shot dead and their GMC truck and a set of keys were stolen.

Corp Russell presented the original recording in court which showed Belizaire with several officers in a police van as the accused directed them to a dirt road off Warren Levarity Highway to a bushy area where a set of keys and a hand-held radio were discovered.

In the recording, Belizaire’s voice was inaudible due to the loud noise of the van’s diesel engine.

When prosecutor Erica Kemp asked Corp Russell if force was used on Belizaire to say anything, or whether anyone had threatened, promised, or induced him

to speak, she said no.

The officer said when they went on inquiries with Belizaire he appeared to be fine and had not made any complaints to police.

Under cross-examination, attorney Geoffrey Farquharson asked Corp Russell what she meant when she said his client appeared fine.

“Nothing seemed to be wrong with him,” she replied.

“Did you examine Belizaire; asked him to remove his shirt to see if had bruises?” Mr Farquharson asked.

“No sir,” replied Corp Russell.

He then suggested to the

witness she attempted to make a movie (the recording) to deceive the jury to give them the impression that his client had to be involved.

Corp Russell denied the suggestion.

He put to the witness that she and other officers had also taken co-defendant Alcime on inquires the same day and that they had already discovered the keys and hand-held radio before taking Belizaire out.

Corporal Russell agreed, but said they did not make any recording of Alcime when he was taken on inquiries.

Mr Farquharson suggested there is nowhere on

the recording of Belizaire pointing to the spot where the items were found. He suggested the police driver officer knew where he was going and could not hear any directions that were being given by Belizaire because of the loud engine which also made it impossible to understand anything he had said on the recording.

“This video was a disguise, a device, a trick and a piece of deceit you used in hopes of making the jury believe Belizaire led you to the items,” suggested counsel.

“No, sir,” replied Corp Russell.

The trial resumes today.

ARMANDO SARGEANT, left, and Johnny Mackey, right, outside court at a previous appearance.

ATTORNEY SAYS NOT ENOUGH PROOF IN TEACHER KILLING CASE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

AN attorney for one of three men on trial for killing Queen’s College elementary teacher Joyelle McIntosh said Friday the Crown’s evidence against his client is not “sufficient” to meet the “standard of proof” necessary to prove his guilt, despite the Crown having “every burden” to do so.

The argument was made

by David Cash, attorney for Armando Sergeant of Kemp Road.

Mr Cash further submitted there is no evidence to prove Sergeant was involved in the furtherance of a murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.

However, Crown attorney Viola Barnett, in her closing address, insisted

there was a plan to rob McIntosh on the night of November 11, 2015, and that Sergeant, as well as his two co-accused, Johnny Mackey and a teenager, each had a role to play in the robbery.

Ms Barnett asked jurors to consider the credibility of the Crown’s witnesses, which include the deceased’s son who was in the car when his mother was shot, the investigating

officer, as well as a social services employee and a pastor.

She further submitted the evidence produced by the Crown’s witnesses supports its case against the three accused men.

And regarding the accused men’s claims of police brutality, Ms Barnett countered by saying there was no medical evidence produced during the trial to support their claims.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to today for Justice Bernard Turner to begin summing up the case to members of the jury.

It is alleged the teenager, who was charged as a juvenile, along with Mackey of Bonaby Alley and Sergeant attempted to rob McIntosh at gunpoint of her 2009 silver coloured Toyota Corolla worth $6,000.

During the failed

carjacking, the victim was shot multiple times in her head and body. She later crashed into a wall at the intersection of Parkgate and Village Roads.

All three have denied the allegations, and while taking the witness stand previously, each of the accused said they were beaten by police to give false confessions concerning their alleged involvement in the crimes.

FIVE HAITIANS HELD AFTER COCAINE FIND IN INAGUA

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FIVE Haitian nationals are in police custody in connection with the discovery of a “significant amount of cocaine” on Saturday in Inagua.

The incident took place shortly after 5pm.

Superintendent Jamuel Ferguson, commander of the Drug Enforcement Unit, said DEU officers assisted by Drug Enforcement Administration agents from the United States, acting on information, made the discovery.

Supt Ferguson said the find was “very significant” but could not give a tally of how much drugs were seized or give a dollar value as “officers are still pulling drugs from the vessel” when he spoke to The Tribune.

“The drugs were discovered during a search of a Haitian freighter vessel which was docked in Inagua

headed to Grand Bahama,” he said.

“Five persons, including the boat captain, were arrested and taken into custody. We have not completed the search so we do not have a total amount as yet. We are still searching the vessel. The drugs were hidden in a concealed compartment of the vessel. The search is not completed but it is a significant amount.

They are Haitian nationals and the boat originated from Haiti.”

The drug bust comes several days after police uprooted more than 10,000 marijuana plants on Andros.

The seizures were made in two separate incidents following the discovery of two large cannabis fields in the area of Owens Town, North Andros.

The first discovery took place around 1pm on Wednesday.

According to reports, DEU officers along with DEA agents from

the United States were on routine patrol when they discovered a marijuana field and uprooted an estimated

8,000 marijuana plants.

DEU agents returned to the area the next day around noon and

discovered a second field, where they uprooted an estimated 2,300 marijuana plants.

Police said no arrests were made in the seizures and investigations continue.

PAGE 6, Monday, December 11, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘DISAPPOINTING’ IF JEAN RONY DEPORTED from page one

Mr Symonette said yesterday he will not comment on Mr Jean-Charles’ matter directly because it was before the courts, but said Mr Smith has “at least eight writs in court” because he has “an issue” with the Detention Centre.

“Mr Smith’s contention is that the Detention Centre is illegal,” Mr

Symonette said.

“The Bahamas has the right to protect its borders and remove illegal migrants out of The Bahamas, like any country in the world.

If you enter the country illegally you cannot expect to stay. You can only stay with permission from (the Department of) Immigration. If you are born in The Bahamas to illegal parents, you have the right at age 18 to apply. You are not

a Bahamian. That is what everyone is missing.

“Now, we do not normally deport these people, that is why this case is interesting and I will be disappointed if that is what happened.”

Last Tuesday, the family of Mr Jean-Charles said they were unsure whether he was “alive or dead” or was “illegally deported” after allegedly not being allowed to speak to him

or visit him in nearly three weeks.

In an emotional interview, Clotilda Jean-Charles, 36, told The Tribune she only wants to know what happened to her brother but no one at the Detention Centre or the Department of Immigration will give her answers.

Ms Jean-Charles said her brother was taken into custody by immigration officers during a raid on

September 15.

Despite immigration officials saying Mr JeanCharles was repatriated, representatives from the Haitian Embassy told The Tribune they have no record of Mr Jean-Charles being repatriated.

When contacted Kerl Chatelier, first secretary of the Haitian Embassy, said when the Immigration Department is sending suspected illegal immigrants

back to Haiti his embassy is notified of the individuals involved.

“In the case of Jean Rony Jean–Charles, we don’t know anything about him.

His name is not on the list,” said Mr Chatelier.

Yesterday, advocacy group Rights Bahamas and relatives of Mr JeanCharles held a prayer vigil in the Ft Charlotte area, hoping for his safe return to The Bahamas.

AMNESTY SEEKS URGENT ACTION ON MISSING DETAINEE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net INTERNATIONAL human rights group Amnesty International issued an appeal for “urgent action” on behalf of Jean Rony Jean-Charles, a client of attorney Fred Smith, QC, whose whereabouts became a subject of concern and attention last week.

Meanwhile, advocacy group Rights Bahamas and relatives of Mr JeanCharles held a prayer vigil yesterday, praying for his safe return to The Bahamas.

Noting Mr Jean-Charles had been detained for “more than three months,” Amnesty said in a statement on Friday: “The organisation is concerned that Jean Rony Jean-Charles’ whereabouts remain unknown and his lawyer has been denied access to the Detention Centre where he was being held.

“Bahamian authorities later informed that he was ‘deported’ to Haiti. Based on the information available to Amnesty International, Jean Rony Jean-Charles is either in incommunicado detention, itself a form of ill-treatment, and at risk of arbitrary expulsion, or has been expelled to a third country and is therefore at risk of statelessness,” the statement continued.

“We urge the Bahamian authorities to immediately grant Jean Rony Jean-Charles unrestricted access to his lawyer, and to provide his family with immediate information about his whereabouts.”

The Supreme Court last week gave the government until December 19 to produce Mr Jean-Charles and provide evidence justifying his detention or be held in contempt of court.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Smith said no one in The Bahamas should just “disappear” and the family of Mr Jean-Charles needs to know “where he is and if he is alive”.

“So essentially the government has been ordered to produce the body of the person in custody, which is Mr JeanCharles, and they have to justify the detention or release him,” Mr Smith said.

“So two things have to happen, they are required to bring Mr Jean-Charles and prove they had the right to hold him. If they do not comply with the writ they have to explain to the court with evidence what has happened to him.”

Last Wednesday, Director of Immigration William Pratt told The Tribune Mr Jean Charles has been flown to Haiti. Mr Pratt said Mr Jean-Charles was sent to Port au Prince, Haiti on November 24 after not being able to prove he was in the country legally.

However, representatives from the Haitian Embassy told The Tribune they have no record of Mr Jean-Charles being repatriated.

THE FAMILY of Jean Rony Jean Charles yesterday holding a prayer vigil at Fort Charlotte along with attorney Fred Smith yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

CLOTILDE JEAN CHARLES, above, sister of Jean Rony, crying as their brother, John Jean Charles, speaks to the prayer vigil, right.

TWO MEN FILE CHALLENGES OVER DETENTIONS AT CENTRE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

TWO more men are petitioning the courts over the lawfulness of their detention at the Carmichael

Road Detention Centre.

The separate habeas corpus applications challenge the State to justify the

detention of Regional Raymonvil, a 31-year-old man born in The Bahamas, and Jamaican Ricardo Johnson,

who has a Bahamian wife.

Mr Raymonvil’s application was supported by an affidavit from his sister-inlaw, Natasha St Luc, and a copy of his birth certificate.

Ms St Luc claims her brother-in-law has not been charged with an offence, and was falsely imprisoned.

She furthered Mr Raymonvil’s in-country birth meant he came to the Bahamas legally with the intention to apply for citizenship.

Mr Raymonvil was still in the process of gathering his supporting documents when he was arrested by immigration officers in Grand Bahama, according to her affidavit.

“Mr Raymonvil was in possession of the application form and documents along with his Haitian passport, which were taken from him upon his arrest in Freeport, Grand Bahama on the 29 of November, 2017,” the affidavit read.

“Mr Raymonvil’s family fears that he could be deported before the determination of his citizenship application and efforts to obtain information from the Department of Immigration have been futile.”

Ms St Luc claims her brother was not given a

reason for his imprisonment, nor has he been taken before a court or granted bail.

Meanwhile Mr Johnson’s application was supported by an affidavit from his legal counsel, Callenders & Co law firm’s legal assistant Wislande Geffrard.

Mr Geffrard claims Mr Johnson is married to a Bahamian with a valid spousal permit but has been detained at the CRDC for more than a week.

He states that he was advised Mr Johnson was on a list to be deported without an opportunity to appear in court, or being charged with an offence.

“I am advised that he is unlawfully imprisoned by the Department of Immigration in contravention of the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code Act,” his affidavit read.

“Mr Johnson’s imprisonment is unconstitutional and unlawful.”

The applications for habeas corpus writs were filed in the Supreme Court against the attorney general, minister of immigration, director of immigration, and superintendent of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre on December 7.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the town hall meeting at Grants Town Wesley Methodist Church.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

A good start but we need to see more

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

I

NTRIGUED by the prime minister’s announcement of some of the high-level details of the government’s programme to revitalize the historic Overthe-Hill area, the nation is eager to know more. With a hodge-podge of feelings among the populace - ranging from excitement to cynicism - Minnis did manage to catch headlines by unveiling one of his most touted initiatives on his way to becoming prime minister. However, despite the public’s hunger for more information, the prime minister and his team are encouraging us to wait, as he promises the main course will be much more satisfying than the appetizer.

Nonetheless, citizens of this country are asking many questions. And rightfully so. In typical scenarios where areas require redevelopment, many of the residents are forced out as gentrification becomes a natural course when a particular area is ripe for change.

Certainly, the Over-the-Hill community constitutes as one such environment - having been transformed throughout its rich cultural history into neighbourhoods which are incredibly mired in crime and poverty.

As many of us complain about our first-world issues, the comforts we are afforded allow us to too easily forget the plight of our brothers and sisters whose slumber is constantly interrupted by the sound of gunshots blasting and mothers wailing over the loss of slain children. While we, on occasion, take to Facebook to complain about a power outage or low water pressure, many of our brothers and sisters Over-the-Hill have to live in homes that have no electricity and, or running water.

Many homes, which are in the announcement were terribly lacking in structural free wi-fi areas, the creaintegrity, house families tion of a food market for with parents who have not native products in the area, worked in years. Moreo- the construction of a multiver, with no financial means purpose community centre to afford school fees, chil- that offers childcare, senior dren have to attend public care and an all-age counselschools where teachers are ling centre. Additionally, underpaid and unappreci- they noted they would like ated, resources are scarce, to create an auto-mechanic and they are, in many cluster that would elimiinstances, at war with other nate roadside mechanics children who experience a in residential areas and to similar pain. build a sporting complex Although a few are able where various sports can be to flourish in the govern- played. ment We trust school that when The members of that system, the govcommunity’s greater a large ernment majority – concerns are if they presents young men are going to be able its white in particupaper, we to feed themselves lar – do would be not gradu- today. Are they going able to ate with a to be able to find dive into diploma. more of the work tomorrow?

With “meat and Will their child be dwindling potatoes” prospects of this prothe next to increase of finding a gramme. well-paying the murder rate? The As we look job, you ability to surf the forward can also internet for free will to fleshing tack on a it out, we not move the needle. tarnished hope we criminal will be able record for to see a clear something as simple as a strategy that is reflective of couple of grammes of mari- what the area needs and a juana to serve as the fatal comprehensive approach to blow to a bright future. executing the government’s Can you imagine what goal. it must be like to wake up One of the early deficits every day and face those with the Minnis Adminiskind of prospects? To feel tration has been its lack of as if there is no way out is a clear connection between pervasive throughout these the various ministries’ plans communities. I shudder at and how they amalgamate the thought. into one overarching vision The system has failed for the country. Too often, them. People have lost the populace is left wonpride in what generations dering if there is a broader before them built with their construct that is guiding bare hands and, tragically, what each ministry is doing. successive governments sat If we were to try, perhaps idly by – unless this time is we can make some connecdifferent. But that remains tions of our own, but we to be seen. would prefer to be directed The prime minister through the process as to seems to be committed to understand what the govhis promise of revitaliz- ernment is doing. ing Over-the-Hill, but we If we are to be honest wonder if his approach is with ourselves and congoing to be comprehensive. sider the social and cultural Some of the details shared damage that has taken

place over decades of Over-the-Hill becoming an afterthought – we should quickly agree the community is going to need a lot more than wi-fi and recreational activities. We can be certain the members of that community’s greater concerns are if they are going to be able to feed themselves today. Are they going to be able to find work tomorrow? Will their child be the next to increase the murder rate?

The ability to surf the internet for free will not move the needle.

These citizens simply require more by way of opportunity, economic empowerment and safer environments, among other things.

This is not to knock the government’s plan, as some of what was mentioned would definitely add value to the members of the community. However, we would like to see along with Dr Nicola Virgil-Rolle, representatives from the National Security, Education, Social Services, Works and Environment ministries.

As thoughtful as the prime minister’s plans may be, if the government’s efforts aren’t comprehensive and cohesive, with various ministries working hand-in-hand, the challenges may be insurmountable. Obviously, that is the last thing we want, as we all should support this and want it to be successful.

While the prime minister’s team could not give details on hard cost or a timeline for this initiative, they did say the government has allocated $25m over five years for the project.

This raises some concern because that number seems far too low when considering all the moving parts if the programme is done the right way and is the product of a few ministries working together. Apart from initial setup costs - maintenance, security and insurance - all

can cause the government’s expenses to dwarf what they’ve allocated for this undertaking.

Certainly, we would suggest further consideration in that regard if we are to witness a rejuvenation of Over-the-Hill’s bygone era.

Additionally, if we consider the electorate’s penchant to elect one-term governments, when both sides meet to debate the Nassau Over-the-Hill Rejuvenation Bill at the start of the next fiscal year, it would be most productive if fair criticisms are given by the Opposition and there is an openness to balanced objection by the government. Mudslinging and politicking will only serve to diminish the importance of what we hope the prime minister is trying to achieve – making lives better for the people in the inner city communities.

With that in mind, there has to be a bipartisan approach to ensure the long-term benefits of this plan can be achieved regardless of who is in government.

Indubitably, fear of displacement and being priced out of these areas may increase as a result of the government’s investment and the tax incentives that land owners can potentially take advantage of. But without a clear understanding of the various protections that will be included in the bill, we can only speculate.

Indeed, we can be assured the public will not be quiet if the self-proclaimed “people’s government” were to allow the people of the community to become displaced.

There will most likely be competing interests in this regard – the government, the residents and the people who own the land.

That being said, it will be essential for all factions to be active participants in any form of public consultation made available.

Constituents of Bain and

Grants Town should be becoming well-versed in all of the various implications of this plan so they can ensure they are holding their local MP Travis Robinson accountable. This will be a tall order for the young politician who has to earn his bones among his colleagues in government, but also represent the best interests of his constituents.

While we acknowledge the government’s need to be accountable and transparent, we must also recognise there is a great need for citizens to be responsible and exhibit a sense of pride. Certainly, we can do a better job of taking care of our country.

For instance, many of us have traversed the island and see that pollution is a huge problem. Especially driving through the inner city, the environmental conditions are not only indicative of the government’s failings to preserve history, but also the people that live there. Rather than waiting on the government to fix the issues, the members of these communities have to have the intrinsic sense of pride that creates a desire to make their community better.

The good book teaches us that “faith without works is dead”. Likewise, regardless of how much we cry shame on the government for not coming to our rescue, it is no excuse for us not being prepared to rescue ourselves.

For these communities that have such a rich and vibrant history, it is also their responsibility to protect it and ensure its preservation for future generations.When the opportunity arises for the public’s voice to be heard on this, we expect there to be fiery debate among civic society, political factions, but most importantly – we hope to see members of the community wellinformed and representing themselves.

PAGE 8 MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

A surprising display of vision and imagination

By FREDERICK SMITH QC

of own economic pie.

Either way, we absolutely must bring an end to the current situation in which the citizenry of this country is forced to stand on the sidelines, settling for basic jobs while foreign-owned hotels, casinos, restaurants, souvenir franchises – all of which capitalise on our sun, sand and sea – enjoy tax benefits in their home country and favouritism here, as they make money hand over fist and promptly ship it all out of the country.

All in all though, the CEB is a great start, a pleasantly surprising breath of fresh air and an impressive display of vision and imagination. Along with FNM government’s other revolutionary moves – the Anti-Corruption Bill, Code of Conduct for Ministers, tax-free zones for inner cities, an overarching Environmental Protection Act, etc – it hopefully signals the beginning of a fundamental and much-needed real change for The Bahamas.

NEVER mind the naysayers. The progressive spirit behind the Commercial Enterprises Bill (CEB) is exactly what our stagnant, suffocating economy needs right now.

Like several other initiatives either already in the works or which have been foreshadowed by the Minnis administration, this game-changing Bill signals the arrival of a government with the potential to truly transform this country for the better.

In a nutshell, the Bill will make it easier to start and grow businesses, thereby attracting more economic activity to the country and creating jobs, new wealth and – crucially – new cutting-edge skillsets for countless Bahamians. If applied fairly and transparently, it will put The Bahamas on the map as a global hub for several exciting new industries.

A doomed system For decades, we have been sold the fool’s gold of stingy protectionism; told the way to enrich and empower Bahamians is to jealously guard our economy from foreign interlopers. Almost half a century later, what do we have to show for it?

While a small, politically connected elite has managed to enrich itself and a modest middle class struggles to make ends meet, the majority of Bahamians still continue to suffer daily hardship. Few see any chance that their circumstances will improve and new employment opportunities are increasingly hard to come by. In truth, this system was always doomed to fail and the evolution the CEB represents has been a long time coming.

In its original form, the Bill did contain one glaring deficiency: While it would undoubtedly have led to an injection of economic activity from foreign investors along with all the spin-off benefits for Bahamians, the first Bill would not have privileged local investors.

With the recent amendment allowing Bahamians to receive the full benefits of the Bill with no minimum investment, this key weakness has been eliminated.

It has been argued that the $250,000 minimum investment for foreigners is too low, but I disagree – particularly in light of the considerable advantage

The elephant in the room

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the SLS Lux soft opening at Baha Mar. His government’s Commercial Enterprises Bill seeks to boost the economy and kickstart investment.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff go hand in hand, as dozens a particular category where now enjoyed by Bahapeople and allow them to mians who can invest as of cases in the developed Bahamians already have benefit from the CEB, the little or as much as they world attest. Of course, this a company, any prospec- government must also do see fit. The overall point has not always been true tive foreign investor should away with the Exchange is to encourage as much in every case and tales of be required to enter into Control regulations which capital flow into businesses shameful foreign exploita- a joint-venture with the prevent Bahamians from local concern, as opposed tapping into the literally as possible, from foreign- tion do exist.

But in general, accord- to competing with them billions of dollars just siters and Bahamians alike, thereby injecting new and ing to extensive research, directly. ting in the foreign banks At the same time, the headquartered here. This much-needed life into the the citizenry in open economies enjoy greater government should move could be lent to local entreeconomy. prosperity, have more polit- to dismantle its oppressive preneurs at a very low ical and civil liberties, and anti-business bureaucracy interest rate for venture The good life As expected, the pur- live longer lives. They have – all the obstacles, hurdles capital opportunities. Bahaveyors of doom and gloom more say in how they live and red tape that currently mians should also be able to warn us a tsunami of for- and more opportunities to encumber efforts to set up own foreign currency bank eigners will flood the generate wealth for them- businesses, companies and accounts and boost their country, drowning Bahami- selves and their families. joint-ventures. It should financial assets by investing ans in economic and social The Free National Move- be easy for Bahamians in overseas stock markets. misery. But where is the ment government is to be to get into business, and Exchange Control is a evidence to support this? commended for its vision we should be allowed to major hurdle to citizen parCurrently, The Bahamas and courage in giving our partner with anyone they ticipation in the economy. ranks 54th in the world in country a chance to join this wish, from anywhere in the It has been a key factor in terms of economic free- elite club and reap the ben- world. the unfortunate scenario The CEB will impact spe- whereby the tourism indusdom (essentially, ease of efits accordingly. cific cutting-edge industries try, the main economic doing business). Countries that top the list – Ireland, A step in the right direction such as nano-technology, driver for the country, If there is to be any criti- biomedical industries and is totally dominated by Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, cism of the Bill at all, it bioinformatics and analyt- international companies.

Austria, for example – also is that it doesn’t go far ics. This is commendable, Bahamians have had their top global “quality of life” enough. For one thing, but if The Bahamas is truly own economic potential while the amended version to become known around artificially capped while at rankings.

Opening up an economy does give a distinct advan- the world as a centre for the same time being pretechnologies, vented from even owning does not necessarily lead tage to Bahamian investors emerging to locals being displaced by over foreigners, the govern- the list could be expanded shares in the major hotels foreigners after all. More ment could and should do to include industries like here. Meanwhile, they have often than not, economic even more to protect local robotics, artificial intel- seen the red carpet rolled and crucially, out for one foreign hotel growth and social progress businesses. For example, in ligence renewable energies and company after the next – alternative fuels.

The concessions, free crown Bahamas could become land, casino taxes waived. the Silicon Valley of the If bringing an immediate Caribbean and benefit tre- end to Exchange Control is mendously from both the a bridge too far, in the short technology created here term the government should and the cutting-edge skills amend the law to require transfer to Bahamians. large foreign investors to register publicly-traded Economic potential held companies on the Bahamas hostage stock exchange (BISX) so To truly liberate the that Bahamians can buy economic potential of our shares and thereby a piece

There remains of course, one very conspicuous elephant in the room, whose looming shadow darkens an otherwise bright outlook.

Even as it opens the economy for the benefit of locals and foreigners alike, this FNM quite paradoxically insists on continuing to persecute, abuse, victimise, alienate, hunt and destroy the lives of thousands upon thousands of people born in The Bahamas who have a constitutional right to be registered as citizens.

These individuals cannot get the immigration status owed to them by this country because of the inefficiencies and corruption at the Immigration Department. As a result, they cannot get a legal job, business licence, National Insurance card or bank account. Nor can they get a marriage licence, birth certificates for their children, access to public school, even cable or telephone service. They are, without question, economic and social outcasts in their own country.

This shameful reality has always been swept under the rug, conveniently hidden from view while an entire category of individuals with a birthright in this country, who have broke no laws, are routinely lumped in with those who entered the country illegally. The result has been the creation of an economic underclass, the members of which are forced to survive by whatever means necessary and suffer all manner of degradation and injustice imaginable on a daily basis.

Indeed they are treated with less respect than foreigners. Under the former PLP administration, an official policy was adopted to deny these children the right to attend public school. And so earlier this year, when the prime minister made his gracious and humane offer to educate the displaced children of Dominica, there was the very real possibility of foreign students being educated ahead of children born right here in The Bahamas. It is hard to imagine anything more perverse!

Thankfully, the FNM government has declared this reprehensible policy null and void. We ask them, in the spirit of the CEB, to go further and declare that all individuals born in The Bahamas, as Citizens in Waiting, have a right to fully participate not just in public education, but also in the economy. In the name of true economic freedom and openness, allow these unfairly marginalised individuals to contribute their skills, expertise and enthusiasm to a growing and reinvigorated economy.

Give them the tools necessary to reap the rewards of their labour and ideas, while creating new businesses and jobs to the ultimate benefit of all who call The Bahamas home.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017 PAGE 9

Comply or else: The EU blacklist World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

T

HE Council of the European Union (CEU) published its much anticipated ‘List of non co-operative jurisdictions for tax purposes’ on December 5.

This particular EU blacklist refers more particularly to what they have described as “Base Erosion and Profit Shifting” (BEPS). It is aimed particularly at companies that enjoy low or no tax status because they are offshore entities, or they operate in a special free trade zone where taxes are not paid, or they are foreign-owned and are given tax concessions not provided to similar domestic operations.

Many of the countries on the list, which includes Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, either cried-out in astonishment or disbelief. But not one of them asked what gives the Council of the EU the right to put any country on a blacklist and to impose sanctions on them for non-compliance with a European Union created criteria on taxation.

Among the countries that immediately reacted was Panama whose President, Juan Carlos Varela, said: “This is a regrettable decision. We feel this is an unfair measure.”

He has recalled his Ambassador to the EU for consultations. The Government of the United Arab Emirates was more submissive, saying: “We will continue to work with our international partners on this issue, and are confident that we will be recognised as an internationally compliant partner at the EU’s next review.”

In the Caribbean, Barbados’ Minister of International Business Donville Inniss also said his country’s listing is “extremely unfortunate and unfair”. He went on to make the point that “when these kind of lists and reports are picked up by other groupings and organisational bodies, including financial institutions”, they could have deleterious effects on investment.

But no one questioned the authority of 28 European countries alone to decide tax standards for the rest of the world, although Innis is reported to have said he would be calling on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to lead regional dialogue on such matters, as the region continued to come under “scrutiny and attacks” from multinational organisations.

Sven Giegold, the financial and economic policy spokesperson of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament described the EU list as “a whitewashed blacklist of tax havens”. Correctly, he said: “Not one of the most important tax havens has been put on the list”. And added: “The list is politically biased as relevant financial centres like the United States of America are missing.”

Giegold is correct that “relevant financial centres like the United States” do not appear on it. But, EU countries can best flex their considerable collective muscle on small countries; they have skilfully avoided taking on the giants to whom their actions would be a flea on an elephant’s back.

Nonetheless, EU countries are acting in their own interest. They can’t be blamed for that. Blame has always rested squarely with the jurisdictions that have allowed the EU to dictate terms for taxation standards. Repeated calls to take this matter to where it rightly belongs – the United Nations General Assembly where all countries are represented - have fallen on deaf ears.

Therefore, in its 38-page blacklisting document, the EU could say it “welcomes the fact that most of these jurisdictions have chosen to participate in this process and dialogue”. Most of the jurisdictions did just that, depriving themselves of any leg to stand on when they protest in the wake of being named on the blacklist.

Indeed, the Council of the EU is so emboldened by the acquiescence of “most of the jurisdictions”

PANAMANIAN President Juan Carlos Varela during a visit to Beijing, China, in November. He called the EU blacklisting “an unfair measure”.

Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP could hurricanes a few have been harmed them. But, regional that it has included “tax countries. That avoidance” among the range from cutting off given breathing space. So, solidarity fractured as, matters they regard as “of loans and aid to applying Anguilla, Antigua and Bar- one after the other and crucial importance” to the sanctions such as with- buda, Bahamas, British under enormous exterfight against “the erosion drawing banking facilities. Virgin Islands Dominica, St nal pressure, each country Further, the euphemisti- Kitts-Nevis and Turks and complied. Their offshore of (EU) member states’ tax base”. Tax avoidance cally-described “defensive Caicos Islands have been businesses and free trade is not a crime and is, and measures” the Council pro- put on notice that concerns zones withered and they always has been, legitimate poses to the EU member about them will have to lost jobs and revenue, but in tax planning. But, the states are not limited to the be resolved by the end of they thought they had no EU Council now include it tax area; it could include EU next year. Scrutinising them choice then. It is unlikely to in their criteria for naming legislative acts in non-tax begins in February. be any different now.

They will all be lining-up countries that it does not areas in the future. These • Responses and previous non-tax areas have not been to comply, notwithstanding commentaries: regard as cooperative. www.sirDonville Innis’ view that ronaldsanders.com The EU document defined or limited.

In the tax area, the CARICOM should estabcontains language and measures” lish a high-level regional instructions to its member “defensive The writer is Antigua and states that demonstrates include: reversal of the team of experts to engage Barbuda’s Ambassador to its readiness to exercise its burden of proof, with- with external parties on the US and the OAS. He is power. For instance, it says holding tax measures and behalf of the region. also a senior fellow at the documentation That was tried in 2000, EU countries should take special Institute of Commonwealth when the OECD – firmly into account their “foreign requirements.

Studies at the University Other Caribbean coun- pushed by the EU – created policy, economic relations of London and Massey and development co- tries are not spared its blacklist of countries College in the University Because of they claimed were engagoperation” when deal- attention. of Toronto. The views year’s devastating ing in tax competition that ing with blacklisted this expressed are his own.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017

INSIGHT

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDG

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCAT ANTHONY RAMTULLA, right, with BTVI president Dr Robert W Robertson receiving the 2016-2017 Faculty Excellence Award.

MEET MR MOTIVATOR ANTHONY Ramtulla inspires his students to go beyond ordinary.

According to 2016 graduate of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Gerrard Russell, the information technology (IT) instructor helped to awaken the sleeping giant within him.

“He kicked me into gear.

He motivated me to be better than average. I have never met anyone like him.

At BTVI, it’s not the old desk and book system. It’s more of an exploration of learning,” said the young man, who is now a student at Fanshawe College in Canada.

Current IT management student Dion Mackey agrees, saying Mr Ramtulla has made the classroom environment conducive to learning.

“His teaching method is different. Instead of giving us the fish, he teaches us to fish. He would give us the basic concept and then an assignment. That caused us to think critically. He

challenged us. He didn’t spoon feed us,” said Dion.

Mr Ramtulla played an integral role in Dion spending two semesters at Fanshawe College as an exchange student on an Emerging Leaders in Americas Program (ELAP) scholarship. He has since returned to BTVI to complete his degree.

“That Internet Web Foundations class I took with Mr Ramtulla prepared me for the basic programming class at Fanshawe. I was one of the best students in that class at Fanshawe. Mr Ramtulla makes me look at things from a critical eye,” said Dion.

In May, Mr Ramtulla was awarded for being a model of excellence.

BTVI’s president, Dr Robert W. Robertson, bestowed upon him the 2016-2017 Faculty Excellence Award.

Dr Robertson said Mr Ramtulla typifies the instructor/mentor model.

The outstanding instructor also received a student evaluation average of 90 percent.

Infact, if anyone ever walked into a class taught

by Mr Ramtulla, one of the noticeable things is the energy he exudes. He

knows his subject well and is passionate about it.

Baha Mar’s Service Desk Technician Level 1, Mystique Stevenson, credits Mr Ramtulla for helping her solve IT issues even to this day.

“He embedded in us to keep it simple. That by far has been the one thing that has helped me a lot with troubleshooting problems that I come across in my work,” said the 2016 IT Management graduate, who also received her CompTia Network+ and CompTia A+ certifications while at BTVI. “You could ask him anything IT related and he would give you a sensible answer. He has such vast knowledge in his field,” stated Mystique.

Mr Ramtulla’s knowledge landed him as a presenter at the international Global Universities in Distance Education (GUIDE) Conference held this past February in Florida. The conference was jointly organized by the GUIDE Association and the University of Phoenix, Central Florida. His research paper was on the Impact and Potential of Online Training on Technical and Vocational (Career) Education in The Bahamas.

Mr Ramtulla has been in The Bahamas for 18 years, having taught at BTVI for the past 11 years. However, his teaching background goes

back 20 years ago when he was a post graduate student at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He taught A Level Physics and landed the position as Head of Department at the age of 21.

During his tenure thus far at BTVI, Mr Ramtulla has busied himself in ensuring he churns out the best and brightest in the IT field. He is leading BTVI in maintaining and expanding international IT certifications in Microsoft and Cisco.

“I have a very simple philosophy,” said the nononsense instructor. ‘If you come here and you’re trying, we will do our best to support you and prop you up. Have an inquisitive mind and we will try to get you there. We don’t waste time.”

Questioned as to what continues to motivate him to come to BTVI every day, he is quick to answer: “The challenge. The excitement. The new things. If you enjoy what you do, you never work another day in your life.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2017, PAGE 11

‘GIVE A LITTLE’ TO FEED THE 5,000 THIS CHRISTMAS from page one

AML Foods has been the driving force in raising and has set a target of $100,000 to hel; BFN put food on the tables of families who might otherwise go hungry during the Christmas holidays.

BFN aims to provide 5,000 parcels of food complete with a picnic ham, one whole chicken, two cans of peas, two cans of vegetables, a five-pound bag of rice and a bag of stuffing.

The package will comfortably feed a family of four.

AML Foods has already pledged $20,000 to the feeding fund to jumpstart the initiative. However, Mr Smith said while the campaign to feed 5,000

families has been “going well” to date, BFN still welcomes any and all support.

“I just want everyone to just do their best to help with this needy cause,” Mr Smith said. “These persons who will get these food parcels are very needy and deserving, and we feel that no one should go hungry at Christmas.”

He added: “I think we could do a lot to help with a lot of these social issues we are confronted with in the country; crime, and all the other social issues if we just give a little of what we have, our time, our talent, our treasure to helping those in need.

“And I think that could go a long way in helping the country.”

The campaign started in AML Food’s eight stores

SOME of those taking part in the campaign to provide 5,000 parcels of food. can paron November 17, allow- customers by texting ing customers to donate ticipate $40 holiday meal packages FEEDAML to 2648 to in full or contribute to the make a donation.

BFN’s team of volmake-up of a package at unteers prepares and the checkout counter.

In Nassau, participating distributes more than 2,200 stores include Solomon’s meals weekly in an ongoing Fresh Market, Cost Right campaign to help the poor Wholesale, Solomon’s and hungry. The organiSuper Centre and Solo- sation does so with the assistance of 120 various mon’s Yamacraw store.

In Grand Bahama, soup kitchens, churches donations can be made at and feedings organisaSolomon’s locations there tions located throughout and Cost Right Wholesale New Providence, Grand Bahama and some Family Freeport.

Meanwhile, Aliv Islands.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Monday, December 11, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ABOVE and below, youngsters from Woodcock Primary during the Junior Junkanoo parade.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff CLOCKWISE from above, performers in the Mt Carmel parade during Junior Junkanoo.

Tourism numbers jump by a third from page one The growth of bookings in October, the ministry said, has consequently resulted in a

“bright booking situation” for November 2017 to January 2018, which it said is ahead by 16.6 percent.

Additionally, the ministry said bookings from “top source markets” such as the United States,

Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Germany are ahead more than 15 percent.

Brazil joins the major feeder markets, the ministry added, as the bookings for arrivals between November 2017 and January 2018 grew by over 80 percent.

The press release also said that as a result of a “robust co-op marketing campaign” with Expedia - the largest producer of online bookings for The Bahamas - the country yielded 263,000 air tickets, an increase in 14.7 percent year-over-year and 250,000 room nights, a nine percent increase year-over-year.

The release said the “uptick” in visitor arrivals represent a “significant

change in direction” from last year’s numbers, as arrivals at that time would have been ultimately impacted

by Hurricane Matthew, a category five storm.

The ministry said as part of its post-hurricane efforts, a Bahamas.com story, directly addressing why consumers should travel to The Bahamas now and what they should know, was promoted across various digital platforms ensuring the ‘open for business’ story was visible in Google searches, Facebook feeds and news sites like CNN. Once potential visitors are motivated to book, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s partnerships with Expedia as well as TripAdvisor converted “that inspiration into sales,” the statement said.

“The Ministry of Tourism has been working very aggressively to promote our destination in the past months in spite of the very serious challenge of hurricanes in our region and across some of our most important international markets,” Ministry of Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu said.

“We have gone directly to the editors at Travel + Leisure, USA Today and Miami Herald, among others, with post-hurricane updates and new developments for The Bahamas; we have produced informative, online content targeted directly at our key audiences; and driven effective marketing partnerships with Expedia and TripAdvisor,” Ms Jibrilu continued.

“This nimble digital execution is helping us drive change and support our industry partners across the country.”

The aforementioned statistics are the results of the ministry’s utilisation of the “new digital tool” Forward Keys.

Ahead of 2018, the ministry said it plans to continue “harvesting” the aforementioned “crucial data” to help inform “strategy for reaching target audiences with the right messages, and amplifying these messages to continue to attract visitors to the islands of The Bahamas.”

The statement also said it has named Tambourine as its new advertising and digital agency of record.

Tambourine will work with the ministry on digital and social media strategy, content marketing and advertising in North and Latin America.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2017, PAGE 13

Junior Junkanoo

ABOVE and below, the Discovery Learning Centre during the Junior Junkanoo parade.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

YOUNGSTERS from TG Glover school, above, during the Junior Junkanoo.

A FOREST Heights Academy drummer in action.

ABOVE and below, performers from Forest Heights Academy.

ATLANTIC College Junkanooers.

PAGE 14, Monday, December 11, 2017

MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL FIVE IN ONE DAY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was arraigned in Magistrates Court on Friday over allegations he attempted to murder five people in one day earlier this month.

Iking Jahvavtore Stubbs, 25, of McKinney Crest, stood before Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with five counts of attempted murder stemming from a December 5 incident.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Stubbs attempted to murder Trevor Stubbs, Karesia Darling, Bernard Smith, Danyel Stubbs and Jamal Bethel.

According to police reports, shortly before 9pm on the day in question, police received reports that three men were in the area of a park on Nicholls Court in Yellow Elder Gardens, when they were approached by a male armed with a firearm who shot them before fleeing.

The victims were taken to hospital where they were said to be in hospital in stable condition.

Stubbs was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to February 27, 2018, for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in the interim.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

TWO CHARGED OVER ROBBERIES AT GUNPOINT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were arraigned Friday over allegations they robbed three people of nearly $9,000 worth of items and cash at gunpoint within a three-day span earlier this month.

Luther Saunders Jr, 22, of Malcolm Road and Charlton Saunders, 24, of Nassau Village, both stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes over four counts of armed robbery and two counts of receiving.

Luther Saunders was further charged with one count of robbery stemming

from allegations he robbed a woman of a car worth $30,000.

It is alleged that on December 1, 2017, while concerned together and armed with a black handgun, they robbed a man of a four-door Toyota Vitz worth $7,000, a brown Land wallet worth $50, a NIB smart-card worth $10, a Bahamian driver’s licence worth $25, a Sports Centre discount card worth $25, and $20 cash.

It is further alleged that on December 4, while concerned together and armed with a black handgun, the two robbed another individual of a black Samsung

S8 plus cellphone worth $800 and a black Samsung S8 edge cellphone worth $400.

It is further alleged that on December 4, they also robbed a woman at gunpoint of a gold chain worth $250 and a silver anklet worth $50. It is also alleged on that same date, the two robbed another man of a dark grey LG G4 phone worth $350 and $13 cash.

They two also received a four-door Toyota Vitz between December 1 and 4, and also received an LG G4 cell phone plus $13 cash on December 4, knowing the same to have been obtained or appropriated

by an offence, the prosecution maintains.

Luther Saunders was further charged by himself with one count of robbery.

It is alleged that on October 30, while concerned with another, he robbed a woman of a 2016 Honda Civic worth $30,000.

They were not required to enter a plea to any of the charges and their matter was adjourned to February 26, 2018 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Luther Saunders’ separate case was adjourned to February 27, 2018, after he elected to have his matter

MAN, 22, ACCUSED OF RAPE OF GIRL, AGED 11

WOMAN IN $64,000 FRAUD CASE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was arraigned in Magistrates Court over allegations she defrauded CIBC First Caribbean (FCIB) of over $64,000 within a two month span.

Roxianna Deveaux, 41, of Sisal Road, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes on Friday over eight counts each of fraud, possession of a forged document and uttering a forged document.

It is alleged that between April 3 and May 30 of this year, she fraudulently obtained $64,651 in cash from CIBC FCIB. It is further alleged that between March 30 and May 30 of this year, she both uttered and possessed numerous forged CIBC FCIB cheques drawn on the account of Sunsplash Events Limited and made them payable to multiple persons.

Deveaux pled not guilty to all of the charges. The matter was adjourned to February 26, 2018, for trial.

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 22-year-old man was arraigned in Magistrates Court over allegations he had unlawful sexual intercourse with an 11-year-old girl earlier this month.

Jeremy Petitfrere, of Yellow Elder Gardens, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes on one count of unlawful sexual intercourse stemming from the alleged incident on December 3.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to February 27, 2018 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in the interim.

heard in the Supreme Court.

They were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in the interim.

Prior to being escorted out of the court room however, their attorney Glendon Rolle told the magistrate his clients had been beaten by police and requested they both be afforded the opportunity to seek medical attention.

The deputy chief magistrate noted Mr Rolle’s submissions before both of the accused were ultimately escorted out of the court room.

JEREMY Petitfrere outside court on Friday.

ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RE: IHCL -018 LAUNDRY MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas is requesting competitive proposals for Laundry Management Services from qualified parties to provide laundry services to its Resort.

The principle objective of this RFP is to acquire quality services from the most responsive and responsible bidders who comply with the required specifications, terms and conditions and have the capacity to deliver.

The interested party, which will be responsible for the management and operations of the laundry plant, must clearly and specifically indicate the services offered by providing sufficient descriptive literature, pictures, and samples (if requested) to enable the Resort to determine if the services offered meets the requirements of the solicitation.

Our service needs include the following:1. Managing and operating the laundry plant; 2. Utilizing our current facility to sort, wash, dry and iron linen; 3. Transporting linen to the Resort; 4. Conducting quality checks of products and providing recommendations to management as needed.

5. Ensuring the necessary linen poundage is provided to support the Resort’s needs, based on occupancy.

6. Reporting any malfunctioning of equipment.

7. Providing the required labor to carry out the requested services.

8. Maintaining a safe and clean work environment.

Interested parties may submit their questions and Proposals by email only (no phone calls) to: Patrice L. Carroll – Director of Purchasing via email: patrice.carroll@atlantisparadise.com (DF55)

The deadline for submission of the RFP is December 18, 2017