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VOLUME:117 No.41, JANUARY 22ND, 2020
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
ALICIA WALLACE: STIR POT TO GET CHANGE WE NEED
SET THEM FREE Minnis backs jail release for ‘small’ marijuana users By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net DECLARING that Bahamian marijuana users should not be considered criminals, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he supports releasing from prison those convicted for having small amounts of the drug once the proper reforms and legal mechanisms are enacted. Dr Minnis made a strong case yesterday for reformation, saying not only have laws led to convictions of Bahamians using the plant for religious, personal and medical reasons, but has caused unnecessary confrontations between police and citizens. The situation he said has left “good” people burdened with criminal records that have made travel and finding work challenging. He
also reiterated his support for expunging the records of those convicted for possessing small amounts of the drug. The prime minister made the comments yesterday as the Bahamas National Marijuana Commission presented its preliminary report after several delays and the leak of an early version of the BNMC’s findings and recommendations. The report was not made public yesterday, with officials telling The Tribune it would have to be presented to Cabinet first and then tabled at Parliament. “The analysis and information contained within this report will help guide the policy decisions my government will take,” Dr Minnis said yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister on West Bay Street.
SEE PAGE SEVEN
NIB RATE MAY RISE TO COVER DEFICITS
SEE PAGE THREE
THE Shell Saxons Superstars have emerged as the official winner of the 2019 Boxing Day parade after a penalty reversal, according to a group official. This pushed the Valley Boys, the original winner, into second place. Questions had swirled across social media about shifting results. Kendenique Campbell-Moss, co-chair of the Saxons, confirmed
yesterday that the official results were disclosed to Junkanoo officials during a meeting on Monday night where a report by the Independent Review Committee (IRC) was presented. The Saxons had placed second in the unofficial tally, followed by Genesis, One Family and the Roots. The Saxons also won the New Year’s Day parade. Dion Miller, head of the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence, could SEE PAGE FIVE
By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net
ELECTIVE surgeries at Princess Margaret Hospital have once again been cancelled due to overcrowding at the public hospital, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands revealed yesterday. The decision to temporarily suspend elective procedures was made on Monday, according to Dr Sands, who noted yesterday the hospital has been challenged with overcrowding compounded by shortages of beds and nurses. “A major issue at PMH right now includes the challenge of getting people into beds. The knock on effect is the impact on surgery, because if you have
ALL CHANGE AS SAXONS LAND JUNKANOO CROWN By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
BED CRISIS FORCE PMH TO CANCEL OPS AGAIN
By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking yesterday as the Bahamas National Marijuana Commission presented its preliminary report Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
CHINA VIRUS MONITORING STEPPED UP By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
LOCAL health officials have heightened surveillance for a new coronavirus, a deadly respiratory infection, that has spread from China to the United States. The virus has sickened more than 400 people in Asia and killed nine, according to international reports. The first US case was announced yesterday. Health Minister
MINISTER: Dr Duane Sands Dr Duane Sands said a diagnostic test for the coronavirus is available locally.
He also said there had been some adjustments, such as increasing surveillance for virus symptoms and flagging individuals who travelled from China to do secondary inspections to determine if these person are showing signs of the coronavirus. The minister added: “At this point, it’s just information sharing about how people present, what symptoms they have, how do you
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FIVE
THE government has not yet made a decision on whether National Insurance Board contribution rates will increase, Public Service and National Insurance Minister Brensil Rolle said yesterday. “I can’t say that directly (that there’s going to be an increase in NIB) because what has happened now is an audit is being done and it is not yet been released,” he told reporters outside Cabinet yesterday. “I have not had an opportunity to speak to my colleagues about it so I cannot tell you that it’s going to increase. SEE PAGE TWO
TECHNOLOGY
CEO: REGULATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
NIB RATE MAY RISE TO COVER DEFICITS from page one
“There was a preliminary report that suggested that there needs to be an increase, but that has happened every year since probably five years ago, but that is a decision that will be made by the government.” His comments to the press came days after NIB chairman Troy Smith told a local media outlet he
expected NIB’s actuarial audit, once complete, to provide recommendations to the government that contribution rates will have to be increased. Speaking on the matter yesterday, Mr Rolle could not say whether the government plans to follow these expected recommendations. However, he also did not dismiss the possibility of NIB rates increasing in the future.
“The critical issue is what benefits you want to get and if the actuaries are saying that the fund is going to run out or the fund is going to have some issues and then that possibility exists,” he added. “But again, I don’t want to jump the gun because I have not seen the report and I cannot say anything about that until the government has had the opportunity to look at it.
MINISTER Brensil Rolle
“...We’ve got to carefully consider what benefits we’re offering and the benefits are related to what contributions are made.” According to Mr Rolle, the audit is expected to be completed within the “next two or three months”. Asked how secure the NIB fund is, the minister replied: “…Well, you have got to take into context that two of our major pillars are now down – Abaco
and Grand Bahama —and therefore, contributions will decrease significantly because of the impact of the hurricane on the fund. “And the fact that scores of individuals will not be contributing to the fund and we have to pay out these benefits (like) unemployment assistance etc to individuals impacted by the storm.” Editorial View - Page 4
Foulkes concern with ratio of foreign workers at Pointe
OVERSEAS workers seen leaving The Pointe earlier this month. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Labour Dion Foulkes said yesterday the government “is very disappointed” with the disproportionate ratio of Bahamians to foreign workers at The Pointe’s construction site and is currently in talks with its management to resolve the issue. Speaking outside Cabinet yesterday, he told reporters: “I could say based on our figures, and I have confidence in our officers, that we are not pleased with the Bahamian component
at The Pointe. I think the percentages are around 30 percent to 70 percent in favour of non-Bahamians. It is supposed to be the exact opposite. “We have been in talks with the management of the Pointe and their explanation is that they have some 22 Bahamian sub-contractors working at The Pointe and they are including those numbers (and) the employees that work for those 22 sub contractors as part of the Bahamian component.” In the Heads of Agreement between China Construction America (CCA), The Pointe’s
developer, and the government, it states that 70 percent of the workers must be Bahamian, while 30 percent should be foreign. Earlier this month, Labour Director John Pinder told The Tribune there were 264 foreign labourers to 90 Bahamian workers at site. His comments came days after The Tribune did a head count of foreigners leaving the Bay Street construction site, estimating more than 200 Chinese labourers walking from the area to their accommodations across the street. According to Mr Foulkes,
Pointe officials have since defended those numbers, claiming that the number of Bahamian workers at the construction site is “much higher” than what has been reported. “Their argument is (it) depends on when you come and depends on what the project is, the Bahamian component is much higher whether you come in the morning or the evening,” he said yesterday. “Like for example, they’re doing their swimming pools now, so they have a major Bahamian sub-contractor there working on the pools and so,
MINISTER Dion Foulkes they’re accounting all of the Bahamians that are working on the water system and the pool system as part of the Bahamian component.
“They’re saying that we don’t factor that in.” Still, Mr Foulkes said the matter will be under “active consideration.” “We’re sitting down with them and we are talking with them. We did a survey as early as last week and it is not something we are pleased with. Their figures conflict with our figures and it is something that we are trying to work out... it is something that is under active consideration,” he added. Construction on the $200 million development is expected to finish in the second quarter of this year.
THE TRIBUNE By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday hit back at the Official Opposition over its criticisms of government’s handling of research geared toward the decriminalisation of marijuana. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Dr Minnis said the previous Christie administration had done nothing when it had the chance to support marijuana reform. A day after a version of the Bahamas National Marijuana Commission’s preliminary report was leaked last month, Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis criticised some of the recommendations, saying more work needed to be done by the commission before the nation moves to decriminalise the drug.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, PAGE 3
‘PLP did nothing to support drug reform’ Mr Davis also noted that the country needed to take a “responsible approach” to the decriminalisation of marijuana. Dr Minnis said: “Regrettably, an incomplete version of this report was leaked. We now have a full report. The leader of the opposition knows full well and ought to know that protecting the integrity of an ongoing and incomplete inquiry is the proper way a government should function and is in no way an attempt to avoid transparency.
“Indeed the commission’s official findings will be made public and the report will be discussed in the public domain. We welcome the input of Bahamians as we make these long need changes to our marijuana laws. “There are those who say they support marijuana reform,” he continued. “When they were in office they did nothing. Yet, they have all manner of big talk despite their glaring failures to act when they had the opportunity to help
those burdened by criminal convictions for small amounts of marijuana possession. “The work of social justice is about action not about endless and empty talk from those who failed to act decisively when last in office. My government will make changes guided by this document and the views of Bahamians. “We will bring relief and hope to many Bahamians. The time has come.” The leaked report recommended the legalisation
of medicinal marijuana and the decriminalisation for possession of up to one ounce of the drug. It also recommended that recreational cannabis be permitted for adults over 21 years and medicinal cannabis for adults over 18; that a committee of people with knowledge of medicine determine who can cultivate cannabis for medicinal use; and those permitted would be allowed to cultivate up to five mature plants. Other recommendations
noted in the leaked report included a national educational campaign on the use of marijuana, the expungement of all police records regarding the possession of small amounts of cannabis and predominant Bahamian ownership in the cannabis industry. The report presented to the nation’s leader yesterday was not made public. Officials said it will first be presented to Cabinet and then tabled in the House of Assembly next week.
CO-CHAIRS Bishop Simeon Hall, left, and former Senior Assistant Commissioner Quinn McCartney, above, at yesterday’s press conference along with Priest Rithmond McKinney, right, from the Rastafarian community. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
Minnis backs jail release for ‘small’ marijuana users from page one “This report will be reviewed and considered within the context of our programme to expunge records for the use of small amounts of marijuana. “When I stepped forward and entered public life, I did so to help people, especially those who came from humble circumstances like myself. Our laws regarding possession of small amounts of marijuana have unfortunately led to the arrest, prosecution, conviction and punishment of countless Bahamians who use the plant for religious purposes, personal or medical reasons. “Our current marijuana prohibition causes unnecessary confrontations between police and citizens. I grew up and come from Over-the-Hill. I have seen first hand how our laws especially harm young people from modest backgrounds. “Many good Bahamians have been burdened with criminal records making travel to certain countries impossible and finding work extremely difficult. Reforming our marijuana laws and changing how we treat people with conviction of possession of small
amounts is a matter of social justice and fairness.” He continued: “It is the decent and moral thing to do. As a country we should not consider Bahamian marijuana users as criminals. I have publicly declared my position on this matter. I support decriminalisation of the possession of small amounts of marijuana and making it legal for medical and scientific use. I support expunging the records of Bahamians convicted of possession of small amounts of marijuana. They deserve to move on with their lives free and clear of the stigma of a criminal conviction. “Once our reform laws are passed and through proper legal mechanisms and procedures, I also support the release from prison for all those who are solely in prison for small amounts of marijuana.” While the report has been submitted to government, the commission’s work will continue, with Co-Chairs Bishop Simeon Hall and former Senior Assistant Commissioner Quinn McCartney explaining there were plans to conduct a scientific survey to gauge Bahamians’ feelings on marijuana use. “What we want to do as part of our work and part
of our mission is to codify the views of the Bahamian public. So we want to actually go out there and have a scientific survey conducted,” Mr McCartney told reporters following the presentation. “We have gone doorto-door, we have spoken to people one-on-one, we have spoken to people at town hall meetings, but we actually want to get it scientifically so that when we quote statistics and say a certain representative portion of the population said a particular thing it will hopefully be reflective of the views of the majority of Bahamians. We want to commission a group of
persons who are experts in this field to actually get the scientific survey for us.” However he could not give a definitive timeline regarding when this portion of the work will be complete. Bishop Hall added that he was pleased the with commission’s work. He noted that the body was able to fast track its work when compared to the protracted length of time it has taken other nations to complete a mandate of this kind. He said: “Mind you most nations in the Caribbean and states in the United States took up to three and four years to get to some
point. We did ours in 14 months at least preliminarily and so this is an ongoing process. It was rather ambitious to think we could complete something like this in 14 months. In fact at one point we were doing it from October to April and it couldn’t work and so this is an ongoing thing. “One thing the final report gives emphasis to is good education information. This is voluminous the information both sides pro and con. Sometimes you hear people speak and they only have one perspective but this is much information on both sides and I encourage Bahamians
to go in and search this information, see what this is all about and just read the information.” Speaking for the Rastafarian community, Priest Rithmond McKinney said this was a move in the right direction. “Our community over the years was talking about decriminalisation and expunging one’s records and what Rasta be going through over the years, the atrocities, so the prime minister’s statement is a win in the right direction. So, so far so good,” Priest McKinney said. Editorial View - Page 4
PAGE 4, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
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The slow revolution on marijuana AT long last, the slow-motion progress of the marijuana commission has seen Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis receive the preliminary report. It has been delayed seemingly forever and an early version was leaked, but finally a copy is in Dr Minnis’ hands. Not yours - the public release of the report must wait until it has been presented to Cabinet and tabled in Parliament - so just as Dr Minnis complained recently about politicians being unprepared to comment on the leaked report, so all of us do not have the advantage of reading the report to respond to Dr Minnis’ comments with the appropriate context. However, the first signs are good that change may be on its way. Releasing those from prison who have been convicted of small amounts of the drug is a good start – as wrong as they may have been for breaking the law, young lives need not be ruined over a small amount. Indeed, some even faced the prospect of court and prison for just being in the same car as a joint that they may not have known anything about. That kind of disruption of people’s lives does not seem like justice. Dr Minnis also clearly signalled reform of marijuana laws. That doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon - has anything in this marijuana commission process? - with now the commission co-chair talking about a door-to-door survey to find out people’s feelings on
marijuana use. We venture to suggest that the commission might have found the time in its long, drawn-out considerations to have done this already - but if they’re going to do it, get on with it so that Parliament has all the information it could need as it considers possible changes. We would also say that it is important to remember that making marijuana legal doesn’t necessarily make it wise. Just as you wouldn’t turn up drunk to work, neither should you turn up stoned. Just as with alcohol, use in moderation and in the right circumstances - or for those using it for medical reasons, use with the guidance of experts. Lifting the legal restrictions need not be an encouragement for people to try - just as removal of the excessive punishment for those who do. That said, it’s time to get on with consideration of these proposals. Table the document, and let the public see the report as quickly as possible – there’s no point knocking on doors for people’s views if you’re not giving them the information they need to give informed opinions. There are hazards ahead in this discussion - issues of age restrictions, who will get access to the new market as entrepreneurs, the relationship with the United States and so on - but the time has clearly come to have the debate. Now get on with it.
Tough decisions on NIB fund READERS would be entitled to raise an eyebrow - and possibly raise a voice too - at the prospect dangled in a story in today’s Tribune of an increase in National Insurance Board contribution rates. Minister Brensil Rolle has revealed that a preliminary report has suggested there needs to be an increase - though notes that such a suggestion has happened every year for five years and nothing has developed. That begs a few questions - not least about the state of NIB funds if repeated recommendations of an increase have not come to pass. As Mr Rolle acknowledges, the loss of contributions and the increase in payouts as a result of Hurricane Dorian’s impact on Abaco and Grand Bahama will have diminished the fund further too. Mr Rolle even mentions the prospect of actuaries perhaps saying that the fund is going to run out –before saying he doesn’t want to jump the gun. We would
hope not – that’s worrying talk if it isn’t backed up by the audit. So the question is – if the final report does recommend to the government that an increase should be made, will the government do it with voters already complaining about having to carry too high a burden? VAT has been increased by this government, and we are imminently about to start paying for a rate reduction bond for BPL to repay a loan that hasn’t even been taken out yet. Will Bahamians take another increase in payments? Or if an increase is needed, will it be punted down the line to avoid losing votes? The Prime Minister has previously said he would rather lose an election than lose the nation – the spectre of a diminished NIB fund is exactly the kind of decision that can tilt the balance of such an equation. We hope the increase will not be needed – for the nation’s sake – but if it is, we hope that politics will take a back seat to necessity.
Campaign financing should be published EDITOR, The Tribune CAMPAIGN financing is spending money to influence a political vote for a candidate or a referendum. Political parties and candidates need money to publish their platform, offer incentives to vote, and inflate their suitableness for political position. The aphorism whoever has the gold makes the rule is normative, globally and locally. To limit the influence of money to dictate the decision making process for who gets elected and what they do when in power is paramount. If the public knows who
is financing political parties or candidates it will increase confidence in the political process. A campaign financing system that will promote accountability and further provide transparency in the outline of partnerships will assist democracy.s1 A suggestion is a political party or candidate should be given no more than 60 days to submit a campaign financing report for the election period. A long time makes the whole process opaque. It makes it more likely fabricated information is submitted because more time is given for falsification. Politicians are not known to be impeccably
honest. The financing report is less relevant and will have less public scrutiny if too much time has elapsed since election. The election financing of candidates and political parties should be published in the newspapers and other media, especially for a general election. If meaningful campaign financing is not implemented the legitimacy of any elected official in the Bahamas will eventually come into question. Is the Bahamas running a Mickey Mouse democracy? BRIAN E PLUMMER Nassau January 18, 2020
Abortion on demand is just murder EDITOR, The Tribune I MUST commend The Tribune for its stellar job in engaging in investigative journalism. The recent exposé of unscrupulous Over-the-Hill pharmacies illegally selling the prescription abortion drug, Cytotec, to Bahamians, is another feather in the cap of the premier newspaper publication of The Bahamas. Abortion in The Bahamas is illegal. Consequently, well-to-do Bahamian women carrying unwanted babies typically run to the US, where abortion had been ruled legal by the Supreme Court in the infamous Roe v. Wade case in 1973, in order to terminate the life of their unborn babies. Pro-choice advocates argue that abortion is about women’s rights and healthcare, while callously ignoring the rights of the unborn. This can explain why unborn babies are given the scientific definition, fetuses. This lessens the guilt when the life of the defenceless child is ruthlessly terminated. Many of the abortion procedures are downright inhumane, conjuring up images of Auschwitz, Buchenwald and other Nazi concentration camps. Such acts are carried out in a matter-of-factly manner by some Bahamian women who simply don’t want to be encumbered with children, while ignoring the eternal ramifications for their actions. These
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net women are enjoying the sex but dread the prospects of rearing children. In other instances, there are school aged girls getting impregnated and are resorting to using Cytotec in order to avoid the stigma of being another teenage mother. While the Christian community recognises that there are extenuating circumstances in which an abortion is warranted, such as rape and difficulty at childbirth, we believe that the overwhelming majority of these abortions are based on convenience due to the false gospel of abortion on demand. Notwithstanding the noise in the market, Bahamians, by and large, subscribe to the traditional moral values of the JudeoChristian worldview, which argues that the life of every human being has intrinsic value, inclusive of unborn children, despite the encroachment of secular humanism in The Bahamas. According to the Bible, any sexual activity outside the boundary of heterosexual monogamous marriage is forbidden. Moreover, according to the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah, abortion is also prohibited. “Before I formed thee in the belly; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet
unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). I believe it was Francis Schaeffer and Dr C Everett Koop who stated in their Whatever Happened to the Human Race that each civilisation will be judged by future generations on how they treated their people. The Bahamas is no exception. The Bahamas Christian Council and the entire Christian community must make it painstakingly clear to the Free National Movement government that under no circumstances will abortion for convenience be tolerated. Bahamians need to stop attempting to emulate everything the US, Canada and other first world countries are doing. With some 54 millions abortions carried out since Roe v. Wade, the US, at some point, will be placed under divine judgment. With the regularisation of web shop gaming under the previous Progressive Liberal Party administration amid rumblings nowadays about same-sex unions, the Bahamas Christian Council has already ceded far too much territory to Bahamian leftists such as chronic letter-to-the-editor writers The Graduate, Simon Front Porch and Porcupine. We must fight tooth and nail any legislation that would seek to legalise the killing of innocent babies. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama January 20, 2020.
We must reduce CO2 emissions EDITOR, The Tribune SO SINGLE plastic bags and items are banned with brilliance we introduce a reusable bag of plastic material content you really think those bags are not going to be left on the beach or dropped into the water? Do they biodegrade? Then what do the environmentalists propose? We get rid of those bags which were the substitute for the old food store bags? Try again? A Talk Show host argued
this week…you don’t see the foodstore bags to the side of the street or on the beach or in the water to that extent. He may be onto something. We must care more for the environment…. Physical Planning Officers and Building Control and Health driving around have to see the side streets unlicensed garages…commercial vehicles parked in even fancy sub-divisions even broken down vehicles do they do anything? Environmental Health cleaned a
lot today and in a day filled right back up! Talk is cheap - Government is talking out of both sides of their mouth and up and down…they think this environmental push will gain them votes…haha what did they contract at BP&L not fossil fuel driven engines that will continue to pollute? We have to reduce CO2 emissions. J K SMITH Nassau January 9, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, PAGE 5
OFFICIALS STEP UP MONITORING OF CHINA VIRUS from page one
evaluate the patients, what steps should we take, etc. Bear in mind we have done training for Ebola, we’ve done training for Influenza, measles. “So, we live in a different world that we once used to live in….so on any given day patients can present with a number of different contagious diseases.” The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported on its website that it is closely monitoring developments around a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. “Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in close to 440 confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally,” the CDC said. “The
first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. There are ongoing investigations to learn more.” Symptoms of the virus are respiratory problems, difficulty breathing, fever, cough, and pneumonia. Dr Sands said he has been in talks with Pan American Health Organisation partners over the issue. Dr Sands posted on Facebook: “PAHO has activated its emergency management system. Evidence-based training documents are being prepared as well as technical guidelines. The World Health Organisation International Health Regulations Emergency Committee is going to convene tomorrow (Wednesday) and its recommendations will be shared.” WHO has not recommended travel restrictions, but Dr Sands has stated that three airports in the
HEALTH officials watch thermographic monitors at a quarantine inspection station at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia yesterday.
All change as Saxons take the Junkanoo crown from Valley Boys from page one not be reached yesterday. Anthen Mortimer, head of the Parade Management Team, said on Monday that the official results would be released in 24 hours. A press conference is expected today. On Facebook, Valley Boys chairman Brian Adderley said group
officials will strive to prevent the changes to the unofficial results, though he did not say how. For Mrs Campbell-Moss, the sweep is a treat for an historic group that recently hit a rough patch. The group placed fifth in the 2018 Boxing Day parade. This is the first time it has swept parades in years. It was among several groups that protested
penalties during the 2019 Boxing Day parade. “The five point penalty was reversed,” she said. “The process is now completely finished. To challenge the results, the Supreme Court or Magistrate’s Court would have to be accessed and a group would have to use their own funds to oppose the ruling by the IRC. “Our back has been against the wall in
GROUPS DELIGHT AT DONATIONS
CIBC FirstCaribbean Retail District Manager Inger Johnson and CIBC FirstCaribbean Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary Sherrylyn Bastian are pictured above, presented cheques to representatives from Genesis, One Family, Prodigal Sons, Roots, Valley Boys, Body of Christ, Colours, Conquerors for Christ, Fancy Dancers and Foundation Junkanoo groups. Not pictured is Percy Francis from the Saxons. CIBC FirstCaribbean presentation at CIBC recently made donations to FirstCaribbean’s head various Junkanoo groups, office. as part of the bank’s ongoAnthony Coakley, One ing support of Bahamian Family events and public culture and expression. relations coordinator, said For groups such as Prodi- the cost of producing Jungal Sons, the only category kanoo parades has risen A group without a sponsor, and every bit of financial the annual CIBC FirstCar- support helps. ibbean donation goes “a “Junkanoo is one of the long way”. key components of our “The money was used culture. It is something to help us defray our costs that brings the entire taking part in the parades. Bahamian community All of our expenses are together. Persons that usually paid with money participated in Junkawe raised or directly out of noo groups were from all our pockets,” said Derrick walks of life and various Knowles, Prodigal Sons communities. So, those leader, during a cheque parades are a critical part
of the cultural fabric of the Bahamas,” he said. Marie Rodland-Allen, managing director of CIBC FirstCaribbean Bahamas and TCI, said the bank remains dedicated to investing in Bahamian culture. “We know that it’s a labour of love for Junkanooers who use their talents, time and even personal funds to make the parade enjoyable for Bahamians and visitors alike during the holiday season,” she said. “We are pleased to do our part every year to ensure that Bahamian culture is on full display for us all to celebrate and enjoy.”
United States have put in place selective screening. Dr Sands said that although the ministry is keeping an eye on updates,“there are far more deadly viruses that are in the Bahamas.” “So, I’m talking about imported cases of measles and influenza,” he explained. “So, when you look at the risk of death, the risk of illness, while this new virus has captivated the world’s attention, many people have ignored the advice that can save their life and the risk of them honestly is far greater than it is from this coronavirus. “And it becomes very important for us to consistently remind people, take care of the things you can take care of ‘cause at this point we don’t have (a) vaccine for coronavirus and we are just learning about how to treat it, but we can certainly prevent influenza and we can certainly prevent measles.”
THE SAXONS on Bay Street at Boxing Day’s Junkanoo parade. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
terms of music, people saying it’s falling apart, we only got one tuba, no choreograph section and we don’t have sponsorships,” Mrs Campbell-Moss said. “The most challenging thing has been the personalities. You may want to go left, other people might want to go right and for me as a woman it’s very, very difficult. The point is that you may not get everyone to agree but you
have to get everyone to buy into the idea that we have to work together. At one point, we were falling apart at the seams and we had to become more cohesive. We were falling apart because we had so many losses. We had a situation where we weren’t winning anything and sometimes people are drawn to only wins.” It is not unusual for differences to emerge between
unofficial and official results of Junkanoo parades, much to the anger of fans. The Valley Boys was a victim of such changes in 2017. The group was declared the victor according to unofficial results for the 2017 New Year’s Day parade, but lost that title to Roots. Then JCNP chairman Silbert Ferguson cited errors in the allocation of penalties as the reason.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
TURNQUEST CONFIRMS SENIOR OFFICIAL HAS QUIT BAHAMASAIR By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net BAHAMASAIR chairman Tommy Turnquest has confirmed the resignation of the airline’s director of maintenance, Prince Storr. Mr Turnquest said Mr Storr resigned on Monday and the airline is looking internally to fill the vacancy. He confirmed that Mr. Storr will be compensated for his over 30 years of loyalty to the company. “When people resign, you got to deal with it,” the chairman said. “So, it’s the role of executive management and the board to ensure that you know Bahamasair has a fully functioning maintenance department headed by a director of maintenance and that’s what we’re about to do to find a successor.” Word of Mr Storr’s resignation came out this week after Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis addressed the matter on Monday. While the reason behind the resignation is unclear, in a press statement, Mr David called Mr Storr’s
“sudden” departure “highly suspicious” following three Bahamasair planes being blocked entering the US because the airline had not complied with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule. “The policy failure rests with the Bahamasair minister and board chairman,” Mr Davis said. “It would be very unfortunate if their actions played any part in Mr Storr’s resignation. Our hope is that Bahamasair properly compensates Mr Storr in a manner commensurate with his years of service, seniority and in line with established company policies and practices.” Back in 2010, FAA required all aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B avionics by January 1, 2020. However, the airline had difficulty getting the necessary kits for 737-500 planes by the deadline. Mr Turnquest had previously told The Tribune that Bahamasair discovered it had been given a waiver but was unaware of the stipulations. He said the problem is expected to be resolved by January 31 .
PROBE LAUNCHED INTO CONTAMINATED WATER DISCOVERED IN ANDROS By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMASAIR chairman Tommy Turnquest
GROUND water contamination revealing E.coli on a farm in North Andros, has forced Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard to launch an immediate investigation. A statement issued by the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Safety Authority said that the contamination was first found by a private citizen on a North Andros farm and a subsequent investigation conducted last week revealed the presence of E.coli in the ground water. Despite this, officials say that the “public water supply is unaffected and is entirely safe”. “The investigation, which occurred January 13 and 14, revealed the presence of E. coli in the groundwater. These tests were inconclusive relative to faecal streptococcus. In this regard additional tests have been ordered and are expected to be completed as early as Friday 24 January 2020. Further tests are
being conducted to confirm if any other harmful bacteria are present in the groundwater,” the statement read. The Ministry of Agriculture informed several key ministries, among them the Ministries of Health and the Environment. For safety precautions, the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Safety Authority is recommending that North Andros residents treat their wells with chlorine tablets, boiling or a UV filtration system. Also, if there are fruits or vegetables that have been compromised, they should be thoroughly cooked or discard. The statement read, “All fruit and vegetables originating in North Andros undergo standardised treatment at the Department of Agriculture or BAMSI’s packing house before shipments are approved.” The BAHFSA stated that it will introduce new groundwater testing and produce sanitation procedures in North Andros and later apply it to other islands in the event in the event there is a contamination.
Time to have open debate on abortion, urges priest By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net DEBATE needs to begin on abortion so that arguments of those supporting and opposing the issue can be heard, said one religious leader. Father James Palacious, an Anglican priest, said while he is pro-life, he understands that there ought to be a national discussion on abortion legislation. “Life is sacred and it just shouldn’t be snuffed out, even the unborn child has some inherent rights,” said Father Palacious. On the other hand, Father Palacious said that in extreme circumstances affecting the mental health and well-being of a woman, abortion may need to be taken into account. “Again, a woman also has certain rights and I could see where I could easily agree with abortion under certain circumstances—for example when you are dealing with rape and incest. Why should a woman have to be subjected to that for the rest of her life, to look at a child that is a product of rape or an extremely incestuous relationship? Any of these things should be factored into a national debate on the topic,” he told The Tribune.
He was contacted after The Tribune reported concerns from Dr Leon Dupuch, the immediate past head of Princess Margaret Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, about the number of women coming to the hospital after an attempted abortion goes wrong, a problem he tied to Cytotec use. At least one pharmacy visited by a Tribune investigator in the Over-the-Hill area recently was happy to hand over Cytotec - even though it should only be given after a doctor’s prescription is received. The drug is used for managing heavy bleeding after birth but it can also be used to safely induce an abortion. In response, activist Alicia Wallace claimed that legislation restricting women’s access to abortion is what has driven them to obtain such drugs, as she is advocating that abortion laws be changed.
FATHER James Palacious
As the law stands, there can be abortions under certain extreme medical emergencies, and according to Father Palacious it is sad that women who cannot see a doctor are forced to go the black-market route. He also said that it is no secret that doctors have been conducting illegal abortions. “You have abortions under medical situations, we all know that when these doctors take people in, they are not strictly medically determined, but it is a woman making a choice. The truth is many of the people who can afford it, get abortions, others who can’t afford it go to those same pharmacies, that’s a serious thing; where you can go and buy this pill without prescription and do abortions, that’s serious and doing it without medical supervision,” said Father Palacious. He believes it will take level-headed people on both sides of the debate to come together and discuss the issues relating to abortion in the country. He said, “You have meetings, you have discussions, you have scientific approaches, you do your studies and present certain things to the public. Have debates and town hall meetings of the pros and cons. Let the pro-life and pro-choice people come together, in a non-controversial way and agree to disagree.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, PAGE 7
BALLPOINT PEN KILLER LOSES SENTENCE APPEAL By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A MAN has failed at his bid to have the Court of Appeal overturn his near decade-long sentence for stabbing another man to death with a ballpoint pen 13 years ago. The Court of Appeal dismissed France Louis’ appeal of his nine-year sentence for killing Michelette Pierre on February 27, 2007. On that date, Louis was on his way home after work sometime after 6pm when he stopped at D&C
takeaway on Boyd Road for a chicken snack. While waiting for his order, he was approached by Pierre, and an altercation ensued. Louis ended up stabbing the other man several times about the body. In his record of interview with police, Louis explained that he knew Pierre, having met the deceased through a friend. However, Louis said he never knew Pierre’s actual name. When questioned by the interviewing officer, Louis said he could not remember what their argument was about, but said it started some time before the
incident. He explained that after he arrived at the restaurant, he noticed Pierre was looking at him. Then, he said Pierre “promised” him he “gone (expletive) me up and kill me”. Louis said he responded by telling the other man that if he was going to do something, he “might as well do it now”. Louis said when he was leaving, a woman shouted out for him to “watch out” because Pierre was approaching him from behind with an object, either a screwdriver or a knife, in his hand. Louis said he ran from Pierre,
gathered two rocks and threw them at him. However, he said Pierre dodged the rocks and then rushed at him. Louis said the pair started tussling. Louis said he won the fight and stabbed the deceased. When asked why Pierre wanted to fight and kill him, Louis said the deceased and his associates had mobbed him the year prior and had attacked him with a machete. When asked where Pierre got the knife from, Louis said the man pulled it out of his pocket. When asked what he did with the knife
after he stabbed Pierre, Louis told the officer that he didn’t stab him with the knife, but rather a “sharp Bic pen” he later threw away while he was running. Louis further explained that during the tussle with Pierre, he managed to pry the knife out the deceased’s hands, but did not stab him with it. Rather, he said he threw it away after he got it. Louis was charged with Pierre’s murder on March 2, 2007. His trial commenced in March 2018 before Justice Gregory Hilton, and on March 11, 2018, he was convicted of manslaughter.
He was later sentenced to nine years and 11 months in prison. The judge arrived at that sentence by taking into account the two years and one month he had spent on remand; and the eight years’ delay in the prosecution of the matter. Louis appealed the matter on seven grounds on May 11, 2018. However, the appellate tribunal of Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella Crane-Scott and Sir Michael Barnett said there was no merit in any of the grounds advanced on Louis’ behalf to warrant their “interference” with the man’s conviction.
THIRD MAN FACES COCONUT GROVE MURDER CHARGE
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
PMH forced to cancel ops again over bed crisis
from page one
a hospital that is full, then you can’t bring in people for elective surgery,” he told reporters outside of Cabinet. “We are literally in the process on renovating more space but again, you could have all the spaces in the world, but if you don’t have nurses then that’s a problem…” Added to these issues, the Elizabeth MP noted, is the longstanding problem of boarders at the hospital. “We have 39 boarders in hospital right now and again, we’ve talked about this over and over and over where people bring their loved ones there and leave
them and so we now have to look at an option to put people into nursing homes,” the health minister said. “And the question is whether this is something that is going to be borne by the public purse so when you bring your mother to the hospital and leave her or when you bring your father to the hospital and leave him, then the public ends up having to pay for that. “I recognise that we live in serious times and people have great, great challenges, but fundamentally, we have to ask how do we care for our loved ones and what is our responsibility for our loved ones?” Asked when will elective surgeries resume at PMH, Dr Sands replied: “It’s on an
hour-by-hour basis. Right now, we’re so stretched in the emergency room that the ambulance trollies are being used for beds. It’s a very serious issue. “… We had 106 people in the emergency room on (Monday). Like I said, 49 potential admissions that’s now down and 39 boarders in hospital.” This is not the first time elective surgeries at PMH had to be suspended. In fact, just earlier this month, procedures were suspended for a week due to the hospital’s malfunctioning sterilisation equipment. In an effort to meet healthcare demands, the Minnis administration had previously said it would implement fees to generate
increased revenue for the nation’s public hospital. Asked if the government was still considering increasing hospital fees, Dr Sands said: “...We now have the new registration system in place (and) the new software. We’ve dealt with the breach in the IT system so, the hope is we can generate more revenue. (But), that is offset when you have unexpected increased expenses. “So, if now the government finds itself in a position or the PHA finds itself in a position where it now has to fund housing for people who have been discharged from hospital but have not been collected from their family members, then that’s a significant unexpected expense.”
A THIRD man has been charged with murdering a 23-year-old man in the Coconut Grove community last year. Stephon Davis, of Ridgeland Park, was charged before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt with murdering Keion Butler on August 13. Davis’ arraignment came a week after his co-accused, Cleophus Smith, was charged in connection with Butler’s murder. The third accused, Terrico Bowleg, was charged with Butler’s murder last year. However, Bowleg, who was in court yesterday, claimed police beat him to give a statement incriminating himself and another person he does not know in the matter, which left him with a broken hand. Yesterday’s arraignment also came roughly two months after Davis was charged with another criminal offence. Concerning Butler’s murder, police claim Davis
was one of a group of people armed with firearms who approached Butler, Chavez McPhee and Marvin Tilme, as they sat in a yard on Amos Street, and discharged their weapons in their direction. McPhee and Tilme were said to have been in stable condition after the shooting, while Butler died. Davis was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to February 25 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. While being arraigned in connection another matter last October, Davis claimed he isn’t “fit” for prison because he has a bullet in the back of his head and one in his neck. He subsequently showed Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt X-ray images of bullets inside him. “I ain’t really fit for jail,” he said at the time.
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PAGE 8, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
LET’S HOPE DRY JANUARY INCREASES AWARENESS OF OUR DRINKING CULTURE HELLO, January! The bank accounts are low, gym participation is high, reading challenges are being accepted and some people are trying to go without alcohol. It is like another version of Lent, people exercising restraint and discipline in many ways. It somehow wears off within a few weeks, but look how well we rally together around shared goals. I am particularly interested in the experiences of people going dry for the month of January.
With just a week left, I wonder how they are doing. Have they given in and had “just one”? Have their family members and friends been supportive? Have they noticed the way social and work events have alcohol at the centre? I made the decision to stop consuming alcohol years ago for various reasons. Every now and then, I find myself telling someone that I do not drink because so many events rely on consumption of alcohol and so many people
The
Alicia Wallace column WHETHER at work, school, or other institutions, we all have to, at some point and with some regularity, attend meetings. Assemblies, check-ins, updates, services, training and conferences all bring us to a space with other people with connections to the institution or topic at hand. We look forward to some of these meetings while hoping others will be cancelled. No one wants to waste time hearing the same things over and over again or listening to the same people talk. Meetings are often a formality that only serve as a time suck. Management tends to consider meetings a necessary ingredient for organised operations while others can hardly wait to be free from them. Meetings fail everyone for various reasons. There is no agenda or it is not sent to everyone in advance, time is not properly managed, the start is delayed until more people arrive, presenters are unprepared, there is no chair or the chair does not have the very specific and necessary skills to perform the task, too little time is allocated for questions and feedback - the list goes on. For all these reasons, meetings are often
unproductive and dreaded. People prefer emails, Whatsapp messages and, in rare cases, phone calls. We all have too little time, and we are desperate to get to the point. Many of us go to meetings with no understanding of their purpose. Even with a clear purpose, the methods are often uninspiring. Meetings are frequently designed for the ease of convener rather than the utility and interest of participants. This is what needs to change. For people to meaningfully contribute to the outcomes of a meeting, they need to be engaged by not only the content, but the delivery of that content. At a recent event – a few days of meetings – a colleague and I were asked to facilitate a session about 15 minutes before it was scheduled to begin. Everyone had just had a meal and we had completed a full day of presentations as a part of a consultation process. The organisers were trying to get specific information for a report and dozens of people were invited to consider several questions and prepare to speak for five minutes. We saw on the first day that no one was prepared for a strict time limit, and the
expect it. It is challenging to find alternatives and I can only imagine what it is like for a recovering alcoholic to navigate a space where drinking is a favourite pastime and the first thing people recommendation. Need to relax? Have a drink. First date? Go for drinks. Meeting after work? Do it over drinks. Feeling stressed? Knock one back. Too hot? Have a cold one. It would not be so difficult to manage if people allowed sober people to refrain from drinking in
peace. Sobriety is not respected. There are questions about it and pressure to abandon it. “Not even one drink?” “Why don’t you drink?” People are at a loss when they realise they can’t just buy you a drink, as if there is no other way to engage. Some seem personally offended when they see you without a cup and try to insist you at least “hold something”. Dry January is not likely to make it all better, but I hope it increases participants’ awareness of our
drinking culture and how it has permeated so much of our lives. Maybe we could think more about people struggling with alcohol addiction and come up with activities that do not make their lives more difficult. It’s hard to stay away from something that is everywhere, and even harder when people are constantly offering it or badgering you about it. We don’t all want to lay ourselves bare so, at the very least, take the no as a no. There aren’t enough people who do.
Stir the pot - it might just produce the change you need organisers did not want to cut anyone off. This was unfortunate because the room was booked for a specific time period, there were many people waiting to speak and everyone seemed to take a minute or two to give background information and warm up before getting to the meat of their presentations. It was not long before it became
www.ub.edu.bs
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following career opportunities at University of The Bahamas, Oakes Field Campus: Front Office Assistant in the Office of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement who will address visitors, phone calls, correspondence and forward to the relevant units under the department including the Office of Development, Office of University Relations, Office of the DIA Comptroller, Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the Office of Alumni Affairs. Specific duties include receiving, screening and directing visitors to the appropriate area and documenting messages; responding to and appropriately directing inquiries; informing and following-up with the relevant departments on all maintenance issues; providing general typing of assigned material; and assisting with the division’s special events and projects when needed. Alumni Affairs Assistant in the Office of Alumni Affairs, responsible for oganising class reunions/anniversaries, Homecoming events, alumni awards banquet and other alumni engagements; coordinating networking and sponsorship events; and encouraging donations to support bursaries, research and university development. Other duties include creating content for alumni collaterals including the alumni magazine and alumni newsletters; promoting the alumni community to current students; and arranging for discounts, benefits and services for alumni members. Detailed position announcements are accessible online at: http:// www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/. Interested applicants should submit the following to the Human Resources Department via hrapply@ub.edu.bs (Attn: Vice President, Human Resources) by Friday, 24th January, 2020: • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • Completed UB Employment Application Form (www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Applicationfor-Employment-Staff.pdf) • Current curriculum vitae or resume; • Copies of relevant qualifications and certificates; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; • Copy of N.I.B. Card; • Copy of valid driver’s license; • Copy of voter’s card • At least three (3) written, professional references.
difficult to keep the same level of interest and attention for each presenter. It was clear that something needed to change, but no one was prepared to assess the situation, make a recommendation and implement the change. Noting the energy in the room and the content of the presentations in comparison with what was needed for the report, we suggested a change in format. The presentations were individual and context-specific, but there were broader themes being raised and many dots that could be connected between experiences. Instead of having people deliver presentations, we suggested inviting them to participate in panel discussions. This would allow for brief introductions, give everyone the opportunity to speak, and prioritise the content most needed through questions from a moderator. While some agreed with this approach, the person in charge did not want to change the format. She was wedded to the way the programme had already been laid out. We slogged through another day of presentations running over time and missed the opportunity to connect issues, explore ideas and make recommendations as a group. There are times to follow
the programme and there are times to have flexibility and respond to what is taking place in the moment. There were other ways to remedy the situation. It did not have to be panels. We could have had breakout sessions, worked together to map the issues being discussed, recommended individuals submit reports, or continue presentations with a timekeeper and interventions to keep presenters on task. Sometimes, however, making a change on the spot can feel like admitting to a mistake. There could be fear that we will be seen as inconsistent or confused, or that participants will be caught off guard. It may be easy to keep doing the same old thing, but there are many benefits to allowing deviations from the prescribed schedule and format. Why not increase or improve the outcome? The success of a meeting is measured by its outcomes - not precision in following a script - and those outcomes are dependent on the organisation and facilitation of the meeting. When it first started, Women’s Wednesdays – a monthly community event hosted by Equality Bahamas with support from the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas – was a panel series. We invited women
to help facilitate discussions on a variety of issues including gender equality, healthy relationships and financial management. The event always started with a moderated conversation between three panelists which led into a broader discussion with questions, comments and ideas from everyone in the room. This was a comfortable environment for people to learn, challenge, think and ideate. We later changed the format to circle conversations, eliminating the panel discussion though we usually have invited guests. This has completely changed the dynamics in the room. There is no perceived hierarchy, “experts” are not easily identified, and we can see each other better than when we were seated in rows. There are pros and cons to this new setup, of course. It is not as easy to fade into the background and participants are more visible. Some people like this while others were more comfortable with the previous arrangement. It has been interesting to see how a change in seating arrangements affects an established event. Organisers need to ask for feedback and make use of it in design practices because a full room is useless if most of the people would rather be somewhere else.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, PAGE 9
ELECTRIC CARS
STEAL THE SHOW AT BAHAMAS BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2020
GUESTS at last week’s Bahamas Business Outlook had the opportunity to experience an exciting line-up of new 100% Electric Vehicles (EVs) from Easy Car Sales. Test drivers were amazed at the luxury features, advanced technology and the smooth, powerful ride of the 2020 models by BYD, the largest producer of EVs and batteries in the world. Last year, Easy Car Sales was appointed the Distributor for BYD vehicles in The Bahamas and became the first ever Electric Car Dealer in the country, offering expert post-sales EV support and replacement parts.
As more people around the world and at home demand cleaner, more sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, they are discovering the benefits of switching to cleaner electric transportation without compromising the luxury features they enjoy. Adopters of EVs, including many businesses, are realising a 65% savings in fuel and maintenance costs. Best of all, EVs are solar ready, making them a natural partner to renewable energy developments in our island nation. (Article by Easy Car Sales)
MAIN PICTURE: The 100% electric TANG luxury SUV from Easy Car Sales steals the show at Bahamas Business Outlook 2020. TOP LEFT: Pia Farmer, Partner at Easy Car Sales EV Division, with Joan Albury, President of The TCL Group, organisers of the Bahamas Business Outlook 2020. LEFT: “I am really loving the vehicle. It’s a great driving experience!” said new EV owners, Sonia Brown, Principal at Graphite Engineering Ltd. (left) and her husband Rayon (right) with Pia Farmer of Easy Car Sales (centre). Photos by Dominic Duncombe/Stop Motion Production
GOOGLE CEO CALLS FOR REGULATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer
LONDON (AP) — Google’s chief executive called Monday for a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence, telling a European audience that the technology brings benefits but also “negative consequences.” Sundar Pichai’s comments come as lawmakers and governments seriously consider putting limits on how artificial intelligence is used. “There is no question in my mind that artificial intelligence needs to be regulated. “The question is how best to approach this,” Pichai said, according to a transcript of his speech at a Brussel-based think tank. He noted that there’s an important role for governments to play and that as the European Union and the U.S. start drawing up their own approaches to regulation, “international alignment” of any eventual rules will be critical. He did not provide specific proposals. Pichai spoke on the same day he was scheduled to meet the EU’s powerful competition regulator, Margrethe Vestager. She’s
GOOGLE’S chief executive Sundar Pichai addresses the audience during an event on artificial intelligence at the Square in Brussels, Monday. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
also due to meet Microsoft President Brad Smith separately on Monday. Vestager has in previous years hit the Silicon Valley giant with multibillion-dollar fines for allegedly abusing its market dominance to choke off competition. After being reappointed for a second term last autumn with expanded powers over digital technology policies, Vestager has now set her sights on artificial
intelligence, and is drawing up rules on its ethical use. Pichai’s comments suggest the company may be hoping to head off a broad-based crackdown by the EU on the technology. Vestager and the EU have been the among the more aggressive regulators of big tech firms, an approach U.S. authorities have picked up with investigations into the dominance of companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon.
“Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms with social opportunities,” he said, adding that it could incorporate existing standards like Europe’s tough General Data Protection Regulation rather than starting from scratch. While it promises big benefits, he raised concerns about potential downsides of artificial intelligence, citing as one example its role in facial recognition technology, which can be used to find missing people but also for “nefarious reasons” which he didn’t specify. In 2018, Google pledged not to use AI in applications related to weapons, surveillance that violates international norms, or that works in ways that go against human rights. Pichai was also due on Monday to meet Frans Timmermans, the EU commissioner overseeing the European Green Deal, the bloc’s plan to fight climate change by making the continent carbon neutral by 2050, including through technology. He’s then scheduled to head to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week.
TECHTALK FACEBOOK TO ADD 1,000 UK JOBS, INCLUDING TECH, CONTENT ROLES FACEBOOK said Tuesday it plans to hire 1,000 more staff in Britain, mainly for its technology and harmful content teams. The U.S. tech company said Tuesday that it will add the new roles by the end of the year, bringing its U.K. workforce to more than 4,000. More than half of the new jobs will be in technologyfocused roles such as software engineering. There will also be a “large number” of jobs working on building tools to detect and remove harmful content from Facebook and its other platforms, which include WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. The company did not give an exact number. Facebook is devoting more effort to keeping harmful content such as spam and abusive material off its sites as authorities put more pressure on the big tech companies to better police their platforms.
CENTRAL BANKS JOIN TO STUDY POSSIBLE DIGITAL CURRENCIES MAJOR central banks have joined together to explore whether they should issue digital currencies as the use of cash declines and more people turn to electronic forms of paying. The study group is made up of the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the Swedish Riksbank and the Swiss National Bank. They said in a statement Tuesday that they will assess the potential case for digital currencies in their home jurisdictions. The Swedish central bank has already studied the issue for several years and has commissioned a pilot project as the use of cash declines in that country. No decision has been made. Existing cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are not suited for paying for things because they can fluctuate sharply in value. Facebook has backed the Libra project for a so-called stablecoin, a digital currency linked to existing currencies. Several major partners such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and eBay have left the association set up to oversee Libra as it faces pushback from regulatory authorities. The group will assess technical issues and share knowledge on emerging technologies. It will be co-chaired by Benoit Coeure, a former top ECB official, and Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor of the Bank of England.
PAGE 10, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
70% OF WORLD LIVES WHERE INEQUALITY HAS INCREASED
Associated Press
MORE than 70% of the world’s people live in countries where inequality has grown since 1990, including China and India, and growing inequalities are benefiting the wealthiest, a UN report said yesterday. But increasing inequality is not a universal trend, the World Social Report 2020 added, saying there has been a decline in income inequality over the last two decades in most countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and in many African countries. Despite this progress, the report said, the share of income going to the richest 1% of the global population increased in 46 out of 57 countries and areas for which data is available for 1990 to 2015. In both developed and developing countries, tax rates declined, with the top income tax rates in developed countries dropping from 66% in 1981 to 43% in 2018, said the report by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The income differences among some countries and
regions also is dramatic. For example, the report said the average income of people living in North America is 16 times that of people living in sub-Saharan Africa. “At a time when the consequences of our deeply unequal world play out in daily headlines, this report shows that the inequality challenge is a global one,” UN chief economist Elliott Harris told reporters. In the forward to the report, UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres wrote, “In North and South alike, mass protests have flared up, fueled by a combination of economic woes, growing inequalities and job insecurity.” “Income disparities and a lack of opportunities are creating a vicious cycle of inequality, frustration and discontent across generations,” he said. The report, titled “Inequality in a Rapidly Changing World,” examines the effect of four trends on inequality: technological innovation, climate change, urbanisation and international migration.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, PAGE 11
‘A corrupt president’ He wants the complete destruction of Congress, claims Schiff WASHINNGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Trump’s impreachmengt trial got off to an angry clash as Democrat Adam Schiff accused the president of engaging in a “corrupt” effort to get Ukraine to help him “cheat” in his reelection. Schiff, a California Democrat who is heading a team of impeachment managers, made his case before 100 senators seated at their desks – telling them they must provide for a “fair trial” that lets each side make its case. But his initial argument, put forward over the rules of the trial themselves, didn’t keep him from digging into the Ukraine affair that constitutes the first article of impeachment against him. President Trump “seeks the full and complete destruction of a coequal branch of government,” said Schiff, who played video of Trump saying the Constitution’s Article II gives him the power to “do whatever I want”.
PRESIDENT Trump speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday On Ukraine, Schiff accused Trump of “soliciting a foreign power to help him cheat in the next election.” He called for a full trial complete with appearances by witnesses – including by acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and forced out national security adviser John Bolton. “You may never know the full scope of the president’s misconduct or those around him, and neither will the American people” without hearing from them, Schiff said. Later in the day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly
backed off some of his proposed rules for the impeachment trial, easing plans for a tight two-day schedule and agreeing that House evidence will be included. He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans. The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the president’s lawyers opened arguments in support of McConnell’s plan. Democrats objected loudly to his initial rules, and some Republicans then made their concerns known in private at a GOP lunch. Without comment, the Republican leader submitted an amended
proposal after meeting behind closed doors with his senators as the trial opened. The handwritten changes would add an extra day for each side’s opening arguments and stipulate that evidence from the Democratic House’s impeachment hearings be included in the record. There is still deep disagreement about calling additional witnesses. “It’s time to start with this trial,” said White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, the president’s lead lawyer in brief remarks as the proceedings opened in public. Senators were stunned by McConnell’s shift, which came during the private lunch and briefly delayed the start of the historic session. A spokeswoman for Republican Sen. Susan Collins said that she and others had raised concerns. The Maine senator sees the changes as significant improvements, said spokeswoman Annie Clark. Collins, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio and a substantial number of other Republicans from across the party’s ideological spectrum wanted to make the changes. Some argued that the two-day limitation would have helped Democrats cast Republicans as squeezing testimony through in the dead of night. The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House’s wishes run into the reality of the Senate. The White House wanted a session crammed into a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night.
TRUMP TALKS UP ECONOMY, BRUSHES OFF IMPEACHMENT DAVOS, Switzerland Associated Press PRESIDENT Trump looked past the impeachment drama, turning his speech in the Swiss Alps into asales pitch for the “blue-collar boom” in the US economy that he says took place on his watch. Trump kept his focus on the economy, never mentioning impeachment during half an hour on stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos. But then later in the day, it came: “READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!” Trump tweeted on the way back to his hotel in response to the impeachment trial getting under way in the Senate. “Today I’m proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before,” the president said.
MEXICO BEGINS FLYING, BUSING MIGRANTS BACK TO HONDURAS CIUDAD HIDALGO, Mexico Associated Press HUNDREDS of Central American migrants who waded across a river into Mexico in hopes of eventually reaching the US were sent back to their homeland or retreated across the border yesterday after Mexican troops blocked their way. Fewer than 100 remained in the no-man’s land along the river between Guatemala and Mexico. The caravan of thousands had
set out from Honduras last week in hopes Mexico would grant them passage, posing a fresh test of President Donald Trump’s effort to reduce the flow of migrants arriving at the US border by pressuring other governments to stop them. Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said 2,400 of the migrants entered Mexico legally over the weekend. About 1,000 of them requested Mexico’s help in returning to their countries. The rest were being held in
CENTRAL American migrants camping on the Mexican border with Guatemala yesterday.
immigration centres while they start legal processes that would allow them to seek refuge in Mexico or obtain temporary work permits that would confine them to southern Mexico. An additional 1,000 had tried to enter illegally on Monday, he said, and hundreds of them were apparently detained by Mexican National Guardsmen and immigration agents. Immigration officials estimated on Monday night that 500 had evaded capture by the security forces.