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VOLUME:117 No.47, JANUARY 30TH, 2020
OFFICIA
CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS
INSIDE
Virus reaching here ‘a reality’
Sands warns of danger despite precautions as students set to return By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
AS the deadly coronavirus continues to infect people worldwide, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands told Parliament yesterday the “further spread” of the virus to Bahamian shores “is a reality”. While the minister said there have been no “suspected, reported or confirmed” cases of the virus in the country to date, the “rapid spread” of the disease to the United States and Canada is enough to raise concerns about the possibility of the virus spreading locally. And,
VALLEY Boys chairman Brian Adderley said yesterday that while the group is open to discussions to address issues concerning the handling of Junkanoo parades, its members are still not prepared to participate under the current parade’s management. This comes after Minister of Youth, Sports and
SEE PAGE TWO
DORIAN BILL LEAVES NO OPTION TO BORROWING By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest defended government’s intention to borrow $587.9m post Hurricane Dorian, insisting the Minnis administration had the “appropriate response” to rebuilding the affected islands and revitalising the economy. In Parliament’s first sitting of the year, Mr Turnquest tabled two separate resolutions – one seeking House approval for a $587.9m loan from the
HE’S BACK - COMPASS POINT BOSS’ NEW THREAT
after the government said there were no plans to evacuate Bahamians studying in Wuhan, Dr Sands revealed yesterday officials are “finalising the logistical plans” for those studying in China who wish to return home. He said it is likely they will be quarantined upon their return but did not give a specific timeline for when this will occur. During a press conference at the Ministry of Health yesterday, the minister said a “number of students” have expressed a desire to evacuate China. SEE PAGE THREE
Culture Lanisha Rolle told reporters on Tuesday that her ministry is hoping to bring together the Valley Boys and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) to resolve their differences. “I’ve not been fully briefed on the details surrounding any resignations — actual or proposed — and once I have that
L SOUR CE
SEE PAGE FIVE
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
VALLEY STAYING DEFIANT OVER JUNKANOO WALKOUT
By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net
$1
RED-DY TO DANCE
DAVONIA Josey at the 48th Bahamas Red Cross Ball held at Baha Mar under the theme “Enchanted Garden”. The ball is one of the largest fundraising events held by the Red Cross Society. See more “Belles of the Ball” in tomorrow’s Weekend. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
BLESSED ARE MPS - WHO COULD DO BETTER By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net ANGLICAN Archdeacon Father James Palacious told parliamentarians that they need to stop their “slackness” when it comes to adhering to the Public Disclosure Act. During the first parliamentary church service for 2020 at St Agnes Anglican Church yesterday, Father James Palacious in his sermon gave a mixture
FATHER James Palacious of rebuke and praise to elected officials. He told them the public expects
representatives to follow requirements of the Public Disclosure Act, which, among other measures, requires parliamentarians to disclose their assets, income and liabilities annually to the Public Disclosure Commission. “Of course as you pass legislation, we expect parliamentarians to obey the legislation that they themselves (pass). What is my child going to think, what
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE SIX
COMPASS Point owner Leigh Rodney yesterday warned he will not renew his hotel licence for 2020 until the government agrees to support an examination of how the resort industry’s regulation can be improved, telling Tribune Business that he would not comply with a key requirement for his property to remain open until he was able to meet Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, to discuss his concerns. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
SHOOTING IS YEAR’S FIRST MURDER FOR G BAHAMA By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama recorded its first murder for 2020 when a young man was shot dead on Tuesday evening in “The Ghetto” area of Freeport. Police have several people in custody assisting them with the homicide investigation, Superintendent Brian Rolle told reporters yesterday morning at the scene of the shooting on Weddell Avenue. SEE PAGE TEN
PAGE 2, Thursday, January 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE THE VALLEY Boys in action
Valley Boys stay defiant despite Rolle offer to mediate ONCE I have been fully briefed, I will look to bring the parties together to see how we can resolve the issues that have come about, said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle from page one
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information, certainly I will look to bring the parties together to see how we can resolve the issues that have come about,” she said outside Cabinet. Responding to the minister’s statements, Mr Adderley told The Tribune: “We are open to speak with anyone, (any) decision maker who would wish to discuss the establishment of a new entity to manage and improve future parades, however we are not prepared to participate under the JCNP.” He added: “...We have moved on from that and are now planning for bigger and better things for Junkanoo; competitive parades is just one aspect. “The majority of our members are looking forward to any positive changes in Junkanoo, including showing off Junkanoo and other Bahamian artisans to the world; we love Junkanoo and Bahamian culture.” On Monday, the JCNP announced the resignation of the Valley Boys, adding the group will no longer be participating in any upcoming parades managed by the body. Since the bombshell announcement, many dedicated Junkanoo fans have expressed sadness over the group’s resignation. The rift began when the JNCP’s Independent Review Committee crowned the Saxons Superstars the official winners of the 2019 Boxing Day parade after taking penalties into account. The official results came nearly a month after the Valley Boys were lauded as the unofficial winners of that parade.
But, Monday’s official results crowned the Saxons in first place with 85.01 points, placing Valley Boys in second with 81.44 points after a three-point penalty. Noting that her ministry is hoping to bring an amicable solution to the matter, Mrs Rolle told reporters that her ministry is committed to preserving Bahamian culture. Speaking to The Tribune on the matter yesterday, JCNP chairman Dion Miller insisted that the corporation supports anyone who has Junkanoo’s best interest at heart and is therefore willing to have any discussions to improve the upcoming parades. “I commend the minister for her willingness to assist junkanooers and showing that she has the best interest of junkanooers at her heart,” he said. “You know the JCNP is an open tent and we are interested in supporting all groups, new groups and old groups, and anyone who has the best interest for Junkanoo at heart and certainly, if the Valley Boys want to reengage and come back in the fold, they’ll be welcomed to do so. “There is no hate for the Valley Boys or any other group in that case. We’re here for all Junkanoo groups and anyone who wants to move this culture forward...We’re looking forward to go forward and to make the improvements that we need to make to advance Junkanoo. “There’s isn’t any issue on behalf of the JCNP. The ball is in the Valley Boys’ court.” Meantime, the Valley Boys will hold a meeting at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium this Saturday to address issues arising from the parades.
THE TRIBUNE from page one “Every country that has repatriated their citizens has done so with an abundance of concern but with a significant dose of caution,” Dr Sands said. “And so the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France et cetera have agreed to place those citizens in quarantine (and) it is likely that The Bahamas will do the same thing. “We are now finalising all of the logistical plans for welcoming our citizens back home, but clearly it needs to be done in a way that is safe and in accordance with best practices in public health.” Nine Bahamian students are studying in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. However, only five are currently in the city as schools in China are on break. Speaking in Parliament later in the day, Dr Sands said: “The further spread of the novel coronavirus to the Bahamas is a reality.” He added: “The global nature of travel and trade increases the risk of rapid transmission around the world in a very short time which can possibly result in a pandemic. “Even one case of this novel coronavirus entering The Bahamas will be detrimental to the very fabric of our country, impacting all sectors.” Dr Sands said the Ministry of Health is “building on the foundations” of its “preparedness efforts” for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the H1N1 virus and Ebola to prepare for the new strain of the coronavirus. “In tandem with our global and regional partners, The Bahamas is ensuring that our borders, health agencies and all stakeholders are prepared to respond in the event we are faced with a case,” he said. “The leaders and technical staff of the Ministry of Health have met, were briefed and tasked with responsibilities to ensure that necessary measures are in place to monitor, detect and contain the spread of
Thursday, January 30, 2020, PAGE 3
Virus reaching here ‘a reality’
MINISTER of Health Dr Sands talking yesterday. Inset: Passengers arrive at Heathrow Airport in London after the last British Airways flight from China touched down in the UK following an announcement that the airline was suspending all flights to and from mainland China Main photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff this virus if it reaches our shores. “We are also working closely with all government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to ensure we have a coordinated and effective response.” Dr Sands said he plans to meet with representatives from the various ministries and government departments today to discuss his ministry’s “preparedness
and response plans” as it relates to the virus. “The Ministry of Health is in constant contact with our World Health Organisation (WHO) and PanAmerican Health Organisation (PAHO) partners to receive ongoing notifications about the virus, its impact and to receive technical assistance to fine tune our response efforts,” he added. “The ministry is also liaising and collaborating with members of the Caribbean
Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for regional preparedness, testing and laboratory recommendations. Consultation with the Centre for Disease Control is also ongoing.” Dr Sands said since WHO does not recommend any “restrictions on travel or trade amongst nations,” he advises persons who must travel in the affected region to take the necessary precautions. “Be diligent, pay
attention and equip yourself with travel advisory information related to the 2019 novel coronavirus before you travel,” he urged. “...Be ready to give your full travel history to healthcare providers. All persons returning to the Bahamas from China will be monitored. “Ongoing surveillance of our borders is critical,” he added. “Monitoring at all our ports will be enhanced,
our Public Health Screening Unit at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) will be fully utilised and all port surveillance officers are linked to our National Communicable Disease Service Unit. “At our major ports, we anticipate that the targeted distribution of information cards to travelers has already commenced. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that we have ample quantities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the staff and we are in the process of acquiring supplies for laboratory testing for the virus.” Since a vaccine has not been developed for the prevention of the virus, Dr Sands said his ministry is utilising a document published by the WHO which “outlines interim guidelines to assist countries with preparing for and managing the coronavirus.” “The Ministry of Health is ready to ensure the health protection of all residents and visitors to The Bahamas,” he said. “Our aim is to be prepared for whatever potential health emergencies that come to our shores and to limit the effect on our population.” Death toll reaches 170 - Page 11
‘BRINGING PEOPLE HOME COULD BE PUBLIC HEALTH RISK’
By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A HEALTH expert has warned it could be a public health risk to bring citizens back home from Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, without being quarantined. Dr Esther de Gourville, a representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands for the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO), said: “My understanding is the Bahamian persons who are in China, none of them are symptomatic. Having them brought home is to reduce the anxiety of the students and their families but we also need to take into perspective that having them brought home in the event that any of them are in the incubation period for this disease will present risks to the wider population if they’re not appropriately quarantined and clinically managed.” She added: “The emerging data suggests… there can be 10 to 14 days between the time of exposure to the virus and coming down with symptoms. So, it means that in that 10-14 day period people may appear to be healthy but the emerging data also suggests that they still may transmit the virus to others.” According to international media reports, Japan and America have evacuated their citizens from the Chinese city and Britain is making plans to evacuate UK nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed nine Bahamian students are studying in Wuhan. However, only five are currently in the city as schools in China are on break. Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said officials are “finalising the logistical plans” for those studying in China who wish to return home. Dr Sands also said it is
likely they will be quarantined upon their return but did not give more specifics. Dr de Gourville explained other countries moving their citizens is a response to China’s travel restriction, which is to limit the mass movement of people globally to and from the affected area in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Although the move was not in accordance with WHO’s guidelines, she noted it was China’s sovereign right to implement the measure and the organisation views the decision as very useful in attempting to contain the spread of the virus. Yet, developing a vaccine for the virus could take more than a year to be available as a structured trial needs to happen before it can be officially available for widespread use.
She expressed confidence in the Bahamian health authority to be able to handle the issue, but identified the challenges of detection of the virus. “So, on the face of it, if we found someone in The Bahamas who has cough, fever, chills, and then progresses to pneumonia – a lower respiratory infection —there are a number of viruses and bacteria
that can give that clinical pattern. “So key to the frontline information is the history of travel and contact with persons who are in the countries impacted by this virus. So that needs to be taken into account in the training of personnel at points of entry, in the training of clinicians, and the training of nurses.” The regional
representative hammered the message that health authorities internationally are trying to manage the situation by developing a plan of action for preparedness and response.
On the other hand, she encouraged people to take their own measures to protect themselves against other deadly viruses for which there are effective vaccines.
PAGE 4, Thursday, January 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
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Extra borrowing a drop in the rising ocean THE announcement of extra borrowing by the government – to the tune of $587.9m – will, no doubt, bring a sharp intake of breath from many. It is a huge extra amount – the budget target was borrowing of $137m, itself a sizeable sum. But then, of course, that target was blown away by Hurricane Dorian. This borrowing then comes as a very expensive plaster to cover up the wound carved in our nation’s skin by that storm. It will pay for repairs, certainly, but it will also cover lost revenue from the businesses out of action on Abaco and Grand Bahama. Every day businesses are closed down is a day of no VAT, a day of no business licence renewals, a day of no Customs payments for imports – and that’s not even taking into account a shortage of NIB payments with workers laid off either temporarily or permanently. We all understand the impact Hurricane Dorian had on our country and, by extension, our country’s finances. And while we appreciate Finance Minister Peter Turnquest saying that this borrowing “will not be used as a pretext to go on unnecessary spending binges”, there is one question that this leads to. It is this: What’s next? Heaven forbid another storm hits us next season, or the season after that – but where do we stand if one does? This borrowing patches us up to get us back to where we were before, but we talk often about the threat to our nation from climate change so how do we plan for the financial impact on our nation to go along with the physical impact? Last November, we published a report
on research that showed that most of Grand Bahama, Abaco and Spanish Wells could be under flood levels by 2050 because of climate change. That seems far away, but it’s the same distance in time from us now as 1990. In November, a Bahamian expert, Dr Adelle Thomas, warned that “we cannot continue with a business as usual approach” and yet here we are, with extra borrowing that only gets us back to “as usual”. Reconstruction needs to go hand in hand with rethinking – whether the designs of our buildings should change, whether we should be zoning some areas as flood zones, whether some parts of our islands are so vulnerable that relocation is the best option. The researchers who predicted the possible effects of climate change, Climate Central, warned that residents of small island states – that’s us – “could face particularly devastating losses”. It’s not as if the concern isn’t known by our leaders, either – last September, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis asked at the UN: “How will we continue to exist?” So as we assess the money being borrowed to cover the costs of Hurricane Dorian, we must be aware that it is a drop in the ocean that threatens to swallow us. Our future depends on a plan and a prayer – a plan for how to deal with the likelihood of future storms and rising waters, and a prayer that we might be spared the worst. Never mind the astronomical cost of dealing with Dorian, what will be the cost if we don’t plan to deal with what is still to come?
Did the Earth move for you too? THE Earth may not have shaken, rattled or rolled too much here in The Bahamas – though sufficient for government workers to get the rest of the day off – but the earthquake that took place off the coast of Jamaica has pricked up the Prime Minister’s ears. Our building codes might need attention! So he declared yesterday in the wake of a quake that barely trembled the windows here. Fine enough, Dr Minnis, where do we start? Which of the many government buildings in disrepair is up to
earthquake code? I mean, we can understand the Churchill Building having a bit of a tremble – it does that when a lorry passes. Or in a strong breeze. We suspect this lies in the category of looking busy until everyone forgets and moves on – but goodness, if The Bahamas has to replace all the buildings that aren’t earthquake compliant too, the bill from Dorian is going to look tiny by comparison. As it is, as many of us didn’t feel a tremble, this is one disaster we probably don’t need to panic about just yet.
Global growth too low EDITOR, The Tribune SINCE September 2019, the Federal Reserve has been buying 80% of US Treasury debt. The US is borrowing from itself – unprecedented. The attack on the Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia in September 2019 that affected global oil supplies significantly barely increased oil prices. The killing of the Iran general by the US on January 3, 2020 barely influenced oil prices. The markets are not being influenced by threat to Middle Eastern oil. Since the global financial
crisis of 2008, central banks globally have been buying their government debt and this exceeds the total global growth. A growing economy has been bought by monetizing debt which was not bought by real buyers. It’s like paying off a credit card with a credit card. The world economy is not normal. Japan, the European Union, Sweden and Denmark have experimented with negative interest rates which is unprecedented. According to the World Bank, the world economy will grow by 2.5%, up from 2.4% in 2019 the weakest since the
global financial crisis in 2008-2009. The Central Bank of the Bahamas kept its interest rate at 4% (historic low). A low interest rate environment improves financing capacity for all. Low interest rates encourage both consumption and investment and offset a drop in imports caused by a depreciating foreign exchange rate. Why is the Bahamas’ and the global growth rate so low? This defies logic. Something is not right. BRIAN E PLUMMER Nassau January 13, 2020
Doing something right EDITOR, The Tribune RE: A Servant Of The Nation Who deserves Respect. The Tribune, Editorial, January 24, 2020. IT is completely understandable that this esteemed gentleman is so “disappointed” in his shameful treatment. But at least he
has some satisfaction in knowing that in order to have ruffled political feathers so much, he must have been doing something intolerably right. KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau January 27, 2020
Lloyd needs reality check EDITOR, The Tribune EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd needs a serious reality check. His recent self-serving rant about why he sometimes needs his wife by his side when he undertakes official foreign travel came across as defending an entitlement. For starters, Lloyd should never have been speaking for himself and how this new Cabinet policy impacts his household. Nobody can argue that government needs to review spending policies from time to time, especially those like travel that are indexed to moveable targets like the cost of living. To hear Lloyd tell it, spouses play an integral part in state business when Ministers go on a roadshow. Spouses can and do play a significant role, not just in supporting the Minister, but more in helping to promote the Bahamas amongst an audience that have a significant influence on Ministers from other governments. Lloyd is perhaps at a stage in his life where his children don’t need daily parenting; his spouse might not have an outside the home job; and that he has a spouse at all. So, the policy undertaken by the Cabinet last year benefits Ministers like Lloyd. But what about colleagues whose spouses have school runs to make and can’t travel? Or spouses that are gainfully employed? What about unmarried or divorced Ministers. To be fair, the same policy should pay for their significant others.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net It is imprudent that Cabinet would approve a myopic policy that sets a simple per diem regardless of where in the world a Minister travels. The new amount ($250 a day) might serve the Minister in Miami but would leave that Minister seriously out of pocket if their overseas trip is to expensive cities like London, Paris, New York or Hong Kong. Any tourist visiting Nassau will tell you $250 barely covers the cost of three square meals a day here. It is precisely for this reason that Ministers should not be limited to a flat per diem. When travelling on our behalf the Minister ought to have his actual expenses reimbursed, or better still, charged to a Cabinet credit card. Ground transport should conform to local security requirements and the need for confidentiality. Simultaneously we must get out of the mindset that Ministers should fly in coach when undertaking foreign travel. Business class on today’s airplanes are configured as working cubicles that convert into beds and so it is not only practical, but good value for the taxpayer’s money if we get some work out of our Ministers along the journey and that they arrive fresh and ready to work. Quantifying the number of spousal trips makes it sound more like a reward
than the sacrifice it can be. The fact that Lloyd’s wife travelled with him only twice over two years has no bearing. And Lloyd has some explaining to do after he volunteered that a private foundation paid for one of his trips last year. Surely, we should ban that practice. The only time a Minister should accept free travel is when it comes courtesy of a friendly government, such as the ride given to Ministers on US Coast Guard helicopters after hurricane Dorian, or when the Prime Minister of Canada offered a ride on Canada’s Air Force One, when they were all going to a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. We head down a slippery quid-pro-quo slope when Ministers start accepting free travel. The conduct of modern statecraft often creates a value proposition for taxpayers when the Minister has his spouse along for the battery of diplomatic assignations he is obliged to attend. Requests for a spouse’s travel should be made on a case-by-case basis after it is clearly demonstrated to the Prime Minister that it is in the public interest. There should be no fixed rule on spouse travel as Lloyd advocates. When it serves our national interest, and not only the Minister’s, then we should have just two words for the spouse: bon voyage. THE GRADUATE Nassau, January 29, 2020.
Keep out of the pulpit .EDITOR, The Tribune TAKE the Gazette announcement … Sunday, January 5th, 2020 Royal Bahamas Annual Church Service will be held at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church Robinson Road… thereafter came the Traffic arrangements. Have written before the place of a politician is in the Church Pews not in the pulpit but here again the Ministry for Security uses what is published in The Gazette as a Church Service
into a pulpit for a statement of political policy of the sitting Government. This is a Church Service Minister please stay seated in the pew and make your policy statements outside of God’s house as it is inappropriate for political addresses to be made in a church. The march---marching from East Street to Robinson Road is no small distance I am sure many hot baths and rub downs had to be administered yesterday! Today with the level-density of traffic any
detour of a major road causes issues…in the future is there a need for the Inspectors up to march one behind the other rather than en masse thereby reducing the length of the procession and how long detours, etc, are required? Fighting crime…Spent $17m on drones, but have the RBDF any gun seeking dogs? We need to get all guns off the streets! W THOMPSON Nassau January 6, 2020
THE TRIBUNE By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday announced his ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Americares Foundation to aid Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts. During a press conference at the Ministry of Health, Dr Sands said the MoU “fosters a collaborative partnership” between the ministry and the foundation and allows Americares to provide aid to Hurricane Dorian survivors who have relocated to the capital. “This MoU will facilitate critical primary health, mental health, psychosocial support services with a social worker and clinical psychologist, as well as training to strengthen the capacity of the Bahamian healthcare system specifically through the Ministry of Health with first responders and other stakeholders to aid recovery from Hurricane Dorian,” he explained. “Americares has also agreed to provide medicine and to collect data to assist the Ministry of Health to track diseases, referrals and health service utilisations during recovery and also for joint efforts on public relations and communications.”
Thursday, January 30, 2020, PAGE 5
Sands signs deal with US foundation to aid Dorian recovery efforts Dr Sands added that Americares will continue to provide health and psychological services in Abaco. He said he was grateful for the amount of support Americares has given the country and said his ministry looked forward to a “fruitful and progressive partnership” with the foundation. “On September 4, 2019, Americares Foundation submitted to the Ministry of Health its availability to deploy a Type 1 mobile Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to provide support and access to primary healthcare services,” he said. “Soon thereafter, Americares quickly went to work to conduct damage assessments on the island of
Abaco to understand its needs. Remaining in close contact with the Ministry of Health, the PanAmerican Health Organisation (PAHO) and other partners, Americares provided medicine (and) clinical and psychological support services to close the gaps made by the destruction of many of our health facilities.” Dr Sands said the foundation helped to address the medical needs of Abaco residents in Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay and Man-o-War Cay. “The devastation on the island of Abaco was great and many residents were relocated to New Providence,” he said. “Therefore it was decided that Americares’ services
could also be utilised in the shelters on the island of New Providence. “Consequently, on the 11 of September 2019, Americares accepted the opportunity to provide primary care services, medicine and mental health and psycho-social support services in shelters (MHPSS) within New Providence.” According to Dr Sands, Americares provided more than 4,000 medical and over 2,500 MHPSS consultations to persons impacted by Dorian during the five months they worked in New Providence and the four months they spent on Abaco. He said the foundation provided medical services in New Providence
alongside the Ministry of Health’s staff in the community clinics and public hospitals. Cora Nally, Americares’ Hurricane Dorian response team leader, said the foundation was pleased to be able to render assistance. “When Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas Americares responded immediately,” she said. “Americares is continuing to provide services in Marsh Harbour, on Elbow Cay and Man-o-War Cay. We’re (also) expanding our services now to include Fox Hill, Cooper’s Town, Guana Cay and Green Turtle Cay.” Mrs Nally said the foundation has already delivered medical supplies and relief items valued at more than $2.6 million to
support the health needs of the storm’s survivors. She insisted the foundation is “proud to continue working alongside the Ministry of Health” as the country shifts from relief to recovery mode. “As survivors begin returning to their communities in Abaco, together we want to ensure the availability of critical primary care and mental health services,” she said. “The current MoU runs through the end of March, but we’re hoping to extend it to the end of June with agreement from the Ministry of Health. More help is needed and with your continued support Americares will continue to serve the survivors of Hurricane Dorian,” she said.
THE WIDESPREAD damage caused by Hurricane Dorian was plain for all to see. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Turnquest: We’ve no option over borrowing from page one Inter-American Development Bank and another for $50m from the Caribbean Development Bank. The latter is included in the overall loan and is apart of several means by which government expects to raise the money needed. The East Grand Bahama MP said although the damage of deadly Hurricane Dorian was concentrated on Abaco and Grand Bahama, there had been broader socio-economic severity, which rattled the very core of the nation. In the months following the storm, government has had to figure out how to deal with revenue loss and expenditure increases, resulting in a projected deficit increase of approximately $677.5m or 5.3 percent of GDP. This, the deputy prime minister said, exceeds the approved budget target of $137m, and therefore has corresponding implications for the financing envelope. However, he said government would work hard to contain discretionary spending to avoid undue pressure on the country’s fiscal position, adding every effort would be made to perform at a number below the $677 deficit projection. Government announced last November plans to borrow funds because of a ballooning deficit and revenue reduced by $232.6m. The need was due to revenue loss and money foregone from value added
tax, business licence fees, customs and a number of other taxes in the hurricane-affected islands. “I wish to reiterate that the blow this hurricane has dealt us is unprecedented in the history of our nation. While all of us wish we could have faced a different set of circumstances, we must remind ourselves of an all too familiar and relevant saying: ‘It’s not what happens to you but how you respond to it that matters,’” Mr Turnquest told parliamentarians yesterday. “None of us had any control over the tragedy that befell the people of Abaco and Grand Bahama, or the country as a whole on that ill-fated day in September. However, as a government, we can ensure that we have the appropriate response. “This administration will do all that is within its power to restore Abaco and Grand Bahama, while we continue on the path to restructure and revitalise our economy. It will require a tremendous amount of planning, resources and time to restore what Dorian has taken from us. However, we will do whatever it takes to support and care for those who are rebuilding their lives and to be good stewards of the country, as we weather this tenuous social and economic disruption.” To cover the costs associated with the hurricane, and the spending imperatives previously outlined, the government will now require new financing in the sum of some $507.9m.
The government intends to raise these funds through a $100m IDB contingent credit line – of which $80m is likely to be drawn down; a $50m loan from the CDB; up to $200m in a club loan from a consortium of domestic bank lenders; and the remaining $177.9m is to be sourced by way of other instruments. “These sources which I have identified will be supplemented with $20m from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the $12.8m payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility which, together with the $507.9m in borrowings, will cover the $540.7m required in new financing.”
Despite the country’s fiscal position, Mr Turnquest said government takes comfort in knowing that medium-term prospects remained strong. “Major capital projects are still on stream, including the airport development projects in the Family Islands. Foreign direct investment inflows remain steady with development projects moving forward in New Providence, Harbour Island, Eleuthera and across the archipelago. Reconstruction is kicking into high gear in Abaco and Grand Bahama, while employment in both islands is starting to pick up. Employment in the
constructions sector in particular is providing a much needed boost,” he added. “Yes, we have had to adjust our fiscal targets, and yes, we have had to increase our borrowing to respond to the fiscal pressures, but this presentation today, and our tabling of a supplementary budget, is proof that this government does not operate with its head buried in the sand. We make practical and responsible decisions, and do so in the light of full public scrutiny. “As I have emphasised before, we will work hard to contain discretionary expenditure so that we do not place undue pressure on our fiscal position.
“Notwithstanding the new deficit and debt positions being projected as a result of Dorian and its economic fallout, the Ministry of Finance will remain vigilant and will work hard to come in at a number below the $677m deficit currently being projected. In other words, while the government has been and will continue to fully fund the recovery efforts, this unfortunate event will not be used as a pretext to go on unnecessary spending binges. This government will remain committed to the principle of sound fiscal principles,” Mr Turnquest said yesterday. Editorial View - Page 4
PAGE 6, Thursday, January 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Archdeacon takes time to remind parliamentarians of their duties
THE parliamentary church service at St Agnes Anglican Church yesterday. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
from page one are your children going to think when the prime minister or others keep saying ‘we are waiting for this or we waiting for certain people’? Come on, the law is very clear, if you want to invoke the provisions of the
Westminster system, let’s invoke it straight across the board. We need compliance of the Members of Parliament, it’s as simple as that. See this kind of slackness really needs to stop. I repeat, it undermines people’s confidence in good governance,” said Father Palacious.
He continued, “You don’t come out swinging as if I don’t have the right to challenge you, I have 100,000 reasons. I have 28,000 for MPs and 66,000 for ministers. I have 94,000 reasons to challenge you. All I am saying is, let’s try to get it right. . .” Father Palacious also
reminded parliamentarians that aside from pastors, they are the most “vilified and demonised” group of people carrying out a “thankless” job. “I honestly believe that we give our political leaders too bad a rap and just believe that everybody or the vast majority of people
go there to enrich themselves,” the religious figure said. “Let me say categorically, I don’t buy that narrative. I don’t propagate it and I try to talk people out of saying that for several reasons, the fact that it isn’t true. The fact is there are some who enter to do good and end up doing well. But apart from the few, many of you and your predecessors sat here, elsewhere and you served at great financial and other sacrifices to yourselves and your families. That having been said, I’m not going to let you off the hook.” He highlighted the recently reported increases in per diem for government ministers and their spouses. The updated travel policy introduced increased per diem for ministers, additional trips for ministers’ spouses and per diem and membership to the American Airlines Admiral’s Club for access to first class lounges. For domestic travel, per diem for ministers was increased from $80 to $100 and from $150 to $250 for international travel.
Father Palacious said that he is not against it, but that the average person would have a different perspective. “With respect to the current debate on per diem, I personally don’t have a problem with ministers taking their spouses twice per year. I don’t have a problem with that. Now, of course, again in this kind of atmosphere do people have a right to be upset about that, yes. Now you might just be disclosing something that has been happening for years. But all I am saying is that we need to be able to say that and the $250 per diem, I know I do some travelling not for the church but for another organisation, that’s not overboard but again we have to accept that for some people they don’t make $250 per week. So for you to be talking about $250 per day, they can’t comprehend that, that does not make any sense to them and they have a right to be upset, whether you like it or not because as far as they are concerned you are being overpaid,” said Father Palacious.
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 30, 2020, PAGE 7
FERNANDER FILES HEALTH SECURITY CONCERNS By SYANN THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter sthompson@tribunemedia.net ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander submitted a preliminary report this week to Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson outlining security concerns at the Ministry of Health, which are matters that can be addressed without his presence and in less than a year, according to his attorney Wayne Munroe. Since returning to work from forced vacation leave, ACP Fernander — who was
given a letter sending him on “special assignment” for 12 months to the Ministry of Health — has compiled all security matters in a report for the police chief; matters that ACP Fernander confirmed to his attorney could be addressed in less than a year. Mr Munroe told The Tribune that ACP Fernander, who is keen on doing his job, is able to delegate to other areas of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to ensure that security and criminal matters raised at the Ministry of Health can be addressed.
“He gave a report to the commissioner on all security issues he found and he is also able to delegate for others to execute. But, for example, he would not be investigating matters if people ‘tiefing’ from the hospital. That’s what the (Anti) Corruption Unit does. He himself would not go and do an investigation at his level,” said Mr Munroe. There are still unanswered questions from the letter given to ACP Fernander upon his return to work, according to Mr Munroe. He maintains his
ACP Fernander the security matters they are talking about, that’s a different issue,” said Mr Munroe. ACP Fernander received the letter informing him of the transfer to the Ministry
of Health which took effect January 27 with an initial period of 12 months. The RBPF’s website lists ACP Fernander as an assistant commissioner of police responsible for crime throughout The Bahamas. ACP Fernander was among eight other senior officers who were forced on vacation leave early in 2019. Since that time, ACP Fernander and ACP Kendal Strachan both returned to work with letters informing them of a transfer to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Services respectively.
We may need to revise building codes after tremors, says PM
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday it might be necessary for the country’s building codes to be amended to ensure structures can withstand the impact of earthquakes. The day after some residents experienced tremors as a result of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near Jamaica, the prime minister told Parliament a determination would also have to be made on whether The Bahamas needed to be included in earthquake zones. On Tuesday, a regional earthquake disrupted a Cabinet meeting and forced dozens along New Providence’s northern coast to evacuate their multi-storey office buildings and seek safety on ground level. Cabinet Office ordered government offices closed early as a precautionary measure. Dr Minnis said yesterday: “Going forward, our building codes may also have to take into consideration the impact of the affect of earthquakes in the region. “Mr Speaker, today The Bahamas is not officially within the earthquake zone. However, it is essential for us to liaise with the relevant agencies, both regional and international research centres, so as to make a determination whether amendments are required or amendments are necessary to include The Bahamas within earthquake zones. “If such amendments are necessary, then it’ll be essential for The Bahamas to look at its building codes and with international assistance make the necessary amendments to our building codes.” Dr Minnis said the National Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Meteorology will carefully monitor any further earthquake advisories and tsunami threat messages from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC). He said the public will then be advised. If there is an earthquakegenerated tsunami threat to the region that includes The Bahamas, Dr Minnis told the House of Assembly
belief that on the face of the letter given, the “special assignment” was a demotion. “ACP Fernander has been genuinely taking the security concerns of the Ministry of Health and dealing with it as an ACP. He said that he does not believe that the matters would take a year if the Ministry of Health is serious about addressing the issues and it won’t require his presence and would only take a couple of months at the most. He is a serious man, now if they are not serious about addressing
PRIME Minister Minnis reports on earthquake tremors on New Providence in the House yesterday that the PTWC will issue a tsunami watch and information to the country through the Meteorology Department. The met office will then notify NEMA and the agency will then activate national response procedures, notifying relevant agencies and vulnerable communities. The PTWC on Tuesday said a 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred 83 miles northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, at about 2.10pm at the depth of six miles and was felt in New Providence around 2.15pm. According to the National Emergency Management Agency, there were no reports of impact to the southern islands. Unlike Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, The Bahamas never faced tsunami threats. Some workers at Colina Insurance on East Bay
Street felt the vibrations. In the heart of downtown Nassau, The Tribune encountered Cabinet ministers and government workers leaving the Churchill Building due to the tremors shortly after 3pm on Tuesday. Some of them said they felt vibrations while others did not. Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said ministers had just started their afternoon Cabinet meeting when they felt the building shake. Elsewhere downtown, business continued as usual. Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey reported that a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit off the Cayman Islands about two hours after the first earthquake and there were several smaller quakes reported in and near Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Editorial View - Page 4
PAGE 8, Thursday, January 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF WHEN 49ERS TAKE ON THE CHIEFS?
SAN Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during practice yesterday
T
HERE was a big kerfuffle last week involving American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and an experienced, well respected reporter for National Public Radio in the US. The reporter, Mary Louise Kelly, had arranged an interview with Pompeo and during the conversation she asked him some pointed questions about Ukraine. Kelly persevered when Pompeo clearly did not want to continue with any questions about Ukraine. After the interview ended, she was summoned to his private office and was reportedly reprimanded like a misbehaving school girl. Pompeo lashed out at her with a profanity-laced tirade. Reaction to this exchange was often replayed during an otherwise relatively quiet news weekend when the overwhelming headline was the shocking death in a Southern California helicopter crash of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others. After his interview with her, Pompeo publicly called Kelly a liar,
KOBE Bryant’s death last Sunday diverted attention from the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl. Now, with that exhibition game behind us, we can all turn our attention to this Sunday’s Super Bowl 54, which does look like a game well worth watching. The fact that it is being played in familiar South Florida only serves to sharpen local interest. It has been extensively reported that the 49ers are bidding to become the third NFL team with six championships in the Super Bowl era, alongside the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers. And everyone remembers by now the Kansas City Chiefs have waited 50 years since their last championship game appearance. But these two teams do seem to be unusually well and closely matched, as is reflected in the narrow onepoint spread from Las Vegas
oddsmakers. What are we to make of this contest? One pundit recalled the following coincidences: In February 1999, President Bill Clinton was impeached and acquitted by the US Senate. Super Bowl 33 was then played in Miami. In February 2020, President Trump will likely be acquitted by the Senate after impeachment in the House. This year’s Super Bowl will then be played in Miami. Twenty one years ago, the AFC champion Denver Broncos beat the NFC champion Atlanta Falcons. The score was 34-19. If history is a guide, AFC champion Kansas City will ride the greater post-season experience of both its head coach Andy Reid and even its youthful starting quarterback Pat Mahomes to victory on Sunday. Seems as likely an outcome as any.
KANSAS City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs drills during practice yesterday
Pompeo is probably right about Ukraine - many Americans just don’t care STATESIDE with Charlie Harper and US President Trump wondered out loud why publicly-funded NPR even exists. Their reactions were along the familiar lines of “the American press is the enemy of the people,” so nothing especially noteworthy there. But it did seem like something significant happened during Pompeo’s schoolmasterish outburst. In the midst of it all, a highly agitated Pompeo reportedly asked Kelly, “Do you really
think the American voter cares about Ukraine?” And that question lies at the heart of this longplaying impeachment attempt by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives to either throw Trump out of the White House or so besmirch his image and weaken his support that he will lose to the Democratic nominee in November. This is because the Republican Party, and
in particular the US president and those immediately around him, know the answer to Pompeo’s question. The answer is that, according to available survey data, large numbers of American voters indeed do not care about Ukraine. Many voters couldn’t point out Ukraine on a map of nations newly independent since the fall of the Soviet Union. Pompeo even at one point asked an aide to display a map of Europe for Kelly, with the countries not identified, and challenged the reporter to locate Ukraine. (She reportedly did so correctly.) Because of America’s phenomenal geographical good fortune, Americans have rarely needed to much
concern themselves with overseas nations. And when it comes to North American neighbours, most Americans take for granted the astounding serendipity that there is no reason for the US to defend its nearly 5,525-mile northern border with Canada. This is the longest international border in the world. Mexico, to the south, at least for Trump and his followers, is a nuisance to be dealt with by erecting a very expensive border wall. People in most other countries are very much more concerned about the world around them than are Americans. Even the Russians, living in the world’s largest country, still cast a wary eye to the southeast where they fear Chinese hordes could mass along the border. Indians fret about Pakistan and China. The Chinese themselves have been and remain so historically paranoid about their neighbours that their Great Wall is still both a tourist magnet and a symbol of enduring angst. Brazil has had anxious moments over its neighbours. And even insular Australia remains concerned about threats from overseas. Smaller nations everywhere else in the world are even more vitally concerned about nearby neighbours, for good reasons. But not in the US. It is sometimes overlooked that it took the stunning, unprovoked Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 to finally rouse the US to join most
of the rest of the world in opposing the Axis Powers in World War II. Until then, strong Republican and other isolationist forces in the American Congress had stoutly resisted most of US President Franklin Roosevelt’s attempts to assist the Western Allies. So when Pompeo asked the NPR reporter if the American voter cares about Ukraine, he already knew the answer. And when Trump bellows to his followers at rallies that he wants to put America first and withdraw the nation from its post-World War II posture of strong, sometimes idealistic engagement with the rest of the world, they shout their approval and support. There has always been a strong isolationist streak in the US and the world is now witness to the latest iteration of its ascendency. The Republicans are counting on the strength of their answer to Pompeo’s question. Because if American voters don’t know where Ukraine is and basically don’t care what happens to it, they are unlikely to see the problem with what Trump did in his July 25 call to the President of Ukraine. They might just agree with the chorus of Trump apologists and defenders in the House and Senate who claim the president did nothing wrong. And if a majority of the voters still feel that way in November, the US is indeed headed for four more years of its current administration.
POLITICAL LOYALTY IS, LARGELY, AN OXYMORON IN Washington this week, as President Trump fumed and tweeted about his impeachment, there was a feeling that notwithstanding his likely eventual acquittal by the Senate, he will continue to suffer a death by a thousand cuts, as Richard Nixon did during the Watergate fiasco nearly 50 years ago. The House will continue to probe and more of the many in and out of government who are appalled by Trump are likely to come forward with new allegations and perhaps further hard evidence implicating the president
in misdeeds or crimes. It seems the planned publication in March of former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton’s sensational-sounding book will be just one of many revelations that might add to public scepticism about a chief executive who has now been caught in public lies more than 15,000 times during his presidency. And if and when Republicans in the Senate feel Trump no longer represents an existential threat to their own precious re-election, they’ll desert him. Political loyalty in such matters is, after all, largely an oxymoron.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 30, 2020, PAGE 9
LARODA CONFIDENT OVER GB AIRPORT AND LUCAYAN SALE
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GRAND Bahama Chamber of Commerce president Greg Laroda is confident major announcements could be made soon concerning the sale of the island’s airport and the beleaguered Grand Lucayan resort. Mr Laroda believes the airport is vital in terms of the sale of the resort, which relies on airlifts. “I had discussions with the government even as recent as today, and the acting chairman of the (Grand Bahama) Port Authority, and I am confident that a plan is being discussed and would be put in place that would deal with the eventual ownership of the airport.
“And once that happens, we can start to put a plan in place about where we do go with the airport moving forward; how we rebuild it and where we rebuild it. We…definitely we can’t rebuild what was there getting destroyed after every major hurricane. I think discussions are going well and we should probably in short order have some official announcement as to the final outcome of that,” he said. The airport, which is jointly owned and managed by Hutchison Port Holdings with Grand Bahama Port Authority Group Ltd, sustained severe flood damage in early September during Hurricane Dorian. It reopened to international/ commercial flights in the latter part of 2019. Air arrivals to Grand
Bahama are very low and the island’s tourism sector has been significantly affected. In late 2019, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar said the Minnis administration was considering purchasing the airport. Mr Laroda also believes that an announcement will soon come on the Grand Lucayan’s sale. “I also feel like the matter with the sale of the Our Lucaya hotel strip, we should hear some announcement soon on that as well. We also know that project is going to rely a lot on where we go with airlifts to the island. So, we have to look at those two (the airport and hotel) almost together. I feel positive about where we are with those discussions,” he said. The government
‘Nurses still missing out on money’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net SOME nurses were not paid their promised scarcity allowance yesterday, according to Bahamas Nurses Union president Amancha Williams. Registered nurses and trained clinical nurses in the public system were to get $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. But Ms Williams said a “good number of them” did not get the money. “Scarcity allowance is not mandated in the Industrial Agreement but every country is doing it to keep their nurses in their countries. It was promised we would get it (yesterday). We are just taking names of people now who weren’t paid and they are really upset because they’ve worked really hard. Some of them worked Hurricane Dorian and haven’t been paid overtime for that or given their expected per diem,” she said.
AMANCHA WILLIAMS Health Minister Dr Sands recently discussed the nurse shortage in the country, saying the deficit is in the hundreds. “One of the things that we have done is we have just provided a scarcity allowance for nurses, $3,000 a year for registered nurses and $2,000 a year for trained clinical nurses,” he told a local daily previously. “They will start getting that in January 2020. So, it is an effort to demonstrate the recognition that as a profession, they are indeed scarce. They are being recruited away from The Bahamas.
‘JUNKANOO A SAD JOKE AMONG BAHAMIANS’
Do you think The Valley Boys were right to resign from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence? AFTER the Valley Boys resigned from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) readers posted their reactions on tribune242.com. Tell_it_like_it_is had this to say: “Oh please, decisions were overturned in the past in the Valley Boys’ favour. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, they can’t take it? I’m sorry, this is just too funny for me. ROFL” Sickened said: “Junkanoo has unfortunately become a sad joke among Bahamians. Every year something stupid happens and the parade just doesn’t get any better. Junkanoo needs to start fresh and make sensible decisions on everything: time of year, location, how many in a year, start times, size of groups, number of groups, funding, scoring, prize money.” There was this from BahamaRed: “Just ridiculous, the Valley Boys are acting like a bunch of spoilt brats. I always felt like as long as they are winning they are good, they can talk a lot of smack and be
as biggety as they want. As soon as they lose, it’s a whole different kettle of fish. They want to act as though some grave injustice was done to them, and carry on like a bunch of brats. “Let them boycott, I hope they are also boycotting receiving any seed money from the JNCP as well. I also hope that means we won’t see them on Bay Street come Boxing Day 2020. Guess that means they need to find a venue to host their own parade. SMH. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.” And in The Tribune’s online poll, we asked readers if they thought the Valley Boys were right to resign from the JCNP. At the time of going to press, 56 percent backed the Valley Boys’ move, with 44 percent against it.
Arguably, the most important contact that determines quality of care is contact time with a registered nurse. So, if you don’t have enough registered nurses in your healthcare system, it is impossible to provide the level of care that you need. This issue of nursing poses an existential threat for the delivery of healthcare services in the Caribbean.” Some nurses also reported yesterday that after receiving a $1,400 lump sum last month, that amount of money was subtracted from their pay this month. Ms Williams first said those affected were nurses who received in-service training awards and are on study leave. However, she later said confusion surrounded the issue as there appeared to be a glitch in the system. Up to press time, there was no explanation provided for the issue. Dr Sands was not available for comment yesterday.
THE BELEAGUERED Grand Lucayan resort purchased the hotel for $65m in 2018, with the intent to quickly resell it, however the sale has not yet been finalised. During the chamber’s annual general meeting and election of officers and directors on Wednesday, he gave his year-end report to members.
He thinks the Chamber’s plans to address the economic turn-around of Freeport through “open and frank” discussions together with the government and GBPA have been elusive. Mr Laroda believes it is critical that all three entities meet to also discuss
and develop a strategy for the island’s recovery after Dorian. “As much as we planned to address the economic turnaround of Freeport and sought to do so by having an open and frank discussion with the government and policymakers, this continues to be a challenge,” he stated. Mr Laroda indicated that while having had multiple meetings with the Ministry of Grand Bahama, there were fewer meetings with the GBPA than anticipated. “We are having elections today, so if I am president after today, we… really want to get meetings off the ground so we can start strategising and planning the way forward in terms of recovery after Dorian,” he told The Tribune.
PAGE 10, Thursday, January 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
MAN DENIES THROWING HOT LIQUID ON WOMAN By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
Cartwright denied causing grievous harm to Sanovia Johnson Cartwright on January 19 when arraigned before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes yesterday afternoon. However, the matter was adjourned to today. Cartwright, of Johnson Terrace, was remanded
A 43-year-old man yesterday denied allegations he put a woman in hospital after throwing a hot liquid on her after they got into an argument earlier this month. Ricardo
into custody in the interim. According to reports, shortly before 7am on the date in question, Cartwright and Mrs Cartwright were at a residence in the eastern district of New Providence, when they got into an argument. That argument escalated, resulting in Cartwright
throwing a “hot liquid” substance on Mrs Cartwright that caused her to suffer burns about her body. Paramedics took the woman to the hospital, where she was said to have been in serious condition. Cartwright was wanted by police in connection with the incident until he
turned himself into investigators at the Central Detective Unit (CDU) on Monday. Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man was charged before the deputy chief magistrate with having sex with his daughter on January 7. He was not required to enter a plea to the
charge and the matter was adjourned to March 27 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in the interim. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
Policeman describes finding dead body of one of four killed
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By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A SENIOR police officer yesterday described
encountering the dead body of one of four people killed during the Fox Hill mass shooting moments after the incident occurred seven years ago. Inspector Lavardo Sherman testified about encountering the lifeless body of one of the three men killed during the shooting when he arrived at the Fox Hill Park on December 27, 2013. He said the man, clad in a short-sleeved blue t-shirt and short, dark pants, was lying face up on the ground in a pool of blood, and with abrasions to his face. Insp Sherman said he had the opportunity to see that same man’s body in the morgue days later on January 6, 2014, as well as those of the other two male victims and a female victim, all of whom had noticeable injuries. The officer said the female had injuries to her chest and left side of the abdomen; one of the men, whom he said was of a “light brown complexion”,
suffered an injury to his right temple; another had an injury to the front, left aspect of his head; while the third man—the one he saw at the park—had injuries to his back, left shoulder area. Insp Sherman, a crime scene investigator, also said the scene at Fox Hill was littered with numerous cartridge casings of various calibers, including that of .223 ammunition which are used in AK-47 assault rifles or “similar weapons”. Besides the multiple fired rounds of .223 ammunition he took photographs of, Inspector Sherman said in total he observed 16 fired 9mm rounds; 10 fired 7.62 rounds; and one fired .40 round of ammunition. The officer’s evidence came during the third day of trial before Justice Deborah Fraser concerning the Freedom Park mass shooting. Peter Rolle, Justin Williams, and Jermaine Curry are the accused. However, a fourth man was also in the vehicle, according to Crown
prosecutor Zoe Gibson, and that man is expected to give evidence against the three others. It is alleged that the trio murdered Claudezino Davis, Shaquille Demeritte, Eric Morrison and Shenique Sands. They are also charged with the attempted murder of Chino Davis, Janet Davis, John Davis, Samuel Ferguson, Jermaine Pratt and Leroy Taylor. According to initial reports, around 6pm on the date in question, occupants of a small, dark vehicle opened fire “with a variety of weapons” in the area just behind the basketball court where several people were gathered awaiting Junkanoo results. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene while ten others were taken to hospital in private vehicles and an ambulance. Demeritte, Morrison and Sands later died in hospital of their injuries. The case continues today. Rolle, Williams and Curry are each on bail.
SHOOTING IS YEAR’S FIRST MURDER FOR G BAHAMA
from page one
Supt Rolle, the officer in charge of Grand Bahama’s Central Detective Unit, said that sometime around 7pm on Tuesday, officers received reports of gunshots being heard in the area of Weddell Avenue, near Dragon Plaza apartments. On arrival at the scene, he said a male was found lying on the ground with multiple gunshots to the body.
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HUMILI AFTER 4O YEARS LOSES HIS SEAT
seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well as Exuma DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. He said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands. By SANCHESKAReporter to the unofBy KHRISNA Reporter seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality Tribune Staffunemedia.net from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being reDeputy Chief ficial results Registration government course. THE PEOPLE nemedia.net sdorsett@trib PAGE 4 was still its kvirgil@tribu his Hill, law to take to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ decounted up his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollas the na- This marked the worst in AFTER leadinglandslide defeat party won seven maiden speech MinLOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former ty to a stunning feat for a governing Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Bahamians The FNM’s won five. lysing blow Party last night, years the Centreville his watch, YOUR PROJECTED his seat in last night by Christie a rocky five PAGE 9 to fear from Mr Christie sive Liberal In 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite contwo challengPrime Minister constituency representing FAR included SO incoming that the Centrevilleeighth leadership, the government RESULTS Minnis declared 25 votes aftermore than 40 won the PAGE 14 , which he said Dr Minnis’ of a fracDr Hubert stituency for time with have abused victimisation ional” “im- es to the area for to unofthat those who trust “have continued reports ultimately consecutive He defeated is “unconstitut MORE COVERAGE of years, according party and the post “wrong”. PAGES 2-18 positions votes. moral” and to unofficial tured Ella to fear”. ficial results. held 2,950 candidate removal from has Opsomething to thousands of his FNM’s According able at the Mr Christie 1977 and the of the Official FNM was Speaking by 1,349 votes at the Q House today. results, the stunning defeat of leader in the House of won all the Lewis the seat since a pledged that jubilant supporterslast night, ment Mr Christie leader of Dr Minnis on will give to pull off securing a mas- position has been Liberal Party time. polling division in E Sports Centre but one administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive “This was victory is not 39 the Free also announced his General it sive 34 of ry Regsince 1997. released a but the Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Auditor the resources former is yours,” Although he the loss, The Parliamenta did battle, The about his seat to that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory thousands Minister lost Movement statement did not speak full election last Dr Minnis told on the carThe Bahamas’ at Govern- needs Christie not release 5pm Free National packed with the and po- Mr minister at SEE PAGE SIX candidate sults last night, in from the of FNMs (FNM) Reece nival grounds. people’s time numbers coming litical newcomer agency around “This is the and I who secured government from the and I am your servant Chipman, 11pm. However it apSEE PAGE THREE only unofficial numbers, PLP the of the conpeared that “The outcome trust according to vention did not inspireBahalast Mark Humes in the results, said coming afor confidence that’s “obvious” mian electorate but think sweeping defeat residents unofficial that it is I ROLLE have stood behind us now and they night ter Fort Charlotte By RASHAD Reporter told him party would winning the the party has a wonderful repeatedly lead- the Tribune Staff stand the any a better chance rebuild and emedia.net could not he been victori- opportunity to rrolle@tribun of the country per- election had itself,” he said. leadership for for- ership despite their ous in the PLP’sadding that reengineer longer, him. AS HE called SEE PAGE SIX RASPBERRY Minister Perry sonal affection for was pro- race in January, made a mistake” mer Prime who ICED TEA “the party resign as leader Mr Sears, Mr Christie. Free NaChristie to Liberal in choosing to lose to the Al- jected Movement’s (FNM) of the Progressive last night, the tional Party (PLP) said he saw fred Sears
DAMIAN GOMEZ OBIE $3,413 WILCHCOMBE CLEOLA $4,911 HAMILTON they owed $6,118 list and the amount since that date. disconnect” BPL “do not made or further debt incurred named on the NINE individualsdo not include any payments July. The sums
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Watch the film - every agonising, wrenching, awful second. Then give up Eugene’s killer
CHRISTIE TO RESIGN
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safeas well as of homicides A DORSETT guarding the residents By SANCHESKReporter in Fox Hill. Tribune Staffunemedia.net walkabout During a Acting prepared. live national sdorsett@trib er Fox Hill on Tuesday, ROLLE During a Ferguson Commission his office By RASHAD Reporter ACTING Fergu- Commissioner and address from Dr Minnis Tribune Staff Anti-Gang of Police Anthony emedia.net yesterday said the Inveslast night, Maria is rrolle@tribun Tracing and announced dev- son establishment of two Firearms Unit will operate fore- said: “Hurricane the potentially Bahamas tigation WITH we the DetecMaria another hurricane that separate Royal anti-crime out of the Central the cast for Hurricane Force storm to pass astating monitor.” (CDU) while projecting the Baha- must carefully Though most Police aimed at eliminating tive Unit SEE PAGE 11 units counHe added: near the Southeast was spared gang activity in the morning, Prime of mas Friday Hubert Minnis of the Bahamas the number try, reducing Minister Dr of those SEE PAGE TWO and is urging residents be vigilant to islands
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Dr Hubert MinPRIME Minister Kendera Woodside, nis meeting murdered Eugene the mother of
this Yes I feel for y our countries.than I can say.” more ensure has a responsibilit one mother said he will Each citizen information Dr Minnis provided to and whatever that forward. medical attention is is pregnant. the composure. said he felt the fam- has we must bring among us.” who after feel live Dr Minnis Mrs Woodside, the grieving and days makes me Three These criminals who emphasised country’s he “You can see of those pushed the ily’s pain. “What through,” Mrs Minnis, that her appearis that most during murder that violent crime into ROLLE she’s going someI, even worse By RASHAD Reporter not a pain “I assured her that the family the yard, struggle with spotlight yet again, them was doctor, to will have we see in Tribune Staff ance before called on women said. today (Friday) we to look the national as a medical emedia.net acute. rrolle@tribun come my my years political move,one day this week time her pain remained live a life, medical personnel she’s pregand comforting cried. “He ain’t even to wear blackfor murder victims. Dr THE hugs her because sure that Prime Minister wife God,” Mrs Woodsidegive my upon after in mourning I’m calling words of I have to make infant are and his a baby. I could my really nant. “As a mother, Hubert Minnis couldn’t answer “He’s right now just for because I this,” her and her unborn will also make take all mothers can stop Patricia Minnis that consumed breath be right here. They well and we sure the believe mothers who was tearful both as baby to ts to make body. the questions my yesterday arrangemen Minnis, personnel out who said Mrs medical eight- my heart my only son. They Kendera Woodside have our sons on a too for her son, killed times. “We birth and as they necessary her and see her “This after she grieved of them at my daughter from the safety who was still with look almost shoot (the house) with would’ve delivered most knowing we cradle basis to ensure infant.” year-old Eugene, men we are to me with regular they inside four days ago. people ain’t tell- and What they do to my family? so they are closer patients,” Dr becomeWe have to speakshould of her and her unborn PAGE TWO SEE them. are my former “Why these bringing my son me. they do to us? st by pro- them. I think all women week me? I they we ain’ carry one day this ing me they she cried between What Minnis, a gynaecologi “The message “Why they wear black what’s happening in a baby.” tried to right now?” fession, said. the entire Bahamas 29 years, He’s Dr Minnis and mourn Eugene’s Rose- live must send to screams as this alone. Tonio Woodside, family at theirEugene wife even is the police can’t fight console the consoled his home where on father, struggled to maintain bud Road a stray bullet as he was shot by did his homework. he Monday as
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he told Parto In June, cost the ROLLE such liament of By RASHAD Bahamians $10,149,738. by the Carib- Tribune Staff Reporter so alarmed Action Task rrolle@tribunemedia.net increases was comes after draft bean Financial The revision more than By NEIL HARTNELL Editor Rolle, minForce’s (CFATF) BRENSIL et Tribune Business services he included that were not The Bahamas bunemedia.n report on his staff ister of public nhartnell@tri 1,700 workers Gen- that he instructedaddressing and National Insurance, in his original count. December Progressive THE Attorneyslammed to begin work on June. Amid the said between 2017, the criticism May flaws from early eral yesterday by Liberal Party’sadministrablasted the 2016 and in the nation’s the ballooned Mr Bethel deficiencies adminis- public purse laundering of the of the Minnisof its firings anti-money former Christie to tackle $16,532,738 because on’s tion because “entirely unacfailing administrati regime as SEE PAGE SIX they had tration for with the Christie public service ceptable”, warning “in great known weaknesses hiring of new that period. urgency. during put The Bahamas necessary BUSINESS workers danger”. told Trib- FULL STORY - SEE Carl Bethelhe had been une Business
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FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR NEW BLAZE AT LANDFILL
A DORSETT By SANCHESKReporter Tribune Staffunemedia.net sdorsett@trib TERS yesFIREFIGH a large blaze terday battled Providence at the New three weeks Landfill, nearly a massive that after tackling city dump fire at the nearly a month. burned for Charge of Fire Officer in Chief SuperinServices, Evans said tendent Walter is “not confire the the current any way to this in nected” and at previous blazedo not know time officials the fire. Howwhat caused t Minister Environmen ever told rehe Kenred Dorsett the site that porters at “sabotage” in said suspected the fire. He to relation the team he “instructed”to have the of firefighters “before and blaze extinguished day” today nomination Baha Mar’s certainly before Friday. opening on started shortly The blaze and Wednesday after 3am officEvans said Chief Supt battle the fire to but ers expect another day for at least wind is a “huge” he said the factor. SEE PAGE SIX
ROBERTS: PEET A ‘POLITICAL ENEMY’ FOR ANDROS BID
SIVE Liberal were obtaineda from a ther’s PROGRES The emails Bradley EMAILS leaked following of China Con- by The Tribune Party Chairmanout at his highdata breach (CCA) Roberts lashed story in December of CCA struction America’s colleague Vinthat from the breach former party night, accusservers show2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco cent Peet last North Anto servers China Construction as early as was seeking ing the former Islands MP hacker. Fitzgerald of dollars eventually paid 24 bitcoins dros and Berry enemy” $24,000) secure millions trucking, and (the equivalent of of being a “political an independin brokerage, to their servat Baha who mounted because he to have access it aplimousine contracts showing a resat in Cabinet ers restored; however, ent campaigna nomination forwarded leaked emails Mar while he of Educathat emails ONE of the Education, Sciwas denied party. Minister of as the Minister and Tech- pears relating to personnel quest from or d, Jerome Fitzgerald. from the governing tion, Science Tribune has to, to PLP supcompromise ence and Technology Speaking at CCA were in The nology, The a rally in North officials at Baha porters at night, Mr Robagent for Limolink despite top they were not learned. which his Bahamas. You are encourcontradict the saying at from Andros last is war” as faThe emails this week de- Mar clientele with a reference by the hack if erts said “this writes, “I limousine company was aged to get to vote Viacom crowd of Minister, who his office to concerned Fitzgerald the Mr matime. the president feel free he urged Dr Perry nied ever using to himself the an email dated May 18, am aware that interior arrive miliar. with regard the you wish. Please In for incumbent that a vote “Also Izmirlian terials have began to really we direct contracts me personally adding business from the mul- 2013, sent to Mr the to contact with contact Gomez, hotel. I would or his family resort. is a vote for be limousine meet with or have your agents Mr Fitzgerald, Cur- for the for Mr Peet Movement. it if we couldbro- are ready to Managing he Shelly ti-billion dollar - the Pro- by our Porter, appreciate anytime,” Free National Mr Porter Mr Fitzgerald Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, appointed your official your people SEE PAGE SIX his Director directly.” tis and 1st 2013.” writes. gressive Liberal we really ker for June - appears also Mr Fitzgerald indicates a request TWO & THREE “As indicated cusSEE PAGES for Marathon $20,000 He then makesfor limouto start brokerage to highend for only cater are the official Izmirlian services to be requesting Mar’s readiness Mr of Mar, Baha trucking Baha tomers and a month from Sarkis and Baha Mar project and sine services at the level of of reoriginal developer the ex- the as he touted the brokers citing Izmirlian, were necessary remain for the property. penses that cost of his fa- cord to cover the Healthcare hisMarsh Harbour a tortured ROLLE Centre has missed deadBy RASHAD Reporter one of Staff tory, of shoddy Tribune emedia.net lines and claims rrolle@tribun p, all without ty. of- workmanshi ENT clear accountabili GOVERNM ed the anyThe facility’s original bankrupt. ficials commissionHealththe contractor went of Marsh Harbour n in Abaco yesConstructio care Centre centre began it as a longIngraham terday, touting to the island healthcare under the former awaited boost on. adminisin and the Christie Health administrati Christie adhealth centre When the Staff tours the new tration’s National came to power, RASPBERRY Perry Christie the W. Carey/Tribune Insurance plans. and Ado- ministration Photo: Terrel ICED TEA PRIME Minister $1m renovating Like the Child Smith it spent o yesterday. PAGE SIX
OPENS AT LAST HEALTH CENTRE MARSH HARBOUR
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RS IN THE SPOTL
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FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE
WELLS By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu
G concern ADMITTIN Bernard Notin over what Dr have battled last tage may his isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday for ter Perry Christie admiration the expressed forth by the effort put security to former national the build-up minister in election. the May general from his Breaking away since being silence hispublic of office in a voted out last month, toric fashion Mr Chrishis visibly troubled portions of his tie detailed with last conversation and longfriend childhood colleague on time political Thursday. Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tehis someone who throughout and naciously” loved he life for thosetrait he said he a supported, up to their saw on display . last conversation PAGE SIX SEE
IS • FORMER PM BY DAVIS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY OF ‘DISAPPOINTED’ UE FNM ALLEGATIONS COLLEAG • SAYS GOVT DID NOTHING WRONGT PAYOU $8M OVER • CALLS FOR REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS
ROLLE By RASHAD Reporter Tribune Staff emedia.net rrolle@tribun Nottage’s DR Bernard forever be will “footprints the Bahamian etched on tal landscape” developmen work as a forthrough his of the Bahamer president of Athletic mas Association s, the Bahamas Association , the Medical Association and as a afMinDoctors’ Union consumer FORMER Prime the reminister for health and was to accept ister Perry Christie fairs, education, into a defeat,for it as I did when I Opposiyesterday. arrears, pictured W. national security, who was in sponsibility response to Photo: Terrel Philip “Brave” airport tenant described recent resigned,” he said in Staff levelled tion Leader as the criticism recent Carey/Tribune on from accusations Mr Christie in Davis said Wednesday. questions on 71, died administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government pandering at his administration Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party of irresponsibl WELLS at “misstep” a thought By RICARDO Reporter Wednesday He will receive sance and cronyism. that weeks. never any he was “disap- to its base. maintained Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic. He also said allegations being I was acceptin arrangenemedia.net relating Mr Christie part that by the rwells@tribu gova state funeral announced, of documents would on my y for any degree Per- pointed”around by the new be irrethat a review two controversies ments to ing responsibilit Prime Minister press sectossed matters any criminality, the of of these to on to FORMER as according the notion whatsoever administrati yesterday condemned ernment concerning Office of the his last term absolve his and prove that much sponsible spending andbare’ is just ry Christie retary for the Minnis administra- transpired during Anthony is as noth- that ‘the cupboard is wrongdoing efforts by the his government in Prime Minister, prime minister.at accusations from of the FNM’s rhetoric slogans.” tion to portray as he challenged Newbold. “political political slogans.” Hitting back Minnis adminislight, PAGE THREE SEE PAGE SIX ing more than challenges I have the SEE a negative leader to carry out a of members the controvergovern“One of the the nation’s te examination of the who led the $8m to tration concerning of more thanclean up as the person led the government “dispassiona sial pay out and who record”. interview at one vendor for hurricane to an ment off of $1.2m During a lengthy home on Thursand the write his Cable Beach defended his day, Mr Christie
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energy. solar, to produce of agreeof Works The heads the governMINISTER said challenges, Desmond Bannister ment requires to “address concerns” pressed certain and BPL delayed today marks which he suggestedof docu- he has “serious Power and ment and consistent WHILE with Bahamas to “keep the reliable of electricity on the for both sitsubmission the deadlineformer parlia- the tell- supply Providence, Light’s ability are chal- lights on this summer,” of island of New ting and to file financial ments. the abiliAmong these the lack will include finans mentarians Public Discloing The Tribuneprevent the whichmeet the requirement with obtaining may ty to disclosures, Chair- lenges from spouses, cial records in situations reliability from fulfilling of the project.” sure Commission the instalLaroda told requireoper- government This involves supporting man Myles yesterday that particularly Mar all the necessary they may have all to lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha re necessary ated there there were ng”. FIVE heads of agreement. is al- infrastructu riage. He said
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Prime Minister rings the bellrace for election
traditions. just a short ROLLE “Earlier today,present ParBy RASHAD Reporter the while ago, Tribune Staff officially disemedia.net liament was Christie said. rrolle@tribun Mr of Perry solved,”seat in the House “Every PRIME Minister the prover- Assembly is now vacant. the to you, Christie rang morning, “It is now left beloved bial bell yesterday that the 2017 citizenry of our who will announcing be held on nation, to decide in the next election willMay 10. fill those seats In doWednesday, address, givof Assembly. His televisedOffice of the House you will also be dethe ing so, en live at the came mowho will form Prime Minister, Commis- ciding of the BahaPolice government five years. ments after Greenslade, for the next that mosioner Ellison as provost mas “You will make in what s in his capacity decision proclamation pray marshal, readHouse of As- mentous hope and fair elecoutside the Governor Gen- I earnestly be free and Pin- will following a spirited sembly from Marguerite Let tions eral Dame Parliament. peaceful campaign. dling dissolving said he is but the forthcoming Mr Christie election will us contestwith all the vigour confident the and will fol- elections fair at our command.” TWO be free and peaceful PAGE and SEE low a spirited is consistent campaign that political with this country’s
TERED 170,000 HAVE REGIS NG DAY AHEAD OF POLLI
with correctnow engaged the voter ROLLE ing and editing it of its By RASHAD Reporter register, ridding Tribune Staff ised errors. emedia.net much-public enough staff to rrolle@tribun “We have “We 170,000 peo- do this,” Mr Hall said.certiJUST over sure it’s to vote have to make after tople have registered 10 general elec- fied some 14 daysdate.” for the May ry Com(Tuesday’s) tion, Parliamenta Hall said day’s accordance with the In Elections missioner Sherlyn ry pubParliamenta yesterday. what he de- Act, Mr Hall will give of This follows election in a “mad rush” notice of the week, statscribed as to vote lic this of newspapers people registering place in conthe last day ing the date, times when on Monday, and be stituencies registration. 172,000 peopapers must There were to vote in the nomination delivered. ple registeredelection. SEE PAGE THREE 2012 general ry Regis The Parliamenta Department istration
THE ELECTION
race is under
ARCHER PLP IS OMAR CONVICTED ARCHDEACON SAYS ITS LIFE’ OVER THREATS ‘FIGHTING FOR
way - as pictured
MINNIS CALLS FOR ON DECK ALL HANDS VIRGIL
in this cartoon
from Jamaal
Rolle.
host JOHNSON Deal” with By LAMECH Reporter “The Real By KHRISNA Reporter A BROWN Ortland Bodie, Archdeaet Tribune Staff Deputy Chief bunemedia.n By SANCHESK said this elecnemedia.net Reporter con Palacious “difficult” for ljohnson@tri kvirgil@tribu Tribune Staffunemedia.net Sr was tion will be and the FNM Move- sdorsett@trib of OMAR Archer both the PLP is no FREE National Dr Hubert Archdea- and at this point there how yesterday convicteda senment Leader to harm ANGLICAN gauge said said the threatening way to “properlygo.” Minnis yesterday“all hands con James Palacious officer through need that the Progres- the results will came one ior police his social media FNM will vote the Pro- yesterday Party appears a post to two years ago. His comments on deck” to Party gov- sive Liberal its life” Deputy Prime nearly he to be “fighting for neither day after Phillip “Brave” page 45-year-old Nassau gressive Liberal of office as that The ernment out Day, May and predicted party nor the Ministerpredicted that the Village resident appeared Davis heralded Election seats in the SEE PAGE SEVEN Movement that will bring the governing will win 30 10, as a day Free Nationalseats in next PLP TWO PAGE SEE 30 change. spoke dur- will wingeneral election. at month’s Dr Minnis on conference as a guest ing a press Appearing SEE PAGE THREE
Nassau & Bahama
Islands’ Leading
Newspaper
According to Supt Rolle, the victim was in his late twenties. “EMS personnel was called and took the male to hospital, where a short time later he succumbed to his injuries. Police are actively investigating this matter,” he said. “The Ghetto” is a known hot spot for crime, and Supt Rolle said that the area is frequently patrolled by police. He said police did not know the motive for the shooting. “Those who find
themselves to be involved in this type of activity, this is not a game; it is not a movie, it is reality and when you shoot someone and kill that person they don’t come back.” He warned: “The RBPF will pursue these persons with all efforts to try to bring these matters to close. We would like the community to be our partners to make sure we bring these persons to justice. These kinds of things cannot go on unsolved.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 30, 2020, PAGE 11
TRUMP DEFENCE: UKRAINE ‘QUID PRO QUO’ NOT IMPEACHABLE WASHINGTON Associated Press
In a striking shift from President Donald Trump’s claims of “perfect” dealings with Ukraine, his defense asserted yesterday at his Senate trial that a trade of US military aid for political favors — even if proven — could not be grounds for his impeachment. Trump’s defenders relied o n retired professor Alan Dershowitz, a member of their team, who told senators that every politician conflates his own interest with the public interest. “It cannot be impeachable,” he declared. Democrats are pressing hard to force the Senate to call more witnesses to testify, but Republicans
appear intently focused on bringing the impeachment trial to a vote of acquittal, possibly in a matter of days. Even new revelations from former national security adviser John Bolton are being countered by the president’s lawyers, who used Wednesday’s unusual question-and-answer session to warn off prolonging the proceeding, insisting senators have heard enough. Democrats argued Bolton’s forthcoming book cannot be ignored. It contends he personally heard Trump say he wanted military aid withheld from Ukraine until it agreed to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden — the abuse of power charge that is the first article of impeachment.
The vote on calling witnesses is expected by tomorrow. As Chief Justice John Roberts fielded queries, Texas Republican Ted Cruz asked if it mattered whether there was a quid pro quo? Simply, no, declared Dershowitz, who said many politicians equate their reelection with the public good. “That’s why it’s so dangerous to try to psychoanalyze a president,” he said. Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democrat leading the House prosecutors, appeared stunned. “All quid pro quos are not the same,” he retorted. Some might be acceptable, some not. “And you don’t need to be a mind reader to figure out which is
PRESIDENT Donald Trump
which. For one thing, you can ask John Bolton.” With voting on witnesses later this week, Democrats, amid the backdrop of protesters swarming the Capitol, are making a last-ditch push to sway Republicans to call Bolton and others to appear for testimony and ensure a “fair trial.” Trump faces charges from the House that he abused his power like no other president, jeopardizing Ukraine and U.S.-Ukraine relations by using the military aid as leverage while the vulnerable ally battled Russia. The second article of impeachment says Trump then obstructed the House probe in a way that threatened the nation’s three-branch system of checks and balances.
CHINA VIRUS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 170
DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN DIEGO?
BEIJING Associated Press
SAN DIEGO Associated Press US AUTHORITIES yesterday announced the discovery of the longest smuggling tunnel ever found on the Southwest border, stretching more than three-quarters of a mile from an industrial site in Tijuana, Mexico, to the San Diego area. The tunnel featured an extensive rail cart system, forced air ventilation, high voltage electrical cables and panels, an elevator at the tunnel entrance and a drainage system. The length of the tunnel — more than 14 football fields — stunned authorities.
THE LONGEST smuggling tunnel between Mexico and the US discovered by authorities
EU lets go of Britain BRUSSELS Associated Press THE European Union grudgingly let go of the United Kingdom with a final vote yesterday at the EU’s parliament that ended the Brexit divorce battle and set the scene for tough trade negotiations in the year ahead. In an emotion-charged session at the session in Brussels, lawmakers from all 28 EU countries expressed their love and sadness, while some, notably from Britain’s Brexit Party, their joy. Some even cried and many held hands during a mournful rendition of the Auld Lang Syne farewell song that contrasted sharply with hard-headed exhortations that
Britain won’t find it easy in the talks that will follow the country’s official departure tomorrow. “We will always love you and we will never be far,” said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Britain will leave the EU after 47 years of membership. It is the first country to leave the EU and for many in Europe its official departure at 11pm London time on Friday, Jan. 31 is a moment of enormous sadness and reduces the number in the bloc to 27. With just two days to go until Brexit day, the legislature overwhelmingly approved Britain’s departure terms from the EU — 621 to 49 in favor of the Brexit deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the other
27 EU leaders in the fall of last year. The deal’s passage follows last week’s backing by the U.K.’s Parliament. The parliament’s chief Brexit official, Guy Verhofstadt, said that “this vote is not an adieu,” adding that it is “only an au revoir.” Though the deal on Britain’s divorce terms has cleared its hurdles, there are still huge uncertainties around the future relationship. After Britain’s departure on Friday, a so-called transition period will begin during which the U.K. will remain within the EU’s economic arrangements until the end of the year though it won’t have a say in policy as it will not be a member of the EU anymore. “That’s it. It’s all over,” said
Nigel Farage, who has campaigned for Brexit for two decades. On departing the scene, the man who arguably did more than anyone else in the country’s decision to vote for Brexit in the June 2016 referndum, waved Britain’s Union Flag. EU countries are preparing for the possibility that talks on a new trade deal with Britain could collapse by year’s end, and no-deal contingency planning for a chaotic end to the transition period is necessary. Britain is seeking to thrash out a comprehensive trade deal within 11 months, a timetable viewed as ambitious by many observers of trade discussions, which can often drag on for years.
THE death toll rose to 170 in the new virus outbreak in China on Thursday as foreign evacuees from the worsthit region begin returning home under close observation and world health officials expressed “great concern” that the disease is starting to spread between people outside of China. Yesterday’s figures cover the previous 24 hours and represent an increase of 38 deaths and 1,737 cases for a total of 7,711. Of the new deaths, 37 were in the epicenter of the outbreak in Hubei province and one in the southwestern province of Sichuan. Amid reports of shortages in food and daily necessities in hot-spot areas, the authorities are “stepping up efforts to ensure continuous supply and stable prices,” the official Xinhua News Agency reported. It cited Ministry of Commerce data showing current reserves in Wuhan can ensure a secure supply of rice and cooking oil for more than 15 days, pork and eggs for more than 10 days and vegetables for about five days. The government has offered no estimates as to when it can contain the outbreak, although some specialists have speculated that the spread of the disease will reach its peak in about two weeks. The new virus has now infected more people in China than were sickened there during the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.
PAGE 12, Thursday, January 30, 2020 By YVONNE SU PhD, International Development and Political Science, University of Guelph THE recent ruling by the United Nations that governments cannot return people to countries where their lives might be threatened by climate change is a potential game-changer — not just for climate refugees, but also for global climate action. The UN Human Rights Committee’s landmark ruling made clear that “without robust national and international efforts, the effects of climate change in receiving states may expose individuals to violations of their rights … thereby triggering the nonrefoulement obligations of sending states.” The ruling elaborates further to say: “Given the risk of an entire country becoming submerged under water is such an extreme risk, the conditions of life in such a country may become incompatible with the right to life with dignity before the risk is realized.” The judgment relates to the case of Ioane Teitiota, a man from the Pacific island of Kiribati. In 2015, Teitiota applied for protection from New Zealand after arguing his life and his family members’ lives were at risk due to the effects of climate change and sea level rise. The Republic of Kiribati is considered one of the countries most at risk of being rendered uninhabitable by rising sea levels. The UN committee ruled, however, that in the time that might happen — 10 to 15 years — there could be “intervening acts by the Republic of Kiribati, with the assistance of the international community, to take affirmative measures to protect and, where necessary, relocate its population.” As a result, the committee ruled against Teitiota on the basis that his life was not at imminent risk. Teitiota did not become the world’s first climate refugee, but the committee’s
THE TRIBUNE
Game-changer for climate refugees
THE SOUTH Pacific atoll Kiribati from the air. There are fears that climate change could wipe out their entire Pacific archipelago. ruling essentially recognized that climate refugees do exist, a first for the UN body. The ruling acknowledges a legal basis for refugee protection for those whose lives are imminently threatened by climate change. For several decades, academics and policy-makers alike have debated the existence of climate refugees, with many asserting that because migration can be fuelled by many factors, climate change cannot be singled out as the sole driver of any movement. However, with the acceleration of the climate crisis over the last 10 years, people are increasingly
being displaced by disasters, desertification and coastal erosion linked to climate change. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, confirmed the recent ruling means those displaced by climate change should be treated like refugees by recipient countries. Grandi noted: “The ruling says if you have an immediate threat to your life due to climate change, due to the climate emergency, and if you cross the border and go to another country, you should not be sent back because you would be at risk of your life, just like in a war or in a situation of persecution.”
Grandi and some media commentators have predicted the ruling may open the door to surges of legal claims by displaced people globally. But the burden of proof that someone’s life is under imminent threat by climate change remains high. Teitiota’s case is a good example. Despite his arguments that sea level rise, overpopulation and salt-water intrusion were threatening his life and the lives of his family, the New Zealand court and the UN Human Rights Committee ruled against him, saying he could not prove that his life was in imminent danger.
And so while this latest UN ruling is a momentous first step in international law, it by no means opens the floodgates to surges of climate refugees. But it does represent a win for global climate action. It’s not legally binding, but it illustrates to governments around the world that climate change will have an increasing impact on their legal obligations under international law. This is great news for citizens and governments of small island states who have long pushed for climate action but have been met with delays and rejections. For example, during last
year’s Pacific Island Forum that brings together 16 Pacific island nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand, the 16 islands put forward the Tuvalu Declaration to ask for more action on climate change. But sections of the original declaration were struck down due to reservations from Australia and New Zealand. Australia reportedly had concerns about emissions reductions, coal use and funding for the UN’s Green Climate Fund, while New Zealand also expressed concern about the fund. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama criticized the final declaration, tweeting: “We came together in a nation that risks disappearing to the seas, but unfortunately, we settled for the status quo in our communique.” Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga also told Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison: “You are concerned about saving your economies … I’m concerned about saving my people.” Ironically, following bushfires that recently raged across Australia and displaced thousands, concerns have arisen that Australia will soon have to deal with its own climate refugees. The pressure is mounting for world leaders to take serious climate action to aggressively curb greenhouse gas emissions. The latest UN ruling is step towards improving the lives of those most vulnerable and affected by climate change. theconversation.com