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VOLUME:116 No.26, JANUARY 31ST, 2019
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Derek’s billions - it’s a fairytale
Turnquest speaks out to rubbish 20-year-old ‘stolen fortune’ myth By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest told Parliament allegations the government and a local bank thwarted Derek Rolle Kelly’s purported inheritance have no basis and are entirely untrue. He said no public entity, including the Central Bank, has had or does have knowledge or possession of any funds related to this alleged inheritance. And neither have the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the Office of the
Attorney General, the Ministry of National Security or any other relevant agency been approached by any domestic or international entity on any matter related to the investigation of this issue, Mr Turnquest said. The story of Rolle, now deceased, and a fortune he claimed he inherited from a deceased American couple have lingered for some 20 years. In the late 1990s, police referred to Rolle as a scam artist and said the fortune he claimed to have inherited was non-existent, according to The Tribune’s records. SEE PAGE THREE
THE government was last night said to be confident there will be “no deviation” from its $237m full-year deficit target despite incurring almost three-quarters of this sum in the first six months. Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, told Tribune Business that the Minnis administration “feels
comfortable” it will hit its 2018-2019 goals despite racking up $174.2m in “red ink” during the six months to end-December. With the bulk of government revenues traditionally earned during the second half of a fiscal year that coincides with the peak winter tourism season, business licence fees and the bulk of real property tax payments, Mr Johnson said it “remains confident” that the 12-month deficit target will be hit.
FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
L SOUR CE
‘BIG BANG’ FOR HEALTH TAX JULY NEXT YEAR By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN workers earning more than $35,000 per year will have to pay the majority of their National Health Insurance premiums from their own salary, it was revealed yesterday. The NHI Authority unveiled a revised tax/ contribution schedule that - at the top level - requires executives earning more than $66,667 to pay 100 percent of the annual $1,000 Standard Health Benefit premium. The scheme’s policy document called for a split launch between January 2020 and January 2021 but it was confirmed to Tribune Business yesterday that the proposal now is that there be one, single launch for all in July 2020. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
JUNKANOO CHALLENGE GIVES WIN TO KNIGHTS
BUDGET ON TARGET DESPITE ‘RED INK’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
$1
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
HONEST, I’M SICK
PETER Nygard’s legal team has provided pictures of its client in hospital to show he has been too unwell to appear in court. Nygard is appealing against a judge’s decision to order his “immediate arrest” for failing to appear on three occasions to be sentenced for breaching a court order prohibiting him from engaging in any illegal dredging near his home. Full story - Page 7
AFTER appeals were lodged against Grand Bahama’s New Year’s Day Junkanoo results, the Platinum Knights group has now been declared the official winner. This comes after protests by two groups of the unofficial results announced on January 2. The two-time defending champion Platinum Knights fell in the standings from first to third place after penalty deductions were applied, moving the Superstar Rockers into first place as the unofficial winner of the parade. SEE PAGE FIVE
‘CONTRACTOR OVER-BILLED BY $1.8M’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
A COMPANY contracted to do work in a Carmichael Road subdivision had its bill heavily reduced after Ministry of Public Works officials were unable to prove it had completed work it claimed to have done. In documents tabled in the House of Assembly by Housing and Environment
ROMAULD FERREIRA Minister Romauld Ferreira, Priton Bahamas Limited claimed to have completed
work in the amount of $2,192,019.84. However, upon investigation by officials only $367,288.61 worth of work could be proven. Priton’s agent, according to a company search, also tabled yesterday, was listed as Valentine S Grimes. Several big items were slashed, including a line item for trucking services and fill. Priton claimed to be owed $867,649.71 for this service, but the SEE PAGE TEN
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
DIANE PHILLIPS BUILDING A COMMUNITY AFTER JOAQUIN
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Thursday, January 31, 2019
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OLIVIA HERNANDEZ-CAMBRIDGE, a sixth grade student at St Cecilia’s School. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
STUDENTS URGED TO BE ENVIRONMENT HEROES By RIEL MAJOR
ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira continued his ministry’s “Be a Hero” campaign yesterday at St Cecilia Primary School. The school-based campaign aims to change the mindset of young Bahamians about the environment and to instill pride in their surroundings. Mr Ferreira told the students Bahamians should keep the country clean for themselves, adding there should be no expectation for visitors to do this job or value The Bahamas more than its citizens. He said: “St Cecilia is the 19th school (where this campaign has visited) and there is no limit as to what students can do. The important thing for them to do is to use their imagination, to truly understand that this Bahamas is their land and it is their responsibility to care for it. “Cleaner spaces are safer spaces. Research has shown where there is
a lack of respect for the environment, abandoned vehicles, dirt and debris, there is more anger and aggression.” The minister has enlisted the support of athletes, entertainers, community leaders, stars and local celebrities who young people look up to in support of the campaign. “When Shaunae MillerUibo or Jonquel Jones or Buddy Hield are telling them it’s cool to be clean and litter-free or to slam dunk the junk, these little kids identify with it. If they see a sign with Olympic track start Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown saying ‘Pick up the pace and clean up the place’, they can relate. “It’s important to get the message of cleanliness and responsibility for surrounding across to these kids when they are young so it becomes a practice, a way of life.” Mr Ferreira said once the campaign is completed in New Providence, the next phase would be to implement it in various schools in the Family Islands.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 3
Derek’s fairytale from page one At the time, Rolle claimed he would pay poor people’s bills from this inheritance once they paid a processing fee of $60. However, concerns over this rumour have heightened in recent months, flooding social media. The persistence of the wild claims, which also slandered certain individuals and businesses, led Mr Turnquest, who is also deputy prime minister, to address the matter in the House of Assembly yesterday. He advised any representatives of Rolle’s estate who might have evidence to substantiate the claim to avail themselves of all channels in the Bahamas and abroad to bring resolution. Until such time as they or anyone else is able to present credible evidence the government will not comment further on the matter and considers it closed, Mr Turnquest said yesterday. “I do regret that I have to address this,” Mr Turnquest said. “I rise to make a brief and what I hope shall be a final statement on the matter of the alleged role and knowledge of the Bahamas government in a purported inheritance left to the now deceased Derek Rolle. “Honourable members and the general public would largely be aware of the story of late Derek Rolle that goes back some twenty years plus. Without rehashing the entire tale, the substance of the matter is that the late Mr Rolle would have allegedly inherited a fortune from a deceased American couple. “Mr Rolle would have alleged that his efforts to obtain this inheritance had – up until his death - been thwarted by officials of the Bahamas government. The allegations also have stated that government officials and unscrupulous bankers had conspired to hide and steal this inheritance.
SOME OF THE HEADLINES ROLLE GENERATED WITH HIS STORY OF WEALTH “These unfounded allegations had spanned administrations, but had died down over the years. However, recently they have reemerged and have become a mini-viral phenomena on social media. In some versions of the story, the value of the inheritance is up to $79 billion. Further, as the current iteration of this fanciful tale goes, the government had rushed the recent Dormant Accounts Bill through Parliament so as to abscond with the multi-billion inheritance to the disadvantage of the estate of Mr Rolle. “Neither the Ministry nor the Central Bank nor the named commercial bank elected to respond formally to this patently absurd tale, simply because it was and is
a patently absurd tale. However, given that the matter had been raised by a Member of this House, the government feels that it is important to state its position formally for the record.” He also said: “Further, the government is not aware of any legal action that has been commenced in the Bahamas or any other jurisdiction in respect to what is alleged to be the largest theft of monies ever recorded. “One would certainly believe that there is more than sufficient incentive for this matter to have been advanced over the last twenty years. There would be literally thousands of lawyers from across the world who would fly to the Bahamas – or the relevant
jurisdiction – today to commence action if $79bn was on the line.” Mr Turnquest said while the government could not speak for private entities the Ministry of Finance had reached out to the commercial bank that had been named in the rumours. This bank, he said, similarly indicated that it had no knowledge or possession of any funds related to Rolle. Centreville MP Reece Chipman stood on a point of order saying it was important that the government did its due diligence and came to a conclusion on this situation as it implicated many persons. Several weeks ago, Mr Chipman asked the House for a select committee to investigate this case.
He said: “I am in the financial services industry and my office was right next to the Towne Hotel where Mr Rolle would have had a long line at some point and we were made to believe that something was wrong with this gentleman that would have brought this to the fore. But as of late it has become of national interest because more and more persons were involved with this particular story. “So I am glad to know that the government would have done their investigation and would have come with some form of conclusion to avoid the anxiety of a country that does and so I just wanted to say that is what good governments do.”
‘I’m just a Bahamian who came into good fortune’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net TWO decades ago, Derek Rolle was deemed the brainchild behind a fraudulent scam and the Royal Bahamas Police Force warned that his purported multi-milliondollar inheritance was non-existent. On March 17, 1998, The Tribune reported that the now deceased Rolle had been claiming he would pay poor people’s outstanding bills from his inherited money once they paid him $60 to cover legal fees and stamp tax. At the time, he claimed to be heir to $188m, left to him by a deceased American couple who vacationed in the Bahamas. As police publicly declared him a “financial angel” scammer, Rolle insisted he was not trying to rip off unsuspecting people and demanded that then Commissioner of Police Bernard Bonamy apologise for questioning his integrity. At the time, the former commissioner said: “It is
our view, and we highly suspect that this $188m inheritance is non-existent, and we strongly advise the Bahamian public that we are very apprehensive about this scheme and would be well advised not to make any further payment to Derek Rolle and others.” The warning was the result of a week and a half investigation by the RBPF which also found that no money was deposited in any banks in the country and certainly not in the amount claimed by Rolle. Commissioner Bonamy warned that if Rolle, his associate Labon Ferguson and others did not honour their promises, the police would take further steps to deter any fraudulent scheme, however it was orchestrated. Police also said they were able to obtain a document from Rolle which he purported to be a will, but they chalked it up as a “bogus document”
upon inspection. Several days before the published warning in March 1998, police went to the Towne Hotel where they met with Rolle. There were scores of Bahamians at the hotel who had gone to pay Rolle the $60 fee so he could pay their bills. On that day, he told police that in 1992 while at Orange Hill in Nassau he had met the American couple, George and Elizabeth Kelly from New York. He claimed that the Kellys adopted him and deposited $188m to his accounts at two well-known banks in New Providence. He further claimed that Mr Kelly died and he was named heir to their fortune and the money was sent to his accounts. This was followed by his claim that the Central Bank of the Bahamas put a hold on his account. A day later on March 18, 1998 Rolle shut down his business at the hotel. He said he did not vacate the
hotel but stopped conducting business there. And then on March 24 of that year, thousands of people in Grand Bahama swarmed the parking lot at Scorpios restaurant to submit their bills for payment, it was reported. An estimated 2,000 people waited on long lines leading into a small room to present mortgages, car loans and even medical bills. While some expressed scepticism, others were eager to “try their hand” with a man they had never seen. He was also a no show at Calvary Temple four days later in Grand Bahama on March 28. In the midst of this people were split about the veracity of his claims. Four out of six people surveyed by The Tribune at the time said they believed it was a scam. More than a year later on April 17, 1999, this newspaper published a warning from the Central Bank which urged people to “exercise caution” if Rolle claimed to have a business relationship with the bank.
The bank insisted it had no relationship with him or was involved in any transaction banking or otherwise with Rolle, Kelly or his company Derek Rolle Enterprises. Responding, Rolle complained that he was being publicly vilified and that news reports about him left him with a bad name. “Let me assure you, first of all, that I am no fraud,” he said in a
letter to The Tribune at the time. He described himself as just a local Bahamian who came into good fortune. For a time, he added Kelly to his surname and called himself Derek Rolle Kelly, claiming Mrs Kelly was his adopted mother. However he refused to provide her address or phone number. In 2001 Rolle was said to be seriously ill in a Florida hospital and died in 2016.
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The Moon’s China’s balloon THE world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. Earlier this month, China announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base. Colonising the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing. But how close is China to actually achieving this goal? If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today. The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics – similar to Amazon warehouses – to ensure that the necessary infrastructures and support systems are fully operational before people arrive. The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the Moon. Seeds taken to the Moon by the Chang’e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the Moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base. Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested. China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions. Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost. China’s vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts for the base. But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the micro gravity environment of the Moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed. We know that Earth materials, such as
fibre optics, change properties once they are in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon. Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge. For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first “ready to use” stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. NASA also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space. On a larger scale we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing. Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by NASA in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond. So far, we’ve focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level. We know that the human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is currently lacking. What happens if the astronauts get sick? Will medicine from Earth still work? If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered. In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity. Can China build a lunar base? Absolutely. Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term? The answer to that is less clear. What is certain is that China will use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration. By Joshua Chou Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney
Keep it simple EDITOR, The Tribune WHY does the RBDF constantly suggests that they have such an enormous area to guard our borders, when in geographical reality it is about only 30% of the country, as the majority looks after itself? Let us think – to the north we have an area east of Bimini to Grand Bahama and immediate surrounding water – not a vast area as with appropriate equipment on Bimini easily policed 24/7. It is more of an internal issue counter, smuggling of drugs and humans coming from Grand Bahama. To South Inagua, the southern base of the RBDF to Haiti coast, is not an extraordinary space of the majority of Haitian smuggling sloops come from the western Providence. Is not the US providing coastal radar, and is not there going to be a means
to track maritime shipping movements? The US extensively patrols the passage between Cuba-Haiti through OBAT, one presumes the RBDF receives intel so really what does the RBDF patrol? Reality is not much – but Haitian sloops slip past RBDF, Inagua and sail right into Coral Harbour or South Beach under the eyes of the RBDF and then we hear the excuses. Why are we spending $millions on drones, when long range to horizon night vision binoculars would suffice…little or no maintenance which when it comes to the RBDF is an essential issue, as their record for maintenance is not good. Such equipment could be placed on any island, and provide very adequate reconnaissance, especially with coastal radar as the Commodore empathized, is on-line to be installed around the islands.
Policing the Grand Bahama-Bimini area, requires “required” checkins for all vessels at Bimini - anyone leaving or entering Grand Bahama must checkin to Customs. RBDF in Freeport and West End, you do not need drones to police that... just observant marines. Question: The much heralded coastal radar in Inagua, is it in place and operational? Has the Command for HMBS Inagua been established? We do not have the financial resources to satisfy, what seems to be an appetite for electronic toys. We need practical equipment which is hardened to not need maintenance… drones need extensive maintenance. Keep it simple Mr Minister, it just might work! L MURPHY Nassau January 28, 2019
We have evolved and adapted to living in the midst of filth EDITOR, The Tribune YOUR editorial today, 30 January 2019, on the topic of run down Nassau and downtown is apropos. If Charles Darwin has any credibility, then we must accept that humans in particular, adapt to changing environments. I think that Bahamians and more so those living in the capital, have evolved and adapted to living in the midst of filth. At least the larger percentage of us have. Although it is not downtown, as a regular Eastern District commuter, I pass what once was the front wall of the former iconic Montagu Beach Hotel. The property has been sold off in lots and thereupon has developed several new and prestigious professional office buildings, which are maintained in beautiful condition. But immediately east/south of Higgs & Johnson, one hits the ghetto-like nasty wall with its faded and dirty original colouring of pink bottoms and sailorwhite top wall. On a really bad day as today one also has the torn remnants of a “Junior
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Junkanoo” banner, no longer stretched across the road, but now hanging in several pieces above the traffic line. The wall continues after the traffic light, to what appears to be a park, maintained by several local businesses, including I believe, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The park is indeed maintained well, but, oh my God, the wall is just as dirty and nasty as the section to the north. Huge money was spent by someone recently on the occasion of the Best of the Best Sailing Regatta, which included a large number of international sailors, from what is known as the Start Sailors League. Now, the Bahamians at the event may well have evolved to accept looking at nasty, but I have little doubt that the foreigners have not. Only the Lord knows what they must think of the Bahamian Condition. And I believe the Susan G. Komen
Marathon either starts, ends, or passes through here each year. Another international sporting event sponsored by the Sunshine Group of Companies, that draws huge numbers of participants from beyond our shores. They will not be oblivious, like we are, and will see the nastiness for what it is. Now if you take your eyes off the wall before it ends and look out to the sea, you will again see nasty, like you have never seen it before. Either the remnant spillage from an overloaded garbage skip, or the skip itself, intended for the fish and conch vendors to dispose of their waste, including empty conch shells, but the public has assumed that this is the dump for them, to dispose of anything from their household garbage, to their no longer working fridge, stove, or bed mattress. But we are a God-Fearing People we say. What happened to the ancient adage – “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” ? BRUCE G RAINE Nassau January 30, 2018
Nassau needs to be the first call EDITOR, The Tribune EMPLOYMENT quotas based on gender? Has not the good minister studied the constitution? Article: 26. Starting to wonder if there should not be an understanding - The Constitution Test for Ministers? Nassau Cruise Harbour project - the committee seems to have reached a conclusion extremely quickly ... hope that the prime minister and cabinet understand the problem,
with the arriving cruise ships, is that the 7-10 cruises arrive in Nassau on their last stop or the last but one, that being one of the cruise islands plus their passengers have empty credit/ debit cards. A management company has no say, in changing the sailing and which port the ships go to first - second last or last but one. Choose them, if we get a 3-4% increase that will be a miracle. If we choose the Strachan Group, with the
cruise lines, we could be looking at a 60% disembarkment of passengers, currently 39% and the spend would shoot through the roof. Conditional in getting the franchise, require them to have 3-mega ships into Nassau, every week on their first or second call after leaving the US! Do not screw this one up please! J HUTCHINSON Nassau January 24, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 5
Junkanoo challenge gives win to Knights from page one
At a press conference held at the Junkanoo Committee headquarters, co-chairman Kevin Russell said there was a delay in the official results to allow for due process after appeals were lodged following the release of the unofficial results. “The unofficial results were given and you had two groups that lodged appeals by letters of protest, and we had to look at that,” he said. Mr Russell stated the appeal was conducted on January 21 when Knights’ leader presented the group’s case and a subsequent appeal was put forth by the Classic Dancers group. The panel hearing the appeal consisted of four independent persons from the community; two representatives from the National Junkanoo Committee, a representative of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and members of Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee. Mr Russell said: “We went through the rules and decided that the penalties that were assessed to every group were assessed in the wrong manner so the panelists decided to throw out all the penalty points and judge the parade on the points amassed by the judges. “The compilation of the penalty committee was not in accordance with the rules. We came in here, Mr Smith and myself, we met these rules in place.” He explained that group members would have chosen five people from each group as penalty judges. That, he said, was in contravention of the particular section of the rules
which ask for a group marshal, three independents and a penalty committee chairperson. Mr Russell said that was not observed so as a result the results were thrown out. According to the official results of the A Division, he said that overall placement put Classic Dancers fourth with 2,403 points; The Swingers third with 2,597 points; Superstar Rockers second with 2,832 points; and the Platinum Knights first with 3,087 points. Mr Russell stressed that Junkanoo officials are looking at establishing universal rules when judging future parades to avoid issues like what happened in Grand Bahama this month. “When looking at the rules, they found glaring grey areas and ambiguities and we are trying to clean this up,” Mr Russell, a lawyer, said. “What they are saying is that we are going to revamp the whole system. This is a clarion call; what happened here is a clarion call to get a uniform (set of rules) throughout the islands because what the rule is in Grand Bahama should be the rule in Nassau, Abaco, and Exuma,” he said. “. . .Because this is our culture and what right now what happened should not have happened and it is a black eye on Junkanoo, so we will try to clean it up as best we can,” Mr Russell vowed. Thomas Curry, group leader of the Platinum Knights, and members of the group were pleased to have been announced the winners of the parade. “It was a long process but thank God it is finally done and we could move on, but to God be the glory, great things he has done,” he said. Mr Curry thanked the
ONE of the banner pieces for the Platinum Knights during the Grand Bahama Junkanoo parade. Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee, the National Junkanoo Committee, the fans, and judges. “They finally got it right, “ he said. “They heard our plea and everyone knows what the results were from day one so now I guess we could celebrate.” He also said he supports plans to revamp parade rules. When asked how he felt about revamping of rules, Mr Curry said he supported it. This marks the group’s third consecutive win in Grand Bahama.
TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING
POLICE are searching for the gunman who shot two men and left them in hospital on Tuesday. Shortly after 10pm, a group of men were standing on a porch of a residence on East Street south when they were approached by a gunman who opened fire in their
direction, injuring two of them before running away. The injured men were taken to hospital, where at last report, they were listed in serious, but stable condition. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2.
PAGE 6, Thursday, January 31, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
HOUSE AGREES TO BORROW $100M FOR EMERGENCIES By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE House of Assembly approved a resolution yesterday to borrow $100m from the InterAmerican Development Bank as a contingency against natural disaster emergencies. The loan was previously approved during the 2018 budget exercise and is only now being put into operation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the contingent loan facility “is a line of credit that is on standby in the event the country is hit by a hurricane and needs additional funds to respond and to recover”. “This is a facility that we as a country hope never to have to use,” he said. “By design and by
our own government policy, this is not monies that can be accessed to do anything other than to respond to natural disasters.” Previously, the government announced it will use money from extinguished dormant accounts to set up an independently managed disaster relief fund, legislation allowing for which is expected to be brought to Parliament. Dr Minnis said that fund will be seeded with about $41m at inception. He also noted the administration re-enrolled in the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, a regional insurance fund that the Christie administration exited after determining the country had little chance of receiving a payout because of how the scheme was structured. The Minnis administration has re-structured the scheme although the opposition still disputes its value.
“Taken together,” Dr Minnis said, “these will ensure that there is an ample source of cash readily available to the government so that it can respond quickly. The government is then better positioned to save lives and secure property. Once the event has passed, this will mean that the government can more readily mobile the contractors and vendors to get the country back to a state of normalcy.” The Progressive Liberal Party voted against the contingency loan resolution. Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he did not understand what “natural disaster emergency programme” meant based on language in the loan agreement. He said the agreement explicitly disallows the money to be used to fund infrastructure repairs of permanent structures. “What will happen to my school when
it goes down in Cat Island?” he asked. “What is to happen when the roofs are removed because of water and rain? They are permanent structures.” He said: “Much ado was made about the fact that our administration decided to withdraw ourselves from the CCRIF insurance. They went ahead and said they would fix it. A hurricane came. They went in and said a new provision was introduced by the CCRIF organisation where they got a little something which was not even as much as the premium. Why you need to have a contingency fund to draw on if you have an insurance? Now, I know you might say there are some deductibles. But is it going to be $100m?” Mr Turnquest later countered that money from the CCRIF programme will be used only to fund infrastructure repairs while the
contingency fund will cover ancillary costs. He said the multiple plans are all about enhancing the country’s climate change resilience, an area environmentalists have found to be lacking. He said: “Rather than wait for an event to happen and then scurry around wondering where we will find $100m to borrow for recovery, we know with surety where that money is coming from. The protection of that fall back line of credit costs us nothing in the interim so it is actually free insurance if you want to call it. “...We are taking a prudent and responsible approach to try and cover all the potential risks that exist as best as we can to ensure that in the event of an emergency, we have CCRIF to cover the infrastructure costs and with this credit line we cover all the other costs associated with the risk of a hurricane.”
Minnis aiming for a ‘single window’ for digital services By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net A RESOLUTION was passed in the House of Assembly yesterday to borrow $30m from the Inter-American Development Bank to further digitise government services. The borrowing was previously approved during last year’s budget exercise, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Finance Peter Turnquest. The modernisation unit in the Office of the Prime Minister will spearhead the digital push. The government has been gradually digitising services for years, but Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis noted the clumsy way digitisation has been integrated. “Currently,” he said, “we have an online presence of 400 services, that is, forms that may be obtained online. These forms must be printed, completed, then
physically delivered to the relevant government ministry or department.” Noting The Bahamas consistently ranks low on global ease of doing business indexes, placing 118 among 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2018 list, Dr Minnis said the country must improve where, when and how services are delivered and the number of times customers must appear in person to obtain those services. “Services ought not to
SERVICES ought not to take months to obtain, said Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. take months to obtain,” he said. “In preparation for the writing of the loan document, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation conducted a survey and concluded that Bahamians spend an average of 25 days per year doing business with the government. I want you to visualise the lines at the Road Traffic Department, the Passport Office and the Registrar General’s Department.” From the loan, $13.8m will be geared toward simplifying and digitising government procedures, $9.9m for strengthening institutional capacity, $3.3m for project management, monitoring, evaluation, audit and contingencies and $3m to enhance transparency and integrity in government, Dr Minnis said. That $3m, according to the resolution, must provide support for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act by developing a master plan for the FOIA’s rollout, “providing technical support for the set-up and operation of the office of the information commissioner and conducting training to information managers to enhance transparency in public sector entities and enhancing inter-institutional co-ordination to effectively implement FOIA provisions”. The loan will be used to “design and implement a government computing service that will allow agencies
to access a shared e-government infrastructure and applications,” the resolution said. It will “digitise government procedures related to property registration and computerise procedures related to setting up a business”. Dr Minnis said he anticipates it will take about five years to complete the digitisation process. He said there will be a “single window facility through which you can obtain services online from wherever you are – your birth certificate, your driver’s license, registration at the clinics and police certificates; a unique personal identifier for the user along with a process to sign documents digitally that allows the user to transact business online; a once-only concept enshrined in legislation so that once one government entity has a piece of information about you, no other agency is allowed to ask for it. You will not have to take your birth certificate to the Passport Office or to the Ministry of the Public service ever again.” Recent administrations have sought to digitise and modernise government services in some way. The Minnis administration has emphasised improving the ease of doing business. Already the government has begun providing provisional licenses to low-risk businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to operate within 90 days while they complete the full licensing process. The administration has
also removed fees for starting new businesses and no longer requires businesses that make less than $100,000 a year to pay an annual business license fee. Progressive Liberal Party parliamentarians voted against the resolution yesterday. Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper said they lacked a “full sense” of what already borrowed funds have been used for. “The government has said we sit on a fiscal cliff, you’ve said the cupboard is bare, you’re said the PLP borrowed so much and now this,” he said. Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis added the PLP believes the government is reaping enough revenue to digitise government services without borrowing money. “The agreement to which the government is going to enter into has a rate of just around $5m a year. It’s a six-year draw down programme from what I have seen from the agreement. I accept that we have to digitise but it appears to be a six year programme for $30m, $5m a year and we say the general revenue of the government ought to be able to fund this without us having to borrow. That is why we say no to this.” Mr Turnquest rebuked the PLP, reminding them that they voted to borrow the funds last year. “This is a part of the borrowing plan that was outlined in this House back in May 2018,” he said.
FOULKES MOVES TO PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY MICHAEL Foulkes has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. As Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Foulkes will be responsible for assisting Social Services and Urban Development Minister Frankie Campbell. Mr Foulkes, pictured right, previously served as executive chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC). Bishop Gregory Collie, former deputy chairman of BAIC, has now been appointed its chairman.
“I am pleased to have Mr Foulkes in this new assignment in the important area of social services,” said Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. “He has shown leadership at BAIC and will make a valuable contribution in his new role.” He is a partner at Bethel, Moss & Co law firm and served as co-chairman of the National Insurance Board Appeals Tribunal from 2007 to 2012. Mr Foulkes is the son of former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and the late Naomi Foulkes.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 7
EIGHT WOMEN FACE JAIL AFTER STRIP CLUB SWOOP By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
EIGHT women, five of whom are Colombian, were committed to prison yesterday after failing to pay their collective $24,000 in fines for admitting to working as strippers in local nightclubs without a permit to do so. Colombians Mayra Varon, Sidni Torres, and Yuly Palacio were each fined $3,000 by Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans for admitting to being caught working as dancers in Xclusive Sporting Lounge on Monday. Failure to pay the fines would
result in the women serving three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS), the magistrate ordered. Torres was further fined $1,000 or would otherwise serve one month in prison for admitting to overstaying for three months and two weeks as of Monday. Their countrywomen, Nataly Gutierrez and Valentina Blanco, as well as Venezuela native, Maria Rodriguez; Ameka Morris of Jamaica; and Trinidadian Asha Andersdon were also ordered to pay $3,000 for being caught working at Cheetahs Upscale Bikini Sporting Lounge that
same day, or face three months in prison. Anderson was further fined $1,000 for overstaying by four weeks as of Monday. She faced one month in prison if the fine is not paid. However, a statement from the Department of Immigration yesterday afternoon said none of the women were able to pay their respective fines, and were thus turned over to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RPBF) to be transported to the BDCS to begin serving their sentences. They will be turned over to Department of Immigration officials upon the completion of their
sentences for deportation, as per Magistrate Vogt-Evans’ order. Their arrests were the result of a joint operation conducted by Department of Immigration and RBPF officers called “Operation Honey Hive”, which saw three strip clubs raided between midnight and 3am on Monday and 12 women arrested. The arrests were made at the Xclusive Sporting Lounge on Faith Avenue north, New Twilight Restaurant and Sporting Lounge on Robinson Road, and Cheetahs Sporting Lounge on East Bay Street. Those apprehended were taken to the Carmichael Road
Detention Centre (CRDC) for processing. • MEANWHILE in a separate matter, Haitian nationals, Oseanne Jean, Marco Richard, and Tanis Jean were fined $300 each and sentenced to one month in prison for landing in the country illegally last Friday. They were arrested during a joint operation in the Bacardi Road and the Grove areas on that date, at which time they were unable to show proof of legal status. However, they too failed to pay their fines and were committed to the BDCS. Shandeshia Marshall prosecuted the cases.
Nygard appealing against order for ‘immediate arrest’ By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
LYFORD Cay resident Peter Nygard is appealing a judge’s decision to order his “immediate arrest” for failing to appear on three occasions to be sentenced for breaching a court order prohibiting him from engaging in any illegal dredging near his home. Nygard, in a notice of appeal motion filed yesterday, is seeking to set aside Justice Cheryl GrantThompson’s issuance of a bench warrant over his not honouring her orders for him to appear in court for his own sentencing hearings two weeks ago, last week, and Monday. Furthermore, Nygard is seeking an order from the appellate court that all matter in the Supreme Court proceed without him “being required or compelled by the court to be present”, and in “due consideration” to an order made in 2018 which he asserts brought the matter to an end. Nygard is also seeking to have all further proceedings in the action stayed pending the hearing of his constitutional motion, which was filed on Monday, concerning the infringement of his fundamental rights to both freedom of movement and detention. On Monday, Justice Grant-Thompson issued a bench warrant for Nygard’s immediate arrest after saying she has “zero tolerance” for the Lyford Cay resident’s failure to appear for his own sentencing hearings.
She also ordered that Nygard will have to show cause for why he should not be committed to prison for failing to show up in court on those occasions, as she said the fashion designer was “duly informed” of the orders she had made last week. Her ruling came a week after she ordered Nygard to appear in court and explain why he had failed to appear on two previous occasions at the time to be sentenced for dredging the sea bed near Nygard Cay between March and April 2015, and again in October of 2016, despite a June 2013 injunction prohibiting him from doing so. However, in his notice of appeal filed by Martin, Martin & Co, Nygard asserts that Justice GrantThompson erred in both fact and law in treating the contempt proceedings as criminal contempt proceedings, and that she erred in ordering the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, in spite of or at the same time as ordering him to show cause why he shouldn’t be committed to prison. The 77-year-old further charges that Justice GrantThompson erred in law and fact in failing to take into consideration the fact that he had commenced a constitutional action against the other parties in the action save for attorney Keod Smith, which he asserts goes to the “root” of the action in which her order was made. Nygard also asserts that Justice Grant-Thompson erred in law and in fact in
PETER Nygard being checked out in hospital. “criticising, failing to give sufficient consideration to or rejecting” the affidavit of local physician Dr Lynwood Brown, which outlined the reasons why Nygard was unable to appear on previous occasions. According to Dr Brown’s letter, when Nygard arrived in Winnipeg, Canada in the “wee hours of the morning” on Friday of last week,
and after having travelled every day for the entire week for medical purposes, he started to feel dizzy and faint, similar to a past occasion when his heart rate was over 130 beats per minute and his blood pressure at 160/110. Dr Brown thus asserted that Nygard should not travel given his “serious condition”, and further
asserted that the air pressure of flying at 30,000 feet to get to The Bahamas could be “fatal” to the 77-yearold. Dr Brown also asserted in his affidavit that Nygard wants to be “respectful of the court” and had indicated that he was prepared to speak “directly to the court by way of video link or other electronic process so as to offer his apology” if
the court “was minded” to accept it. Nygard thus asserts that Justice Grant-Thompson failed to allow or accede to his attorney Carlton Martin’s request to have Dr Brown called and subjected to examination. He also criticises the judge only taking a “cursory look” at Dr Brown’s affidavit. He also asserts that Justice Grant-Thompson was wrong to describe Dr Brown’s affidavit as “triple hearsay evidence”, given that Dr Brown did not examine Nygard himself, but rather compiled his affidavit based on the information he got from the doctors that actually examined him. Nygard further asserts that Justice Grant-Thompson erred in fact and law in making her orders on Monday when there was “no legal basis” for doing so, and that she failed to take “due note of” and follow the procedure of retired Justice Rhonda Bain in not requiring his attendance at previous hearings. He also asserts that Justice Grant-Thompson erred in law and fact by failing to take into consideration the fact that the Tomlin Order, made on March 27, 2018 and which represented a settlement reached between himself, the government and environmental advocacy group Save The Bays, brought the proceedings in the current action to an end and that “any and all subsequent proceedings otherwise than as to costs were without jurisdiction on the part of the court”.
PAGE 8, Thursday, January 31, 2019
By Diane Phillips
T
HERE are three things Anita Collie Pratt will never forget when she thinks of Hurricane Joaquin – the howling of the wind, the sound of the sea as it roared closer and closer until it crashed through her door and when it was all over, the kindness of strangers. For most of us in The Bahamas, Hurricane Joaquin is a fading memory. We hardly remember the date (September 28, 2015) or how hard the winds blew (155) or what category it was (4). We assume those who suffered must have recovered by now. We assume wrongly. For Mrs Collie Pratt, Deputy Chief Councillor of Acklins and Acting Councillor when the storm slammed into the island, Joaquin is not so much a memory as the single event that wrote the first chapter of the rest of her life. First, a little about life before Joaquin. Located in the southern Bahamas, Acklins is 91 miles long and at its narrowest point, only a mile wide. It is known for the range of hills that runs 70 miles and gave the isle its original Indian name, Yabake, meaning long hilly island. Mrs Collie Pratt loved Acklins with the kind of passion that causes her voice to rise and eyes to widen just talking about it. “I would walk the beach in the evening, sometimes an hour or two and see no one else, just the seagulls and the waves, occasionally the flamingoes,” she said. During those long evening walks, the door to her home 300 feet from shore remained unlocked. People who lived in Acklins shared her pride in the island’s peace and tranquility. “The eve of the storm it was raining a lot,” she recalled. “It was windy. They closed the school early because of all the rain. I called the administrator, he said it was a little squally. He checked with the Met Office.” There was no cause for alarm, they were assured. Close to midnight, she heard the wind picking up strength. A friend called, she declined the offer to accompany her to a house on higher ground. By 2am, the banging and clattering started. The wind had gained strength and was slamming outdoor furniture against the house. She rushed out and brought in her dog, Sugar. By 5am, still with power and internet, she went online and asked anyone who might have been on if they knew what was happening. It was then she heard “A hurricane is coming at you.” She phoned ZNS. The newsroom updated her. “Everyone was frantic. The rain was coming. The wind was howling. We still had phones then and everyone was calling each other, checking on everyone.” The island administrator said he would send someone to get her. Someone did try, but the water was rising so fast they had to turn back. Hour after hour passed. Conditions deteriorated. Flood waters grew
THE TRIBUNE
From the rubble of Joaquin, lives and a community rebuilt
LEFT, the destruction caused by Joaquin in Acklins. Above, the 200-year-old St Mark’s Baptist Church.
higher. Though daytime, the sky darkened. It could have been night. Police tried to rescue her, but they, too, had to turn back. “In two hours, the water was four feet high in my yard. Pressure was so great I couldn’t open the door.” The last advice she got was to somehow get into the manhole in the yard and stay below. “I started to cry. I was walking, holding Sugar, trying to make peace with God, crying and praying.” Then she heard voices. “I put my hand on the door and I could hear someone calling my name.” Five men from the community had come to rescue her, lifting her above the flooded yard that had been home and her little store forever. For the next three days, she huddled with 15 other families inside a house. When the storm that hovered day and night finally passed, the light revealed devastation everywhere. From Masons Bay to Lovely Bay to Chesters and Pinefield, almost nothing was recognisable. Roofs were blown off, buildings collapsed, glass shattered,
windows blown out, vehicles and trees uprooted and wrapped around one another. Clothes, shoes, grocery supplies, memories strewn. Driven by adrenaline and fuelled by courage, Mrs Collie Pratt and the island administrator worked for 11 days straight, trying to clean up. Nearly 300 miles away, the phone rang in the home of a woman known for her golden heart and hands-on approach to solving problems. Betsy Dingman picked up the receiver. It was a national leader. “Did you see the devastation of the southern islands?” he asked. “Heartbreaking, those poor people,” she replied. “It looks like they lost everything. They had no shelter, for those who remained on the islands, almost no safe place to stay.” She did not wait for him to pose the next question, would she help? She told him she was already trying to figure out how. An NGO was formed. Restoration Bahamas went to work. Mrs Dingman and a group of women, mostly from Lyford Cay, rolled up their sleeves, enlisted the boundless energy and talent of one man named Kenny Cargill and flew into action. They lost count of the number of plane trips they made, carrying hope and building supplies.
The decision was made to rebuild St. Mark’s Baptist Church in Hard Hill, a stone building that had miraculously managed in part to survive the storm but needed far more than a little tender loving care. Reconstruction took three years. “The hardest part was finding people on the island who could do the work because there was no place to live,” said Mrs Dingman. But they were determined to tackle the challenge because of the need for a safe haven, a building that would act as a true hurricane shelter the next time a storm threatened the peaceful island where people still do not lock their doors. And St Mark’s had great historic value. It deserved to be the community centre where those who would return to Acklins one day would celebrate marriages, bury their dead, christen their young. “How 200 years ago they knew where to place the building just amazed us,” said Mrs Dingman. Working with Cargill, Restoration Bahamas also engaged the services of a well-known architect who specialises in historic reconstruction. Three years, three months and the 200-year-old St Mark’s Baptist Church project is finally done except for the cleanup of materials and rebuilding the rubble wall. There has not been an official opening nor a ribbon-cutting but there is a bond that does not need ceremony to mark its presence. It unites Mrs Collie Pratt, Mrs Dingman, Kenny Cargill and all the women who trekked back and forth to a place where their labour and talent will keep locals and visitors safe the next time. You don’t need a marching band to sing their praises. “It was a blessing, there was a door that opened unexpectedly. The storm swept everything out, but it blew Mrs Dingman and Kenny and these people our way just as we were walking around hopelessly. We will always be grateful for what they have done for the people of Acklins.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 9
‘Show us respect’ By RIEL MAJOR SCORES of angry taxi drivers gathered in Rawson Square yesterday to protest what they consider poor treatment and working conditions as well as “unfair” competition from tour operators. The drivers are also angry about “sanctions” being imposed by tourism officials at Prince George Wharf. They are agitating for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to hear their concerns. Wesley Ferguson, president of the Taxi Cab Union, said taxi drivers have been disrespected and ostracised. He claimed successive administrations have not done anything for taxi drivers other than solicit their votes during election time just to forgot about them afterwards. Mr Ferguson said: “We are here today to make the government of The Bahamas aware that taxi drivers island-wide are hurting. The taxi drivers are the only group of public service drivers who own their business. Taxi drivers had a moratorium (on new taxi plates) 20 years ago so that means no taxi driver got anything from any government in 20 years, so that tells me four consecutive governments were in and they came out and left the taxi drivers behind. “Taxi drivers have produced over the years governor generals ... you had Perry Christie (whose father was a taxi driver) who went to college on taxi money and Brave Davis went to college on taxi money.” Mr Ferguson added yesterday’s demonstration
could have been avoided if Dr Minnis had kept his promise to meet with the taxi cab drivers after he returned from a European Union conference recently. “The prime minister asked me to cease from the withdrawals which was just a subtle beginning of what was about to come which culminates today. We did that at his request; he promised us as soon as he got back which was in three days, he would then meet with the taxi drivers, well it has been three weeks. We reached out to the prime minister on numerous occasions - just Tuesday we went to the Churchill Building, stand up for an hour and a half in the rain… no prime minister. “‘It’s the people’s time’ but it isn’t the taxi drivers time... obviously taxi drivers are not the people.” On Tuesday, angry drivers assembled outside the Churchill Building. At the time, Mr Ferguson said the latest dispute centred on the Ministry of Tourism’s decision to take disciplinary action against taxi drivers, a move he condemned as “unlawful”. But Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, has said ministry personnel were simply trying to protect The Bahamas’ brand and improve the overall visitor experience. Ricardo Burrows, a taxi driver, said he feels like the government does not value him as a citizen. Mr Burrows said: “What you are seeing here is just the combination of a long process of being denied access and being frustrated at every hand. This is the second day downtown and we still haven’t had any conversations with the persons
in charge, including the prime minister. It makes us feel as if our prime minister doesn’t respect us or isn’t concerned about our plight. “The working conditions that we are subjected to, you wouldn’t put your dog to it whether it be at the airport, Paradise Island, whether it be the conditions of cab drivers at Baha Mar. The level of disrespect that cab drivers are subjected to every day, I wonder if they see our humanity? Do they see us as human beings and citizens? I really question it because their actions speak loudly to me.” In a press statement, Phillip “Brave” Davis, Progressive Liberal Party leader, suggested the prime minister start listening to taxi drivers. “I call on the prime minister to listen to the hardship and concerns of the taxi cab members and its union’s leader and bring about a resolution to their unsettled disputes. The disrespect and disregard for the union that played a critical part in our country’s independence is absolutely appalling,” Mr Davis said. “The prime minister must understand his responsibility of leading, protecting, and uplifting the citizens of our country. The belittlement of cab drivers by the industry stakeholders and the prime minister and his government must end. I support whatever steps the taxi union deems necessary that will result in favourable conditions that will provide a working environment of dignity.” A meeting between the Taxi Cab Union and Dr Minnis is scheduled for Friday at 8am.
TAXI drivers from the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union with the president, Wesley Ferguson, held a protest in Rawson Square yesterday.
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‘Contractor charged $2.19m but only did work worth $367k’ from page one
into 11 different items for work done to date on the ministry had only agreed above mentioned subdito $311,913.89. Salaries vision. The Ministry of were also slashed from Public Works can only $981,500 to a recom- recommend $367,288.61 mendation of zero from be paid to Priton Bahamas Limited; any additional officials. National Insurance amount would have to be Board contributions in subject of negotiations the amount of $18,944.42 between the government also had the same and Priton for which the ministry stands ready to recommendation. This was documented in assist.” The memo further a memorandum from the attached a minute Ministry of Public Works. “The ministry’s techni- paper from a senior depicting cal team has reviewed the engineer documents submitted by the breakdown of the the Department of Hous- claim and the ministry’s ing with respect to the PPP recommendations. An invoice for agreement with Priton Bahamas Limited for the $4,744,359.41 from Priton development of the Carmi- was also tabled in Parchael Road Subdivision,” liament. It was dated the memo dated June 26, December 31, 2018 and notes this money was owed 2018 read. “We note that Priton as of January 1, 2019. It is not clear how this is claiming $2,192,019.84, which is broken down document played into
a verbal back and forth between Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira yesterday in the House of Assembly. However, it prompted Mr Davis to insist the minister “misled” the House. Based on this assertion, he called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to “do something” about it. The issue spilled over from last week Wednesday’s afternoon sitting. Mr Davis pointed out yesterday that in that sitting Mr Ferreira impugned his privilege when he suggested that he and former Prime Minister Perry Christie committed some form of wrongdoing. Mr Davis insisted the minister produce evidence to his claims. House Speaker Halson Moultrie interjected,
asking whether Mr Davis wanted the matter to be referred to the Committee on Privilege or for documents to be tabled. Mr Ferriera was also asked to respond to Mr Davis. His response, in which he referred to archived stories from years prior, sparked several arguments. Ultimately, Mr Davis insisted Mr Ferreira reveal to the House the true value of the invoice and because he came prepared to table several documents, some seated opposition MPs expressed disappointment that it appeared the minister had been forewarned this issue would be addressed yesterday. And when the documents were tabled, Mr Davis insisted Mr Ferreira misled the House of Assembly.
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ABOVE, PLP leader Philip Davis, below, Housing and Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 11
Huge increase needed in essential staff by 2040 By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A NEWLY published Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study has recommended The Bahamas will need an estimated 6,000 teachers, 3,000 doctors and 7,000 nurses by 2040. These sectors have been highlighted as areas of concern by successive administrations due to systemic shortages. The study, which is featured in the second issue of the IDB’s new series “The future of work in Latin America and the Caribbean,” further suggested that as a region, Latin American and Caribbean states could demand around 23 million education and health professionals. Highlighted in a subsection of the study, “Education and Health: The sectors of the future?” the IDB analysed demand for social sector professionals in 24 countries in the region, resulting in estimates of around 12 million teachers, eight million nurses and three million doctors needed by 2040. Of the areas highlighted, the study also noted the quality of these jobs and there direct correlation to female workforce. “Our study shows that, even in the framework of the fourth industrial
revolution, we can expect the number of teachers, doctors and nurses in Latin America and the Caribbean to continue growing at great speed,” explained Marcelo Cabrol, manager of the IDB’s Social Sector. “Our methodology allows us to know that, for example, a third of the teachers that will be needed in 15 years, and almost two-thirds of the doctors and nurses, are people who have not yet begun their working life. “Faced with this reality, the key is to ensure that these new professionals have the skills and training they need to be the teachers, doctors and nurses of the future,” he added. The report’s projections are based on a series of variables specific to these sectors. In the case of education, researchers analysed the school-age population, school enrolment rates and the number of children per teacher are considered. Conversely, for the health sector, the number of doctors is estimated with consideration given to the aging population that will exist in the coming decades, as well as the proportion of nurses for each doctor. Additionally, the report also reviewed employment trends of teachers, doctors and nurses in region over the past four decades.
“These three occupations have been growing significantly in the region, but the most remarkable thing is that the jobs in education and health care, in comparison with other sectors, (are) of good quality,” Mr Cabrol said. The report further noted evidence that the income of teachers, doctors and nurses in the Latin America and Caribbean region has grown significantly in recent years, while also highlighting that these professionals are more likely to receive a pension in old age than other professionals such as engineers, lawyers, journalists or accountants. Moreover, the study also points out that women represent the majority of social sector workers, and that the gender wage gap is substantially lower in these occupations than in others. “While, in our region, women with post-secondary education still earn on average 28 percent less than men, in education and health this difference is around 10 percent,” Mr Cabrol said. The IDB, through this series, seeks to enrich the discussion on how the Latin America and Caribbean region can best use opportunities and minimise the risks that arise from this issue using an interactive format. The complete series can be found through the IDB’s future of work website.
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GOVT STILL AWAITING REPORTS ON CV BETHEL By KHRISNA RUSSELL and RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporters
EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd said his ministry has not yet taken the steps necessary to address issues raised at CV Bethel following an altercation involving a student and teacher last week. This is because the ministry, Mr Lloyd said, is awaiting a final report from the Royal Bahamas Police Force on the fight between a marine biology teacher and a male student. Days after the incident, Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson told The Tribune it left some teachers traumatised with many having to attended doctors for anguish related issues. Others, she said, were in
meetings addressing safety concerns the fight had raised. However, in the House of Assembly yesterday Mr Lloyd called this a labour withdrawal that did not observe the process for grievances outlined in the BUT’s industrial agreement. He said: “This minister and the ministry awaits the promised reports from the police so that whatever steps may be required could be taken to address whatever issues that there may be, that could be or that might be able to give rise to an unsafe school environment. “Mr Speaker, this honourable House is informed that the formal relationship between the ministry and its teachers governed by the 2015 industrial agreement
MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd. which is still enforced and that industrial agreement stipulates the process by
which grievances should be handled – this labour withdrawal did not observe that process.” Responding, to this assertion, Mrs Wilson said teachers at CV Bethel Senior High School did not contravene their industrial agreement when they sat out for four days in protest of the altercation. Mrs Wilson yesterday said teachers have continued to meet with
administrators and other education officials at the school in the interim, as the two sides work to draft health, safety and discipline plans. In a brief statement, Mrs Wilson said she took “grave exception” to Mr Lloyd providing the public with “incorrect information”. Mrs Wilson said teachers at CV Bethel have devised a plan according to their collective bargaining
agreement, and are presently working along with the school’s administration for the plan to be successful. In line with this position, Mrs Wilson said aspects of the plan will ensure that rules, regulations, and policies are adhered to by the students. “Teachers are rostered themselves in strategic places on the campus,” Mrs Wilson said. “In fact, I implore the minister of education to cause his administrators to be truly evaluated to test their suitability for these positions. “So many of the matters can be resolved in a more timely manner if they would focus on operating their schools efficiently and cease from trying to prevent the Bahamas Union of Teachers from representing our members,” she added. “We have filed two trade disputes in reference to CV Bethel and we have filed a trade dispute on behalf of teachers as it relates to new initiatives and policies implemented by the Ministry of Education.” These issues include district examinations and the national high school diploma, she said.
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Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 13
Relative of accused claims he was arrested and beaten by police By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
have” and that if he did, he wouldn’t be charged with any crimes. “I answering them, telling them I don’t know these things, I don’t know these things,” he testified. “So they telling me ‘man, you know these things. We know what you know.’ “I don’t know nothing. I telling them I don’t know nothing. So they beat me and tell me go with what they have. They telling me to go with it. So I do as they told, see what I saying? Because they say they wasn’t gone charge me with this same stuff.” On June 21, 2016, Lightbourne was shot multiple times while walking through his Woods Alley neighbourhood off Market Street. He died at the scene. Edgecombe aka “Bingy”, the alleged gunman, and Daran Neely were arraigned within months of
THE relative of one of three men accused of executing a murder plot almost three years ago claimed yesterday he was arrested in connection with a crime and beaten by police the month the killing occurred. Carlderon Brown - who 24 hours earlier declined to give evidence - told the Supreme Court police officers arrested him for armed robbery and a gun related offence in June 2016, the month Kenyari Lightbourne was allegedly shot to death by Mr Brown’s cousin Jahmaro Edgecombe. Mr Brown further claimed that after being beaten, which took place at the Central Detective Unit (CDU), officers told him to “go with what they
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each other in 2016 in connection with Lightbourne’s death. A third individual, Sean Brown aka “Fire”, was charged with accessory after the fact. Police allege this occurred sometime between December 15, 2016, and July 19, 2017. During previous proceedings, a witness testified how Lightbourne had just bought tobacco products from a local tuck shop before he was shot dead in the Woods Alley neighbourhood as part of the alleged murder plot. Neely is represented by Wayne Munroe, QC, and Jomo Campbell, David Cash represents Edgecombe, and Nathan Smith represents Sean Brown. Al-Leecia Delancy assists Ms Whymms in representing the Crown. The matter was adjourned to February 6.
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T By AVA TURNQUES Reporter t Tribune Chief ibunemedia.ne aturnquest@tr Sewerage WATER and Chairman Corporation yesterday Adrian Gibson existence the confirmed disconnect” of a “do not by scores list populatedthe governof elites at utility owned to ment he pledged provider as on initiate a crackdown accounts. delinquent The told Mr Gibson l “confidentia Tribune the 221accounts, list” held total of with a combined the period $175,000 for2017. ending June he plans He said that corporathe to direct all persons tion to notify arrears owing excessive or face debts to resolve n. disconnectio a list confiis “There the Long dential list,” Island MP said. would think “In fact, I s corporation the that all year or two, in over the last and more particularly year, there May of thisclose attenhas been that list by tion paid to t with the managemen changing the a view to lists usually way those operate. this con“As it stands, a number has fidential list on it, and persons of it’s being really and trulypersons by used to notify or letters. courtesy call that as the I can say toothe corporachairman of to direct tion I am going owing that all personswho are excessive arrears EIGHT SEE PAGE at the end of
DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498
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HUMILIATION FORAFTER 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; the win with the Christie is evidence as well as Exuma DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. He said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL Islands. By SANCHESKAReporter to the unofBy KHRISNA Reporter seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality et Tribune Staff from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being reDeputy Chief bunemedia.n ficial results Registration government course. THE PEOPLE nemedia.net sdorsett@tri 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 challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing FAR included two incoming the Centrevilleeighth said that Dr Minnis’ leadership, the government RESULTS SO PAGE 14 Minnis declared 25 votes aftermore than 40 won n, which he for the Dr Hubert frachave abused victimisatio tional” “im- es to reports of a the area for unof- stituency time with to that those who trust “have continued COVERAGE ultimately consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE of years, according party and the post “wrong”. PAGES 2-18 positions 2,950 votes. moral” and to unofficial tured to fear”. ficial results. candidate Ella removal from has held Opsomething to thousands of According able his at the Mr Christie 1977 and the FNM’s 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 39 “This was victory is not 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 Parliamenta did battle, loss, The his seat to statement about the that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory lost thousands speak Minister full election last Dr Minnis told on the carMovement Mr Christie did not The Bahamas’ at Govern- needs not release 5pm Free National packed with the and pominister at SEE PAGE SIX sults last night, in from the of FNMs (FNM) candidate 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 unofficial numbers, the PLP only of the conpeared that “The outcome trust according to vention did not inspireBahalast Mark Humes in the results, said coming afor confidence but that’s sweeping defeat residents unofficial it is “obvious” mian electorate and I think night that stood ROLLE ter Fort Charlotte him they the party would have the behind us now a wonderful By RASHAD Reporter told winning repeatedly leadTribune Staff the party has rebuild and stand the any a better chance 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, tional Party (PLP) he saw the said fred Sears
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safeas well as of homicides A DORSETT guarding the residents By SANCHESKReporter in Fox Hill. et Tribune Staff walkabout bunemedia.n During a Acting prepared. live national sdorsett@tri 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 Prime was spared gang activity in the morning, of mas Friday Hubert Minnis of the Bahamas the number reducing Dr try, Minister of those SEE PAGE TWO and is urging residents be vigilant islands to
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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, I unborn her Hubert Minnis couldn’t answer “He’s right now just for because her and will also make take all mothers can stop this,” Patricia Minnis that consumed breath be right here. They well and we sure the to believe mothers who was tearful both ts to make the questions yesterday as babyheart out my body. who arrangemen medical personnel They said Mrs Minnis, eight- my Kendera Woodside have our sons on a only son. for her son, killed times. “We birth and as they necessary her and see her “This my my daughter too after she grieved of them at 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 this gynaecologi What they a carry we day me ain’ one ing Minnis, “The message she cried between “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 screams as must send to 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 bean Financial draft The revision more than By NEIL HARTNELL Editor Rolle, minForce’s (CFATF) BRENSIL et Tribune Business services he included that were not The Bahamas ibunemedia.n report on his staff ister of public nhartnell@tr 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. during put The Bahamas necessary urgency. BUSINESS workers SEE danger”. TribSTORY told FULL Carl Bethelhe had been une Business
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FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR NEW BLAZE AT LANDFILL
A DORSETT By SANCHESKReporter et Tribune Staff bunemedia.n sdorsett@tri 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 current the the any way to this nected” in and at previous blazedo not know time officials the fire. Howwhat caused t Minister ever Environmen told rehe Kenred Dorsett the site that porters at “sabotage” in said suspected the fire. He relation to 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 “huge” a wind is 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 in North at Baha nology, The top officials for Limolink encour- porters at a rally Mr Robnot his agent are the despite learned. night, they were at You last which contradict saying with from Andros is war” as fa- Bahamas. The emails this week de- Mar clientele a reference by the hack if erts said “this writes, “I limousine company was vote aged to get of Viacom Minister, who his office to concerned the crowd toPerry Mr Fitzgerald matime. the president feel free he urged Dr 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 he ti-billion dollar - the Pro- by our Managing Porter, Shelly appreciate anytime,” Free National Mr Porter Mr Fitzgerald Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, appointed your official your people SEE PAGE SIX directly.” his tis and 1st 2013.” writes. gressive Liberal really Director we THREE & ker for June appears also Mr Fitzgerald indicates request a TWO “As indicated cusSEE PAGES for Marathon start brokerage $20,000 He then makesfor limouto highend for readiness to only cater to be requesting official Baha Mar’s and trucking services and of Mr Izmirlian Baha Mar, tomers and are the project a month from Sarkis services at of Baha Mar of re- sinehe touted the level original developer the ex- the as the brokers citing remain Izmirlian, were necessary 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 tory, one of of shoddy Tribune Staff emedia.net lines and claimsall without rrolle@tribun ip, ity. of- workmansh ENT clear accountabil 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 e Staff tours the new tration’s National came to power, RASPBERRY Perry Christie the W. Carey/Tribun Insurance plans. and Ado- ministration renovating Photo: Terrel ICED TEA PRIME Minister it spent $1m Like the Child SEE PAGE SIX Abaco yesterday. Robert Smith lescent and that was (CARS) Complex ear, the
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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 public silence office in hisof a voted out last month, toric fashion Mr Chrishis visibly troubled of portions tie detailed with his last conversation and longfriend childhood colleague on time political Thursday. Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tehis someone who throughout naciously” he loved and 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’ FNM ALLEGATIONS COLLEAGUE • SAYS GOVT DID NOTHING WRONGT OVER $8M PAYOU
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 for FORMER Prime rethe minister health and to accept ister Perry Christie a defeat, was as I did when I fairs, education, Opposifor it arrears, into pictured yesterday. W. national security, who was in sponsibility response to Photo: Terrel Philip “Brave” airport tenant described recent resigned,” he said in levelled e Staff tion Leader as Christie Carey/Tribun the criticism recent Wednesday. died on Mr said on from accusations government the Davis in questions 71, administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by pandering at his administration Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party of irresponsibl WELLS at a “misstep” thought By RICARDO Reporter Wednesday He will receive sance and cronyism. that weeks. never any he was “disap- to its base. acceptmaintained Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic. He also said allegations being in arrangenemedia.net that I was degree relating Mr Christie by the rwells@tribu gova state funeral announced, documents s would on my part y for any Per- pointed”around by the new be a review of irrements to ing responsibilit Prime Minister tossed matters that to these two controversie the press secon of any whatsoever of criminality, FORMER as according to Office of the the notion administrati yesterday condemned ernment concerning his last term absolve his and prove that much sponsible spending andbare’ is just ry Christie retary for the Minnis administra- transpired during Minister, Anthony wrongdoing rhetoric is as noth- that ‘the cupboard is efforts by the his government in minister. from Prime prime at accusations of the FNM’s “political slogans.” tion to portray as he challenged Newbold. political slogans.” Hitting back Minnis adminislight, SEE PAGE SIX ing more than challenges I have the SEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a members of 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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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 ns in his capacity decision proclamatio 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.” be free and and peaceful SEE PAGE TWO 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 in conof newspapers people registering place day last date, the ing the on Monday, and times when registration. 172,000 peo- stituencies papers must be There were to vote in the nomination delivered. ple registeredelection. THREE PAGE SEE 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
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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 et Tribune Staff Sr was tion will be and the FNM Move- sdorsett@tribunemedia.n of OMAR Archer both the PLP is no FREE National convicted Dr Hubert N Archdea- and at this point there how yesterday senment Leader to harm a ANGLICA 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 governing heralded Election bring seats in the the SEE PAGE SEVEN Movement that will will win 30 10, as a day Free Nationalseats in next PLP SEE PAGE TWO 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
PAGE 14, Thursday, January 31, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
AMERICA’S MIDWEST IN GRIP OF DEADLY COLD SNAP
MAIN picture: ice covers the Chicago River; top, morning commuters face a tough slog in Chicago; above, the sun rises behind icicles; Right, Gary Verstegen clears a sidewalk in Wisconsin. CHICAGO Associated Press THE deadly deep freeze enveloping the Midwest sent temperatures plunging yesterday to rival some of the most frigid spots in the world, triggering widespread closures of schools and businesses, and the canceling of more than 1,600 flights to and from Chicago’s airports. The US Postal Service even took the rare step of suspending mail delivery across much of the region. Hundreds of public schools and universities from North Dakota to Pennsylvania canceled classes as residents huddled inside amid one of the coldest air masses in years. The bitter cold is the result of a split in the polar vortex that allowed temperatures to drop much farther south than normal. That meant temperatures in parts of the Midwest were lower yesterday than in Antarctica, where the Amundsen-Scott South
Pole Station hit negative 25 degrees — balmy compared to Fargo, North Dakota’s negative 31 degrees and Minneapolis’ negative 27 degrees according to the National Weather Service. Snowplows were idled overnight because of the cold in southeastern Minnesota, where temperatures dropped to negative 29 degrees. In Chicago, temperatures were still dropping after plunging to minus 19 degrees, breaking the day’s previous record low set in 1966 — and colder than the weather in Barrow, Alaska, the most northern town in the US. And that doesn’t include wind chill, which in northern Illinois made the air feel as cold as negative 57 degrees. The National Weather Service warned that a wind chill of minus 25 can freeze skin within 15 minutes. Officials throughout the region were focused on protecting vulnerable people from the cold, including the homeless, seniors and those living
in substandard housing. Some buses were turned into mobile warming shelters to help the homeless in Chicago. “These (conditions) are actually a public health risk and you need to treat it appropriately,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “They are life-threatening conditions and temperatures.” At least six deaths have been linked so far to the weather system, including two people in the Detroit area, according to local police. Other deaths included a man struck and killed by a snow plow in the Chicago area, a young couple whose SUV struck another on a snowy road in northern Indiana, and a Milwaukee man found frozen to death in a garage. The cold weather was even affecting beer deliveries, with a pair of western Wisconsin distributors saying they would delay or suspend shipments for fear that beer would freeze in their trucks.
VENEZUELANS TAKE TO THE STREETS TO DEFEAT MADURO CARACAS, Venezuela Associated Press
DOCTORS in scrubs, businessmen in suits and construction workers in jeans gathered on the streets of Venezuela’s capital yesterday, waving their nation’s flag and demanding Nicolas Maduro step down in a walkout organised by the nation’s reinvigorated opposition to ratchet up pressure on the embattled president. Protesters said they were heeding the opposition’s call for another mass demonstration despite the heavy-handed response by security forces over the last week to quell anti-government protests. “I’m going out now more than ever,” said Sobeia Gonzalez, 63. “We have a lot more faith that this government has very little time left.” The latest walkout comes one week exactly
OPPOSITION National Assembly president Juan Guaido. after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself the nation’s rightful president amid a sea of supporters, hurling the nation into a new chapter of political tumult as the antiMaduro movement tries to establish a transitional government and the socialist leader clings to power. “We are staying in the streets,” Guaido said. “Not
just in protest of the crisis we are living in all of Venezuela, not just because of how bad things are, but also for the future.” The 35-year-lawmaker has transformed into a commanding force in the nation’s politics with the backing of US President Trump and two dozen other nations recognising him as Venezuela’s interim president.
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, January 31, 2019, PAGE 15
Minnis quick to dismiss PLP criticisms By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hit back at the PLP’s critiques of his recent national address, saying the difference between the Free National Movement and the opposition is that his administration will bring about developments and projects without attempts to “shakedown” investors. “A number of investors since I have come to office have told me they couldn’t get things done under the PLP because they weren’t willing to grease the hands of certain (politicians),” he said at a town meeting at CV Bethel Senior High School on Tuesday night. Dr Minnis also said the gap between what the former Progressive Liberal Party administration promised and what it delivered was “as deep as the tongue of the ocean”. On Monday, the prime minister gave his first national address of the year, when he promised an aggressive job growth agenda, plans to revitalise Bay Street, and numerous Family Island tourism projects. Mr Davis subsequently released a statement dismissing Dr Minnis’ address, describing it as falling flat and avoiding important issues. “There are some people in this country who don’t like any good or positive news, because it seems like good news for you is bad news for them,” Dr Minnis said on Tuesday. “I felt
PM Hubert Minnis sorry for the opposition last night. While most people were happy with the many projects and developments I outlined in my national report, the best the PLP could do was to say they would have already done certain things. “First of all…the gap between what the PLP promised last time and what they delivered was as deep as the tongue of the ocean. They promised plenty but delivered little. They left… downtown Nassau in a bad state, despite plenty promises to revitalise downtown. But, let me say to you tonight: We will fix it. “I feel sorry for Philip ‘Brave’ Davis,” Dr Minnis said. “He’s the leader of the opposition and the leader of the opposition is the master of excuses. It is now his full-time job, you know, to make excuses for the abysmal failures, the corruption, and the…disorder of the Christie-Davis government.” Dr Minnis said Mr Davis was responsible for the “BAMSI disaster”, failed to bring sustainable development to the people of Cat Island on many projects,
could not relocate the main post office “in a timely and affordable manner”, and was part of a Cabinet that “made a mess of Baha Mar”. He also announced the government will be recruiting more uniform-branch officers for the police force, Customs Department, and Department of Immigration. Mr Davis swiftly replied to Dr Minnis’ remarks in a statement. “When the prime minister addressed the country last (Tuesday) night, we witnessed a one trick pony show. Tonight I heard that he took his show and circus of clowns to CV Bethel,” Mr Davis said. “There is no point in blaming me for the faults and defaults of your government. You need to get to work and do something for the Bahamian people. “The deceits and untruths cannot help you anymore. The time is now for deeds not words. “Unemployment is up in the country because of what you did prime minister, not Brave Davis. There is no investment in Grand Bahama because of what you did, prime minister. Not what Brave Davis did. The taxi drivers and teachers and nurses and doctors were out in the streets because of what you did, prime minister. Not what Brave Davis did. “It’s your own fault that you find yourself presiding over a hopeless, hapless government. So you must fix it. Stop blame storming and start brain storming with your clowns.”