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VOLUME:116 No.45, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2019
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ALICIA WALLACE: TIME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
Torture trio told you’re out of time Victims’ shock as police declare deadline passed By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THREE people who say police tortured them for confessions before releasing them without charge were told this week the time has expired for their matter to be addressed by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, despite the timely complaints they made. Police recently summoned two of the three to give evidence against an officer said to be involved in the incident. The pair obeyed the summons and showed up for a
Police Disciplinary Tribunal hearing in Eleuthera on Monday, but were turned away. Chavette Strachan, Dale Gibson Jr and Kenton Fines have described their lockup experience in harrowing terms. They allege in court documents that they were handcuffed, beaten and fish-bagged by Central Detective Unit officers in the Governor’s Harbour Police Station on January 19, 2018. They were released without charge on January 22, 2018, but their claims mirror those of many
A FORMER Peter Nygard employee is claiming he knows how Save The Bays’ emails and financial records ended up in a former MP’s “political garbage can” in 2016. Vivian Whylly, reportedly a former public relations consultant for the Canadian fashion mogul, alleges the emails and financial
SEE PAGE SIX
IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette has urged work permit applicants holding letters of approval to finalise their payments or face deportation, revealing yesterday the Department of Immigration is presently owed some $5m in outstanding fees. Speaking to reporters outside of Cabinet, Mr Symonette indicated that letters of approval are normally released with a 30-day “life expectancy”.
D’AGUILAR DISMAY AT US CRIME WARNING By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
SEE PAGE THREE
information were given to then Progressive Liberal Party deputy leader Philip Davis, who in turn passed them on to the-then Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald. He further claimed a former employee at Mr Davis’ law firm kept the information on a red USB drive and shopped the STB emails to Nygard asking for $10m. Based on his claims, a former STB employee and
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
SEE PAGE SEVEN
HOW STB’S EMAILS WERE GIVEN TO PLP By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN WORKERS - PAY OR GO HOME
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says he expects some level of “push back” from local officials to a recent US travel advisory, as he expressed dismay over the alert’s timing yesterday. Addressing the warning outside of Cabinet, Mr D’Aguilar said local officials believed US Embassy personnel would regard decreases in local crime as a step in the right direction. SEE PAGE FIVE
CHAVETTE STRACHAN, top, Dale Gibson Jr, left, and Kenton Fines have described their lock-up experience in harrowing terms. They were released without charge on January 22, 2018.
REVEALED - FILM OF COP SHOOTING DOGS By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
VIDEO footage has emerged of a law enforcement officer shooting a dog at point-blank range during what appears to be a home raid. The incident was captured by four surveillance cameras which depict a home from various angles. Two videos show roughly ten officers entering the premises. The third video
WHAT the video shows. captures a separate area where a dog can be seen wandering around. It is
GLOBAL’S HQ MOVING TO NASSAU By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
unclear from the video whether the dog is chained, however the animal stays within his partially enclosed area. An officer clearly walks in, draws his gun and shoots the dog twice. In additional footage, an animal medic arrives on the scene. The dog has to be carried out to the medic’s ambulance while a second dog is also led to the ambulance. Bahamas Humane Society
GLOBAL Ports Holding, the winning Nassau cruise port bidder, yesterday said it plans to make The Bahamas its regional HQ for the Americas and invest $10m before sealing the deal with the government. Chairman Mehmet Kutman said its Bahamian office could generate an extra 20-25 jobs as it bids to complete negotiations with the government and start work on Prince George Wharf’s transformation.
SEE PAGE TWO
FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Wednesday, February 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Shocking video reveals police shooting dogs
THE VIDEO shows an officer enter the area where the dog is, top left, raise a gun, middle, and fire, bottom left. Above, police arriving at the scene. Below, the dog recovering after the incident.
WATCH THE VIDEO NOW AT TRIBUNE242.COM from page one president Kim Aranha confirmed to The Tribune that these videos depict the shooting of two “pit bull type” dogs that were shot by law enforcement earlier this month. The Tribune reported on this incident on February 13. At the time, Mrs Aranha said: “Obviously I wasn’t there so I don’t know what happened…But I do know…that our ambulance driver had to undo the leashes that restrained the dogs in order to put them in the ambulance. So I do know categorically that the dogs were tied up. I do know that the dogs were injured by being shot,” she continued. “I’ve been told that the shooters were the Royal Bahamas Police Force.” Mrs Aranha noted both dogs were shot twice and both
sustained injuries to their legs. A bullet remained lodged in the jaw of one dog, who had to receive surgery. Yesterday, Mrs Aranha confirmed that both dogs have survived and are “recovering nicely”. She added the Humane Society has written to Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson asking him to look into this matter. Unfortunately, this was not the only incident this month regarding the shooting of a dog by law enforcement. In a Facebook post on February 15, an owner alleged his dog was shot by an immigration officer, however this has not been confirmed by officials. “Feeling heartbroken my dog was shot (and) killed today by (an) immigration officer chasing this Haitian lady,” the post reads. “All he had to do was give me two seconds to say ‘Pebbles in
the cage’ (and) she would (have) done what I said – too much trigger happy people on the force… (sic)” Mrs Aranha also spoke of this incident to The Tribune. “I can’t understand - we’re told that we should have dogs to protect our property, therefore if the dog is contained in our property surely nobody can just come onto our property unannounced and shoot our dog,” she said. “His dog was killed,” she continued. “Now, my understanding is that the immigration ran through the yard pursuing this Haitian lady that they believed was an illegal (migrant). They had their guns drawn. Now, the dog may well have confronted them, because they were in the dog’s property. “That’s what we teach our dogs to do to keep us safe…How do we teach them the difference
A7MAIN THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 13, 2019, PAGE 7
‘Two dogs tied up in owner’s yard were shot by police’ By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net TWO dogs were allegedly shot in their owner’s yard by Royal Bahamas Police Force officers on Friday – an incident which has drawn the ire of Bahamas Humane Society president Kim Aranha. According to social media reports, the shooting incident occurred while officers were executing a search warrant at a residence. The dogs were said to have been tied at the time and not roaming free. Mrs Aranha told The Tribune yesterday she is “horrified” and “devastated” that “the police force would shoot tethered animals”. She added both dogs, which are “pitbull type”, were shot twice and taken to the BHS for treatment. One dog underwent surgery yesterday due to a bullet being lodged in its jaw. “Obviously I wasn’t there so I don’t know what happened,” Mrs Aranha said. “But I do know three things: one, that our ambulance driver had to undo the leashes that restrained the dogs in order to put them in the ambulance. So I do know categorically that the dogs were tied up. “I do know that the dogs were injured by being shot,” she continued. “I’ve been told that the shooters were the (RBPF). I am horrified to read how many people on social media have had similar experiences. I am devastated that the police force would shoot tethered animals.” Mrs Aranha noted both dogs were shot twice and
yesterday. They’re actually very, very nice dogs. They’re very friendly and gentle dogs. “I’m just devastated that the police would have shot dogs that were tied up. They are of no danger to you if they’re tied up — just walk out of reach…this is not target practice.” Mrs Aranha also said the BHS has encountered such a matter before. “I cannot actually tell you who, what, where, and when. But this is not the first time we’ve had a dog in that’s been shot by the police.” She went on to underscore the “horror” of “shooting an animal that is tied, can’t run away for cover, can’t get away.” “And as it was tied, was posing no danger,” she added. Mrs Aranha noted that the cost of the treatment is expensive. “I have had no contact with the (RBPF), but I will be sending them the bill,” she added. The RBPF did not provide a comment on this incident up to press time.
both sustained injuries to their legs. “But the grey one, the bullet has
remained lodged in his jaw so it is quite a delicate surgery,” she added. “We
are very hopeful that the surgery will be successful. I went to visit them
between immigration officer VACCINATION ACT an NO LONGER TOUGH an ENOUGH, SAYS SANDS and intruder?” When contacted yesterday, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette told The Tribune: “I’m not sure whether it’s an immigration officer or a police officer. That’s why we’re trying to get the — a dog was shot, yes. And I think the dog subsequently died, but this was like a week or 10 days ago. The police are looking By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
THE penalty for failing to have a child vaccinated is $4, according to the 159-year-old Vaccination Act of 1860. This could be the reason why the number of children receiving the MMR1 vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella has seen steady decline. As of 2016, only 89 percent of children received this vaccination, which is the lowest rate since 2012. While The Bahamas has not had a measles case since 1997, there is an outbreak in the US and other countries, posing the question of whether more can be done here to increase compliance to safeguard against a possible outbreak. The law says: “Every parent or person having the custody of a child who shall neglect to take such child or cause it to be taken to be vaccinated, or after vaccination to be inspected, according to the provisions of this Act, and shall not render a reasonable excuse for his neglect, shall be guilty of an offence, and
be liable to be proceeded against summarily and upon conviction to pay a penalty of four dollars.” Health Minister Dr Duane Sands admitted yesterday this needs revisiting. However, it’s not a priority, he said. “Now what we have to do is look at that 150 or so yearold legislation and determine what is appropriate (and) what needs to be changed etc. Given the fact that it hasn’t been changed in so long we would like it to be reasonable moving forward,” Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday outside Cabinet. “Yes the law does require that you have your child vaccinated within a certain period of time, but the Vaccination Act came out in 1860 and the penalty is only $4. So I think we have to
HEALTH Minister Dr Sands.
revisit this moving forward No one could have anticipated that the world would see yellow fever again, that we’d see measles again, that we’d see diphtheria at the level that it is, that we’d see polio again. “Not in the Bahamas but we are seeing it around the world if anyone can remember, but the iron lungs for people paralysed by polio; ward after ward after ward with people unable to breathe. We can’t ever get back there and that’s why effective vaccination strategies are so important.” Last week, Dr Sands said officials were on heightened alert for the highly contagious measles disease, adding the country lacked the needed herd immunity to stop the development of an outbreak. US media reports this week say measles cases have reached triple digits with 101 cases reported in 10 states since February 7. Of this number, 53 were confirmed and two suspected in Washington State. As for the Philippines, since January 70 people have died and there were 4,302 reported cases, an increase of 122 percent.
TOURIST BELIEVED TO HAVE DROWNED MARIJUANA ARREST
A CANADIAN tourist was found unresponsive and is believed to have drowned at Half Moon Cay on Monday, police said. Shortly before 3pm, the man, who was a passenger of a cruise ship, was discovered unresponsive floating in waters at Half Moon Cay. He was removed from the water and CPR was rendered. The victim was transported to the local clinic on Eleuthera, where he was pronounced dead. Investigations are ongoing.
14-YEAR-OLD GIRL REPORTED MISSING
A 14-year-old girl has been reported missing by relatives and police are asking for the public’s help in locating her. The missing girl is Anniase Francois of Rosedale Street. She is five feet tall, with a slim build and a dark brown complexion. Anyone knowing Anniase’s whereabouts is asked to contact police at 919/911, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2.
AT INT’L AIRPORT
A MAN was arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Monday with more than 11 pounds of suspected marijuana in his luggage, police said. The arrest occurred shortly before 4pm when Drug Enforcement Unit officers acting on information, while at LPIA’s domestic section, searched a man who had arrived in Nassau on a flight from Andros. Police said they found 11.6 pounds of suspected marijuana in his luggage. The man is expected to be formally charged before in Magistrate’s Court this week.
LEFT: How The Tribune reported the story earlier this month. into this matter and should issue a statement shortly.” Mrs Aranha said these incidents are frightening. “It’s smacks of the Tonton Macoute (special operations unit) of Papa Doc… It was Papa Doc’s militia in Haiti at the time that Papa Doc was in power. And they were heavily armed and (violent),” she said. “The way some of the officers are behaving in the Bahamas right now…they frighten me. I think they’re too quick to pull out a gun, and they’re shooting, certainly in the first incident, animals that were of no danger to them. And I’m urging the (RBPF) to accept my offer to bring in someone to train the police on how to handle defensive dogs.”
THE TRIBUNE
from page one
many people who have faced criminal charges over the years. The trio was arrested and questioned as officers investigated an attempted murder and armed robbery on Eleuthera. They filed a complaint with the police force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit in February 2018. Two of them, Ms Strachan and Mr Gibson, were recently sent a summons letter dated February 18 of this year. The letter, written by Superintendent Craig Gaitor, noted: “In accordance with Section 4 (1) of the Police Disciplinary Regulations, I have been appointed president by the commissioner of police, to conduct a Court of Enquiry to hear and determine disciplinary charges that have been brought against the defendant. By virtue of powers vested in me, I hereby summons you to attend a Court of Enquiry which will be held on Monday, 25 February 2019 at 10am at the Magistrate’s Complex, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera to give evidence as it relates to this matter.” Matters go to the Court of Enquiry only when the commissioner or deputy commissioner of police has determined that allegations against an officer have merit and that disciplinary action may be warranted. After waiting hours at the Magistrate’s Court complex in Eleuthera for Monday’s hearing to begin, Ms Strachan and Mr Gibson were told to leave and go to police headquarters in Governor’s Harbour. After doing so, they were made to wait more hours before a “prosecutor” came and told them time has run out for their matter to be
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, PAGE 3
Torture trio told they’re out of time for RBPF to address issue A3MAIN
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, February 25, 2019, PAGE 3
Police accused of torture
from page one
reported that according to police, three men were taken into custody in connection with the incident, with a team of Central Detective Unit officers from New Providence assisting on the island. On January 26, 2018 the newspaper provided an update: according to police, the men were released from custody without being charged along with two other people who had been arrested, a woman and a man. Among them were Chavette Strachan, 29, Dale Gibson Jr, 29, and Kenton Fines, 27, who have since taken legal action against the RBPF. On February 8, 2018, police arrested and charged different people with attempted murder and armed robbery: Lamar Wilchombe, 18, from Eleuthera and a 17-yearold boy from Rock Sound. They were accused of stealing $1,800 and four cartons of Backwood cigars from the gas station and of stealing Mr Stubbs’ I-Phone 8, valued at $954. The men were allegedly part of a ring responsible for a spree of robberies between July 2017 and January 2018. A neighbour of the three told The Tribune she saw when police arrested the two men and took them from their homes around 3am on January 19, 2018. Speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, she recalled her encounter with Ms Strachan when the trio were released from custody on January 23, 2018. “When (Chavette) got out she came over to show me the marks on her skin,” she said. “She lifted up her shirt to show bruise marks. I said ‘Chavette, you are a lady, those officers are male, they weren’t even supposed to be touching you.’ She told me how they poured hot sauce in Kenton’s eye and it got to the point where his eye started to get pussy. She was really hurt about all of it. She was crying.” According to Ms Strachan, she was arrested about 12 hours after the two men and was initially placed in a cell adjacent to one of the cells holding Mr Fines. She said officers removed her from the cell, put her in a room and questioned her. “One officer said we’ll play hang man,” she said. “He said depending on how I answer the question I’ll be hanging myself. At that point I was completely calm, answering intelligently. That seemed to (unnerve) them because they said why I so calm? Next thing I know, they yucked me up, put handcuffs on me and escorted me to a backroom. Two or three officers were standing by the doors. I stood in the middle of the floor and an officer told me lay down, pointing to the ground. I went to my knees and the next thing I knew he kicked me on the ground and started asking me what I did. I felt I was in a mob movie.” Ms Strachan said the officer had a fish-kit
They fish-bagged me until I blacked out three times. I was kicking, trying to get out. I had to go to the clinic to get X-ray check of my head Dale Gibson Jr
bag. “He got on my back and put the bag over my heard,” she said. “He would hold it until I couldn’t breathe. This man was playing with my life in his hand. At one point when he took the bag off, I was like ‘sir, if this is the day you choose to kill me, at least let me talk to my mummy.’ He continued doing it. He would stop, take the bag off and question me.” Ms Strachan said the officer asked her the location of a gun used during the armed robbery. “They would put me back in the cell,” she said. “They would come for the guys one by one, doing it more with them than with me. I could hear those guys screaming. I could feel their pain from my cell.” When the trio were in custody, their families reached out to lawyers for help. At least two lawyers, Barry Sawyer and Lennox Colbey, confirmed to The Tribune a connection to the incident. Mr Colbey said he was retained to help a fourth man who was with the trio, but who ultimately did not pursue legal action against the RBPF. “I saw and was retained to represent one but I realised if I represented him properly all the others should be ready to come out because they had nothing to do with the incident,” Mr Colbey said on Friday. “It was impossible for that crew to have anything to do with the robbery. “(My client),” he added, “said it was an experience
THE NOTES made at Rock Sound Clinic in Eleuthera about Charvette Strachan’s visit to see them. It is dated January 26, 2018.
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They poured hot sauce in my eyes and I am still having problems with my eye, like blurred vision, burning
He put the bag over my head. This man was playing with my life in his hands
Kenton Fines
Chavette Strachan
he went through in there that he would never want to experience. He made allegations of being brutalized and there was evidence that he was because he is a yellow fella. But he was just happy to get out and didn’t pursue it any further.” Speaking of his experience, Mr Fines said he was traumatised. “They poured hot sauce in my eyes and I am still having problems with my eye, like blurred vision, sometimes burning,” he said. “At a certain time of the day I can’t be outside without sunglasses, I don’t leave home without shades.” According to a Writ of Summons filed by Mr Fines’ lawyer, Allan Emmanuel, $80,000 is being sought from the government for the man’s injuries. The summons said: “… On 25th of January, 2018, the plaintiff attended Dr KJ Rodgers Clinic at Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, Nassau, the Bahamas for the injuries he received from police.” Mr Fines said: “They poured enough hot sauce that when I closed my eyes I could feel the liquid on my eye lashes. One of the officers said eventually I had to open my eyes so they poured some of the sauce in the bag and then they put the bag over my head. Automatically when I gasped for breath I opened my eyes. They suspected us as suspects in the armed robbery and they wanted answers like who had the weapon. When they put me in the office, they let me sit
straight on the floor. There was a point I was flat, my body unresponsive. I tried to tell myself move and I couldn’t move. At some point it got the point where I had to fight back, thinking they either gon’ kill me or they gon’ let me go. As a result I ended up kicking a hole in the door and breaking the desk in the office. They dragged me from there, put me in the bathroom and they started waterboarding me. They took a pants, wrapped it around my head, stuck my head under the shower which you know basically simulates drowning.” Mr Fines filed a complaint with the RBPF on February 3, 2018, he said. Ms Strachan said she and Mr Gibson told officers from the corruption and complaints branch what happened on February 14, 2018. Months later, they were brought to Nassau and were shown photos and were asked to identify the people responsible. “I can’t get the man’s face out my head,” Ms Strachan said. Mr Emmanuel, the lawyer of Mr Fines, said he sent two letters to Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson on June 18, 2018 and December 11, 2018 concerning the incident, but has not received a response. For his part, Mr Gibson said he was held at the Rock Sound station for two days before he was taken to Governor’s Harbour police station. “They fish-bagged me until I blacked out three
times,” he said. “When they yucked the bag off, I was kicking, trying to get out. I had to go to the clinic to get X-ray check of my head.” Mr Gibson said the officers who “abused” them wore no uniform and came from Nassau. “All the officers in the station heard us hollering and didn’t do anything,” he said. “They knew what was happening.” Commissioner Anthony Ferguson declined to comment when contacted yesterday because he said the matter is before the courts. Nevertheless, on Saturday, Ms Strachan said she received a summons dated February 18, 2019 to appear before the Police Disciplinary Tribunal in Eleuthera to give evidence against an officer involved in the alleged incident. The torture claims came as no surprise to defense lawyers interviewed by this
newspaper, all of whom said top law enforcement and political figures have historically made little effort to address what is a grave human rights problem. The story comes days after Shavar Bain, Sr, a man whose child was kidnapped, alleged that he was beaten while in custody to get him to confess to a role in kidnapping his own son. Claims of brutality in police custody, including reports of plastic bags and waterboarding, are not rare. Often, the people making the claims are charged before the courts. At least seven defence lawyers, most speaking anonymously to The Tribune in the past week, said torture for confessions is an historical problem. Mr Emmanuel, the lawyer for Mr Fines, said: “Top officials are aware of what’s going on. They don’t take part in it, but they are aware of it.” Noting some people lie about being beaten in custody, Mr Colbey, a lawyer for the man who did not pursue legal action, said: “My concern is fellas are appearing before court with allegations against police and for many years they’ve been talking about this plastic bag and this body bag in CDU. Have you seen the courts do anything? They just dismiss what these fellas are saying and it can’t be that all of them are lying. It calls for some kind of investigation because in this day and time, there is no need to beat a man for a confession.” Attorney Fred Smith said: “Beating and torturing confessions out of suspects has been a terrible affliction which The Bahamas has suffered for decades. It has sometimes, unfortunately, been the preferred and easiest way of extracting a confession and I know that for many, many of the cases I used to do when I was in the criminal law practice, accusations of police beating were the norm rather than the exception. I urge the judiciary, particularly in the magistrate courts, to refuse to admit confessions which have any taint of oppression. I also urge the government to establish a statutory, independent police, immigration and defence force complaint commission which would have representatives from police, civil society, the Bench and Bar.”
THE LETTER from Chief Superintendent Linda Moxey of the police’s complaints and corruption branch acknowledging Charvette Strachan’s complaint. It is dated February 14, 2018.
LEFT: How The Tribune broke the story on Monday
dealt with. The prosecutor told them they were not at fault. “Your matter happened between January 19, 2018 and January 22, 2018,” the man told them. “Y’all made a report of that, that’s fine, it was done in time. Between that time and 2019, (the officer) was arraigned the end of January sometime, a year after you all reported the matter…We don’t know what happened between the time y’all reported it and it reached to us in January (but) the law states that in no matter, unless in exceptional circumstances, could a person be arraigned after six months.” It is not clear what law the prosecutor was referring to. Police disciplinary regulations do not specify a time limit when complaints against officers must be addressed or brought before a Court of Enquiry. Mr Gibson told the prosecutor: “Y’all playing a game with us.” Ms Strachan added: “If it was me, (this matter) would’ve been (dealt with) from I was out (of custody) on (January 22, 2018). So whose fault is this? It’s y’all fault. It’s us versus the police. Every month I was in Nassau pushing this. Our lawyers were sending letters. How could you be telling me now that because time has passed the matter can’t be dealt with? Y’all trying to tell me y’all draw out the matter, wait until the time passed and then will come to me a year later to tell me it can’t be done? You trying to tell me I must do the police job as well as mine after I filed a complaint? This is upsetting.” In addition to the complaints they made with the police force, Ms Strachan, Mr Gibson and Mr Fines have also filed lawsuits against the RBPF. A Supreme Court date has not yet been set for that matter.
Monday, 25th February 2019
"Most driving instructors will tell you that it's safe to keep at least a car length's following distance between yours and the car ahead. This should probably be a car length and a half in rainy weather with a slower speed on wet roads."
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BAY STREET GARAGE February 25, 2019 Please note that effective Monday, Dowdeswell Street 322-2434 • Merchant 322-2082 the offices of Royal Fidelity Bank & Trust have relocated to: Providence House, East Hill Street, Nassau, The Bahamas Should you have any questions, please call 356-9801.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, February 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
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Something stinks here and it’s not a fish-bag ON Monday, we reported the shocking claims of three people about the brutality they suffered at the hands of police. Bound and beaten, fish-bagged, waterboarded – hot sauce poured into eyes, the list of allegations was as shocking as the lack of police response to the formal complaints filed about them. In this column, we railed against the lack of seriousness with which the police seemed to be taking the complaints – and that seems to continue to be the case. Two of those who filed complaints were called to attend a police disciplinary tribunal hearing regarding the matter on Monday – courtesy of a summons sent to them dated February 18 this year. On Monday, the date of the tribunal, they show up only to be told by a “prosecutor” in attendance that too much time had passed for their case to be dealt with. This was the first they had heard since their complaint – the first chance for them to see a serious response from police, and what do they get? A brushoff of “oh well, too late”. Is this how the police deals with complaints? Delay the hearing until it’s too late? It’s not even clear which law the so-called prosecutor is referring to – it’s certainly not in police disciplinary regulations.
Let’s be clear about this – these are innocent people who come to the police force to say how they were beaten and tortured in custody, yet the police force cannot give their claims a fair hearing? These people did things the right way – they filed a complaint, they asked the police to investigate and respond. They were not responsible for any delay and they deserve nothing less than complete clarity from the force in this matter. The handling of this case only brings more questions. Who is responsible for the delay? What law is it that this “prosecutor” refers to? If there is no such law, why are these citizens being misled? Why was a report of innocent citizens being tortured by the police not expedited for investigation? Have the officers at the centre of this complaint been involved in any other cases and have they been the subject of further investigations? The police force cannot restore its reputation by hiding from these allegations – instead they must be forthright and honest with the Bahamian public. The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s motto is courage, integrity, loyalty – it’s time they show some of the former two in dealing with complaints of this fashion, and remember they owe the latter to the public, not those in their midst who would treat citizens in an inhumane way.
Now do something worthwhile And so they’re back. The PLP are done with their political stunt of walking out of Parliament and the Senate and are marching back to do their jobs again. Nothing has been achieved, the action they called for against ministers Sands and Dames has not happened, and their only success can be measured in newspaper column inches and radio soundbites. We hope the public feels they got
value for money from the lack of representation in the House during the Opposition’s absence. A suggestion, perhaps, if Opposition leader Phillip ‘Brave’ Davis wants to truly hold the FNM’s feet to the fire. Get on with your role as chairman of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee and show us where the government is being wasteful – and make up for the public money wasted during your walkout.
Too much secrecy, I fear EDITOR, The Tribune
WHY has government created around BP&L so much secrecy – unusual lack of transparency? 1. We have the unanswered – How did Shell Americas obtain a position to negotiate a 20+ year proposal for a LNG power generation station, when the party who had the contract - Aggreko – are still providing the generator service? Did Aggreko win the RFP or did BP&L have two
winners? The RFP indicated one provider!
2. Over and above the 80MW RFP, since then Aggreko has added 10+ generators at Clifton. There was no RFP - BP&L and government need to explain! 3. Gladstone Road transformer fire...or was it a fire, as BP&L totally contradicted the Head of the Fire Services who said his people fought that fire for over an hour, but a release from BP&L said “it was
sparks”? Why is the report secret has it had to go to Cabinet? Does Cabinet now operate-manage BP&L? God help us! 4. Fire at Clifton - why is the Minister refusing to make this public? If there was a criminal act like arson, by now there should have been arrests. Totally unwarranted yoke to be on Clifton’s BP&L employees. Paul Maynard scream, sir! ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau February 6, 2019
Pay attention, Moody’s AFTER Moody’s urged further “restraint” in public spending while predicting that the government will miss the 1.8 percent deficit target set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act for 2018-2019, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com. TheMadHatter asked: “Reduce spending? Moody’s must not be paying attention; these clowns need to stop borrowing.” DWW said: “If they aren’t careful this economy will completely implode in six months when the US goes into recession.” To which DDK replied
with: “‘Careful’ is not in their vocabulary! They prefer taxation to spending restraint. As Moody’s indicates, they tax to cover their runaway borrowing and spending.” The video showing Ports Holding’s proposed transformation of Prince George Wharf into a “state-of-theart port and waterfront destination”, prompted this sceptical post from Sealice: “These people must really
think Bahamians is fools to believe that ANYONE is going to make any part of downtown Nassau look like that.” But Jackbnimble replied with this: “Oh ye of little faith. Why do you doubt?” And the news that Arinthia Komolafe was elected by the Democratic National Alliance as the first woman to lead the political party, led to this comment from Sheeprunner12: “A refreshing young face . . . Now prove that you can take the DNA to Parliament.” Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
Cut out the speed bumps EDITOR, The Tribune I UNDERSTAND that there is currently a proposal before the Ministry of Works to install even more speed bumps on the eastern end of New Providence, specifically on Sassoon Drive. I am writing this open letter to the Ministry to voice my objection to this plan, as well as to offer several suggestions to alleviate what someone, somewhere has determined is a problem. Although the route to/ from Prince Charles via Winton Highway and Sassoon Drive is more widely travelled since the installation to the (in my opinion) absolutely ridiculous HUMPS on Culbert’s Hill, as someone who drives this route daily, I do not see the need for a repeat of the draconian measures used on Culbert’s Hill, where there are 15 very high HUMPS in the space of approximately one mile. Many residents of the eastern end of the island now avoid Culbert’s Hill and take a variety of alternate routes, often driving in the opposite direction of where they wish to travel. This is an inconvenience and an unforeseen consequence of the work done on that road. Further, I live in close proximity to Culbert’s Hill and have experienced an unfortunate increase in traffic noise at our home, as vehicles slow down and gear up at these very high HUMPS, especially those located on the hills. Larger vehicles and trucks
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net still have to use this route which is a major north/ south thoroughfare. This is presumably another unforeseen consequence impacting residents of the area. My suggestions for several sensible, measured steps include: 1) Repaint all stop signs and road markings, trim trees, especially at intersections on all affected streets 2) Repave Winton Highway, which is like a washboard since the W&S Corp dug it up years ago, fill in the holes and repair the sides of the road, that are now falling off into the bush 3) Repaint the speed bumps on Winton Highway so they are properly marked and visible 4) Replant the traffic signs that are lying on the ground or leaning against utility poles 5) Properly patch the holes at the intersection of Hill view and Sassoon 6) You could consider making a four-way stop, and/or a properly marked raised intersection at the Hill view/Sassoon crossing, similar to the one at Winton Highway and Culbert’s Hill 7) I would concede the possible need for one speed bump on Sassoon Drive near Twynam Close, just north of Prince Charles. I was involved when the Winton Highway speed
calming exercise was carried out many years ago when jitney routes were suddenly changed. The Ministry would not move forward until a meeting of all residents in the area was held where their representative presented several options to all attending that meeting. We had to reach a consensus on the number and location of both a raised intersection and speed bumps. We then had to go house to house afterwards, to ensure that there was no objection from those home owners near where the bumps were finally located. Is this still the policy of the Government? If so, I am voicing my objection to a repeat of what was done on Culbert’s Hill. An alternative would be to bulldoze out five to seven of the HUMPS on Culbert’s Hill and to lower the height of the remaining ones. I have been informed that the HUMPS were done “to code” but surely some discretion could have been exercised! I trust that the relevant authorities at the Ministry of Works, will review and consider these and any other suggestions, before reaching a final decision. Hopefully, the myriad of problems confronting drivers on our roads islandwide (think potholes for a start) will be prioritised over these unnecessary bumps. D MINNS Nassau January 13, 2019
Don’t upset the Palace EDITOR, The Tribune SEEMS we have annoyed Buckingham Palace so much that HRH Prince Charles, Her Majesty’s heir who, with his wife, has announced a Caribbean visit, have excluded a visit to one of the new realm states in the Caribbean – our Commonwealth. There is absolutely no reason for this…British Airways flies direct London to Nassau, so air-link is there.
Suspicion all that “Most Honourable” matters were never run by The Court of St. James - Buckingham Palace as Her Majesty is Queen of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and therefore on these issues of awards, her approval is required or at least consulted. Kudos to Minnis & Co… we lost an opportunity to get Nassau cleaned up, painted up and the ladies get out their best for Royal invitations!
Have to ask - are the awards created and now awarded recognised by Her Majesty, who is Head of State? I note Her Most Honourable Dame Marguerite Pindling is the Chancellor of the Orders, not Her Majesty.. Why do we keep on putting our big foot in our mouths? W THOMPSON Nassau February 21, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, PAGE 5
PLP ENDS ITS BOYCOTT AND RETURNS TO HOUSE TODAY
PICEWELL Forbes
THE Progressive Liberal Party has ended its boycott of Parliament and its members will return to the House of Assembly today. According to a statement from South Andros MP Picewell Forbes, leader of opposition business in Parliament, the PLP is satisfied that its point regarding the boycott has been “sufficiently made” regarding the conduct of the government, in particular Cabinet ministers Marvin Dames,
Duane Sands and Carl Bethel in connection with the Frank Smith trial. He noted PLP leader Philip Davis has written a letter to both the secretaries general of the Commonwealth and CARICOM, “formally bringing this egregious issue to the attention” of the international community. Mr Dames, minister of national security, and Dr Sands, minister of health, were criticised by Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt as she gave her reasons
for acquitting former PLP MP Frank Smith of bribery and extortion charges on February 1. She criticised the ministers for the “egregious” way in which they interacted with complainant Barbara Hanna prior to a police investigation into her claims, charging that their conduct gave the appearance of a “political flavour to a curious bystander.” “The opposition is fully committed to holding the government’s feet to the fire in and out of
Parliament on this critical constitutional issue and any other issue of national import,” Mr Forbes’ statement noted. The PLP began its boycott of Parliament on Wednesday, February 13, when the four members walked out of the House of Assembly in protest of “tyrannical attitudes” in government determined to use prosecutorial powers of the Crown to target PLPs. Later that week, PLP senators also walked out of the upper chamber in protest.
D’Aguilar dismay at US crime warning from page one The Freetown MP, in noting his overall shock at issuance of the alert, said the use of exaggerated verbiage and the alignment of The Bahamas with countries like Mexico and Jamaica did give even more cause for concern. The “Level Two: Exercise Increased Caution” alert, which was released on Monday, warned US citizens that violent crime such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault were common in tourist areas in New Providence. The alert noted the vast majority of crimes occurred in the capital and Grand Bahama, but added the Family Islands were not crime-free. As in previous crime warnings, the alert also prohibited US government personnel from visiting the Sand Trap area in Nassau due to crime and criticised activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, stating that they were not consistently regulated. “Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet Ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, US government personnel are not permitted to use Jet Ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands,” the alert noted. “If you decide to travel to The Bahamas: exercise caution in the area known as ‘Over-the-Hill’ (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night.
Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.” In response yesterday Mr D’Aguilar said: “We are a little surprised by that; a little dismayed by that because our crime statistics have decreased so substantially, we would have thought that it would have been a better rating. “I mean to lump us in the same category as Mexico and Jamaica; to us seems a little harsh. “And we thought a lot of the verbiage in the advisory was an exaggeration,” he added. He continued: “The Ministry of National Security is looking to see exactly how many foreign visitors experienced some sort of crime activity or crime incident. “We feel that it is negligible so we are going to push back a little bit. We are now dialoguing with the US Embassy and we are going to push back,” he said. “We think that even though there may be areas, pockets of crime; really the affect on foreign visitors to a country is so negligible that it doesn’t warrant the very strong language that they said in that crime advisory. So, conversations will continue.” When asked to further clarify what he meant by “push back,” Mr D’Aguilar said it was important for the Bahamas to periodically update entities like the US Embassy on the work being done to address crime. “I think it is important for us to continue to present our case,” he said. “Obviously this takes time, and we obviously did not convince them that there were
improvements. But the statistics, numbers speak for themselves; there was a decrease in crime.” According to police statistics, overall crime fell by eight percent in 2018 compared to the previous year. Mr D’Aguilar said officials believe crimes against visitors are “negligible,” but admitted The Bahamas is not a perfect place and more must be done to correct the country’s problems. “I mean it’s our belief that it was negligible and so the Ministry of National Security is going through its data to see exactly how many or how much of the crime was directed at foreign visitors. “It is our belief it was negligible,” he said. “But I must say, we do have some problems. You know it’s not all good and rosy. There are things that we can correct and there was some truth to what was said in the travel advisory as it relates to watercraft and Jet Skis, and the minister of transport will be all over that.” Mr D’Aguilar added: “… We are working to correct some of the deficiencies that they did point out. I mean, we are not perfect. It is not a perfect place. We just think that the language was very strong.” Nonetheless, he said he didn’t foresee the warning having a tremendous effect on the current boom in tourism numbers, telling reporters yesterday the release of a similar report last year didn’t slow numbers. “Well, it is exactly the same travel advisory as last year and the number of stopover visitors to our country increased by 17 percent,” Mr D’Aguilar remarked.
G LUCAYAN SALE MAY TAKE A LITTLE LONGER THAN EXPECTED By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday he still hopes the government will sell the Grand Lucayan resort in Grand Bahama by the second quarter of this year, but suggested it could take a bit longer given the volume of interested buyers. “I think I have gone on record to say that hopefully by the end of the second quarter this year should be in a position to announce something substantial,” Mr D’Aguilar told reporters ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “Sometimes it’s a curse, when you get so many people and then it takes even longer. So if it was just three people then it would be easy. But if it is 60 or whatever the chairman (of the Hotel Corporation of the Bahamas) said, and it may even take a little bit longer. But anyway, we’ll see. We’re continuing the process, what we are
reporting to the Bahamian people is a lot of interest.” Mr D’Aguilar’s comments came after Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine criticised the government for not selling the resort by now. “Sixty organizations want to buy the hotel and still nothing yet,” Mr McAlpine said. “You think Grand Bahamians are impressed by being told that 60 people have an interest? “We are not impressed with that, we will be impressed when it’s sold,” the outspoken FNM backbencher said during a press conference on Monday. The government acquired the beleaguered resort last year for a sale price of $65 million. Officials have said the government has no interest in being in the hotel business and hoped to quickly offload the property to a suitable buyer. The government’s purchase of the resort was touted as a means to save Grand Bahama’s ailing economy.
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar is disappointed by a recent US travel advisory,
PAGE 6, Wednesday, February 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
How Save the Bays emails ended up in PLP hands from page one her husband - a former Davis and Co attorney - are facing legal action. Last night, Mr Davis denied the claims, telling The Tribune he first learned of the STB emails when Mr Fitzgerald read them in parliament. Last week, Supreme Court Justice Keith Thompson granted an order to add the pair, Vanessa Haley Benjamin and Allan Benjamin, as co-defendants after reading affidavits filed by Mr Whylly and lawyer Lakeisha Hanna, an attorney at Harry B Sands, Lobosky & Company. Ms Hanna’s affidavit outlined her firm’s efforts to review approximately 7,637 e-mails and documents received from Mr Whylly that purport to show his relationship with Nygard, and allegedly included: emails either sent by or to Mrs Benjamin demonstrating her involvement in the matter; and emails which were not sent to the couple but demonstrated that they should be added as co-defendants. Mr Whylly purportedly worked for Nygard as a PR consultant from 2013 to mid2016. He said he agreed to assist STB with their investigation sometime in April 2018 after he was notified that some of the directors of STB were considering suing for allegedly defamatory statements he made towards them while working for Mr Nygard. In a 50-page affidavit that was sworn on January 30, and filed on February 21, he details his knowledge of the email leak including meetings with the couple and others over a two-year period. He said he was introduced to Mr Benjamin in May 2016 by Renaldo Collie, a customs officer at the time, and Christio Edgecombe, a police corporal.
PLP leader Philip Davis yesterday denied all claims made by Vivian Whylly The initial meeting was allegedly held “after office hours” at Davis & Co, according to Mr Whylly, who said Mr Benjamin had been unsuccessful in previous attempts to meet Mr Nygard through attorney Keod Smith, his former property manager Eric Gibson, and Carlos Mackey. Mr Whylly’s affidavit read: “In the presence of Mr Edgecombe and me, Mr Benjamin stated: ‘I have in my possession all of the information that Peter Nygard would need to bury Save The Bays.’” Mr Whylly said at the time Mr Benjamin did not disclose the name of his wife, but opened the USB drive on a grey laptop and displayed emails of STB members and bank statements of transferred funds. Mr Benjamin allegedly explained that his wife had saved the emails on her personal laptop before leaving the environmental
group because she did not agree with the way its funds were being managed; and was acting as a lawyer for his wife in the STB emails controversy. Mr Whylly said Mr Benjamin insisted on meeting with the fashion mogul personally, and promised to take care of him financially if he was successful. He further alleged Mr Benjamin detailed his financial troubles, as Mrs Benjamin suffered from multiple sclerosis; one of his children was also sick; and – at the time – he had a gun charge against him. The affidavit read: “Mr Benjamin told me that the Honourable Philip ‘Brave’ Davis prompted him to take a leave of absence from the office of Davis & Co because of the gun charge against him.” It also claimed Mr Benjamin said Mr Davis had helped him favourably
resolve the gun charge and that as a “thank you” to the politician, Mr Benjamin gave Mr Davis a copy of the USB content of STB emails. “Mr Benjamin continued by telling me: ‘If I get $10 million, you will get $1 million!’” The affidavit continued: “As we drove home in Gambier Village, Mr Benjamin again told me that he gave copies of the Save The Bays emails to Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and that Davis told Mr Benjamin that he (Mr Davis) shared the Save The Bays emails with Mr Jerome Fitzgerald. “We did not discuss whether there were any financial terms attached to Mr Benjamin’s disclosure of the Save The Bays emails to . . . Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.” Mr Whylly said he arranged a meeting between Nygard and Mr Benjamin in mid-June 2016. Mr Whylly said Mr Benjamin declined to have the
contents of the USB projected onto a big screen TV and instead displayed the information from his personal laptop. He alleged Mr Benjamin and Mr Nygard then spoke in private, adding he could see the attorney wiping his eyes in front of Mr Nygard as he watched from outside a glass door. Mr Whylly claims he was told by Mr Benjamin that Mr Nygard said he was interested and had arranged another meeting, and had promised to give him $10,000 for his wife’s medical expenses – to be received from Mr Gibson. Mr Whylly said he was promised $1,000 from this sum by Mr Benjamin, but never received any money. On July 2, 2016, Mr Whylly alleged another meeting was held at Davis and Co with Mr Benjamin, Mr Edgecombe, and a Chicago-based attorney Sean G Wieber who was reportedly working with Mr Nygard’s lawyer Dan West of Winston & Strawn LLP. Mr Wieber asked to take the USB back with him to the US, according to Mr Whylly, who stated Mr Benjamin allegedly declined. Mr Whylly said Mr Benjamin claimed he never received any funds from Mr Gibson or Mr Nygard, and later that month dropped out of contact with him and “stopped picking up his phone.” He said he was told by Mr Benjamin in October that the lawyer had got into real estate and was very busy taking care of his family. Mr Whylly allegedly had his first encounter with Mrs Benjamin in November 2016 at a party held by Roger Gomez Jr, where he told her of attempts to arrange a meeting between her husband and Nygard. Mr Whylly states he met Fred Smith while attending Supreme Court hearings related to the STB matter the following year in June. He offered to arrange a
meeting between Mr Smith and Mrs Benjamin to see if she would be willing to share any information on the matter. Mr Whylly said when he reached out to Mrs Benjamin, who appeared to be in distress during the call and told him she was separating from her husband. Mr Whylly claims Mrs Benjamin told him she had saved the emails to her computer during a lunch meeting in late October 2017, but insisted she had not given her husband permission to disclose them. At another meeting in November 2017, Mr Whylly states Mrs Benjamin told him she was filing for divorce, and he encouraged her to cooperate with STB. According to the affidavit, several attempts were made to establish an agreement between STB and Mrs Benjamin to pay her legal fees in exchange for her cooperation. Fred Smith reportedly paid her attorney Mr Gomez Jr a $10,000 retainer by cheque. However, the draft agreement was never signed, and a copy of the agreement along with a draft affidavit was included in supporting exhibits. The unsigned affidavit purports to be from Mrs Benjamin, and alleges the emails and financial information had been saved to her laptop so that she could work from home, and that she never voluntarily disclosed them. STB members obtained an injunction on March 18, 2016 against the further sale or publication of documents relating to Zack Bacon, Fred Smith, QC, the environmental organisation and its directors. The injunction prevents persons known and unknown from presenting further private information about STB. The group is seeking damages for breach of contract and/or duty and/or for breach of confidence, among other reasons.
FITZGERALD BRINGS HIS POLITICAL CAREER TO AN END FORMER Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has announced an end to his political career, telling Progressive Liberal Party members he will not seek a nomination for the next general election. Mr Fitzgerald, pictured right, made the remarks at a meeting in the Marathon constituency for aspiring candidates on Monday night. The former senator represented the area from 2012 to 2017. He lost his bid for reelection weeks after The Tribune exclusively
revealed in April 2017 that as early as 2013, he was seeking to secure millions of dollars in brokerage, trucking, and limousine contracts at Baha Mar while he sat in Cabinet. Emails leaked from a data breach of China Construction America’s (CCA) servers and obtained by this newspaper showed Mr Fitzgerald appeared to also be requesting $20,000 a month from Baha Mar’s developer Sarkis Izmirlian, citing the
expenses that were necessary to cover the cost of his ailing father’s medical treatment. There were immediate calls for Mr Fitzgerald to resign his post as education minister. In a statement released after The Tribune’s bombshell reporting, Mr Fitzgerald admitted that he sought contracts from Baha Mar for his father’s business but said nothing came of it. At the time, Mr Fitzgerald said he had
communicated with Mr Izmirlian “on any number of matters over the past eight years either in person or by email.” “Prior to my father’s illness he had engaged in discussions with Baha Mar to get some work,” Mr Fitzgerald’s April 2017 statement noted. After my father’s illness I wrote to Sarkis to follow up on those discussions and seek his assistance. Nothing came of it and that remains the case today.” Meanwhile on Monday, Mr Fitzgerald said his political career has been “active
and exciting, rewarding and painful, dynamic and challenging, but most of all, it’s been gratifying.” He continued: “But as with many great things, they must at some point come to an end, and my season of vying for a nomination to represent a constituency for the great Progressive Liberal Party came to an end on May 10, 2017.” He said he spent 15 years in active public life, first as deputy chairman of the then College of the Bahamas in 2002, later becoming a senator in 2007 and a
member of Parliament in 2012. He had this advice to aspiring Marathon candidates: “Remember this is a sacrifice of time, treasure and talent. It is a commitment of service above self. The road will not always be easy, but never lose sight of the fact that you are here to make a meaningful contribution to both Marathon and our wider Bahamaland. As with any meaningful career, work with strategy and diligence, keep your commitments and refrain from making empty promises.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 27, 2019, PAGE 7
ONE CASE OF CHIKUNGUNYA CONFIRMED IN BAHAMAS By RIEL MAJOR HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed yesterday there is a single case of the chikungunya virus in the country. Speaking to reporters outside of Cabinet, Dr Sands said unfortunately this virus was a home-grown case. He said: “All of these diseases that are carried by the aedes aegypti mosquito whether we’re talking dengue or chikungunya, malaria. Thankfully we haven’t had a significant problem with malaria. As a matter of fact, we haven’t seen a home-grown case of malaria in a while but yes,
we’ve had a single case of chikungunya confirmed by laboratory testing. “When we talk about chikungunya or dengue or any mosquito borne illness, we are concerned as to whether or not this is imported, or home-grown because it then determines whether or not we have infected mosquitoes in country. The Department of Environmental Health has stepped up their adulticide and larvicide campaigns so you may have noticed the fog trucks increasing their activity.” Dr Sands encouraged
Bahamians to inspect their properties and determine whether or not they are mosquito breeding grounds. “So, the admonition is as always go outside look for those receptacles all of that standing water, empty them out, old tyres, paint cans. If you have a pool that is no longer being used, then call the Department of Environmental Health they can come and ensure that is appropriately managed.” When asked about border control health related issues, the health minister said the best protection The Bahamas can have for
border protection is mass vaccinations of Bahamians. Dr Sands said: “If we get our immunisation rate or coverage up to 95 percent it becomes a non-issue. “When we slip below the threshold that we believe affords herd immunity is when we become susceptible. Our focus should not be on clamping down the doors and saying that nobody from anywhere else that could possibly have measles should come into the Bahamas. “What we want to do is get those 15,000 children that have
Pay for your work visas or go, says Symonette from page one He implored permit seekers to visit the department’s Hawkins Hill office and pay all outstanding fees and collect their new permits. Failure to do so, Mr Symonette said, would result in those letters expiring and the status of those holders reverting back to “illegal”. “Now I accept that there is a problem with the Post Office and everything else like that,” the St Anne’s MP stressed. “But just so everyone knows, if a person does not come in and pay for their permi - because they usually walk around for months with (an application receipt) they will be considered as an illegal immigrant and deported. Irrespective of how many times they had a work permit. You get the letter, you pay your fees or you are deemed to be an illegal immigrant. That will be strictly enforced.” Last year the department mandated that permit holders be fingerprinted when collecting new or renewed permits as part of its new digital system. It was also revealed as many as 7,000 applications were rolled over from 2017 as a result of the department’s computer system’s metrics. Mr Symonette at the time argued that step was critical in the country determining who exactly was receiving the document. “The onus is on the person, you can’t put the onus on the state. I can prove who I am, I got a birth certificate. When I was born the registrar physically came to the hospital and saw the mother laying in the bed with baby in hand. What happens now
is PMH gives a letter saying Robin Symonette had a live birth, and you then take that piece of paper down to the registrar,” he said at the time. When asked yesterday about the department’s legacy backlog, Mr Symonette, pictured below, insisted turn-around times for work permits have been reduced to six weeks, with one-third of responses now being communicated via email. As for permanent residence and citizenship applications, Mr Symonette said the Citizenship Commission was down to its final 233 applications. The body was appointed last February to review applications of people with a clear constitutional right to apply – ie. they were born in The Bahamas and applied between the ages of 18 and 19 – to be registered as citizens. The commission had targeted to naturalise nearly 400 people by the end of last year. According to Mr Symonette, there were 3,331 citizenship approvals between 2012 and April 2017. Of this number, 1,969 were between 2012 to 2015; 789 in the year 2016 and 573 between January and April 2017. Mr Symonette yesterday also revealed amendments to the Immigration Act proposed by Law Reform Commissioner Dame Anita Allen, former Court of Appeal president, were still being considered. Mr Symonette said her recommendations will go back to Cabinet in about 60 days. The Minnis administration has proposed plans to revamp the law since coming to office.
not been immunised and to ensure that everybody on the frontline whether you are a police officer, whether you work at a port or the airport, whether you are in a hospitality industry that you are protected and then the public.” According to the US Centres for Disease Control, the chikungunya virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash, the CDC’s website notes.
MISS FLORIDA’S TRIAL PUT ON HOLD AS CO-ACCUSED FAILS TO SHOW By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
HANDEREA “Miss Florida” Rolle outside court yesterday. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
A WOMAN who went viral on social media last year had her criminal trial over alleged drug possession with intent to supply adjourned to March 27 after her co-accused failed to show in court yesterday. Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain adjourned the matter involving Handerea “Miss Florida” Rolle after hearing that 41-year-old Kenneth Moncur of Smith’s Lane was not present in court for the trial concerning the seizure of $1,700 worth of drugs from a house last February. Last year, Rolle, Moncur and Ilano Noel of Market Street were arraigned on allegations they were found in possession of 13 ounces of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1,700. Noel, the father of Rolle’s child, pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, while Rolle and Moncur pleaded not guilty.
During trial last year, Assistant Superintendent Zhivargo Earns testified how he had caught Noel trying to flush a bowl of weed on the date in question, moments after he and two other officers broke down the door to a home on Smith’s Lane. ASP Earns said after catching and subduing Noel, Rolle and the owner of the residence, Moncur, were found hiding in two separate rooms in the home. Rolle gained local internet fame and the nicknames “Miss Florida” and “Boss Lady Florida” when she posted videos to social media in which she seemed not to know that Miami was located in the state of Florida.
WE FACE MANY CHALLENGES, CAMPBELL TELLS UN BY RIEL MAJOR
IN the wake of the deaths of more than 30 Haitian migrants at sea earlier this month, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday told the United Nations Human Rights Council The Bahamas will continue its efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling. During his address before the UN with 16 other dignitaries, Mr Campbell also highlighted the connection between climate change and human rights and also acknowledged the need for gender equality and empowering women. “The recent tragedy of 31 Haitian migrants that drowned near Abaco demonstrates the complex human rights implication of unsafe migration. We will continue efforts to address trans-border criminal activities such as smuggling and trafficking. These are the real threats to migrants’ rights,” he said.
“Last year the prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the president of Haiti jointly committed to utilise every effort possible to bring resolution to this problem. Other issues we are confronting such as youth unemployment and the transshipment of firearms are significant but we are tackling them with comprehensive policies and programmes to create a just safe and fear free society for all.” Mr Campbell said as the first country of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to serve on the council since its establishment, The Bahamas believes the council’s membership should reflect the full diversity of the international community. “Human rights are universal and indivisible likewise this council should continue striving for universal participation in its work. It should be able to be undivided in responding to gross violations of fundamental rights and
freedom wherever they occur. Madam vice president, first and foremost we are a strong and stable democracy. We have experiences we can share while at the same time learning from experiences of others. As a small island developing state, the perspectives we bring to the international human rights discourse are unique, but so are our challenges and needs. “In few areas is this more evident than addressing climate change. The nexus between climate change and human rights is clear because the threat is an existential one. The increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to hurricanes, accelerating sea level rise, and other life-threatening impacts bring the magnitude of the challenge into sharp focus. As a striking example, data suggest that between 2015 and 2017 major hurricanes cumulatively cost The Bahamas some $678 million US.”
PAGE 8, Wednesday, February 27, 2019
O
UR system of governance and political party structures and systems need work. We have been calling for reform of these systems, often without concrete recommendations, for years. They are not working for us and they haven’t for a long time. This is part of the reason Out Da Box started, and we ran a campaign to call attention not only to the shortcomings, but the possibilities, and the ways we, as citizens, could bring the change we need. When the formation of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) was announced, some were hopeful that it would help us to get us out of the twoparty rut. Any merits of the new party, however, were overshadowed by other issues including the perception of the DNA as part of a temper tantrum by someone who was not getting his own way, questionable nomination and appointment practices and being yet another party break off from an existing party, lacking its own clear principles. There was nothing to indicate a real difference, or give hope for a future we wanted and believed possible through that party. Add to it the anti-woman positions taken by then leader Branville McCartney, and all bets were off for those of us paying attention to issues of social justice.
Is it enough weight? During the last election season, people paid attention to the DNA, though uncertain about giving their support and risk “wasted votes” when it seemed obvious either the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) or the Free National Movement (FNM) would win, as usual. There was one standout candidate who seemed to know the issues, could speak to them off the cuff, was willing to participate in public dialogue, and did not reek of the politics of yesteryear. Arinthia Komolafe, pictured below, impressed us, and we wondered why she was not the party’s leader into the 2017 general elections. Finally, this week, it was announced that she is the new leader of the DNA. There is no one better suited to the position and, of course, it is great to see someone is a woman and under the age of 40 take on the role. Could this be a turning point in Bahamian party
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Let’s prepare for 2020 - stand up and be counted politics? The PLP and FNM still don’t see the DNA as a real factor, but maybe the DNA is playing the long game. It is possible that the party does not expect to win, but is creeping toward greater relevance and, through its commentary on current affairs, gaining the trust of the Bahamian people. The DNA had, by far, the highest proportion of women candidates in 2017. The PLP and FNM both had abysmal representation of women, and this is evident in the number of women currently in Parliament and Cabinet, even with nearly a clean sweep by the FNM. As long as we do not have a gender quota, it will be up to political parties themselves to effort to ensure their slate of candidates is representative. It is up to us to demand better representation, and we can do this by drawing attention to parties’ favourable behavior, recommending candidates, and putting ourselves forward.
Komolafe as a catalyst Everyone interested in politics, working on specific issues, and offering commentary is not interested in frontline politics, but there are definitely some who can be convinced, or are waiting for the right moment. The announcement of Arinthia Komolafe’s leadership of the DNA could be a catalyst for other women to step forward. We need
women who are experts in a broad range of fields. Our current Cabinet shows how important it is to think beyond constituency representatives, considering candidates’ potential to manage ministerial portfolios. Given the number of development projects being discussed, waste management issues, and the consequences of climate change, we need environmental experts to be elected. Differently-abled people suffer discrimination and, even with the passing of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, still struggle to get people to understand why they should not park in spaces clearly marked for those who need them, and there is no recourse. Who is best able to address such issues? Our schools are never all ready to open on time following the summer break, and some are plagued with serious structural issues and health hazards. The union is constantly calling attention to these problems. How different would it be if the strongest voices were at the table, able to make decisions they have been pushing for from the outside?
Moving to the inside In “Dismantling the Master’s House with the Master’s Tools?” (in “Feminist Post-Development Thought” edited by Bahamian Kriemild Saunders) Kathleen Stuadt makes a distinction between insiders
Memorial Service For Marsha Deborah Teresa Deveaux, 66 of Lambert Close will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Munroe Diplomat Center, The Myles E. Carmichael Road. Officiating will be Dr. David Burrows, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Left to cherish her memories are her beloved daughter: Nakeisha; Sister: Zelma E. Dean; brother: D’Arcy Deveaux; Brother-in-law: Audley B. Dean; Nieces and nephews and their families: Donna Pratt; Kaye Wilson; Brent Dean, Bianca Dean-Willie, Brigette Dean, Andre Braynen, Rodney Braynen Jr., Michelle Hudson, Michael Braynen, D’Arcy Akeem, D’Arcy Alexandre Jr., Alyssia Darling Deveaux; Cousins: Philip Franks, Anthony Franks, Wilhelmenea Shearer, Pamela Franks-Rolle, Monique Campbell, Ethelyn Franks, Mavis Humes, Paul Lockhart, Dr. Kirtland Culmer, Ethelyn Stuart, Dr. Leslie Culmer, Sandford Culmer, Raymond H. Culmer Jr., Adina Gallagher, Bernie Turnquest, Stuart Culmer, Patricia Franks-Russell, Ingrid Culmer, The Thompson Family, Rt. Rev’d Gilbert A. Thompson, Dr. Philip Thompson, The Molly Farrington Family, Coral Sawyer, Oswald Sawyer, The Ellen Strachan family, Especially Dr. Cyprian Strachan. These along with their children, grand and great grandchildren are all the descendants of the great Moses Nathaniel Deveaux and his wife Rose Bethel Deveaux of Rum Cay. There are numerous other family members and friends with whom she shared wonderful relationships. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the wonderful ladies; Mrs. Rose and Kevin Fox, Gigi Butler, Helena Neilly, Sandra Rutherford, Helena Neely, Beryle Blair, Sylvia Bethel, Dorothy Johnson, Gia Ramsey, Sheena Pinder, Charrissa and Charoe Munroe, Rinnah Pinder Jr. and Family, Jullian and Anna Smith, Esther Cartwright, Bradley Strachan, Melva Nottage, Doretha Miller, Nurse Magarette Daxon, Nurse Munnings, Nurse Seymour as well as Bradley Strachan who cared for her so faithfully during the final months of her life. Her medical team, Dr. R. Butler, Dr. Halliday and Nurse Kalfani of the Oncology Unit were excellent. Viewing will be held in the “Haylcon Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
and outsiders, highlighting the important roles of each group and the need for them to work together. Outsiders — largely advocates and practitioners — have long known that we need to be able to influence the people on the inside who are the decision-makers, but the insiders do not often view the relationship with the same fondness or reverence. They are there for their own reasons and often, even if they personally agree with us, don’t have enough invested in the outcome to go up against the system they are in. Assuming we move beyond difference in opinion, how do we address the difference in investment? The obvious answer is for outsiders to move to the inside. We know what we need and, through study and experience, we know the process for making it happen. Why don’t the Belinda Wilsons, Sam Duncombes, Erin Greenes, and other well-informed, vocal people just get in there? What we have seen happen all over the world is the consumption of wellmeaning people by the system. Sometimes the outsiders-turned-insiders are outnumbered and become
exhausted. Sometimes they are misled. At times, they start to make progress, election time rolls around again, and they have to start again from scratch (if they are lucky enough to still be on the inside). It isn’t quite as easy as it sounds, and sometimes outsiders choose to stay on the outside to be able to speak freely (unbound by party politics) and maintain a clear view of circumstances. We often say “power corrupts,” and this is a source of fear for many on the outside. How does an outsider know they can stay true to their cause? Before that, how does an outsider know they can get in?
Roles and responsibilities All of us don’t have to rush to put our names forward at once. We don’t need to sign up with major political parties, or figure out how to run as independents. What we need to do is have the conversation. Who among us is willing to move to the inside, and work toward the change we all know we need? Who stands the best chance? Who has the most comprehensive
and precise understanding of the inside world? This is as much about strategy and optics as it is about passion and skill. We need more independent thinkers, more practitioners, more women, and more people who have a greater commitment to our communities and ensuring members’ needs are met than to what frequently devolves into a race to the next election. We need people who can win, and are willing to lose or not even be in the race the next time around because they did what they went there to do. Politicians often want to see certain changes, but they will not be the ones to advance them either because they want to win their seat in the next election, or they want to secure their candidacy within their parties, and neither of those is possible with unpopular positions, no matter how right they may be. We need people who put the common good above self-interest. We have three years until the next general election. It is not too early to start thinking about names on ballots. Whose names do we want to see, and how can we best support them? Who may not be willing to move to the inside, but has the ability to train others for the job? Some of us have to stay on the outside to agitate and support those on the inside. Some of us have to organise, encourage, record, and campaign. The shift can take place in many ways. Outsiders could join the political parties of their choice, determine which political party best aligns with their interests, start a new party, or run as independents. Some of these options clearly require a greater investment than others, and a decision can only be made through a meeting of the outsiders, outlining the shared vision, and determining the type and amount of investment each person is willing to make. Enough with the lawyers and doctors. That’s not working. Let’s change the way ballots look in 2022.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2019, PAGE 9
Huawei and Samsung reveal folding smartphones Associated Press CHINA’S Huawei unveiled a new foldingscreen phone on Sunday, joining the latest trend for bendable devices as it challenges the global smartphone market’s dominant players, Apple and Samsung. Huawei revealed its Mate X phone on the eve of MWC Barcelona, a fourday showcase of mobile devices, as the company battles US allegations it is a cybersecurity risk. The device can be used on superfast next-generation mobile networks that are due to come online in the coming years. Device makers are looking to folding screens as the industry’s next big thing to help them break out of an innovation malaise, although most analysts think the market is limited, at least in the early days. Last week, Samsung unveiled its own smartphone with a foldable screen, the Galaxy Fold,
in San Francisco. The Mate X is the answer to a question Huawei faced as it sought to satisfy smartphone users’ demands for bigger screens and longer battery life, said Richard Yu, CEO of its consumer business group. “How can we bring the more big innovation to this smartphone industry?” Yu said at a glitzy media launch. The Mate X will sell for 2,299 euros ($2,600) when it goes on sale by midyear. That’s even more than the Galaxy Fold, priced at nearly $2,000. The Mate X’s screen wraps around the outside so users can still view it when it’s closed, unlike the Galaxy Fold, which has a screen that folds shut. Unfolded, the Mate X’s screen is eight inches diagonally, making it the size of a small tablet. Yu said Huawei engineers spent three years working on the device’s hinge, which doesn’t leave a gap when shut.
HUAWEI CEO Richard Yu displays the new Huawei Mate X foldable 5G smartphone at the Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday.
DJ KOH, Samsung President and CEO of IT and Mobile Communications, holds up the new Galaxy Fold smartphone during an event last week, in San Francisco.
The Galaxy Fold will sell for $1,980 when it is released April 26. It can work like a traditional smartphone with a 4.6 inch screen or morph
into something more like a mini-tablet with a 7.3 inch screen. When fully unfolded, the device will be able to simultaneously run three
different apps on the screen. The Galaxy Fold will also boast six cameras: three in the back, two on the inside and one on the front.
VIRGIN GALACTIC: ROCKET REACHES SPACE AGAIN IN TEST FLIGHT LOS ANGELES Associated Press VIRGIN Galactic’s rocket plane reached space for a second time in a test flight over California on Friday, climbing higher and faster than before while also carrying a crew member to evaluate the long-awaited passenger experience. The winged spaceship soared at three times the speed of sound to an altitude of 55.8 miles before gliding to a safe landing at Mojave Air and Space Port in the desert north of Los Angeles, Virgin Galactic said. In addition to chief pilot David Mackay and co-pilot Mike “Sooch” Masucci, the crew included Virgin Galactic’s chief astronaut instructor, Beth Moses. Moses, described as an expert micro-gravity researcher who is in charge of evaluating the passenger cabin, floated free to test elements of the interior. Virgin Galactic is working toward commercial operations that will take passengers on supersonic thrill rides to the lower reaches of space to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of the Earth below. The company intends to operate a fleet of spaceships out of Spaceport America in the high desert of southern New Mexico. The flight was delayed
VIRGIN Galactic’s VSS Unity rocket plane flown into the atmosphere before launching on Friday in Mojave, Calif. Virgin Galactic says its rocket plane has reached space for a second time in a test flight. In addition to two pilots, the spacecraft carried a third crew member to evaluate the cabin from a passenger perspective. Photo: Matt Hartman/AP two days due to winds, and company founder Richard Branson tweeted that he had to miss it so he could attend a concert in Colombia to raise money for humanitarian aid to crisis-stricken Venezuela. “Sad to miss spaceflight but looking forward to the concert,” he wrote. The spaceship, named VSS Unity, is carried aloft
by a special carrier aircraft and released at high altitude where it ignites its rocket. It first reached space on Dec. 13 in a flight to an altitude of 51.4 miles at slightly less than Mach 3. Earlier this month, the rocket motor from that flight was donated to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and pilots
Mark “Forger” Stucky and Rick “CJ” Sturckow were awarded commercial astronaut wings by the US Department of Transportation. The only previous commercial astronaut wings went to pilots Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie, for their 2004 flights in SpaceShipOne, the predecessor to Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane, which is a
design called SpaceShipTwo. A major goal of Friday’s flight was evaluating its handling during descent with its twin tails rotated upward relative to the fuselage. The “feathered” configuration is used to slow and stabilise the craft as it falls back into the thickening atmosphere. The name came from designer Burt Rutan comparing the mechanism to the feathers of a badminton shuttlecock. The tails rotate back to normal position for the glide to Earth. Altitude and speed were not specific targets for the flight, Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said in an interview earlier this week. “If we have sort of a nominal-duration burn we will get up pretty high, but that is not one of the formal test goals for this one,” he said. Whitesides indicated that cabin esthetics, including colouration and the play of sunlight across surfaces, are considered important and that the focus on it also shows the programme is advancing. “That’s not to say that we are fully done with vehicle testing, but we really are starting to move into the interiors testing phase, and that’s a really important milestone for the company,” he said. Whitesides said he could not say how many more test flights remain.
• ONE of the US’ aircraft carriers will spend the next two years in dry dock for some maintenance and state-of-the-art upgrades. The Virginian-Pilot reported that the USS George HW Bush arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth on Thursday. It’ll spend the next 28 months at the public shipyard. During that period the carrier will upgraded with 3D printing technology. It will also get exoskeleton suits and training models using virtual reality. The Bush became part of the US Navy’s fleet in 2009. The 100,000-tonne ship is the last of the previous generation of aircraft carriers in the Nimitz class. The newest generation is the Ford class, which already includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier. • THE first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates will blast off into space on Sept 25 on a trip to the International Space Station, authorities announced on Monday. Either military pilot Hazza al-Mansoori or engineer Sultan al-Neyadi will be the first Emirati in space, part of an ambitious space programme for this Gulf Arab nation home to the world’s tallest building and the busiest airport for international travel. But the two men, selected from over 4,000 applicants, say they aren’t worried after the recent failure of another Russian rocket carrying astronauts to the space station. “After the incident we were more confident with the preparedness of the mission,” al-Mansoori told The Associated Press. “In case of any failure there is equipment onboard the rocket to ensure the safety of the crew, which made us more confident that the system works with a high level of adequacy.” That incident happened Oct 11, which saw a Soyuz-FG rocket carrying US astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin fail shortly after launch due to a damaged sensor. The two men landed safely in Kazakhstan. “The astronauts who were involved will go into space soon,” al-Neyadi said. “This shows how safe the Soyuz is, that astronauts are able to survive in case of any accident.” Both men have undergone intensive training at the Star City space centre outside of Moscow, which included pressure chamber tests, centrifuge tests, parabolic flight training, and winter survival training. Parabolic flights allow astronauts to train for being weightless in space. “Since I’m a pilot, I was able to withstand a gravitational force of 9-G,” al-Mansoori said. “Now I must train in this sort of gravitational force, 0-G, the lack of gravity.”
PAGE 10, Wednesday, February 27, 2019
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Employment Opportunity Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) is recruiting highly qualified and reflective employees with vision, creativity and passion in the following area:
• Principal Successful candidates will: • Manage the day-to-day operation of the school • Work closely with the Board to determine the school’s aims, policies and strategic vision • Promote the school vigorously and effectively ensuring it remains a first choice for students in the area • Create a dynamic learning community of professionals who discuss pedagogy, invests in professional development and encourages discerning collaboration and innovation To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter explaining why you are a match for LCIS to jobs@lcis.bs by Friday 1 March. To learn more about our school and the position above, please visit www.lcis.bs
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Trump and Kim to confront nuclear plans HANOI, Vietnam Associated Press WITH nervous world capitals looking on, President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are beginning their second nuclear summit with a oneon-one discussion and an intimate dinner as hard questions swirl about what the American president will demand and Pyongyang might be willing to give up. The two leaders and their aides encamped in Hanoi after long journeys by plane, train and automobile — Trump on Air Force One, Kim in an armored railcar and limousine — for two days of talks addressing perhaps the world’s biggest security challenge: Kim’s nuclear programme that stands on the verge of realistically threatening targets around the planet. Although many experts are skeptical Kim will give up the nuclear weapons he likely sees as his best guarantee of continued rule, there was a palpable, carnival-like excitement among many in Hanoi as final preparations were made for tomorrow’s summit opening. There were also huge traffic jams in the already congested streets. Trump was opening his visit in morning meetings with Vietnam’s president
KIM Jong Un waves as he arrives in Vietnam. and prime minister before turning his attention to Kim. Official greetings with the normally reclusive leader will give way to a short oneon-one discussion before what’s being described as a social dinner with an exclusive guest list. The White House said Trump will be joined at the dinner by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. Kim, too, will have two aides with him, and there will be translators for each side. Trump and Kim will have a series of additional official meetings on Thursday.
Kim, who arrived in Hanoi first, spent Tuesday travelling around the Vietnamese capital in his limousine. With a squad of bodyguards in tow, he visited sections of Hanoi, including his nation’s embassy where a loud cheer went up as he entered the compound. As host, Vietnam is eager to show off its huge economic and development improvements since the destruction of the Vietnam War. But the country also tolerates no dissent and is able to provide the kind of firm hand not allowed by more democratic potential hosts.
COHEN EXPECTED TO MAKE CLAIMS OF RACISM AND CHEATING WASHINGTON Associated Press
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, is expected to give a behindthe-scenes account of what he will claim is Trump’s lying, racism and cheating, and possibly even criminal conduct, when he testifies publicly before a House committee today. Trump’s former personal “fixer” arrived on Capitol Hill yesterdsay to begin three days of congressional appearances, starting with a closed-door interview with the Senate intelligence committee. The public won’t have a chance to hear from him until today, when he testifies before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. He will go behind closed doors again when he talks to the House intelligence committee tomorrow. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement it was “laughable that anyone would take a convicted liar like Cohen at his word, and pathetic to see him given yet another opportunity to spread his lies.” Lawmakers are alternately suspicious of Cohen — who is set to serve prison time for lying to the House and Senate intelligence committees in 2017 — and eager to hear what he has to say after he turned on his longtime boss. Senators on the intelligence panel attended Tuesday’s meeting, a departure from the committee’s usual practice.
Porter on Oscars gown and social media hate
NEW YORK, Associated Press BILLY PORTER, speaking before he walked the Oscars red carpet, knew what he was in for among some social media users: “People are going to be really uncomfortable with my black ass in a ball gown, but it’s not anybody’s business but mine.” The remark from the gay breakout star of the boundary-expanding FX series Pose was both prescient and disproven. There
was mega-praise for his velvet custom tuxedo look by Christian Siriano and outrage over the notion that an African American man in a dress was a threat to black masculinity. “I was ready to create the conversation,” he said the day after the Oscars. “We have to teach people how to treat us, we have to teach people how to love us, we have to teach people how to respect us, and the only way we do that is to respect ourselves.”