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The Tribune
Volume:114 No.81, MARCH 17th, 2017
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WEEKEND: GETTING ALL DRESSED UP FOR CARNIVAL SEASON
Pages 8&9
Feather fiesta
All set for the big costume
Court rejects PM recusal appeal
core Fitness
party
Carnival, pages 14&15
GREG MOSS QUITS ELECTION RACE AND AS PARTY LEADER By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net MARCO City MP Greg Moss announced last night that he will not be seeking a renomination in the upcoming general elections, and has resigned as leader of the United Democratic Party. SEE PAGE SEVEN
Christie loses in bid to move judge from Nygard case By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie suffered another legal defeat yesterday in his case against Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Bain when the Court of Appeal unanimously rejected his application for leave to begin appellate proceedings into the judge’s decision not to recuse herself from judicial review cases involving construction works at Nygard Cay. As Minister for Crown Lands, Mr Christie is one of the respondents in the cases.
His attorneys argue that Justice Bain should have recused herself because she has an application before him in which she seeks to extend her tenure as a Supreme Court judge. She cannot be perceived as impartial because of this, the attorneys say. Mr Christie has not indicated whether he intends to grant or deny Justice Bain’s application for extension. Judges routinely make such requests when they approach retirement age and they are usually granted as a matter of formality. SEE PAGE SIX
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BUSH BLAZE THREATENING HOMES By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FIREFIGHTERS are battling a massive bush fire in southern New Providence that threatened homes near Dignity Gardens and blanketed the community in thick, white smoke yesterday. Fire Chief Superintendent Walter Evans said police received a call around 3pm that the forest near Spikenard Road was on fire. When officers arrived, they found the blaze had
jumped from the northern side of Carmichael Road to the southern side, threatening a number of homes. He said firefighters and resources were diverted from the fire at the New Providence Landfill to the blaze on Carmichael Road to protect the homes and businesses in the area. The Fire Chief said the main priority is to prevent the fire from spreading west towards the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). SEE PAGE THREE
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean speaking to the media after an officer of the Bahamas Department of Corrections tried to hang himself at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station, later dying in hospital after the attempt. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PRISON OFFICER FOUND HANGED IN POLICE CELL By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A PRISON officer in custody over a domestic dispute died in hospital yesterday after trying to hang himself in his holding cell at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station. Assistant Commissioner
of Police Stephen Dean told reporters that shortly before 11am yesterday, officers performing their routine checks of the holding cells noticed the man - understood to be a young father - hanging from a rope in his cell. According to ACP Dean, the ‘rope’ was made from the deceased’s own
clothing. ACP Dean said officials from the public clinic across the street were notified and lent their assistance in trying to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the man. Emergency Medical Services personnel were summoned and took the man to
the hospital. However, shortly before giving the official police statement on the matter, ACP Dean said police had received word that the man had died aroud midday. Her Majesty’s Coroner has now taken over the investigation, ACP Dean said. SEE PAGE SIX
MILLER ENDORSES MINNIS PM CRITICISES FNM LEADER AS NEXT PRIME MINISTER FOR HOUSE ABSENCES By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net IN A full endorsement of Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday forecast that Prime Minister Perry Christie and Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis were on equal footing in their chances of winning the next general election.
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Mr Miller said while he hopes the PLP remains the government after the upcoming general election, Dr Minnis would also be good for the country. The Tall Pines MP told The Tribune that Dr Minnis has “a heart for the people” and if anyone were to beat Prime Minister Perry Christie, it should be the FNM leader. SEE PAGE SIX
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Perry Christie berated Free National Movement Leader (FNM) Dr Hubert Minnis over his noticeable absence from the House of Assembly on Wednesday, telling a crowd of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters last night that the Killarney MP has opted to hide
behind social media in the wake of yet another massive error in his leadership tenure. In his address at the latest in series of campaign community forums put on by the PLP at SC McPherson junior high school, Mr Christie claimed that his opponent has now resorted to avoiding public appearances out of fear that the SEE PAGE SIX
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ON YOUR MOBILE-FRIENDLY TRIBUNE242.COM Follow the weekend news on your mobilefriendly Tribune242.com. Don’t miss breaking news throughout the weekend and a video review of the week’s most important stories with The Tribune’s Top 5. And, on Monday, start the week as The Tribune returns to newsstands with a round-up of all the weekend news, business and sport. Plus Insight – news, analysis and comment on the big issues of the day. Check out the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide. And The Tribune’s Classifieds Trader – the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.
A BUSH fire off Carmichael Road that started near Dignity Gardens.
POLICE observe firefighting efforts yesterday.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
A FIREFIGHTER tackling the blaze yesterday.
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DEAL VEHICLES shrouded in smoke near Dignity Gardens yesterday.
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FIREFIGHTERS in the thick of the smoke during efforts to put out a blaze near Dignity Gardens.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, Friday, March March 17,17, 2017, 2017, PAGE PAGE 3 3
A BUSH fire off Carmichael Road that started near Dignity Gardens.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BUSH BLAZE THREATENING HOMES from page one
“We have three units from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and one from the Airport Crash and Rescue Department. The call came in around 3pm and when we got here we met heavy smoke pluming over the Carmichael Road area, just west of Spikenard Road and east of Bacardi Road,” Supt Evans said. “We were able to have the assistance of a backhoe operator who was in the area, who created a fire break for us and that has assisted us in making an advance on this fire. “This fire has jumped over from the northern side of the road to the southern side of the road and there are a number of homes which are in the general vi-
cinity and so the focus is ensuring that the fire does not come in contact with any of the businesses or any of the residents in the southern area of Carmichael. “There is some smoke but it is not as bad as the fire we had in Jubilee Gardens. The wind is carrying the smoke and it is not staying in a still fashion and it is not heavy as it was last week at the Landfill.” Supt Evans said the fire is burning deep inland and access is a “major challenge” for the fire department. He said the only way to get to the blaze is with the use of heavy equipment, which they are currently “trying to acquire”. “We need operators to assist in getting that access. The emergency units cannot make access and when we do that, we are able to ensure the fire is controlled.
The main thing we want to stop is the fire moving more towards the west because we know the airport is in that general area to ensure the fire does not affect the flights. “We suspect that we will have smoke in the area for another half a day or so, but that is predicated upon getting access,” Supt Evans said. “All of our resources must be here. We focus on the protection of life and property and the difference between this fire and the fire at the landfill is the fire at the landfill is a fire in a concentrated area that is not burning out of control.” Supt Evans said residents in the general area should, close the windows and the doors to minimise the amount of smoke that “may penetrate their homes”.
A FIREFIGHTER wears a mask in the midst of the smoke yesterday.
Maurice Moore blames cancer on industrial pollution effects By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FORMER Free National Movement Cabinet Minister Maurice Moore has revealed that he is battling cancer and believes that years of exposure to industrial pollution in the Pinder’s Point community where he lives, was a contributing factor. Mr Moore, whose home is a “stone’s throw away” from the BORCO plant, announced publicly this week at a town meeting that he has prostate cancer. He told The Tribune yesterday that he was diagnosed last May. “I am battling it and I go back to Nassau next week for treatment. I think the industrial pollution has something to do with it,” he said. Mr Moore, a native of Pinder’s Point, said the nearby BORCO plant has expanded tremendously over the past 30 years, with
huge oil tanks and pipelines bordering properties in Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard. He noted that he was healthy for most his adult life prior to returning home to live in the community on a more permanent basis following his retirement from politics in 1997. Mr Moore, 77, supports the relocation of residents and said he was “very offended” when Prime Minister Perry Christie recently stated that relocation was not something that his government would consider because the studies conducted in relation to the industrial pollution in Grand Bahama have not recommended it. The Pinder’s Point Lewis Yard Environment Committee has been agitating for the relocation of residents. The organisation held a town meeting for residents in the affected communities on Tuesday.
Mr Moore, one of the ‘Dissident Eight’ who formed the FNM, told the gathering of his battle with prostate cancer and that his residence sits just across the street from the BORCO/ Buckeye Plant. He said that the massive piplelines and tanks near his residence pose a safety risk. The former Minister of Social Development, Minister of Labour, Human Resources and Training, and former Ambassador, recalled when he first learned of the diagnosis. “I do a medical and physical exam every year and in May of last year my doctor told me, ‘you have an aggressive form of cancer’. He gave me a special shot and told me to make arrangements to have immediate treatment. I did not know what to do or think,” he said. “I am absolutely in support of relocation - that is the only solution to the plight of residents. When
the (oil) refinery initially started here it was a small storage unit; it was not as large as it is today. And back then, nobody in the community knew that they had acquired all that land so they could expand. They have expanded now so close to the fence line near people’s property.” Mr Moore noted that for most of his adult life, from 26 when he was first elected to Parliament, he resided most of the time in Nassau and New York. “When I moved back home on a permanent basis after retiring from political life, I began to have throat difficulties, more coughs and colds,” he claimed. “The tanks are only a stone’s throw from my house. When I heard (the PM’s) remarks I was very offended because I feel that a government ought to do all that it can for the health and welfare of its citizens. “I thought his remarks were very callous. People
have died in this community and so many have suffered from cancer and many are suffering now from cancer,” he said. “The only solution to the problem is that the community needs to be relocated. Many residents have absconded from the communities. The industry continues to expand their plant in the area,” Mr Moore said. In addition to the environmental pollution, Mr Moore noted that the plant poses a serious threat to safety. “There have been fires,” he said, referring to a 1995 tank fire at BORCO which resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents in Pinder’s Point. “It is unsafe and, when government allows such massive expansions, they must take into consideration the care and protection for its citizens,” said the former cabinet minister. Mr Moore commended the hospital authorities in Nassau for their treatment
of him. “Whenever I went to Nassau they were very helpful in making sure I had first class service and treatment,” he said. At the town meeting, many other residents spoke of their various illnesses. Last week, several residents became ill with fits of vomiting, headaches, nausea and general bad feelings from the strong odours, which a representative of Buckeye reportedly said were due to “a type of crude that is very viscous”. Residents have rejected the results of a 2015 health and environment risk assessment study conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation which said there was no risk to residents living in communities near the industrial plants. The affected communities are Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hawksbill, Seaco Town, Hunters and Mack Town.
TURNQUEST REJECTS DNA CLAIM ABOUT BAHA MAR By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday moved to clear the air over claims by DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer that members of the FNM were more concerned about Baha Mar than governance, calling the assertion a “desperation for relevance”. The East Grand Bahama MP said the line of accusations being put forth by members of the DNA, now puts the party alongside the Progressive Liberal Party when it comes to political ethics. On Wednesday, Mr Mortimer hit out at the recent pledge made by Dr Minnis over Baha Mar’s sale, and alleged that members of the
FNM are operating solely to redirect Baha Mar to a particular group. He claimed that the FNM’s inclusion of persons once closely aligned with former Baha Mar owner Sarkis Izmirlian, have morphed the party’s political ideals into special interest. In response to the allegations yesterday, Mr Turnquest said to question a persons “loyalty and fealty” without evidence is as insulting as one can get. He added that the country must now question whether this will be the way the DNA will respond to issues, “if by miracle they were ever given the opportunity to govern”. “Quite frankly the comment is beneath a would be leader hoping against hope for a role in national governance,” he stated.
Mr Turnquest said: “We have become accustomed to the PLP using this tactic whenever they are uncomfortable under pressure, obviously the DNA is cut from the same cloth, but then again, a vote for the DNA is a vote for the PLP, they are one and the same.” “The FNM is proud of the 39 patriotic Bahamians who have come forward to serve their country and to help correct the many ills facing it as a result of the abuse and excess of the present PLP government.” “We will not be distracted by agents of the PLP,” he added. On Sunday, in a statement posted to his Facebook page, Dr Minnis said his party would “engage and execute a real sale of Baha Mar to a qualified and respectable purchaser
who believes in Bahamians; a purchaser who will utilise only Bahamian labour to complete the resort, and will put Bahamians back to work with real jobs as quickly as possible.” The next day, Dr Minnis added that if the Baha Mar deal does not stand up to public scrutiny, his party reserves the right “to not approve any sale that is not in the best interest of the Bahamian people.” The remark attracted extensive criticism from members of the governing Progressive Liberal Party, industry observers and economic pundits; all of whom speculated over the series of moves that would permit Dr Minnis to execute such a feat, given that the resort is a private entity. Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis accused Dr Min-
nis of plotting the resort’s de- to CTF BM Holdings, a mise for political benefit, and subsidiary of CTFE last misleading the public. December, at the time statTall Pines MP Leslie ing the resort was set for a Miller also took aim at Dr phased opening beginning Minnis over the issue, say- in April 2017, and a full ing while the Killarney MP completion by this fall. is his friend, he is “not the It has since been revealed smartest man on two legs”. that the sale has not been Mr Miller walked those finalised and that the opencomments back yesterday. ing date for the Rosewood Prime Minister Perry hotel brand, owned by the Friday, 17th Christie announced the March Baha2017 Mar buyer, has been official sale of Baha Mar delayed to Spring 2018.
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‘Brexit’ launched in a week of ins and outs in Europe WITH THE American television networks concentrating even more than usual on domestic matters - in particular during the first 100 days of the Trump presidency - two significant events this week in Europe have been overshadowed in media coverage this side of the Atlantic. They deserve scrutiny because, in an inter-connected world, their potential effects will reach beyond Europe itself. They are the United Kingdom’s historic ‘Brexit’ legislation together with the possibility of another Scottish independence referendum, and a general election in the Netherlands against the backdrop of an explosive diplomatic row with Turkey. The British government’s handling of the legislation to authorise the start of negotiations to leave the European Union (EU) has been seen as an interesting exercise in democracy, though with the inevitable result that the will of the House of Commons, as the elected lower chamber of Parliament, has prevailed. In the Bahamas we understand the role of the Senate in our bicameral legislature under the Westminster system. So it was surprising to watch the unelected House of Lords produce two significant amendments to the ‘Brexit’ Bill, which had earlier been passed in the House of Commons by a clear majority, demanding a commitment to protect the future of EU citizens already living in Britain and to give Parliament a veto over a final deal with Brussels. The role of the House of Lords is to scrutinise draft legislation and improve the detail but not, as in this case, to oppose a Bill’s fundamental purpose and intent. These amendments were seen as an attempt to influence the ‘Brexit’ negotiations and thus obstruct the outcome of last year’s referendum. Predictably, both amendments were rejected by the House of Commons with the result that the Bill became law when it received the Royal Assent yesterday, giving Prime Minister Theresa May the power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and therefore pave the way for the nation’s departure from the EU. She has accordingly now confirmed that, as announced earlier, this will be done by the end of this month; and she has hailed the process as a ‘defining moment’ for Britain which will become stronger as a self-governing, global nation with control once again over her own borders and laws. Described as the most complicated negotiation of a generation, a clear priority from the outset will be to secure a trade deal with the EU outside the single market which will be satisfactory to both sides and leave Britain free to enter bi-
lateral trade agreements with the rest of the world. Commonwealth countries will welcome this but also will be looking to Britain to fulfil her promises to strengthen ties with her former colonies through increased co-operation across the board as well as in the field of trade and investment. Meanwhile, in what has been termed a ‘colossal distraction’, Scotland’s devolved government has called for a second independence referendum as early as next year when the ‘Brexit’ talks are under way. In the first referendum in 2014, which was referred to at the time as a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to determine the issue, a majority of 55 per cent voted to stay in the UK. This new call has already been criticised as being divisive and likely to create economic uncertainty, and the polls show that a solid majority in Scotland is in favour of remaining in the Union. But, even if it achieved independence, it is unlikely that Scotland could secure EU membership for itself alone because Spain would oppose this for fear of encouraging the separatists in Catalonia. Mrs May would clearly prefer the idea of a second referendum to be taken off the table, but it would depend anyway on the agreement of MPs at Westminster which is required under the devolution arrangements. In the Netherlands, the sitting prime minister won yesterday’s general election, edging out the right-wing, anti-Islam party leader, Geert Wilders, who wants to take the country out of the EU. The election was seen as a test of antiimmigrant and nationalist feeling, so EU leaders have already welcomed the outcome as a stemming of the rise of populist right-wing policies. They hope that this augurs well for the presidential election in France in May and the German parliamentary elections later in the year where, in both countries, there has been a resurgence of right-wing opposition. Others attribute support for the Dutch prime minister partly to his strong action in banning two Turkish government ministers from addressing crowds of Turkish nationals on Dutch soil in support of a referendum in their home country. His handling of the diplomatic row after the hurling of insults by the Turkish president was also praised by EU leaders. Only time will tell whether the result of the election in the Netherlands means that the breakthrough by the far-right populist parties in Europe has been halted. As the ‘Brexit’ negotiations begin – and with the impending French and German elections – events in Europe should remain top of the news agenda. The repercussions are likely to be both significant and far-reaching.
Landfill dump EDITOR, The Tribune LISTENING to the Prime Minister on his government plans to address the issues at the dump, it becomes obvious that the government is about to make the same mistake it has made in the past. The operation of this landfill should be the Government task and responsibility. Private management, motivated by profit is not the answer. Operating this Landfill is not going to be a commercially profitable venture unless heavy reliance on government financial assistance is one of the operator’s main revenue stream. The Government must realize/appreciate that there is no more room to make further mistakes in efforts to have this facility properly managed. Lives are now being affected. Allowing political affiliation and influence in its selection process will bring about the same result.
Selecting a management entity whose only expertise is that it knows and has access to the right political movers and shakers will result in much of what we are currently experiencing. Operators vying for a management contract at the landfill must be made to understand and appreciate that they are making a business decision which carries commercial risk which may yield unpleasant financial outcomes. Their business model should not simply be a reflection of how much management fees can be extracted from the government to manage this facility nor should it be based on bailout guarantees and provisions when performance heads south due to unanticipated outcomes or bad management We have seen at this facility, what in my opinion is regarded as financial hostage taking by entities who made promises that in my opinion, they were incapable
of delivering and when the financial burden became unbearable, government intervention was demanded. The proposed operator(s) should be contractually obligated to operate this facility on sound commercial practices relying more heavily on generating revenues from the conversion of collected waste and material into revenue streams. The Government at the end of the day should not be expected to cover losses experienced by the operator and nor should the government be held hostage to levy additional fees and taxes on an already overtaxed resident and business community to ensure that operators cover cost or make a return on investment. I am also of the view that the government should make public the agreement entered into with the selected operator(s). CLAUDE B HANNA Nassau, March 12, 2017
Waste of time for businesses EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE permit me space in your paper to express that I am angry as SIN and frustrated beyond pale. I spent all kinds of time money and effort to collect VAT and pay it, and prove that I have paid all my obligations to real Property, National Insurance and my Business license for all previous years just to get my current business license. I have a trade name that my Business license is issued to. I do not have a limited company. I am the legal body representing that trade name. My business license information was all submitted by the first week in the year and all the money I owed was likewise paid by that same time. I received my Business license on the 17th January. I’m sure I am one of the few that can say this. Now I try to license my 6 commercial vehicles, which happen to be in the trade name even
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net though I own them outright. Road Traffic officials tell me that in order to license my vehicles I need to prove all the things I needed to prove for my Business license all over again even though I have provided them with my Business license. Including whether I have paid my employees National Insurance. I am in no frame of mind to go through the list of things they need just to pay them a considerable amount (+$3,000) in license fees to use my vehicles on the road. This is outrageously stupid that our Government, which is the epitome of inefficiency and non-productivity, should introduce redundant waste of time systems that do nothing other than tie business people up in red tape to collect fees. I am so glad that I have
retired and really only need the licenses so that I can sell the vehicles. I hate to think of the heartache that our Government is placing on the businessman when they really only need to keep vehicle safety standards and license fee collection uppermost in their minds. I’m told that if I don’t produce all these items all over again that they won’t issue the licenses. I only hope that they give me a letter to the effect that they won’t license my vehicles because I won’t produce information about my business affairs that they have no right to. In fact they only have a right to know that I have a business license. All else they need to know emanates from that piece of paper. I will then present this to the courts to insist that they do their jobs and not look to invade my privacy and waste my time. SIMON RODEHN, Nassau, March 16, 2017.
A vote in a strange year EDITOR, The Tribune. 2016 a strange year for democracy. We saw the rise of populism/quasi-fascism. The strange choice of the British to sabotage their own economy with the BREXIT vote and the extraordinary decision by 48% of the USA population to put the increasing bizarre Donald Trump as President, de facto the most powerful man on the planet. The long-term repercussions of that will affect everyone of us. What has all this got to do with our tiny democracy? Well, since 2012 the PLP (who incidentally got 48 per cent of the popular vote as well) have governed The
Bahamas. During this time, our economy has stagnated whilst the rest of the world has moved out of recession. We have witnessed corruption and gross mismanagement of our funds. Scandal heaped upon scandal. The fiasco of Baha Mar which continues on. The disaster of the City Dump/BAMSI/BEC etc, etc. The level of violence/ murder at unprecedented numbers. The level of foreign investment which, whether we like it or not, is key to all our futures has shrivelled away to an all time low as investors are clearly skittish of spending in The Bahamas. Can you blame them after the way the Chinese/
PLP plotted Izmirlian’s downfall? Well 2017 is here, we now have our election and it may appear crazy to most rational, thoughtful people but the PLP well may win the next election. It’s unthinkable but possible. Meanwhile the opposition (for what it’s worth) squabble amongst themselves more concerned about their own inflated egos than the serious problems facing our nation. Too full of their own self importance than to band together for all our sakes. Go figure, eh? THE REALIST Nassau, March 7, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 17, 2017, PAGE 5
MORE THAN 60 HAITIANS DETAINED BY RBDF OFF THE EXUMA CHAIN
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
OVER 60 suspected Haitian migrants were apprehended in waters just off the Exuma chain on Wednesday evening, according to Royal Bahamas Defence Force officials. According to a RBDF statement, patrol craft P-49 under Chief Petty Officer Ross Seymour, apprehended 64 migrants – 54 males and nine females – near the northern end of Ship Channel Cay. The migrants were taken to New Providence and handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing, the statement said. In March last year, 46 suspected Haitian migrants - 36 men, seven women and three children - were found aboard a wooden vessel that had landed on Farmer’s Cay, Exuma, and were subsequently arrested by Exuma police. In December, the bodies of four women washed
THE SUSPECTED Haitian migrants after being apprehended in waters off the Exuma chain on Wednesday evening by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Photo: Leading Mechanic Al Rahming/RBDF At the time, RBDF and tempting to make it to land RBDF officers intercepted capsized vessel and the reashore in southern New Providence and dozens immigration officials said from a stranded vessel in about 42 suspected Haitian maining 22 in bushes near of Haitian migrants were they received reports that waters next to the Misty migrants at various points the coastline. The group throughout the commu- included 29 men and 13 picked up by law enforce- dozens of suspected mi- Gardens community. Once on the scene, nity – 20 in waters near the women. ment after a sloop capsized. grants could be seen at-
‘Rollins a prime example of wasted opportunities’ By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday branded Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as the “prime example of wasted opportunities”, asserting that the Progressive Liberal Party’s political machinery positioned a novice Dr Rollins to inherit the “ranks of leadership” over time. The Fox Hill MP explained that Dr Rollins was sought by the PLP after showing flashes of brilliance during his involvement in the 2010 Elizabeth by-elections. Mr Mitchell said the veracity and bravado displayed by Dr Rollins at that time made him a valuable political protégé. He added that it was with all of these thoughts in mind, that he had to consider Dr Rollins’ present political outlook as the result of wasted opportunities. “People in politics can be lucky or they can sweat their way through real hard struggle,” said Mr Mitchell. He continued: “Some people just get chosen. You know, it is like you are a character in a Charles Dickens’ story…… what would happen is that people in depressed circumstances
would suddenly have someone who would pick them and you know, take care of them and they just succeed. “He comes from that school. He comes right out of dental school, comes back to the Bahamas, forms a political party, involves himself in the Elizabeth by-election and debate; the leader of the opposition then was Perry Christie who was sitting at the back and (Dr Rollins) just wow the crowd with his presentation he makes in the debate. “All of the PLPs sitting in there, stalwart councillors and everybody else, said we want that one and they go in and choose him and gave him seat where the machinery was all set, he didn’t have to do anything. “He just had to walk through the community, shake hands, kiss babies, smile and say the right things. “He gets elected. Next thing, they gave him the chairmanship of the Gaming Board, again, staff is all there and the Chairman of the Gaming Board signs ordinances, goes on tours, looks on casinos, comes back and so on. Mr Mitchell added: “I said to him, in time, giving the age of all of us, all he had to do was sit and wait. In 10-years, the organisa-
tion was his. But, he didn’t choose to do that.” Mr Mitchell spoke to The Tribune while on a courtesy call with the President of the University of Bahamas’ Union of Students, Keyron Smith. On Wednesday, as a part of a lengthy diatribe in Parliament that touched on several matters of public interest – including the economy, the fire at the New Providence Landfill and Baha Mar - Dr Rollins confirmed that he would not be running in the next general election. The Fort Charlotte MP said his run in politics over the last five years had not been about personal interests, but rather his opportunity to be the voice of Bahamians who feel they have been silenced. He said the harsh critique of the government was not to gain political brownie points, because he would not be seeking re-election in the 2017 general election. For his part, Mr Mitchell, who clashed with Dr Rollins in Parliament on Wednesday, yesterday used his former colleague as a case study for what wasted opportunity could result in. Mr Mitchell, addressing the group of students, said that while Dr Rollins’ political script had not yet been completed, his inaction and
DIVIDEND NOTICE TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS The Board of Directors of Commonwealth Bank Limited has Declared a Quarterly Dividend for Common, “E”, “J”, “K”, “L”, “M” and “N” Preference Shares, to all shareholders of record at March 24, 2017, as follows:Common “E” Preference “J” Preference “K” Preference “L” Preference “M” Preference “N” Preference
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6c per share 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly 5 ¾% per annum payable quarterly
The payment will be made on March 31, 2017 through Bahamas Central Securities Depository, the Registrar & Transfer Agent, in the usual manner.
Charlene A. Bosfield Corporate Secretary
LEADER IN PERSONAL BANKING SERVICES
failure on several fronts proved that no matter how much regard is given to a person, success is often up to them. He told The Tribune on the sidelines of yesterday’s event: “He is a young man and when that is the thing with young people, my mom used to tell me when I used to do things that she told me not to do, ‘no one can tell you nothing’; and I am an old man now, so I imagine that is his response.” He said: “The more serious point is that when you have an opportunity, you are suppose to use that opportunity for the greater
good. Not come off as if you just like pulling wings off of butterflies. “That is not why you were given the opportunity. You were given the opportunity to help people and move the project a little further along the way. “In so many instances, his opposition to the gender equality referendum just shocked me philosophically, that a young man could take that position. But, you win some and you lose some.” Addressing Dr Rollins’ future, Mr Mitchell claimed: “He says that he is an FNM, but as I have said,
the script isn’t written as of yet. You never say the well from which you would not drink.” Dr Rollins entered the political scene as leader of the now defunct National Development Party. He ran unsuccessfully as the fringe party’s standard-bearer in the 2010 Elizabeth by-election. He joined the PLP before the 2012 general election and won the Ft Charlotte seat on the party’s ticket. He quit the PLP in 2015, after months of publicly criticising Prime Minister Perry Christie, and joined the FNM later that year.
PAGE 6, Friday, March 17, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Court rejects PM recusal appeal from page one Wayne Munroe, the Prime Minister’s attorney in the case, said yesterday that he will seek instructions about whether to continue the appeal process. Last night, Fred Smith QC, lead counsel for the Coalition to Save Clifton Bay in three of the judicial reviews, described the latest ruling against the Prime Minister as akin to “almost three strikes and you’re out”. Attorneys for the Prime Minister had filed a motion in the Supreme Court on January 26 asking that Justice Bain recuse herself from the judicial review - or any other cases in which he is a party - on the basis that
she is set to attain the legal age for retirement in April. She has an application for extension that would have to be authorised by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister in consultation with the leader of the Official Opposition. On February 6, Justice Bain ruled there was “no merit” in the application to recuse her. Among the relevant judicial review cases over which Justice Bain will preside is one launched by 103 of Peter Nygard’s Lyford Cay neighbours. Robert Adams, a partner at Graham Thompson, represented that group yesterday. In advancing his argument, he relied in part on rulings from a case in Brunei that went before the
Privy Council. In that case, the Prince of Brunei wanted the High Court’s Chief Justice to recuse himself from the relevant proceeding on the ground of “apparent bias”, which is the idea that “circumstances gave rise to the impression that (he) may be influenced for or against a party for reasons that go beyond the legal or factual merits of a case”. The Prince’s argument was that because the person with whom he had the legal dispute - the Sultan had the power to grant the Chief Justice a two-year extension (within five months) and could also cause for his salary to be reduced, the Chief Justice should have recused himself. In its response, the Privy
Council said: “The Board has no hesitation in dismissing this submission. The fair-minded and informed observer must be taken to understand that the Chief Justice was a judge of unblemished reputation, nearing the end of a long and distinguished career in more than one jurisdiction, sworn to do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will … Such an observer would dismiss as fanciful the notion that such a judge would break his judicial oath and jeopardise his reputation in order to curry favour with the Sultan and secure a relatively brief extension of his contract, or to avoid a reduction of his salary.” Mr Adams argued yesterday that while the rul-
ing in the Brunei case was not binding, it meant that the argument advanced in that case could no longer be seen as novel and therefore requiring further consideration at the appellate level. In fact, he said the respondents’ case in the Justice Bain matter is stronger than the case for the respondents in the Brunei matter. Unlike the Sultan, Mr Christie’s credibility is not directly an issue in Mr Nygard’s judicial review cases, and nor is there any potential liability for the Prime Minister as a result of the judicial review. Mr Munroe countered yesterday that the Brunei case had “startling differences” to the one before the court and therefore should not be used as a basis to dis-
miss the Prime Minister’s application for leave. Among other things, he pointed out, the appellant in the Brunei case not only wanted the Chief Justice to recuse himself from the matter, but for all other High Court judges to not hear the case as well. Mr Smith said “we are very pleased that the trials are going to get back on track” as a result of yesterday’s ruling. He said Justice Bain had directed all parties to return on Monday morning and that the coalition was “anxious” to conclude the judicial reviews - four to be heard consecutively including that of the 103 neighbours - given Justice Bain’s “institutional knowledge of the cases over a number of years”.
PRISON OFFICER FOUND HANGED IN POLICE CELL
POLICE speaking to the media outside the Elizabeth Estates Police Station yesterday. from page one “The police (we) do our best,” ACP Dean said. “We have systems in place, we have procedures, we do routine checks. But we don’t strip anybody naked in the cell. People have clothing on so people could find creative ways to do things. But that will come out in the investigation. That’s only speculation so we’ll have an active investigation going on into this matter.” Alex Storr, the Progressive Liberal Party Senator and candidate for the area who was at the police station yesterday, expressed his concern. He said based on his understanding, the deceased was a “young father” who was taken into custody following a domestic dispute to “cool off”. “It’s just sad,” he said. “Just (Wednesday) we had a wonderful service over on the park for Urban Renewal and an uplifting ceremony. And so it’s sad that now today we have such a tragic turn of events... I’m just concerned because I too live in the community. And so these are family and friends, not just potential constituents.”
PRIME Minster Perry Christie at last night’s PLP event.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PM CRITICISES FNM LEADER FOR HOUSE ABSENCES from page one
focused attention would reveal his inability to formulate quality ideas to move the country forward. The Centreville MP in his extended scolding of Dr Minnis, challenged the former Official Opposition Leader to show up to Parliament, stand up as a man and face the public concerning his recent comments on the sale of Baha Mar. Dr Minnis’ absence from the House of Assembly this week was highlighted by Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, who at the time urged Mr Christie to “call out” Dr Minnis on his inadequate performance. On Sunday, in a statement posted to his Facebook page, Dr Minnis said his party would “engage and execute a real sale of Baha Mar to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians; a purchaser who will utilise only Bahamian labour to complete the resort, and will put Bahamians back
SUPPORTERS at the PLP branch meeting at SC McPherson for Golden Gates, Tall Pines and Garden Hills. to work with real jobs as He has candidates that were quickly as possible.” The ratified and unratified and next day, Dr Minnis added maybe he feels as if Facethat if the Baha Mar deal book is good place for him does not stand up to public to hide.” Mr Christie said scrutiny, his party reserves he has fought through sevthe right “to not approve eral electoral campaigns any sale that is not in the against former Prime Minbest interest of the Baha- ister Hubert Ingraham, mian people”. during which the former In response last night, Mr North Abaco representaChristie said to resounding tive earned his respect and applause: “He has senators admiration. resigning all over the place. He said it was time for Dr Minnis to earn the respect of both him and the Bahamian electorate. “To be able to man up to the weaknesses, and to acknowledge his
weaknesses. And I am not just talking about personal weaknesses, I am talking about the weaknesses of his organisation. “Even when he decides that he is going to make these statements from long range, he’s still making mistakes, and sometimes, big mistakes. He put out some big statements about Baha Mar earlier this week, but he did not show up to defend those statements. I put some information in my back pocket, I know I had to travel for a Customs graduation in Freeport. I say just in case he comes, I wanted to see whether the Speaker would allow me through the argument of relevance to allow me to speak to him about that big mistake he made. The Prime Minister added: “But he knows, he ain’t coming to me. He will hide. But we have a couple of more meetings left, and I invite him to come out. I don’t want him to duck and hide. Tell him come to Parliament where he could bob and weave; but don’t duck and hide. Not if he wants the people of this country to see him as a leader that they can (place) confidence in.” Mr Christie is the third
member of PLP to take Dr Minnis to task over his Baha Mar pledge. Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis lashed out at Dr Minnis’ pledge, accusing him of plotting for the resort’s demise for political benefit while spouting untruths. Additionally, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller also took aim at Dr Minnis over the issue, saying while the Killarney MP is his friend, he is “not the smartest man on two legs”. Moreover, Mr Miller continued his attack on Dr Minnis last night, using the platform to suggest that a vote for the FNM Leader as the country’s next Prime Minister would result in another internal fight to unseat him. Mr Miller, who has gone on the record on several occasions as a close friend of Dr Minnis, last night said he was of the view that if elected, Dr Minnis would be “run out” as Prime Minister by the likes of Brent Symonette, Marvin Dames, Dionisio D’Aguilar and Jeff Lloyd. He added that Dr Minnis was “run out” from a minor role, insisting that if placed in the highest position of power, the wolves will hunt him.
MILLER ENDORSES LEADER OF FNM TO BECOME PM from page one
While he noted that he and the FNM leader are “foes politically,” Mr Miller underscored that he had “full faith” in Dr Minnis and his leadership skills. He added that at this point no one can predict who will win the next general election. He said that at the end of the day “the people will decide who they want.” “Dr Minnis is my friend and his chances are good. I will say it again if the PLP gets more than 23 seats I will be surprised, anything can happen in this race,” Mr Miller said. “We don’t know how many votes the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) could take from us and I hope they take more from the FNM than they take from us but nothing would surprise me on election day. I have never seen anything like this in my life. This election will see some major changes. No one can predict
what will happen, this election will be reminiscent of what happened in ’67. It was an 18, 18 win. I don’t think anyone will get more than 23 seats. Dr Minnis and Mr Christie have the same chance of winning this election. People keep selling Dr Minnis short. He is a successful man and his heart is in the right place. He was born over the hill and that is where his heart is. He is more PLP than anyone in the FNM, his whole mindset is the same as the PLP. I have full faith in his leadership and him as a person. His heart is with the people. We may be foes politically but as man talking to another man he is good with me. He would look out for the people but obviously I prefer the PLP to win. I am a PLP and will always be PLP.” Mr Miller also sought to clarify comments he made in The Tribune earlier this week, where he described Dr Minnis as “not the smartest man on two legs”.
At the time, Mr Miller was responding to Dr Minnis’ pledge to execute a real sale of Baha Mar if the FNM was elected as the next government. “I didn’t mean it in a derogatory way,” Mr Miller said. “What I meant was he isn’t the smartest on two legs when it comes to being brutal in politics. He is too nice when he should be cutting people off at the legs. He should have thrown them people out of the party when they tried to get him out. That is what I meant, it was never my intention to be negative. Dr Minnis is my friend but everyone sells him short. I would never use disparaging remarks against him.” Mr Miller has previously said Dr Minnis is the PLP’s most “formidable” option to challenge Prime Minister Perry Christie, as voters view him as a man who rose from “have-not” status and can relate to the plight of poor Bahamians.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 17, 2017, PAGE 7
EDGECOMBE GETS GB CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO weeks after her ratification by the FNM as a candidate for West Grand Bahama, Pakesia Edgecombe is wasting no time in unveiling her campaign and meeting with constituents. Under the campaign theme, “Our Future Can’t Wait’, Mrs Edgecombe and her team were out campaigning in the Eight Mile Rock area, knocking on doors, talking with constituents and encouraging voters to get registered. This is her second time contesting the seat on the FNM ticket. Although she was not successful in 2012, the Holmes Rock native believes that people are now ready for change. Mrs Edgecombe, a businesswoman, and a former local broadcaster, is happy to have been given the opportunity to run again. “I am humbled by the privilege to have been chosen once again by my community to serve as the FNM’s standard bearer for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency. I am ready to work for the people by bringing a new vision to our area and I do believe that this time the people will speak loud and clear at the polls in our favour,” she told The Tribune. The West Grand Bahama constituency, held by the PLP’s Obie Wilchcombe, the Minister of Tourism, is
PAKESIA EDGECOMBE not an easy seat, but Mrs Edgecombe is determined and is confident in her campaign team. In the 2012 elections, over 5,000 voters registered in the constituency. As of March 15, 3,389 voters had registered in the constituency. “The time is somewhat short in our campaign … but we have hit the ground running with a message of hope,” she said. “Our message to those whose doors we are knocking on is one which calls for planning, partnerships and empowerment.” Speaking to constituents in Grand Bahama and Bimini, Mrs Edgecombe found that many people are concerned about unemployment, the stagnant economy and the insufficient focus and attention placed on the youth. “I am especially concerned that we continue to be overlooked as a community, and as a result our children are paying the price,” she stressed. “When you hear of children not having food at school, having to wait for years after graduating to find a job, or unable to pursue higher ed-
ucation because of a lack of finances,it is an indictment on the way our country is being governed. “The youth of our nation deserve to live in a country in which their ideas, talents and skills are able to flourish, not fade away,” she said. Mrs Edgecombe is pleased by the response she is receiving from constituents. “I am very happy with the feedback that we are now receiving and so encouraged. The people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini are asking for a change that will benefit all in the community and not just a select few. It is, indeed, the people’s time and I do believe that they are after a government and representation that means them and their community well,” she said. Mrs Edgecombe, who is a role model for many young women in Freeport, is the only woman candidate vying for a seat in Grand Bahama. She thinks that more women on the island should have the opportunity to run for political office. “I honestly wish that I was not the only woman vying for political office on Grand Bahama. I believe that there are more, others who genuinely care about our future and whose voice is needed to bring about change. I do not subscribe to the belief by many that politics is a man’s game and I do wish that more women would come forward, and be provided the opportunity to be a part of our political landscape,” she said.
GREG Moss along with his team including Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder outside the House of Assembly previously. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
GREG MOSS QUITS ELECTION RACE AND AS PARTY LEADER from page one
Mr Moss explained that he was suspending his involvement in a bid to “more fully commit” himself to his family, business and professional obligations. In a statement he maintained his confidence in the continued leadership of the UDP by Bahamas Public Services Union president John Pinder, C Allen Johnson and its executive committee, and wished them well with future efforts to advance the interests of the party and the Bahamian people. Mr Moss was ratified by the party in January, along
with Mr Pinder, Bishop Margo Burrows and attorney Edmund Russell. At that time, the party announced its name change from United People’s Movement (UPM) to the UDP. Mr Moss explained that the former name was the result of a late-2016 merger of his first incarnation of the UDP, which he launched on his own after resigning from the Progressive Liberal Party in 2015, and Mr Pinder’s and former Senator John Bostwick Jr’s The People’s Movement, which was conceived out of an intense opposition to the June 7 gender equality referendum.
Mr Moss explained that the reason for the name change was not due to a division in the party, but rather because “two or three persons”, after having left the UPM, “sought to create a level of confusion that we just were not willing to accommodate or be a part of”. Mr Moss said that after they left the party, those persons registered a new political organisation under the name The People’s Movement, the name of Mr Pinder’s former organisation prior to the merger with Mr Moss’ group. Mr Moss said such a move would have only led to unnecessary confusion.
SEX ATTACK SUSPECT TO STAND TRIAL DESPITE SEVEN-YEAR DELAY By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A JUDGE ruled yesterday that a man accused of sexually assaulting a teenager seven years ago will finally stand trial despite a delay in the case, which breached his constitutional right to a trial within a reasonable time. In January, Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs heard a constitutional motion brought by 26-year-old Eric Dean who is of the view that he should not have to stand trial concerning the December 16, 2009, assault of the 15-year-old girl. Dean sought a formal declaration from the court that Article 20 (1) of the Constitution had been infringed and asked that the proceedings be stayed permanently. The grounds for the application were that the present case is an abuse of the process of the court; that the delay was presumptively prejudicial; that no reasonable explanation was given for the delay and that the applicant had been severely prejudiced in his defence because of the delay. However, in referencing case authorities Culpepper v The State (Trinidad & Tobago) 2006 UK PC and Stubbs v the Attorney General 2013, Senior Justice Isaacs yesterday determined: “There is no circumstance in the present case that has been identified as being exception (and) the passage of time
by itself does not qualify as an exception circumstance. “There has been no reason offered by the respondent for the delay. Of course, as underlined by the applicant, the delay cannot be laid at his feet as it is the Attorney General who is charged with the prosecution of persons charged with a crime as enshrined in Article 28 of the Constitution.” “However, the original trial date of June 13, 2016 was adjourned at counsel for the applicant’s request. The second trial date of December 12, 2016, was aborted due to an administrative miscommunication. The second trial date would have been vacated in any event because of the filing of the Constitutional motion by the applicant on that date. “As to efforts made by the applicant to assert his rights, the applicant swore at paragraph nine of his supporting affidavit that he ‘made numerous inquiries over time with his previous counsel and to date nothing has happened’. The applicant was not cross-examined on this point. The respondent, as stated above in paragraph four, has not filed an affidavit opposing the application and therefore has not afforded the court any assistance on this point.” “Apart from the chronology of the criminal prosecution which records a four-year delay between the arrest of the applicant in December, 2009, and his
being committed to the Supreme Court in December, 2013, and the subsequent process, there is no record of the applicant asserting his rights through his previous counsel or on his own behalf.” The judge acknowledged that the concept of a fair trial “includes an absence of prejudice to the applicant, in this case the passage of time has been dubbed as prejudicial”. The judge, however, said there must be more than that and referenced Bark-
tion, ultimately found that “apart from the length of the delay, no identifiable prejudice has been shown to exist so that a fair trial cannot be had”. Dean is now left with a dilemma as Murrio Ducille was only instructed to argue the constitutional motion and his initial lawyer, Ian Cargill, withdrew once informed of the motion being filed in December. A status hearing was fixed for March 28. Algernon Allen II appeared for the Crown in the motion.
IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL
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an adjournment of the matter to June 1. Darville was initially sentenced to death in August, 1992, for a shooting homicide in 1990. His appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed on October 4, 1994. He was to be hanged in March, 1996, after the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy found that clemency should not be granted in his case. However, his execution was stayed. In June, 2013, the matter came to a judge but was adjourned to August of that year for a new sentencing hearing. Darville was later re-sentenced to 55 years imprisonment from the date of conviction.
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A NEW date has been fixed for a former death row inmate’s appeal against his revised sentence for a murder 25 years ago. Cyril Darville, 54, appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday for the expected substantive hearing concerning his appeal of a 55-year-sentence imposed on him by then Supreme Court judge Justice Jon Isaacs for the 1990 murder of Anthony Feaste. However, Darville’s lawyer, Jerone Roberts, requested more time to properly prepare and argue his client’s appeal, resulting in
anxiety and concern as “I expect a person charged with a crime to experience some anxiety and to be concerned, bearing in mind that his liberty is at stake”. “There is no evidence that the applicant’s anxiety or concern reduced him to a state where he needed expert intervention for instance, or to any other demonstrable extreme state of mind, for that matter, was caused by these proceedings.” Senior Justice Isaacs, in dismissing the applica-
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NEW DATE SET FOR FORMER DEATH ROW INMATE’S SENTENCE APPEAL By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
er v Wingo case authority which highlights how a speedy trial could prevent oppressive pre-trial incarceration, minimise anxiety and concern of the accused and limit the possibility that the defence will be impaired. Senior Justice Isaacs stressed that there was no evidence Dean was subjected to pre-trial incarceration as “his bail was granted fairly readily”. The judge also said nothing appeared out of the usual concerning Dean’s
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PAGE 8, Friday, March 17, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
We know the election is coming - just ‘ring da bell’ U
NLESS something really dramatic happens between now and then, I can confidently say the United States’ presidential election will be held on November 3 in the year 2037. That’s more than 20 years away. Now, if someone were to ask me, conversely, when our general elections will take place I would have to shrug my shoulders, ‘suck my teeth,’ and say ‘Boy, I’ne know’ even though I can guess that we are less than two months away. If that reality doesn’t open your eyes to the sad state of our democracy, probably nothing will. In 2017, our ability to exercise our democratic right to elect representatives still hinges on the whim of that one person we call ‘Prime Minister’. Now, granted, there are other electoral systems around the world where the date is not fixed but could there be another truly democratic system where just naming the date is as abused as it is here? I doubt it. Just as I doubt that Perry Christie doesn’t already know the day we will all have to go to the polls. Still, for some reason, he is holding onto this ‘secret’ like a wife with an outside child. Is he afraid his party will lose? Probably. Should he be afraid? Definitely. Still, no matter how much our Prime Minister ignores chimes to ‘ring da bell’ and tries to minimise his ‘lame duck’ standing (which, some can argue, started in earnest after his first failed referendum in 2013) the five tell-tale signs are everywhere that elections are drawing near. 1. Politicians are everywhere Gone are the days when Bahamians only hid behind their curtains to ‘duck’ Jehovah’s Witnesses coming up to the porch. Now, every time you turn around MPs (and wannabe MPs) are at your doorstep looking for votes. Some come bearing pamphlets and manifestos. Some come bearing T-shirts (hint, hint). And some come bearing smiles with more teeth than a comb. If you haven’t seen your member of Parliament once in the last five years, have
PLP senator Frank Smith and PLP candidate for Free Town Wayne Munroe embrace after this week’s ratification. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff the finish line is), shaky can- by, it was understood that seen a Labour Bill. Right didates are being knocked at any given time as elec- before that it was a Spy Bill. off their perches. tion day nears, you could And right before that it was Whether they decide to expect to see small armies a FOIA bill. drop out due to ‘family in red, yellow or (more reWhether it’s to curry facommitments’, are dumped cently) green coming down vour with voters or fool by their party at the last the road. them into thinking parliaminute or get primaried Rabid supporters are not mentarians (aka incumand lose (I’m looking at as understanding as they bents) are actually working, By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA you, Frank Smith), now is used to be. you can tell elections are the time for all wannabe Nowadays we need only near when MPs are actuno fear because that person newspaper interviews. I’ve MPs to fish or cut bait. check Whatsapp or Face- ally trying to look busy at (and their supporters) will seen a few ‘uppity’ politiSo far, we have seen quite book to see these ‘armies’ work for the people. Somebe in your face more than cians subject themselves a few ‘hopefuls’ tossed by engaged in verbal warfare. times it works, other times your reflection in the next to questions they used to the wayside. The recent loss Only this week, a viral it doesn’t. few months. You know elec- blow off in the past. Some of Free National Movement video showing FNM and So far, the Freedom of tions are near when politi- have tried mini-debates on (FNM) candidate Keny- PLP supporters going at Information Bill has been cians are ‘on the road like television. Some are even atta Gibson and Progres- each other as each group at- criticised for being ‘too ants’. the right amount of desper- sive Liberal Party (PLP) tempted to make their way weak’, the Spy Bill is DOA So far, I have managed ate to engage voters in long expectant Frank Smith tells through Carmichael. Some because the government to miss Alfred Sears, Mark back-and-forths on Face- me the parties know it’s gut people blamed FNM Lead- seems ‘too nosey’ and the Humes and whomever else book. check time. er Dr Hubert Minnis for Labour Bill is being atis running in Fort Charlotte. You know that elections The flip side of this is the ‘starting’ the confrontation tacked for being ‘too painFor the past few weeks they are near when you see party increasing rate at which while other blamed PLP ful’ for employers. By my have been ‘canvassing’ my officials and candidates ‘randoms’ are being added Minister Michael Halki- count, that’s three potential area. But the increased fre- willing to give a speech at to political rosters. But hey, tis and his ‘jungalists’ for ‘Ls’ for the PLP. quency of ‘sorry we missed a bar during Happy Hour I get it. Every major party taunting the FNMs. At this rate, the best you’ door hangers left be- if more than two people are wants to field 39 candidates Either way, this is a sure thing for Mr Christie to do hind tells me my luck may present. to be taken seriously. And sign that elections are near is ‘ring da bell’. As much as be running out. If 2012 taught us any- if that means running Joe and you can expect to see he may dread it, his adminI think it’s time to get thing, it’s that every single No-Name in some Family more of this in the coming istration’s day of reckoning darker curtains. vote counts. So good luck Island so be it. Everyone weeks. Truth be told, the must come. 2. Politicians are talking enjoying that Kalik in peace knows the race is to 20 any- only way to get a handle on • Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicatheir heads off if a politician is nearby. way. this is by setting an election zelaya is the resident standAll of a sudden, politi3. Candidates are drop4. It’s fight night in the date so that the big rallies up comic at Jokers Wild cians are willing to go any- ping like flies streets can begin. Because who are Comedy Club at the Atlanwhere someone will listen Now that we are in the Most candidates travel we kidding? Nothing cools tis, Paradise Island, resort to them. They are all too home sprint (even though with an entourage of sup- Bahamians’ election fever and presents ‘Mischief and happy to give radio and we have no idea yet where porters now. In years gone like free cold drinks, food Mayhem in da AM’ from and music. 6am to 10am, Monday to 5. Bills, Bills, Bills Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ Last (but certainly not sports talk show on Sunday least) a telltale sign of elec- from 10am to 1pm on KISS tions being near is the gov- FM 96.1. He also writes a erning party’s breakneck sports column in The Tribpace to sneak in new legis- une on Tuesday. Comments lation. and questions to naughty@ Just this week we have tribunemedia.net
A Comic’s View
READERS REACT TO DEBATE OVER LABOUR LAW REFORMS AFTER FNM Free Town candidate Dionisio D’Aguilar said The Bahamas “is becoming a socialist state” and blasted the government’s decision to move ahead with controversial labour law reforms, readers gave their reactions on tribune242.com. DDK agreed: “Mr. D’Aguilar is, of course, so right. Sounds like another PLP election ploy, albeit a very dangerous one.” Sheeprunner12 said: “Pindling was a socialist . . . Perry is just trying to buy votes from specific voting blocs (like unions) . . . but workers cannot work if the employers cannot thrive . . . that is the problem right now.” The_Oracle asked: “Who will employ them when the private sector is gone? Who can be penalised when they don’t exist? What the private sector will realise, is that they will have to pillage their own businesses to keep up with government pillaging, if they are to retain anything out of their efforts and investments. The treasury is apparently not enough for them all, they want everything from everyone’s pockets.” Socrates said: “I’ve said for decades to my friends
that we are a socialist society largely due to Pindling and Hanna . . . they got it from the UK who, in the 70s and earlier, were also socialists until the Thatcher years. Unions are the last remaining notorious bastian of socialism and it seems that this sort of legislation combined with no financial discipline by govt and debt spiralling out of control, will seal the fate of this once proud country.” Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “But you don’t see Minnis or McCartney saying they will repeal this new legislation in its entirety if they are fortunate enough to become the next PM. Therein lies the hard rub for voters! This is the reason why I will be voting for the reputable independent candidate running in my constituency who carries no bad baggage from either the PLP or FNM.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
PAGE 10, Friday, March 17, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Walkabout wars - some lessons
Your Say By TERNEILLE BURROWS TUESDAY night’s incident surrounding a clash between Free National Movement and Progressive Liberal Party street campaign teams creates cause for concern. The Bahamas has historically held relatively peaceful elections and I would like it to remain that way. People can get heated about politics and the upcoming general election may be cause for contention between those vying for office. Party and candidate supporters need to observe basic principles of decency. Mob mentality is real and parties with gangs of people on the campaign trail can feel emboldened while
TERNEILLE BURROWS promoting their particular brand. A certain level of sportslike “trash talk” is acceptable, but abusive language can cause the situation to escalate to physical violence. Bullying, intimidation, threats, restriction of movement and physical altercations cannot be tolerated and should be publicly con-
demned by the respective party of the offenders. Internal party penalties or fines should be levied upon proven perpetrators for less volatile offences and the justice system should intervene in more serious cases. Thankfully, as an independent candidate, I am accepted much more freely by those disillusioned with the major parties and even many of those that historically supported major parties. People do not spew vitriol when I approach their homes in my black shirt, even if they don yellow, red or green. I’ve never been a party supporter, so I can only imagine that it may be likened to avidly supporting a sports team, being a part of a sorority/fraternity/
SANDRA Kemp helps students from Michael K Hall Community School play Pet Food Institute’s Not Safe! game, learning about foods that are safe for humans but not for their pets.
lodge and the like. I’ve been on sports teams, and if an outsider or an opposing team unduly messes with a team member, it’s a problem. If parties were to establish formal protocols of behaviour, this would encourage a campaign season without major incident and a very important precedent would be set. On a recent radio show appearance, I suggested that more unique approaches to conflicts may be taken. My example of one at the time pointed to rap and dance battles. Imagine an arena where talented and aspiring performers take to the stage to “spit rhymes” about why their candidate is the best choice allowing an opposing view to counter with their stance.
Frustrations could be vented in a more regulated and peaceful environment while still maintaining the excitement surrounding the word-clash. These events can be staged in a similar fashion to political debates, or performers can be deployed as a part of street campaign teams to counteract any opponents they might encounter. On chance encounters, a challenge may be issued for a rap battle before the “war of words” gets out of hand. Some might consider this proposal outlandish but framing political competitions in such a way can make it an interesting and safe national pastime, while exhibiting the talents of our citizenry. Onlookers and other
team members would be excited to film and share the experience on social media. Participants would be respected for entering the challenge and have an opportunity to expand or improve upon their performances at future encounters. I understand that political conflicts are bound to happen, but at the end of the day, we all wear the same colours - gold, aquamarine and black. We are all members of the same team - the human race. Terneille Burrows, aka TaDa, is an activist and Bahamian music executive. She is standing as an independent candidate in Elizabeth Estates at the general election.
A MICHAEL K Hall Community School student correctly identifies avocado as a food unsafe for dogs to eat as Sandra Kemp watches on. Photos: Lyndon Bacchus Studios
PET FOOD INSITUTE GIVES ADVICE ON PROPER ANIMAL CARE WITH more than half of all American households including a pet and that number believed to be even higher in parts of the Car-
ibbean, Washington-based Pet Food Institute (PFI) is stepping up efforts to educate pet owners about the importance of proper pet
nutrition. This week, Bahamian Sandra Kemp travelled nearly 1,500 miles to Scarborough, Tobago, to meet
with students, veterinarians, animal protection organisations, government officials and media. “The reception was amazing,” said Ms Kemp, who was representing the PFI. “The six- to eight-yearolds at Michael K Hall Community School in Carnee, Tobago, who played the Not Safe! game identifying which foods were unsafe for pets, left knowing they should never give their dogs bones again, nor feed them grapes, raisins, chocolate or onions. Once you explain the reason why something is bad or dangerous, people are quick to amend their practices even if they have been lifelong habits.” According to Mary Emma Young, Director of Communications for Washington-based PFI, educa-
tion is key. “We have increased our presence throughout the Caribbean and in four countries in particular - Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica,” said Ms Young. “It is our hope that as more people become aware of how important proper pet nutrition is, we will see pet health and wellbeing continue to improve.” Improper feeding, studies have shown, is in part a result of days when pet owners routinely fed pets leftover table scraps. Humans have learned more about pet nutrition and the possible dangers of feeding pets human food. PFI is available as a fact-based resource to help inform about pet food and pets’ unique nutritional needs. Common food ingredi-
ents that are safe for most humans can be quite the opposite for cats and dogs. Some toxic ingredients include caffeine (such as coffee, coffee grounds or tea), chocolate-based products, grapes and raisins, and vegetables such as garlic and onions. For Ms Kemp and Dr Paul Crooks, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, sharing the lessons of what is safe and what is not with the children at the Carnee school was critical. Ninetyfive percent of the 35 students had pets at home and most had more than one - but almost none fully understood that some human foods, like cooked chicken bones that can splinter and cause internal bleeding, could harm their pet.
BAY STREET GARAGE, a long-time faithful supporter of the Antique Auto Club’s shows, is again an important sponsor. Seen here in the presentation of a cheque for its sponsorship is Adrian Hanna, president, AACB; Elliott Albury, general manager, Bay Street Garage; Wilfred Jack, Castrol brand manager and past president Peter Armstrong, director, AACB. Photo: Mark Gillespie keeping with its focus Antique Auto Club onInhelping underprivileged of The Bahamas children, this year’s beneficiary is the Zion Children’s OUR Clubs and SocieHome in Eleuthera. Antique Auto Club of ties page is a chance for Past president Peter The Bahamas. - As the Armstrong explained “A you to share your group’s date for the 30th Anniver- few years ago we decided to activities with our readsary Antique Auto Show & try and expand some of our ers. Cook-out approaches, the charitable giving outside of To feature on our Clubs business community con- Nassau. and Societies page, subtinues to show support for mit your report to clubs@ “Thus far, we have the Antique Auto Club of reached needy organisatribunemedia.net, with The Bahamas (AACB). “Clubs Page” written in tions in Abaco, Cat Island The community is influ- and now, Eleuthera. We are the subject line. enced by the club’s track grateful for the continued For more information record for quality shows support of members of the about the page, contact and, especially for the business community like Stephen Hunt on 502charitable nature of the Bay Street Garage, one of 2373 or 447-3565. club’s efforts. our longest supporters goThe show is set for this ing back many years.” name of Charles Johnson Saturday, March 18, from The club is also establish- (deceased), one of the originoon to 6pm at Arawak Cay ing a scholarship at BTVI, nal members of the club, under the theme “Celebrat- specifically for a student who operated a very popuing Cars and Kids”. in Auto Body Work in the lar body shop.
JOIN THE CLUB
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 17, 2017, PAGE 11
Tracking system to help monitor wildlife in Andros AN ADVANCED wildlife tracking system was installed in Andros recently to monitor the behaviour of migratory birds as part of an international research effort. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus is latin for ‘movement’) uses automated radio telemetry to track animals affixed with radio transmitters. The project was facilitated by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as part of ongoing research into the endangered Piping plover a shore bird that migrates from North America to the Bahamas and Caribbean in winter. In recent decades, the plovers’ breeding habitat has been replaced with shoreline development. Availability of foraging and roosting habitat in the southern wintering grounds is necessary for an adequate number of adults to survive and migrate back to breeding sites. In The Bahamas, plovers roost on coastal beaches and wetlands. They have been found in Andros, the Berry Islands, the Joulter Cays, New Providence, the western end of Grand Ba-
hama, Abaco and Warderick Wells in Exuma. But the global population is estimated at only 8,000 breeding birds. The BNT has been working with experts from the US National Audubon Society, Virginia Tech University and the US Fish and Wildlife Service on a major conservation effort. The Motus equipment on Andros was donated by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is being hosted at the Kamalame Cay resort near Staniard Creek. By combining results from many telemetry stations, the Motus array can track animals across a diversity of landscapes covering thousands of kilometres. The ultimate goal is to better understand the connections between breeding, migrating, and wintering locations for threatened bird species in the western hemisphere. “This project is providing critical new details about the exact breeding and wintering habitats, and migration routes, of birds in the Western Hemisphere,” said a BNT spokesperson. “This information will help us identify priority habitats for protection.”
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In 2012, researchers discovered hundreds of Piping plovers living in the Joulter Cays off the northeastern coast of Andros, where sand mining, overfishing and pollution posed big threats to the local ecology. Further research led to the government’s decision to protect the Joulter’s 92,000 acres of land and sea in 2015. The area is a critical wintering ground for 12 other shorebird species. The Motus tracking system will help identify the migration pathways between the plovers’ wintering grounds and breeding grounds. Audubon and the BNT have also trained a number of Bahamians in bird identification and guiding skills so they can guide visitors in the area. Students from the University of The Bahamas have participated in bird surveys and banding opportunities under the BNT’s auspices. The project is supported by the National Audubon Society, Virginia Tech, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Disney Conservation Fund, Southern Wings and wildlife agencies in Vermont and North Carolina.
THE FIRST Motus Tower being erected on Andros by a team from the BNT, Virginia Tech and National Audubon.
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PAGE 12, Friday, March 17, 2017
THE NATIONAL Culinary Team was annouced yesterday at the University of the Bahamas. The team began training just after the official announcement.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff