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The Tribune
Volume:115 No.151, JUNE 29TH, 2018
Established 1903
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HURRIC GUIDE 2ANE 018 Being Bound To
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BE SAFE FROM THE STORM - YOUR HURRICANE GUIDE INSIDE TODAY
BPL: We’ll do our best this summer
Inside
Dogmas Of No
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FROM MINISTRY POST TO NEW CONSULTANCY FOR ROBINSON
Preparation Tips Hurricanes of 2018 Fact Files Wind Scales Safety Tips Emergency Information
TURNING
Enough power - but no promise over aging equipment By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light has more than enough generation capacity to ensure Bahamians have a summer free of load shedding, but officials cannot guarantee the utility provider’s aging equipment will hold up all the way through the demanding season. During a press conference yesterday, BPL CEO Whitney Heastie told reporters the company is doing its best with a
UP THE
HEAT
non-ideal situation. “We have aging equipment,” he said. “I think everybody knows Shell North America has been awarded the consortium lead for the gas to power and we’re working really diligently until the new generation, which is a part of that gas to power equation, gets on the ground and we’re doing everything with the assets we have to make sure we carry them through the peak load of the summer.” SEE PAGE SIX
THE reported reclassification of foreign labourers at The Pointe has been condemned as “disingenuous” by Bahamas Contractors Association President Leonard Sands. Mr Sands, a one-time candidate for the governing Free National Movement, yesterday said he had no intentions of “picking a fight” over the issue, but implored his former political contemporaries “to do right by the people” and
ensure more Bahamians are employed at the site. “If you are saying workers at The Pointe are now laying blocks and doing finish work, there is no way you can say Bahamians aren’t skilled in those fields,” he said. “You are being disingenuous when you say that these persons are doing work Bahamians are known to do, all while hiding behind the argument that (foreign labourers) were being brought in to do tasks our people can’t.” SEE PAGE SIX
By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net LESS than ten days after being fired by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson has launched his own tourism consultancy business. The company’s name is Consult Bahamas Limited, and Mr Robinson described himself as president, CEO, and chief tourism consultant in a post to Facebook on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Robinson provided more information on the company during a press conference he held yesterday to launch a $100,000 roof repair initiative to help 200 households in his constituency. When asked why he chose consultancy as a field, Mr Robinson referred to his academic background in tourism management and his former government position. SEE PAGE SEVEN
GIRL TOURISTS ASSAULTED ON HARBOUR ISLAND
CONTRACTOR: BAHAMIANS COULD DO POINTE WORK By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
Evacuation plan Storm Shelters Pet Safety After the Storm Checklist Predictions Hurricane Stories
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE JUNKANOO Summer Festival was launched in Pompey Square last night. The event - with music by DJ Tank, Soulful Groovers, Blaudy and Bluetooth Band and a Junkanoo rushout - kicks off a summer of events at Arawak Cay. See page two for more pictures. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
US TRAFFICKING REPORT WARNS OF ‘CORRUPTION IN IMMIGRATION’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE US State Department has said credible allegations of corruption in the Immigration Department has made potential victims of human trafficking vulnerable in The Bahamas. In its latest human
trafficking report, the United States also says migrants are vulnerable here to “rapid arrest and summary deportation” by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force without “proper trafficking screening”. The Bahamas has nonetheless maintained its tier one placement in the
report, indicating the country continues to be one of few in the region that is fully compliant with minimum standards of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. “The government increased law enforcement efforts. The Trafficking in SEE PAGE SEVEN
QUALITY PRODUCTS COUNT IN A HURRICANE! WE STOCK...
ALSO AN INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF POWER TOOLS BY... • Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Hitachi, Skill, Bosch, Stanley Bostitch and Black & Decker.
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POLICE are investigating reports that indecent assault was committed against two juvenile female tourists on Harbour Island yesterday. Sometime around midnight and 2am, the girls were on a beach when they were allegedly indecently assaulted by two Bahamian men, police said in a statement. The men, residents of the island, were taken into custody. Police declined yesterday to elaborate on the incident, telling The Tribune charges of rape, unlawful sexual intercourse or indecent assault could result from their investigations. SEE PAGE SIX art books film fashion
music gardening culture
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Friday, June 29, 2018
puzzles food history ROCK THE BAHAMAS Page 11
Discover your roots
DNA Project opens wind ow to the past pages 4 &
5
WEEKEND:
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SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Friday, June 29, 2018
JUNKANOO
THE TRIBUNE
SUMMER GET ready for a summer of Junkanoo. The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation last night held a launch event for the Junkanoo Summer Festival. The event, held in Pompey Square, was a curtainraiser to the series of Saturday events through the summer, from July 7 to August 4, which will include Bahamian music, crafts, cultural games, competitions, mixology and more. Arawak Cay will host the series of events, starting at 1pm each Saturday. On July 7, Goombay will be celebrated with
Goombay dancers, fire dancers, limbo dancers, the Obeah Man, Grammy and the dancers. On July 14, Le Cabaret and Jazz will celebrate the period when the Las Vegas-style review headlined entertainment in The Islands Of The Bahamas in the 1970s. On July 21, the Festival will celebrate Nostalgia with a return to the 70s and 80s nightclub era. On July 28, there will be a celebration of Rake n’ Scrape. On August 4, old and new Junkanoo traditions will be celebrated. Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 29, 2018, PAGE 3
Good news ‘soon’ for Grand Bahama, says Labour Minister By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GOOD things are on the horizon for Grand Bahama, according to Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes, who said some important announcements would be made soon by the government. He did not elaborate or disclose much, but said the officials are very “optimistic” about what is about to take place on the island. “There is excellent news with respect to employment in Grand Bahama,” Mr Foulkes told reporters in Grand Bahama on Thursday at the Department of Labour. “I don’t want to preempt the prime minister, Minister of State for Grand Bahama (Kwasi) Thompson and
the Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, but we are about to make some very important announcements with respect to Grand Bahama. Government is optimistic about Grand Bahama, and what is about to happen,” he said. When asked for an update on negotiations for the Grand Lucayan Resort, Mr Foulkes indicated that he is part of the sub-committee negotiating the sale of the property. “We are very optimistic about the completion of it, he said. It’s been sometime now, but we are very optimistic. I don’t want to say much more because we are at a stage where we hope to bring some conclusion,” he explained. While in Grand Bahama, Minister Foulkes announced that Janet
Russell had been appointed the new assistant director at the Department of Labour in Freeport. He also introduced the acting director of labour, John Pinder, to the staff in Grand Bahama. Mr Pinder, a veteran trade unionist, was appointed on May 1, replacing Robert Farquharson, who was appointed to a senior officer post as an executive manager working closely with the minister and the permanent secretary. Ms Russell, who now heads the office in Freeport, replaces Tyrone Gibson who has retired. According to Mr Foulkes, she comes with vast experience in the public service. With respect to employment on Grand Bahama, he reported that the island is showing a decrease in
the unemployment rate as a result of the boom in the industrial sector. “The government is pleased with what is going on in Freeport, and the last report from the Department of Statistics revealed a decrease in the unemployment rate in GB – I think it was the only island that showed a decrease,” the minister said. “And we were pleased with that notwithstanding the fact that at the Lucaya strip, two of the major hotels are still closed.” Mr Foulkes indicated that the industrial sector in Grand Bahama is doing very well. “That accounted for the decrease in the unemployment rate,” he told reporters. According to the minister, Bahama Rock increased its workforce in the last 12 months by 10 percent, and
across the board all the industrial companies have been employing persons incrementally, adding up to big numbers. “PharmaChem is about to embark on a multimillion dollar expansion, and Quality Services Ltd recently conducted a job fair with the view to employ some 60 persons,” he said. He also noted that GIBC Digital, a tech company which this week opened its doors in Grand Bahama, would employ a minimum of 50 persons in high paying jobs. “We are very pleased about that, and six other companies we have approved and established in GB as a result of the Commercial Enterprises (Act),” he stated. Mr Foulkes said that Clear Blue, which has a
relationship with the Grand Bahama Shipyard, has trained 50 persons as welders and pipe-fitters who are all now working at the shipyard. He said officials would be staging a second “Labour on the Blocks” job fair in Grand Bahama before the end of summer in the West Grand Bahama area. Meanwhile, Mr Pinder said that he and his team would focus on the further reduction of unemployment in Grand Bahama by ensuring that persons in the government’s labour database fill available positions. He stated that they would also consult with vocational institutions to put programmes in place that will help Bahamians to qualify and gain necessary skill sets to fill vacancies on the island.
GIBC Digital officially opened its offices on Grand Bahama this week. Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest, GIBC CEO Greg Wood, and other officials were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo: Denise Maycock
‘THIS IS THE START OF SILICON ISLAND’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
GIBC CEO Greg Wood said Wednesday’s opening of his company’s office in Freeport marks the beginning of Grand Bahama’s transformation in what to will be known as “Silicon Island” by the next decade. Mr Wood revealed that officials from his tech company have already started designing a state of the art global training complex and data centre that will employ hundreds of knowledge workers on the island. When completed, he noted that centre will attract executives from around the world to come to Freeport for training in areas of process engineering and automation, cybersecurity, and data science. “It will also bring machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities to the region, and we have just hired one of the brightest experts in the world to lead our efforts,” he said.
“I envision a training centre that is the epicentre of the tech hub envisioned by the Minnis administration that will draw people who will want to work, live, and play here in Grand Bahama.” He stated that the centre will be a world class retail space with restaurants, office space, apartments and condos, an entertainment pavilion, a hotel, and a medical centre. Mr Wood said Grand Bahamas has world-class amenities to attract and keep world-class talent. “It is a place where likeminded people with a common interest in innovation and impact can come together and collaborate with other experts. It is an incubator for new companies to bring new products and services to the digital economy. “It is a place that inspires growth, improvement, and excellence, and was built using the latest sustainable development methods, with 100 percent of its power derived from the sun and wind,” he said.
He reported that much progress has been made since his first meeting with government on February 12, including the hiring of 25 people, and plans to hire an additional 25 by the end of the year. Mr Wood also noted that the company’s first class has completed phase two of their training programme and will ready by month’s end for deployment to help transform organisations throughout the region. “The transformation of Grand Bahama is underway, and when government and business work together, great things can be accomplished for the people,” Mr Wood said. “This is an important day because we are not just here to open an office. We are here to take the next step in the evolution of The Bahamas.” He commended Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, and others including Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson,
MAN STABBED WITH SCREWDRIVER A MAN was taken to hospital after he was stabbed by an assailant armed with a screwdriver. Police said the victim was waking on Hospital Lane after 6pm on Wednesday when he was approached by an attacker who stabbed him about the body before
running away. He was transported to hospital and is listed in serious condition. Police are also investigating an armed robbery which occurred on Wednesday afternoon. Shortly after 4pm, a gunman entered a gas station on
Baillou Road and Poinciana Drive, held an employee up and robbed her of a handbag containing cash and other items before running from the store and escaping into a nearby residential area. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
and Ian Rolle, president of the GB Port Authority. Mr Wood stated that GIBC is interested in creating opportunities and meaningful careers for talented and capable people who are eager to learn, grow, and prosper, while the company lays the foundation of a workforce prepared to lead in a global, digital economy. He thinks that good paying jobs and a capable workforce will boost the need for local services in the community, increasing economic growth. He says it will also attract other tech companies and jump-start the process of creating prosperity. Of his company, he said: “We can help clients eliminate waste, reduce cost, and lower risk by re-engineering and automating processes; use data to make better more informed decisions
faster to take advantage of opportunities; create a better user experience that will increase the lifetime value of each customer; and avoid the reputational damage that comes from failing to meet regulatory obligations or from corruption,” he said. Mr Wood started the company in 2011. He said it not about making money, but about creating something unique
in the world and solving challenges. “We are excited to be a part of the Minnis administration’s vision to make Grand Bahama a tech hub,” he said. “Ten years from now, Grand Bahama will be thought of as Silicon Island. This is the perfect time to be part of the growth and reinvigoration that’s taking place here.”
PAGE 4, Friday, June 29, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Inevitable firings and bitter medicine IN this column on Wednesday, we drew attention to the opposition of four FNM Members of Parliament to the controversial increase of VAT that led to their voting against the Budget. We touched on the reasons why, under our Westminster system of government, they were subsequently sacked from Dr Minnis’s administration. Today, we explore further the workings of that system, which is the bedrock of our democracy, and also call on the Government to improve its public relations. The Westminster system is a parliamentary form of government which reflects the conventions, practices and precedents of the British Parliament that was once described as the “Mother of Parliaments”. This system was imposed on Caribbean territories that were British colonies and formally became our own form of government at the time of independence in 1973 when we also acquired our own written constitution, unlike Britain itself whose constitution is uncodified. An important element of the system is that the Prime Minister exercises executive authority through a Cabinet of ministers whom he appoints and who can only stay in office as long as they enjoy his confidence. Ministerial responsibility is a cornerstone of the operation of government insofar as ministers are accountable for their own departments as well as accepting collective responsibility. This means that they must publicly support shared decisions of the government. If they disagree with such decisions or with overall policy, the honourable action is to resign from the government, but they can remain as MPs unless their constituency association loses confidence in them and tries to force them out. To back up all this, the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure makes it clear that, in the case of a Parliamentary Secretary who is a member of the Government even though he is not a member of the Cabinet, once a course of action has been agreed and established it is his duty to give that course his full support in public. Thus, it is unsurprising that those who voted “no” to the annual Budget, which is fundamental to the governance of the country, were required to relinquish their governmental posts for breach of duty, though they will still be MPs. While the Prime Minister has acted correctly over this, we believe that he and his colleagues are not fully living up to their promises about transparency and consultation. Of course, the precise details of the Budget have to be kept within a tight circle for fear of leaks. But, reportedly, even some Cabinet members were kept in the dark. More generally, if it is really The People’s Time, it is incumbent on the Government to be seen to be listening to public opinion. It would surely have
been wise to explain fully in advance the seriousness of the nation’s indebtedness, seek views about how to deal with it and tell people, in broad terms, what action the government proposed to take. This would have had the appearance of a constructive dialogue but with the Government making it clear that it had been elected to take decisions and that some unpleasant medicine would be required. However, at least the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance are now explaining the situation at public gatherings after the event. The recently published Guide to the People’s Budget is a step in the right direction in keeping the public properly informed. Moreover, Finance Minister Peter Turnquest deserves praise for pushing through the Fiscal Responsibility Bill which he has suggested should help to restore public trust after years of poor fiscal management, ineptitude and lack of transparency by previous governments. He claims that this legislation will force governments to live within their means by putting a cap on public spending and limiting government debt. While this should be widely welcomed, the key will be implementation so it remains to be seen how these objectives will be fulfilled. We believe that public acceptance of the hike in VAT would be that much greater if the Government were to take immediate specific steps to cut public expenditure; for example, reducing the size of the Civil Service and placing a moratorium on recruitment, decreasing the cost of official travel with smaller delegations for ministerial visits overseas and ensuring that the activities and commitments of state-owned enterprises are urgently reassessed with a view to lowering costs. One of the criticisms of the Budget was the lack of a strategy for economic growth. While the public is compelled to accept higher taxes and a period of austerity, people may be partially mollified by the knowledge that plans are being developed to stimulate growth. While it is too late to do anything about unwarranted and excessive spending by past governments – the most recent egregious example of which was the PLP’s reckless and, in many cases, dishonest and corrupt actions that precipitated the current economic mess – a new generation of activists, who are more politically savvy than their parents, is likely to insist on holding future governments to account. We now need to look over the horizon and hope that the medicine being forced on us will save our country from the fate of Barbados which has had to call for help from the International Monetary Fund. If this medicine is also accompanied by serious measures to reduce public spending and to grow the economy, there is at least the eventual prospect of better times to come.
The firing of Travis Robinson EDITOR, The Tribune. HAD Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson severed ties with the governing Free National Movement, the narrative throughout the country would have been that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is losing control of his party, particularly his MP backbenchers. Opposition forces would have interpreted Robinson’s desertion as an indication that the FNM is falling apart at the seams, especially given the fact that Minnis’ relationship with Vaughn Miller, Frederick McAlpine and Reece Chipman is already purportedly strained. A desertion by the Bain and Grants Town MP would have given the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) a much needed shot in the arm. Many Bahamians who love political intrigue and political drama were keeping their fingers crossed that
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the young Robinson would have abandoned the FNM in order to join up with the PLP, form a new party or become an independent. All of the foregoing conjectures were bandied on the ever unreliable social media rumour mill. Obviously these people did not have Robinson’s best interests at heart. A desertion on his part would have probably sounded the death knell on his promising political career. A recent example of former MPs who decided to go against the establishment are Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Andre Rollins. As a result of their political rebellion against the FNM and PLP, both are on the outside looking in. They had their five seconds of fame, but are no longer in
active politics. Where are their cheerleaders now? Where are the people who were cajoling them to rebel against Minnis? Robinson was shrewd in avoiding the immature missteps of Butler-Turner and Rollins. The Bain and Grants Town MP demonstrated political maturity in accepting full responsibility for his dismissal as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. He obviously understands that Minnis’ hands were tied due to the Westminster system of government, when he, Miller and McAlpine voted against the move to increase VAT. By accepting full responsibility, Robinson has left the door wide open for another appointment by Minnis during the balance of this current term. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB June 28, 2018.
Rules apply Grabbalicious to politicians web shops EDITOR, The Tribune. POLITICIANS sometimes make such a fundamental political mistake when they hang everything which they use, that is, only apply or abide with when it suits their political ends. Prime Minister Minnis has made this mistake… Sir, if you so importantly hold so close to yourself the Westminster System then, sir, you must follow it to the letter and not as you are conveniently trying to do. Interesting who was sent on the Commonwealth Parliamentary trip of Cayman right when the Budget vote
was being taken? Was that necessary? There is an understanding opinion that you, sir, dropped the 12 percent VAT on Cabinet as you assembled to walk across to the House when DPM Turnquest was to present his Budget. There was dissension and so on went the “whip”. Sir, if you are unaware your Government has a massive majority - 39 seats of which the FNM have 35…a “whip” — it simply confirms that your party whip indicated to you there was dissension, MPs might not vote for Government on the VAT Act amendment. Commentator ex-Minister
of State Finance, Laing suggested on his talk show that we should cut back the five percent increase of VAT — ummm Madam…cut back that will totally kill what the Minister of Finance wants — he wants $400-500m more in the Treasury. BP&L and our electricity bills - great bills unto $200.00 will be exempt from VAT… Sir, reality only sixmonths of the year and pray OPEC does not increase the price of oil by just 2.5 percent as that exemption, bush crack gone! W THOMPSON Nassau, June 25, 2018.
EDITOR, The Tribune. WEB shops - thanks Minister D’Aguilar for telling it as it is. Judge what you like, the web shop owners who have an exclusive 15-year concession no one else can be given a licence, imagine, we now understand that the Bahamian word… grabbalicious is applicable. A bird in the hand is better than none at all. If I were Minister of Finance, knowing these audited figures provided by the web shops I would have no problem in going after everyone who owes Government back taxes…
it seems we can throw away millions so let’s collect and use them to the best. Warn them then list their names in the newspapers. What is actually owed on Real Property Taxes? It is $300m or $400m or what? Time these debts are confirmed. Time these are collected, no excuses. What is the position on commercial property? Are there so many buildings not assessed and therefore no property taxes being paid? Hasn’t Government, especially pre-2017 election rented three-or more buildings from Sebas Bastian – have these buildings been assessed? Surely that
is simple just take out from the rent? Education Scholarship Fund not $150m unpaid? No deals, sorry, you are throwing your money down the web shop drain you will now throw it down the Treasury drain. I don’t want to hear about incentives and concessions. Our ferocious appetite to gamble surely gives the Minister of Finance plenty of support that we can afford even more taxes. Boy we have to be dumber than dumb! ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, June 15, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 29, 2018, PAGE 5
HIV: Get tested for free and know your status By FARRAH JOHNSON
HEALTH officials are working to remove the stigma around HIV testing and are targeting young Bahamians in particular to know their HIV status. The Ministry of Health will host ‘Testing in the Gardens’ today to raise public awareness on the importance of citizens knowing their status. To ensure to early HIV diagnosis and “as a safeguard to the health and well-being of all Bahamians,” the ministry said it has “scaled up” HIV testing during the month of June. Today’s event will feature free testing all day at Royal Victoria Gardens on Shirley Street from 8am to 4pm.
In a press statement, the ministry revealed HIV and AIDS remain “significant problems” in the country with an “estimated two per cent HIV prevalence.” Branishka Lewis, the acting director for the HIV/ AIDS Centre, confirmed the HIV/AIDS statistics reported earlier this year by Health Minister Dr Duane Sands. At the time, the minister revealed 8,667 persons are living with HIV in the country. This indicates that in 2015, roughly 1 in 50 persons tested positive for HIV. Ms Lewis explained these particular results are the most recent because the data for the 2017 statistics have yet to be completed. “We have actually seen
decreases in the amount of new HIV cases as well as decreases in the amount of AIDS related death,” she said. “That year of significant interest is that we had no babies born positive, and we’re talking about babies who were born to HIV positive moms,” she continued. When asked which age groups were most vulnerable to contracting the virus, Ms Lewis told The Tribune: “Right now our young people, that’s who we really want to look at and we really want to target – so that would be our 15 to 24 year olds, as well as 30-39.” Ms Lewis added: “As with any other medical condition, the earlier you find out if you are living with that condition – HIV,
STUDENTS URGED TO LEARN FROM SUMMER JOB ROLES By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard told young persons participating in the government’s summer job programme that there are some valuable lessons they will learn from job placements. He noted that even though it may not be their chosen or primary career choice, it exposes them to additional options that would allow them to be flexible during times of unexpected transition. The minister said that he too had worked at various jobs, including a fast food restaurant, in landscaping, and with a national publishing company where he learned valuable lessons that prepared him for where and what he is today. “During the course of my life, I worked many different jobs, and those varied experiences prepared me for what I am doing now,” he told participants gathered at Christ the King Church auditorium on Thursday for job orientation. “It is important in a tough economy in The Bahamas and even internationally to have options because sometimes your primary goals and plans do not unfold in the way you desire. And, it is useful to have varied skills to make the transition into another area that would sustain you until you can do the thing that is your passion.” He noted that when the Grand Bahama economy went into a downturn, many persons had to transition from wearing suits to coveralls. He said they were forced to look for other options. Minister Pintard said the programme provides the option for the young people
to work in areas that are not their primary choice which allows them to be flexible when the time comes. “I am asking you to consider the experience and what it provides. It provides the option. Life will require of you to be incredibly flexible. There are some of your peers who had interest in attending a certain university, but the finances were not in place, and you have to be flexible enough to make adjustments,” he explained. Secondly, he said the programme would teach them valuable lessons. “Try not to walk away from any experience without asking yourself what the lesson in the experience is,” he stated. Mr Pintard shared with participants some of the different jobs he worked at a young man: McDonald’s, as a landscaper, and with Dupuch Publications. He noted that he learned lessons from all of the jobs. At McDonald’s he learned the importance of making the best possible use of your time; as a landscaper, he learned the valuable lesson of tolerance and respect for humanity working alongside immigrants, and at Dupuch
Publications, he learned the lesson of comparative advantage, finding your niche and being the best at what you do. “Don’t leave any experience without learning the lesson,” he urged youngsters. “Every job opportunity reveals to you some incredible lesson.” And thirdly, Mr Pintard told participants that they should focus on being problem solvers and find solutions to obstacles. “You will go on these jobs that will need some radical adjustments, and you have the answers to things we have not sorted out as a society,” he said. “We Bahamians have this gift of detecting and mentioning what is wrong. We need to give fewer brownie points for figuring out what is wrong, and more kudos for being a part of the solution,” Mr Pintard said. “You have a charge to pour the best of you into the organisation you work for. It is not just about us providing the opportunity to you, it’s about us being able to get from you the gifts and talents that God has placed in you so you could help improve this island, and this country,” he said.
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diabetes, cancer—the better the overall prognosis is for you. She also said early testing “increases education and knowledge,” because it is an opportunity for health care providers to discuss “risk reduction behaviours” with persons. This in turn can encourage people to avoid “high risk activities” that could potentially lead to them contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the future. She explained the key is for people to gain awareness of the ways in which HIV can and cannot be transmitted, because a lot of the negative perceptions imposed on persons living with HIV are due to “ignorance and fear.”
“Once persons are educated and they understand that, ‘Hey it’s okay for my co-worker to be living with HIV, or for the restaurant that I go to for the worker to be HIV positive’, that it is completely safe, then that is going to help decrease it (the stigma),” she said. Ms Lewis said she believes that this can help “normalise” HIV testing so that it can be “another routine test”, similar to the health fairs held for blood pressure and glucose screenings. “By doing something like this it shows that everybody does it, everybody has an HIV test, and it doesn’t matter that ‘Oh, this person may be living a particular lifestyle and what not,’ no, everybody is going to have
it done,” she said. Ms Lewis stated that this helps to heighten public awareness of HIV and by extension, helps reduce some of the stigma and discrimination associated with the virus. “For persons who may test HIV positive, it’s going to help us to link them to care... because we can link you to a doctor, get you on medication, which is provided free of cost,” she said. The free service, she further explained, includes doctor visits, blood work and medications. “Once we get a person who is living with HIV on medication, that’s going to help reduce the chance of them transmitting the virus to other persons as well. So that’s even a prevention method,” she explained.
PAGE 6, Friday, June 29, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
BPL: We’ll do our best this summer from page one
BPL’s business plan last year called for the retirement of some of its units, noting that unit control systems at the Clifton Pier and Blue Hills plants are becoming obsolete with spare parts harder to find. Budgetary constraints have prevented improvements to various units over the years. Shell is expected to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant at
Clifton by 2021 with the ability to produce up to 270mw of power. Mr Heastie said efforts have nonetheless been made to shore up BPL’s generation capacity to handle the summer load. “There’ll be no load shedding this summer given that fact that we have sufficient generation on the ground,” he said. “We have 450 megawatts (mw) of generation on the ground. Peak is the highest sustained load over
a 15 minute period. The peak last year was about 257mw so we got more than 200mw of additional generation that we have on ground that we should be able to easily carry through. All the assets are not where they should be but we should have sufficient assets to carry us through this summer and we are getting better with it.” Lightning caused an island-wide power outage on Monday. Mr Heastie said it took about four hours to
restore power throughout New Providence, a length he finds “unacceptable.” Some isolated areas of New Providence were still said to be without power on Tuesday morning. In the wake of the blackout, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said the lack of a protection system that can quickly address electrical faults, combined with antiquated equipment, has rendered the utility provider unable to fend off
system failures in a modern way. Yesterday, Mr Heastie could not say how much is necessary to repair BPL’s protection system, saying the matter must be studied. “There are systems designed to protect against lightning strikes,” he said. “The network or the grid is designed really to isolate faults depending on where the fault occurs and the magnitude of the fault. Because this fault was
directly inside the power plant it had a magnitude that was very severe. If something was to happen further away from the plant, the plant has a faster time to react. The closer it is to the plant, the response of the protection systems has to be a whole lot faster.” A foreign expert on system instability is expected to be in New Providence next week to begin assessing BPL’s issues.
WORKERS at The Pointe development on Bay Street.
CONTRACTOR: BAHAMIANS COULD DO POINTE WORK
from page one
Mr Sands’ comments came yesterday in response to Immigration Minister
Brent Symonette’s indication that foreign labourers at the project were reclassified as semi-skilled and skilled labourers in recent weeks.
Those comments by Mr Symonette were made, in part, to clarify comments made by Attorney General Carl Bethel in the Senate on Monday.
During the sitting, Mr Bethel said he observed foreigners doing jobs they were not needed for. Mr Bethel told the Senate: “When the minister of labour first raised this issue of employment at The Pointe hotel, the answer that was given back is the kind of work being done was not the kind of work Bahamians were either skilled at or wished to do. That was my best understanding of it and that when they got to the stage of laying blocks and all the finishing work that was necessary, this is when more Bahamians would be taken on.” Mr Bethel, who insisted he saw the labourers firsthand, added: “… I see that (foreign labourers) laying blocks there and I don’t see no Bahamians working there so that is unacceptable.” He continued: “I immediately called my colleague and he promised to get cracking on it and I trust that good sense is going to prevail because there is no way on God’s good earth that we need to have any foreigners lay blocks in The Bahamas. “If it’s one thing Bahamians can do, it’s lay blocks and it is time for that foolishness to stop. There is no way you can
have a job in the Bahamas and Bahamians can’t work on it.” In response on Tuesday, Mr Symonette explained: “I noticed this morning that I think the attorney general had made comments on the question on seeing people laying blocks. “With regard to The Pointe, there have been applications processed in the initial phase. They were for labourers. “The Ministry of Labour met with China State Construction and we sorted that issue out and the labourers have been reclassified in the appropriate work class section and paying the increased fees that relate to semi-skilled or skilled labourers.” The heads of agreement between China Construction America, a subsidiary of China State Construction, and the government states 70 percent of the workers are supposed to be Bahamian and 30 percent should be foreign. The Department of Labour found in May a disproportionate number of foreign workers to Bahamian workers at the downtown project. At the time, there were 73 foreign workers and 24 Bahamians working on the site. Despite this, Labour
Minister Dion Foulkes said the developers were not in breach of the agreement. Meanwhile, addressing the entire scope of the development yesterday Mr Sands stressed more communication with local contractors is needed. “If there was communication with any minister and it was disclosed that the project had moved to the point that we are now hearing about, Bahamian workers should have been made aware of it. “(The minister of labour) should have advised us that they were at a stage where they could engage Bahamians workers, I would have thought the minister would have reached out to us. He has my number. “The BCA would have been more than happy to get things rolling in a direction where Bahamian contractors could get on that site and where Bahamian labourers could have been out there,” he added. In both January and February, this newspaper observed workers on the site. Dozens of Chinese builders walked to the site every day from a building, which lodges the workers opposite the development, and no Bahamians were anywhere to be seen.
GIRL TOURISTS ASSAULTED ON HARBOUR ISLAND from page one
Police also reported that a suspected drowning of a Chinese woman took place on the Berry Islands around 11am yesterday. The woman was found unresponsive in waters off Great Sturrup Cay. She was pronounced dead at a local clinic on the island.
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Friday, June 29, 2018, PAGE 7
From ministry post to new consultancy for Robinson from page one “As it relates to the consultancy work that I intend to do, that is a personal initiative of me, as Travis Robinson, the man behind the name,” he said. “I’m using some of the experience that I would have gained at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation where I served as the parliamentary secretary, as well as my background knowledge from the University of The Bahamas, studying tourism management. “Given the fact that I have been able to serve on various committees in the Ministry of Tourism, I’ve worked directly with the minister of tourism and I’ve been a part of a number of investor initiatives in the tourism field. “And so we’re all aware of the many red tape that we as Bahamians go through, whether it is at the Passport Office or Road Traffic (Department) to get your licence, etc, and so my job now is more or less consulting as it relates to tourism initiatives, how we speed up the process to get various investments going.” Mr Robinson declined to say whether he has received any offers from the government as yet, saying that he does not want to “spur up any unnecessary talks about it”. However, when asked if this will be a consultancy firm for government or private companies, the Bain and Grants Town MP said he is “open to whosoever will”. “I can say very clearly that my field in the tourism field is one that I love and one that I enjoy. And so whatever may come or whatever may arise, Travis Robinson will be excited to continue to work in the tourism industry,” he added. Roofing Initiative According to the area MP, the goal of the project is to assist 200 households within the community that are in “desperate need of roof repairs,” this hurricane season. Mr Robinson noted that roofing issues are the “overwhelming concern” of members of his constituency. He added that he now has “even more time” to focus on the challenges residents face. “This initiative will be done in four phases,” Mr Robinson said. “This morning we launched phase one, which will include the distribution of materials to individuals who are
TRAVIS ROBINSON, former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and MP for Bain and Grants Town. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff employed but still are in need of assistance to complete their roofs ahead of the major hurricane season.” These materials include plywood, shingles, felt, and other construction items needed to renovate roofs. “Phase two would include individuals who are single parents as well as the elderly (and) will include materials as well as physical construction and renovation of those individuals’ roofs. “Phase three will also include the same thing, and then phase four will be opened up to the general constituents throughout the whole of Bain and Grants Town.” Mr Robinson said phase four will be geared to people who are also
employed, but may be in a “financial difficulty” and could benefit from the materials. A two-month assessment was done ahead of the launch, where roofs were checked to determine who would be the recipients of the initiative. Mr Robinson said a number of private businesses were also contacted to ask for assistance. He particularly thanked Fidelity Bank, which he said is the “platinum sponsor” of the initiative. Other sponsors include Family Guardian, Super Value, and JS Johnson. “The overall project will cost us an excess of $100,000,” Mr Robinson said. “What we are focusing more or less on is the distribution of more or less
US TRAFFICKING REPORT WARNS OF ‘CORRUPTION IN IMMIGRATION’ from page one
Persons (Prevention and Suppression) Act 2008 criminalised sex and labour trafficking and prescribed penalties ranging from three years to life imprisonment,” the report noted. “These penalties were sufficiently stringent, and with regard to sex trafficking, commensurate with penalties prescribed for other serious crimes, such as rape. The government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government officials complicit in human trafficking offences; however, alleged ongoing corruption within the Immigration Department remained a concern, as it created vulnerabilities for potential trafficking victims.” The report also noted: “The government demonstrated serious and sustained efforts by securing its first conviction since 2015. The government
also screened more potential trafficking victims, increased funding for victim assistance and collaborate with foreign countries on investigations.” The report said the Bahamian government has increased law enforcement efforts to counter human trafficking. “Authorities initiated 12 new investigations involving 60 potential victims, compared with 11 new investigations involving 37 potential victims in 2016,” it said. “Authorities ultimately determined only one of these cases to constitute trafficking. Authorities initiated two prosecutions, compared to one in 2016, and continued three prosecutions from previous years. The government recorded its first conviction since 2015 and sentenced the convicted trafficker to 21 years imprisonment. The Magistrate’s Court acquitted three alleged traffickers prosecuted in the previous
reporting period; the government’s appeal of those acquitted was withdrawn due to lack of sworn witness testimony.” According to the US State Department, the Bahamian government reported spending approximately $82,060 on trafficking victims’ care—which included assisting victims’ children and continued funding for trafficking victims from prior reporting periods—$59,450 in 2016. “The government also provided subsidies of $240,000 to four NGOs that provide services to trafficking victims, among other vulnerable groups,” the report noted. After several years with a tier two listing, the Bahamas has received a tier one listing in the trafficking report for the fourth consecutive year now. Guyana is the only other country in the region with a tier one listing. Overall, 39 countries in the world fall in this category.
supplies. As I mentioned, the individuals who would receive more than just supplies will be more or less the elderly persons in the community as well as single parent homes. So that is where the bulk of our finances in terms of construction and renovations physically will go.” The first phase is estimated to take a month, and the timeline for all four phases is approximately four months. When asked what will happen to homes that possibly will not be fixed before a major hurricane should arrive, Mr Robinson said in three weeks the official Bain and Grants Town Hurricane Taskforce will
be launched. He said it will be comprised of individuals within the community and will address such concerns then. Mr Robinson also said that he does not have any “specific thoughts” on former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson’s comments on Guardian Radio on Wednesday. Mr Watson said he did not believe the prime minister had to fire the Bain Town representative and two other MPs, who along with Mr Robinson voted against the VAT increase, from their government appointments. “I make it very clearly known that Travis Robinson the individual, I support
the increase in VAT. Travis Robinson the member of Parliament, I do not support the increase in VAT,” Mr Robinson said. He added that in Parliament he represents his constituency. “And so it is for them that I voted as I did inside the House. I can pay the VAT, as an individual. But it’s not about me. It’s about the thousands of people in Bain and Grants Town who are depending on me to be able to be their voice inside the House.” FNM Centreville MP Reece Chipman also voted against the VAT increase however he held no government position from which to be fired.
Funeral Service For RENEE VALERIA HANNA, 70 of Sandford Drive, Prospect Ridge, will be held on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Hill Street. Officiating will be Fr. Simeon Roberts, assisted by Deacon Danny Price and other Clergy of The Archdiocese. Interment will follow in The Catholic Cemetery, Infant View Road. She is survived by her husband: Bernard “BH” Hanna; daughter: Thia; grandchildren: Troy Jr., Treasurenique & Shavaiya, sisters: Joan Rahming, Karen RahmingPrudden, Paulette and Deborah Rahming, Jean Ferguson,Tammie Rahming and Tabitha Styles; brothers: Clifford, Peter and Terrance Rahming. Aunts: Patricia, Pat and Bertha Curry, Sister Clare Rolle, Pearl and Laura Rahming, Brenda Bowe and Joanne Major; uncles: Vincent Curry Sr, Vincent Russell, Vernal and Patrick Rolle, Stafford and Wilfred Rahming and Paul Major; in-laws: Robyn Rahming, Rochelle Rahming, Osbourne Rolle and Family, Audrey and Clifford Fernander and Family, Harry and Gloria Hanna, Alexander and Velma Hanna and Family, Daisy Hanson, Valerina and Harrison Williams and Family and Altamese Hanna and Family; other relatives and friends including; The Curry, Rahming, Bowe, Styles and Wright Family, Dr. Merceline Dahl’ Regis, Troy Walker, The Todd, McKenzie and Isaac Family, The Albury Family, The Dahl Family, The Adderley Family and the October 12th Reunion Group and St. Cecilia Church Family. Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #44 Nassau Street on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be no viewing at the church.
PAGE 8, Friday, June 29, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Here comes Hubully WITH the dreaded VAT increase days away, Travis is on cleanup duty, Halston speaks in tongues, Sebas for PM, and Hubully is born.
THE CLEAN UP MAN
I think most would agree that it was a brave move for Bain and Grants MP Travis Robinson to vote against his party’s proposed 60 percent VAT rate hike. Most would also agree that in politics (as in life) mistimed bravery can land you in political crosshairs, as was exactly what happened to
young Robinson. Within hours of his vote he was fired, and his unceremonious ouster from the Ministry of Tourism had social media “lit”. “The People” loved what he and the other FNM “no” vote MPs had done. And because of Travis’ “tender age” it seemed “The
People” were particularly invested in his story. There was a viral video of a reporter chasing him down Bay Street for comment. Then Robinson waxed philosophical for his Facebook followers with an RFK quote about “ripples” and “hope”. “The People” ate it up,
and took to worrying about (and defending) young Robinson the way Bahamians coddle a favourite child. More intriguing was Robinson’s promised speech in parliament at the next sitting of the House. Bahamians everywhere (ever ready for a juicy row) waited with bated breath. On Wednesday, in an eloquent speech, young Travis took to the floor of the House and affirmed his commitment to his constituents (which “The People” loved) while also affirming his commitment to the FNM (which “The people” suck dey teet at.) I guess Bahamians wanted a showdown between Robinson and the same Cabinet bullies who openly called for his head in the first place. Shrewdly, he didn’t take the bait. What would he have gained by cussing out Minnis a la Andre and Renny vs Christie last time around? I mean, sure, we would have had a few moments of unbridled entertainment but what would it have really accomplished? The FNM has already taken “dat lil ting” away from Travis. They took his office, his keys, his forty thousand dollars (plus perks) and reduced his government salary back to the dreaded realm of “janitors pay”. I heard they even took his red plate. And “yinne think he fool enough” to push it? No, he isn’t. The young MP made the point he wanted to based on his convictions. He also questioned the Westminster system which is something none of his long-in-thetooth colleagues would ever dare to do. Now if this were 2021, Travis may have done something differently. But the truth is for most of the backbenchers thinking to “yuck” the elites in their own party, the next election is too far away. So, like the rest of them, young Travis has had to cleanup his criticism of the VAT rate hike, make nice with his colleagues and bide his time. I heard he opened a new tourism consultancy firm and is even willing to work with the government. Too bad this current administration – and Minister
of Tourism D’Aguilar in particular - turned “consultant” into a dirty word. How hypocritical would it look for them to hire young Robinson right back and give him a fat paycheck for his renewed loyalty when they railed against the same kind of “political cronyism” when Christie and crew did it?
HALLY-LUJAH
According to an article in The Guardian, Speaker of the House Halston “Hally” Moultrie has waded into the VAT rate hike conversation by basically asserting that God will see Bahamians through it. Now, I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way (most especially my priest whom I will have to see this weekend) but how did the Lord suddenly get in the FNM’s mixup? It’s never a good idea for politicians to invoke God for political expediency. First starters, it’s politicians - not God- who having been driving the economy deeper into a ditch these past decades. Second of all, this big tax jump to 12 percent VAT... I mean, usually the Lord only asks for 10 percent so I don’t think this is His doing. During the last administration former Prime Minister Christie made the unfortunate remark that people could go to God but would still have to come back to him. Now these FNM politicos are telling us, “Take your problems to Jesus and don’t look at us!” That’s what you call going from ludicrous to ridiculous. Now Jesus himself did say to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and render unto God that which is God’s but thanks to this government we will have to pay Caesar “plenty plenty more money” come Sunday. With “VAT on erryting” there’s no way around it. We are forced to give 12 percent to Caesar’s collection plate on a blessed Sabbath while Caesar smirks and tells us to “look to God”.
SEBAS FOR PM?
No doubt the “numbers boys” are smarting from the “cut skin” they’re about to get when the new tax rates
come into effect. The minister responsible for gaming, Dionisio D’Aguilar has been especially tough on them. He’s been so cold when it comes to their industry you’d swear the “number houses” were stealing quarters from the wash houses. But I digress. The big question since news of the tax rate hike on webshops broke has always been, ‘What Sebas and Flowers dem ga do about it?’ To answer that question, the rumour mill went into overdrive this week with speculation that one of the more vocal and visual operators, Sebastian Bastian, would somehow, someway make a run for “prime minister” next election. Desperate times call for desperate rumours, I guess. Not to say it’s impossible for him to become PM – after all the Bahamian electorate has proven they’d vote for a goat in the right colour T-shirt if they’re mad enough. So a “spin and win” candidate is not out of the realm of possibility. Plus, Donald Trump did win in the most “sophisticated” democracy on earth. So maybe Sebas somehow, someway becoming PM is not “technically” impossible. But try winning a threeball you‘ve been playing for the past four years because you “saw some numbers in a dream” in one of his establishments... Now that, my friends, is the textbook definition of impossible.
THE BIRTH OF HUBULLY
Bahamians have had great nicknames for our Prime Ministers over the years. First there was Lynden Oscar “Ping” Pindling. Then we had Hubert ‘Hubigetty’ Alexander Ingraham. Last time we had to tango with Perry “The Shuffler” Gladstone Christie (who, ironically, shuffled his feet but never his Cabinet.) And now we have a strange 2018 hybrid of a mild mannered underdog turned “fire dem all” vicious attack dog. Don’t miss next week’s episode on the birth of “Hubully”.
SEBAS BASTIAN, of Island Luck. Could he be the next Prime Minister? Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
PAGE 10, Friday, June 29, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
ATLANTIS has set up a partnership with the University of Miami through its Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Visitors from the university are pictured.
ATLANTIS LINKS UP WITH MIAMI UNIVERSITY FOR MAMMAL COURSE ATLANTIS has set up a partnership with the University of Miami through its Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Now in its second year, the partnership features a marine mammal based course at the graduate level that is taught at Atlantis’ 14-acre marine mammal habitat - Dolphin Cay. “We’ve partnered up with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science – they are probably the number one marine science school in the United States – and we teach an involved and very concentrated twoweek intersession course here called ‘Behaviour
Analysis and Manage Care for Marine Mammals,’” explained Ted Turner, vice president of operations at Dolphin Cay. “The programme deals with animal behaviour, animal care, marine mammal facilities and legislation involving the protection of marine mammals in both The Bahamas and the United States… We do lectures paired with practicums, which are hands-on experiences that enable them to learn about this business so that we can advance the scientific understanding of marine mammals throughout the world,” he added. The course, which runs between the spring and
summer semesters, gives its participants three full credits. “These programmes,” said Mr Turner, “are absolutely essential in teaching the general public that marine mammals and all marine animals should be protected and enjoyed and that respectful wildlife watching and the advancement of the science about these animals should be important for future generations… Because these students are at the graduate level, they usually move on to positions in government or positions in federal or statewide agencies that make them movers and shakers for future wildlife policies.”
GN-2046
BCSD team introduces Smart Saver programme to Willard Patton Preschoolers.
SAVING SMART
THE Bahamas Central Securities Depository has launched a groundbreaking financial literacy programme – BCSD Smart Savers – for preschoolers and primary school students. The programme was launched at Willard Patton Preschool, where BCSD staff members engaged with over 100 preschoolers from K-3 and K-4, teaching them the importance of saving. The BCSD team exposed the students to different denominations of Bahamian currency and illustrated the importance of saving. The children were thrilled and very responsive as they each received a piggy bank and 25 cents to start their savings. In conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Education’s launch of the Over the Hill Rejuvenation Project and Presentation of E-Learning Tools, BCSD also donated 30 tablets to the preschool. BCSD recently awarded six preschoolers from Willard Patton at the school’s annual prize giving and graduation ceremony, with BCSD Top Smart Saver Awards. All of the students at Willard Patton now have savings, but the top six students saved more than $85 each, since receiving their BCSD smart saver piggy banks.
In an effort to create smart savers and investors, the BCSD team has taken their education initiative to the Kiwanis Club of Fort Montagu, playing ‘Financial Jeopardy’ with the members at one of the club’s weekly meetings. The lively, interactive game gave club members pointers about stocks and bonds and further insight into the Capital Market of The Bahamas. The BCSD team also visited E P Roberts Primary School, and introduced their Smart Saver programme to T Storr-Belle’s fourth grade class, who all learned about saving and its importance. In George Town, Exuma, BCSD partnered with Kiwanis Bahamas Sunshine Division 22 and hosted a Financial Literacy Fair attended by over 60 students and their parents from across the island. Attendees heard the story of “Sam, the Smart Saver” written by Sanchia Rolle of BCSD. Nerika Burrows, BCSD president, proudly said, “The Smart Saver programme is definitely an important initiative to BCSD. As we continue to create smart savers, it is our hope that all Bahamians, particularly the youth of our country learn the importance of saving and investing.”
SMART Savers in training at EP Roberts Primary School.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 29, 2018, PAGE 11