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The Tribune
Volume:115 No.160, JULY 13TH, 2018
Established 1903
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WEEKEND: THE AIRLINE THAT HELPED BUILD THE NATION
‘I AM WE’ PORTRAITS Page 8 & 9
History takes wing
Paul C Aranha on a pioneerin g airline pages 4 & 5
PM: PLP playing the race card
THREE CHARGED OVER MURDER IN CULMERSVILLE By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
THREE men between the ages of 21 and 25 were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with murdering a man in the Culmersville neighbourhood late last month. Shaquille Rolle, 21, along with 24-year-old Tille Brown and 25-yearold Theo Williams, stood SEE PAGE SEVEN
Minnis says SMILES we must move AFTER VAT beyond colour MEETING By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said it appears the Progressive Liberal Party is playing the race card when it comes to Sir Roland Symonette’s posthumous award of National Hero but implored Bahamians to move beyond skin colour when discussions focus on the contributions made toward nation building. The Bahamas’ first National Honours recipients were announced on Independence Day.
Sir Roland received the top honour with former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield. Sir Roland’s honour has been met with controversy, including allegations from the PLP that the former premier led a “racist regime” and opposed the fight for independence. “I don’t go down that road. We must move beyond colours. So, I don’t see people like that,” Dr Minnis said when asked about the controversy. SEE PAGE THREE
...WHILE HE HAS SET SIGHTS ON 2022 ELECTION VICTORY By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis intends to run as leader of the Free National Movement in the 2022 general election and he’s confident Bahamians will elect him again to lead the country. Dr Minnis said this much in an interview with reporters at the Department of Housing’s launch of the first service lots for sale at the Sunset Close
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extension yesterday. During the event, as he remarked about the government’s plan to develop one housing subdivision each year for the next ten years, Dr Minnis quipped: “They got the message. They hear me say the ten-year plan so they can interpret that. That mean you got nine more years of me.” Following these remarks, the prime minister was asked about his plans to introduce term limits for SEE PAGE THREE
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest and Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander pictured last night after a meeting with the council to discuss VAT. Bishop Fernander had called for the country to be led by “progressive innovation” as opposed to regressive policies such as tax increases, a call that Mr Turnquest had called “premature” coming as it did ahead of last night’s meeting. The meeting discussed VAT and other matters. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
SHANTY TOWN TEAM IDENTIFIES 200 RENTAL UNITS FOR HOUSING By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
MORE than 200 rental units have been identified and logged as alternative housing for evicted shanty town residents, according to an official with the government’s Shanty Town Action Task Force. This was disclosed yesterday by Colin Wright, chairman of the Alternative
Housing Committee, a subcommittee within the task force, during a status briefing at the National Training Agency on Munnings Drive. Mr Wright said his unit has identified and documented just over 200 vacancies around New Providence that range between $400 and $800 per month in rent. He said the committee has started the process to
pair residents with suitable alternative housing. “Our job was to find as many vacancies as possible in the area of New Providence, mark the land owner, the location and what they charge,” he told reporters. “And so far, the average price is between $400 and $800 per month same thing they are paying in the shanty towns.” SEE PAGE FIVE
UNION CALLS FOR WSC CHIEFS TO GO ANY LARGE SPECIALTY PIZZA
INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS.
By FARRAH JOHNSON THE union representing employees of the Water and Sewerage Corporation is calling for the removal of the organisation’s executive chairman and general manager after the termination of three employees among other issues. The union wants the
three workers reinstated and is threatening to “withdraw enthusiasm” if the situation is not amicably resolved. During a press conference in the front of WSC’s main office, Dwayne Woods, Bahamas Utilities Services & Allied Workers Union president, said the group was “disappointed” in and disapproved of the
dismissal of three WSC workers. Earlier this year, the men were formally charged in the case of the alleged theft of a fire hydrant from WSC. However, the case was discontinued and the men, who denied the theft charge, were never convicted.
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FOUR MONTHS TO ANSWER MARIJUANA QUESTIONS
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net CABINET will discuss the committee to be given responsibility for holding town hall meetings on the possible legalisation of medical marijuana in the country when it meets on Monday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday. This committee, Dr Minnis said, will be given three to four months to carry out its work and create a report. He also said the group will have to be provided with the necessary funding for national travel to conduct the meetings. The Killarney MP first announced the planned creation of a marijuana committee over the weekend on his return from a CARICOM Heads of SEE PAGE SIX
PAGE 2, Friday, July 13, 2018
A NEW DAWN FOR CADET CORPS
THE TRIBUNE
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames, Acting Permanent Secretary Eugene Poitier and Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson joined Royal Bahamas Police Force facilitators, participants, parents, members of the clergy and stakeholders, on July 4, for the Induction Ceremony for the relaunch of the Police Cadet Corps programme at the Police College. Thirty young people made up the first group of participants. Photos: Eric Rose/BIS
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 13, 2018, PAGE 3
PM: PLP playing the race card from page one
Asked if he believed the PLP was playing the race card, the prime minister said: “It would appear that way but that’s a word I take out of my dictionary. I don’t go down that road.” This came after Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer defended the awarding of the honour to the country’s first premier. Mr Culmer said on Wednesday Sir Roland singlehandedly “did more for black people” than some people of colour. Mr Culmer said no man is without sin as he defended the former premier’s legacy. Regarding the decision, Mr Culmer said: “My question to anyone: did Sir Roland contribute to development and also to the country? The answer would be ‘yes’. “I had no issues with him receiving national honours. I have no issue with any Bahamian receiving national honours who contributed to the growth and development of our country.” When asked about the backlash, Mr Culmer said: “I saw the comments, but the thing is we can say the same thing about the former prime minister from the PLP. He did a lot to black folks as well. Should he not be recognised? My thing is, yes, he should be recognised.” Mr Culmer clarified that he was referring to Sir Lynden, while also defending Sir Roland’s legacy. “So, my thing is, there’s no man without sin. And during that era, I didn’t hear nothing about Sir Roland being prejudiced,” Mr Culmer said. “I heard and read where he (Sir Roland) did a lot for black people. He was the one that gave a lot of loans
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis alongside Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling at the state reception at Government House as part of the 45th anniversary of Bahamas Independence celebrations. He is pictured alongside his wife, Patricia, and Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and his wife, Anne Marie. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Bahamians, Mr Culmer that Sir Roland did not fit question” fit the definition – Sir Roland Symonette to black people, giving to political the legal definition in the in the law was Sir Lynden. – whose deliberate polithem opportunities that pointed (law) for a national hero,” “That is without question, cies obstructed the natural they didn’t have normally. If victimisation. PLP Chairman Fred Mr Mitchell said. “We there can be no argument human development and the records are correct, he progress of the masses of did more for black people Mitchell told reporters on made that point clear in all about it.” In a post to Facebook, Bahamian people can ever — I’m talking singlehand- Wednesday that it is the of the correspondence… edly — than many black PLP’s view that Sir Roland with the government on this Englerston MP Glenys be deemed a ‘national was not a “fitting, proper matter.” Hanna Martin decried Sir hero.’ This decision is perpeople did for black folks.” Mr Mitchell added that it Roland’s award. verse and highly offensive. When asked to elabo- person” to qualify for that is the party’s view that the “I do not accept that a It is grotesque revisionism,” rate on the ways Sir award. “It is the (PLP’s) view one person who “without man who led a racist regime she wrote. Lynden oppressed black
...WHILE HE HAS SET SIGHTS ON 2022 ELECTION VICTORY from page one
prime ministers, however Dr Minnis did not provide many details. However, he insisted it would come during his term in office. “It would come in under
my term, believe me because I certainly do not want to go more than two (terms), that’s my max,” he said. “All I can say is it will come, it will come. Let’s put it like that because that’s a referendum, so it will
come.” While in opposition, the Free National Movement promised to establish term limits for the prime minister. This pledge was also outlined in the Speech from the Throne read by Governor General
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER ROSE ISLAND STABBING A MAN is in hospital after he was stabbed by a group of men during an argument on a boat in waters off Rose Island that was caught on cell phone video. According to police, shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, a man was on Rose Island when he got into a fight with several men who stabbed him before leaving the island on stand-up personal watercraft. At last report, the man was listed in stable condition. A video of the incident, taken by someone on another boat, showed how the fight escalated off the crowded beach.
At one point, a man was hit with what appeared to be a beer bottle while on board a boat filled with other people. The altercation moved to another part of the boat with the video showing a group of men attacking the victim as other people jumped overboard to escape the fight. At least one person was seen being thrown overboard during the argument. Several boats filled with young people were involved with some shouting that someone was overboard. Another shouted that someone was dead. Foul language filled the air. “That one overboard, that one dead!” someone
shouted from the boat. “Bey, he out for the count, hospital too far for this sh---. I glad I on the boat!” Meanwhile in the background on the beach another fight seemed to be taking place with stabbing motions and the victim collapsing on the beach. However, the police have confirmed that to their knowledge there was only one stabbing. The incident occurred as many people were on the island enjoying the Independence Day holiday. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call police at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
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Dame Marguerite Pindling, which marked the opening of Parliament following the 2017 general election. However, term limits cannot be instituted without first taking the issue to the public through a
referendum. In the past referenda have been an expensive undertaking. The Christie administration spent $1.2m on the 2013 gaming referendum. It was also estimated that the 2016 constitutional referendum cost the public purse
around $1.57m. The Minnis administration has also pledged to institute a recall system for non-performing members of Parliament and an independent Constituencies Commission and Electoral Commission.
PAGE 4, Friday, July 13, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Beyond the row, something to strive for IT was probably inevitable that the announcement of the country’s first National Honours would be met with a divided response. An outcry, largely led by members of the PLP, about the inclusion of former United Bahamian Party leader Sir Roland Symonette was met with sniping from FNM chairman Carl Culmer about the worthiness of former PLP leader and first prime minister of the independent Bahamas Sir Lynden Pindling. The PLP cry went up that Symonette had been the leader of a “racist regime”, with Fred Mitchell saying he was not a “fitting, proper person” for the award and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin going further to say the decision was “perverse and highly offensive”. Mr Culmer responded by saying that Pindling “did a lot to black folks as well”, such as victimisation, though stopping short of saying Pindling was unworthy of the award his FNM colleagues in government had just bestowed. Perhaps it is something in the title granted to each of these individuals, each being given the Order of National Hero. A hero is an aspirational title, someone being held up to others as an example to follow. Without doubt, each of these individuals has had a major impact on life in The Bahamas – but while each may be a hero to some, there will be others who see a different side of that person. We have recounted many times in this column the challenges faced by The Tribune in the face of victimisation, even to the extent of denying the immigration permit for the teacher of the journalism school founded to train Bahamians, leaving the school having to close and starving the students of a path into a career in journalism. Much too has been written about the drug years
under Sir Lynden, whose consequences resonate through to the crime levels we still face today. So where does that leave the protests of today at the honours being laid at the feet of those who might be found objectionable? Can someone be lauded as a hero, when to others that person remains a villain? And is some of this outrage part of the PLP playing the race card, as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis intimated yesterday? The answer to those questions is not easy – but part of it comes from understanding our history and understanding the effects of that history on us today. Here is what is encouraging, however – as much as the debate going on over the deservedness of these awards might be partisan, with each side complaining loudest about the figure from the opposing side they object to most, the process itself has delivered honours for people from across the political spectrum. In years gone by, we might have expected to see a list of honours overly stacked in favour of the governing party’s side of the equation, but these honours – the first of many – cross that divide. Sir Lynden Pindling might be the antithesis of the leadership in the governing party, but there he is, his name recorded among the first to bear the title of National Hero. It would be most encouraging indeed if that non-partisan approach might be the beginning of a wider approach, that sees matters conducted in both the civil service and the public realm that seeks to resolve matters without the need for choosing political sides, but simply to deliver the best for Bahamians. Now that, that would indeed be a heroic ideal to which to aspire.
Memories of hate attack EDITOR, The Tribune.
WITH absolutely chilling effect, I read Diane Phillips’ column in today’s Tribune (July 12). She brought back in memory the potentially deadly consequence, perpetrated by individuals, bought and paid, to harm persons whose only aim was to do good for our country. The permitted gathering on Charlotte Street was to map the way forward and continue the momentum urging the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. The mercenaries who confronted us did not even know who Fred Smith, Diane Phillips or Joseph Darville were; but they bore the images of us on placards with derogatory epithets. Half-stoned, drunken, loud and boisterous young and older men, with cacophonous music blasting from a flat bed truck, approached
us. Immediately aware that this was a well-organised set-up for hateful attacks against a number of us and the disruption of our peaceful gathering, I literally flew into the oncoming crowd, followed by my colleagues, including Diane, who feared for my safety. I took hold of one of the placards bearing my image, and asked the young man carrying it, if he knew whose image was on his placard, he said no and then looked at me closer and exclaimed “Oh, it’s you.” They knew not either who the lady Diane was. Yet they carried her image with degrading remarks. The article by Diane gives further details as to the remarks made by the paid disrupters; I approached one very intelligent gentleman among them, who seemed to be the leader, and queried as to why they were there with hostile intents; he revealed
all the information, including on whose behalf they were there and who paid them. That incident and four other similar matters were meticulously documented and hand-delivered to the Commissioner of Police’s Assistant. Nothing ever became of it until we ourselves took the matter to the Supreme Court. Fortunately, on that evening, out of nowhere, a number of senior police officers appeared and with threats of arrest routed the crowd of mercenaries from our midst. I could only conclude that Divine Providence was working overtime on that evening to make sure no harm came to us as we dedicated ourselves to do the work of our beloved nation and people. JOSEPH DARVILLE, Chairman, Save The Bays Nassau, July 12, 2018.
Title conundrum EDITOR, The Tribune. OBSERVING the 45th Ecumenical Service this evening at Clifford Park. I need some clarification on the good Bishop/Apostle Delton Fernander’s religious titles, who is presently serving as the President of The Bahamas Christian Council? Is he a Bishop? And how many
Churches does he presides over? Or an Apostle who was left behind from the Apostolic days? Please, can someone clear up this conundrum for me? I am an Anglican, and will never forget a sermon on charlatans from the late Dean Foster Pestaina over 25 years ago, “How
the false prophets are confusing the sinners,” stands through today. Do you need these titles for validation? “Then there was the Hat Man to a reverent service with his trademark Hat On”. KELLY D BURROWS Freeport, Grand Bahama. July 9, 2018.
Put love ahead of division EDITOR, The Tribune. IT is so sad that instead of respecting the nation’s mantra to move forward together, a few self-serving politicians used the Independence celebrations as a platform to promote racial hatred over unity. Never mind their party leader, the late Lynden Pindling, victimised black and white Bahamians. I wonder how many people remember Sir Lynden’s “Register of PLP Job Skills” for Cable Beach Hotel jobs. The hotel was funded by ALL Bahamian taxpayers (at a colossal loss), but jobs were reserved for PLPs only. Judy Mae Lewis, a black lady, was hired and fired the next day when it was discovered her brother was associated with the FNM in Andros. What about all the white Bahamians who were fired from the thriving Hatchet Bay Farm in Eleuthera under Sir Lynden because of the complexion of their skin?
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Their jobs were given to people who knew nothing about chickens, milk and eggs, let alone running a farm. Sir Lynden’s “greatest success story in the history of Bahamian agricultural history” collapsed, leaving many Bahamians out of work. How many people remember the Inagua women whose Turks Island husbands were forced to return to their homeland because their wives wouldn’t support the PLP, tearing their families apart. Talk to Catherine Ramsingh Pierre, whose parents, two highly respected doctors, had to endure a 12-year separation because the Pindling government wouldn’t give her father a work permit. Why? Because his wife was a strong opposition supporter. Discrimination in any form is horrible, no matter
how you cut it. What makes it even more ridiculous is the large number of Bahamians who have both African and Anglo blood flowing through their veins. Is one part welcome and the other part despised? We are all in this together, mixed up like conch salad. “No-one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite,” Nelson Mandela said. So, let’s hear it for Love. It’s time for these small minded public figures to stop promoting discord and to share the vision of greats like Martin Luther King and Mandela so we can build this country together in the spirit of love and harmony. ATHENA DAMIANOS Nassau, July 12 2018
Speaker is over-reacting EDITOR, The Tribune. SINCE the 2017 election, the more I watch the airing of the sessions of The House of Assembly I get more and more disturbed that the Hon Speaker is over-reacting - over-enforcing what might be the Rules of The House to the serious detrimental damage of the process of our democracy. If you watched The Commons, the Mother parliament and contrast with ours if our Speaker was in charge in London 90
percent of the goings on the MPs would be kicked out. Why is there only one day a month for Prime Minister Question Time? Surely the process should require the Prime Minister to be willing and he should wish to, answer questions from his backbench and the Opposition at least once a week. If he doesn’t then there has to be something very wrong as this will not be The People’s Parliament but the controlled parliament of the Prime Minister.
Months go past and questions are not replied to. This trend started recently where the public as in church and civil groups are using the House for PR and then the Speaker allows the rep from whose Constituency that group comes from to speak…now that is certainly out of order! Hon Mr Speaker…rule, yes, but let democracy be heard. MARCUS SMITH Nassau, July 12, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 13, 2018, PAGE 5
Shanty town team identifies 200 rental units for housing from page one According to a report submitted to the task force by Mr Wright’s committee, to date, only ten residents have made inquiries about alternative housing. “(Their) leaders have been contacting the unit in the last couple of days,” he said in response to questions raised by reporters. “(Their leaders) have been assisting them with finding alternative housing. “So far, approximately 10 persons right now. They are led by their (various community leaders). (The) leaders are taking the lead. They are assisting them,” Mr Wright added. When asked his view on why so few residents have attempted to contact the unit, Mr Wright said he believed many of them are taking a wait and see approach with the government’s deadline for evictions in New Providence. He said: “Based on my survey of it, they still don’t believe that this is going to happen. “That’s being straight up. I don’t think reality has set in yet, with them. I got a call this morning from some persons seeking housing, they say keep something for them, but they waiting to see the tractor first. “That is the kind of attitudes they have.” However, Mr Wright said
despite the current circumstances, he believes as the deadline creeps closer, more residents will reach out. “I have a meeting as late as this afternoon with one of the presidents of the Haitian community and they want to see what I get and see how much they can assist with it,” he added. Some shanty town residents have been adamant about their inability to afford alternative housing if the government moves forward with its eviction and demolition plans. Some residents have raised issue with the cost of alternative units and have insisted that one of the leading reasons they stay in the shanty town communities is due to the high cost of alternative housing. On Monday, the government pushed its July 31 deadline for New Providence shanty town evictions to August 10. The task force, through its survey process in New Providence, assessed 1,410 residents from the 428 households, and revealed most are long-term residents aged 40 or older with an average of three persons per household and total weekly incomes of less than $400. The largest number of households, 44 percent, was located in the Carmichael constituency - a figure the report noted was consisted with the 2013 report from the Department of Environmental Health Services.
HEADS of the Shanty Town Action Task Force led by Senator Dion Foulkes held a press conference yesterday. Photo: Derek Smith/BIS Yesterday’s status briefing also revealed that, of the 14 properties which provided legitimate construction permits to authorities in recent weeks, none was ever granted an occupancy certificate. As a result, task force officials yesterday said that no home identified in any of the communities meets the criteria to remain. Additionally, task force officials disclosed that 282 derelict vehicles have been
tagged for removal. Owners were given a 14-day period to remove the vehicles or face losing them. Officials yesterday also revealed that procedures have been drafted for the handling of all wildlife identified in the various shanty town communities. Moreover, despite the existence of several dozen water sources, only one source throughout the 11 shanty town communities in
New Providence was sanctioned by the Water and Sewerage Corporation. With respect to electrical sources, officials from Bahamas Power & Light, attached to the task force, reported that all sources were reviewed and documented. For his part in yesterday’s status briefing, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes, chairman of the Shanty Town Action Task Force, said all efforts
PALACIOUS: MAKE MARIJUANA POSSESSION A MISDEMEANOUR By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ANGLICAN Archdeacon James Palacious wants marijuana possession reduced to a misdemeanour so it would not show up on a person’s police record, but he opposes the complete decriminalisation of the plant, saying Bahamians have more than enough vices already. However, he supports the use of medical marijuana. “I wouldn’t like to see it approved for recreational use,” he told the press yesterday. “I think our people have enough issues as it is right now and as much as possible we should stay away from another drug
being so readily available. As far as use of marijuana for medical purposes, I’m fully in agreement with that. The jury is in on it. The results are very obvious. It has helped millions of people throughout the world.” The national debate about marijuana was reignited following disclosure of a CARICOM report recommending marijuana’s declassification as a dangerous drug and the reclassification of it as a controlled substance. “The commission believes that the end goal for CARICOM should be dismantling of prohibition in its totality, to be replaced by a strictly regulated
framework akin to that for alcohol and tobacco, which are harmful substances that are not criminalised,” the report said. Archdeacon Palacious, nonetheless, said people must face “consequences for their actions.” “I support the decriminalisation of marijuana if that means small quantities of it becomes a misdemeanour rather than something that goes permanently on somebody’s record that prevents them from getting a good job, from travelling. Of course people must learn to take consequences of their actions. They must know that certain things are illegal and they should quite naturally comply with the laws of
the country. That said, too many youngsters have their careers ruined because of their own actions. We must not let them get off as far as that is concerned. But society must also realise that the experimentation with drugs, illicit drugs, is not very different from the experimentation with legitimate drugs like alcohols, not to mention some of the terrible stuff we permit the pharmaceutical companies to inject through our bodies through the doctors, but that’s my position.” The Minnis administration says it will establish a committee that will host town meetings and focus groups on marijuana. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said once the public’s
stance is determined, the matter will be brought to Parliament for a debate and “the people” will determine the way forward. It’s not clear by what mechanism a parliamentary debate would proceed, whether after a bill is introduced or not. Archdeacon Palacious supports taking the public’s temperature on the matter before proceeding with any action. “Talk to the people, have town meetings, educate the people, have as wide a discourse as possible, bearing in mind you never get unanimity on these things,” he said. “In the final analysis we must do what we believe is in the best interest of our people.”
US GROUP DONATES FUNDS TO HELP GRAND BAHAMA By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunmedia.net REACH Out Youth Organisation (ROYO) received a muchneeded donation on Wednesday from a US church group that is visiting Grand Bahama this week. Jeff Shipley, senior pastor of Whitten Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and several members of his congregation brought over a 20-ft trailer full of supplies to Reach Out Community Centre at Banyon Lane. The group donated about $16,000 worth of supplies to ROYO which comes just in time as the organisation prepares to launch its annual summer camp on Monday. Pastor Shipley said that they were very impressed with the work that ROYO is doing in Grand Bahama and wanted to assist Dudley Seide and his wife, Katie,
the founders of ROYO. “We go all over the world and teach pastors, and one of the main things we do is try to find ministries that are working, and actually doing something (in the community), and help them,” he said. “Our church works all year, and my congregation sometimes takes a second job, and we raise money, and then we find ministries which are worthy and ask them what they need, and we get it in the States and get it to them here.” The Whitten Baptist Church group has been coming to Grand Bahama for the past six years. They have worked with the Solid Rock of the Nazarene Church in Freeport and met Mr Seide last year. Pastor Shipley said: “We were really impressed with Dudley and Katie and the ministry they have; any ministry that gets up at 5am and cooks breakfast for
PASTOR JEFF SHIPLEY, of Whitten Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee (second from right), with Dudley Seide, of Reach Out Youth Organisation (second from left). kids, I am a sole believer.” The group has also assisted persons here in Grand Bahama after the most recent hurricane and was amazed at the mindset of Bahamians. “Instead of asking for money all they asked for were tools, meaning we can do the work, we just need some help, and that kind of mentality is really important to us,” Pastor Shipley said. Pastor Shipley and his members hosted a pastor’s conference yesterday for some 30 local pastors. “We are going to minister to them and teach them, and we are really excited
about that,” he said on Wednesday. Mr Seide was grateful to Whitten Baptist Church for the donation and said the supplies would be used for their upcoming summer camp that caters to some 200-300 children. “It is a heaven sent,” he said of the donation. “I met them last year, and they promised to come back and assist our organisation, and they came today and made a donation of over $16,000 worth of items. “I am very happy they came all the way from Tennesse to bless us. I am overwhelmed because
when we first started, our vision was to always get help from abroad, and today is a dream come true that we finally have folks from another country hearing about what we do, and came here to bless us,” Seide said. He noted that ROYO is also pleased with the support and donations they receive from local groups and businesses. “We do stuff all year, and so it is hard on local supporters to give all year round, so it is good to have people from other parts of the world come and make donations to our kids here,” Mr Seide said.
being carried out on the ground in New Providence will, at some point, be duplicated throughout the various Family Island communities. Mr Foulkes yesterday reiterated the Minnis administration’s intention to see its effort to eradicate shanty towns through. He also maintained that the government does not intend to financially support the overall process of relocating residents.
EXTRA 10 LOTS FOR HOUSING SCHEME ADDED By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Housing launched its service lot initiative at Sunset Close off Carmichael Road yesterday. Called the Sunset Close Subdivision Extension, Housing and Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira said it adds an additional ten service lots to the ministry’s affordable housing initiative and will serve as a pilot programme for renewable energy residential requirements. Purchasers will have two years to complete homes; each house will be required to have either a solar powered water heater or at minimum a 2kw renewable energy system that will be tied into the grid at no expense to new homeowners. After this, Lionel Davis Estates in Romer Street, Fox Hill will provide an additional 10 service lots and the Carmichael Village project is to follow where phase one will contain 150 service lots. There will also be lots made available in Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma and San Salvador. Bringing remarks during the event, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said this made it easy for young Bahamians to own homes by offering ownership equity choice and flexibility. He said this all will be aided by duty-free concessions He said in some cases the lots will be sold for 70 percent less than market value. The average price for the lots are on average $15,000 to $30,000. He further told those gathered that the government plans to create one housing subdivision every year for the next 10 years. Dr Minnis said his administration planned to use land where shanty towns – which the government plans to demolish – were once located.
PAGE 6, Friday, July 13, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Union calls for WSC chiefs to go from page one Mr Woods said according to the union’s industrial agreement, the men should be allowed to return to work. He said the men were reinstated on July 9 with no loss of benefits in accordance with the industrial agreement and the Industrial Relations Act, they were notified of the termination of their services just two days later. “In other words, the Water & Sewerage Corporation has used the Industrial Relations Act to terminate with notice, without regard to the existing industrial agreement,” he said. “The union would like for the stakeholders to resolve this matter amicably by reinstating the three employees as soon as possible before it results in the withdrawal of our enthusiasm,” he said. “We would like to also take this opportunity, to apologise to the general public for any inconvenience that may be caused while we seek to have this matter resolved,” he added. Mr Woods also clarified that the press conference was not an attempt to suggest a sickout, but it was a “demonstration to express the union’s disapproval on the matter.” When contacted for a response, Adrian Gibson, WSC chairman and Long Island MP, told The Tribune the union president’s comments were “misleading to be quite frank.” “This is very simple,” Mr Gibson said. “The Water & Sewerage Corporation reviewed the employment of those three men who were recently charged. They were not acquitted…
ADRIAN GIBSON, MP for Long Island and chairman of the Waters and Sewerage Corporation. what happened is a prosecutor asked that the matter be stood down.” He explained that the court allowed the case to be “essentially set aside,” but said the three employees were “informed” by the magistrate that the case “was not an acquittal,” and therefore charges “could be brought back at any time.” He added: “The reality is the organisation reviewed
the employment… and concluded that it would be in the best interest of the corporation to terminate their employment with us with immediate effect.” Mr Gibson said the termination of the three employees came with notice, and confirmed that all of the individuals involved “received a full and comprehensive severance package.” “They received their final
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
salary, pension, any monies towards the contributory pension ... and a full separation package. That’s notice pay, severance pay, monies injected into the contributory pension, vacation leave accrued, and salary up to the date of termination less NIB, less union dues,” he said. Meanwhile, Mr Woods said there are other unresolved matters that have raised concerns for his union.
“We just had a promotion list that was done consisting of more than 31 persons that was done unorthodox to the agreement and we’re asking the corporation and the board to level the playing field in that regard.” He also alleged that WSC’s president and vicepresident were “promoted without consultation.” Bernard Evans, the Bahamas Communications
and Public Officers Union’s (BCPOU) president, said the umbrella union is appealing to the prime minister or the minister of works to intervene and resolve the matter. “We can’t allow this to continue because if it happens here at Water & Sewerage then it is going to be a domino effect for all the other affiliates within the Congress,” he said.
FOUR MONTHS TO ANSWER MARIJUANA QUESTIONS from page one Government meeting, where a regional report calling for the end of prohibition of the plant was discussed. “I have Cabinet meeting on Monday and I would put it forward to my Cabinet colleagues (to) seek suggestions in terms of names,” Dr Minnis said yesterday. “We would want to put that together as soon as possible.
“The Christian Council, NGOs, University of the Bahamas, to get a broadspectrum involvement and give them about three to four months to report and provide the necessary funds so that they can travel to the Family Islands and do a national overview. After the report is completed that will be tabled in Parliament, a copy given to the press and debated and discussed and after which we would then go from there.
“But I think the entire nation needs to be involved because we are talking about the future, a change so the nation must be involved.” Asked if he was encouraged by the revenue projections that have come about during public discourse, Dr Minnis said: “I’m not looking at money. I’m looking at what would be the outcome of the report and make determinations from them.
Funeral Service For
Minister Grenelda Elizabeth Bodie, 78
“You do not want to bias the report or individuals’ questions or view based on money (or) all sorts of innuendos, no. “You want to be based strictly on facts. I’m first and foremost a scientist, man. We analyse, assess and determine based on facts, not fiction.” The country stands to reap the greatest benefit from the full legalisation of marijuana production, sale and use with state control, according to CARICOM’s regional report, which estimated net benefits for the Bahamas was about $5.5m. According to the Regional Marijuana Commission (RMC) report released earlier this week, “like Grenada and Guyana, the Bahamas analyses were
heavily influenced by data availability. Estimates of benefits were limited to four areas; excise revenues from marijuana sales, estimates of revenues from marijuana licences fees, fees collected from marijuana possession and costs averted from marijuana possession arrests. “Estimates of excise revenues from marijuana sales were between BSD $180,930 for model three, year one and BSD $207,240 for model two year two. By far, the largest benefit was costs averted from marijuana-related possession arrests, these ranged between BSD $455,080 for model three year two and BSD $3,416,060 for model two year one.” It continued: “Moreover, much like the other
countries, marijuanarelated vehicular accidents costs were more severe than marijuana-related health costs, ranging between BSD $5,498 for model one year two and BDS $248,475 for model three year two. By way of comparison, marijuana-related health costs ranged between BSD $2,239 in model one, year two and BSD $888,459 for model three year one. “In terms of total costs and benefits, model three yielded the lowest benefit (BSD $4.76 million),” the report read, “followed by model one (BSD $5.34 million). The highest costs were estimated to occur under model 3 (BSD $1.14 million). Still, in all instance estimated benefits substantially outweighed estimated costs.”
a resident of First Holiness Way, Bamboo Town, will be held on Saturday, July 14th, 2018 at 10:00am at Church of God of Prophecy, Englerston. Officiating will be Bishop Kendal Simmons, assisted by Pastor Julian Johnson and internment will follow in the Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive. Cherished memories will always live on in the hearts of her husband: Harold Livingstone Bodie. (2) sons: Arlington and Dexter Bodie. (3) daughters: Janice Hoyte, Titania Bodie, and Min. Sabrina Rolle. (3) sons-in-law: Edward Missick, Yule Hoyte and Min. Clifton Rolle. (11) grandchildren: Min. Tavaree (Dr. Shantell), Edvania and Abiah Missick, Jamal and Antwan Hoyte, Tania Wilkinson, Stephen and Stephanie Major, Nathaniel (LaTaja), Clivano and Andre Rolle, Wendy Higgs. (1) great grand: Honesty Rolle; (4) sisters: Sandra Johnson, Brenda Taylor, Rev. Janet King, Margaret Jones; (1) brother: Jeffery King; (3) sisters-in-law: Dorothy King, Dotlyn Bodie and Anita Bodie; (2) adopted daughters: Sharlotte Johnson and Alsia Saunders; Numerous nieces & nephews: Charlene Stuart, Clayton, Dwight and Orson King, Vaneria Green, Kelsey Johnson, Freddy Sawyer, Leothia Sands, Robert, Kendrick, Douglas and Hilton Taylor, Keisha, Ernestine and Cornell Rahming, Kevin, Evadney and Melinda Jones and Lebronia Demeritte, Zammie, Michelle, Antonette and Krishtasha Williams, Esther Barry, Petra Clarke, Antonio, Dr. Charmaine, Valdez, McCain, Dr. Shamanique and Esq. Sharana Bodie, Maria Farquharson, Gregory, Sheral, Eric, and Glenroy Bodie, Shannon, Pearline, Prenell Vandyke, Lisa Dominique, Sheldon, Donshurla and Ian Bodie, Ruth, Patrick and Livingston Bodie, Vernon, Terrance, Ellis, Alfred, Annamae, Esthermae, and Sandra Bodie. Other relatives and friends including: Pastor Kendal Simmons & The Church of God of Prophecy Seven Hills Family, Pastor Diana Francis & The First Baptist Church Family, Apostle Rodney Roberts and The Five Porches of Deliverance Centre Family, The Roadrunners Track & Field Club Family, The Residence of Bamboo Town, The Doctors & Nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital. Friends my pay their last respects at Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mount Royal Avenue and Talbot Street on Friday from 12:00noon to 5:00pm and at the church from 9:00am on Saturday until service time.
YOUR
CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 13, 2018, PAGE 7
Three men charged over murder in Culmersville
SHAQUILLE ROLLE from page one before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on a murder charge stemming from the June 23 incident. It is alleged that on that date, the three murdered Kendrick Clarke. According to initial reports, shortly after 2am
on June 23, a group of males were in the area of Royal Palm Street, Culmersville, when one of them got into an argument with another man. That man left the area and returned a short time later, armed with a handgun, with which he shot the man with whom he had argued earlier. EMS were called to
ANDROS ‘CAN BE BREADBASKET OF THE REGION’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard believes that Andros has the potential to be “the breadbasket not only of The Bahamas but the Caribbean and North America”. “Keep the faith, Andros can be transformed,” the minister told Androsians at the All Andros and Berry Island Regatta last week. Mr Pintard, who officially opened the regatta, said the island, which is known for its jams and jellies and all the other things that are locally produced, could be exported throughout The Bahamas and abroad. “We can grow plants the way we used to in the sixties and seventies, and export them to Florida and beyond,” he said. “Andros should be the breadbasket not of The Bahamas, but the Caribbean and North America - you have the ability to do it.” Mr Pintard stated that Andros had suffered the devastation of hurricanes which not only damaged many homes and displaced persons but also affected job opportunities. He noted that many Androsians have remained in Andros, despite the difficulties they face as a community. “You demonstrated tremendous resilience as this island continues to bounce back, and it will get better,” the minister said. “You had many tragedies in North Andros. I came here recently to join my good friend Benson Smith and his brothers and the
rest of the family in burying an incredible matriarch. One week later, another funeral was held; tragedy has hit in the aviation sector and some of you tonight have lost relatives just recently. “You have suffered much in Andros, but yet you have found time to build this island to soothed wounds that have been deep for so long. You could have only done it by relying on the arms of God, “ Mr Pintard said. “The sorrow you have felt back then you did not believe tonight while you would miss your relatives and loved ones, you would be in a place where you are experiencing healing that is an act of grace from God.” Mr Pintard commended the organisers of the regatta for putting together a wellorganised event that has spanned more than two decades. “Thank for the incredible contribution you had been making. As we come here, we stand on your shoulders in much the same way I stand on the shoulder of a young man from Driggs Hill, right here in Andros; I stand on the shoulder of Renward Wells who did an incredible job as minister of agriculture and marine resources. He is a passionate Bahamian, a nationalistic Bahamian – someone who loves regatta and committed to nation building and love Andros,” he said. Mr Pintard also paid tribute to deceased Olympian Sir Durward Knowles, who he described as “a man committed to one Bahamas”.
THEO WILLIAMS the scene, where they pronounced the victim dead. None of the three men was required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to September 27 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. The three men were also charged with being in possession of an illegal firearm, and a silver coloured
revolver, on July 8. They all pleaded not guilty to the charge. Rolle was further charged with being found in possession of two live rounds of ammunition on the same date. He too pleaded not guilty to the charge. Before the arraignment ended, Williams’ attorney Glendon Rolle informed
TILLE BROWN the court of his client’s claims of being beaten while in custody at the Central Detective Unit. Mr Rolle also told the magistrate that his client, who has had head surgery, suffers from severe seizures. Magistrate TurnquestDeveaux took Mr Rolle’s submissions into account and informed him that the
necessary preparations would be made for Williams to be given medical attention. The three men were then remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until they are required to return to court. Each has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail before that time.
PAGE 8, Friday, July 13, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
WEEDING OUT THE EXCUSES ON MARIJUANA THIS week talks of the legalisation of marijuana wafted in the air. And while most Bahamians had an opinion on the controversial topic, our PM seemed to be doing his best “Apollo Ono” impersonation, skating around the subject.
WHAT’S UP, DOC?
Upon returning from CARICOM in Jamaica, Dr Minnis offered these remarks in regards to the legalisation of marijuana: “I am first and foremost a scientist, first and foremost a physician. We analyse things and there (is) information coming out that would suggest there are some scientific benefit.” (Thank you for establishing your status as a physician and scientist for us, Doc. Because in all honesty, the jury is still out in relation to you being a politician and all.) Minnis further added: “I believe in research and if research shows that there are medical benefits, my job as a doctor is to try and improve and save lives. “I am first and foremost a doctor, so my views are more medicinal, my views are more research, but the matter has to be discussed. “So I’m not going to throw my views down anybody’s throat. “I’m going to give them the facts, my colleagues will give them the facts, they will read the facts and they will make up their own mind. But I will not force my views on anybody.” (The same way you didn’t throw your views down our collective throats with Oban, the Spy Bill and VAT?) Dr Minnis also said there would be no public opinion poll on the matter. No duh! Thank you “Captain
Obvious”, there’s no need a response on the matter for one, considering the Doc? results of a recent opinion Christie had this to poll conducted by Public say: “Clearly if in fact the Domain. research shows that it works 71 percent of 998 persons for any kind of illness then surveyed believed mari- there is absolutely no doubt juana should be legalised that the people who are sick for medicinal purposes. and who could be assisted Another interesting sta- by it deserve that kind of tistic from the treatment. poll, 100 per- Another bit of But without cent or all of irony, which doubt I think the respondeverything ents ranked continues to make we do has to me howl, is how marijuana be based (on as the least could you let the research). harmful sub“It’s somestance when former PM Perry thing the compared to Christie, the region has tobacco, alco- poster child for been graphol and sugar. pling with for The irony lateness, beat you a long time to a response on associated and we are with the FNM the matter Doc? faced with and Dr Minnis situations has reached where states hilarity at this point. in America recognise the Dr Minnis brags heavily licence to grow marijuana on being a doctor and scien- so The Bahamas has to be tist first and for most. very, very wise in looking at My question is, as a phy- exactly what is taking place sician shouldn’t Doc be around the world.” painfully aware of the toll Surprisingly, a very hunger is taking on our straight to the point society, with 43,000 Baha- response by Mr Christie. mians hungry depending Meanwhile, I think we on soup kitchens for a daily have some form of support meal? on behalf of PM Minnis, And that number is sure in relation to legalisation, to rise with VAT jump- but please allow me to see ing up 12 percent. (Just an which mouth he is talking observation.) out of today, it could all change by tomorrow. How hard is it for you to say how you feel on the Another bit of irony, subject Mr Prime Minister, which continues to make and stick to it?? me howl, is how could you let the former PM Perry Christie, the poster child for lateness, beat you to We already know how
PERRY ON TIME?
YES OR N-P-O?
certain members of your cabinet feel on the legalisation of marijuana. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest told reporters: “I do not subscribe to this train of thought, The Bahamas must chart the way for itself. Whatever steps the country takes should align with its own traditions, culture and values.” (Translation: 71 percent voted yes on an opinion poll, by my math it’s part of the culture) State Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson also emphasised that to ensure the conversation about legalising or decriminalising marijuana persists, activists and agents of change must organise and prepare themselves properly and efficiently in presenting their views, inorder to make an impact on government. (Translation: We need to be on point, ’cause Fred Smith and dem activist types comin’) Minister of National Security Mr Dames said: “I have some thoughts on it but when we discuss it as a Cabinet, most certainly we’ll come back with our position. “But I said before we have to come to this point in this country where we begin to debate issues like that. “There’s no hidden agenda or no secret. This is what democracy is all about. “But at the end of the day whatever direction we go we as a government will have to ensure that we are fully prepared. “We have been monitoring what has been taking place throughout the United States and Canada.” (Translation: I watchin’ da wibe, an I ain’ sayin’ nuttin’ ’til Doc tell us how the war set.)
Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield said “No reasonable person can deny the country must examine laws that criminalise people caught with small amounts of the substance.” (Translation: All kind of people smokin’ ganja round here, we can’t backlog the system for a joint.) Still, nothing from Doc. (I know, I know...you aren’t ‘forcing’ your views.)
MIGHT I SUGGEST...
Well since you’ve got nothing Doc, allow me to suggest a few options. It’s a proven fact we are “copy cats” as a nation. So why not pull a page out of Uncle Sam’s book. (The PLP did it with their “Spy Bill” the FNM with “Fake News” so why not? ) It seems the Americans are onto something both financially and socially. Portugal and Urugay are two other models that can also be drawn upon for critical analysis, but since we like to “follow fashion” of the good ole USA, we can note there are seven states that have legalised recreational marijuana, and 27 states that have legalised marijuana for medicinal use. One of the many concerns when discussing decriminalisation, Bahamian youth no longer facing travel bans, lingering police records, unemployment etc. for being caught with minor amount of marijuana. Decriminalisation on small recreational ammounts is long overdue. The District of Columbia, (Washington DC) which decriminalised recreational marijuana, making it legal for residents to carry up to two ounces of cannabis and own six plants. However, it’s still illegal to purchase pot in the
district, or to be found in possession of amounts over the legal limits. The legalisation of recreational marijuana gives rise to a whole new economy surrounding the production of cannabis, oils, lotions, edibles and paraphernalia. (I bet Rastafarians in The Bahamas would love this... “Irie nuts...Irie erryting!”) Medicinally, marijuana is legal in more than half the states in America, and just as there is a market there, we have one here. Countless Bahamians suffer from many debilitating illnesses who may benefit immensely from medicinal marijuana. We could also use islands such as Andros to grow various Bahamian medicinal strains of marijuana, which can then be exported to licensed dispensaries in the US and Canada. We must objectively look at the pros and cons of the entire matter, the benificial effect it could have on so many levels locally, if we decriminalized or introduced medical and recreational marijuana. But once and for all we must come to a decision, either way. I have no idea which way the national conversation on cannabis is going, because there are still myriad of questions and propaganda, pro and con floating around. However I’m applaud the Minnis administration for broaching the subject, and the Bahamas as a nation, showing the maturity to even have the conversation. It might be the saving grace of this administration, believe it or not!! Until next week, be safe, I’m off to catch “Half Baked” on Netflix, which, ironically, is how the Minnis administration often brings policy initiatives to the public.
READERS RESPOND TO BISHOP’S TAXATION COMMENTS AFTER Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander’s criticism of government over the value added tax increase during the Independence Day celebration was “unfortunate” and “premature”, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com. Alex_Charles asked: “Do I go to a stone mason and ask him to fix my teeth? Do you ask your cashier at a grocery store to change the oil in your car? So why in the hell are we considering what a religious leader’s stance is on fiscal matters? Ask a flipping economist or someone that specialises in tax policy.”
But PastorTroy had this to say: “KUDOS to the Bishop, he is ABSOLUTELY right!!! This is what I expect from the church. KP seems to be immune to the struggle of the average Bahamian citizen.” Birdiestrachan said: “Turnquest spoke about VAT at a graduation. I guess it was the right time and place.“ And there was this from Jamani’: “While I do understand the sentiments
expressed by the bishop, I would have to agree with the Deputy Prime Minister. Don’t use what should be a time of celebration and joy about how far we have come as a nation to bring up political and controversial issues. The bishop was ill advised to do so. The motive must be construed as an ulterior motive, especially if he knew, and had agreed to meet with the government to gain a better understanding of how and why
the position of the government on taxation was taken.” The news that businesses behind on National Insurance Board contributions, business licence fees and real property taxes would not be granted concessions through the Over-the-Hill revitalisation programme, according to the Economic Empowerment Zones Bill, prompted this reaction from John: “When one goes into a disaster or depressed area with
attempts to recover or rebuild it, the first order of business would be to throw a lifeline and try to salvage as many businesses as possible. That is to avoid too many outsiders coming in to take advantage of the concessions, only to pack up and leave when the incentives end. So you work with the normal residents as much as possible to get them regularised and up-to-date on paying their taxes and other business fees. Of course this will not happen overnight because many of these people have been operating on a negative income for near a decade and their homestead may be in even worse condition than the business, being without
water and electricity and even a proper, hurricane safe structure. Many politicians have ducked and dodged the issue of bringing hope and relief to the inner cities because it is an intense and expensive exercise that will not yield results overnight. But many will be watching closely to monitor the progress.” In The Tribune’s latest online poll which asked readers if they thought marijuana should be legalised for medicinal purposes, 91 percent said “yes” with just 9 percent against such a move. • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, July 13, 2018, PAGE 9
Man faces $340,000 bill or risk losing shares to wife By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal has ordered a man to pay his former wife over a quarter of a million dollars within the next two months or risk the 3,000 shares he holds in his $1.1m investment company being sold at public auction to satisfy the court order. Former appellate President Dame Anita Allen, and fellow Justices Jon Isaacs and Stella CraneScott, ordered Sean Collie to pay Aneka Collie $340,000 by September 18, otherwise the 3/5th shares he holds would be auctioned off by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. To ensure that he obeys the order, the appellate judges affirmed a former chief justice’s decision that Mr Collie’s shares be held as security for the payment, and that he be prohibited from exercising his powers as a majority shareholder and director of his investment company to cause it to “sell, encumber or otherwise transfer” its assets — one of which is the matrimonial home where his former wife still resides, to any other person without prior leave of the court. In doing so, the appellate judges upheld Sir Michael Barnett’s previous ruling on the matter in which he ordered, amongst other things, that Mr Collie make a lump sum payment equivalent to half of the value of his 3/5ths shareholding in his investment company, because he found Mrs Collie “would have nothing” if she were only allowed to keep two “heavily indebted” properties in her sole name, with a net value of minus $19,000, as her share of the matrimonial assets. According to the ruling, their relationship started when Mrs Collie was about 23 years old and was employed in Mr Collie’s business. They began an intimate relationship which produced two children — a girl born in 1999 and a boy born in 2000. They married in 2002, a union that would last for the next 15 years. In March 1998, before the birth of their first child, and while they were still cohabiting, Mr Collie purchased a five-acre parcel of land in western New Providence, which was acquired in the name of a company, Westfall Company Limited. The purchase was made with Mr Collie’s money and funding from a bank which held a mortgage over the property. Westfall then began constructing an apartment complex on a portion of the five-acre property; the company ultimately constructed 16 units in total. Westfall has 5,000 shares; 3,000 are owned by Mr Collie and the remaining 2,000 are held in trust for three of his children, two of whom are from prior relationships. Subsequent to the couple’s marriage, the family moved into one of the units which served as the matrimonial home since 2002. Apart from the unit the family occupied, the other units have been sold, with some of the sales occurring during the course of the couple’s divorce proceedings. Meanwhile, during the marriage Mrs Collie acquired two properties in her sole name; a six-unit apartment building on Hamster Road, and a fourunit apartment building on Harrold Road, the latter of which houses a Spanish school — Chicos Felices — that she operates. Mrs Collie operated two businesses during the marriage that were educational in nature, according to the ruling. The Smart Start Academy closed in 2014 and at the date of the hearing, only the Spanish School was still operational. The proceedings in the
Supreme Court were initiated by Mrs Collie by way of a petition filed on August 13, 2012, seeking dissolution of the marriage. She also asked that arrangements be made for the custody and maintenance of the minor children of the marriage, property adjustment and payment by Mr Collie of such lump sum and/or periodical payments as the court deemed just, in addition to costs. On July 31, 2013, the husband filed a notice of application for ancillary relief supported by a second affidavit filed on the same date. He sought a variety of orders, including property adjustment orders relative to two properties owned by Mrs Collie; an order that he be granted possession of the former matrimonial home where Mrs Collie was still residing with the two minor children; declarations and various orders concerning two businesses operated by his ex-wife. Mr Collie also sought an order for joint custody of the children with an order that he be granted custody, care and control of the children three days a week. Meanwhile, Mrs Collie sought joint custody of the children of the marriage with care and control to her and “reasonable access” to the husband. She also sought $2,500 per month from the husband towards the maintenance of the children together with an order that he continue to pay one half of the school fees and all other related educational expenses for the children. Concerning the application for ancillary relief related to property issues between the former couple, Mrs Collie, on one hand, sought to have the unit that served as the matrimonial home transferred to her. Alternatively, she claimed a lump sum payment of an amount that would enable her to acquire a similar home for herself and the children of the marriage. Mrs Collie made no proposals and sought no orders concerning the Spanish school, or the two properties on Hamster Road and Harrold Road that she acquired in her sole name. Meanwhile, in his notice of application for ancillary relief, Mr Collie claimed a 50 percent interest as a “tenant-in-common” in the properties on Hamster and Harrold Roads, and property adjustment orders in relation to those. He also sought a discharge of a protection order that was made on June 19, 2013, in the Supreme Court, excluding him from the matrimonial home and an order granting him possession of the unit and requiring the wife to vacate the former matrimonial home within 28 days. Mr Collie also claimed a 50 percent interest in the profits generated from the Spanish school and sought either a lump sum payment representing the value of the interest, or alternatively, periodic payments representative of his 50 per cent interest. On December 10, 2014, after hearing the oral evidence and submissions from both parties, Sir Michael ordered that both individuals be granted joint custody of the children of the marriage. Sir Michael also granted care and control of the children to the wife and granted the husband liberal access, the details of which were to be worked out between the former couple. Sir Michael also ordered the husband to pay maintenance in the amount of $1,000 per month commencing on December 1, 2014. Concerning the property issues, the appellate
judges said Sir Michael “essentially acceded” to Mrs Collie’s alternative proposal and ordered the husband to make a lump sum payment to her of $340,000 on or before February 28, 2015. Failure to do so would result in his 3,000 shares in Westfall being sold at public auction to satisfy the debt. Sir Michael further ordered the shares to be held as security for the debt. Mr Collie appealed Sir Michael’s ruling, charging that in granting his ex-wife the $340,000 lump sum payment, Sir Michael wrongfully treated property owned by the company as a matrimonial asset. Mr Collie also complained that the value of his shares in Westfall should not have been included in Sir Michael’s calculation of assets available for distribution since the company was acquired prior to the marriage from a source “wholly external to the marriage”. Conversely, Mr Collie said that at the time of Sir Michael’s ruling, the evidence established that Mrs Collie’s financial needs could have been adequately met from the Hamster and Harrold Roads properties and the two schools without having to resort to his shares. However, the appellate court said in the absence of “full and frank disclosure” from Mr Collie regarding his income, property, and financial resources, Sir Michael was “completely justified” in drawing “adverse inferences” about his credibility and also in finding that he had the means by which to satisfy the orders concerning the maintenance and lump sum
payments. According to the appellate judges, a perusal of the transcripts of the proceedings in the Supreme Court showed how Mr Collie appeared to be “evasive and not to be completely frank and forthcoming on many issues, including those relating to his income, the beneficial ownership of Westfall and the manner in which transfers had been made between his personal account and the account which had been set up by the Bank of the Bahamas to service the loan account”. Additionally, the appellate judges said on “many occasions”, the judge had
to intervene during cross examination to insist that Mr Collie answer the specific questions being put to him as opposed to “volunteering information that was not asked.” Mr Collie also charged that Sir Michael’s order prohibiting him from exercising his power as a director of Westfall to sell, encumber or otherwise transfer the company’s assets to a third party without prior leave of the court was unfair because it effectively meant that Westfall could no longer continue in its business of developing its land. His attorney, Denise Dorsett, further claimed that without being able
to approach a bank for financing, Westfall has been at a “standstill” since Sir Michael’s ruling as Mr Collie has been “entangled” in seeking relief from the order, which, she claimed, has adversely affected his income and the value of his shares. However, the appellate judges said they found “absolutely no difficulty” with Sir Michael’s order. The appellate judges further dismissed the assertion that Sir Michael’s ruling hampered Westfall in conducting its business, charging that the order was not made directly against Westfall, but against Mr Collie in his “individual capacity”.
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FROM left, first lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and her husband Philip May, stand during the arrival ceremony at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, yesterday. Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
Trump brings chaos roadshow to London BLENHEIM PALACE, England Associated Press DISHING up a fresh dose of chaos on his European tour, President Donald Trump left behind a contentious NATO gathering in Brussels and moved on to Britain, where a pompfilled welcome ceremony was soon overshadowed by an interview in which Trump blasted Prime Minister Theresa May, blamed London’s mayor for terror attacks against the city and argued that Europe was “losing its culture” because of immigration. Trump, in an interview with The Sun newspaper, said he felt unwelcome in London because of protests, including plans to fly a giant balloon over Parliament on Friday that depicts him as an angry baby in a diaper.
“I guess when they put out blimps to make me feel unwelcome, no reason for me to go to London,” he said. Trump, in the interview given before he left Brussels for the UK, accused May of ruining what her country stands to gain from the Brexit vote to leave the European Union. He said her former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, would make an “excellent” prime minister, speaking just days after Johnson resigned his position in protest over May’s Brexit plans. Trump added that May’s “soft” blueprint for the UK’s future dealings with the EU would probably “kill” any future trade deals with the United States. “If they do a deal like that, we would be dealing with the European Union instead of dealing with the U.K., so it will probably kill
the deal,” Trump told the paper. Trump, who has compared his own election to the June 2016 referendum in which a majority of British voters supported leaving the EU, complained, “The deal she is striking is a much different deal than the one the people voted on.” He also told the tabloid that he’d shared advice with May during Britain’s negotiations with the EU and she ignored it. Details from Trump’s interview with the paper became public as Trump was attending a black-tie dinner with May to welcome him to Britain with pomp and pageantry. As for Johnson, Trump said: “I think he would be a great prime minister. I think he’s got what it takes.” He added, “I think he is a great representative for your country.”
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement after the tabloid interview was published, saying Trump “likes and respects Prime Minister May very much. “As he said in his interview with the Sun she ‘is a very good person’ and he ‘never said anything bad about her’. He thought she was great on NATO today and is a really terrific person,” Sanders wrote. On Thursday night, hundreds of demonstrators chanted outside the US ambassador’s residence where Trump was staying on the outskirts of London, providing a preview of the forceful protests expected on Friday. Trump acknowledged he didn’t feel welcome in the city, and blamed that in part on Mayor Sadiq Khan, who gave protesters permission
to fly the 20-foot-tall balloon depicting Trump as an angry baby. Trump also blamed recent terrorist attacks there on Khan, who is a Muslim. The president claimed Europe is “losing its culture” because of immigration from the Middle East and Africa. “Allowing the immigration to take place in Europe is a sham,” he said. “I think it changed the fabric of Europe and, unless you act very quickly, it’s never going to be what it was and I don’t mean that in a positive way.” In sharp contrast to the president’s sharp words, Trump’s first event in England was an oasis of warm greetings at an evening reception at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, the larger-than-life British leader cited by the president as a model of
leadership. That was just one of several helicopter rides on the agenda for Trump, whose staff opted to keep him largely out of central London and the swarms of demonstrators who are likely to provide some of the defining images of his first official trip to the UK. Trump’s Marine One departure from the ambassador’s residence was met by jeers from demonstrators banging pots and pans, and another pack of protesters lined roads near the palace. Some of their signs read “Dump Trump,” ‘’Lock Him Up” and “There Will Be Hell Toupee.” Police worked overtime, their days off cancelled. Trump was greeted at the palace by May, whose government has been rocked by resignations from ongoing tumult over Brexit.
RUSSIA PROBE HEARING BECOMES SHOUTING MATCH WASHINGTON Associated Press AN embattled FBI agent whose anti-Trump text messages exposed the Justice Department to claims of institutional bias vigorously defended himself at an extraordinary congressional hearing that devolved into shouting matches, finger-pointing and veiled references to personal transgressions. Peter Strzok on Thursday testified publicly for the first time since being removed from special counsel Robert Mueller’s team following the discovery of texts last year that were traded with an FBI lawyer in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. In a chaotic hearing that spanned ten hours, he insisted he never allowed personal opinions to affect his work, though he did acknowledge being dismayed by Donald Trump’s behavior during the campaign. He also said he had never contemplated leaking damaging information he knew about the Trump campaign. And he called the hearing “just another victory notch in Putin’s belt”, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “At no time, in any of those texts, did those personal beliefs ever enter into the realm of any action I took,” Strzok told lawmakers. In breaking his silence, Strzok came face-to-face with Republicans who argued that the texts had tainted two hugely consequential FBI probes he had helped steer: inquiries into Hillary Clinton’s email use and possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. “Agent Strzok had Hillary Clinton winning the White House before he finished investigating her,” said Rep Trey Gowdy, Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. “Agent Strzok had Donald Trump impeached before he even started investigating him.
That is bias.” Republican Rep Darrell Issa made Strzok read some of his texts aloud, including some with profane language. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte asked colleagues to imagine being investigated by someone who “hated you” and “disparaged you in all manner of ways”. “Would anyone sitting here today believe that this was an acceptable state of affairs, particularly at an agency whose motto is ‘Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity’? I think not,” Goodlatte said. Strzok repeatedly insisted the texts, including ones in which he called Trump a “disaster” and said “We’ll stop” a Trump candidacy, did not reflect political bias and had not infected his work. He said the Trump investigation originated not out of personal animus but rather from concern that Russia was meddling in the election, including what he said were allegations of “extraordinary significance” of a Russian offer of assistance to a Trump campaign member. He made clear his exasperation at being the focus of a hearing when Russian election interference had successfully sowed discord in America. “I have the utmost respect for Congress’ oversight role, but I truly believe that today’s hearing is just another victory notch in Putin’s belt and another milestone in our enemies’ campaign to tear America apart,” Strzok said. The hearing brought to the surface a little-discussed reality of public service: Law enforcement agents and other government workers are permitted to espouse political views but are expected to keep them separate from their work. Strzok said he was not alone in holding political opinions, noting that colleagues in 2016 supported both Clinton and Trump but did not reflect those views on the job.
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Friday, July 13, 2018, PAGE 11
Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters Club. - Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters Club 1513325 hosted its third annual Culture Up event on Wednesday, at 6.30pm at Junkanoo World. The event included entertainment and a wealth of knowledge from cultural icons such as John “Chippie” Chipman, Gus The Salsa Man, David Brown and more.
Rotraract Club of East Nassau Rotaract Club of East Nassau. - Members of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau captured the moment as they welcomed in the 2018-2019 Rotaract year. On June 30, the Rotaract Club of East Nassau, along with its sponsor club, Rotary Club of East Nassau, marked the “new year” in grand style with a Jacket and Rose changeover to commemorate the change in leadership within the district. As the club’s 2017-2018 club president, Brock North described his year of service, he recalled the undeniable joys of serving the community and leading such a passionate group. The 2018-2019 Rotaract Club of East Nassau president is Cyd Ferguson. As president, Cyd will serve as the club’s head of leadership and devise new ways to impact our community both here and abroad. She has made a special vow for the club to impact communities within the inner city and expand the members knowledge set in regards to professional development and training. The Rotaract Club of East Nassau meets every 2nd and 4th Monday at 6pm at Smugglers Restaurant, Downtown, and is open to all individuals between the ages of 18-30 looking to make a difference within their community and broaden their professional network. For more information about the club, visit https://www.facebook.com/ RotaractEastNassau/
Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise. - The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise continues to invest in education with a recent donation of $1,500 to the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI). BTVI president Dr Robert W Robertson recently expressed that this has been a record year for scholarship support for BTVI. He is thankful for the heightened confidence stakeholders have in BTVI and encourages others to join in the support.
“It is donations such as these that make it possible for students to come to BTVI, learn a trade, and then earn a living. We are thankful to the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise for their continuous support,” said Dr Robertson.
MEMBERS of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau capturing the moment as they welcome in the 2018-2019 Rotaract year.
Rotary Club of New Providence Rotary Club of New Providence. - On Saturday the 30th of June 2018, the Rotary Builders of the Rotary Club of New Providence (RCNP) hosted a cocktail reception evening of glitz, glamour and “all that dance floor razzle dazzle”. While some guests were smartly dressed to impress, others decided to add a little extra glitz and pizzazz as a complement to the venue at Sapodilla Estate. Even more significant was the overwhelming show of support in attendance to mark the changing of the guard between RCNP’s outgoing and glass-ceiling shattering first female president, Inga Bostwick, and president elect Valentino Hamilton. The Sapodilla event kicked off a weekend of events, including a President’s Roast and Pub Crawl on June 29, a changeover reception night and a church service and buffet lunch ending on July 1. On the changeover reception night, RCNP supporters paid homage to the outgoing president by honouring her, while commemorating the passing of the baton to Valentino Hamilton and his newly inducted board members. RCNP welcomed the new President (affectionately referred to as President Val) in style with an evening of engaging live band
music from The Shadow Band. To close out the tradition of change over weekend events, on July 1 (the official changeover date) the members of RCNP attended Zion Baptist Church on East and Shirley Street where Pastor TJ Morrison hosted a fellowship service. President Valentino Hamilton has chosen a timely theme which complements that of the current Rotary International President (and the first Bahamian) Barry Rassin’s “Be the Inspiration”. President Hamilton has challenged his members to use that inspiration to fortify the Rotary maxim of putting Service Above Self and to continue…”Building Rotary Together!” The Rotary Club of New Providence meets every Tuesday at 7pm at Poop Deck, West Bay Street.
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OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.
Women’s Corona Society Women’s Corona Society. - Corona members
enjoyed an excellent lunch at Ty’s Place, the Café on Village Road employing adults with developmental challenges. Members were seated on the patio under a covered
roof (with fans) where there was a nice cooling breeze. Everyone was complimentary about the fare and the staff at Ty’s Place made members feel very welcome.
MEMBERS of the Women’s Corona Society during their visit to Ty’s Place.
MEMBERS of the Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters at a previous event.
FROM left, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise President Leroy Archer; Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise Immediate Past President Jacqueline Longley; BTVI President Dr Robert W Robertson and BTVI Associate Vice President of Fund Development Alicia Thompson. Photo: Shantique Longley
PAGE 12, Friday, July 13, 2018
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FORT CHARLOTTE READY TO BELIEVE
FORT Charlotte’s Camp Believe opened yesterday - with Alfred Sears speaking at the opening. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff