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VOLUME:115 No.161, JULY 16TH, 2018
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Nygard guilty of contempt Fashion mogul breached order over dredging By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A SUPREME Court judge has found Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard guilty of contempt of court for the third time for breaching her order prohibiting him from engaging in any illegal dredging near his property in Lyford Cay. Justice Rhonda Bain, in a written ruling, convicted Nygard for engaging in dredging activities on the sea bed near Nygard Cay between March and April 2015, and again in October of 2016, despite her June 2013 injunction prohibiting him from doing so.
Justice Bain thus said Nygard’s actions warrant him paying costs on a “full indemnity basis,” and further ordered Nygard to pay costs to include the costs of the mitigation hearing to the applicant in the matter, Save The Bays, on a “solicitor and own client basis”. Justice Bain’s ruling, dated June 29, comes just over a year after she convicted and fined Nygard $50,000 for breaching her July 13, 2013, injunction prohibiting him from engaging in dredging activities at his Simms Point/ Nygard Cay property. SEE PAGE FIVE
TEN CASES OF CONCH POISONING CONFIRMED FROM POTTER’S CAY By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THERE are now ten confirmed cases of conch poisoning, Health Minister Duane Sands told The Tribune yesterday. Dr Sands confirmed that all cases have arisen from patients eating conch from Potter’s Cay Dock. He added that the educational campaign for vendors
is continuing, as the illness can be prevented simply by washing conch in fresh water. While Dr Sands said punitive action, such as shutting stalls down, is not being considered at this time. However, he admitted that it “may ultimately come to that”. However, the health minister underscored that as a SEE PAGE 11
HOME
MAN KILLED IN DOUBLE SHOOTING
A MAN is dead and another was taken to hospital after a double shooting on Friday. Shortly after 2am, a man was walking on the eastern side of the clinic on Baillou Hill Road when he saw another man being chased by a group of men, who shot both of them before running away. Emergency services were called and attempted to revive one of the injured victims, but were unsuccessful. SEE PAGE FIVE
THE TASTE OF SUMMER
COMPETITORS taking part in a pineapple eating contest at the Junkanoo Summer Festival at Arawak Cay on Saturday as visitors came out to enjoy the festival. See page two for more photographs. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
EVICTIONS OVER STRAW MARKET DEBTS
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WITH thousands of dollars in rent arrears owed by vendors, the Straw Market Authority is hard pressed trying to find a way for the Straw Market to exist, Works Minister Desmond Bannister told The Tribune yesterday.
Mr Bannister yesterday confirmed there have been evictions at the downtown Nassau Straw Market as many vendors have had several deadlines to pay money owed, in some cases for years. This comes as some vendors were reportedly given four-day notice last week to pay balances off or have
their business licences revoked by the Small Market Authority (SMA). When he was contacted yesterday, the minister said he couldn’t comment on the status of the present situation but given the thousands owed for rent, it was hard to run the Straw Market. SEE PAGE SIX
TRUMP CHAIRMAN WORKED FOR PINDLING GOVT By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net A COMPANY with ties to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was found with a number of deficiencies when it came to federal filings for work with foreign principles, such as officials in The Bahamas
during the Pindling era in 1985. According to new documents filed in the United States District Court of Columbia, Manafort’s interactions with Bahamian officials involved the creation of a media plan for material to be disseminated to media in the US while he was affiliated with a firm
called Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly. Manafort and others were also arranging for Bahamian officials to meet with American press and congressional members during a visit to Washington, DC. However, the documents
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FIVE
BPL FORCED TO DELAY WORK BY FUNDS WAIT By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light has been forced to push back key upgrades because of a near-six month delay in receiving $100m in funding. Darnell Osborne, BPL’s chairman, confirmed that the fundraising - originally due in January - was “literally closed last week”. She explained the delay meant BPL will now have to push maintenance and other capital improvements back past summer with some parts taking up to sixeight months from the time they are ordered to arrive in The Bahamas. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
PAGE 2, Monday, July 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
IT’S A JUNKANOO
SUMMER ARAWAK Cay hosted the Junkanoo Summer Festival on Saturday - with all kinds of activities and entertainment, from food eating challenges to arts and crafts, music, stalls and more. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 16, 2018, PAGE 3
DETAINEES on board a RBDF vessel after two migrant sloops were intercepted.
Photo: RBDF
160 MIGRANTS INTERCEPTED AT RAGGED ISLAND AND ACKLINS By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force, in conjunction with international counterparts, apprehended two migrant sloops in separate operations early yesterday morning with more than 160 people on board. The first sloop carrying Haitian migrants was
intercepted about 5.30am on Sunday, approximately 40 miles east of Ragged Island. The second sloop was intercepted an hour later, south of Acklins Island. According to the RBDF, the first apprehension was a joint maritime effort with Operations Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). A RBDF patrol craft and OPBAT helicopter had been on the lookout for the Haitian sloop since Friday.
The helicopter spotted the sloop on Saturday, approximately 67 miles west of Inagua, after receiving information provided by the RBDF Intelligence Section in collaboration with the Bahamas Immigration Department. Around 5.30am on Sunday, HMBS Durward Knowles, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Omarv Saunders, intercepted the
wooden vessel approximately 40 miles east of Ragged Island. There were 42 migrants on board. The second operation was announced by RBDF officials in a subsequent press release. This mission was conducted in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) District 7 and OPBAT. An OPBAT helicopter also spotted the second sloop on Saturday.
Around 6.30am on Sunday, USCG Cutter Northland intercepted the sloop approximately 16 nautical miles south of Acklins, with 120 migrants on board. “The successful interdiction was the result of the defence force Intelligence Section, in collaboration with the Bahamas Immigration Department, sharing certain information with OPBAT,” the press release said. The RBDF also said
the USCG assistance was “timely”, as HMBS Durward Knowles was “engaged with conducting a boarding routine aboard the first sloop east of Ragged Island.” Forty-six Haitian migrants were apprehended by RBDF patrol craft HMBS Madeira on July 3. The incident took place near South Eleuthera. Those migrants have since been charged in court in Nassau.
RBDF investigating threats made on social media after arrests By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force has addressed threats made on its social media page allegedly by foreign nationals after 46 Dominican poachers were charged in Bahamian courts. In a press release issued on Saturday, the RBDF assured the public that is it investigating these threats and are committed to safeguarding the nation.
On July 8, 46 people on board a 70ft Dominican fishing vessel were apprehended by the RBDF for poaching. They were found with approximately 33,000 pounds of fishery products. On July 9 and July 12, the RBDF Facebook page shared the news of the arrests and the migrants’ subsequent court appearance. A number of foreign nationals, allegedly Dominican, commented under the post in Spanish.
Loosely translated, the comments ranged from threats of death to pleas on behalf of the poachers, saying that people are “desperate” for sustenance to feed families. “The Royal Bahamas Defence Force reassures the general public and the local fishing community of its commitment to maintaining a strong presence within our maritime domain to safeguard the people of The Bahamas against recent threats of harm,” the
RBDF said in response to the threats. “The Defence Force is collaborating with the Royal Bahamas Police Force in response to any threats received so that appropriate action can be taken by the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs. The Defence Force remains undeterred, and is all the more committed to securing our borders.” The press release also requested that the public not attempt to retaliate.
46 DOMINICANS ACCUSED OF POACHING LESS than a week after they were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, 46 Dominican fishermen were charged in court on Thursday afternoon for poaching in Bahamian waters. The Dominican nationals all appeared before Magistrate Cara Turnquest and were charged with illegal
foreign fishing; possession of a grouper less than three pounds; possession of fresh crawfish during the closed season; possession of undersized crawfish and possession of prohibited apparatus. Radhames Hernadez, the boat captain, was also charged with possession of an unlicenced shotgun and
TWO DIE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net TWO pedestrians have died within three days of each other in separate traffic accidents, one in Abaco, the other in Grand Bahama. The latest incident is believed to have been “a hit and run”. According to police, shortly after 1am on July 7, a traffic accident occurred on Queen Street in Sandy Point, Abaco. The incident involved a grey 1998 Nissan Altima and a male pedestrian. A private vehicle took the victim to the Sandy Point Government Clinic. He was seen by a doctor and
later airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment. However, the victim died on Thursday, July 12. The second accident took place yesterday morning in Grand Bahama. According to police, shortly before 5am on Sunday, officers were called to West Sunrise Highway, west of Yorkshire Drive. There, they found a man lying in the road. He was unresponsive. “Unconfirmed reports are that the male was struck by a vehicle that left the scene,” police said. The investigation is continuing. Police are also appealing to the general public for information.
possession of ammunition. All the men pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter was adjourned to October 22 and they were all remanded in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. On Sunday July 8, Dominican 70-foot steel hull fishing vessel ‘Ronnye’ was apprehended
approximately 20 nautical miles south east of Cay Lobos by HMBS Madeira. According to initial reports, approximately 33,000 pounds of fishery products were confiscated from that vessel. Two other Dominican fishing vessels that were in the vicinity fled the area into Cuban waters.
“Bahamians, in general, and members of the local fishing community, in particular, are therefore reminded not to take matters into their own hands,
but to allow the Defence Force, in collaboration with local law enforcement and regional partners, to bring those who violate our laws to justice.”
PAGE 4, Monday, July 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Fred Mitchell urged to read ‘The Cocaine Wars’ INSTEAD of being ashamed of their ignorance and keeping their mouths firmly shut, the squabbling over the posthumous award of The Bahamas’ first National Heroes is continuing with Englerston MP Gladys Hanna-Martin claiming that to recognise the late Sir Roland Symonette, the longest serving member of parliament, with such a reward was “perverse”. Of course, the “rags to riches” life of Sir Roland reads almost like a fairytale, but, unlike so many fairy tales which concentrates on the hero, many Bahamians — and even the country — was touched by his generosity. He was the longest-serving member of the House of Assembly, successfully contesting the Harbour Island seat in 1925 at the age of 27, and serving in all branches of parliament as a member for Shirlea until his retirement in 1977 – a total of 52 years. His parliamentary record is yet to be broken. During that time – 1964 – he became the first Premier of a selfgoverning Bahamas. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1959. Apparently, unlike PLP chairman Fred Mitchell, the Queen found Sir Roland a “fit and proper” person to qualify for her knighthood. But not so Mr Mitchell. According to Mr Mitchell, this first Bahamian award does “not fit into the legal definition in the (law) for a national hero”. It would be interesting to know from which law book Mr Mitchell was quoting. Probably one of his own creation when he even calls one of the most beloved literary characters —“Uncle Tom” — into the debate thus turning it racial. Race seems to be his crutch in so many of his pathetic arguments. FNM chairman Carl Culmer defended the first local award going to Sir Roland saying that “singlehandedly Sir Roland did more for black people” than some people of colour. Mr Culmer said that although “there is no man without sin”, he never heard anything about Sir Roland being prejudiced. “I heard and read where Sir Roland did a lot for black people,” he said. “He was the one that gave a lot of loans to black people, giving them opportunities they didn’t have normally. If the records are correct, he did more for black people —I’m talking singlehandedly — than many black people did for black folk.” We can attest to that because in the early years of the PLP when foreign residents folded their tents and left, there was a dramatic drop in donations to local charities. Not one of the leading black families felt it their duty to fill the void — but that’s a story for another day. Sir Roland was an executive of the late Rev Prince Hepburn’s Charity Guide and for years supplied a large barge to take hundreds of children to Little Whale Cay for their annual summer camp. He built churches, schools, and roads by advancing credit to provide these facilities for small communities. The extent of his charitable work was never fully known, because Lady Symonette insisted on anonymity. However, on Thursday, retired Bishop Simeon Hall called for a stop to the degrading debate, which to him was “retrogressive”. Bishop Hall, who serves as pastor emeritus at New Covenant Baptist Church, said despite the negative cases now being brought up about Sir Roland’s legacy, he knew first hand of many of his positive deeds. “Sir Roland heard me preach one summer, struggling to get back in college and he paid one year’s tuition for me,” he said. “So for me, he will always be my
national hero.” We recall the nights as a House of Assembly reporter — those were the days when members, dressed in their tuxedos, met at 8pm and on budget night would sit at least until midnight – when Milo Butler, who eventually became The Bahamas’ first Governor General and was later knighted by the Queen, would lift his hefty frame from his extra large chair and bellow that soon we would see “rivers of blood” flowing down Bay Street. He was particularly interested in the blood of the Englishman. At that time The Bahamas was still a colony. And this is what Sir Milo, who was also honoured posthumously on Independence Day with the Order of National Hero, had to say about Sir Roland when he died on March 13, 1980. Remember that during life they were political opponents. “Sir Roland,” said Sir Milo, “is one citizen of The Bahamas who has been a true man to his fellow man. The country would have run in blood years ago when racism and discrimination was rampant if it were not for the sterling qualities of Sir Roland. “He is the one among us who has played the part of a true-born Bahamian, one whom young and old knows. I don‘t known if there is any person in The Bahamas as outstanding in helping people in many ways people who had problems one way or the other.” As for Mrs Hanna-Martin, she – who thinks the award to Sir Roland was “perverse”— might like to know what her father who was acting prime minister at the time of Sir Roland’s death, had to say: “Sir Roland’s energy had effected no small influence over the course of the Bahamian way of life for well over half a century and he had indeed made a vital and substantial contribution to the development of The Bahamas over these years, but above all he will be remembered as a real patriot.” And as for Sir Lynden he acknowledged that “in the heat of the battle they often clashed swords and the din rang throughout the country, but when the noise subsided we realised that nevertheless the country was safe and sound”. It was estimated that 1,500 persons, filled the Ebenezer churchyard and lined Shirley Street for Sir Roland’s simple funeral. When Sir Roland stepped down, there was money in the Public Treasury. When Sir Lynden, who was also made a National Hero, stepped down, The Bahamas was a “nation for sale”. But before Mr Mitchell puts away his special law book, we invite him to read “The Cocaine Wars” by Paul Eddy with Hugo Sabogal and Sara Walden. Luis Garcia, better known in these parts as “Kojak”, features largely in this book. He is better known as the “man who bought The Bahamas”. In the end, Kojak turned “state”, which means he was giving the Feds. the details of all of his contacts in The Bahamas during the height of his colourful career. Very late one night in September, 1987, we received a telephone call from one of the authors of “The Cocaine Wars” — Kojak, who was to fly from Miami to New York the next morning to collect more vital documentary evidence was dead. He died of a heart attack as the final chapter of this book was being written. After Mr Mitchell has read the book and consulted his own special law book, maybe he will then be better equipped to make a more informed statement on the matter of who was deserving of a National Heroes award. As Bishop Hall said: “Some of our black leaders had their own graveyards, figuratively speaking.”
All-out war over gaming EDITOR, The Tribune. THIS all-out war between the gaming houses and the Bahamas Government is good example of what happens when one entity is struck by power and makes risky, uncalculated decisions without any considerations to consult the other. To impose taxes and not warn the industries that it
jrolle@tribunemedia.net
would more directly affect is not something we, the people, expected from this administration. The FNM government evidently did not learn from their predecessor to avoid committing the same mistakes. This isn’t transparency. This is utter chaos. I’ve heard the Minister denounce speculations that they’re jealous and this war
is not race related, but one had to wonder what is at the root of these decisions to over tax the rich and the impose taxes on the middle class and the poor. Is it about equity? Or, is about withholding wealth from the average day Bahamian? CAPRON JOHNSON Nassau, June 11, 2018.
Jamaal Rolle returns tomorrow
Symonette the FNM’s Washington EDITOR, The Tribune. EVEN though he has been dead since 1980, the name Sir Roland T Symonette is currently at the centre of the political furore which was created by the FNM’s decision to honour him as a national hero on Independence Day, along with Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo B Butler and Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield. To PLPs such as chairman Fred Mitchell and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin, this latest political gesture by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis borders on sacrilege. Sir Roland led the United Bahamian Party (UBP) during the tumultuous 1960s. It is my understanding that the UBP was officially formed shortly after the formation of the PLP by William Cartwright, Sir Henry Taylor and Cyril Stevenson in 1953. Therefore, it was anachronistic of a writer in one of the major dailies to say that Symonette was elected to the House of Assembly in 1925 to the district of Shirlea as a standard bearer of the UBP. There was no UBP in 1925. Symonette served as MP for 52 years. In 1964 after The Bahamas achieved internal self-government, Symonette became the country’s first premier. He retired from frontline politics in 1977. When it became apparent that the glory days of the Bay Street Boys were over, in terms of wielding political power after the events of Majority Rule in 1967, elements of the UBP joined the newly formed FNM in the early 1970s. To the best of my knowledge, there is no definitive biography on the life of Sir Roland. Hence the grave difficulty in separating fact from fiction regarding his life. The PLP under Pindling did a yeoman’s job at portraying the UBP to the black Bahamian populace as the bogeyman, especially after the self imposed exile of Sir Stafford Sands in 1967, immediately following the election victory of the PLP in 1967. By airing Alex Haley’s Roots on ZNS TV13 during the lead up to general elections during the 1980s, the Pindling administration made sure this negative image of the UBP remained etched in the minds of the grassroots. The FNM has been far more accommodating to elements of the UBP than any other predominantly black political party. For example, Sands’ image was placed on the Bahamian $10 banknote in 2000 by the Ingraham government, only to be removed by the Christie
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net administration in 2005. The image was reinstated in 2010 by the Ingraham administration. The reason given for this controversial move was that Sands was the architect of the economic pillars of tourism and finance. In fact, Sands has been dubbed the Father of Tourism by some political observers. Symonette’s image is on the $50 banknote. Symonette has taken a lot of flack due to him being a prominent member of the Bay Street Boys. To Mitchell and Hanna-Martin, Pop Symonette, as he was affectionately called, is guilty based on his association with the aforementioned group, which is routinely labeled racist by historians. The PLP chair has a laundry list of complaints against Sir Roland posted on his Facebook page. According to Mitchell, Symonette opposed black majority rule, independence under the PLP, women suffrage, fairly drawn boundaries for constituencies, lowering the age of voters to 18 and labour and social reform. Interestingly, while charges of racism are often lodged against the UBP, I have yet to come across any accusation that Symonette was personally prejudiced against black Bahamians. Many black Bahamians are saying that Symonette was a generous philanthropist who helped hundreds of disadvantaged black Bahamians. Granted, Symonette opposed the idea of The Bahamas obtaining independence from England in 1973. PLPs are also vehemently alleging that he supported the Abaco Independence Movement. Whatever his reasons for opposing the Pindling administration’s quest for full autonomy from Great Britain, it should also be pointed out that Pindling himself opposed independence prior to him becoming premier. Maybe his opposition was due to the UBP being in power at the time. In any event, Pop Symonette is viewed by many rank-andfile FNMs much the same way millions of African Americans and other ethnic minorities in the USA view George Washington. At the time of his death in 1799, Washington owned 123 of the reported 317 slaves at Mount Vernon. The Father of His Country and the first president of the United States became a slave owner at the tender age of 11, after the death of his father.
There were allegations that General Washington utilised inhumane punishment against unruly slaves. I have never heard of any historian alleging that Washington was a racist. As a slaveholder, however, he was a typical 18th century white American. Despite this information regarding Washington being in the public domain, he is still honoured by millions of African Americans as a founding father. He is one of the four faces on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. His image is on the $1 banknote. The US capital city is named after him. The state of Washington is named after him. The famous Washington Monument was built in his commemoration. George Washington University, Washington and Lee University, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington University, University of Washington, Washington State University, Washington College, Washington County Community College, Washington State Community College along with numerous high schools are all named in the the first US president’s honour. To the best of my knowledge, black advocacy groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People and the Rev Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition have never opposed Washington being honoured. Maybe FNMs are viewing the Symonette debate from the vantage point of their African American counterparts. While Symonette was flawed, he is still deserving of some recognition as a national hero, even if his contributions toward nation building was not as seminal as Pindling’s. I hold no brief for Minnis for recognising Symonette as a national hero. However, my only issue with Symonette and the Bay Street Boys is that they could have done far more in making high school and college education available to the black masses. I also take issue with them for failing to put in place much needed infrastructure in many of the Out Islands. Indeed, when Pindling became premier in 1967, many Bahamians lived in the Dark Ages without basic utilities. Symonette those could have done far more in this regard. Having said that, I agree with FNMs that Symonette should be afforded at the very least a modicum of national recognition for his contributions to The Bahamas. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 12, 2018.
Run the numbers on income tax EDITOR, The Tribune. YOUR columnist Dick Coulson argues again for Income but has he done his homework? Take the GDP (which is far from the aggregate) of say $23,000.00 - an Income tax of 20 percent would generate only $864m… 30 percent would raise $1.29 billion…40 percent would generate $1.72 billion. All Income Tax regimes allow for concessions - mortgages, financing , schooling,
health insurance, etc, so how much could a Coulson Income tax regime collect? NIB contributions have to go up 20-30% - it will have to be at the high income end that the largest increases will have to occur. VAT is a consumption tax so rationally you will keep the basics low with exemptions as you don’t want to put too much burden there but it is a consumption tax ‘you the consumer choose to purchase the service or item’ - a free choice.
I am unsure about the ozone thing in the Budget - has someone run the estimates as the tax exemptions against tax increases? Owing to the limited size of the sector to drawn Income Tax from the same comment applies… the empathises will be on one sector, on the middle and higher earning sector - is that fair? W THOMPSON Nassau, June 20, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 16, 2018, PAGE 5
Nygard guilty of contempt from page one It was alleged that Nygard violated the injunction in December 2014. If that fine was not paid by March 21, 2017, Nygard faced 14 days in prison. He was further ordered to remove the excavated sand and return it to Jaws Beach by April 7, 2017, or face an additional $50,000 fine and a $1,000 fine for each day that order was not adhered to. Nygard paid the fine before the specified deadline, but has since appealed that ruling. According to Justice Bain’s most recent ruling, the injunction was in force until judgment in the judicial review proceedings or until further order. In March 2015, the judicial
review proceedings had not been heard and there was no order discharging the injunction. Additionally, in earlier rulings Justice Bain noted that the extant judicial review applications had not been heard because of the “numerous” preliminary applications made by the respondents in the matter. In October 2016, the injunction was still in effect and had not been discharged. However, Justice Bain said STB has produced evidence to show that Nygard authorised both the March/April 2015 and the October 2016 dredging. “The court is satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that (Nygard) is in breach of the injunction filed June 14, 2013,” she wrote. “The
court holds that (Nygard) is in contempt of court by breaching the order filed June 14, 2013, by carrying out dredging works on the sea bed located south of Nygard Cay or north of Clifton Bay between March 26, 2015, and April 13, 2015, and between October 10, 2016, and October 17, 2016.” Justice Bain’s ruling stems from Nygard’s ongoing battle with STB over allegations the construction/development activities at his Lyford Cay home have led to a substantial growth of the property. The group claims Nygard has almost doubled the size of his property, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres since he acquired it in 1984, by allegedly reclaiming Crown land from the sea.
PETER NYGARD, right, pictured at court previously.
TRUMP CHAIRMAN WORKED FOR PINDLING GOVT from page one
say there were issues with the firm’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings. FARA requires that agents representing the interests of foreign powers in a “political or quasipolitical capacity” disclose their relationship with the foreign government and information about related activities and finances. The filing comes amid US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s move for leave to supplement the notice of intent to introduce evidence at trial of Manafort’s prior acts. More specifically, Mr Mueller wants to introduce evidence concerning Manafort’s interaction with the Department of Justice when it comes to FARA inspections. Manafort is currently in jail awaiting separate trials on money laundering and fraud charges following allegations he sought to obstruct the special counsel’s Russia inquiry while he was on house arrest. “The department’s inspection of BMSK also revealed a number of deficiencies in BMSK’s filings for work on behalf of ten foreign principals,” the document filed on July 11 read. “For example, the BMSK inspection report noted
PAUL Manafort pictured walking from Federal District Court in Washington, on October 30, last year. a November 1985 memo- that had been sent to US randum from Manafort government officials ‘in describing a media plan for both the executive and the dissemination material legislative branches,’ to the US media on behalf and a March 1986 memoof the Bahamas. randum committing to “The inspection report arrange meetings between noted that BMSK’s Bahamian officials and counsel confirmed this congressional members activity during meet- during a visit to Washingings with the department, ton, DC. The inspection and the report found report explained that this that BSMK’s FARA fil- activity, too, required disings must disclose the closure under FARA.” activity. Similarly, the There were also issues inspection team found a with Manafort’s work for March 1986 memorandum another country in the from Manafort and others region by a related firm arranging for Bahamian Black, Manafort & Stone. officials to meet with US “Similarly, the departpress, another memo- ment’s inspection of BMS’s randum from Manafort work for the country of summarising information Saint Lucia uncovered a
MAN KILLED IN DOUBLE SHOOTING from page one
One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released his identity.
The second victim was taken to hospital, treated for a minor injury and discharged. Police have taken three men into custody in connection with this incident.
The killing marks the 56th murder for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call 919 or 911.
series of memoranda from Manafort that described meetings with US policy makers arranged by the firm. One such meeting related to a geothermal project and a strategy for engaging the Department of Energy and USAID. Another such meeting involved members of BMS’s staff and the State Department. “The inspection also revealed documents describing agendas for meetings between Saint Lucian politicians and American politicians. Because such activity is political in nature, the department found that the contacts described in Manafort’s memoranda would have to be disclosed in BMS’s filing.” The report also said: “The department’s inspection found, among other
items, 18 lobbying and public relations activities that were not reported on Manafort’s FARA filings. These omissions included memoranda summarising lobbying by Manafort of Congress and the White House regarding a ‘Jerusalem Bill’ and a ‘Saudi Arms package,’ dissemination of press articles to Congress, lobbying of the National Security Council, and talking points for phone calls on pending Saudi munitions sale. “The department’s inspection of Manafort yielded a May 29, 1987 letter to Manafort’s counsel requiring Manafort to file amended registrations that disclosed these political activities (or to file a letter stating that they never occurred). The department’s letter to Manafort cautioned that
‘political activities undertaken as background or to prepare for a proposal or a piece of legislation must be fully disclosed even though the proposal may have been subsequently delayed, the legislation may not have been reported out of Committee, etc.’ “Finally, the department’s letter indicated that Manafort should explain the ‘special projects’ for which he had reported receiving $300,000 and $50,000 above the fees agreed in his contracts.” Earlier this year, it was reported that declassified documents from nearly three decades ago said the US Central Intelligence Agency thoroughly reviewed the potential fall out on the United States if then Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling were to be indicted of drug charges.
PAGE 6, Monday, July 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
SERIES OF ARMED ROBBERIES ACROSS WEEKEND
POLICE are investigating three armed robberies which occurred in New Providence over the weekend. Shortly after 11am on Saturday, a woman was sitting in her vehicle on East Street south of Robinson Road, when she was approached by an armed man. The man pulled her from gold Nissan Note, licence plate #AA1534, before getting into it and driving away. A day earlier, shortly after 10am on Friday, an armed man entered a souse restaurant on Carmichael Road, held employees up and robbed the establishment of cash before running into nearby bushes and escaping. Hours later, shortly after 9pm a man was walking on Victoria Boulevard in Bamboo Town when he was approached by two men, one armed with a knife, who robbed him of cash then stabbed him to the body before running away. The victim was transported to hospital in stable condition. Police also said an American man from Fort Worth, Texas was arrested after 4pm on Saturday for possession of marijuana. The tourist was arrested by Central Division Officers while at Prince George Wharf after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana on board a cruise ship. He is expected to be formally charged later this week. Police also removed a quantity of dangerous drugs, an illegal firearm and ammunition from the streets. Shortly before 1pm on Saturday, Drug Enforcement Unit officers acting on information went to Martin Close off Cowpen Road, where they saw a male sitting in front of an abandoned building. Upon seeing the officers, the man ran from the area and escaped. The officers conducted a search of the area where the man was standing and recovered five plastic bags with suspected marijuana. Upon searching the building, officers recovered a .40 Glock pistol with four rounds of ammunition. No arrest was made in this matter. Investigations are ongoing.
OFFICIAL government shanty town notices being handed out and stapled to homes.
Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
‘Seamless’ move out of shanty towns expected By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
AS he defended the government’s plan to fully eradicate shanty towns in the country, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes said despite a new deadline for evictions in New Providence he is confident residents living in unregulated communities will experience a “seamless transition” to standard residential areas come August 10. Earlier this month, former Progressive Liberal Party Immigration Minister Loftus Roker branded the government’s previous July 31 Nassau deadline for evictions as “nonsense”. Mr Roker also said he had no faith the government will find any success in this deadline, telling The Tribune it was hard to think otherwise when
it appeared the December 31, 2017 deadline for all illegal immigrants to leave the country was not honoured. In response, Mr Foulkes, who is chairman of the Shanty Town Action Task Force, said the remarks were “unfounded” and insisted the government’s plan was laid on the table from the outset of this undertaking. This comes as the task force continued work on Saturday with tours of three shantytowns in southwestern New Providence. The task force also hopes to complete surveying residents of shantytowns in Abaco by next week, Mr Foulkes said. The deadline for those living in unregulated communities on that island remains July 31, 2019. “We have a very comprehensive programme,” Mr Foulkes said yesterday. “We have thought
about every possible scenario both with respect to the communities involved and the surrounding communities.” He said if critics were listening to the various things said, and looked at the various things done by the government, they would know the Minnis administration considered every possible scenario involving the residents of these communities. Mr Foulkes continued: “At the very beginning of this exercise I met privately with Rights Bahamas along with other senior officers from my ministry, two in particular that represented their organisation, and laid out my complete plan in terms of what we planned to do over several months. Additionally, one of the other officers attended another meeting that we held along with the Haitian leadership council that we have been working
closely with. “Yesterday (Saturday) I met with the Haitian Bahamian Pastors League, the United Bahamian Haitian Association and the Organisation to Assist and Teach Haitians along with representatives of the Haitian Embassy and we toured three communities and I must say that I am very pleased with the cooperation that the task force is getting from the leadership of the Bahamian Haitian community here in New Providence. It went extremely well and I am anticipating that come August the 10th we will have a seamless transition from persons residing in unregulated communities to residing in regulated communities.” Last week, Mr Foulkes confirmed the government delayed its July 31 deadline to protect the government from the possibility of the process being
hindered by legal action. “The first notice we had to give, which required a 14-day leave period,” he said at the time. “The attorney general gave us the advice on this, just in case it goes to court, we want to make sure that we cover all legal grounds and there is no possibility that what we are doing being stopped.” In late June, members of the Shanty Town Action Task Force travelled to the 11 shanty town communities in New Providence, serving notices to residents which required them to provide the government with legal documents for the land they now occupy. They had two weeks to respond with proof. Last week officials said of the 14 properties which provided legitimate construction permits to authorities in recent weeks, none was ever granted an occupancy certificate.
EVICTIONS OVER STRAW MARKET DEBTS from page one
Rent for the stalls is $37.50 per week. “They’ve had deadlines several times,” Mr Bannister said yesterday. “I mean we have people at the Straw Market who have not paid rent for years. Three, four years (and) this is $30 something dollars per week adding up to thousands and thousands of dollars. “We can’t run a market like that. I am not aware of
what is going on currently, but the board has to find a way to ensure that the Straw Market can exist.” He continued: “Over a period of time, people have been evicted. There are thousands and thousands of dollars involved. “That board has their hands full just trying to exist because people have gotten around for years without paying anything.” Back in April, dozens of Straw Market vendors demonstrated in Rawson
Square incensed over closures of hundreds of stalls for rent arrears which they felt were symptomatic of predatory and oppressive regulatory oversight. Vendors of the Straw Business Person’s Society (SBPS) marched to the square in a bid to raise the profile of longstanding issues afflicting Straw Market businesses, chief among them said to be the lack of ownership, respect or job security despite intergenerational service at
the forefront of the tourism industry in a bleak economy. According to the vendors at the time, more than 200 stalls were shuttered for overdue rent. “They sent down a notice communication February 23 telling the vendors those who are on agreement (they) have to bring their account current, and anyone who is not on agreement to bring it below $200, short of that licence will be revoked until further notice,” Straw Business Person’s Society (SBPS) President Rev Esther Thompson said in April.
“The stalls are closed, in the October exercise, 127 stalls were closed, in this session of the 223 that were affected, they closed 51. This Sunday they closed another 25. I understand they are going to look at accounts weekly – anyone that misses a payment, their stalls would automatically be closed,” she said at the time. Rev Thompson said vendors have asked for all stalls to be returned and to be granted a year waiver for rent in a bid to allow vendors to bring their licences and National Insurance Board payments current.
MAN HURT AS FIREWORK HE WAS LIGHTING EXPLODES A MAN from Cat Island was airlifted to a hospital in New Providence yesterday after he was injured while lighting fireworks. Police said shortly after midnight on Sunday, the man was lighting fireworks at the Regatta Park on Cat
Island when one of the devices exploded, causing injuries to his face and torso. He was transported to the local clinic in serious condition and later airlifted to a hospital in New Providence for further medical treatment.
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018
My journey to the top of the world On May 22, Bahamian banker Richard Beek fulfilled his childhood dream when he conquered Mount Everest. Now safely back home, he has had time to reflect on his incredible adventure and write down his journey following in the steps of the brave men and women mountaineers who had gone before him. MOUNT Everest, rising 29,028ft above sea level is the highest mountain on Earth. The summit of Mt Everest sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet. There are two main climbing routes on Everest, one approaching the summit from the southeast in Nepal (known as the standard route or South Col route) and the other from the north in Tibet. On May 22 this year, I summited Mt Everest via the South Col route from Nepal. The summit is usually blasted by the jet stream for much of the year, creating wind speeds of up to 200mph and temperatures of -80°F. In May of each year, the approaching monsoons in India push the jet stream north causing the winds to decrease and temperatures to rise, creating a “summit window”. During these short windows, climbers attempt to reach the summit knowing the windows usually only last a few hours to a few days at a time. Due to the decreased air pressure, the summit of Mt Everest contains less than one third of the oxygen found at sea level or in other words what we have in the Bahamas. Typically, climbers achieve the summit after ten weeks of acclimatising on the mountain. If a person was dropped off on the summit directly from sea level, they would die within minutes. To mitigate the risks of extreme high altitude, climbers undergo a rigorous acclimatisation rotation - climbing to higher camps on the mountain and then back down to base camp – this increases the amount of red blood cells in the body allowing the body to still transport oxygen despite the thin air. On the final summit attempt, most climbers use supplemental oxygen above 25,000 feet. I flew into Kathmandu on May 5 and then flew to Lukla two days later. Lukla is a small town perched on the side of a mountain and the gateway to the Everest region. The walk into Everest base camp takes two weeks, slowly ascending to base camp situated at 17,500ft – this is 3,000 ft above the tallest mountain in Colorado. At its peak, more than 1,000 people can be at base camp including climbers, sherpas and camp staff. Once at base camp, climbers begin their acclimatising process by ascending through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp 1. The Khumbu Icefall is notoriously risky. Seracs, crevasses and shifting blocks of ice make the icefall one of the most dangerous sections of the route. To reduce the hazard, climbers usually begin their ascent well before dawn, when the freezing temperatures glue ice blocks in place. Camp 1 is located at 19,685ft and is a basic camp located between massive crevasses. After spending a day resting at Camp 1, we then climbed to Camp 2 which
is further up the Western Cwm (pronounced “Coom”, which means valley in Welsh). Camp 2 is at 21,000ft and is the next largest camp after Base Camp. This camp is set up for climbers to stay longer with cooking and dining tents and has more infrastructure. Every step required a number of breathes before and after. After every eight to ten steps I would have to stop and rest on my hiking poles. I would make myself lean forward as I would then have to move my feet to keep balance and thus move forward again. Later, when we started breathing bottled oxygen, this helped significantly with much needed energy. Following a further rest and acclimatising day at Camp 2, we descended all the way back to Base Camp, where a welcome few days were spent eating, sleeping and recovering. This acclimatising process was then repeated, where we climbed to Camp1, then to Camp 2; where we rested before ascending 2,650ft to Camp 3. Camp 3 is located half way up the Lhotse Face which is an icing slope of over 4,000ft in height and at a constant 70 degree angle. While on the Lhotse Face, there are fixed lines that a climber attaches to for safety. In Camp 3, the tent platforms are cut out of the ice, and due to the steepness and exposure, climbers wear crampons and remain clipped into the fixed lines to move around camp and to also visit the toilet! From Camp 3, we descend to Camp 2 and the following day descend all the way to Base Camp. After six days re-cooperating, we were finally ready for the final summit push. This was planned for Saturday, May 19, however due to forecasted bad weather that was due on May 23, our departure was moved forward to Friday morning, so that we could summit in better weather. When the time came, we departed at 4am to climb through the Khumbu Icefall while it was still frozen and “safe”. Due to our previous acclimatising trips, we are now much quicker and reached Camp 1 at 9am, rested for an hour and then continued to Camp 2. The climb to Camp 2 took a further five hours. Unfortunately there were no clouds nor wind, so the sun was intense and reflected off the sides of the mountains pushing the temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is bizarre to be on the ice and experience such warm temperatures. Many climbers suffer from dehydration and are badly sunburnt. Luckily for me this did not happen but it was very tough and uncomfortable climbing in this heat. The following day,
THE SHADOW of Everest from the summit and, right, the shadow behind Richard Beek as he stands on top of the world. Below, looking towards the summit and looking down on a climber from the top. Saturday was a rest day due having a mental debate to the intense effort of the with differing outcomes previous day. on how you felt. On Sunday, May 20, we Once again the sun climbed up the Lhotse face was intense and we to Camp 3 and started to use were very relieved supplemental oxygen. The to arrive Camp 4. The tanks hold over 3,000 litres temperature can change of oxygen and each weigh 100 degrees over a very over 15lbs. We departed short period of time, so Camp 2 at 4am to ensure you need to be prepared we were not climbing in the for extreme cold and also heat of the day. We arrived extreme heat. at Camp 3 which is located At Camp 4, climbers try to at 23,625 ft, at 11am. Once eat, drink and relax as their in our tents, we tried to summit attempt begins that relax, however the sun is evening at 9pm! It is very baking down and the tents difficult to get much needed get very hot and uncomfort- sleep, due to the heat and able. You are continuously commotion in camp. From breathing oxygen from here 6pm, the Sherpas start boilonwards and at night sleep ing water and preparing with your mask on. food, while you are going The climb from Camp through the final checks 3 to Camp 4 is 2,460 ft on your equipment, packwhich took seven hours ing your down suit pockets the following day. Camp with snacks, water and your 4 is located at 26,085ft is camera. Due to the intense the last camp prior to the cold, climbers do not take summit. off their gloves or backpack. Already the anticipation The rests are very short level was very high as you and climbers need to access are lost in your thoughts snacks and drinks from and mental check- their pockets and eat lists. You know on the go. During that the next my summit 18 hours are climb of eight going to be hours, I did the hard- not take off est in your my backlife and pack, ate that it has one Snicktaken years ers bar for you to and drank be in this posi- around two cups tion. You just of water. hope everything will Two hours into the go according to plan and climb, my headlamp failed that this is your only chance plunging my world into at the summit. complete darkness – luckNext was Camp 4 which ily I had a back-up but just is in the death zone – this an hour later that failed too is the zone above 26,000ft due to the intense cold that where the oxygen in the drained the batteries. My atmosphere is so sparse the Sherpa and I were able to human body cannot stay change the batteries in a for prolonged periods of howling wind and we cartime and is slowly dying. It ried on climbing. is a very barren, inhospiAfter four hours we table and windswept place reached an area called The about 500 yards long by Balcony which is a small 200 yards wide. Definitely a area where one can rest place that you don’t want to and swop out your oxygen hang around in. The fallen cylinder. Unfortunately bodies from 1996 disaster when we reached The Balare located on the eastern cony we were exposed to side of the col, away from a 40mph wind and did not the camp. We did see three stop. There was no wind bodies and two had died in forecast and this wind the previous days. This was seemed to increase as we very sobering and made you climbed higher. You start question if it was all worth thinking the jet stream has it. Every day you were returned to Everest and
that you’re climbing into a storm. After two hours of climbing in the wind and snow, it suddenly got quieter and the wind disappeared. This was when we were close to the South Summit and the night sky began to get lighter in the east. We had a short rest at the South Summit and swopped out the oxygen cylinder. The route to the summit is along the summit ridge with is a very exposed fin of rock and overhanging snow and ice. There is a drop of 4,000 ft on one side and 7,000 ft on the other. As it was 4am, the sky began to get lighter and the surrounding peaks slowly began to emerge out of the blackness. A formidable obstacle along the ridge is the Hillary Step - a near-vertical 40 feet rock face that needed to be climbed. Hillary and Tenzing Norgay famously scrambled up this sheer step in 1953 when they became the first climbers to conquer the mountain. Since that first successful summit, all climbers summiting Everest via the southern route have used ropes to pull themselves up this technical face. However, since the earthquake in 2015, a large boulder 15ft in size has gone and the Hillary Step is now a gradual snowy slope and is now referred to as the Hillary Stairway, making the final ascent quicker and easier.
It was dawn as my Sherpa and I approached the summit and were able to watch the sunrise soon after arriving. A fellow team-mate and his Sherpa joined us after 15 minutes of solitude. The pyramid shaped shadow of Mt Everest was an impressive sight and stretched across to the horizon. It was surreal to know that my shadow was at the apex of the pyramid. It was warm enough to take my gloves off for a few minutes and take a few photos and videos. After 25 minutes my Sherpa said we needed to start heading down and leave behind the summit I had taken so long to reach and fulfil a dream since childhood. I felt many emotions euphoria of being on the summit; relief having made it; trepidation for the tiring descent; in awe of the view and also nervousness. There was also a sense of calmness that you experience in a spiritual place. Everything seemed to be in slow motion with my senses tuned in with the surroundings. Today being back here in The Bahamas it feels like a dream and surreal. It was definitely worth it and an amazing experience. It was also very tiring and mentally exhausting. But it is amazing how quickly you forget hardship and pain and just remember the good things. I am slowly gaining the weight that I lost which was 10 percent of my body weight. This is not bad and other climbers lost significantly more. And at the end of the day a small price to pay for that moment of truly being “on-top-of-the-world”!
PAGE 8 MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, alongside Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and Mark Humes, Fort Charlotte MP, during The Bahamas’ 45th Grand Independence Celebrations at Clifford Park. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Can a case be made for Minnis to serve two terms? By MALCOLM STRACHAN IN The Bahamas, the duty of prime minister has become a “one and done” contract with the Bahamian people over the last three general elections. Much goes into what causes the electorate changing leadership every five years. However, Prime Minister Minnis spoke to the media with confidence last week that he will, at the very least, break the trend to become the nation’s first two-term prime minister in the past 20 years. This is quite a bold assertion given that he scraped into leadership of his very own party prior to entering government. Thus, it can be argued that the only reason Prime Minister
Minnis is the nation’s chief executive is because of the bitter disdain the Bahamian people had towards the PLP. Any evaluation of why the PLP fell so deeply out of favour with the Bahamian people can find myriad reasons of why they were ousted from office. Chief among them may be that the Bahamian people had their fill of former Prime Minister Perry Christie. This shows that, although we put parties in office, we are a nation that votes for leaders. While there have been grumblings that Bahamian people would like to see a shift, as long as we subscribe to the Westminster system, that most likely will not happen. That said, just as it has taken place in each general
election, the Bahamian However, we’re not sure people will vote based on what that can be as he has who will too often has be prime The prime minister’s shown us the minister. contrary. This is a inability to speak After point that cogently with the increasing Prime MinVAT on the media is symbolic ister Minnis Bahamian should be of the government’s people with mindful of, continued missteps less than particularly two months’ after having with reference to notice, such a rocky communication. Deputy start with To that end, Prime Prime Minhis brand of ister Peter Minister Minnis is leadership. Turnquest In the the figurehead to a is currently event the government whose experiencing prime ministhe polititer believes message continues cal fallout that he will be to resonate less for doing the nation’s and less with the the heavy leader for lifting. No two terms, Bahamian people. surprise that he must have the prime something up his sleeve minister settled for being that we’ve not seen as yet. the spokesperson on VAT
to the smaller family island communities. In this regard, Turnquest’s political capital is being sacrificed because the prime minister knows that there is no way that he could be remotely anywhere near a microphone at a town hall meeting in New Providence attempting to make a case for increasing VAT. No doubt, the prime minister’s avoidance of citizens in the nation’s capital, even his constituents, is a move to guard himself politically. However, where he may be deluded is to believe that any political fallout should his party fail to deliver won’t affect him. The Bahamian people will bring fire and brimstone on Peter Turnquest’s head, but to his benefit, he isn’t the leader of the party. We can look no further than Opposition Leader Philip Brave Davis as an example. As sick as the Bahamian people were of former Prime Minister Perry Christie, the first sitting prime minister to be voted out of his constituency, Brave Davis still has a job in politics. And aside from a few sparse statements given to the media, nobody knows much of what the former prime minister is doing these days. We can even postulate that not many people care either. Perhaps it is because the Bahamian people felt wronged by Christie. They felt disregarded. Is it farfetched that they would currently feel the same under Prime Minister Minnis? Think about it – regardless of what good the prime minister (the government) may be doing, it never has the same effect as the things that the populace disapproves of. As noble a cause as it may be to want to get the country out of debt, the government’s communication in that regard has been deplorable. As long as the issues of shantytowns and illegal migration into The Bahamas have been systemic problems, here we have
a government making progressive steps toward affecting these issues for the better. Yet, somehow, the prime minister contradicts himself when speaking to the Haitian community after promulgating a different message in the national arena. Naturally, things become lost in translation and the Bahamian people grow tired of trying to understand which prime minister we are going to get when he talks into a microphone. The prime minister’s inability to speak cogently with the media is symbolic of the government’s continued missteps with reference to communication. To that end, Prime Minister Minnis is the figurehead to a government whose message continues to resonate less and less with the Bahamian people. Prime Minister Minnis must develop an understanding of the electorate he serves and be careful not to dismiss our concerns as complaints. He would find that it would be a tragic mistake. Moreover, well-meaning ideals do not replace effective communication and sound execution of strategies. Both of his living predecessors should be able to attest to that. Nonetheless, it is not completely outside the realm of possibility based on the alternatives that currently exist. Perhaps this is where the prime minister gains his comfort. However, if that is the case, that doesn’t automatically translate into what’s best for The Bahamas. As his role as prime minister continues to take shape, we can only hope that he continues to evolve and aspire to be our leader for more than just being the “lesser evil”. We want and need a prime minister that earns the title based on level of ability, love for our country and of the Bahamian people. Much remains to be seen.
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INSIGHT
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018 PAGE 9
Caricom skin in the Haiti game World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
H
AITI’S current fiscal problems that led to four days of riots setting back the country’s already fragile economic and political stability, have implications for Caribbean Community and Common Market countries (Caricom) that cannot be ignored. If economic and social conditions continue to deteriorate the flight of Haitians seeking refuge in other countries will intensify, and Caricom countries will be among those to which they can legitimately go. After a period of membership of only the Community, Haiti is now also a member of the Common Market and is entitled to the full benefits of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which provides for movement of goods, services and several categories of workers within 14 of the 15-member countries of Caricom. As has been argued in legal opinions presented by the Office of the General Counsel of the Secretariat, Haitians have the right to move freely within member countries of Caricom. The General Counsel’s Office is reported to have argued that “Haitian nationals, as Community nationals, are entitled to an automatic stay of six months”. Integration theorists would argue that economic integration arrangements that are as deep as a common market ought to take place only between countries whose economies, including their fiscal and monetary policies, are similar. This similarity would help to ensure that
no member of the integrated area becomes a drag on the others and that each member is able to contribute to the economic and social upliftment of all. On this basis, there could be an argument that Haiti should have been dissuaded from signing-up to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) until its economy had been upgraded to a symmetrical relationship with other Caricom countries. For instance, the European Union (EU) has not allowed every nation that has knocked on its door to join. The interested countries have to satisfy what is called the “Copenhagen criteria” which includes compliance with 35 policy fields. Whatever the cautions that exist in economic integration theory and applied in other economic integration areas, such as the EU, they appear not to have been applied to Haiti’s admission to the CSME arrangements. Therefore, Haitian nationals have the right to stay in a Caricom country for six months, and to rights of establishment. This position was strengthened when the new Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, announced at the recent Caricom Heads of Government in Jamaica that her Cabinet has agreed to remove the visa requirements for Haiti. “In our view it breaches the fundamental tenets that bind us under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas”, she said. Only The Bahamas, which is a member of the Community but not of the Single Market
ANTI-government protesters run away from police tear gas during a general strike in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 9. Photo: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP arrangements, has expressly government removed fuel people live below the pov- then US Secretary of State stated that “The Bahamas subsidies as part of a erty line. To access the IMF George C Marshall did after agreement in money, the Haitian govern- World War II (in rebuilding is not and will not be a part broader of CSME”. The Prime Min- which more direct assis- ment will have to accept Europe). If we seize this ister, Dr Hubert Minnis, tance would be provided IMF conditionalities, one of chance, we can help the publicly declared that: “The to Haiti. Increases of up which is the removal of the people of Haiti escape their Bahamas will not allow free to 50 percent in the cost fuel subsidies. cycle of poverty and depriThe way the removal vation fuelled by merciless movement of people within of fuels ignited protests our boundaries, so we are throughout the country in of the subsidies occurred natural disasters that plague which dozens of businesses was imprudent. No public the Caribbean nation”. not a part of CSME.” In part, Dr Minnis’ une- were looted and several relations or information The Haitian economic quivocal assertion arises people killed as demonstra- programme preceded it, nor situation has changed little from the Bahamian experi- tors clashed with police. was there any announced since 2010. The internaence with Haitian migrants Protestors also called on plan for a gradual removal tional community has still who arrive in The Bahamas President Jovenel Moïse to within a predictable time not stepped-up in the meanfire the Prime Minister and frame that might have been ingful way that is needed to and try to remain. It is this problem that Cabinet; others demanded more palatable. Given all build and stabilise Haiti. other Caricom govern- that Moïse himself should this, Haiti’s economic prob- That is what is needed, and lems will not go away. They the achievement of that ments might face if go. While the Haitian gov- will get worse, and they cry objective is what other Carconditions in Haiti worsen reversed the out for considerate inter- icom governments should and its nationals seek ernment refuge in their territories. removal of the subsidies in national action such as was join Haiti to do. What appears certain is that the wake of the violence, suggested by a previous Caricom now has real Haitians can certainly stay the problem is far from managing director of the skin in the Haiti game. for six months. This is why over. Haiti urgently needs IMF, Dominique Strauss• Responses and previno Caricom government, the financing that the IMF Kahn, who in 2010 called ous commentaries: www. including The Bahamas, can provide. The coun- for “an international effort sirronaldsanders.com. can afford not to take a try is facing double-digit to support the Haitian proactive interest in devel- inflation, a depreciating authorities in rebuilding the The writer is Antigua and currency and slow growth. country”. opments in Haiti. Barbuda’s Ambassador to Strauss-Kahn said: “We the United States and the Acting on the advice of It also has a budget deficit the International Monetary of more than US$150m, and must be prepared to think OAS. The views expressed Fund (IMF), the Haitian more than 60 per cent of its on as massive a scale as are his own.
PAGE 10 MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
A path back to progress for Abaco LETTERS EXTRA EDITOR, The Tribune. THE collapse of Freeport provides an unprecedented opportunity to revisit a selfgoverning state of Abaco. If we are able to learn from their failure, a narrow path back to international status and prosperity could emerge. Our electorate never wanted to be part of the inevitable country-for-sale that became the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The country continues to be frustrated not just the lack of any discernible progress, but an everyday struggle to even reach mediocrity. We cannot be trapped in the revolutionary past of the civil rights era. We are now, like everyone else, competing with China. We propose the Abaco islands take advantage of the European re-organisation and re-adopt the legal parentage of its founder, the United Kingdom, with the status of a new “internationalised” British Overseas Territory. Our entire land area would be as a designated multi-ethnic, international, tax-free/customs-free Free Trade Area (FTA), with the US dollar as its currency. Our immigration policy would promote aggressive economic migration to quadruple our population, with flexible residence similar to Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa. Migrants (including Bahamian citizens) would be required to demonstrate economic activity (a new business, a job offer) to be granted immediate, auto-approved - but conditional - fiveyear permanent residency. Citizenship would be of the soil alone, as per BOT procedure. Those counted in two successive censuses over twelve months, Bahamian or foreign, would be registered as citizens. Using the model of Turks & Caicos and the Cayman Islands, the new state would establish a constitution, legal system derived from English Common
ABACO as seen from space. Law, transparent financial system, and a premier-less legislative assembly composed of seven geographical representatives forming a co-operative quasi-republic. A limited infrastructure would be based in the new capital of Marsh Harbour, and rely on electronic voting to determine electoral opinion and formal consensus. Electronic consensus would be digitally “blind”, and with a commitment to a multi-ethnic society embedded in the founding documents, discrimination, or even any form of political action, on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristic, would be entirely illegal. Freeport failed due to constant and relentless government interference. Using the model of Hong Kong, the new state would aim to deliberately and constitutionally constrain and restrict any form of
government involvement whatsoever from day one, save for essential regulation to prevent abuse. Officials would actually be legally forbidden to interfere or legislate without consensus or proven necessity. We would adopt all the characteristics that fuelled Freeport’s rise, give financial safe-harbour to its disaffected investors, and legally protect against what destroyed it (government interference and racial nationalism) - with the safeguard ring-fence of an international sovereign border; all its KPIs, and none of its liabilities; only an hour from the US mainland. Instead of hosting Special Economic Zones (SEZs), our entire nation would be the investor’s dream: an Enterprise Island from top to bottom. All barriers to business and trade would be entirely removed, and treated as an allergen, e.g. business
licenses would be completely abolished. Infrastructure would be developed and supported by a flat-fee Common Infrastructure Contribution remitted by businesses in operation for over three years, based on their individual GDP. Withdrawals would require the permission of five randomised annual representatives, and public publishing of prior intent. Crucially, the contribution would be constitutionally refundable if the state cannot prove, upon challenge in the courts, where it was used for positive benefit. No approvals, permits, licenses, quasi-government entities (e.g. OPM, BIA, CBOB), or any form of process potentially-abusable by officials would be allowed to establish themselves, based on the same sceptical spirit (e.g. assuming abuse) found in the US founding documents. Conditional
auto-approval would be available without prior consultation, subject to later revocation. Those wishing to engage in any business involving environmental or social risk would be required to commit to a binding contract with the new state, for which violation would invoke severe penalties. With no official capacity to act in, no individual would be able to “broker” approval. Free of constraint, our subdivisions would embark upon a ten-year energy distribution plan of laying a federated network of solar micro-grids, constructed and managed jointly by communities themselves. Our power would no longer be failing overhead cable, but localised subnets resistant at a suburban level – save for national emergency backup facilities. The government would be legally constrained from controlling energy supply without consent. Bahamians would be free to relay their international mail through our postal system, and import their online deliveries to our duty-free ports. Bahamian airlines and ferries would be free to land and dock without fees, and offer taxi service to family islands. Our separation would aim to empower neighbouring Bahamian businesses to prosper freely, with the support of a modern technological environment - safe harbour for all. In return, our residents would be free to purchase services from Bahamian providers, such as BPL, BEC, BTC, and Cable Bahamas. None of which would suffer any barriers to continued operation. With the stability of British parentage and the US dollar, the promise of the Rule of Law, a multi-ethnic electorate, control of our own immigration policies, and unimpeachable protection of the private sector from government meddling, we can evolve the Hawksbill Creek model to something far more ambitious and genuinely
inspiring. Freedom from tribal nationalism, prepared for globalisation, all barriers to trade removed, and a new nation aspiring to provide opportunity for all. Where Freeport failed with its Port Area, our entire island will be free of tax, duty, and interference. Where it failed with its luxury, ours is already established. Where the government’s racial nationalism divided, our multi-ethnic commitment will conquer. Where its immigration intended to block, ours will build. When it fails with its “tech hub”, we can offer the gentrified environment the new Information Age wants. Singapore’s strategy was simple: adopt what works, get rid of what doesn’t. Hong Kong’s was similar: get government out of as much as possible. We can learn from these initiallybarren countries, Freeport, and the Bahamas. During the days preceding the birth of the Bahamas, Abaco was seen as a closed, racially-segregated community wishing to pull up the drawbridge. The time has come for us to be the island nation which opens the door successive governments closed over the last fifty years, and to fulfil our international, multi-racial potential as a bulwark of freedom and prosperity in the archipelago of unfathomable natural wealth. For residents, Bahamians, foreigners, and all those with a dream to be part of a new 21st Century world, it will be the chance to build something entirely new, together, and a way to learn from the mistakes of the past. Where Nassau offers regression, restriction, and stagnation, we can offer freedom, and hope. Our nation can offer vision, and every Bahamian with passion is welcome, no matter where you’ve been or where you’re from. Your success will be ours, together. FREEDOM ABACO Abaco, July 12, 2018.
HELP WANTED
FOR
Flyer Distributer Looking for well-groomed females to hand out samples and flyers. Must be able to direct customers into the store, must have a great personality, and know how to interact with guests. Must be punctual and willing to work and grow with the company. Send resume and a photo via WhatsApp to 815-5808 or tresorrarebahamas@gmail.com. No phone calls.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 16, 2018, PAGE 11
Mitchell: Culmer is an Uncle Tom By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell has labelled his counterpart in the Free National Movement an “Uncle Tom,” condemning Mr Culmer for accusing the PLP of oppressing generations of black Bahamians through its political ploys and practices. In the statement, Mr Mitchell asserted that Mr Culmer continues to say, “dumber and dumber things.” Last week, Mr Culmer said the PLP made the United Bahamian Party “look like monsters.” “This is a classic example of what is known as Uncle Tomism,” Mr Mitchell said. “That means you blame the slaves for being in their condition and you get one of their own to say so.” He continued: “How could a modern Bahamian, presumably educated in our country as a result of the policies
of the PLP, whose island elected representatives of the PLP to take the country into independence, who benefitted from a senior job in a public corporation as a result of PLP policies, who lives in a free nation because of what the PLP did, whose very own FNM leaders were once PLP, speak such total and complete nonsense? “Instead of seeking to fix Grand Bahama with five FNM MPs and three senators, he is spinning falsehoods. Mr Culmer should go sit in the graveyard in Savannah Sound and weep for his sins,” he concluded. Mr Mitchell also again hit out at the decision to award the late Sir Roland Symonette with National Hero honours, saying it was “bad,” “inexplicable” and “unlawful”. He also condemned Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for his defence of the move. In a statement circulated by the Official Opposition
on Friday, Mr Mitchell said the prime minister’s recent rebuke of the Progressive Liberal Party, where he seemed to agree the party is playing the race card in its argument against the appointment of Sir Roland, signaled a “new low”. Mr Mitchell said the prime minister’s actions are “the last refuge of a scoundrel,” insisting that Dr Minnis “has lost the argument” and now “has to go there.” On Thursday, Dr Minnis told reporters it would “appear” the PLP was playing the race card on the issue. Seeming to brush the entire dispute aside, Dr Minnis said: “I don’t go down that road. We must move beyond colours. So, I don’t see people like that.” Responding on Friday, Mr Mitchell said the PLP has never made its opposition on the matter racial. Mr Mitchell argued: “First, as far as we know Roland Symonette was a
man with African ancestry. So to quote the Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest when he was accused of being racist in tax policy, the PLP can’t be racist talking about Roland Symonette since we who have voiced objections are talking about a man who shares our common African ancestry.” Mr Mitchell also claimed that there are many other “white men” who could qualify for the honour, but were passed over by the selection committee. “This is not about race,” Mr Mitchell said. “This is about the acts of a man who opposed the creation of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. “He opposed majority rule,” Mr Mitchell said. “He opposed the lowering of the vote to 18. “He opposed the vote for women. He opposed the implementation of the labour and social security systems. He opposed the fair drawing of boundaries. He opposed independence.
“Every step of the way he did not want this to be a nation,” he added. “A National Hero is the hero of a nation. Sir Roland Symonette did not want this nation. He gave aid and comfort to a group that wanted to break up the nation. Now he is being rewarded as a hero of that nation.” “Dr Minnis has certainly taken leave of his senses and good judgment,” he said. The first recipients of the country’s National Honours were announced on Independence Day, with the top honour of the Order of National Hero awarded posthumously to Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield and Sir Roland. The announcement, specifically the selection of Sir Roland, has led to national debate over the criteria for selection, with scores of political, religious and national figures using their respective platforms to either condemn or back the
choice. On Thursday, retired Bishop Simeon Hall called for a stop to the debate, which he called “retrogressive.” Bishop Hall, who serves as pastor emeritus at New Covenant Baptist Church, said despite the negative cases now being brought up about Sir Roland’s legacy, he knew first hand of many of his positive deeds. “Sir Roland heard me preach one summer, struggling to get back in college and he paid one year’s tuition for me,” he said. “So for me, he will always be my national hero.” Additionally, Bishop Hall called on the country to recognise that, just as Sir Roland did, many of the country’s founding fathers had “a dark side”. However, he said despite their alleged negative acts, “The good they did outweigh the bad.” And added Bishop Hall: “Some of our black leaders had their own graveyards, figuratively speaking.”
TEN CASES OF CONCH POISONING CONFIRMED FROM POTTER’S CAY
from page one
first approach, the Ministry of Health considers this action to be inappropriate. Dr Sands also called for consumers to play a more active role in the prevention of conch poisoning by demanding that they see conch washed before they eat it raw. On July 4, Dr Sands announced in a press conference that there were four confirmed cases of conch poisoning and as many as six unconfirmed cases. However, he could not confirm yesterday whether the six additional cases that were confirmed last week were from those initial reports. “What I’m saying is six more people were confirmed, I can’t say that it is the same six who were awaiting confirmation,” he said. “So in the absence of having the data and the names in front of me, I couldn’t tell you…All I can say is a total of ten people have tested positive.”
Conch poisoning is caused by vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacteria which requires salt water to live. According to Dr Sands, when ingested, vibrio bacteria can cause watery diarrhoea, which is usually accompanied by abdominal cramping, vomiting, fever, nausea, and chills. “Vibrio is not an issue of the meat itself,” Dr Sands said nearly two weeks ago. “Vibrio is a bacteria that ordinarily lives in seawater and is a part of the surface of the conch. The conch meat itself is not infected with vibrio parahaemolyticus. So you can wash it off.” Yesterday, Dr Sands said the waters “at and around” both Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay have been tested. Officials have confirmed the presence of vibrio in the water. He added that officials have also tested conch being stored in seawater at a number of stalls as well. Some of the conch indeed tested positive for vibrio, while others tested negative. While Dr Sands said
some vendors “certainly” have heeded the calls to wash conch in fresh water, others will require more effort to change long-held beliefs. On July 5, The Tribune interviewed a number of vendors at Potter’s Cay Dock. While the majority advocated washing conch meat with fresh water, a minority of vendors said salt water is the only efficient away to clean them. To this, Dr Sands said: “You have to understand that there are many things uniquely Bahamian in terms of beliefs. Bahamians believe that if rain water gets on your head, you can get pneumonia. “Now I, as a doctor, I can tell you 100,000 times, that is not so. But it’s still not going to change the fact that that is what people believe. “And so we are dealing with science and we are dealing with beliefs. And so we need not be judgmental or dismissive. What we need to do is to educate the public and to educate the vendors.” Dr Sands also said that
many vendors are also referring to getting rid of slime when they call for the use of salt water to clean conch. In this regard, he said there is “nothing wrong” with cleaning conch with salt water initially, as long as they are cleaned with fresh water after. Dr Sands also called for consumers to play a role in preventing the spread of the illness. “The public has to ensure that if they are going to be consuming raw conch, that they insist that the conch is washed in fresh, clean water. “And I would recommend that if they don’t either insist or see the conch being washed in clean, fresh water, that they not purchase it, or that they not consume it.
“The consumer will force vendors to do the right thing…If you say, ‘I am not going to buy conch from you unless you wash it in clean, fresh water,’ then after a while people will change their behaviour.” When asked if the outbreak could result in stalls being closed down, Dr Sands said not at this time. “The best approach is not punitive in the first instance, ok? It may ultimately come to that.” He added that many of the vendors are not familiar with the major outbreak of conch poisoning that occurred in the 1990s, when there were over 1,100 cases. “As far as (the vendors) are concerned, they been cleaning conch and ain’t nobody ever get sick from it, and ain’ no one could
teach them how to clean conch because they know how to clean conch,” Dr Sands said. Because of these beliefs, the health minister said the education needs to be sustained, considerate, and sensitive, but firm. “But to now say that you must shut somebody down because they don’t believe that what we’re saying is correct…as a first approach, that is not appropriate. “Now, what we may end up doing is posting signs, what we may end up doing is additional public education campaigns, and so on and so forth, as we get more and more data. “And particularly as the summer moves on. Because as the water gets warmer and warmer, the bloom of vibrio will increase.”
PAGE 12, Monday, July 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Rufa sues government over resident card refusal By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net CANADIAN Bruno Rufa and his partner Sandra Georgiou have taken legal action against the government for its refusal to grant their multiple applications for homeowner’s resident cards because they did not submit a utility bill with their applications. Court documents obtained by The Tribune show how both individuals are taking the government to court over its “irrational” refusal to consider, determine and/or grant the applications they made in August and October of 2017, and then again in May of this year. Mr Rufa and Ms Georgiou contend that there were “no grounds whatsoever” that would have allowed the director of immigration to “make the provision of a utility bill a prerequisite” to their HORC applications being considered and granted. The pair contend that there was no basis for the director to have refused to accept their applications and to accede to them, as they both satisfy each and all of the four conditions in Section 11 of the International Persons Landholding Act (IPLA). However, Mr Rufa specifically contends that the history of the Department of Immigration’s treatment of the pair suggests that the decisions not to grant their applications were motivated by “the same animosity and/or prejudice” that has motivated their mistreatment at the
hands of the department to date. He and Ms Georgiou further charge that the respondents, which also include the prime minister, minister, board and director of immigration, have used and “continue to use” their “vulnerable immigration status as persons not of Bahamian origin” to intimidate them “in pursuit of an improper purpose,” which has caused them damage, harm and/or stress and inconvenience. As such, both Mr Rufa and Ms Georgiou are seeking damages for misfeasance in public office by the director of immigration for him “acting maliciously” in failing/refusing to determine or accede to the HORC applications. They are also seeking damages for misfeasance in public office by the prime minister, the minister and board of immigration. Both are also seeking damages for breach of their constitutional rights. They are also seeking declarations that the director and/or board of immigration acted in breach of their statutory duties and/or in breach of “natural justice”, and also acted in “bad faith” in failing or refusing to consider, determine and/or grant the HORC applications. Consequently, they are also seeking orders of mandamus compelling the director of immigration to issue both of them HORCs, or alternatively, an order of mandamus compelling the director to properly exercise his discretion under section 11 of the IPLA to
consider whether to issue them with HORCs. They are both also seeking orders of certiorari quashing each of the department’s decisions. Mr Rufa and Ms Georgiou further seek an interim injunction pending the determination of the substantive action, restraining the prime minister, minister, board, or director of immigration, either directly or through their agents, appointees or employees, from deporting, expelling, escorting, seeing out, or causing either of them to be removed from The Bahamas. They are also seeking an order for discovery by these government officials and/or entities of the “entire file” that the department holds on Mr Rufa. According to the court documents, this action by Mr Rufa is the latest in his long-running dispute with the Department of Immigration which has seen, amongst other things, his illegal detention without cause; him repeatedly being subjected to unnecessary document checks at home without notice by uniformed officers in full view of neighbours; putting him on a “stop list” without cause and/or telling him that he was on such a list without cause; and him being deemed to be “undesirable” without cause. According to Mr Rufa’s affidavit in support of the substantive motion, by letter to Assistant Director of Immigration Hubert Ferguson dated August 25, 2017, Mr Rufa applied, on both his and Ms Georgiou’s behalf, for HORCs via their
www.ub.edu.bs
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following position available at University of The Bahamas:Recruitment Officer I will assist and provide general support to the Recruitment & Admissions Office related to local and international recruitment for prospective students at University of The Bahamas (UB). Among the duties and responsibilities are: • Assist with attending and/or presenting at educational fairs, exhibitions, on and off-site recruitment events and activities. This may include visitation to junior high schools, secondary high schools, businesses and civic groups locally and internationally; • Create a pleasant relationship with all New Providence, as well as, Family Island schools’ guidance counselors and principals; • Assist with generating and maintaining a database for each high school that should be updated annually and, in some cases, at the beginning of each new school term; • Contribute innovative ideas and strategies as it relates to the recruitment of new applicants; • Assist with budget analysis and the development of recruitment strategies; • Submit required weekly, annual or other reports in a timely manner; • Create reports or database on actual student programme interest and enrollment of all new students; • Assist with follow-up analysis of students’ enrollment and college experience; • Assist with reporting of all new programmes that are not currently offered at UB for the overall curriculum programme planning process; • Must uphold UB policies and procedures with regard to student privacy and confidentiality regulations.
BRUNO Rufa at a previous court appearance. legal representatives Callenders & Co. The applications were made pursuant to Section 11 of the IPLA, and enclosed were two application forms completed on both his and Ms Georgiou’s behalf; two passport-sized photos of them both; copies of their passports; original police certificates and health certificates; a copy of a certain conveyance concerning them both, which was issued by the Investments Board pursuant to the IPLA; and a cheque for $200 to cover the processing fee for them both. According to Mr Rufa’s affidavit, those documents “correspond exactly” with the list of documents that ought to accompany a HORC application as set out on the DOI’s website and on Form IIA of the Immigration (General Amendment) Regulations, 2011. On August 28, 2017, Orquia Sweeting, of Callenders & Co, went to the department to follow up on Mr Rufa’s and Ms Georgiou’s HORC applications. However, their applications were returned to her along with a list that referred to a
utility bill. Ms Sweeting was told that the HORC applications were incomplete because there were no utility bills included with the applications. By way of letter dated August 29, 2017 and submitted to the department on August 30, Callenders & Co again wrote to Mr Ferguson noting that it had been provided with the list in question. In that letter, Callenders & Co noted that such a requirement is not supported in law and that the HORC applications had been completed and submitted in accordance with the same. A back and forth continued up until May of this year. In, Mr Rufa’s attorneys again submitted HORC applications on behalf of himself and Ms Georgiou. As they did before, they gathered the requisite documents and fees and submitted them for processing. In his affidavit, Mr Rufa said that was a “last-ditch effort” to avoid having to bring yet another judicial review in order to obtain their cards.
Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA), Marketing or Media Journalism, with at least 2-3 years of work experience in the work related environment. A detailed position announcement is available online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ Applicants should electronically submit via hrapply@ub.edu.bs, to the attention of the Vice President, Human Resources the following documents: • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • A completed UB Employment Application Form http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-Employment-Staff.pdf;
• Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; • The names and contact information of three professional references. E-mail: hrapply@ub.edu.bs Attention: Vice President, Human Resources - University of The Bahamas DEADLINE TO APPLY: 25TH JULY 2018
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CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019
On May 25, Mr Rufa said Raoul Richardson, from Callenders & Co, attended the department and submitted the new HORC applications by hand to Immigration Officer Rolle in the enrollment department. However, Mr Rufa said Officer Rolle reviewed the applications, and said while his application had all the supporting documentation to be processed, Ms Georgiou’s application needed to be accompanied by a utility bill. Officer Rolle, upon calling Ms Sweeting to discuss the application, explained that Mr Rufa’s application could be processed as a new application and that the documents required were submitted, but because Ms Georgiou’s application was a renewal due to her being in the system as having an expired HORC, her application for renewal required a utility bill. Ms Sweeting was then told that although Mr Rufa’s application was in order, the department could not accept it because the payment for both his and Ms Georgiou’s applications (in the total sum of $200) was in the form of a single cheque. Ms Sweeting was thus advised to re-submit Mr Rufa’s application with the $100 application fee and separately re-submit Ms Georgiou’s application with her fee and the utility bill. Both applications were subsequently returned to Mr Richardson. “The fact that a powerful state agency like the (Department of Immigration) could be convicted to persecute us, publicly embarrass us, detain and place us in fear for our safety, when we are completely innocent of any wrongdoing, is absolutely terrifying,” Mr Rufa said in his affidavit. “We are peaceful, law-abiding individuals who live quiet lives; we had no previous experience with abuse of power by law enforcement and the ordeal has been deeply unsettling and is a constant source of anxiety. “We would have expected the authorities to be a source of relief and protection from our tormenters, not further persecution. We were left feeling helpless and hopeless, without anyone to turn to in the face of the organised discrimination.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 16, 2018, PAGE 13
PLP Leader and Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay MP Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Davis rethinks Budget tour of Family Islands By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
WITH Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis continuing his Family Island tour in promotion of the budget, opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis is having second thoughts about doing a taxpayer-funded tour of his own, calling Dr Minnis’ travels a waste of money all to serve a purely political agenda. Dr Minnis had pledged
to give Mr Davis money to travel the country through his capacity as leader of the Official Opposition, but the government has not yet provided the funds, Mr Davis told The Tribune on Friday. Dr Minnis travelled to Acklins and Crooked Island on Friday and visited Inagua and Mayaguana on Saturday. “…(I’ll) spread the word about the government’s budget,” he said on Thursday. “And for
the first time, I’ll bring the Family Islands, they would become involved and they will be informed as to what has transpired during my visit to CARICOM.” Dr Minnis is travelling to New York this week, but his press secretary, Anthony Newbold, said he will likely visit the remaining islands in the next few weeks as well. During the trips, Dr Minnis has refused to take questions from those
attending, paid to bus supporters to the meetings, travelled with an entourage and provided refreshments after the events, all at taxpayer’s expense, Mr Davis said. “The public is paying for the prime minister’s political jaunts,” he added. “He’s bashing the PLP and he’s meeting with supporters of the FNM after his public meetings and he’s not taking questions. Why is he travelling? Just to dictate to people? The
more I think about it, the more I question whether I should even allow myself to be caught into this exercise, using the people’s funds to promote a political agenda. He’s already said he’s not affording me the same facilities he’s affording himself.” In the House of Assembly last month, Dr Minnis told Mr Davis he will “go alone” during his travels to the Family Islands, saying “we (the government) will support you.”
Mr Davis said on Friday: “He’s only providing me with plane tickets to go to one island I want to go to. That’s one plane ticket. But he’s chartering a plane and taking an entourage with him.” Mr Davis said at a time when the government is declining to host the popular IAAF World Relays event because of a lack of funds, the prime minister’s expenses for an unnecessary agenda are tone deaf.
THREE MEN ARRESTED IN MAJOR HOUSEBREAKING RING PROBE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunmedia.net
GRAND Bahama police have arrested three men who they believe are part of a major housebreaking ring, recovering a major haul of stolen items, including more than a dozen flat-screen televisions. Supt Brian Rolle reported that the three Bahamian suspects were arrested and taken into custody on Thursday, accused of housebreaking and stealing. The items were displayed during a press conference at police headquarters on Friday. In addition to the TVs, there were also compressors, jewellery, cellular phones, laptops, tablets, and power tools. Supt Rolle said that a team of officers, comprising the Central Detective Unit, Central Intelligence Branch, Lucaya Police Station, and the Rapid Response Unit, acting on intelligence, made the arrests. “These men, ranging from ages 31 to 40 years, were part of a ring that plundered a number of homes throughout the Grand Bahama District during the past month. Since being in custody, they have assisted us with the recovery of some items,” he said. Supt Rolle warned that
police in Grand Bahama are continuing their investigations and are searching for more suspects in connection with the matter. He reported that some 13 homes were broken into by the trio. One of the challenges, he noted, is that most of the owners are unable to identify their items once police recover them. “We suggest you put a marking on the item and record the serial numbers of the items and email them to a family member or save it in the draft folder. By ensuring it goes into cyberspace, you can recall that information again,” he said. “We had incidents where we had loads of stuff and persons were unable to identify what was there.” Supt Rolle stressed that residents should also ensure that their homes are secure by installing burglar bars, windows that do not allow easy access, and surveillance cameras. In an effort to crackdown on the sale of stole items, he said residents should beware when persons are offering deals on certain items that are too good to be true. “If a person is offering a 60-inch television for $100, we know it will not cost that, and so we also want to speak to those persons who purchase items knowing the items are stolen,” he warned.
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PAGE 14, Monday, July 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Haitian PM quits amid fuel price protests PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Associated Press HAITIAN Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned Saturday amid calls for him to step down over his handling of a failed plan to raise fuel prices that set off a wave of deadly protests. Lafontant told Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies that he sent President Jovenel Moise his resignation letter. Moise confirmed via Twitter that he had accepted Lafontant’s resignation along with those of other Cabinet members. The prime minister’s abrupt resignation came ahead of a vote on a motion of censure Lafontant, a first step toward asking that Moise name a new prime minister to form a Cabinet to handle the crisis. The prime minister is the second highest official in Haiti after the president. Lafontant was to answer questions about the July 6-8 riots that followed the government’s attempt to
raise fuel prices by up to 51 percent as part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. At least seven people were killed and dozens of businesses were looted during the unrest. Instead, Lafontant used the opportunity to announce his resignation, while in various parts of Haiti’s small protests were held demanding the head of state step down. As the session began, chamber president Gary Bodaeu wrote on his Twitter account that the legislature “is at a crossroads in history; it must assume its responsibilities”. He had earlier called the price hikes “untimely” and “inoperative”. Lafontant suspended the fuel prices increases after protests erupted last week but the disturbances continued and calls for the prime minister to resign grew, including from the opposition and some business groups. Lafontant, a 57-year-old doctor who took office in
PEOPLE run after cars were set on fire near the Best Western hotel during protests over a fuel price increase in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Saturday. Photos: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP March 2017, had said the price hikes of 38 percent to 51 percent for gasoline, diesel and kerosene were needed for Haiti to balance its budget. Government officials agreed to reduce subsidies for fuel in February as part of an assistance package with the IMF. The agreement also included increased spending on social services and infrastructure and improved tax collection in an effort to modernize the economy of one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere. Lafontant’s replacement will be nominated by Moise and confirmed by the Senate. HAITI’s outgoing Prime Minister Dr Jack Guy Lafontant.
TRUMP: EU IS A FOE OF THE US HELSINKI Associated Press
www.ub.edu.bs
CAREER OPPORTUNITY SENIOR MANAGEMENT Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following position available at University of The Bahamas:Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Affairs will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive institutional advancement programmes and recruiting and developing talented team members focused toward the ultimate goal of significantly increasing constituent involvement and fundraising outcomes. The advancement function includes responsibility for annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, major gifts and gift planning, endowment, capital campaigns, and alumni and constituent relations efforts, stewardship, and other advancement services; namely, Office of University Relations. Among the duties and responsibilities are: • Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University in concert with the University President and Senior Administrative Colleagues; • Work closely with the President in all phases of his advancement and campaign leadership activities; • Serve as a member of the University Leadership Team and maintain close working relationships with members of the Board of Trustees and key alumni/parents/friends; • Maintain a dynamic portfolio of high net worth individuals and secure major, capital, and planned gifts, as well as advance annual gifts and endowment support; • Participate in strategic discussions and develop programs to strengthen the financial resources of the University and all University Centres of Excellence; • Create and execute fundraising plans that utilize best practices in annual, major, and planned gift programs to meet fundraising goals; • Ensure dynamic processes in all phases of donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; • Prepare for the upcoming campaign through comprehensive and effective campaign planning and execution; • Hire, train, inspire and guide direct reports and the entire advancement team toward accountable, goal-oriented outcomes; • Develop annual plans and budgets for Alumni and Parent Relations, Annual Fund, Gift Planning, Comprehensive Campaigns, Major Gifts, Grants Development, Stewardship and Advancement Services; • Engage University faculties, colleges, schools, programmes, and centres of excellence, and enhance the culture of philanthropy. Maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, coaches, and campus departments whose cooperation is essential to effective outreach and fundraising. Qualifications The successful candidate must have a minimum of ten years of managerial experience as a fundraising and/or advancement executive and a Masters Degree. A detailed position announcement is available online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ Applicants should electronically submit via hrapply@ub.edu.bs, to the attention of the Vice President, Human Resources the following documents: • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • A completed UB Employment Application Form http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-Employment-Staff.pdf;
• Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; • The names and contact information of three professional references. E-mail: hrapply@ub.edu.bs Attention: President and C.E.O. - University of The Bahamas DEADLINE TO APPLY: 25TH JULY 2018
PRESIDENT Donald Trump named the European Union as a top adversary of the United States and denounced the news media as the “enemy of the people” before arriving in Helsinki yesterday on the eve of his high-stakes summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Trump and his top aides were downplaying expectations for Monday’s summit as Trump continued to rattle allies by lumping in the EU with Russia and China after barnstorming across Europe, causing chaos at the recent NATO summit and in a trip to the United Kingdom. Trump spent the weekend in Scotland at his resort in Turnberry, golfing, tweeting and granting an interview to CBS News in which he named the EU, a bloc of nations that includes many of America’s closest allies, at the top of his list of biggest global foes. “I think the European Union is a foe, what they do
to us in trade,” Trump said, adding that “you wouldn’t think of the European Union, but they’re a foe.” He said that Russia is a foe “in certain respects” and that China is a foe “economically ... but that doesn’t mean they are bad. It doesn’t mean anything. It means that they are competitive.” Trump has been reluctant to criticise Putin over the years and has described him in recent days not as an enemy but as a competitor. Yesterday, Trump flew to Finland, the final stop on a weeklong trip that began last Tuesday. Trump set expectations for the summit low, telling CBS News, “I don’t expect anything. ... I go in with very low expectations.” His national security adviser said they weren’t looking for any “concrete deliverables”. He also said in the interview taped on Saturday that he “hadn’t thought” about asking Putin to extradite the dozen Russian military intelligence officers indicted this past
week in Washington on charges related to the hacking of Democratic targets in the 2016 US presidential election. But after being given the idea by his interviewer, Trump said, “Certainly I’ll be asking about it.” The US has no extradition treaty with Moscow and can’t compel Russia to hand over citizens. Russia’s constitution prohibits extraditing its citizens to foreign countries. Contradicting Trump in an interview on ABC’s “This Week”, US national security adviser John Bolton said the idea of asking Putin to turn over the 12 military intelligence officials was “pretty silly” and argued that doing so would put the US president in a “weak position”. From aboard Air Force One, Trump complained in tweets that he wasn’t getting enough credit for his meeting with Kim and railed that “Much of our news media is indeed the enemy of the people” as he headed to sit down with Putin.
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THE TRIBUNE