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VOLUME:115 No.166, JULY 23RD, 2018
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PA GE S SPORT: TWO GOLD, ONE SILVER FOR JOANNA EVANS AT CAC GAMES ‘WANTED’ SUSPECT SHOT DEAD BY POLICE
Did PLP operate ‘dirty tricks’ unit? Bethel orders Shake it up, Grandad DPP to probe smear claims By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE Department of Public Prosecutions has been directed to look into viral allegations concerning a political “war room” and its purported campaign of dirty tricks against Free National Movement candidates in the run up to the 2017 general election. Attorney General Carl Bethel confirmed yesterday
the director of public prosecutions has been given the task of investigating the veracity of claims contained in a string of videos, voice notes, and screenshots that have been widely circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp. “I have asked the DPP to have a look at it,” Mr Bethel said. “It raised serious issues when I saw it.” PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell denounced the SEE PAGE FIVE
LABOUR Director John Pinder yesterday expressed a desire to review the application process of long-term work permits, telling The Tribune there should be increased stipulations to guard against abuse. Mr Pinder, a former trade unionist, stressed the need to strengthen labour policies related to work
permits, telling this newspaper he had received at least 100 vacancy notices per week. “The amount of NOVs (notice of vacancy) that come to my office – there are thousands of people on work permit applying for vacancies. Sure most of them are handymen or maids; we have to encourage Bahamians to take these jobs. It’s minimum wage but when you add all SEE PAGE SIX
SEE PAGE THREE
TECH ISSUES STALL NEW BETTING TAX
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN gamblers will enjoy a twomonth reprieve from the budget’s twin five percent levies because they are “not as easy and straightforward” to implement as the government thought. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister with responsibility for gaming, told Tribune Business that the delay in imposing the tax on customer deposits and over-the-counter (OTC) lottery sales stemmed from the need to “recertify” web shop systems and games.
‘WORK PERMITS NEED STRICTER CONTROLS’ By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
POLICE shot and killed an alleged armed robber who they said opened fire on two officers after pinning them against a vehicle. The man, who police identified as Dario “Geico” Tinker, had been sought for questioning for several weeks. Police said he was found driving a stolen car, taken during an armed robbery on Wednesday, and a pistol was recovered from the scene.
SEE BUSINESS SECTION
SKY BAHAMAS – WE’VE ALL GOT DEBTS PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his grandson (pictured to his right) rush with the Saxons Superstars at the Junkanoo Summer Festival on Saturday. BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs
MURDERERS? HANG ‘EM AND MOVE ON By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he has no issue “hanging” any person convicted of murder and “moving on”. The comment came as he insisted his long-held views on capital punishment have not wavered nor changed since being elected to office in May 2017. Addressing reporters as he exited Calvary Deliverance Church following a service yesterday, Dr Minnis made it clear if it was up to him, people convicted of
murder would be hanged without any remorse on his behalf. He was responding to questions over the potential for amendments to the Juries Act as referenced by Press Secretary Anthony Newbold last week. According to Mr Newbold, the House of Assembly is expected to soon debate amendments to the Juries Act, clearing up some provisions to the death penalty for murder. In response yesterday, Dr Minnis said: “Let’s get it clear, I am a strong advocate of hanging. That has not changed. That will
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE SIX
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
SKY Bahamas’ principal yesterday branded threats to terminate the airline’s airport operating licence over a $454,000 debt as “a non-issue”, and said: “Every other airline owes NAD money”. Captain Randy Butler told Tribune Business that he was one of the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) “best payers” over the past ten years, after a series of letters detailing sums Sky Bahamas owes to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) operator were leaked on social media. SEE BUSINESS SECTION
PAGE 2, Monday, July 23, 2018
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FOX HILL FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY THE FOX Hill community held the opening ceremony of its Fox Hill Festival on Friday night. The community is marking 30 years of the festival with 30 days of events. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune staff
FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson speaks at the event.
SENATOR Fred Mitchell at the event.
MAURICE TYN ES chairman of the , Fox Hill Festival Committee.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 23, 2018, PAGE 3
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
PM’S DELIVERY UNIT SET FOR SINGAPORE VISIT By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit and other departments are expected to travel to Singapore to determine how best to modernise and streamline government projects and policies. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he has already had communications with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the matter, noting the commitment of his counterpart to aid the Bahamas in improving its technology. “We have too many problems with having to run to one agency for information, running to another,” Dr Minnis said yesterday. “What can be done via computerisation and proper inter-connectivity in a matter of minutes, takes us now months, and Singapore has made a commitment to assist us with that,” he added. According to Dr Minnis, the heads of the PMDU and the government’s IT Department and at least one other person will make the trip.
Importance While he stopped short of giving an exact date for the trip, Dr Minnis did insist the matter remains of importance to his administration’s efforts. Creation of the PMDU was announced last November by Press Secretary Anthony Newbold and officially formed in May. Mr Newbold said once established, the 11-member team would be “responsible for tracking projects and initiatives set out and agreed by the prime minister and establishing timelines for the completion of such projects.” In addition to analysing these needs, a “management mechanism” must be created that will underscore “accountability, transparency, and results delivery” throughout the nation. The six key priorities the PMDU will initially focus on are the Over-the-Hill Rejuvenation Project, land reform, energy reform and infrastructure, ease of doing business, education and safety and security. The government has started work, in full or in part, on all six of these initiatives. According to the prime minister, the Delivery Unit will differ from other agencies in the sense that it will “have the mandate and the authority of the prime minister to seek information from any ministry and analyse that data and to ensure that we’re keeping on schedule for that timeline.”
THE BODY of Dario ‘Geico’ Tinker at the scene on Friday night.
Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune staff
‘WANTED’ SUSPECT SHOT DEAD BY POLICE
FROM PAGE ONE The shootout occurred after 6pm on Friday after police received reports of a wanted man in the area of Williams Lane off Shirley Street. Police officers went to the area and saw the suspect get into a vehicle. “Shortly after 6pm, officers were dispatched to this area here of Williams Lane, just off Shirley Street, with respect to an individual who was wanted by the police in reference to recent armed robberies and rape,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander told reporters at the crime scene.
Firearm “On arrival, officers saw the individual who was in this small, silver vehicle. Officers exited. . . the individual made an attempt to drive off, pinning two of the officers between the vehicles. He then produced a firearm and fired at the officers, officers being in fear returned fire, the individual was fatally shot right here on scene. “On further examination of the vehicle,” he said, “it was discovered that the licence disc and the plate that was attached does not correspond for that vehicle. On further examination it was discovered this vehicle was taken in an armed robbery at gunpoint from a lady just two days (before) . . . it was discovered that a loaded pistol was found just between the seat of this vehicle.”
ABOVE: Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander speaks to reporters at the scene. RIGHT: A wanted poster for Dario “Geico” Tinker, who was shot dead on Friday night. ACP Fernander said the officers involved were “shaken up”, but not visibly injured. “They will seek whatever attention from the hospital if they feel there are some injuries upon them,” he added. He also stressed that police officers are committed to keeping the streets safe. He sent a stern warning to criminals that situations like the one that occurred on Friday will be the end result if they continue their criminal lifestyle. “We are not trying to blow horns because we don’t want it to end
like this. These are young persons who decide to go into that life of crime and we want to say and send a strong warning to those persons who continue to live that lifestyle if you do, that could be the end result, if you engage police.” There have been several fatal police shootings in recent months. In the face of questions, ACP Fernander said the integrity of the RBPF and the officers involved in these incidents is still intact. “The integrity of the police force and the officers is intact. The officers, their life is on the line as well, and
there is a process going on,” he said referring to the fact that police-involved shootings are referred to the Coroner’s Court for investigation. Most recently, in late May, 20-year-old Deangelo Evans was killed by police who were responding to an armed robbery of a store on East Street and Bethel Ground Corner. Police said one of the people they believed matched the description of the suspects was shot. Police said one of the suspects produced a firearm, leading police, who were in fear of their lives, to open fire.
TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER SEPARATE SHOOTINGS TWO men are in hospital after being shot during separate incidents in New Providence on Saturday, police said. In the first incident, shortly before 1am a man was standing in his yard on Cascarilla Street in Pinewood Gardens, when he was approached by two armed men who demanded cash. They were unsuccessful in obtaining their demand and as a result shot the man before running from the yard. The injured man was taken to hospital and is listed in serious, but stable condition.
In the second incident, which occurred shortly after 1am, a man was standing in front of his home on Royal Palm Street off Mackey Street, when the occupants of a white Nissan Note pulled up and shot him before speeding away. He was taken to hospital and is listed in serious, but stable condition. Graphic Designer Want Ad_Layout 1 Police are also
investigating two armed robberies, including the hold up of a pizza delivery driver, which occurred Friday. Shortly after 10pm, a man was standing in front of his home on Ameryllis Drive in Garden Hills when he was approached by two men, one armed with a shotgun, who robbed him of a cell phone 7/19/18 2:42 PM Page 1 before running away.
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In the second incident, shortly after 11pm, a woman was delivering pizza in Garden Hills, when she was approached by two men, one armed with a shotgun, who robbed her of
an undetermined amount of cash, before getting into her 2008 Nissan Wing Road van, licence plate number AR1244, and driving off. Investigations are continuing into these incidents.
PAGE 4, Monday, July 23, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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The two faces of marijuana – medical and recreational WE ARE pleased that Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, in considering whether marijuana should be legalised in the Bahamas, will not be looking at the revenue that such legalisation might bring in, but on the medical benefits that marijuana, if controlled, could offer our people. Already we hear excited talk as though some Bahamians think that with a shovel and a bit of earth, they can have their own ganja plot in their backyard and reap themselves a fortune. The Bahamas has suffered the destructive side of marijuana from the early seventies when Colombian drug peddlers — Joe Lehder, Kojak. and “the boys” – paid their way through these islands, corrupting from the highest to the lowest of our citizens and destroying the moral fibre of our people. Most of today’s criminality and gang mentality took root in those early days of illegality. Today, a new light has been thrown on the marijuana plant, which has manifested many benefits that the medical profession is studying, in some cases with astonishing results. In the United States it has been suggested that the legalisation of marijuana could help offset that country’s current opioid epidemic – described as “the worst opioid epidemic the world has ever seen.” Research in the US has shown that opioid overdose in the past 15 years “has been implicated in over 500,000 deaths since 2000 – more than the number of Americans killed in World War II.” Doctors are now speculating that legal marijuana might be a preferred medical substance — “unlike opioids it has little addiction potential and virtually no deaths” from an overdose. Teams of researchers are now comparing states that have legalised marijuana to those that do not. So far it has been discovered that there are fewer deaths from opioid use when opioids have been dropped as medication and marijuana substituted. However, the medical fraternity is still wrestling with the miracles of nature. California was the first state to legalise marijuana in 1996, followed by 29 states since then with very rigid restrictions. Researchers have agreed that “as more states debate the merits of legalising marijuana in the coming months and years, more research will be needed to create consistency between cannabis science and cannabis policy.” Last year history was made when Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe developed a drug from cannabis (the marijuana plant) to treat acute myeloid leukemia. He was granted “orphan-drug” designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration to continue his research. And in England, Britain’s Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies announced this month that she had found “conclusive evidence of the therapeutic benefit of cannabis-based medicinal products for certain medical conditions.” Canada also announced plans to legalise marijuana this month for
recreational as well as medical use. Of course, there are very strict rules about growing marijuana —up to four plants at home, provided they are not more than a meter high. The minimum age for recreational use is 18 years, although some provinces can raise the age limit. The federal government plans to impose penalties of up to 14 years in prison for selling or giving marijuana to minors. However, some in Canada’s medical profession have expressed grave concern about the dangers of setting too low a minimum age. The Canadian Psychiatric Association has sought to ban sales to anybody under the age of 21 and limit the potency of products sold to people between 21 and 25. “There is a strong evidence base showing that early and regular cannabis use can affect cognition, such as memory, attention, intelligence and the ability to process thoughts and experiences,” said Renuka Prasad, president of the association, who also noted that cannabis use can “increase the risk of mental-health issues like depression and psychotic disorders in vulnerable young people.” We have heard so many stories and seen enough miracle cures from various strains of cannabis that we have no difficulty in supporting the legalisation of medical marijuana. However, recreational marijuana is a different problem - we have also seen the dark side of that. If a limited amount of recreational marijuana could be purchased over the counter like a bottle of whiskey, it would certainly break up the gangs and the illicit peddling. But employers would have to have severe restrictions on their work force — for example today no one can report for work drunk, nor can there be smoking in a smoke free establishment. So it should be with marijuana. We recall in the seventies when we discovered that some of our pressmen were heavy marijuana users while operating our large Suburban press that produces over a thousand Tribune pages a minute. Their reflexes were nil, an accident could have been fatal. Fortunately, our teenage son was home for the summer from his school in England at the time. He had been well trained in the building and operation of the large press. He recruited two young men from the Out Islands, who had so far been untouched by drugs, and trained them in the operation of the press before it was time for him to return to his studies. For that period of our history, employees in this department could only remain on our staff if they agreed to regular drug tests at the hospital. They always had to be drug free, because they never knew when we would have them escorted to the hospital. There are benefits — especially in curbing crime – in the legalisation of recreational marijuana, but unless the penalties are very severe for abuse it will be a constant headache for the business community. Anyway, the matter is now open for debate.
A cardinal error by the Pope?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
POPE Francis of Rome expressed words to the effect “God made you like this” and being gay does not matter. Is that in accordance with the word of God? To a Gay church member, Juan Carlos Cruz reflecting over his Life in a Gay complex issue was comforted; but is this in line with Godly principles? In 1 cor 6:9, “The Holy Bible” states, Be not deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit God’s kingdom. What about the cases where some men from infancy seem to be on the effeminate side, are they on the path to destruction? In The May 28, 2018 of the Punch page 21, 2018 captioned “Pope comforts Gay man abused by Sissy priests!” If I am Clairvoyant as I think I am; I can see the Gay floats in Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net
in Hot Pink, etc, draped with the words “GOD MADE ME GAY.” What about Lev 18:22 Thou shalt not Lie with Mankind, as with Womankind: It (is) abomination. Perhaps the guilty accused was out of order to call alarm after all it was between the Pope and himself and should have remained there in confidence at the Vatican. Perhaps he breached a Code of Ethics. We have all made mistakes in our short life time; Some of us have lobbied for Gay rights; some of us have supported openly gay men and women who who have been bashed, etc. Some of us have sacrificed our businesses and/or reputation for the openly Gay man and/or woman; To the detriment of our reputation and experience, I remember Fred Mitchell who claims that his business had suffered when he stood up
Paying tribute to the man from East Street EDITOR, The Tribune. As we celebrate our recognised heroes. I am honoured to pay tribute to the man from East Street. I wrote this on August 25th, 2000 the day Sir Lynden died. Titled the Man From East Street. The Man From East Street From the depths of East Street you came. Riding upon the crest of fame An energetic young man of valor. Joined in the struggle for people of colour . Courageously you came upon a white steed. In swift pursuit of noble deeds The hero of the masses, Hailed by lads and lasses You helped to open the door, For many lost and insecure . The envy of the Caribbean Admired by king and Queen. With Marguerite by your side, You, sir, braved many a tide.
Like Moses you raised your hand, Took your people to the promised land. With the use of your uncanny ability. You turned the minority into majority. A man of importance so much, You never lost the common touch. For many a days you could be seen on the block, Playing dominoes with the local flock. Though many a darts were hurled your way, You stood straight and never sway. For you took your licks like a man, And give back as many as you can. While many tried to sully your name, You’d only chuckle and say, Lord. forgive them they’re not to blame. For like all great men so trusting, You were unaware of the daggers thrusting. A man who found it hard to say no. You fell victim to the embraceable foe. And now you have come to the end of the road. Lord knows your lot was a heavy load.
Sir Lynden you weathered the storm, And now as the nation mourn. We have reason to rejoice, For you, sir, were the people’s choice. And while you in that place of rest sojourn. There is comfort knowing that we will see you again on that morn. So go on and take your rest For you, sir, have past the test, We will see you farther on. For surely not even the grave can keep you down. So long for now. Honorable son of the soil. Father of the nation. Nation builder. Hero. ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, July 13, 2018.
for Lesbians, Gays Bisexuals and Transgenders. I remember lobbying and praising Mr Fred Mitchel on March 20, 2014 of the Punch captioned “Fred should be praised for voicing Gay rights support.” For taking a stance while at an event in Trinidad for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT)people. Nevertheless, when it all boils down; to each his own; we just have to learn to get along in the global village with each other. The hate in our community is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Martin Luther King Jr once said “I have to stick with Love; Hate is too great a burden to bear”_ Dr Martin Luther King Jr. What about the Scripture which says at Leviticus 20:13 “If a Man also lie with Mankind, as he lieth with woman, both of them have committed abomination: They shall surely be put to death; Their Blood (Shall Be) upon them. Is this this an alibi to take the Life of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transvestite person? Is this out of character with a just and/ or Loving God? What do you think? Food for thought. Both The Nassau Guardian of May 24, 2018 by Nicole Winifield and The Tribune of May 24, 2018, cheer Pope Francis’ “God made you like this remark,” embraced by the LGBT community as another sign of Pope Francis’ desire to make Gay people feel welcomed and loved in the Catholic Church. LOXSLEY BASTIAN Nassau, July 19, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL HIT-AND-RUN ON ROBINSON ROAD
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
POLICE are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in the capital after a pedestrian was struck while attempting to cross the road on Friday evening. The man was attempting to cross Robinson Road in the vicinity of Washington Street shortly after 10pm, according to police. The vehicle, a red truck, continued driving in an eastly direction after he hit the victim. The pedestrian was taken to hospital by paramedics and pronounced dead a short time later. The Tribune understands the victim is Andre Sands. Police have asked the public to come forward with any information about the incident as they continue to hunt for the motorist. The accident was caught on nearby CCTV and posted to social media over the weekend.
Footage The distressing footage shows the man carefully watching the road as a number of vehicles drive by. He begins crossing road and then looks to his left for oncoming traffic. Halfway across, he suddenly becomes aware of the truck speeding towards him to his right and before he can jump out of the way, the vehicle slams into him. Several pedestrians have been victims of hit-and-runs recently. A week ago, Trey Garvey, 21, son of Grand Bahama activist Tray Garvey, was killed by a motorist. According to initial reports from police, officers discovered the body of a man on West Sunrise Highway, west of Yorkshire Drive, in Freeport shortly before 5am on Sunday, July 15. The victim was unresponsive. Reports are the man had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Garvey was a member of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and had also enrolled in the National Training Agency programme. That hit-and-run follows a traffic fatality last month that saw a pedestrian hit by a car on Foster Street, off Boyd Road. #According to Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, the June 23 incident marked the the 40th traffic fatality for the year. In March, two men were arrested in Bimini less than 24 hours after an early morning jogger was killed during a hitand-run on West Bay Street. In February, a woman was fined more than $12,000 for hitting, rolling over and consequently killing a 52-year-old man with an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle before leaving the scene. Earlier this year, police said there had been an “uptick” in pedestrian-related traffic accidents and hit-and-runs.
Monday, July 23, 2018, PAGE 5
DID PLP OPERATE ‘DIRTY TRICKS’ UNIT? FROM PAGE ONE
their instability and childish antics…your task today is to talk on the importance of universal health care…your task today is to talk on the importance of food security and BAMSI…we need them things done on Jeff Lloyd, Marvin Dames, and D’Aguilar. . .”
claims in a press statement issued last night, which asked for those involved to desist using the party’s name. It read: “It has come to attention of the Progressive Liberal Party that there is a voice note circulating on social media claiming that the PLP engaged individuals to act on its behalf in the last General Election 2017, in the name of the War Room, to gather and issue false information on candidates of the opposing Party.
Campaign
Statement The statement continued: “The Party denounces the claim and states that at no time did it or its election machinery, in the name of the War Room, engage any individual in such acts which we condone as unethical and improper in our democracy.” It is alleged persons were paid by supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party to gather and disseminate false information on FNM party candidates, including now-ministers Marvin Dames, Dionisio D’Aguilar and Jeff Lloyd. The videos and voice notes detail a personal, unrelated disagreement between two members of the purported war room, which unleashed a litany of
SOME of the purported screenshots from the group WhatsApp chat.
allegations as the pair tried to discredit each other. In one voice note, a man who identified himself as a former police officer and investigator, says: “Sometime last year during the election time, I was called into the PLP war room to conduct investigations...my job in the PLP war room was to find out certain things on certain people who were running for office who are presently in office, my job was to conduct surveillance on certain persons who are present ministers and to find dirt on them... apparently when certain dirt could not be found, I
was asked to lie on these persons. “...Persons like Marvin Dames, the minister of national security.... I was asked to lie and make up stuff on Marvin Dames...I refused to do it...I was asked to lie on Jeff Lloyd...I was also asked to make up stories on Mr D’Aguilar.” The purported screenshots depict exchanges between war room members in a group WhatsApp chat. In one screenshot, a user purportedly details “morning assignments for the day,” and states: “I need you to mash up the FNM up on
Mr D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, came under fire on the campaign trail when leaked documents confirmed his company Superwash Ltd provided “falsified invoices” in 2014 to the Customs Department, and as such, paid less duty than what was owed. Superwash was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay the remaining balance which was done several weeks later in January 2014. When the information surfaced in April 2017, Mr D’Aguilar admitted that the invoices were altered but claimed that Superwash “was the victim of a fraud by an unscrupulous broker.” Yesterday, FNM Chairman Carl Culmer declined to comment on the matter as there was no evidence the allegations were credible. He suggested it was up to the police to determine whether the matter is formally pursued.
BAHAMAS CONSULATE GENERAL EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT AT ATLANTA RACIAL ATTACK By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Consulate General expressed disappointment on Friday at the racial attack a group of Bahamian youth and their chaperones experienced during a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Zhivargo Laing, former state minister for finance, recounted the incident during his Guardian Radio talk show on Thursday, describing how a white man used the “n” word to attack them,
called them “sluts” and told them “go back to Africa.” The youth were shaken by the incident, though they said it showed the importance of not generalising people’s behaviour as it was another white man who came to their defence and punched the man who insulted them. The consul general, Astra-Armbrister Rolle, said in a statement published to the consul’s Facebook page: “On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, the Bahamas Consulate General welcomed representatives from the
A PHOTO of the Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Programme with talk show host Zhivargo Laing, centre, posted to the Bahamas Consulate Atlanta’s Facebook page on Wednesday. Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Programme and former Cabinet minister Zhivargo Laing to Atlanta. “We were tremendously disappointed to hear that the group, after we had hosted them at our office, was ‘verbally attacked’ by a belligerent individual who expressed racist sentiments as referenced in (Friday’s) Tribune. It is with deep regret that we must
acknowledge that events like these, while still uncommon, do happen from time to time; when they do, they should serve as vivid learning experiences for our young people who are experiencing first-hand the complex racial realities of our global community. “Though the event was emotionally disturbing, the consulate is extremely grateful that the Bahamian delegation was unharmed
during the encounter. The students and the organisers are to be commended for immediately calling the local authorities and handling themselves with dignity in the face of undignified actions. “The consulate’s primary function is to ensure the welfare of members of the Bahamian diaspora visiting or residing in the 10 states that we service, and we are committed to providing a
welcoming experience for all. “To this end, if you or anyone you know feels disturbed in our jurisdiction, please do not hesitate to call our office on 2970 Clairmont Road NE (Suite 290) at 404-214-0492. “For our office hours, additional contacts and a full list of states that we service, please visit our website at www.bahconga. com.”
PAGE 6, Monday, July 23, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
MURDERERS? HANG ‘EM AND MOVE ON FROM PAGE ONE
LABOUR Director John Pinder
‘WORK PERMITS NEED STRICTER CONTROLS’
FROM PAGE ONE
the benefits – the job they advertise could see someone potentially take home $20,000 annually,” Mr Pinder said. “At least 100 a week,” he continued, “that’s over 5,000 people every year applying for work permit.” Yesterday, Mr Pinder also underscored the need to strengthen NOV criteria – particularly stipulations concerning the training of Bahamians. “So that when an employer wants to bring in a foreign worker, advertise in newspaper, and then come back and say they can’t find no suitable Bahamian or no one applied,” he said, “when we put these stipulations, we need to ensure the people they’re bringing actually have the certification they asked for, and that it’s authentic.” Mr Pinder said: “We need to ensure when there is supposed to be training for Bahamians to take over that the Bahamian is identified and there is some format or curriculum in place to follow.” A labour certificate and NOV is required from the Department of Labour for long-term work permits.
Process There are special circumstances that allow for an expedited application process; however, the normal process requires employers to advertise the position vacancy in one of the daily newspapers for a period of three days. The employer is then required to provide a copy of the advertisement, a receipt of payment and photo identification to the Labour Department. If approved, a labour certificate is issued and the employer will attach this document to the application for a work permit at the Department of Immigration. Rejected applications are referred to the Employment Exchange Unit (EEU), which is tasked to utilise its database to identify suitable Bahamian job seekers within a four to six week period. If unsuccessful, the NOV application is then resubmitted to the director of labour for approval. Immigration Minister Brent Symonette told The Tribune in August last year that the high volume of permit applications was the greatest challenge faced by officials. He pitched the idea of introducing ceilings on permits for domestic jobs, and other industries; however at the time, he admitted he did not expect the suggestion to be favourably received. Since then the government has passed the Commercial Enterprises Act, officially known as the Act for the Designation of Specified Commercial Enterprises and Specified Economic Zones in the Bahamas. The legislation enables a “specified commercial enterprise” to obtain an Investments Board certificate granting it a specific number of work permits for certain positions. The Act’s fast track process, targeted at specific industries, was touted as a bid to allow top foreign executives to enter the Bahamas without possessing work permits.
“What everybody knows, the world knows, the Bahamas knows that I believe in hanging. I have no reservations about hanging you and moving on.”
not change. “However, I am bounded by the laws. But I am a strong advocate for hanging.” When asked if there were plans being considered by his administration to take the capital punishment debate to referendum this term, Dr Minnis said the issue remains a matter that has to be discussed by his Cabinet prior to any further moves. Nonetheless he said: “What everybody knows, the world knows, the Bahamas knows that I believe in hanging. I have no reservations about hanging you and moving on.”
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis
Law Although the law allows for capital punishment, the death penalty has not been carried out since January 2000. That year, David Mitchell was executed for stabbing two German tourists to death. In 2006, the Londonbased Privy Council ruled the Bahamas’ mandatory death sentence for convicted murderers was unconstitutional. In 2011 the Ingraham administration amended the death penalty law to specify the “worst of the worst” murders that would warrant execution. Under the amended law, a person who kills a police or defence force officer, member of the Departments of Customs or
Immigration, judiciary or prison services would be eligible for a death sentence. A person would also be eligible for death once convicted of murdering someone during a rape, robbery, kidnapping or act of terrorism. There have been calls by several international bodies over the last decade for the Bahamas to abolish the death penalty outright. Attorney General Carl Bethel has maintained on several occasions, the country has no intention of adhering to these calls. In January, Mr Bethel addressed the international recommendations that the country has not accepted
during his national report to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group session in Geneva, Switzerland.
Emotive “. . . There is no appetite on the streets if you will in the Bahamas for any ability for compromise on that issue (capital punishment),” Mr Bethel told the UN. “It is an emotive matter and so what we try and do is to show through raising our conviction rates, through our prosecutors, to give a sense of comfort to the
populace that there is a remedy, there is a punishment that fits the crime.” He added: “The Bahamas maintains its position on the retention of the death penalty. “In fact, one of the recommendations submitted by the Constitutional Commission, after consultation, was the retention of the death penalty. “The Bahamas continues to recognise the lawfulness of the death penalty as a punishment for the crimes of murder and treason, on a discretionary basis and subject to the conditions laid down in the case law. “That said,” he continued, “the Bahamas is not considering any immediate action to establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty. “The last mandated execution took place 17 years ago, even in the absence of a formal moratorium.” While in opposition, the Free National Movement frequently called for the death penalty to be enforced.
MEMBERS of the National Assembly vote during a session to update the current Constitution and present the new Council of Ministers, in Havana, Cuba, Saturday. (Abel Padron/Agencia Cubana de Noticias via AP)
CARIBBEAN NEWS
CUBA APPROVES NEW LEADER’S CABINET WITH OLD FACES IN PLACE By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, Associated Press
HAVANA (AP) — Cuban lawmakers on Saturday approved the Cabinet named by new President Miguel DiazCanel, keeping most of the ministers from Raul Castro’s government in place, except for in the key post of economic reform. At the same time, the national assembly received a proposed reform of Cuba’s 1976 constitution that would reshape its government, courts and
economy, and pave the way for same-sex marriage, although it would maintain the Communist Party as the sole political force in the country. The charter will be put to a national referendum in the coming months then return to the assembly. Among the ministers kept in place in Diaz-Canel’s Council of Ministers were three historic vice presidents: revolutionary commanders Ramiro Valdes, Ricardo Cabrisas and Gen. Ulises Rosales del Toro. Foreign Minster Bruno Rodriguez, Foreign Trade Minister Rodrigo
Malmierca and Finance Minister Lina Peraza will also remain in their posts. The main change was the absence of economic reforms minister Marino Murillo who had accompanied Raul Castro for a decade while he implemented modest openings to private enterprise in the socialist economy. Diaz-Canel replaced Castro in April in a historic changing of the guard in Cuba, but Saturday’s Cabinet suggests continuity rather than immediate change. Cuban officials have
proposed a reform of the constitution, saying the current one does not reflect changes made in the country in the decades since 1976. The new charter would create the position of prime minister alongside the president, splitting the roles of head of government and head of state. It would enshrine new recognitions of the free market and private property in Cuban society, though the communist state would remain the dominant economic force. It also creates a new presumption of innocence in the justice system and makes explicit the principal of not discriminating based on gender identity. “We are before a total reform within the framework established by the principles of socialism,” said Homero Acosta, the secretary of the Council of State in charge of presenting the reforms. The current constitution was adopted at a time when Cuba was a potential Cold War flashpoint and a pillar of the Soviet Bloc. The document proclaims Cuba’s adherence to Marxist-Leninist socialism. Experts say the onand-off economic reforms promoted by Raul Castro, which have sought to allow the limited introduction of private enterprise within the communist system, have been carried out in spite of the constitution.
MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
HEY, MR BANNISTER THIS IS DRIVING US
POTTY By FARRAH JOHNSON
WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister signalled last week he was proposing massive $10,000 fines for utility companies who dig up roads and then leave them looking like an assault course for motorists. If his plan comes to fruition then given the state of many of our roads then this could quickly provide hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Treasury. Last week Insight took a look at one of the busiest roads in the whole of New Providence - a stretch of road running on East Bay Street from the Paradise Island return bridge to Harbour Bay. Within just a few yards you hit your first deep pothole - and it certainly isn’t the last.
Surface For the next half mile there is a never-ending patchwork of holes, cracks and areas where the surface has been dug up, filled in, dug up and filled again - countless times. Just a few months again Mr Bannister’s men were busy resurfacing Eastern Road and a fine job they did too, albeit the work overran for a week. As every motorist who travels Eastern Road into down town will tell you the state of this road before the work was carried out was pristine compared with what they have to endure on East Bay Street. Insight isn’t alone in thinking East Bay Street should quickly be on the top of Mr Bannister’s things-to-do list. Chris Roberts, who travels on the street regularly, said the abundance of potholes on the road is concerning. “From what I thought, they had companies who were contracted to check the roads and get that stuff sorted out, but it appears as if they’re falling off because in some areas it’s really bad,” he said. Robert Brown, owner of Brown’s Boat Basin, said he agrees sections of the road needs to be resurfaced.
ABOVE: The Tribune’s Farrah Johnson stands in a pothole on East Bay Street. All photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
SPELLMAN Munroe said that, as a motorcyclist, manoeuvring around potholes “isn’t easy”.
He said people who frequent the area have become accustomed to the potholes, he said it “would be really nice” if something could finally be done to remedy the issue. “The inconvenience is just avoiding them. I guess it helps (to) slow us down – natural speed bumps – but it should be better than this, particularly one of the main roads of Nassau,” he said. Another motorist, Andy Knowles, said he wished the road could be “fixed quicker.” “I just feel that potholes should be something they should have somebody dealing with it, like 24/7. All they should do is go around and fix potholes because if they don’t fix them so many cars get hurt and wrecked and people get hurt,” he said. Car drivers are not the only motorists affected by the potholes. Spellman Munroe explained that as a motorcyclist, manoeuvring around potholes on the street “isn’t easy”. Mr Munroe admitted it is especially difficult for him on the road, because he has to be mindful of crashing into cars when trying to swerve to avoid potholes. “All these roads bad and it’s dangerous because if you fall in them (potholes) it can cause
POTHOLES on East Bay Street.
MOTORIST Andy Knowles thought there should be someone dealing with potholes 24/7.
you (to) lose control – especially when it rains because you can’t see the hole,” he said. Tanya Higgs, who conducts business in the area, said she is also concerned about the number of potholes on the street because they have already put her “in expense”. “If you drop in a pothole you cause damage to your car. Right now I just finish fixing a part on my car based on dropping in one of those potholes, so I wish they would hurry up get the work done,” she said. However, Ms Higgs added that she “appreciated” the effort that has been put into road reconstruction so far, and said
she believes the government is doing “a good job with trying to get the roads sorted out”. For months in 2016, The Tribune’s “Fix My Street” campaign highlighted scores of potholes and damaged road surfaces on behalf of frustrated motorists. Two years on we’re having to raise the same issue. The government has asked residents to use the hotline, 302-9700, at the Ministry of Public Works to report roads which need repairs. Let’s give them a call.
PAGE 8 MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
SHANTY town notices being handed out recently (above) and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis (right).
I’m tipping my hat to shanty town demolitions - so should we all By MALCOLM STRACHAN AS we enter the final week of July, we are rapidly approaching the deadline for all shanty town residents to evacuate these communities. The government’s extension from the original date of July 31 to August 10 has given these residents some extra time to pack their belongings and secure new accommodations. For Prime Minister Minnis, it should be widely accepted he has done a good job in relation to illegal immigration and the eradication of shanty towns. Barring a few communication blunders, the government has evidently followed a plan, communicated it to the Bahamian public, and dealt with individuals in a humane fashion. Surely, there are many ways in which this could have gone terribly wrong for the government. However, from the beginning of 2018, the prime minister made it clear the existence of shanty towns in The Bahamas was approaching its eventual end.
While humanitarian groups have found fault with the government for its decision to eliminate shanty towns, the government’s goal is consistent with the desires of most Bahamians. For far too long, we’ve felt that life has been
“Successive governments have placed the issue on the backburner from time immemorial. Thus, many citizens are delighted to see the government finally taking action on this bane of the Bahamian people.” harder for Bahamians in our country, while we watch parallel societies exist a stone’s throw away from the homes we sweat and bleed for. The entire system has turned a blind eye to shanty towns for years, spanning generations – all while many Bahamians’ homes have been foreclosed on
and others struggle to meet their financial obligations. Successive governments have placed the issue on the backburner from time immemorial. Thus, many citizens are delighted to see the government finally taking action on this bane of the Bahamian people. That being said, no one really (unless you’re a heartless soul) wants to see people displaced – particularly those who have invested their hard-earned money. The local dailies have reported on the plight of shanty town residents, giving their accounts in the face of the government’s decision to destroy their homes - some of hopelessness, some of fear – all filled with pain and anguish.
the government for not having a plan beyond evicting residents and destroying the communities. Of course, they want to appeal to the downtrodden and displaced, and hopefully gain some political brownie points to store up for the next election. However, where the government does have a counterpoint is its position of placing personal responsibility on those residents. Nonetheless, the optics from this ordeal have the potential for a great international backlash. As the prime minister just spoke on poverty at the United Nations, the timing could not be less ideal.
Immigrants
Decision This much can be expected - as this is no easy decision, even though the Bahamian people are not often the biggest sympathisers for the residents of these communities. The government has also stated it has no intention of housing these individuals. However, the prime minister’s decision to give former Minister of Transport Frankie Campbell the Social Services portfolio has gotten the citizenry to talking in their circles about how he will be an operative for the Haitian community. The Bahamian people will certainly have a watchful eye to see how his Haitian roots will impact how his ministry’s resources will be utilised. One thing for sure - when August 10 comes around, we will be sure to see images that should strike a chord with our humanity. Families will watch their homes - where their children may have taken their first steps or said their first words - bulldozed to rubble. While it may be the right thing to do, it will certainly not be easy. As we have grown accustomed to
A GOVERNMENT notice for shanty town residents and landowners. successive governments’ apprehension to make the hard decisions, the Minnis administration faces another gut check moment. On the heels of increasing value added tax - no doubt a very uncomfortable decision for any government to make – to double down and displace such a huge group of potential voters is a
break from what we’ve seen our leaders do in the past. This is certainly something the Progressive Liberal Party, which is struggling to gain traction since its crushing defeat in the last general election, has taken note of. Guilty of passing the buck on finding a permanent solution to shanty towns, they have come out sounding off on
Take President Trump, for example – while he is many undesirable things, his decision to round up immigrants, separating children from their families and putting them in cages garnered the attention of global media. He was rightfully eviscerated in the international media for his barbaric decision to split families during his egomaniacal campaign against immigration. Incontestably, there is no direct correlation between President Trump’s camps and plans here in The Bahamas. However, the imminent effect of the government’s decision to remove shanty towns is palpable. The world is sensitive to what can be presented as a crime against humanity. And with local factions promoting exaggerated propaganda, the blowback can create a tense environment for the prime minister. Prime Minister Minnis has not yet faced international pressure like his predecessor. His decision to increase value added tax has hurt him locally, but the government seems to not be putting much stock in what the populace is agitating for today, as they face a gimpy opposition party on the other side of the aisle. That said, just as news of the former government’s immigration crackdown under the guidance of former Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell made its way to Miami, we would kid ourselves to think this will not make waves as well. The prime minister will have to stand on the side of what’s right here. Indeed, no prime minister has led a government that has come this far on immigration. For that, we should all tip our hats. In light of all this, the government cannot allow its momentum to be hampered. This is the right thing to do. This is the right time to do it, and most importantly, this is what’s good for The Bahamas. All Bahamians should be in support of this.
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018 PAGE 9
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis (centre) at the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica.
Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS
SO WHAT DID THE TALKING HEADS OF CARICOM ACTUALLY ACHIEVE? individual and collective independence. In the event, many Heads of Government have privately indicated the July meeting was one of the best in the last five years. New energy and interest were displayed, and significantly, while there
(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. The views expressed are his own)
T
HIS week the Washington-based publication Latin American Advisor sought responses from myself and others considered knowledgeable on Caribbean affairs, to three questions regarding the recently-held CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica. For the benefit of readers of this column, I provide more detailed answers to the three questions here than I did to the Washington publication. The first question posed was: what were the main accomplishments of the meeting? Undoubtedly, the main achievement of the meeting was a renewed commitment to making the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) more effective.After years of ‘pausing’ the implementation of the many national actions required to advance the single market, new life has been breathed into the process. Significantly, the new Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who has taken over lead responsibility for the CSME from her predecessor Freundel Stuart, will hold monthly meetings with officials of the CARICOM Secretariat. This oversight by the Prime Minister will allow regular monitoring of progress and allow Ms. Mottley to consult directly with her fellow Heads of Government on removing bottlenecks to implementation which have long been a hindrance to advancing the economic integration process. Additionally, a special meeting of the Heads of Government will be held in November to focus exclusively on the CSME. There is now a large body of reports from various sources, including the private sector, that can inform the meeting of leaders. There are many contentious issues to be faced. Overcoming the challenges will not be easy, but the willingness to dedicate a meeting to deal exclusively with the matter is a positive sign. The second question posed by the Latin American Advisor was: what resulted from the presence of non-Caricom heads of state, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, at the meeting? Cuba and CARICOM countries have had a strong co-operative relationship since 1972 when four independent nations of
CARICOM defied the U.S. embargo to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. Relations with Cuba were dominated by the leadership of the Castro brothers – Fidel and Raul – for the 46 years that followed. Therefore, it was important CARICOM leaders and the new Cuban President had the opportunity to get the measure of each other and to understand whether there would be any divergence of policies by either side. As it turned out, the meeting underscored the solidarity of Cuba and CARICOM, including CARICOM’s support for the lifting of the U.S. economic and financial embargo against Cuba. Leaders also agreed to increase trade and deepen economic relations.
W
ith regard to Chile, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera has continued showing the interest in the Caribbean displayed by his predecessor in office, Michelle Bachelet. It was agreed the CARICOM-Chile joint commission would be convened in Barbados to further cooperate on a range of issues of mutual interest, including a multidimensional approach to measuring poverty. Chile is also interested in a free trade agreement with CARICOM which would be difficult but should not prevent agreement on a partial scheme. CARICOM needs to diversify its trading arrangements to break its vulnerability to a narrow group of countries. Chile has shown willingness to help champion arguments for a change in rules that disqualify Caribbean countries from access to concessional financing from international financial institutions. In this context, President Piñera’s encounter with CARICOM heads was a very important development. The final question was: what are the most critical issues currently facing the Caribbean, and do the region’s leaders have the right plans to tackle them? The critical issues for the Caribbean are: unemployment, the damaging effects of climate change, high debt that limits their fiscal capacity for spending on social welfare and infrastructure; and an international
environment that is unhelpful to their plight. Over the last decade, in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis that originated in the U.S. and that spread globally, efforts to tackle these issues have largely been pursued at a national level. Regional collaboration was eased to one side, as beggar-thyneighbour policies were implemented. There will long be a debate on whether the failure to implement regional responses contributed to retarding growth in Caribbean countries and increasing their dependence on countries outside the region, and therefore, compromising their
“Many Heads of Government have privately indicated the July meeting was one of the best in the last five years.” was some argument that the ‘E’ in ‘CSME’ should be abandoned because it has no realistic possibility of accomplishment in the foreseeable future, many leaders insisted on its retention as a legitimate aspiration of the Caribbean people and, therefore, a necessary goal of Caribbean governments.
The ‘E’ in ‘CSME’ embraces the creation of a single ‘economy’, going beyond a single market. It would include a single currency, a single Central Bank, common financial legislation and regulation, restrictions on governments from printing money, limitations on incurring debt and constraints on careless spending of foreign reserves. It would also remove the necessity to change currencies to travel around the Caribbean and to pay for goods and services. Indeed, what the ‘E’ in CSME would do is to replicate across CARICOM the successful project by the countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in establishing a single currency and deeper and supportive integration arrangements that have saved their individual states from greater economic hardship and facilitated movement of
Caribbean people within their own region. Steps are being taken to stay on the path to a single economy. They are baby steps such as completing work on a financial services agreement and an integrated capital market. But, they are nonetheless important steps, and they indicate the meeting of Heads of Government, rather than being sidetracked by narrow national interests, appeared to have moved – albeit not leapt – to a more regional approach to dealing with the issues confronting them regionally and collectively. It is important to note that, by its own choice, the Bahamas is not part of the CSME arrangements and many of the observations in this commentary do not apply to it. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
PAGE 10 MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Stop our senior citizens becoming targets for crime S ENIOR citizens continue to be the fastest growing segment of our population and alas that makes them a prime target for con artists and thieves. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility, not just law enforcement. One of the best ways to take an active part in crime prevention is to become more alert and aware of what is going on around you. Crime can be reduced by following some simple measures like locking your doors, watching out for your neighbours and keeping your personal information secure. Seniors are often targets as criminals focus on their vulnerabilities. It is important to remember you can
avoid becoming the victim of an illegal scheme or scam by simply refusing to participate. Protect Yourself and Your Home Seniors are living longer and more independently than ever before. We all need and want a feeling of security in the safety of our homes. Your home should be a safe haven. Most burglaries occur during daylight hours and
many intruders gain access through open or poorly secured doors and windows. Here are some precautions you can take to keep you and your home safe. • Install solid, easy-touse locks on your doors and windows, including sliders and garage. • Use deadbolt locks on all the doors. • Do not hide extra keys under the doormats or in planters, etc. Leave an extra set with a neighbour
or friend. Install a peephole and make sure you use it. • Never open the door to strangers. If a stranger asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them. • Ask service technicians or care providers you don’t know for their ID before you open the door. • Trim trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places. • Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out. • Draw the curtains and blinds at night. • Engrave your valuables (do not use your Social Security number) and list their serial numbers and description. KITCHEN SAFETY • Keep floors clean and uncluttered. • Illuminate work areas. • Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colours. • Store sharp knives in a rack. • Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off. • Store heavier objects at waist level. • Store hazardous items separate from food. • Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove. • Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates.
DRUG SAFETY • Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication. • Make sure medicines are clearly labeled. • Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose. • Dispose of any old or used medicines.
• Never borrow prescription drugs from others. • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs. • Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser. • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.
Protect Yourself in the Community As our population ages and the number of senior citizens continues to increase, seniors have more opportunities to participate in civic groups, health programmes, travel activities and entertainment. Use these tips to increase your personal security in the community. • Do your activities in pairs, have a companion for shopping, walking, etc. • Carry a small purse or bag, not one with a strap that can easily be cut or grabbed. • Carry your purse close to your body. • Do not carry credit cards you do not need or large amounts of cash. Contact your bank about free direct deposit of your government cheque. Criminals are keenly aware of when government cheques arrive. • When taking public transportation sit near the driver or close to an exit. • If possible, ask the driver to watch until you are safely in the house. • Always keep the doors and windows locked in your car. • Do not leave your purse or packages on the seat beside you, put them on the floor or in your trunk. • Travel well lit streets and plan your route. Be aware of your surroundings.
• When returning to your car check the front and back seats before entering. • Never pick up hitchhikers.
Protect Yourself against Fraud and Scams Seniors are often targets as criminals focus on their vulnerabilities. Here are some guidelines to help ensure the safety of your assets. • Never give out your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers. • Destroy personal information on documents before discarding them, use a shredder if possible • Do not fall for things that sound too good to be true money, vacations, sweepstakes prizes, health cures, or low risk/high yield investment schemes. • Do not agree to any home improvement or sales contract until you verify the existence and reputation of the business. Be sure all contractors you hire are licensed, bonded and insured. • Have a lawyer or someone you trust examine any document before you sign it. • Do not give money to a charitable organization until you verify its legitimacy. • Never send cash in the mail, or allow anyone to pick up a cheque at your home. LET US CREATE SAFER COMMUNITIES Please visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force Website at www.royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ rbpforce for Latest News, Daily Crime Reports and additional Crime Prevention Tips
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 23, 2018, PAGE 11
UK FACES CALLS TO LIBERALISE NORTHERN IRELAND ABORTION LAWS By GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press LONDON (AP) — The British government faced intensifying pressure Sunday to take steps to legalise abortions in Northern Ireland, where terminating a pregnancy remains a criminal offence even as tight abortion restrictions are being lifted in the Republic of Ireland. More than 170 politicians from political parties in Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland sent a letter to the Sunday Times that urged the government to repeal the 19th- century laws that make it a crime to have an abortion in Northern Ireland. “This is the first and critical step to ending the treatment of British and Irish women living in Northern Ireland as second-class citizens, who do not enjoy the same access to health care as their counterparts do across these islands,” the letter said. The open letter says that nearly 1,000 women and girls from Northern Ireland went to the British mainland for abortions last year and others took abortioninducing pills that are illegal in that part of the U.K. Voters in the Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly approved a May referendum to repeal a constitutional amendment that barred most abortions. In its place, new laws spelling out the conditions for legal abortions are expected to be enacted. The vote does not affect Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Abortions are prohibited there even in cases of rape and when the fetus is judged by experts to have a fatal abnormality. Abortions have been allowed in England, Wales and Scotland for more than 50 years.
‘NO LEGAL CAUSE’ FOR GOVT INVOLVEMENT IN SUPER VALUE MATERNITY BENEFITS SHIFT By AVA TURNQUEST AND RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporters
LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes yesterday said he could find no legal cause necessitating the government’s involvement in the decision by supermarket chain Super Value to rescind the company’s maternity benefits. Mr Foulkes noted the country’s laws mandate employers provide a three-month maternity benefit every three years, with the National Insurance Board providing a benefit once per year. He declined comment on revelations made by Super Value President Rupert Roberts, who in an interview with The Tribune last week, joked about the sexual proclivities of some of his staff and suggested workers were often caught engaging in sexual behaviour within work spaces. “As minister of labour,” Mr Foulkes said, “I can take another look at it, having read articles in The Tribune, I don’t see where I’d be on legal grounds to get involved in any way with respect to those comments.” Meanwhile, advocacy group Rise Bahamas said Mr Roberts’ commentary about pregnancy among his staff is “reckless and reminiscent of plantation mentality.”
The Super Value president told The Tribune on Thursday that enhanced maternity expenses for staff won’t be covered any longer as the company seeks to protect its medical fund. The pregnancy rate had been intensifying at the same time catastrophic care expenses for the company are increasing, he said, noting the food store chain will continue complying with labour laws and will go beyond what is required to take care of its staff.
Education Rise Bahamas, however, said what Bahamians need is access to greater education and resources related to their sexual and reproductive health. “Instead of simply removing the benefit, perhaps Roberts could make some investment in this education for employees,” the group said in a press release. “There are a few civil society organisations working in this sector that would very likely accommodate group information and training sessions with staff. “Those in higher office should also prioritise tweaking the educational
curriculum to integrate such instruction to a meaningful degree. “Young, black women in the Bahamas should no longer be the brunt of attempts by men of privilege to make mockery of the socio-economically disadvantaged for headlines. “Whether women employees flock to work at the low wage establishment because of exceptional maternity benefits or not, is of no concern. “The country needs to have conversations around reproductive health and planning but Roberts’ commentary is reckless and reminiscent of plantation mentality. Pregnancy is a human right. “Men of means or stature such as Rupert Roberts, Richard Lightbourn and James Palacious need to refrain from commenting publicly on women’s reproductive rights, what women wear and the like. It is by no means educational or progressive, nor is it their place.” As a Free National Movement MP in 2016, Mr Lightbourn said the country should consider adopting a policy to sterilise unwed women after they have had two children. Last year, Archdeacon James Palacious said women who dress provocatively invite inappropriate and
unjustifiable attacks. Both men later apologised for their remarks. In an article published in The Tribune on Friday, Mr Roberts spoke about the sexual behaviour of some of his staff when contacted about the changes to the company’s maternity benefits. “We find them in coolers and everywhere else, the warehouse. Back shots are easy you know, sex is a pretty easy thing,” he told this newspaper. Rise Bahamas said the comment raises health concerns. “The greatest widespread alarm due to Roberts’ revelations relates to lack of health and safety enforcement measures by the food retailer,” the release said. “(As a result), the general public has a right to demand assurances that we will no longer be put at risk.” Agriculture Minister Renward Wells could not be reached for comment up to press time on this aspect. The group said “sex in the workplace is no basis” for a decision to rescind enhanced maternity benefits. However, Mr Roberts said an increase in pregnancies and catastrophic care expenses has led its company to a new policy, not sex in the workplace specifically.
TWO DOMINICAN FISHERMEN ARRESTED BY DEFENCE FORCE TWO Dominican fishermen caught fishing in Bahamian waters have been arrested by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and brought to Nassau. The Dominicans arrived in the capital on Friday and were turned over to police.
Patrol “While on routine patrol, HMBS Lignum Vitae, under the command of Senior Lieutenant Bertram Bowleg intercepted a Dominican skiff with two Dominicans onboard in the southern Bahamas,” the RBDF said in a statement. “The men were taken into custody and a further search of the area was conducted.” This is the second arrest of Dominican fishermen
in the past two weeks. “On Sunday July 8,” said the release, “a 70-foot steel hull fishing vessel ‘Ronnye’ was apprehended approximately east of Cay Lobos by HMBS Madeira. Approximately 33,000 pounds of fishery products were confiscated from that vessel and 46 Dominican fishermen were charged before the courts.” The statement
noted RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel said the defence force will continue to apply pressure in monitoring and apprehending those who violate the country’s marine laws. “He also commended Commander Clarence Dean, the force’s commander of operations, and members of his maritime, land and air components for the outstanding work they are doing.”
FISHING vessel ‘Ronnye’, which was apprehended on July 8.
PAGE 12, Monday, July 23, 2018
INTERNATIONAL RECALL OF ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUG VALSARTAN By FARRAH JOHNSON PUBLIC health patients who filled prescriptions for anti-hypertensive drug Valsartan have been asked to return their medication for a replacement following an international recall. The Ministry of Health advised patients experiencing any adverse effects after ingesting tablets to seek medical care as soon as possible. However, it was said patients should continue treatment until they have obtained a replacement product as the drug was used to treat serious conditions. In a press statement, the ministry revealed that “various international pharmaceutical regulatory agencies” have recalled Valsartan due to a “contamination of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).”
Patients As a result of the recall, they are requesting that “all patients of public healthcare sector facilities who have been dispensed Valsartan 80/12.5mg tablets or Valsartan 160mg tablets from May 1 -July 13 to return the medication for replacement.” The list of recalled products has been reviewed by the ministry, according to its statement, adding that all possible contaminated medication has been removed from its pharmacies. The statement said a notice on the recall was sent to wholesale suppliers and retail pharmaceutical distribution sites. “Two particular strengths of one brand of Valsartan, have been identified and confirmed, as having been in circulation at the time of this contamination recall,” the statement read. The ministry said officials are vigilantly monitoring “all other global recalls,” and will notify the public of any “significant developments.” “The cooperation of the public in this ongoing effort is appreciated,” the ministry stated.
THE TRIBUNE
DISCOVERY CHANNEL TREASURE HUNTERS HAD PERMITS TO FILM AND RESEARCH ONLY By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
TREASURE hunters seen scanning Bahamian waters and uncovering artifacts from historic wrecks on the Discovery Channel were given permits to film and research by the Bahamas government. However, the crews were not permitted to disturb or salvage wreck sites, according to Antiquities Monuments & Museum Corporation Director Keith Tinker, who told The Tribune the team was ordered to return its haul. The Tribune contacted Dr Tinker after a promotional clip of the season’s second premiere of “Cooper’s Treasure” raised protest from Bahamians on social media. “We gave the authority for them to come in to film – absolutely no salvage whatsoever, that should not even have been a consideration that they made,” Dr Tinker said. “My understanding is that they haven’t taken anything, that they were searching and it is something that was authorised. They were
supposed to be filming, not disturbing or pulling up anything.” For the season two premiere, host and treasure hunter Darrel Miklos went to Acklins in a bid to finish the expedition of 1960s NASA astronaut Gordon Cooper, who was said to have plotted 11 wreck sites. Mr Miklos and his crew utilised technology to re-examine the astronaut’s map – purportedly made from space. A key tool in their arsenal was said to be a magnetometer – a sensor that scans the earth’s magnetic field to detect the presence of metals.
Clip In the promotional clip, it is suggested Mr Cooper’s map describes 290 tons of treasure. The team can be seen sifting through wreck sites,and there is a brief shot of them lifting what appears to be a pipe out of the
water and on to their boat. Yesterday, Mr Tinker said: “We had a senior officer, at times more than one, attached to that crew and on their boat. “We had our ears and eyes out there. One of our officers was on the boat the entire time they were here. “It was reported to me they had recovered something down south and I instructed them to return it. The permit they had was just simply to research and film. Apparently they were doing some salvage, and I also watched that clip and share similar concerns. “I’m supposed to meet with them because they want to continue and I said no, not under those circumstances.” Mr Miklos’ bid to salvage in Bahamian waters follow’s his father’s track to obtain proper licencing — which was covered by Tribune Business in 2014. Roger Miklos, an industry veteran, has long-standing ties to the Bahamas, having met and married his wife here and lived here for several years in the 1990s.
He first applied for a wreck/ salvage licence in the Bahamas in 1993, only for the then-government to put a moratorium on such activities.
Application But, when the outgoing Ingraham administration seemingly lifted the moratorium in 2012, Roger Miklos “rushed back” with his new application only to be stalled again. In 2014, his pursuit drew some controversy when Tribune Business obtained a letter from AMMC Chairman Courtney Strachan to the Key West-based applicant. In the letter, Mr Strachan promised the elder Miklos to “personally pursue” then Prime Minister Perry Christie for an approval if a $22 million donation to the Historic Bahamas Foundation was secured. However, Mr Strachan later denied that underwater salvage/ exploration licence approvals were being tied to multi-million dollar donations to preserve historic Bahamian sites.
USS HUÉ CITY CREW VISIT CHILDREN AT BEACON SCHOOL CAMP IN GRAND BAHAMA By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE US naval ship, USS Hué City CG-66, was in Grand Bahama on the weekend and some of its crew members visited children at the Beacon School’s summer camp on Friday as part of a community relations project. US Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers at the US Embassy in Nassau and Captain Jake Douglas, the commanding officer, also hosted a reception on board the naval ship at Freeport Harbour. USS Hué City, which is based in Mayport, Florida, is a guided-missile cruiser. It has been in service for the past 27 years and was named after the battle at Hué City in Vietnam. When The Tribune arrived at the Beacon School, crew members
Vietnam,” he said. “We try to do community relations projects to help people in the different places we visit. Sometimes we help with painting, building something if they have material and supplies for us; it really varies depending on our abilities and what the community needs of us,” he said.
Pleased
A CREW member of the US naval ship USS Hué City plays Frisbee with a camper at Beacon School’s summer camp for special needs children. Ten sailors were at the camp engaged in various recreational activities with some 35 campers.
were involved in various recreational activities with some 35 special needs children.
Tyler Hopkins, lieutenant junior, and chaplain on the USS Hué City, said he and the other crew members are happy to be in the Bahamas and spending some time with the children. “Ten of us are here from the ship playing games with the kids, and we read to them for 30 minutes, and loving on them and having a good time with them,” he said. Lt Junior Hopkins said most people tend to be scared of military
personnel, but they want to change that perception. “We want them to know we are people just like them and that we know how to have a good time,” he said. Every year a naval ship visits the Bahamas. It is the first time that USS Hué City has come to Grand Bahama. According to Lt Hopkins, the naval ship was built in 1989 and commissioned in 1991. “It is the only ship to be named after a battle in
Titi McKenzie Moss, principal of Beacon School, was pleased that the naval crew came to spend time with the campers. “It is a wonderful treat for the kids who are enjoying themselves with members of the naval ship,” she said. Penny Rechkemmer, public affairs officer at the US Embassy, said every year when a US naval ship comes to Grand Bahama, the crew takes part in a community relations project. “We do think it is so important that the community understands our full relationship with the Bahamas, and that we have all these different types of cooperation going on,” she said.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, July 23, 2018, PAGE 13
MOTHER’S CLAIM AGAINST GOVERNMENT OVER MEXICAN PRESIDENT-ELECT SON’S BOATING DEATH TO BE HEARD IN 2020 VOWS IMPROVEMENTS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE hearing of a mother’s $35,000 claim against the government for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s alleged culpability for a boating accident that resulted in her son’s death two years ago has been set for 2020. Justice Ian Winder set a date of January 17, 2020 to hear Dale Turnquest’s action concerning the $35,800 in special damages she is seeking for the RBDF’s alleged negligence that resulted in Christopher Turnquest’s death in October 2016. At the start of Friday’s case management hearing on the matter, Nicholas Mitchell, Mrs Turnquest’s attorney, said while he appreciates the court’s calendar being entirely booked until 2020, the present matter is one of “tremendous public importance and interest.”
Agreement Mr Mitchell asked the court if the matter could be given the earliest possible dates to be heard. He also informed the court, in agreement with Crown attorney Kenny Thompson, that he expects the matter to last about two days. Justice Winder subsequently indicated that he would not be able to find two days to hear the matter before 2020, and fixed the trial date in accordance with his calendar. However, Justice Winder set a subsequent case management hearing date of February 19, 2019. At that time, he indicated the court will see if anything has changed in terms of its calendar and if so, then the hearing could be moved up to be heard on earlier dates.
CHRISTOPHER Turnquest died in October 2016. According to a writ filed recently on Mrs Turnquest’s behalf, on or about October 1, 2016, Turnquest was a passenger of a 13-foot vessel travelling in waters opposite the Bay Street marina, when a RBDF vessel RB-D1, driven and/or operated by Able Seaman Claude Lesbott and/or Marine Seaman Kendrick Edgecombe, navigated into the path of and ultimately collided with the vessel her son was on. Turnquest suffered blunt force trauma to the head, neck and torso as a result of the accident. He also sustained a laceration to his scalp; a depressed frontal bone and skull fracture; a joint dislocation with fracture; and a fractured fourth thoracic vertebra. As a result of the accident and the consequent injuries, Turnquest died about two days later on October 3. In court on Friday, Mr Mitchell said Turnquest was found in an “almost unidentifiable” condition. In May, a Coroner’s Court jury ruled that Turnquest’s death was “accidental” and not the result of negligence by the RBDF officers. However, the writ asserts that the RBDF officers were negligent in that they failed to keep any or proper look-out; failed to see the vessel in which the deceased was onboard in time or at all; failed adequately or at
all to heed or act upon the presence, path, position and approach the vessel in which the deceased was travelling; emerged when it was unsafe to do so by reason of the presence, path, position and approach of the vessel in which the deceased was travelling; and drove into the path of and collided with the vessel in which the deceased was onboard. The writ further asserts that the RBDF officers failed to take any, or any adequate care and attention to where they were going; failed to take any or any adequate care for the safety of the deceased; failed to stop, slow down, brake, swerve or otherwise steer or control the vessel so as to avoid colliding with the vessel in which the deceased was travelling; and exposed the deceased to a “foreseeable risk of injury and/or demise.”
Writ The writ further asserts that in all the circumstances, the RBDF vessel in question was travelling too fast. As such, Mrs Turnquest is seeking $35,800 in special damages. Of that sum, $17,000 is sought to cover Mr Turnquest’s funeral and burial expenses; another $10,000 to cover the legal fees of the coroner’s inquest into his death—which found that the crash was accidental; and another $8,800 to cover loss of dependency. The Office of the Attorney General is listed as the sole defendant in the matter, and is joined pursuant to Section 12 of the Crown Proceedings Act for the actions of RBDF Able Seaman Lesbott and/ or Marine Seaman Edgecombe, for which the Crown is “vicariously liable”. In response to the allegations, the Crown denied navigating into the path of the vessel Turnquest was
on. The Crown further denied that the collision and alleged “negligence” of the two RBDF officers resulted in Turnquest’s death, and put Mrs Turnquest to “strict proof” on that claim. The Crown further charged that Marine Seaman Edgecombe did act as a look-out on the date in question, conducting watch from portside. The Crown explained the accident happened two days before Hurricane Matthew hit New Providence, and that the two RBDF officers were thus unable to see the vessel Turnquest was on “because of heavy rainfall and darkness” that filled the Nassau harbour. Additionally, the Crown asserts the vessel Turnquest was on had no navigational or operational lights on at the time. The Crown claims that as the RBDF vessel turned to leave the channel in the vicinity of the Bay Street Marina on approach to the Harbour Patrol Unit, it collided with an “unknown” object. It maintained that at the time of the collision, the RBDF vessel was going at a “safe speed” which is “moderate speed for the size of the vessel,” and “not fast.” Nonetheless, the Crown says upon colliding with the unknown object, the RBDF officers immediately reduced the vessel’s revolutions per minute and commenced an investigation. Upon doing so, the RBDF officers saw a small, capsized vessel and immediately searched and found Turnquest and his cousin in the water. The Crown thus asserts that Turnquest “contributed to the injuries” he sustained, adding there was no negligence by the RBDF officers.
TO DETER MIGRATION By AMY GUTHRIE, Associated Press
MEXICO CITY (AP) — President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday released a sevenpage letter he sent to U.S. President Donald Trump detailing how he plans to improve Mexico’s economy and security when he takes office in December so that Mexicans do not feel the need to migrate. “There will be many changes,” he promised in the letter. “And in this new atmosphere of progress with well-being, I’m sure MEXICO’s President-elect Andres we can reach agreements Manuel Lopez Obrador. (AP) to confront together the migration phenomenon as well as the problem of border insecurity.” Lopez Obrador also suggested the two countries draft a development plan backed by public funds and invite Central American countries to join, with the aim of making it “economically unnecessary” for Central Americans to migrate. Marcelo Ebrard, who is slated to become Mexico’s foreign minister, read the letter aloud to reporters gathered at Lopez Obrador’s political party headquarters. Ebrard said Trump had received the letter. The incoming Mexican president plans to cut government salaries, perks and jobs. Savings from those cuts, he says, will be directed toward social programs and infrastructure. He also plans to reduce taxes for the private sector in the hopes of spurring investment and job creation. Lopez Obrador said Sunday that some of his future collaborators in government posts have offered to work for free during his six-year term. Several of his proposed Cabinet members are independently wealthy. “It’s an enormous privilege to participate in a process of transformation. There’s no price on this,” the president-elect said. He said he will publish salaries of government employees, from high-ranking ministers to police officers. He also said his political party, Morena, will turn down the extra public financing it is supposed to receive next year because it won additional seats in Congress. Lopez Obrador said Morena could collect up to 1.4 billion pesos ($73.5 million) and more than double what it was allocated for 2018. Mexican electoral authorities assigned the party 650 million pesos for this year. “That’s too much in an atmosphere of austerity,” Lopez Obrador said. He said he doesn’t want Morena to turn into an economic power with career politicians who forget that their mission is to serve the people.
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. 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
PAGE 14, Monday, July 23, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
WITHOUT EVIDENCE, TRUMP CLAIMS SYRIAN WHITE HELMETS EVACUATED DOCUMENTS CONFIRM MISCONDUCT TO JORDAN THROUGH ISRAEL
By ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press
adding that despite the political concern, the bureau believed at least some of his report to be “credible.” BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of President Donald Trump asserted California, a ranking member on the without evidence Sunday that newly House Intelligence Committee, said released documents relating to the the documents detail “just why the wiretapping of his onetime campaign FBI was so concerned that Carter adviser Carter Page “confirm with CARTER Page. (AP) Page might be acting as an agent of a little doubt” that intelligence agencies foreign power.” misled the court that approved the warrant. “It was a solid application and renewals But lawmakers from both political parties signed by four different judges appointed by said that the documents don’t show wrongdo- three different Republican presidents,” Schiff ing and that they even appear to undermine said on ABC’s “This Week.” some previous claims by top Republicans on Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida the basis for obtaining a warrant against Page. also broke with Trump, saying he didn’t think Visible portions of the heavily redacted the FBI did anything wrong in obtaining wardocuments, released Saturday under the Free- rants against Page. dom of Information Act, show the FBI telling “I have a different view on this issue than the court that Page “has been collaborating the president and the White House,” Rubio and conspiring with the Russian government.” said Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” ‘’They The agency also told the court that “the FBI did not spy on the campaign from anything and believes Page has been the subject of targeted everything that I have seen. You have an indirecruitment by the Russian government.” vidual here who has openly bragged about his The documents were part of officials’ appli- ties to Russia and Russians.” cation for a warrant to the secretive foreign On Sunday, Page said on CNN’s “State of intelligence surveillance court, which signed off the Union”: “I’ve never been the agent of a on surveilling Page. foreign power.” Trump tweeted Sunday on the docuIn a 2013 letter, Page had described himself ments: “As usual they are ridiculously heavily as an “informal adviser’ to the Kremlin but redacted but confirm with little doubt that the now said “it’s really spin” to call him an adviser. Department of ‘Justice’ and FBI misled the Page has not been charged with a crime, courts. Witch Hunt Rigged, a Scam!” but he has been interviewed by the FBI and The release appears to undercut some of congressional investigators about his ties to the contentions in a memo prepared by House Russia. White House officials have argued that Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Page, announced by the president in early 2016 Nunes earlier this year. Nunes, R-Calif., and as a foreign policy adviser, played only a minor other Republicans had said that anti-Trump role in the Trump campaign. Another former research in a dossier prepared by former Brit- campaign policy aide, George Papadopoulos, ish intelligence agent Christopher Steele and pleaded guilty last year to charges brought by paid for by Democrats was used inappropri- special counsel Robert Mueller alleging he had ately to obtain the warrant on Page. lied to the FBI about his Russia contacts. He While the documents confirm that the FBI is now cooperating with Mueller’s expansive relied, in part, on information from Steele probe. to obtain the initial warrant, they also show The documents released Saturday include how the FBI informed the court of his likely the FBI’s October 2016 request to surveil Page motivation. and several renewal applications. It marks the A page-long footnote in the warrant appli- first time in the more than 40-year history of cation lays out the FBI’s assessment of Steele’s the highly-secretive court that underlying dochistory and the likely interest of his backer, uments for a warrant have been released.
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
By SARAH EL DEEB AND ARON HELLER, Associated Press
BEIRUT (AP) — The Israeli military in coordination with its U.S. and European allies evacuated hundreds of Syrian rescue workers known as the White Helmets from near its volatile frontier with Syria, in a complex and firstof-a-kind operation. The evacuees, who were hemmed in from one side by advancing hostile Syrian troops and from another by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, were transported to Jordan, from where they are expected to be resettled in Europe and Canada in the coming weeks. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said 422 White Helmets volunteers were evacuated, instead of the initial 800 cleared for the operation. Israel’s military said the overnight operation was “an exceptional humanitarian gesture” at the request of the United States and European allies due to an “immediate threat to the (Syrians) lives.” It posted a video online showing its soldiers handing out water bottles to the evacuees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a separate video statement, said U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and others had asked him to help evacuate the group’s members. “These are people who saved lives and whose lives are now in danger. I authorised bringing them through Israel to other countries as an important humanitarian gesture,” Netanyahu said. Britain said the operation was possible due to the joint diplomatic efforts, hailing the efforts of the White Helmets volunteers to save lives in opposition areas. Jeremy Hunt, U.K’s foreign secretary, called the successful evacuation “fantastic news,” and thanked Israel and Jordan in a tweet for acting quickly following the request. The White Helmets, he said, “are the bravest of the brave and in a desperate situation this is at least one ray of hope.”
THIS photo from June, 2017, shows a civil defence worker carrying a child after airstrikes hit a school housing a number of displaced people in the western part of the southern Daraa province of Syria. The Israeli military said Sunday it had rescued members of a Syrian volunteer civil organisation, known as White Helmets, from the volatile frontier area and evacuated them to a third country, the first such Israeli intervention in Syria’s lengthy civil war. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP, File) The members of the White Helmets and their families had been stranded along the frontier with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights following the Syrian government offensive in southwestern Syria which began in June. Raed Saleh, head of the White Helmets which are also known as the Syrian Civil Defense, said a number of volunteers and their families were evacuated from a dangerous, besieged area. He did not provide exact figures. This was the first such Israeli intervention in Syria’s lengthy civil war, now in its eighth year. Although it has sent aid into Syria and has provided medical treatment to thousands of Syrians who reached the Golan Heights frontier, the Israeli military said its actions did not reflect a change to Israel’s non-intervention policy in Syria’s war, where all the warring parties are considered hostile. It was an unprecedented operation to provide protection and asylum to allies of Western nations in Syria’s complex battlefield. The White Helmets have enjoyed backing and received finances and training from the United States and other Western nations for years. Because of their work in opposition areas, where they were almost exclusively the
only ones to offer rescue services in the face of the government military advances, they were considered public enemy number one by the Syrian government. They offered services where state institutions and services are non-existent. Their facilities were targeted, and their volunteers hit in what became known as “double tap” attacks that drew the volunteers to areas of bombings only to hit them once on site. The Syrian government, and its ally Russia, have called the White Helmets “terrorists,” accused them of being foreign powers “agents,” and of cooperating with radical insurgent groups. Both Moscow and Damascus have accused the White Helmets of staging rescue missions and chemical attacks to blame on the government. On Sunday, state media kept up its campaign against the group, pointing out that Israel, with which Syria is formally at war, which facilitated the evacuation, citing it as evidence that the group was collaborating with an enemy power. Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya called the evacuation a “scandal.” The State News Agency SANA said “the secret” of the group had been revealed and their “role as an agent ended.”
THE TRIBUNE
OBAN ENERGIES YET TO OPEN OFFICE IN FREEPORT
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
OBAN Energies has not yet opened an office in Freeport, even though its president, Satpal Dhunna said earlier this year company officials were looking into leasing temporary office space at the Seahorse Shopping Plaza in Lucaya. In March, Mr Dhunna told residents at a town meeting on Grand Bahama that Oban intended to open its offices shortly and was looking to employ staff. He also talked about plans to build a corporate office in East Grand Bahama. It has been three months since he made those statements, and Oban has yet to open an office in Grand Bahama where it is proposing to construct a $5.5 billion oil refinery and storage facility. Since the March town meeting at St Nicholas Baptist Church in East End there has been
little public commentary from Mr Dhunna or anyone else connected with the project. There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the company and its executives from the outset. Mr Dhunna has said that some $10 million has already been spent on the project so far, mostly to nail down the best location. The government signed a heads of agreement with Oban on February 19 to build a mega industrial project on some 600 acres of Crown land in East Grand Bahama. In midJune, Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes told the Senate the government would have an amended agreement finalised within weeks. At the time, he said the new agreement will have adjusted environmental clauses, economic terms and several “restrictive” legal conditions in the original document. There has been much debate over the environmental impact to the area, which is one of the most pristine environments in Grand Bahama and the country.
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Monday, July 23, 2018, PAGE 15