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Volume:114 No.168, JULY 25TH, 2017
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WOMAN: SURVIVOR OF ABUSE TELLS HER STORY
‘Death penalty needed to stop the murders’
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday the Minnis administration will push for the death penalty to be enforced in an effort to reduce the violent crime in the country. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Dames said the Free National Movement will use everything on the law books, including capital punishment, to make the Bahamas safe for “law-abiding citizens.”
However, he said a homicide rate of zero is “wishful thinking” no matter how many “measures the government puts in place”. Mr Dames’ comments came days after the country recorded its 78th murder, according to The Tribune’s records. There were also five murders recorded last week. “We will use everything necessary in the law to ensure that persons who continue to commit crimes are dealt with to the fullest extent of the law and that includes capital punishment,” he said.
“It is on the books and so it is fair game, it’s not something we have to put there, it is already there it just needs to be enforced. We cannot have a lawless society and it is our job as the government to introduce new policies and to enforce old ones to make sure everyone is safe. We are proponents of the death penalty, our leader talked about it during the campaign trail and we have not changed our position on that. We will do what we promised we will do. You are not going to completely stop all the murders, but our priority is
to ensure that hardworking, decent Bahamians are not victims. We have to protect our citizens. This is not a quick fix.” In February, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, while in opposition, said unless the government is willing to enforce the death penalty, “criminals will continue to ravage our country and keep citizens in fear”. Dr Minnis said the country is losing the battle to the criminal element and “more serious measures” need to be taken. Last year, Dr Minnis
INSURERS CLAIM NHI’S SECRETARIAT IS LIKELY ACTING ‘ILLEGALLY’ By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames. insisted that the necks of “murderous scumbags” in the country must be “popped” as he castigated the Christie administration for failing “miserably” in its obligation to keep Bahamians safe. However, yesterday, Mr Dames said there is “little” the government can do if persons continue to make bad decisions. “There is very little we can do when people make lifestyle choices that put their lives at risk,” the Mount Moriah MP said. SEE PAGE SIX
STUDENT LOAN DEBTS BLOCK SCHOLARSHIPS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
SCORES of scholarship applicants will be turned away by the Ministry of Education in the coming weeks as the Minnis administration continues its push to cut government expenses amidst the country’s dire financial outlook.
Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd disclosed this during a recent interview with The Tribune. According to Mr Lloyd, officials had hoped to recover some of the $156m owed in delinquent student loans to aid its scholarship programmes until the government was in a better financial position to fund the initiatives. Last month, the South Beach
MP, during the 2017-2018 budget debate, warned those owing the Education Loan Authority (ELA) to pay up or face “grief”. The loan programme was established in 2000 to assist persons pursuing tertiary education, either locally or abroad. However, it was suspended in August 2009 due to its high delinquency rate. When contacted by The
Tribune over the weekend for an update on the situation, the South Beach MP indicated his ministry has commenced the dissemination of written requests to the more that 4,600 former loan recipients, requesting some form of repayment. Similar letters were issued during the Christie administration. SEE PAGE SIX
THE Bahamas Insurance Association yesterday said it supports measures by the Minnis administration to stop, review and get right all aspects of National Health Insurance, adding that it is likely NHI’s Secretariat is “illegally” acting as an insurance company. In a press statement yesterday, the BIA said it is “concerned” breaches of the NHI Act are continuing and have not been addressed to date. The association pointed to the NHI Act’s anticipation of regulated health administrators (RHA), which would be responsible for the management and administration of NHI benefits. However, the BIA said to its understanding no RHA has been contracted to administer NHI benefits. Under Section 25(2) of the NHI Act, a RHA should be among other things, a company carrying on long-term insurance business and registered with the Insurance Commission to carry on SEE PAGE SEVEN
US GUEST FINED FOR ATLANTIS ASSAULTS By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net AN American visitor was spared an immediate prison sentence yesterday after he admitted to assaulting two Atlantis employees over the weekend. Coy Gene Cleveland, 45, of Rockward, Texas, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing two charges of assault, brought under Section 133 of the Penal Code. It was first alleged that he, on July 22, at about 5.20pm at The Cove, Paradise Island unlawfully assaulted Joseph Lord. SEE PAGE SEVEN
GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT COULD BE NATIONALISED By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
Home Ownership Seminar Series
DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest did not rule out the Government “nationalising” Freeport’s Grand Lucayan Resort yesterday, after a prominent attorney said such action is “not out of bounds”.
Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business that the Government was looking at “all options” for the property. His comments came after Carey Leonard, the Callenders & Co attorney, said the “desperation” and “urgency” surrounding the resort’s continued closure may require the Goverment to make a “compulsory acquisition”. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
THE GRAND Lucayan Resort in Freeport.
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PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Hope in the inner city - as voters want change
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net THE Minnis administration’s promise of urban development and inner-city tax breaks have seemingly restored hope and optimism of a brighter future to residents in the Bain and Grants Town community, many of them telling The Tribune they believe “the veil has been lifted” which once separated elected officials from the common man. It has been nearly three months since the Free National Movement defeated the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) by landslide numbers and several residents said they have nothing but high hopes and optimism regarding the direction of the only place they’ve ever known as home. The Bain and Grants Town constituency was one of the many PLP strongholds that voted FNM in the last election. The attitudes of residents seemed to outshine the physical state of the community where buildings have fallen into disrepair, homes are dilapidated, trash is piled high, while fallen trees and other debris is still left behind by the most recent hurricane. However, there were some who told The Tribune they were generally unimpressed by the government and frankly “displeased” with the pace of progress in the area. Clara, who requested not to be referred to by her surname, is among those bursting with optimism and fresh ideas for Bain and Grants Town. When this newspaper came upon the disabled resident, she sat in the door-
way of her wooden home and welcomed The Tribune in to talk about her community. She said she has never over the last 40 years felt an overwhelming desire by residents to build up the area or want to be their neighbour’s keeper. She attends community meetings regularly and told The Tribune that for once she feels there is no longer a gap between the ordinary man and those in power. Despite little visible progress, Clara said plans seem to be headed in the right direction and she believes changes will come eventually. The promised tax breaks, she added, are needed and these too will come when the time is right. “To be honest with you, there hasn’t been much progress but I have been to several of the town meetings and there are plans in the works,” she said. “It seems more than before that the community themselves is willing to lend a hand. Right now from I was here ‘til now I feel more community involvement. “I feel like the community themselves is willing to lend a hand right now from. It ain’t begin yet but we feel like the veil has been lifted between us and them. “Eventually as the people become involved they will make the change. Not like it was before where you were made to believe that
ELECTION posters for Travis Robinson still up in Bain Town.
Inner City Voices
everything was up to the MP or you were made to believe if you weren’t a part of a particular party then it wouldn’t happen for you. “For some reason it just feels like eventually it’s going to happen.” Clara continued: “Like there is more leeway for things to happen. Although I haven’t seen the real happenings yet but so far it seems that people themselves are beginning to become involved. “It feels like fair play is kicking in. Like there is no particular person that can get away with destructing the county anymore. Although it’s not fixed, but it feels like you’re no longer fighting a losing battle. “The community can use plenty reform, but now it seems like the people themselves are ready to start the reforms.” Another long-time resident, who asked not to be named, said it was hard to understand how people expected the newly elected Minnis administration to do anything substantial in such a short time span. Understanding most things with government involvement take time, the elderly woman said she believed the FNM would deliver on all of the things it promised during election season. She admitted to being among those who voted for the PLP, but said despite her political persuasion she had faith in the FNM. Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson secured 2,175 votes to former MP, the late Dr Bernard Nottage’s 1,252 votes. She said: “You know, Minnis them just got in and that young man Travis Robinson has just been elected for the first time, what do people expect to see around here? “I never voted FNM in my life, including the last time, so I wasn’t pleased with the PLP loss of the election. But now that done wear off, I am just waiting
THE TRIBUNE
THE STREETS of Bain Town yesterday during The Tribune walkabout, with battered garbage bins and scattered debris. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff to see what they will do ‘round here. They promised the people something and I hope to see them do what they promised. “If anything at all, I am waiting to see what they will do. “We have to want our country to succeed no matter who the people put there,” the resident said. Another area resident, Camille Meadows, said she enjoys seeing her member of Parliament. She said even if the progress is slow, it was still comforting to REBECCA MOSS, of Rodgers Corner, points to the tree that damknow that the elected offi- aged her house during Hurricane Matthew. to bring all the papers what cial for the area was gener- on it really is not good. “I just hope eventually was required. We did all of ally interested in the pleas they come and really do it and no one came to do of residents. “I suppose Travis’ win- something for the people anything. “There are two small kids ning and everything around like what they promised. here did something as it re- It’s really hard living under in the house, my four-yeargards to the attitudes and these conditions. They just old son and my 14-year-old the outlook many of us have need to come through on daughter. We will have to evacuate this home should their word. around here,” she said. “We thought it would another hurricane come. “The PLP had this area for God knows how long happen right away. They The roof won’t hold up. It and it remained the same wanted to get into power was almost off the last time with only a selected few get- right away, so why not do and the neighbours had to ting any attention or assis- for the people just how we come together to help put back most of the tin that did for them right away. tance,” Ms Meadows said. “Do something. Show blew off it.” “This last time it seems “It’s very discouraging like the people caught some kind of progress,” she they made promises they sense. I for one wasn’t vot- urged the government. Despite living a stone’s can’t keep,” she continued. ing PLP no more. So now On the other hand, Rethe FNM is in, I feel like the throw away from the FNM’s changes will come. They constituency office, she becca Moss, 64, said she will come soon. It doesn’t claimed she hasn’t seen her often sees and speaks with matter when they come or MP and claimed this has af- Mr Robinson. But this has how the changes come, I fected her overall view of had no bearing on the pace the state of her constituency of repairs being done to her believe they will come.” childhood home, which she and outlook. “Even only if you come and her elderly mother have Disappointed Other residents admitted knock on the door and since moved from because yesterday they were rela- show your face. We saw him of the extent of damage pretty much once at a meet- caused by last year’s hurritively discouraged. Vernica Thompson, a ing and that was it,” Ms cane. She said: “Urban Renewmother of two, was one of Thompson said. “He can them. She said not only was come around and at least al was dealing with it and she “disappointed” to have say something like ‘we are then NEMA was dealing, seen no changes in the com- going to get to y’all momen- but they just turning people around. This one saying munity, but she is afraid for tarily,’ but show face. “It’s also scary that an- this stop and the next saying the fate of the home she shares with family should other hurricane is coming another thing stop. “But child, my mommy another hurricane hit the and we still have tarps on the roof. Not only is the 83-years-old and she needs capital. The house remains in tarp on the roof, but the some place to be. Right a state of disrepair since roof on the inside is pretty now I know the government Hurricanes Joaquin and much demolished so I am just changed and we have Matthew in 2015 and 2016. afraid if another one comes to wait, but we need something to start happening Tarps are still visible on the we won’t survive it. “From the first hurricane around here. roof of her home. “Nothing is happening “All I know is it’s a slow passed we needed the asprocess,” the 31-year-old sistance. We went through around here,” Ms Moss told mother said. “My thoughts NEMA and they asked us The Tribune.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, July 25, 2017, PAGE 3
‘Where is the respect?’ family demands as coroner is absent
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net AN inquest into the death of a man following a boating accident with a Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel last October was yesterday delayed to Wednesday due to the absence of Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez. The surprising move left family and friends of Christopher Turnquest, 25, irate, with the group claiming they received many assurances from officials that the matter would be heard on Monday, July 24, “no matter what.” Proceedings were set to get underway at 1pm yesterday, however, according to the family of the deceased, their attorneys were told at 12.50pm that the matter would be rescheduled to Wednesday. When asked if any reason was given for the rescheduling, Ryan Turnquest, older brother of the deceased, said lawyers were told the coroner took “some personal time.” “Just before the matter
was expected to be heard, our lawyers were told the coroner took two personal days and we wouldn’t have the matter heard until Wednesday,” Mr Turnquest said. “This left all of us puzzled and confused because we were guaranteed that today (Monday) would be the day. We’ve had friends and family come in from all over the place — some from as far as Canada who wanted to support us in this. “But today, without any notification prior, we were told no, come back Wednesday,” Mr Turnquest added. “I mean, where is the respect? We have jobs, we have lives, we have responsibilities. Why would they treat us like this? “All we want to is get some sort of closure, and what makes this worse, the Defence Force had no presence here today. They should have been here in some form or fashion to sit through this with us. Again, where is the respect?” According to official reports, the deceased was in
the harbour in a 13-foot skiff east of Potter’s Cay Dock around 8pm on October 2, 2016, when his vessel was struck by a RBDF patrol vessel. The deceased, at the time, was on the skiff with his cousin who jumped from the vessel moments before the collision and survived the crash. According to family, an autopsy of the deceased’s body revealed he died of blunt force trauma to the body. Turnquest’s family had expressed grief last year because they had heard little from police about the investigation into his death. “Someone needs to be held accountable,” Ryan Turnquest had said earlier. He questioned why there had been no arrests in the matter. He believes the collision happened because the RBDF vessel was speeding in the harbour. Turnquest’s family created a Facebook page, called “Justice for Chris,”to honour him. The page is frequently updated and is followed by
CHRISTOPHER TURNQUEST
MAN JAILED FOR CLOTHING STORE BREAK-IN
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sent to prison for three years yesterday for breaking into a clothing store. Eltario Munroe, 36,
stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing a charge of shop-breaking, an offence under Section 362 of the Penal Code. It was alleged that sometime between 7pm on July 19 and 5am on July 20, he broke into Tekera’s Ur-
ban Wear clothing store on Baillou Hill Road and Poinciana Drive with intent to steal. Munroe pleaded guilty to the charge. Police were called to the scene of the break-in and found the front glass of the entrance smashed. Munroe
was found inside a storage room. He was taken into custody where he admitted he and another person known to him had broken into the store. Munroe told the magistrate he was sorry for his actions, which he admitted
was a stupid mistake. However, he asked not to be sent to prison. Police prosecutor Inspector Philip Davis said that Munroe had had a previous conviction for stealing from a shop dating back to 2015 when he was sent
MAN ACCUSED OF GIVING FALSE STATEMENT TO POLICE By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of giving a false statement to a
police officer. Cerlderon Brown, 27, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing a charge of perverting the course of justice, which was brought under Section 426
of the Penal Code. It is alleged that between July 8 and December 21, 2016, Brown with intent to pervert the course of justice in a murder case, knowingly made a false statement to
Constable 2735 Miller. The Pinewood Gardens resident pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was adjourned to August 21. Given the nature of the
allegation, Brown was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services in the interim. However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
LAW PARTNER DR COLIN HUGHES DIES, AGED 87 DR COLIN HUGHES, the youngest and last of the original partners of the law firm, McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, died in Australia on June 30 at the age of 87. Dr Hughes was born in The Bahamas on May 4, 1930 when his Welsh father, John Anfield Hughes was the administrator of schools. During Mr Hughes’ career in The Bahamas he was posted to several of the Out Islands as Out Island Commissioner. Dr Hughes’ parents made The Bahamas their
home. Dr Hughes received his BA and MA degrees from Colombia University and later his PhD from the London School of Economics. An academic, Dr Hughes specialised in electoral politics and government. As a result of the Australian connections that he made in London, he left The Bahamas after practising as a barrister in the law firm of McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes for a number of years and in May, 1956 joined the staff of the University of
Queensland. He eventually moved back to The Bahamas, but left again to take up an academic position in Canberra. There was a time in his career when he toyed with the idea of running in a bye-election in The Bahamas.
While his parents were alive he moved between The Bahamas and Australia, finally settling in Australia where he was a Fellow in Political Science at the Australian National University. Later, he was Professor of Political Science and Western Senior Lecturer
in Political Science at the University of Queensland. Dr Hughes was the first Australian Electoral Commissioner at the Australian Electoral Commission from 1984 to 1989. In 1981 he wrote a book on “Race and Politics” in The Bahamas.
to prison for a month. The magistrate told Munroe that he was empowered by law to impose up to seven years imprisonment. However, the magistrate sentenced him to 36 months at the Department of Correctional Services.
COMMONWEALTH PHOTOGRAPH CORRECTION
IN a photo caption printed on page one of Monday’s edition of The Tribune, under the headline “Commonwealth Gold For Mixed Relay Team” one of the gold medalists was incorrectly identified as Kayvon Higgs. However, Kayvon Stubbs was the gold medal winning member of the 4x200 metre mixed relay team that was pictured. Ms Stubbs was also misidentified in the article “Mixed Relay Gold” printed on page one of the Sports section in Monday’s Tribune. The Tribune apologises for the error.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Five easy pieces, hold the anger IN THE 1970 movie Five Easy Pieces that catapulted Jack Nicholson from character actor to rising star capable of portraying emotions from tenderness to fury with equal and absolute perfection, the most famous scene depicts the full range of feelings. Nicholson and friends are seated in a restaurant where he places an order for an omelet and whole wheat toast, hold the potatoes, tomatoes instead. The waitress whose every move shouts she has no interest in what any customer wants, especially one who wants to vary the numbered offerings, says no substitutions. Nicholson, patient, calm and trying his best, still wants the toast. He orders a chicken salad sandwich, hold the mayo, lettuce, and chicken salad, bring the toast, he will pay for the chicken salad sandwich. All Nicholson wanted was a few pieces of bread, toasted. No matter how hard he tried, all he got was attitude. And in the end, he exploded. With one angry swipe, he knocked everything off the table, sending plates, cups, silver and shards of glass crashing to the floor before storming out. The Bahamian public is in much the same mood as Nicholson was when he first walked into that restaurant, calm, hopeful, anticipating, looking forward to what lies ahead. But, like Nicholson, the public will turn when it has had enough. And when they do, the pent up anger will be unleashed just as it was on May 10 when the chicken salad sandwich moment came in Bahamian politics and voters threw the reigning PLP government out with the same powerful swipe as Nicholson did the dishes and flatware in Five Easy Pieces. The swipe was a message: we’ve had enough and we’re not going to take it anymore. The Bahamian public is still in the waiting, hopeful mood, but there is a sense that the calm is beginning to chafe. Rightly or wrongly, they want to see heads roll. They want to know that someone or some people whose faces they can point to can explain “where the VAT money gone.” They want to know that someone or some group is going to pay the price of the Bahamas being downgraded four times by Moody’s. They want to know why there are so few jobs but everything costs so much, why their children are going to schools where it is easier to buy drugs and junk food than to find a clean bathroom. They want to know why their girls are growing up too fast and their boys not fast enough. We urge continuing patience, but also offer a few words of counsel. First, this government must do what previous governments have failed to do, let the public know what it is doing. No government in The Bahamas has ever had a good, or even reasonable, public relations programme. Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis was smart enough to appoint a press secretary, Anthony Newbold, a veteran journalist. We need to hear more from Mr. Newbold. The government’s PR machine, Bahamas Information Services (BIS) has done a much better job of late keeping the media informed of the movements of Cabinet ministers, funerals, road closures, sports events, but what we are getting is improved reports of speeches rather than information about policy. The public is crying out for politics with purpose, meaningful change with measurable and visible results. This is a hungry public and it wants substance, not speeches.
Second, the government has the opportunity while the public is still in the anticipatory mood to make its intentions clear and to show that it hears the concerns of everyone who lives or does business in this country. It is not as tall an order as it sounds. There are many ways to determine what people want the most, what really matters. Online survey tools like SurveyMonkey open a world of discovery that was not available a decade ago. Once priorities are established, ticking off steps toward meeting those goals becomes news and the public feels as though the government is listening and what they want matters. We believe that every government in the past has gone into office with the best of intentions. But their priorities were not the public’s priorities. Far too much was behind closed doors, a chasm that separated public from private. Third, investigations into what happened before are like an appetizer. The main course will be four immediate actions: anti-corruption measures, Freedom of Information legislation with strong teeth, campaign finance laws limiting the amount that can be contributed and barring foreign governments or their representatives to donate to local campaigns, and a comprehensive Environmental Protection Act that includes severe penalties for destruction of the Bahamian environment and resources so no amount of payoff behind the scenes can allow such wanton behaviour. Fourth, Employ KYC (know your customer) to build a bond rather than fostering a chasm. On July 22, two police officers responded to an alarm on a busy street. They were extremely polite but totally surprised and most impressed. They had passed the building a million times yet had no idea what was inside. That should be a clue to the Minister of National Security. Familiarity breeds trust, but it can only occur when officers or Members of Parliament take the time to go door to door getting to know people and the businesses, schools, plants, and operations in their community. Another example, Mosseff House, part of the Bahamas Feeding Network is located on Fox Hill Road next door to the Fox Hill Police Station. While the Network feeds hundreds of people every Sunday through Mosseff House, none of the volunteers has ever seen a police officer walk in, less than 50 feet away. Fifth, DNA leader Bran McCartney was right when he said sweat the small stuff. If every jitney, truck or car that ran the red light heading north by Government House heading downhill onto Cumberland Street were caught on camera and ticketed, or every vehicle on East Bay Street approaching Montagu that crossed the double line to barge its way on to Eastern Road were ticketed a reasonable amount, $75 or $100, people would quickly stop running the light and barging in. Respect for the law begins with the small stuff. Five easy pieces. In the movie, the title refers to five pieces of great classical music by composers like Chopin and Bach, representing the cultured life Nicholson had abandoned to become a dropout, treading a fine line between love and hostility as he tried to find himself. Let us hope that the new government with its ambitious, well-meaning team tread the fine lines carefully, openly and with respect for the order the public has placed so the chicken salad scene with everything shattered on the floor never plays out and the growing hunger for what is right and just is satisfied.
Apologies for the corruption EDITOR, The Tribune.
LETTERS
TWO PLP apologists have come to the rescue of their scandal-ridden party: Rodney Moncur and one Andrew Allen. Moncur is nursing a grudge against the FNM after it decided not to give him a nomination before the election. The former Workers Party leader, DNA candidate and Loretta Butler-Turner Senate appointee appears to be suffering from political schizophrenia. He is a political opportunist and, in my opinion an impostor who will probably be begging the PLP for a nomination in 2022, life last. As for Allen, his incredible claim that the Christie government of 2012-2017 was the most productive in recent Bahamian history in terms of advancing the long term development of The Bahamas must be taken by rational Bahamians as an hyperbole. The PLP was stellar at advancing the cause of a few mercenaries who raked in untold millions in government contracts to the detriment of the country. They left the country saddled with a massive debt problem, despite having the advantage of VAT. Allen’s most productive government nearly wrecked the economy after squandering away hundreds of millions of dollars in inflated contracts to PLP hacks. Anyone who agrees with a government rewarding a $33,000 a month contract to one individual to act as a cultural adviser head is screwed on the wrong way.
letters@tribunemedia.net The Ian Poitier revelation would have never been publicised had the PLP remained in office. The matter was kept under wraps because the PLP was fully aware that it would have angered tens of thousands of struggling Bahamians – many of whom do not even make $33,000 per annum. As Allen said, Bahamians are not stupid. The $210 minimum wage in the private sector was only implemented by the PLP due to the advent of VAT. Whatever monetary benefits derived from the minimum wage increase was short lived, thanks to VAT. Allen harped on the FNM’s handling of National Health Insurance as if the scheme was fully functional and well funded, when in fact the PLP had nothing in place to fund the scheme. This while NHI foreign consultants were paid a staggering $500,000 and $250,000 a month by Christie and co. The PLP dumped $80m into BAMSI, much to the benefit of a few PLP hacks. The FNM has substantiated this claim in recent weeks. The evidence is there for all and sundry to see. All Allen has to do is to take off his PLP blinders and look at it objectively. Allen also took exception to a Nassau Guardian editorial about former PLP Cabinet minister Jerome Fitzgerald titled “Hogs at the Trough”.
ting Prime Minister Perry Christie and his PLP Government was rejected by the Bahamian people who wanted a new, fresh start for a Better Bahamas with a new Prime Minister Hubert Minnis of The Bahamas and the FNM
Government. Many thanks to Prime Minister Hubert Minnis of The Bahamas and the FNM Government for endorsing and the implementation of an AntiCorruption Bill to stop corruption in Government
The write-up pointed out that despite the fact that Fitzgerald’s father already had a lucrative government contract worth nearly $1m per annum, the younger Fitzgerald still begged founder Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian for brokerage, trucking and limousine contracts as if his family was in dire straits financially. The gist of the article is that the Fitzgeralds were eyeballing the whole hog, while ignoring the plight of thousands of low income families who depend on the taxi and trucking industries to eke out a living in a country that has become even more expensive to live in thanks to VAT. The Christie government did not give us the University of The Bahamas; the Pindling administration did that during the 1970s. All Christie those did was changed the name of an already existing institution. The PLP may have doubled conviction rates for serious offences, but still presided over 600 plus murders. The economy never grew under Christie, hence four downgrades to go along with a jobless rate in the double digits. Allen’s flimsy attempt to defend the PLP is like a person attempting to make Mexican Chicken Quinoa salad out of chicken poop. The Christie government was the most corrupt government in the post colonial era. THE WHISTLEBLOWER Nassau, July 23, 2017.
PLP mismanagement EDITOR, The Tribune. THE former PLP Government’s actions will have a lasting impact on the minds of the Bahamian people of its mismanagement of the economy, crime, unemployment and
increasing the debt with spending. There is no explanation to defend the actions and record of the devastation done by the PLP Government under the Leadership of Perry Christie. Who in the Bahamas’ po-
litical history will be written of as the worst Prime Minister ever in The Bahamas and the first to be rejected by the people he represented for 40 years in Parliament. The worst defeat ever on May 10, 2017, by a sit-
in The Bahamas. May God bless the Bahamian people, the FNM government and The Bahamas. PEDRO SMITH Nassau, July 7, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, July 25, 2017, PAGE 5
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling greets Sir Durward Knowles during a courtesy visit yesterday at the start of a 100-day countdown to his 100th birthday. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
Countdown to Olympic legend’s 100th birthday By DANIELLE BARNES GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling, One Bahamas, Rotary Club and Aliv met yesterday at Government House to announce the launch of a 100-day countdown to Sir Durward Knowles’ 100th birthday. Sir Durward is a Bahamian sailing legend. He, with the late Cecil Cooke, made history by becoming the first Bahamians to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games. Their historic feat occurred in the 1964 world sailing Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Sir Durward is not only praised for his athletic accomplishments, but is also looked at for his exemplary philanthropy in the areas of physical and mental disability. Over the years, he has sought to empower others and was awarded the Rotary International’s highest honour — the Service Above Self Award — given in recognition of exemplary humanitarian service. The One Bahamas Foun-
dation, powered by mobile phone company Aliv, expressed great joy in celebrating with Sir Durward, who was one of the founding members of the foundation. The 100-day countdown was created to reflect on the life and times of Sir Durward. Through various media houses and social media platforms, the countdown will feature one minute facts about his achievements. The countdown began yesterday and ends on his birthday, November 2. As Sir Durward prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, he remained humble and witty as he conveyed feelings of gratitude for this recognition. “It’s an honour to be here,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough, you can never understand how it feels to being appreciated.” He joked: “I wish I had 100 more.” Patricia Francis, member of One Bahamas, encouraged Bahamians to join with them as they reflect on the successful lifetime achievements of Sir Durward.
SIR Durward Knowles with Dame Marguerite Pindling, left, and with his wife, Lady Holly Knowles. “It’s really a pleasure for books.” “Sir Durward is treasus to be here to celebrate Along with the count- ured by all Bahamians, but the beginning and the lead down, the committee plans he is especially treasured by up to the 100th birthday,” to host its annual One Ba- Rotary,” Mr Sealy said. “Not only has he poured Ms Francis said. hamas walk in November, “We intend as a com- just in time for Sir Dur- his heart, his hands and his finances, he continues to mittee and also the wider ward’s birthday. public to begin doing some Charles Sealy, represent- embody the significance of things that will reflect on ative of the Rotary Club who we are as Rotarians.” Dame Marguerite exSir Durward. and voice of the one minute pressed praise for Sir Dur“One hundred days to countdown, also commemaccomplishments the 100th is definitely going orated Sir Durward on his ward’s saying that it is fitting to celto go down in the history lifetime achievements.
ebrate him during the Commonwealth Youth Games, which wrapped up in New Providence on Sunday. “You already won your gold,” she said. “I believe you set the pace for us way back in 1964.” Bahamians are encouraged to join in on the 100day celebration and can contact www.onebahamas. org to plan activities.
MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING IN ABACO
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
ABACO police are investigating a shooting incident on that island that has resulted in one man being airlifted to the Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence. According to police reports, shortly after 10pm on Friday, a male employee was leaving his workplace on Don McKay Drive in Marsh Harbour when he was accosted by a man armed with a handgun who attempted to rob him. Inspector Terecita Pinder said the victim was shot in the upper body, but managed to drive to the Marsh Harbour Clinic in his own car. He was seen by a doctor and was later airlifted to New Providence for further medical treatment. No arrest has been made and police are continuing to investigate the matter. In Grand Bahama, police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the area of the International Bazaar on Friday evening. Sometime after 10pm, a man reported he was held up and robbed at gunpoint by an unknown male who robbed him of his cell phone and personal items. No arrest has been made and police are continuing to investigate.
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PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
‘Death penalty needed to stop the murders’ from page one “There are things we will do and are currently doing to address crime... (but) sometimes unfortunately people refuse to change. We can do things to bring the numbers down but you are not going to completely stop all the murders. Our priority is to ensure that
hard-working decent Bahamas are protected. A zerohomicide rate is wishful thinking, we can bring the numbers down but we are not going to prevent every homicide.” A 2006 decision by the London-based Privy Council, The Bahamas’ highest court of appeal, quashed the country’s mandatory death penalty
for murder convicts, which it said was unconstitutional. In 2011, the Privy Council also said the death penalty should only be given in cases where the offence falls into the category of the “worst of the worst”. That same year, the Ingraham administration made changes to the Penal Code to set out the criteria
for the types of murders that would attract a discretionary death penalty after conviction. The law changes made it so a person convicted of killing a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Department of Customs, Department of Immigration, the judiciary or correctional services
MINISTER of Education Jeffrey Lloyd giving the commencement address to the high school graduating class of 2017 last month.
would be eligible for the death penalty. Someone convicted of killing someone during a robbery, rape, kidnapping or terrorist act would also fall into this category. However, no one has been hanged since the amendments were passed into law. The last person to be executed by the state was
THE TRIBUNE
David Mitchell in January 2000. Some observers have called on The Bahamas to abandon the Privy Council in order for the country to be free to execute those on death row. Others have called for further clarification on what murders are “most extreme and exceptional” in the Privy Council’s view.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
STUDENT LOAN DEBTS BLOCK SCHOLARSHIPS from page one
“Funds were limited for some time now, and instead of opting to correct the process, former administrations opted to simply pour money into a corrupted cycle,” Mr Lloyd told The Tribune. He added: “As a result, the system remains contaminated with massive failures and defaults. Therefore, the decision was taken by the government to suspend until sanity and liquidity could be returned to the Education Loan Authority.” Mr Lloyd continued: “We have $156m in principle that is outstanding and through attorneys and the realisation that there is a penalty, many persons have come
forward and are coming forward. However, success to date has been limited. “It pains me to say, the money isn’t there for new scholarship and loans. Now, while we are fully committed to the promises, loans and scholarships already issued, we are unable to, from this point issue anything new. “In addition to the financial position of the country, we in education met a $5m shortage of educational scholarships that we are obligated to meet. This is a tough position to be in. A frustrating one, but we have to work until we have this all sorted. “It will take time, but once we have sorted through this, we will be in a place to carry out much of
what we promised to deliver in education.” The issue of delinquent student loan payments has been ongoing for some time. In March 2016, then Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said the ELA was owed $155m in outstanding loan payments for its student loan scheme. At the time, the Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister urged delinquent borrowers to arrange repayment methods or face court action. Mr Fitzgerald also said in March 2016 that his ministry and ELA officials had established a student loan repayment Incentive programme to help secure the outstanding funds.
This involved the establishment of a 12-month period of “incentives and waivers” from March 1, 2016 to assist and encourage delinquent borrowers to repay their loans. This was to be an interest-free period, during which no interest will be applied to loans, Mr Fitzgerald said at the time. In 2015, a new bill was passed in Parliament to create a Loan Support Unit to help the ELA recoup funds owed to the government. On the 2017 campaign trail, the FNM promised in its manifesto to finance through scholarships, grants and tax incentives, the ability for all qualified students to access a tertiary education. Additionally, Prime Min-
ister Dr Hubert Minnis directly guaranteed free tertiary level education at the University of The Bahamas (UB) for all Bahamians who qualify. He has also promised that any Family Island student who qualified for UB would be assisted with accommodations and provided with a monthly stipend to help with living costs. When asked about these promises and the possibilities of the party adhering to them, Mr Lloyd admitted the FNM would not be able to carry out the promises in “the immediate term”. He added: “We expect to help many students in the years to come, but not in the way the ministry is known to. Again, we are in a tough spot.”
He continued: “Those who are now the beneficiaries, we will continue to honour, but because of budget issues we will be unable to award the number that we have usually. “We have 4,000 applications. The committee will have to be really discerning as they make their decisions. I am of the understanding the bulk of awarded scholarships will go to the (students at) University of The Bahamas and we will insist on grade point averages being maintained.” The ELA was established in 2002 to raise funds for the Educational Loan Guarantee Scheme, which provided educational loans to Bahamian students who wanted to study at approved colleges and universities.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, July 25, 2017, PAGE 7
FNMs respond to Davis letter over corruption
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net STATE Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson yesterday cautioned against making arbitrary public statements based on emotions, as he called on aggrieved Bahamians and public officials to petition the Supreme Court should the actions of government officials constitute a breach in the law. The comments by the Yamacraw MP were an indirect reference to a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis by Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis regarding the recent criminal probes into Progressive Liberal Party politicians. Though expressing his unwillingness to “dignify” Mr Davis’ letter with a response, Mr Johnson said should there be an instance where a law, “not emotion”, has been breached, those aggrieved should “go to that independent and partial and fearless institution”, namely the judiciary, and “state your claim”. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Marvin Dames told The Tribune that Mr Davis’ statements were “ridiculous” and “absurd”, as he again insisted there is “no boogeyman out there investigating, looking to trump up charges against
any PLP” politician. Mr Dames also said while the Minnis administration is not spearheading the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigations, the government is committed to ensuring that “no matter where you sit in this country that you are just as responsible for your actions as the young man on the streets.” “That’s what the people of this country want to see,” Mr Dames added. In a letter written on July 18 and subsequently leaked to the press on Sunday, Mr Davis lashed out at the Minnis administration for the RBPF’s anti-corruption investigations of PLP politicians, warning: “When you set out to dig a grave for your enemy, dig two.” Calling investigations like the one into former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Dion Smith an “abuse of power,” Mr Davis warned that the “offending parties, be they police officers or politicians, need to understand that there will come a day of reckoning for them as well.” Although stating “what goes around comes around”, Mr Davis insisted his words were not threats to Dr Minnis or the government, but rather an “immutable law of the moral universe”. When questioned on the matter by reporters yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “I would just invite all and
sundry, if there (are) any allegations of the breach of a law—not emotions, the breach of a law—you state which law is being breached, and you go to that independent and partial and fearless institution, and you state your claim. That is the history of The Bahamas, that is the history of the Westminster modelled system that we have, that it allows these things. “We are a country of laws,” he added. “If you allege that a law has been breached, cite it, and there are ways that we have put together as a group how we will deal with disagreement. And you go to the courts. There are any number of resolutions that one can get. “When I practised at the Bar, and I (found) that the issues of private rights had been breached, I go there. And they were not reluctant to give declarations. You do that. But what I would not want us to do is make statements that would militate against the building of a country that is transparent, that’s accountable.” Meanwhile, Mr Dames, who has shot down allegations of “witch hunts” against PLP members on multiple occasions, said the suggestion that Prime Minister Minnis is behind the recent investigations of PLP politicians is inherently “undemocratic” and “crazy”.
INSURERS CLAIM NHI’S SECRETARIAT IS LIKELY ACTING ‘ILLEGALLY’ from page one
long-term insurance business for sickness or health insurance in accordance with the Insurance Act. It should also be certified by the Insurance Commission as an administrator in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Act, enter into an agreement with the authority in accordance with the provisions of the NHI Act; and satisfy such other requirements as may be determined by the NHI Authority. “It is our understanding that no RHA has been contracted to administer the NHI benefits. Instead, the NHI Secretariat presumably under the guise of purporting to act as the NHI Authority has taken on the functions of an RHA as defined in Section 26 of the NHI Act,” the BIA’s statement said yesterday. “It is noteworthy to state that the functions of the NHI Authority are clearly stated in Section 6 of the NHI Act and do not overlap with those of an RHA. “The BIA contends that the NHI Secretariat acting on the premise that it can function as the NHI Authority, which has not been formally constituted, may have illegally taken on among other things the following functions of an RHA as defined in Section 26 of the NHI Act: providing beneficiaries with access to benefits, paying providers for benefits, processing beneficiary claims, case management,
monitoring the provision of health care benefits.” This would violate the NHI Act and as the NHI Secretariat would be carrying on insurance business, is also a violation of the Insurance Act, the BIA said. The statement continued: “The recently reported complaints regarding non-payment of medical providers seems to illustrate one of the practical consequences of violating the law. “Had an insurance company failed to make payment, a complaint could have been filed with the Insurance Commission who has the legal power to investigate the complaint and to direct the company to resolve it. “The insurer in question could also have been sued for breach of contract. Under these circumstances where the payments themselves violate law, the affected medical providers may not have any legal redress available to them. “We submit that it is highly improper for the NHI scheme to be violating the very law that brought it into being. We recommend that the government take steps to rectify this apparent disregard for the provisions of the NHI Act and Insurance Act. Additionally, the NHI Authority Board when formally constituted, must take immediate steps to rectify the aforementioned breaches and ensure that the authority complies with the NHI Act and other applicable legislation. “The government should
ensure that a dangerous precedent is not set vis-àvis disregard for applicable law. The Bahamas has to act in accordance with the rule of law and public officials cannot knowingly violate duly passed law. “The BIA reiterates its agreement with the concept of universal health care and is committed to working with the Minister of Health (Dr Duane Sands) and the NHI Authority (when formally constituted) to ensure that a sustainable NHI plan is implemented and administered successfully for The Bahamas. “We wholeheartedly agree with the minister that this is the time to stop, review and get it right.” On Monday, Dr Sands admitted doctors’ complaints about not being paid by NHI are “unlikely to be the last” revelation concerning the scheme’s woes. Dr Sands told Tribune Business private doctors who had signed-up to provide services to NHI’s 25,000-plus beneficiaries were “another potential casualty” of the Christie administration’s haste to roll-out the scheme as a preelection “vote grabbing” tool. Promising to speak with the NHI Secretariat about the alleged non-payment, Dr Sands reiterated that the failure to fully implement the NHI Act and its governance structure - especially the NHI Authority and its board - meant the scheme lacked a lawful basis to make any payments whatsoever.
US GUEST FINED FOR ATLANTIS ASSAULTS from page one It was further alleged that three hours later, while at the same place, he unlawfully assaulted Antoinette Anderson. Cleveland pleaded guilty to both charges. He was arrested by po-
lice after complaints were made that he had forcefully thrown gambling chips at Mr Lord and hours later, held Ms Anderson by the throat and forced his tongue inside her mouth. Cleveland apologised for his actions and was fined $500 for assaulting Mr Lord
and $500 for assaulting Ms Anderson. He was further ordered to compensate Ms Anderson another $500 for her duress. In default of the $1,500 payments, Cleveland would spend three months at the Department of Correctional Services.
OPPOSITION leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. Mr Dames then asked: “If your hands are clean, why should you be concerned?” “Maybe I’m looking at this differently from them, but my thing here is, matters are brought to the police’s attention, they have an obligation to investigate, no matter who may be a suspect,” he said. “Politicians and former politicians no matter where they sit, PLP, FNM, DNA, wherever, whoever, are not above the law. You don’t get a special dispensation because you served in politics, or because you are currently in politics.
“You don’t get immunity from your actions…the Bahamian people have been saying for some time, that people in authority feel as if a different law applies to them. And we cannot have that in a democracy. We have to simply allow law enforcement, allow the judiciary, we have to allow these arms, allow the (director of public prosecutions), we have to allow these arms to do their jobs without any form of interference. “We were ushered into office saying that we will deal with corruption wherever it exists and that we
would introduce legislation to create an independent anti-corruption entity, that we will restore confidence in The Bahamas. And so we’re not doing anything that we said that we would not do. And given the mandate that we were voted into office, there is an expectation by the people who put us there to perform.” The recent corruption probes have created tension between the two major political parties. They have led the PLP to call into question the impartiality of the police force conducting the probes.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Freeport Incentive Act to be replaced with new plan
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest told business leaders on Grand Bahama the government will amend and replace the Freeport Incentive Act 2016 with a more progressive plan. Mr Turnquest was speaking at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon last Friday at the Grand Lucayan Resort. It was the first time he had addressed the chamber in his capacity as minister of finance. The MP for East Grand Bahama - who never supported the legislation while in opposition - was applauded by a packed room of business persons who were very pleased to hear the Minnis administration
would repeal the legislation. He said: “You as business persons have to do your part too. You must follow the rules as you expect us as a government to. Government contracts must be made transparently based on merit and ability at competitive rates. Conflicts of interest will be frowned upon and not tolerated in this modern government structure.” He indicated more severe situations such as acts of bribery or attempted bribery would be dealt with according to the law. “We must be a government of the people, and of integrity to safeguard the public’s trust and their future prospects. The rule of law will prevail, and no one is above the law,” he warned, followed by applause. Mr Turnquest said the majority of Bahamians are
law-abiding citizens and the strengthening of the enforcement of anti-corruption measures should be of no concern to most. The issue of fiscal responsibility and reform, he said, is the second priority of the FNM administration. He noted that while The Bahamas’ modern system of tax and customs administration is executed by committed and honest actors in the positions of public trust, unfortunately, the system has not always worked. As a result, Mr Turnquest noted the government has recently launched amendments to address noncompliance with tax and customs laws. “These programmes have been piloted in Nassau with great success and will be extended to Grand Bahama and Family Islands in the very near future, having full regard for provisions in the
Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA). And there are concerns about the Customs Management Act of which I am somewhat familiar and how that Act interacts with the HCA and the business community here in Grand Bahama.” Mr Turnquest assured them that measures implemented are mixed based and focused on levelling the playing field between those who operate within the rules and those outside. “In this context, we believe these programme will be welcomed by the business community (here) as there are often distortions that caused shadow operators not doing their fair share. “We must not allow Freeport to continue to be used as a smuggling gateway to the rest of The Bahamas to avoid tax responsibility and avoid detection of illegal ac-
tivities. “And I can tell you…it is somewhat discouraging to hear some of the actual things that happened, and so we will put in place necessary audit and checks to ensure that we deter that kind of activity and everybody has a level playing field across the board,” he said, Mr Turnquest also indicated that government is taking necessary steps to reform processes that will facilitate the ease of doing business in the country. He then mentioned the launch of the Public Finance Management and Performance Monitoring Project within the Ministry of Finance. Mr Turnquest shared what the programme is about to the Freeport business community. He said the first component is designed to improve
the management capacity of the public sector by increasing government’s ability to effectively and efficiently monitor the planning and implementation of priority projects. He noted that the second component is national statistics, which will increase access to reliable and timely local data by creating a national statistics system. The third component, which is public financial management, will deal with inefficiencies in budget formulation and execution, with every transaction the government makes undergoing scrutiny and streamlining. The fourth and final component is public procurement reform to rectify the lack of transparency and efficiency in the government procurement process, promoting competition in the marketplace.
AGRICULTURE & Fisheries Minister Renward Wells interacted with Youth Entrepreneur Summer Programme students learning how to start their own cottage industry businesses on July 21 at CI Gibson School on Marathon Road. Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS
MINISTER TOURS SUMMER SCHEME
By GENA GIBBS Bahamas Information Services
MINISTER of Agriculture & Marine Resources Renward Wells recently toured the Co-operative Youth Entrepreneur Summer Programme, an initiative of the ministry’s Youth Embracing Excellence Successfully, also known as the YEES Project, which was held at C I Gibson School on Marathon Road. The summer programme has been an ongoing initiative in the ministry since 2015 and has proven itself to be popular and successful, after it was rebranded from just being referred to as “School Co-ops.” Mr Wells embraced the opportunity to meet the 35 teenagers, now eager to start their own businesses, and learn more about the micro-economic impact of local souvenir making. He understood that these students have been developing these emerging cottage industries, since they started in 2015 when the programme had only 19 participants. The Ministry’s Department of Cooperatives, spearheaded by its Director Judy Simmons, has familiarised the ministry with the importance of developing youth entrepreneurial initiatives, sponsored by
MINISTER of Agriculture Renward Wells at the Co-operative Youth Entrepreneur Summer Programme. the ministry, to encourage young people leaving school to create jobs for themselves and help others create their own jobs to be their own bosses. Ms Simmons said the students have learned about business planning, customer service, and have even conducted field studies in an economic environment; they were also exposed to 19 different cottage industry business ideas, where they applied theory to practical applications during
2016. All participants were certified in CPR and first aid as well. “This year”, said Ms Simmons, “the senior participants that have been in the programme for three years have indicated they are ready to start their own businesses, selecting from diverse micro business areas of handicraft bag making, candle making, condiment food processing, soap making, and upholstery, to name a few.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, July 25, 2017, PAGE 9
Health information system to launch by next summer
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE official launch of a new, multi-million dollar integrated health information system is expected to take place in the summer of next year, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed on Friday. Dr Sands told The Tribune that the $18m system by Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc is expected to launch roughly a year from now, which he said is a “very ambitious” deadline given all the necessary “training” needed to operate the new system. Meanwhile, officials from Ports International, distributor for Philips Healthcare, confirmed it is on schedule to deliver the state-of-theart imaging equipment procured by the former Christie administration in February 2016. However, those officials said while some of the equipment has been shipped, others have not due to ongoing construction in certain areas of the relevant public health facilities. In August 2016, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc, along with their strategic partner Infor Lawson, signed a contract worth $18,389,368 with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) for the implementation of what officials said would be a “one patient, one record system”. The new system would allow for universal access of patient records by the clinics and services of the Department of Public Health and the public hospital institutions and facilities of the PHA. At the time, government officials said the new system would replace the Keane Insight platform currently operated by the PHA and the IPHIS system currently operated by the Department of Public Health. When contacted for an update on the process on Friday, Dr Sands said: “This is more than just going from analog to digital, this is a complete change in the way we manage patient data and information. And so you have to have clerical staff trained, you have to have the clinical staff trained and so on in order to avoid a complete disaster. “And it’s going to take some time to get that training and preparation done to migrate the systems, and there’ll be a period of time
MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands during a previous tour of Princess Margaret Hospital. where you’ll have to operate both systems in parallel. Then you got to check and double-check and triplecheck and then you have to pilot it and test it and so on and so forth to make sure that it actually works the way it’s going to. “So the go-live is scheduled for summer of 2018, which may seem like a long time from now but that is actually a very ambitious timeline. Believe me, having been an integral part of the implementation of the Meditech system at the Doctors Hospital, and that was now almost ten years ago… for a 72-bed hospital, that was a very involved process. “The Princess Margaret Hospital has about 400 beds, the Rand Memorial Hospital a number of beds, Sandilands a number of beds, and then the peripheral clinics. So you’re talking about a scope of work which is significantly bigger than Doctors Hospital.” Regarding a separate issue, Ports International officials told The Tribune that some of the state-of-the-art radiology equipment previously procured by the former Christie administration has been shipped, and that
they are on target in honoring their obligations. The statements by those officials were in reference to the February 2016 signing of a $7.576m agreement with Med-X International and Ports International, both distributors for Philips Healthcare, for radiology equipment. The equipment reportedly includes four digital radiography systems, two radiography/fluoroscopy systems, three mobile x-ray units, one 16 Slice CT scanner, two 64 Slice CT scanners, two MRI scanners and six ultrasound scanners. The equipment is expected to be installed at PMH and the Rand Memorial Hospital. However, at the time of the signing officials could not say when the equipment would be delivered and installed. On Friday, however, Ports International officials said the mobile x-rays and the ultrasound scanners have been delivered, and that officials are working on the delivery of the fluoroscopes and CT scanners with an aim to having them in the country before the end of the year. The MRI scanners will be shipped pending the
READERS RESPOND TO DAVIS LETTER AFTER Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis wrote a strongly worded letter to the Prime Minister over criminal probes into PLP politicians, warning: “When you set out to dig a grave for your enemy, dig two”, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com. Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “Mr. Davis has a very small mind indeed. We the people gave Minnis an overwhelming landslide victory in the last general election with the full expectation that his government would make good on the FNM’s election campaign commitment to investigate the many likely instances of major fraud and outright theft that occurred during the five-year term of the last corrupt Christie-led government as a result of the abuse of public office and the public’s trust by senior government officials, both elected and un-elected. Minnis knows full well his government is doing the right thing. If evidence exists to show crimes have been committed by past or current government officials, then let the chips fall where they may. We are a land under the rule of law that applies to all of us, including Mr. Davis, his political friends and his business cronies.” Reality_Check said: “Davis does not seem to understand that threatening
someone and then in the next breath saying no threat has been made or was intended does not in anyway take away or nullify the fact that the threat was made in the first place. Just who does Davis think he is telling Minnis (our PM) that he should not be so inclined to get ready to lie in his own grave??! Minnis should table the letter he received from Davis at the next sitting of the House of Assembly so that the Speaker of the House can also take appropriate action.” Jackbnimble was pleased with the Prime Minister’s actions: “You know, the buck has to stop somewhere with all this corruption. I’m glad Dr Minnis is cleaning house and if he puts the proper legislation and policies in place, even firing or prosecuting his current team, then we he would not only have secured his legacy but we’ll really know that governance is no longer about corrupt politicians lining their pockets with taxpayers’ dollars, but we’ll also know government is really about helping and advancing the people who put you in place. After all it’s
what you were hired for. I say full speed ahead! If they stole our money then prosecute away. After all it’s the people’s time!!” Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest said the Government will soon extend its crackdown on tax cheats to Grand Bahama, prompting The_Oracle to give this response: “Not sure and am doubtful that large businesses are shifting bonded materials out of Freeport to Nassau and other islands, but I have no doubt individuals are abusing the privilege. That is a problem easily addressed by Bahamas customs within the authority they have under the CMA. Go check the damn mailboats. Ask for proof of purchase, whether a duty paid invoice or a Bahamas Customs receipt if imported under bond directly.” And there was this from Economist: “That is why the IMF and those have pushed us to VAT. If they reduce the Customs duties to very little and up the VAT, as they have done in many other countries in Europe, the government can terminate the majority of the Customs officers. These officers are not doing their job anyway so we may as well change the system, terminate them and save the country money.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
progress of the construction efforts, officials said. When probed on the matter on Friday, Dr Sands said it would be “impossible” for him to say when all of the equipment would be delivered “because we cannot start that project until some of these other projects” in the relevant public healthcare facilities “are significantly further along or completed.” “…Quite frankly at this point we’re significantly behind in a lot of the reno-
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff vations within the body of Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand so that timeline is not going to be the same timeline that would have been anticipated when those commitments were made,” he said. “Bear in mind we already have three separate units in the hospital which are out of commission because of ongoing construction. “...The analogy of the disruption that was experienced in part during the New Providence
infrastructure improvement programme, with multiple different areas taken out of commission, I don’t think we’d want to repeat. “So we already have three wards out of commission, we are going to need to get some of that sorted out before we now go ahead and disrupt imaging. So I guess the long and short is that I can’t give you a definite time as to when we’re going to move ahead with that.”
PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
TIGER WU, president of CCA South America, Sir Baltron Bethel, senior policy advisor to the former prime minister, HE Qinguo Huang, Chinese ambassador to The Bahamas, Ning Yuan, chairman of CCA, then Prime Minister Perry Christie, Philip Davis, and Daniel Liu, president of The Pointe at the opening ceremony last year. Chinese involvement in projects in The Bahamas has sometimes been the subject of criticism - but Frederick Smith QC argues that foreigners should not be blamed. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS
Stop the Blame Game
YOUR SAY By FREDERICK SMITH, QC
T
HERE has been a lot of agitation and blame about “foreigners” raping our marine and fisheries resources. In my view, this debate and blame game is misconceived and futile. Simply blaming the “foreigner” and focusing on
“foreign” depletion and exploitation but continuing to allow the same unregulated exploitation and depletion only by Bahamians, is not the answer. It is a recipe for environmental disaster. In my view, the challenges faced in The Bahamas, by the rape, pillage, ruin and unsustainable depletion of our marine and fisheries resources, and the unrelenting destruction of our
mangroves and coral reefs, requires rational, deliberate and careful attention. It can perhaps be most effectively addressed by the new FNM government adopting a more enlightened and effective approach by meaningful consultation with those most knowledgeable and experienced in the field (particularly from the Family Islands) to review existing and enacting mod-
ern laws. And then investing in continuing education, regulatory resources, oversight, supervision and enforcement. This will have the added benefit, as always in a Green Economy, of creating hundreds of new jobs in the private and public sector in education, management and regulation. If non-citizens have status, and in conjunction with Bahamians obtain necessary permits and engage in sustainable marine resource husbandry, they cannot be made scapegoats! If foreigners and Bahamians engage in illegal activities, then both should be prosecuted. The “Blame The Foreigner” game does not cut it anymore. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking that the answer and restrict and prevent exploitation by Americans, Chinese, Dominicans, Cubans or other foreigners. Indeed, in properly and respectfully husbanding our marine environment, they may helpfully partner and share their resources and skills with Bahamians. We must not “Fear the Foreigner”. If we build on a foundation of self-respect of our own environment, and we have our house in order, we can securely invite them in as respectful guests. The Bahamas must develop an environmentally and economically sustainable Marine and Fisheries Industry. The real issue is to ensure that the bounty that we are blessed with in our Marine and Fisheries Resources is not exploited to extinction by anybody, Bahamian or foreign. It’s easy, thoughtless and
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often politically expedient, to pillory, attack and blame the foreigner; to make the foreigner the scapegoat or the evil ogre; to blame Bahamian women and marriages of convenience; or persons who have never fished investing in the fishing industry. The reality is, that they are merely a symptom of the Dis-Ease we face generally in The Bahamas of not passing sensible laws, after sensible consultation with those most knowledgeable and most affected, and then not properly and effectively enforcing them as against Bahamian and Foreigner alike. Just passing laws in Parliament doesn’t convert the objective of the laws into reality if there isn’t practical and effective enforcement. The visionary Planning And Subdivision Act is a perfect example of Parliamentary legislative futility. So I believe that investing in effective supervision, control and management of our Marine Resources, in so far as anybody is concerned, will help to ensure that we have an environmentally and economically sustainable Fisheries Industry in the future. It is not possible, and it is not realistic to expect, the FNM Government to just simply wave a magic wand and to fix decades of neglect and abuse. It will take responsible Citizenry involvement, time and dedication, and an open and willing ear by the FNM Government, to help to properly develop an environmentally and economically sustainable Marine and Fisheries Industry and to protect our mangroves and corals reefs. The issue faced by our
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Marine and Fisheries Industry, is similar to that which we face with Anchor Projects, birthed in the bosom of PLP corruption by Secret Heads Agreements. These white elephant Anchor Projects have spread like an economic AIDS virus throughout The Bahamas, infecting our body politic. They have resulted in Colonial Plantation Slavery style developments in the Family Islands where the foreigner exploits our land and coastal resources as in Bimini Bay and Bakers Bay in Guana Cay. They result in disrespect for local rights. They result in environmental, cultural and economic degradation and devaluation. However, let me be clear, once again. I am not antiforeign nor anti-development. It’s not the Foreigner that is to blame. The blame must be put squarely at the feet of our past Bahamian Cabinet Ministers and politicians who have allowed, encouraged and often corruptly profited from foreign developers and unregulated developments. The PLP have encouraged “Invaders Not Investors”! Until we, the Citizens of The Bahamas, take ownership and responsibility for our own future, learn to respect our own environment, our own culture, our own economy, our own patrimony, we cannot blame “foreigners” when they come in and are actively encouraged by Bahamian politicians to rape and pillage the limited resources of our HomeLand; our Sweet Bahama land. The foreigner is not to blame; it is the corrupt and visionless politician and our citizenry that sits back and allows them to do that! Now, “It’s The People’s Time”, and as citizens of the Bahamas we must take responsibility for our HomeLand. We must vision the future that we want and in collaboration with the FNM Government manifest it into reality. Simply blaming the foreigner, demanding that more unenforced laws are passed, then blaming and being impatient with the government is not going to help. This FNM Government was swept into power by an incoming Red Tide of frustration and exasperation at a PLP Government that was deaf to the loud demands of its citizenry. I am confident that this FNM Government will react positively to The People’s Voices, otherwise, the same tide will take them out; albeit the colour may be different; perhaps Green, but pray God, never Gold again!
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, July 25, 2017, PAGE 11
It’s a Bahamain Thing as children turn out for Urban Renewal Summer Camp By KATHRYN CAMPBELL Bahamas Information Services MORE than 100 children are enrolled in Fort Charlotte’s Urban Renewal Summer Camp and the numbers continue to swell. Led by a team of 11 leaders, the children take time out of their four-hour day to focus on the Urban Renewal Summer Camp theme “It’s a Bahamian Thing”. “During the downtime, we try to hone in on Bahamian culture to make the kids more aware of our culture and the meaning of what it is. We are starting from young so we can mould them into their culture so they can understand who they are and build national Bahamian pride. Not knowing their heritage is like a tree with no root,” said Christina Sweeting, coordinator for the camp. Ms Sweeting said the children take a daily walk through the Bahamian islands in the classrooms at Greater Chippingham Church of God. Billboards erected in the classrooms are fully decorated with Bahamian crafts depicting national heroes, Bahamian artwork and more. This allows them to make the journey around The Bahamas. The children also participate in devotions, make crafts and are instructed in subjects including sports, English language and history. Pep talks on bullying, nutrition and do’s and don’ts about summer are presented. Weekly field trips and fully balanced meals are also provided for the children. They were busy rehearsing a musical selection for the closing ceremony when the team from BIS stopped by on Thursday. “Every camp is expected to give a presentation at the closing ceremony. Our con-
FORT Charlotte MP Mark Humes interacts with the campers. tribution is the choir,” said Ms Sweeting. “We are trying to build a Fort Charlotte Community Choir so we are beginning with the kids who come to the camp.” Superintendent Dencil Barr said as a result of the formation of the choir, the children are able to show they have developed synergy from what they have been exposed to in such a short time. Visitors including Mark Humes, member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte, and representatives of Baha Juice and Beverages also visited the happy campers on Thursday. Baha Juice donated several cases of fresh, natural, organic juice to the camp. Director Levin Wilson said
his company was “excited” about giving the product to the children. The children who range in age from 5 to 15 represent neighbourhoods including Fort Charlotte. According to Supt Barr, many of them were enrolled as a result of recruitment exercises undertaken by his staff members. “We did walkabouts throughout the neighbourhoods and urged parents to enroll. The parents know of the positivity of Urban Renewal. That is why we have such a great response,” he said. The Urban Renewal Summer Camp is sponsored by the Urban Renewal Commission of the Ministry of Social Services.
SUPERINTENDENT Dencil Barr watches as the children perform.
Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS
PAGE 12, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
THE PRIME Minister was among a number of attendees at the legacy gala honouring the life of Dr Myles Munroe. He is pictured with others arriving at the event. From left, Stuart Bowe (in red shirt chatting with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Mrs Patricia Minnis, Charisa Munroe and Myles Munroe Jr. Photos: Peter Ramsay/BIS
FORMER United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young (left) speaks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the Munroe Legacy Gala on Saturday night at Atlantis.
FROM left, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, Bernice King, Charisa Munroe, daughter of Myles Munroe, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia, with Myles Munroe Jr at the Munroe Legacy Gala.