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VOLUME:115 No.173, AUGUST 1ST, 2018
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
ALICIA WALLACE: WHAT FRIGHTENS US ABOUT IMMIGRATION?
Pilot to blame • Not qualified to fly crash plane • Nervous when flying in clouds • 129 illegal flights in 11 weeks • No chance anyone could have survived Andros disaster By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE six people who died in January when the pilot of their plane lost control of the aircraft had zero chance of survival, according to the Air Accident Investigation Department’s report of the crash. The accident, which killed three men, two women and a tenyear-old girl, “was not survivable due to the high speed, high angle contact
THE PLANE that crashed. (with the ocean) and magnitude of the deceleration forces,” the report said. “All indications were that the aircraft made contact with the ocean straight in (at approximately 180 degrees, nose, propeller
MAN DEAD IN LATE-NIGHT SHOOTING A MAN was shot dead last night in a late-night incident. As The Tribune was going to press, police confirmed a man had died following a shooting at Burial Ground Corner off East Street. The news came on the same day that Police
Commissioner Anthony Ferguson reported that murders in the first half of the year had dropped by a quarter compared to last year - with 54 from January to June, down from 73 last year. SEE PAGE SIX
and engines first, as evidenced from propeller and airframe signature marks) before cartwheeling several times prior to stopping.” The January 17 accident off Andros reignited concerns and debate about the aviation sector’s longstanding “hacker” problem which officials have since vowed to address. The crash report portrays the pilot, Darren Clarke, as a rule-breaker SEE PAGE THREE
PILOT DARREN CLARKE, who was killed in the crash.
FEES REVOLUTION TO HELP FUND $50M HEALTH DEFICIT By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net HEALTH officials will meet today to decide on the implementation of up to 500 fees at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) as they seek to narrow a $50m funding shortfall. Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, yesterday told Tribune Business that the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and other healthcare system elements are faced with “making some difficult decisions” that might result in “certain programmes and services” being stopped or cut back. He suggested this might include reduced hours and/ or closures at some public
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands sector clinics, as the Government’s fiscal crisis means it no longer has “an infinite source of funds” to underwrite a system where 87 percent of PHA patients pay nothing for the care they receive. Reiterating that the
days of a “free lunch” were over when it came to healthcare, especially for Bahamians who can afford to pay or have medical insurance, Dr Sands said he was targeting “anomalies” that had allowed such persons a ride at the taxpayer’s expense. He cited the “exemption” that allows civil servants to enjoy free healthcare from the PHA, even though the Government pays $75m annually for them to have medical insurance, as one such “anomaly”. The Minister also pledged to “aggressively go after” potential revenue sources such as Road Traffic Act accident claims. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
OFFICER GUILTY OF UNLAWFUL KILLING By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE 2013 shooting death of Girred Clarke at the hands of police at a party was ruled as an unlawful killing by a Coroner’s Court jury yesterday. A unanimous verdict was returned to Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez nearly an hour after she excused the jury to deliberate on a verdict of lawful or unlawful killing in the August 17, 2013, Allen Drive shooting. SEE PAGE FIVE
PAGE 2, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force tracked and recovered a stolen vessel on Monday morning. After receiving information from security at Lyford Cay of a 21ft blue and white open-hull pleasure craft being stolen from the Lyford Cay Marina around
3am Monday, a search was immediately conducted by marines from the RBDF Commando Squadron. The search and recovery exercise later became a joint operation when the Royal Bahamas Police Force informed the RBDF of the craft’s location
THE TRIBUNE
DRONE HELPS TO LOCATE STOLEN BOAT
in the Seabreeze area. The marines, aided by the RBDF’s drone, were then deployed to the area. The stolen craft was spotted by the drone in an isolated area within the Seabreeze Canal where it was recovered by the marines at approximately 11 am. The craft
was handed over to police for further investigation. This is the second stolen vessel recovered by the RBDF for the year. On April 8, quick response by marines attached to the Northern Command in Abaco recovered a stolen vessel found among the marshes of Central
Abaco. The pleasure craft was recovered on the same day its owner reported it stolen from Hope Town. Persons having information on illegal activities occurring within Bahamian waters or coastal areas can report them by calling the RBDF’s tip line at 424-9414.
JOHN BULL HEIST: FOUR HELD By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FOUR people are in police custody in connection with the heist of John Bull in Grand Bahama last week, Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson said yesterday. He did not clarify whether any of the four will be charged before the courts with the theft of nearly $1m in merchandise. However, the commissioner said he was pleased with the progress authorities were making with the case. A police source told The Tribune a man was arrested yesterday after officials discovered five Rolex watches worth more than $60,000 in his luggage as he attempted to travel from Grand Bahama to the capital on a mail boat. Authorities were notified of the situation after a scanner detected the watches, which were concealed in the contents of the man’s suitcase, The Tribune was told. Not long after the arrest, photos of watches with price tags attached to them and a man allegedly arrested for possession of the stolen property, along with a report purportedly detailing the arrest, circulated on social media. Police would not confirm the details of the information being circulated.
SECURITY camera footage at the time of the raid. On Monday of last week, with the progress we are two men dressed as women making with that matter. orchestrated a brazen We expect to continue to day light robbery of the make greater progress as retail store located at Port the day and the days go by.” Lucaya, a tourist hot spot Asked if police had conon the island. fiscated any of the stolen “We have at least four goods, he said: “I know persons in custody,” the you may see things floating police commissioner said around on social media, but yesterday during a press we have recovered items conference at police and as I indicated we are headquarters. extremely pleased with the “I am extremely pleased progress we are making.”
During last week’s incident, robbers smashed a display case and stole a number of high priced watches from the retailer, which is known to carry a wide range of high priced brands, including Rolex. The incident marked the second time in two months that men disguised as women robbed a jewellery store after a similar theft happened at Quantum Duty-Free in downtown Nassau earlier this year. However, it is not known whether these incidents were connected. Customers and employees inside the Grand Bahama store were taken by surprise and left shocked by the theft which occurred around 10am. The thieves did not have guns and escaped on foot in a nearby vehicle, which was later recovered by police and discovered to have been stolen. Surveillance video footage of the robbers dressed in women’s clothing went viral on social media. In the footage, the two men are seen running from the Port Lucaya Marketplace store clutching large handbags. One of the thieves clutched his wig as he ran, in an effort to keep it from falling off. Assistant Superintendent Terecita Pinder told The Tribune last week that the stolen items were valued at more than $900,000.
TIMMIA KEMP
HUNT FOR MISSING GIRL By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama police are searching for a teen who has been missing since last week, a senior police official reported on Tuesday. Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder said 16-year-old Timmia Kemp, of Freeport, was last seen at her residence on Wednesday, July 25. She was
wearing a pink and white tie-dyed top, gray drawstring basketball shorts and maroon coloured slippers. The teen has a dark brown complexion and is about five feet, two inches tall of average build. She weighs 165lbs. ASP Pinder is urging anyone with information concerning her whereabouts to call police at 350-3107 through 12, 911/919 or the nearest police station.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, PAGE 3
Pilot to blame from page one
who experienced anxiety flying in non-ideal conditions. It said: “A student pilot that previously flew with the pilot to build flight time stated, ‘I’ve been flying through overcast conditions with him before and I had to calm him down and tell him to trust the instruments inside the plane…if I wasn’t with him then, he might have been gone that day instead.’ Another witness, who had also previously flown with the pilot stated, ‘He was kinda scared of flying in clouds’.” On the fateful day, the pilot “failed to maintain control of the aircraft,” the report said, “possibly as a result of spatial disorientation and a lack of situational awareness when he continued flight into meteorological conditions he was not comfortable in. The pilot was not qualified to fly this type of aircraft by ‘instruments only.’ The pilot’s private pilot licence was limited to ‘visual flight rules only’ in a multi-engine aircraft, because he did not demonstrate proficiency using the instruments for navigation in a multi-engine aircraft.” Citing Wikipedia, the report described spatial disorientation resulting from poor weather, saying: “A pilot who enters such conditions will quickly lose spatial orientation if there has been no training in flying with reference to instruments. If the pilot is not proficient in the use of gyroscopic flight instruments, these errors will build up to a point that control of the aircraft is lost, usually in a steep, diving turn known as graveyard spiral. During the entire time, leading up to and well into the manoeuvre, the pilot remains unaware that he is turning, believing that he is maintaining straight flight.’ Reduced visibility and rain were determining factors in the crash. Investigators said: “Weather conditions were marginal in the area between Nassau and Andros and cloud coverage and bases ranged from 1,800 to 25,000 feet with showers, thundershowers and moderate to severe turbulence. The AAID believes the pilot may have been circumnavigating the marginal weather and reduced visibility and at some point lost control of the aircraft with fatal consequences. He was not authorised to operate any multi-engine aircraft in weather conditions that required use of instruments for navigation because he did not demonstrate instrument proficiency.” Debris from the crash was strewn far and wide, but the pilot’s log book was recovered in good condition from the side pocket of the cockpit. The documents showed he had completed 129 flights between October 31, 2017 and 2018 for renumeration or hire, none of which he was legally qualified to conduct. Additionally, while the aircraft
was designed to carry only five passengers and a pilot at one time, the report said “several flights were documented with as many as eight passengers being carried on the aircraft at any one time.” Investigators also determined Mr Clarke’s pilot’s medical certificate, issued on November 20, 2013, had expired by December 31, 2015. That expiration would have invalidated all privileges a properly certified pilot could exercise, but Mr Clarke still conducted flights between October 31, 2017 and January 18, 2018 with the expired medical certificate. The Piper Aztec aircraft itself was not defective in any way. Investigators concluded it was properly registered and equipped, adequately certified for operations and in compliance with regulations and procedures. They determined system malfunction did not contribute to the accident. After the accident, the contacts the pilot made with Air Traffic Services were scrutinised. Investigators detail the interaction in the report, concluding communication or the lack thereof had no bearing on the result. During the episode, air traffic control at one point observed the aircraft “conducting a series of unauthorised changes, climbs and descents and orbits before disappearing from radar contact.” “The ATS communication facility available to the aircraft after his departure from San Andros was Nassau Air Traffic Control Centre which the pilot utilised,” the report said. “However after contact was made and radar
transponder code issued, the pilot inquired into weather conditions after being advised by ATC that he appeared to be heading westbound instead of inbound to Nassau. After advising the aircraft that weather was observed to the southeast and southeast of Nassau, no further two-way radio communication could be established between the aircraft and ATC. ATC attempted to contact the aircraft to find out his intentions with no success; the target was observed turning left as if turning to South Andros. The target was further observed shortly thereafter, turning south, then appearing to orbit, then descending and finally disappearing from radar screen in the ATC radar centre. “ATC documented at the time of disappearance, the aircraft was heading westward and 8nm east of (the San Andros Airport). Another aircraft in the airspace around the time was engaged by ATC to attempt contact with N62769, also with no success. Two-way radio communication was not a factor in this accident; however, there was a failure on the part of the pilot to respond to ATC’s inquires after being given a transponder code for his inbound flight and water conditions. The reason for the pilot’s failure to respond is unknown.”
EXTRA OVERSIGHT RECOMMENDED By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FOLLOWING the January 17 plane crash that killed six people, the Air Accident Investigation Department has recommended that the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority “increase its surveillance and oversight of the general aviation sector and put in place policies to reduce the high incidence of unauthorised commercial operations”. The plane crash was not the first time a flight operated by a “hacker” has resulted in deaths in the Bahamas, but aviation officials have since pledged an unprecedented effort to
clamp down on the “hacking” practice. At a press conference earlier this year, BCAA Director General Captain Charles Beneby said: “Any attempt by a member of the public to engage such services makes that person complicit in an illegal act. This is a warning to all persons that are engaged in such activities, now is the time to stop. We’ve talked about this before my time. We won’t talk about it anymore.” Mr Beneby has since said more manpower is needed to properly police the sector, ensuring operators all have requisite certifications. The AAID also recommended in its report that
a “plan of action be instituted to ensure all airmen who are owners or operators of foreign registered aircraft are in possession of Bahamas issued licences as required by CAGR”. The AAID recommended that surveillance be increased to “ensure all airmen who are owners/ operators of foreign registered aircraft, they are in possession of required medical certificates while operating those foreign registered aircraft in the Bahamas airspace.” Policies and procedures requiring all valid licence applicants must be familiar with Bahamas’ air laws and procedures have also been recommended.
WRECKAGE after the Andros plane crash, above, and, left, the report on the tragedy.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Tougher legislation against poaching overdue ON Friday of last week, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard announced in Grand Bahama that legislation was going to be introduced with stiffer penalties for poaching, the illegal taking of fish, conch and crawfish from Bahamian waters by non-Bahamians or non-Bahamian owned vessels. All we can say is: “It’s about time.” We look forward to seeing what the stiffer penalties are. We also want to know how it is going to be monitored, what resources are being directed at enforcement and whether the new penalties will be stiff enough to offset the potential profit of a large catch. We also want to see a plan to expose those who violate the law once charges have been filed. The marine resources of The Bahamas are our lifeblood. The fish, conch and crawfish are not only a part of our food culture, they help define The Bahamas, our way of life, our fishermen’s way of life from the time their great-grandfathers and others before them took to the sea. They are part of what makes us unique and it is only because we have been blessed with thousands of coral reefs over 100,000 square miles of open ocean that our resources have been so plentiful. But those resources are being depleted. Part of it is our own fault. We consumed so much grouper that to protect it, a closed season had to be introduced to allow for spawning. Depletion of grouper with fishermen having to go further and further for their catch and finding far smaller fish than they did even a decade ago is partly the fault of Bahamian fishermen who violate the law and continue to get away with it. Part of the fault lies with restaurants whose waiters quietly advise guests they have ways of getting fresh grouper yearround. They wink and boast, knowing their owners pay fishermen for the illegal catch. The fishermen take the risk because of the price grouper brings, and especially during the closed season when price reflect that greater risk. Many fine restaurants obey the law and it is up to Bahamians to patronise those that post notices on their menus stating either there is no grouper during closed season or in recognition of closed season, the grouper being offered was caught prior to that date and frozen. Restaurants and wholesalers are required to report the inventory they have prior to season closure and inspectors are expected to do their job verifying the report. Bahamians are also depleting the conch supply at an alarming rate. It’s been said conch were once so plentiful it was hard to find a place to walk in Montagu Bay without stepping on a shell. There were areas in the Berry Islands where you could walk into the water and gather mature conch by the armful, as many as you could hold, in a matter of minutes. Now divers are going as deep as 40 feet and up to 50 miles from Nassau to bring back a day’s catch. But nothing Bahamians do in their own waters begins to compare in scope with the destruction of stocks by poachers. In the Northwest Bahamas, boaters
coming from South Florida are among the guilty, believing that by paying a fee, they can fish the waters and take back whatever they want for their freezers or, worse yet, to sell. There are clear limits related to personal consumption, but boaters with fancy fishing equipment, multi-thousands of dollars’ worth of reels and electronic fishfinders to help them spot prime areas mine those areas as if they had every right. Hopefully, the legislation that Pintard plans to introduce will put the brakes on a practice that is so routine it is hard to imagine what resources will be required to change the behaviour. Thus, the need for public exposure so that violators are embarrassed in their own home country by having been charged with a crime in The Bahamas. Even worse is the poaching by Dominicans and Hondurans in the southeast Bahamas, a battle that Bahamian fishermen have been waging for decades. Now, because many of the vessels have a Bahamian owner or part-owner and some have armed crew, confrontation is more intense and dangerous. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force with its new ships has made inroads but the job is far from done and it is hard to stem the flow when other countries have largely fished out their waters and the jewels of the sea lie close by. Stealing another country’s fish is not like robbing a store where there is an entrance, lighting and security cameras to capture the culprit. These are wide open seas, lit only by the moon and stars. Fishermen are clever, lying low by day in concealed coves and anchorages, slipping out at night and powering up engines and equipment on their sophisticated vessels complete with processing plants. “Poaching is now a fundamental issue we are addressing vigorously,” Pintard said during last week’s visit to Grand Bahama. Mr Pintard can take a page from what South Florida Fish and Wildlife and law enforcement were doing while he was speaking those words. In the two days of mini-season spiny lobster fishing for recreational boaters, South Florida law enforcement was out in full force. In that 48-hour period they stopped 400 vessels, boarding many. They checked for licences, measuring device or ruler, size of catch and spiny lobster size. Boaters with undersized specimens were fined, lobster was taken and placed back in safe waters. Law enforcement also checked for a range of violations, including exceeding the legal limit of six per person in the Florida Keys and 12 per person elsewhere in the state. By day two, 40 people had been arrested. By that evening the images of two men in the Florida Keys were splashed across TV screens following their arrests for fishing without a licence, having no measuring tool on board and an undersized catch. Tougher legislation is a good first step. We look forward to seeing the details – regulations, fines, penalties and plans for enforcement. But we urge those who are found guilty be exposed. Combined with a hefty fine, jail time or community service, embarrassment is a wondrous deterrent.
Make a better first impression EDITOR, The Tribune. I WRITE to wholeheartedly agree with the chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, Michael Maura: the urgent redevelopment of the Prince George Wharf must be a priority of this government. In general, The Bahamas tends to fail at identifying and taking advantage of emerging economic opportunities. Well, in this instance, Arawak Port Development seems
to have identified a great one. Cruise ship terminals around the region were harmed by recent hurricanes and the ships need somewhere to go. We should, quite obviously, be doing all we can to make The Bahamas that place. At the same time, the window of opportunity is small and disaster looms if we take no action. Those rival cruise ports are obviously going to open up again in the next few years, and you can bet
they will have had extensive facelifts in the meantime to try and re-attract business. So, if we do nothing, not only will we miss out on a great opportunity, we will also emerge out of this as the poor boy of cruise ship destinations, the shabbiest and most dated. For me, this is a no-brainer. Why is the government dragging its feet on this? D. DAVIS Nassau, July 23, 2018,
Bishop Curry not faithful EDITOR, The Tribune. BISHOP Michael Curry is an engaging communicator. This is evident from his Royal Wedding sermon and, more recently, his sermon at Christ Church Cathedral on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). But more important than being engaging, a preacher of God’s word must be faithful to God’s word. Sadly, by this more important measurement, Bishop Curry falls far short. Although Bishop Curry preached from two very different texts (1 John 4:7-8 for the Royal Wedding and 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 for the UBE service), on both occasions he preached the same message: Love is the way. And without any distinction, Bishop Curry called everyone to live out the love expressed in 1 John 4:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, which is an impossibility; because only those who have been born of God can love that way. Let me explain. The personal pronouns “we” and “us” are frequently used in the New Testament letters. And the mistake many people make in reading the New Testament letters is this: They take the pronouns “we” and “us” and apply them universally to the whole world. But in 1 John 4:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, “we” and “us” refer exclusively to those who belong to Christ — those who have been born again. And not everyone belongs to Christ because not everyone has been born again. Bishop Curry made this mistake when he universalised the ability to fulfill God’s command to love in
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net both his Royal Wedding and UBE service sermons. For example, in his Royal Wedding sermon, he quoted these words from 1 John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God, and those who love are born of God and know God. Those who do not love do not know God. For God is love.” Bishop Curry then went on to talk about love in such an unbiblical way that many unbelievers, including the United Kingdom’s former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, an atheist, raved about his sermon and praised him for it. Why? Because Bishop Curry gave the false impression that even unbelievers are capable of the love that God commands. But before we can truly love one another, we must truly love God. And we will only truly love God when we truly know God. And we will only truly know God when we are born of God, which is a work of the Holy Spirit. In both of his “love is the way” sermons, if Bishop Curry had pointed out that only those who are born of God can live out the love that God’s word calls for, instead of unbelievers raving about his sermons and praising him for them, many would have criticised his sermons and reviled him for them. But more troubling than universalising the ability to love as God commands, Bishop Curry is not a faithful minister of God’s word because he supports and promotes what God’s word condemns and prohibits:
homosexual marriage. Many Christians who are impressed with Bishop Curry’s “love is the way” sermons are unaware of this. And many are also unaware that the Episcopal Church of the USA, which Bishop Curry heads, is under sanction from the Anglican Communion for allowing its clergy to perform homosexual weddings. And, undoubtedly, many are unaware that Bishop Curry and the Episcopal church remain unrepentant and have recently gone further in their apostasy by removing the terms “husband” and “wife”, as well as references to “procreation”, from their marriage liturgy. Yet, God’s word remains unchanged. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (ESV). Clearly, Bishop Curry and others like him do not believe God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous, so they support homosexual marriage. No doubt, Bishop Curry will continue to tell everyone that love is the way. And he will continue to be engaging; but he will also continue to be unfaithful. And this is because the love that Bishop Curry promotes is a love that hates what God loves and loves what God hates. May the Lord grant his people discernment and courage to reject unfaithful preachers, whoever they are, including those who are engaging. PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, July 31, 2018.
An answer for Brave EDITOR, The Tribune. ALTHOUGH it was not his intention, Guardian cartoonist Sideburns very effectively provided the answer to Brave Davis’ question about where the money was coming from to buy the Grand Lucayan Hotel in Grand Bahama. It will come from the money the Government will save by not financing
the World Relays and not funding Carnival, as well as other savings made by the current administration after years of wasteful spending and corruption by a profligate PLP. We are talking about many millions here, including unaccounted for VAT revenue, which will now be far better invested in turning around the economy of Grand Bahama and saving
the jobs of hundreds of Bahamians. That’s a much better deal than wasting millions on “prestigious” events of little or no value to our tourist trade. Thank you, Sideburns. And thank you too, Dr. Minnis! HAPPY CAMPER Nassau, July 31, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, PAGE 5
Officer guilty of unlawful killing from page one The verdict brought to a close a two-and-a-half month inquest into the matter. Attorney Bjorn Ferguson, the legal representative of Corporal Adrian Miller, the officer responsible for the shooting, called the verdict “perverse.” Speaking to The Tribune after the verdict, Mr Ferguson made it known that he and his client had serious issues with the jury’s decision. However, he said they would take some time to
review all options before addressing the matter further. Mr Ferguson in his closing address implored jury members to consider only the facts of the case. He stressed to them that their decision should reflect only the merits of the law and not personal emotions – he maintained that his client acted within the confines of the law. Meanwhile, Carolyn Grant, a distant relative of Clarke who told the court she viewed the deceased as her son, in a closing address to the jury, insisted that while Clarke was not perfect,
he deserved a chance to be arrested and face prosecution for his actions. “Based on what I have seen and heard over these last two and half months, I personally don’t feel like Girrid deserved to die, “ she told jurors. “I don’t think what he did deserved death.” Ms Grant, one of three family members to attend the closing of the inquest added: “Take into consideration that none of us are perfect, but we all deserve a chance; a second chance.” It was alleged that Clarke, 31, on the night in question, while at a party hosted by
family and friends, got into an argument with a man “unwelcome” to the event. Inquest records and witness testimony note that at some point during that altercation, Clarke, armed with a .45 Glock pistol fired two shots into the air and one at a fleeing vehicle. A short time later, Cpl Miller, who along with another officer responded to the scene, met Clarke and the two exchanged words. At least one witness over the course of the inquest testified that Cpl Miller told Clarke that he was a police officer and requested that
he come to a stop. However, several other witnesses who were at the party testified that they never heard Cpl Miller indicate his presence as a police officer or request for Clarke to come to a stop. Further testimony and inquest records note the two men, Clarke and Cpl Miller, at some point faced each other; the deceased produced a weapon and shots were fired. Police Inspector Earl Thompson, a 23-year veteran of the force who provided ballistic evidence during the inquest, testified that Cpl Miller had fired
his service weapon, a 9mm handgun a total of eight times, while the .45 Glock pistol used by Clarke was fired only twice. Additional testimony in the matter by Dr Caryn Sands highlighted that during an autopsy of the deceased’s body, it was determined that none of his five wounds were reflective of close fire. Police reports indicated that Clarke’s lifeless body was discovered between a fence and a vehicle just outside of the party. Timothy Bailey marshalled the evidence presented during the inquest.
PRIME MINISTER PAYS RESPECTS TO FORMER COLLEAGUE NEYMOUR
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and members of the FNM pay their respects at the memorial service for the late Phenton Neymour yesterday. Mr Neymour’s funeral service will be held tomorrow at 11am at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
WYNN GROUP OFFER FOR GRAND LUCAYAN ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
THE Wynn Group’s proposal to purchase the Grand Lucayan hotel in Grand Bahama was “unacceptable to the government” press secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday. During his press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Newbold admitted that while the government is still seeking a buyer, the Minnis administration may have to “step in” and purchase the hotel. When asked what funds the government would use for this purpose, Mr Newbold said Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest would be able to use “leeway” to “find the money somewhere” for this endeavour. Reports have surfaced recently that the Wynn Group’s $70m deal to purchase Freeport’s anchor resort property will not proceed. This has left the government to face the prospect of either acquiring the hotel itself or finding another buyer. Last Friday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told Free National Movement supporters in Grand Bahama that “that under no circumstances will the Grand Lucayan close”. Dr Minnis said the jobs at that resort must be protected, adding the government will continue to search, and if the need arises, will intervene and purchase the Grand Lucayan. Dr Minnis said people in
Nassau did not understand the level of importance the resort held when it came to that island’s economy. When asked yesterday if it is concrete that the government will buy the hotel, Mr Newbold said: “The plan always was to sell…The plan was always to engage an operator for the hotel. The proposal left on the table was unacceptable to the government. As a consequence, we say it was unacceptable to the Bahamian people. So it was rejected. No plan up to today has surfaced that is acceptable. “And so the government, as Prime Minister Minnis has said, may just have to step in and buy the hotel and find somebody to operate it. That is always the position.” Mr Newbold noted while Dr Minnis is not a hotelier, 10-12 years ago he served as chairman of the Hotel Corporation. “So I can tell you that
THE GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT he had no intention and no desire to get into the hotel business. But again, (it is) one of those options that you hope you don’t have to exercise. “But, the government continues to try to find a buyer, and until they do, (there was) talk last week about the human element that you can’t ignore. And so there are a lot of people, as (Dr Minnis) said, you know people in Nassau may not understand, but there are some people in Grand Bahama who need to work. “And that’s one of the places that they need to work. Because that’s what they do. They’re hoteliers. And so the government has committed to not letting that property die. And it won’t. Now, that has to be dealt with. And we need to think about Grand Bahama.” Mr Newbold also said the critiques that “there’s nothing going on” on that island are “foolishness”.
“(The) Commercial Enterprises Bill that was criticised so heavily by the opposition - GBC Digital came in there with 50 jobs right away. Said, ‘we’re going to hire some more people.’ “...So there are some things going on in Grand Bahama. And you know, you keep working those until you get to a place where there’s an acceptable proposal for that Grand Lucayan hotel.” The government had allocated $25m in the 20182019 budget for an equity stake in the Grand Lucayan’s purchase, estimated to be around 20 percent, plus fund the provision of airlift and marketing support. When asked if these funds would be used for the purchase of the hotel, Mr Newbold said “leeway” will be found. “Well, you’re talking about, there’s always some leeway somewhere. The minister of finance can find
whatever those leeways are, whatever those little pieces (are) here. And you know you find the budget for 2018-2019 says this, and you come into 20192020, and you hear, ‘well no, we’re not going to give you the $50m, we’re going to give you $40m.’ Why is that? “In a lot of instances, because you couldn’t spend that $50m that you got last year. It wasn’t possible for you to spend it. Whichever way the government and the minister of finance, whatever they need to do to find a way, if that is the final decision, ‘We’re going to buy this hotel’, he will have to find the money somewhere and make it more palatable to everyone.” Mr Newbold was asked by reporters why it has been so challenging to find a buyer for the hotel. He pointed to the difficulty of the market and other issues such as airlift. “Well you know, Grand Lucayan is just the latest in a series of hotels,” he said. “You go all the way back to the Princess properties. Just, it’s a difficult market. And you talk about one of the elements of purchasing a hotel or operating a hotel. “You need airlift. One of the biggest challenges for anyone operating in Grand Bahama — it’s just, it’s crazy to fly from New York or Florida, for that matter, to Grand Bahama.…How do you find the proper airlift to feed a hotel that you would open? “And so it’s a challenge that’s gone back years. And so, again, you keep trying to find a solution to it. There’s
got to be some solution. And one that obviously is not the most palatable. Most people say, ‘you’re going to do that?’ Well, what do you do? Mr Newbold was also asked if the government would face an airlift challenge and whether it would consider renegotiating with Sunwing Travel Group. Last month, The Tribune was told that Sunwing, the Canadian tour operator, and its Memories hotel brand affiliate, had withdrawn from plans to come in as one of the Grand Lucayan’s resort operators under Wynn’s ownership. Memories had previously operated one of the complex’s three resort properties, only to pull out in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath amid a dispute with current owner, Cheung Kong (CK) Property Holdings. “Whatever the elements are that must go into whomever the operator is, airlift will be part of that,” Mr Newbold said. “Sunwing is familiar with the property, they’re familiar with Grand Bahama. I’m sure they will talk to them as well as other operators as well.” Mr Newbold also said that once the hotel is open, he “presumes” the casino would also be opened. The press secretary also noted yesterday that while the House of Assembly is having its summer recess, Dr Minnis will be “taking the opportunity” to spend some time with his family. The prime minister is out of the country from today until Saturday.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Murders down by a quarter, says top cop By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net HOMICIDES in the first half of 2018 declined by 26 percent when compared with the same time last year. According to Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson yesterday, investigators recorded 54 homicides from January to June. Comparatively in the first half of last year, there were 73 murders. While the commissioner praised the force’s fight against crime during a press conference yesterday, he did not provide figures for major categories of crime like rape, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and police involved shootings. He said the intent of the event yesterday was to give a progress report of his policing plan and not
to provide broad statistics, which is customary once each year. Nonetheless Commissioner Ferguson told reporters overall crime in the nation was down. Rapes are also down, he said. “Let’s look at homicides that are the most feared crime in society and rightly so because nothing is more fearful than having a gun pointed in your face or being injured or losing a family member by such a heinous act,” Commissioner Ferguson said. “Last year between January and June there were 73 homicides. This year while we had some challenge, homicides show signs of reduction at 54. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are very far from where we would like to be but we cannot be ungrateful as it is a start and we are confident that as we continue to work together we should see
reduction.Unfortunately, we have persons who lay in wait for persons late at night or very early in the morning to kill them. They are evil people and so we urge friends and family members to encourage those persons you may know with the propensity to carry out such actions to cease and desist. “The police is not prepared to go outside of his mandate, which is to preserve the peace, the prevention, protection and apprehension of offenders and to maintain law and order. I am satisfied that we are making every effort to do just that.” Despite there being fewer rapes in the first half of the year, the commissioner said he is hoping for greater cooperation from the public in this regard. “Talking about rapes that is something I would hope that Bahamians would strive along with the
Official Funeral Service For Former Cabinet Minister & Parliamentarian
Phenton Orson Neymour, 53
of Hutcheson Street and formerly of Stevenson, Exuma, will be held on Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street at 11:00a.m. Officiating will be The Venerable James E Palacious, assisted by Father Dwight Rolle and other ministers of the gospel. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Left to cherish his precious memories are his loving Wife: Cutelle Neymour; Mother: Princena (Ena) Lambrigger (Nee Nixon); Step-Father: Bruno Lambrigger; Step-Mother: Paula Neymour; Sons: Jonathan & Khalon Neymour; Daughters: Ashley & Tiara Neymour; Brothers: Chet (Donovan), Brian and Bradley Neymour& Renato Lambrigger; Grand Mother-In-Law: Dolly Nicholson; Father-in-Law (Adopted): Ricardo (Tracey) Knowles; Brothers-In-Law: Mikus Mikula, Willis & Dedric Russell, Andrew Ferguson, Roberto Smith; Sisters-In-Law: Claire Neymour, Kelly Lambrigger, Shanda Campbell, Katherine Russell, Romana Ferguson, Michelle Mikula-Smith, Mechelle Nicholson; Nephews: Damian & Dylan Neymour, Miguel Nicholson, Kaalen Ferguson, Chrishon Dawkins, Izaiah Smith; Nieces: Darryn & Drew Neymour, Rayshan, Rayvonne & Raynecia Campbell, Chrishantie Edgecombe, Mikarah & Melia Mikula, Brianna Russell; Uncles: Willis, Kenneth, Harrington (Harry), Kendal, Dave & Avuel Nixon, Frederick Laing, Roosevelt, Deolie & Samuel McIntosh; Grand Uncles: F. Nigel &Kenneth D. Bowe; Aunts: Faye Brown, Alvena Nixon-Bethel, Sadie Nixon, Judith Wilcox, Eloise, Christine (Nadene) & Hilarena Nixon, Ghandi Sands, Larelda Burrows, Freda, Eurena & Andrea McIntosh, Rachel, Kim, Charlene, Darlene Nixon; Grand Aunts: Joan Bowe-McKay, Visna (Charles) Bowe-Mackey, Kwanza Bowe; Other Relatives & Friends Including: Everette Nixon, Mohica Nixon, Carlfred Curry& Family, Kendanique Williams, Hardiece Michel, Noel Munroe, Orson Nixon & Family, Ingermar Nixon & Family, Derek Neymour & Family, Fred Charlton & Family, Charlene Jones, The Right Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition The Honourable Philip Brave Davis, The Honourable Brent Symonette, The Honourable Dr. Duane Sands, The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, The Right Honourable Perry Christie, Byran Woodside & Family, Branville McCartney & Family, Andrew “Dud” Maynard & Family, Richard Lightbourn & Family, Loretta Butler-Turner & Family, Parliamentary Colleagues, Mrs. Portia Nottage, Glen Laville & Family, Shani Neely, Cheri Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Sherman & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Godfrey Sherman & Family, Shannon Bethel, Shirlene Neily, Debra Moxey, Winston Pinnock & Family, Raphael Moxey & Family, Ricardo Deveaux & Family, Mrs. Barbara Pinder & Family, Mr. Montez Williams, Roxanne Shawsmith, Kristie Russell, Tonette Hanna, Gaynell Neymour & Family, Margaret & Janeen Curtis, Ververine Wilmott, John Rolle, Eugyneel, Nora & Oswald Nixon, The Familyof the Late Ismae Bowe-Ferguson, The Family of the Late Stafford Bowe, The Family of the Late Maurice Bowe Sr., The Family of the Late Barbara Darville,The Neymour Family,The Adams, The Archer Family, The Bootle Family, The Neeley Family, The Smith Family, The Johnson Family, The Edgecombe Family, The Adderley Family, The Gilbert Family, The Fox Family, The Lee Family, The Abaco Crew, The Russell Family, The Sears Family,The Knowles Family,The McIntosh Family, The Wallace Family, The Wallace-Whitfield Family, Mr. & Mrs. Mackey,Rolex Caribbean Family, The SOL Petroleum Family, Maddie Johnson & Family, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Rotary Club of West Nassau, The Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Foundation, The Bahamas Association of Engineers, The Children & Family of Gladstone “Cowboy” Rolle,The Jones Family, The Entire Island of Exuma, the entire Anglican Diocese, Pastor Stafford Symonette & Family, Pastor Mario Moxey, The Free National Movement, The CDR Family, The Progressive Liberal Party, Queen’s College, the entire Treasure Cay, Abaco Community, The Entire Eleuthera Community, the entire Andros Family, The Hutcheson Street Community, Cyril “Boxer” Minnis, the longstanding and former Staff of Neymour Construction Co. Ltd., numerous relatives and friends throughout the length and breadth of The length and breadth of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Special Thanks to: Dr. Beverton Moxey, Dr. Delton Farquharson, Dr. Theodore Turnquest, Dr. Darius Unwala, Nurse Kris Wring, The Entire Staff of Doctors Hospital, The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, The Bahamas National Trust and Evergreen Mortuary. Relatives and friends may pay their last respect at The House of Assemble on Thursday from 12:00non – 7:00p.m.
COMMISSIONER of Police Anthony Ferguson. police to eliminate because I believe that is one of the most feared (crimes against women) and it puts a female’s whole life in fear. So any person who has that in mind to rape somebody that is a person that the entire community should be looking for,” he said. Plan Commissioner Ferguson attributed the reduction in overall crime to several strategies. He said a number of things contributed to the decreased homicide rate. “The increased visibility (and) the visitation of night spots. You would recall last year some persons don’t know how to behave themselves. They go out to a night spot to have fun and then when you look they pulling gun on one another and then shooting and killing. We looked at that and we determined that we needed to visit those spots. “In huge numbers police officers, along with our partners who are operating with us defence force officers, we converged on those trouble night spots and we make our presence felt. Persons who are driving on
Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
the street at night we are up and about like a hawk watching them and looking to see what they are doing as they leave from there. “Those persons who usually pull out guns as they leave these nightspots and firing we be right on them.” Speaking of the policing plan, COP Ferguson said: “You will recall during my press release in January of this year I told you that I will give you an update at the half point as to whether or not we are meeting the objectives outlined in my policing plan. I am now in a position to do that. “I told you that we would be visible in our communities and endeavour to make it difficult for criminals to move about. I also told you that that crime is dynamic and complex. I never indicated that we will eliminate crime. “My team was given the directive to turn up visibility and operations to weaken the criminal network. Over the period January to June 2018 we carried out some 24 planned operations throughout the communities. Out of that number we successfully conducted two
major intelligence led operations where we launched an aerial and land based offensive against the criminal element. You would recall Operation Blue Waters that woke up the residents in the southwestern Bahamas. “In that operation, we arrested some 31 persons and seized a number of items that were very useful in police investigations. “We also carried out a major offensive in Grand Bahama, Operation Northern Strike. That operation was extremely successful due to the intelligence and the element of surprise. Fifty-one persons were arrested (and) four fire arms recovered and we seized in excess of $7,000 along with undeclared items and dangerous drugs. “I also told you that we would carry out operations that we would partner with colleagues, well we have done that. We have connected in a big way particularly with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force who partnered in both intelligence led operations and yielded extremely good results,” he said.
CONCERN AT ROAD DEATH RISE POLICE Commissioner Anthony Ferguson said yesterday the Royal Bahamas Police Force is concerned at the number of traffic fatalities that have occurred in recent weeks. Revealing that 38 fatalities took place from January to June, Commissioner Ferguson admitted the force is “still challenged with road offences”. “For the period we have arrested well over 2,000 persons for various criminal offences and reported well over 13,000 traffic offenders,” he said. “Until our citizens realise how important it is to have an orderly society we will continue to ticket them and carry out our jobs which is to take them
before the courts.” The commissioner insisted the matter calls for much concern due to the significant number of accidents happening because of reckless driving. He encouraged family and friends to “continue to talk to their people” and to remain vigilant when on the road. Commissioner Ferguson also reported that between the period of January 1st and June 30, police recorded 500 accidents “involving damage” between the hours of midnight and 8am. He asserted this statistic indicates a “greater need for caution” should be employed during this timeframe.
“Once a life is gone there is no way to bring it back, so an orderly and responsible society is what we all should be trying to achieve, and I believe we can be more responsible in the actions we take,” he said. His statements came after two pedestrians were killed in separate accidents early Monday morning, one of which was a hit-and-run incident. These fatalities brought the total number of trafficrelated deaths to five since Friday. On Monday, Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, told The Tribune that there have been 50 traffic fatalities for the year.
BAHA MAR CHEF FINED $350 By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A BAHA Mar chef was yesterday ordered to compensate a complainant $350 or face a conviction after pleading guilty to a charge of causing harm. Tamar Rahming, 28, of Buttonwood Avenue, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing a charge that stemmed from a July 15 argument at the resort. According to police records, on the date in question, Rahming and a co-worker, Jemmerson Hanna, got into an argument while both engaged in their respective duties. Moments later, Mr Hanna alleged he was approached by Rahming, who asked: “What you had to say to my girl?” The argument then escalated.
Attorney Jairam Mangra, who represented Rahming during the proceedings, petitioned the court for leniency in the matter. Mr Mangra stressed that Rahming, a “promising chef” who has represented the Bahamas at the Caribbean Hotel Association Regional competition in Florida for the last two years, had a temporary lapse in judgment and made a “regretful” decision. “Your worship, he has accepted responsibility for his actions which he, in my consultation with him, accepts that it was a wrongful act done hastily... in fact, it was a foolish act on his part and, of course, any such action does have serious consequences,” Mr Mangra said. “He is very remorseful,” he added. Mr Mangra told the court that Rahming is positioning himself to pursue further
education and training and opted not to waste the court’s time in the matter, in hopes of the court viewing his honesty and cooperation in the ordeal as a redeemable quality. Mr Mangra asked the court to accept the defendant’s guilty plea and hand down a conditional release, and not a custodial sentence. In making his ruling, Magistrate McKinney cautioned Rahming over the matter. He told the defendant that moving forward, his actions should be reflective of his pursuits. Magistrate McKinney said the court viewed Rahming as remorseful and serious about rehabilitation. Taking those factors into consideration, he ordered Rahming to compensate Mr Hanna $350 through the court by tomorrow or face action.
THE TRIBUNE
150 families still living in shanty town homes
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, PAGE 7
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net MORE than 100 families are believed to still reside in shanty towns across New Providence with the government’s eviction deadline less than two weeks away. Haitian Pastors League President Dr Jean Paul Charles told The Tribune he expected that number to rise as his group had not included individuals who are living on their own in their count. However, he said he did not think the number of families still living in all 11 shanty towns in the capital exceeds 150. Dr Charles said while he believed the government will follow through with its August 10 deadline, he did not think mass evictions will be immediate and there will be more time to relocate families. “We formed a subcommittee,” he said, “and what they have reported (is) we have under 150 families. Those are the people who really need help. By the end of this week that list will be higher, because they only recorded the families. “We are all on the ground, we are on the same page,” Dr Charles continued, “I know they can’t be living like that but the process is painful. We try to do anything we can, and as we appeal to the government we are saying the law should be in one hand but in the other hand should be compassion. “They have been living there for so long, if they are qualified and have the money, why not allow them an opportunity to purchase? The government is politics, but the Bahamian people at large I think would do that. “It will be the deadline, I think the government will respect the deadline. But I don’t think they will just do everything in one day, I think they will start exactly on August 10 and still see how we can relocate those people.” Residents in New Providence were given until August 10 to vacate their homes before the structures are bulldozed, while evictions for those in Abaco are slated for next year. The Haitian Pastors League’s appeal to the government for residents to be given first preference to purchase the land echoes suggestions made by Haitian government
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel. representative Karl Henri Chatelier to local media last week. Mr Chatelier’s remarks elicited a harsh rebuke from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which stated it would not tolerate external interference in Bahamian domestic affairs. His suggestions, as first assistant secretary in the Haitian Embassy, included: renovations that will bring shanty town residences up to building codes, leasing the land, and extending the eviction deadline. Meanwhile, approximately 200 residents of shanty towns in New Providence and Abaco, with a non-governmental organisation called Respect Our Homes Limited (ROHL), have expressed intent to fight evictions in court. Their attorney Fred Smith QC has asked the government to stall shanty town evictions pending looming court action - but it was rejected by Attorney General Carl Bethel. Yesterday, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes reiterated the August 10 deadline was “irrevocable”. He also reaffirmed Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ mandate that the reclaimed land be used for government low cost housing. Mr Foulkes stressed access
to these subdivisions will be made available to all Bahamians, with no special preference for any group. “We are advised that all of the land that’s involved with this matter is owned by the government,” said Mr Foulkes, who heads the Shanty Town Action Task Force. “All 11 of the shanty towns (in New Providence) without exception are leased land and leased for farming purposes. There is absolutely no authority for any of the residents to build a home. “We are conducting an intensive and thorough investigation with respect to lands and surveys and the building controls division of the Ministry of Works to ensure that that is the case. We want to make sure that the government conforms with all of our laws and regulations in the country. “With respect to Rights Bahamas and their attempt to take this matter to court, that is their right. We live in a democratic society and any group or any individual who resides in The Bahamas can access our courts, but as you know the attorney general represents the government and we are confident that we are standing on good legal grounds.”
STAFF AND PATIENTS SUFFER WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PATIENTS and staff at the Eight Mile Rock Rock Clinic are struggling in extremely hot conditions because of the lack of airconditioning at the public health facility. The Tribune has been informed that staff, including doctors, are finding it difficult to work at the clinic which has been without proper functioning air-conditioning units for several months. In the midst of summer, however, working conditions at the clinic have worsened, according to a staff member who likened the heat inside to a furnace. According to reports, the units, which are in need of a part, have been out of
commission since before January of this year. “Since the units were installed they never really worked too well, and for months we have been asking for the units to be fixed,” said a worker who wished to remain anonymous. “The clinic is just too hot; one side is cool, but the area where the doctors work from, and the area for patients is like a furnace – it is very uncomfortable. “In the cooler months, the condition at the clinic was fine, but, of course, summer is upon us, and it has been horrendous. They keep saying the part is coming and the part ain’t reach yet.” The Tribune attempted to speak with the hospital administrator but was told she was away
on vacation. We were also told the deputy hospital administrator was in a meeting and did not return our calls up to press time. Attempts to secure comment from Public Hospitals Authority officials in Nassau were unsuccessful. Just recently, the staff at the Garnet Levarity Justice Centre staged a sit-out in protest of unacceptable working conditions due to severe mould infestation in the building. The workers called on the government to address the problem. The government has commenced mould remediation work and workers are undergoing a medical assessment. There is also a similar mould problem at the Freeport Post Office.
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PAGE 8, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
So what really does frighten us about immigration? By Alicia Wallace
I
straddled the line between MMIGRATION is a tough topic. the two, convinced she We all talk about it could mix and blend in with here and there, but white Bahamians. People few people think critically went out of their way to about the function and accommodate her, from consequence of moving making introductions to from one place to another, notable people to providing aside from the obvious. places of lodging. Nothing For some, it is a matter was out of her reach. In fact, of preference or comfort. hers was longer than that of For others, it is a matter of the average Bahamian. I observed this with a necessity. For many Bahamians, it does not matter curiosity, confusion and why anyone comes here. annoyance until the day We, who have citizenship, I heard her speak in a terget to say whether or not ribly flawed imitation of they are useful enough to Bahamian English. It was remain. It is our right, as something she had obviously practised and may Bahamians. With shanty town evic- have been told was okay tions and a stateless child to do, but it was awful. unable to get medical care Coupled with the subject in the news this week, I have matter she attempted to been thinking about this address, this inappropri“right” over the past few ate show was not only days. A 15-year-old child unflattering, but insulting with a brain cyst had her to many who witnessed treatment delayed because it. People often travel to her Bahamian parents are immerse themselves in new not Bahamian enough for environments and expeher to be a Bahamian. This, rience different cultures, of course, brought to mind but the consumption and the 2016 referendum on reproduction of what an gender equality and the outsider sees as Bahamian? right to pass on citizenship The attempt to distill it and to spouses and children. to present oneself as an It also made me think expert? That is not acceptabout how we decide who able and it is not tourism. deserves to be here and It is a kind of piracy, most often seen in why, and how academia and that is linked ‘I have heard two often encourto the way main narratives aged like we perceive this foreign ourselves as a about Haitian woman was nation. migrants in The encouraged A few years to come, stay, ago, I encoun- Bahamas. One take, misreptered a white we know well resent, rinse American enough. The and repeat. woman who I think back spent quite a other is that they to this woman bit of time in are exceptional. and her The Bahamas. We know how intentional It was clear attempts to she came, exceptionalism wear “Bahastayed for is used against extended peri- African-descended mian” like a costume; withods of time, left and came people in majority out the real, uncontrived back again. white countries.’ experience She did this of being a a number of times and was supported in Bahamian. I imagine it is this practice by a number of one of the things people friends she made along the fear most about immigraway. She was neither tourist tion. That someone from a nor resident. She somehow completely different place
A SHANTY Town resident talking to government officials as notices were handed out and stapled to homes. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff — no connections to our here, maintain their iden- exceptionalism is used self-awareness.” land, history, or what we tities and sense of self, be against African-descended It is a strange combinaperceive to be our culture surrounded by us and still people in majority white tion, but not one I can’t — could show up, fill up on not succumb to the pressure countries. Within this nar- say is untrue. We like to what we have to offer, pro- to conform or, as we like to rative, Haitian people in think quite highly of ourcess it, produce an inferior say, “integrate”. To have The Bahamas are incredibly selves as individuals, but family-ori- believe we are somehow version and present it to the the gall to come to The hardworking, world as our identity? That Bahamas, wear your own ented and strategic. They superior to the people is terrifying. We reserve the flag and make no attempt to have a plan and they are around us. Still, we operright to define ourselves. mimic our ways as a means willing to do what it takes ate under the assumption We decide what is and is of survival is to be unde- to improve their situations The Bahamas is in a class not Bahamian. We can’t just serving of whatever it is you and those of their families. of its own, far above and If they have to live in small beyond the other countries let any and everyone come seek when you come here. We do not wage wars quarters, so be it. If they in the region. The steady here, take what’s ours, and misrepresent what it is and against the migrants we must share a home with flow of migrant people has who we are to the rest of call “expats”. We are another family or two, they certainly helped to fuel the world. Add to that the not as bothered by the will do it. Those who have a this idea. Many people in ongoing struggle to figure (mostly) white people who little more even add on to my generation were eduout our identity, cultural are actively recruited and their homes to help house cated almost exclusively and otherwise. Immigration brought to The Bahamas other people from Haiti. by migrant people, largely complicates both the pro- to fill high-paying posi- What striving, enterprising from Jamaica and Guyana. tions, live behind gates and people! It really is too bad We take this to mean life cess and the outcome. Another fear about immi- have most of their expenses they have to struggle, but is better here, never guessgration is that people will covered by a corporate that’s the way it is and God ing that coming here to not even bother to try to be entity. We save our fire for knows best. work is a sacrifice, tempoThis narrative may be the rary for many. A pay check like us. They will not con- the “immigrants” from this cern themselves with the region. We try to excuse one that strikes the most here can do more in their way we speak. Their inter- our xenophobia with gen- fear in Bahamians who do home countries than it can est will not be sufficiently eralisations. We talk about not want to be beaten in do here, and a few years of piqued by Junkanoo. They the number of babies they the game of life. This is the work can help them to meet will not buy tickets to sit have, religions and rituals one that has people fretting a goal. in the stadium to cheer for they practice, the way the about their children having We only look at one side, the athletes in aquamarine, express their emotions and to compete with other chil- from one point of view, gold and black. They will whatever else might dis- dren who speak two or always positioning oureat the food they know and qualify them from a bit of three languages. It’s the one selves above everyone else. that had quite a few people Arrogance. When we see love and raise children the humanity. I have heard two main vote no in the 2016 refer- too many people who are way they always have. They might hold themselves sep- narratives about Haitian endum, particularly on the not “homegrown” or their arate and apart, never even migrants in The Bahamas. third question. parents are not known to us, We concern ourselves we worry about their intent. trying to be like us. That One we know well enough. is an insult to us, is it not? The other is that they are with the stupidity we How will they change our That someone could come exceptional. We know how assume of our fellow Baha- culture, infiltrate our govmians. What could be worse ernment and take up more for national identity than space than we do? Low to assume those who share self-esteem and lack of selfit are too stupid to make awareness. Maybe if we everyday decisions for had a better idea of who themselves? we are as a people, we’d be In discussing issues of less threatened by people national concern earlier this other nationalities and week, I found that a close less inclined to make them friend and I kept going suffer. back to pride. This friend Bulldoze the shanty said, “Collectively, we towns towns and migrants have an inflated arrogance still have their identity. and, at the same time, a Pride aside, do we have low self esteem and lack of ours?
PAGE 10, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
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medical treatment. EMAILS leaked from a ther’s The emails were obtained data breach of China ConThe Tribune following a struction America’s (CCA) by in December highservers show that from story the breach of CCA as early as 2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco Fitzgerald was seeking to servers China Construction secure millions of dollars hacker. paid 24 bitcoins in brokerage, trucking, and eventually equivalent of $24,000) limousine contracts at Baha (the have access to their servMar while he sat in Cabinet to restored; however, it apas the Minister of Educa- ers that emails forwarded tion, Science and Tech- pears relating to personnel or nology, The Tribune has to, at CCA were compromised, learned. top officials at Baha The emails contradict the despite saying they were not Minister, who this week de- Mar by the hack at nied ever using his office to concerned time. direct contracts to himself the Mr Fitzgerald writes, “I In an email dated May 18, or his family from the mulam aware that interior ma2013, sent to Mr Izmirlian have began to arrive ti-billion dollar resort. Mr Fitzgerald, with terials hotel. I would really Mr Fitzgerald - the Pro- by Porter, Shelly Cur- for the gressive Liberal Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, appreciate it if we could be and your official brofor Marathon - appears also tis Fitzgerald indicates his appointed 1st 2013.� to be requesting $20,000 Mr to start brokerage ker for June a month from Baha Mar’s He then makes a request McRib readiness is trucking services for original developer Sarkis and of Mr Izmirlian for limouex- the Baha Mar project and sine services at Baha Mar, Izmirlian, citing the Back! the brokers of repenses that were necessary remain as he touted the level of i’m lovin’ for the property. it! to cover the cost of his fa- cord
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FIREFIGHTERS yesterday battled a large blaze at the New Providence Landfill, nearly three weeks after tackling a massive fire at the city dump that burned for nearly a month. Officer in Charge of Fire Services, Chief Superintendent Walter Evans said the current fire is “not connected� in any way to the previous blaze and at this time officials do not know PRIME Minister what caused the fire. HowDr Hubert Minnis meeting ever Environment Minister Kendera Woodside, the mother of Kenred Dorsett told remurdered Eugene Woodside. he RASHAD porters at the siteBythat TribuneinStaff ROLLE suspected “sabotage� Three Reporter rrolle@tribun He said emedia.net Photo: Yontalay relation to the fire. after murder that days the Bowe team he “instructed� the struggle withpushed the country’s composure. THE the hugs and have Dr Minnis said of firefighters towords comforting the national violent crime into he felt the fam- Each citizen has of Prime ily’s spotlight yet “before a responsibilit blaze extinguished Minister Dr her pain remained and again, even pain. “What makes Hubert y our countries. Minnis and today and me feel has whatever information worse is that nomination day� “He ain’t even acute. Patricia we must bring Yes one most we see in Minnis couldn’this wife God,� Baha Mar’s live a life, certainly beforethe that forward. mother more than I feel for this the yard, of those These criminals my answer Mrs I can say.� questions Dr Minnis opening on Friday. that consumed “He’s a baby. Woodside cried. my years as a medicalI, during Mrs Minnis, live among us.� said he will Kendera shortly Woodside yesterday medical attention doctor, to ensure The blaze started breath right I could give my the family who emphasised Mrs she grieved is provided andfor as baby now just for that her appearWoodside, after 3am Wednesday to her son, eightance to year-old my who before be right is pregnant. said officEugene, who here. They “You can see Chief Supt Evans political move,them was not a take was killed my heart out my four theago. the grieving fire body. ers expect to battledays to wear black called on women pain she’s going through,� and “This my “Why but daythese for at least another he people ain’t almost shoot only son. They in mourning one day this week said. “I assured her ing a “huge� tellthat somefor my daughter time today they he said the wind isme “As a mother, murder victims. (Friday) we too right now?� bringing my son and they inside (the medical personnel will have I’m calling factor. house) with she cried between me. What all mothers screams they do to come because I upon after her as SIX SEE PAGE Dr Minnis my family? believe mothers because she’sto look really console the tried to What they do to us? would’ve delivered nant. can family at their “Why they most of them said Mrs Minnis, who stop this,� her I have to make surepregbud Road home where Rose- live 29 years, ain’ carry me? I so they are closer to me knowing at times. “We have was tearful both and her unborn infant that was shot by Eugene they are my He’s a baby.� our sons who well and are former patients,� a stray bullet we cradle Tonio Woodside, Monday as Minnis, a gynaecologi on father, arrangemen we will also make Dr become from birth and as he did his homework. Eugene’s ts to make they consoled men we are st by fession, said. sure the as he struggled his wife even still with necessary medical “The messagepro- them. We have personnel we to speak with look after her to maintain must send to the entire and is the police Bahamas them. I think all women see can’t fight this wear should regular basis to ensure her on a alone. and black one day this the safety of her and her week mourn what’s unborn infant.� happening in SEE PAGE TWO PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts lashed out at his former party colleague Vincent Peet last night, accusBy NEIL HARTNELL ing the former North AnTribune Business so alarmed dros and Berry Islands MP Editor by the Caribnhartnell@tr bean Financial ibunemedia.n of being a “political enemy� Action Task By RASHAD ROLLE et Force’s (CFATF) Tribune Staff THE Attorney who mounted an independreIn June, Reporter ONE of the leaked emails showing a draft rrolle@tribun Gen- report on The he told Pareral yesterday ent campaign because he Sciliament emedia.net quest from Minister of Education, slammed that he instructed Bahamas the deficiencies was denied a nomination cost Bahamians to ence and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald. BRENSIL anti-money in the nation’s to begin work on his staff of from the governing party. Rolle, such addressing ister min- increases was $10,149,738. laundering the flaws from of public regime as Speaking to PLP supfor Limolink in The The revision “entirely unacservices and clientele with which his agent Mr Bethel early June. ceptable�, warning You are encour- porters at a rally in North blasted the said National Insurance, he included comes after limousine company was fa- Bahamas. between put The Bahamas they had former Christie more aged to get a reference from Andros last night, Mr Robmiliar. “in great tration for failing adminis- 2016 and May December 1,700 workers that werethan if erts said “this is war� as danger�. 2017, the in his original not regard the the president of Viacom “Also withA1MAIN known weaknesses to tackle public purse count. Carl Bethel wish. Please feel free he urged the crowd to vote ballooned Amid the told Trib- necessary urgency. with the $16,532,738 because limousine business we you by une Business contact me personally for incumbent Dr Perry Liberal Party’sProgressive of he had been FULL Christie are ready to meet with to administrati the of the criticism have your agents contact Gomez, adding that a vote STORY - SEE on’s Minnis your people anytime,� he or the BUSINESS hiring of new public Mr Porter our Managing for Mr Peet is a vote for service tion because ofadministraworkers during writes. its firings Free National Movement. directly.� that period. “As indicated we really Director SEE PAGE SIX SEE PAGE SIX only cater to highend cusSEE PAGES TWO & THREE tomers and are the official
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By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business utility operator Editor nhartnell@tr ing to “walk is quite willibunemedia.n away� from et maximum $25m, five-yearit BAHAMAS BPL Light’s (BPL) Power & if themanagement contract board and hold a “crunchboard will administrati Minnis on with PowerSecur meeting� The meeting,wish it to go. with the outcome e today, be attended which will ical in deciding likely crit- executives by PowerSecure and their attorneys latter remains whether the from the US, is viewed as manager. Multiple Tribune CLEOLA as key to determining Business sources whether HAMILTON OBIE yesterday two sides will “kiss and the confirmed $6,118 make up� or WILCHCOMBE that the DAMIAN US FULL separate. $4,911 STORY - SEE GOMEZ BUSINESS NINE individuals $3,413 July. The sums named on the BPL “do HURRICANE not disconnect� do not include any payments list INSURANCE: made or furtherand the amount they owed at the end of debt incurred since that date. Are you Covered
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By AVA TURNQUES T Tribune Chief officials could Reporter aturnquest@ not be reached up tribunemedia to .net According press time. FOUR former to sources Progres- close to the sive Liberal Party Cabinet Monday Mr matter, as of ministers owed Wells has since more than paid $9,000 on $20,000 each his accounts at Bahamas with an outstanding Power and Light, balformer minister with one ance of some $8,600. The source for some $60,000 in arrears also said as ARNOLD as of July, of Monday according to FORBES a list obtained in talks withMr Forbes was by The Tribune. $62,023 to settle the the company The Credit and Collec- a three-monthbalance over tions Department period. Mr listing of Forbes, former MPs, senators PLP Mount Moriah and board MP, members for the period to Cabinet was appointed ending July in January that former 31, revealed and previously served 2015, State Minister chairman as the in the Ministry of the Bahamas Arnold Forbes of Works Agricultural and Industrial owed BPL Corporation. $62,023.14. Others on The list obtained the “do not Tribune contains by The disconnect� list are: former Minister delinquent accounts of Health of six Perry Gomez, former Dr former PLP Cabinet minisPines MP Tall ters, two former Leslie Miller, PLP MPs, former Minister two private of one sitting entities, and Dr Danny Johnson, Youth former Cabinet min- Nassau Village ister: Bamboo MP Dion Renward Wells. Town MP Smith, former Tourism Minister Obie Mr Wells, Wilchcombe DR DANIEL , $9,277.07 and who owed former South Beach MP JOHNSON two separate $3,703.96 at Cleola Hamilton $24,413 $12,981.03 in locations - former Minister of and total – did not for Legal State want to comment Affairs Damian yester- Gomez. day, and the other former SEE PAGE EIGHT
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Ragged remained “Every home The Nobody Minnis warns with those whohomes last week. Does it Better! their NEW PROVIDENCE Minister Dr Hubert en Rag- discussion battered has been destroyed. GRAND BAHAMA facilityABACO has been health on storm-strick Min- cane Irma 242.394.5555 residence Prime ELEUTHERA destroyed. The 242.350.3500teachers’ There is no water. and safety conditions EXUMA to deteriorate, urged the 18 been has been destroyed. The is 242.367.4204 no light. 242.332.3211 HEALTH the he smell242.336.2304 school will only continue destroyed. There about, you can yesterday as The in the afterged Island Minnis said to evacuate “As we walkcarcasses, dead animals. deister Dr Hubert on the island reduced will of dead stench(BAHAMAS) of the individuals remaining residentsIrma, which has REPORT LIMITED. INSURANCE we get them that of rubble and SPECIAL health conditions Russell, BROKERS & math of Hurricane it’s essential said. AGENTS there to piles Words: Khrisna W Carey www.Insuran ceManageme teriorate and most structures Dr Minnis the only ntBahamas.c Pictures: Terrel island unlivable. Dr Minnis to leaveom off this island,� for rendered the bly reluctant stay here,� saw for the understanda home, expressing concern “They cannot as A1MAIN Many were and a delegation and days ever known through said after he damage left by Irma place they’ve hurricane ripped of their residences, first time the Five monster about the safety personal belongings. We will have left behind. the Defence by the smell after the Category island. “They are concerned they may have and exacerbated southern esall here small of materials the a vessel the same physical condition, the destruction still whatever Force dispatch the cleanup and at The island’s carcasses and strongly urge those the Defence said. Dr Minnis of rotting animalled Dr Minnis to small community can Force will try to commence SEE PAGE there is security,�Established 1903THREE sential services, to leave until the ensure that Island been time has on Ragged Ragged Island and be restored. to the residents; a walk through “I’ve spoken Minnis said following i’m lovin’ it! Dr devastated,�
SOUTH ISLANDS ON MARIA ALER PUT T
By AVA TURNQUES T Tribune Chief aturnquest@tr Reporter ibunemedia.ne t WATER and Sewerage Corporation Adrian Gibson Chairman yesterday confirmed the existence of a “do not list populateddisconnect� by scores of elites at the government owned utility provider as he pledged initiate a crackdown to on delinquent accounts. Mr Gibson told The Tribune the list� held “confidential 221accounts with a combined , total of $175,000 for ending June the period 2017. He said that he plans to direct the corporation to notify all persons owing excessive arrears to resolve debts or face disconnectio n. “There is dential list,� a list confiIsland MP said.the Long “In fact, I that all the would think over the last corporations year or two, and more particularly May of this in year, there has been tion paid toclose attenthat list by the managemen t with a view to changing the way those lists usually operate. “As it stands, this confidential list of persons has a number on it, and really and truly used to notify it’s being courtesy call persons by I can say too or letters. that as the chairman of the corporation I am going that all personsto direct excessive arrears owing who are SEE PAGE EIGHT
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
POLICE LAUNCH FOX HILL OFFENSIV E
By RASHAD Tribune Staff ROLLE prepared. rrolle@tribun Reporter By SANCHESK During a emedia.net A DORSETT address fromlive national Tribune Staff Reporter homicides WITH as his office sdorsett@tri the guarding the well as safefore- last night, Dr cast for Hurricane bunemedia.n residents of et Minnis Fox Hill. Maria said: “Hurricane projecting the ACTING Maria is Commission storm to pass another During a near the Southeast of Police Anthony potentially er walkabout dev- son Fergu- Fox Hill on Tuesday, Baha- astating hurricane in mas Friday morning, Prime must carefully that we the announced yesterday Commission Acting Minister Dr establishme Hubert Minnis Ferguson nt of two said the er He added: monitor.� is urging residents Though most separate Royal Anti-Gang Bahamas Firearms of those of the Bahamas and islands to was spared Police Force anti-crime tigation Tracing and Invesbe vigilant units aimed and Unit will operate SEE PAGE TWO gang activity at eliminating out of the Central Detectry, reducing in the coun- tive Unit (CDU) the number while the of SEE PAGE 11
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G concern ADMITTIN Bernard Notin over what Dr have battled last tage may his isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday for ter Perry Christie admiration the expressed forth by the effort put security to former national the build-up minister in election. the May general from his Breaking away since being public silence office in hisof out a voted last month, toric fashion Mr Chrishis visibly troubled portions of his tie detailed with last conversation and longfriend childhood colleague on time political Thursday. Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tehis someone who throughout naciously� he loved and life for thosetrait he said he a supported, up to their saw on display . last conversation PAGE SIX By SANCHESKA DORSETT SEE Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.n et
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claim spending Counsel and Attorney-at-Law
seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well as Exuma DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. By SANCHESKA He said if there�, the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands. DORSETT By SANCHESKAReporter to the unofTribune Staff Reporter By KHRISNA Reporter the same route as seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality et planned� even Tribune Staff from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being resdorsett@tribunem Deputy Chief without the government’s bunemedia.n ganiser Ranard Henfield ficial results Registration government course. THE PEOPLE edia.net nemedia.net sdorsett@tri PAGE 4 was still permis- that “after revealed nounced its kvirgil@tribu sion. his Hill, law to take several weeks of last month that the to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ back planned a decounted up DESPITE being In an interview and forth� the Cabinet his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 march to mark the PLP IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollwith The Tribdenied the as the na- This marked the worst in Office on anniversary AFTER leadinglandslide use of Rawson 50th defeat party won seven maiden speech Minand Parliament une, Mr Bostwick II said “there Wednesday rejected the group’s of Majority Rule. LOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former Squares ty to a stunning feat for a governing will be no compromise� application to protest for a protest This latest development Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. in Rawson and the and Parliaments Rule Day in January,on Majority group will “not is yet victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Squares because another set back for the organiThe FNM’s won five. Bahamas organiser We March attempt towardbe deterred by this the “event lysing blow Party last night, the Centreville PROJECTED watch, Bahamians five years his from 9 YOUR conflicts with another sation that planned to protest rocky fascist fear his seat in last night by Christie John Bost- and a PAGE to Mr Christie wick sive Liberal on II said yesterday Monday, January the abuse of our coercion event� already booked challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing the demon- constitutional 9 - the original rights and date. FAR included two for that observance incoming the Centrevillestration “will go on as planned, said that Dr Minnis’ leadership, the government RESULTS SO PAGE 14 freedoms�. Minnis declared date 25 votes aftermore than 40 won n, which he for the eighth on Dr Hubert In a post on Facebook, Progressive Majority Rule Day.announced for of a frachave abused victimisatio tional� “im- es to the area for Liberal unof- stituency time with lead or- Chairman Party that those who trust “have continued reports ultimately However, earlier according to consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE and Bradley Roberts of 2-18 years, party this month it “wrong�. PAGES positions an- was announced the post 2,950 votes. moral� and to unofficial tured to fear�. ficial results. in Parliament that candidate Ella removal from has held Opsomething to thousands of According able his at the Mr Christie 1977 and the FNM’s of the Official FNM was Speaking by 1,349 votes at the Q all House today. results, the stunning defeat of leader in the House of the seat since of the Lewis a Christie won in pledged that jubilant supporterslast night, ment been leader Party time. Mr Dr Minnis on will give to pull off securing a mas- position Centre has division Sports E Liberal but one polling administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive 39 “This was victory is not the Free also announced his General it sive 34 of ry Regsince 1997. released a but the Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Auditor the resources AVA former is yours,� Although he Bythe The Parliamenta TURNQUEST did battle, loss, The to the islands of Bimini that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory Tribune lost his seat Chief Reporter statement about speak told thousands needs Minister and not election did Bahamas’ full Minnis Eleuthera, Movement carThe Dr Christie aturnquest@tribunemedia.net bringing not release 5pm at GovernFree National packed on the with the last and po- Mr tal to 25 confirmedthe tominister at SEE PAGE SIX sults last night, in from the of FNMs cases By SANCHESKA DORSETT (FNM) candidate Reece nationwide. nival grounds. people’s time HEALTH officials numbers coming Tribune Staff Reporter litical newcomer agency around “This is the “This is like a lull, terday urged residentsyesand I who secured government from the and I am your servant quiet sdorsett@tribunemedia.net Chipman, to period,� However remain Dr McMillan vigilant against 11pm. it apSEE PAGE THREE vironmental factors en- “We continue to get said. unofficial numbers, samFORT that ples as they the PLP only conbreedof the mosquitoes send them in for Dr Andre Charlotte MP peared that despite Rollins “The outcome the inspire “lull� intrust local transmis- testing but we have no fur- night that “there said last according to vention did not ther cases, which sioninofthe will be no theBahalast Zika virus. Mark Humes is good. disciplinary results, said coming afor confidenceDirector but that’s of Public Health We’re still monitoring and against the action� taken “obvious� mian electorate sweeping defeat residents unofficial seven doing our surveillance. Dr Pearl think that it is ROLLE tional Movement Free Nanow and IMcMillan yesterhave stood behind us day they night ter Fort Charlotte “I think we have By RASHAD Reporter MPs who told him party would wonderfulthat there has aconfirmed been ousted party winning the the party have repeatedly lead- the progressing well and Tribune Staff stand the any a better chance been no as it relates Hubert Minnis Leader Dr to rebuild emedia.net new con- to could not he been victori- opportunity as leader rrolle@tribun getting the message firmed cases of the country per- election had since the deitself,� he said. leadership out the Official Opposition, of there and persons partment’s press for for- ership despite their beous in the PLP’sadding that reengineer heeding cause there is no release on it. SIX longer, him. AS HE called This Zika thing December legal basis THE REBEL SEVEN of, SEE PAGE RASPBERRY 5, which Minister Perry sonal affection for was pro- race in January, for such a move. made a mistake� mer Prime ard Lightbourn, Lorettafrom left, Hubert Chipman, Edison Key, the number of cases raised down in July, which came who ICED TEA “the party resign as leader is when RichMr Sears, He added that Butler-Turner, Neko in New we usually Mr Christie. Free NaChristie to Providence from a formal Andre Rollins. Liberal Grant, Theo Neilly, get our first case objection in choosing to lose to the 22 to 23. and Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune has been Al- jected Movement’s (FNM) of the Progressive There is one case last night, SEE PAGE SIX against “the bogus lodged solidify widespread support Staff each on the tional Party (PLP) FNM’s Executive said he saw levelled against himcharges� around a new leader.� Commitfred Sears tee would not have His remarks came six other members and the a case ment who took of Parlia- e-mail in response to in an because the group’s actions part ques- “were consistent action of removing in the tions from The Tribune. constitutionally with the Dr Rollins echoed nis from the post. Dr Minprotected Dr Rollins sentiments the said a growing of Long Island right of parliamentarians to number of MP recall a parliamentary FNMs are admitting Loretta lead“that and St Anne’sButler-Turner er when they the best course of MP Hubert confidence no longer have the party to take action for Chipman, who last under the said week to lead.� in his/her ability present circumstances the if the matter were is to to be taken to court, the SEE PAGE THREE
‘STAY VIGILANT’ AS ZIKA CASE TOTAL RISES TO 25
ROLLINS: NO LEGAL BASIS DISCIPLINING THE REBEL FOR SEVEN
Greenslade: Bahamas is not in crisis
the holiday would on the actual date be observed of the historic event, Tuesday, January The change in the 10. public holiday calendar has been perceived by many as an attempt by the government to strike success of a seconda blow to the event by We March Bahamas. SEE PAGE SIX
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FOREIGN former employees of Baha Mar will be paid by the government appointed Claims Commit-
SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunem edia.net
CHIEF Superintendent Clayton Fernander, in-charge of the officerDetective Unit, Central drivers yesterday warned to tra cautious� after be “exmen forced a couple armed to stop their vehicle in the of the road before middle shooting and killing the driver. Chief Supt Fernander said police believe armed robbery may be the for the killing. He motive incident could havesaid the “happened to anyone�. The murder took place shorty after 9pm day in the area on Tuesof nium Gardens, off MillenWilliams Darling Tonique and brought the Highway, murder count to country’s 109 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Chief Supt Fernander tee next month, said the victim, committee mians, identiChairman James Smith said former most of the foreign fied by police as Kendrick yesterday. employees Simms, was driving ceive all that is duewon’t reSince the money his wife, when anotherwith to Mr Smith said theythem. pulled en on an ex-gratia was givcar will, basis by however, ahead the China Export-Import receive a “high ing them to of them forcstop. figure�. Bank (EXIM) and “The man was tended primarily was indrivfor BahaSEE PAGE FIVE ing through Millennium SEE PAGE FIVE
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of #76 Rugby Drive, Twynam Heights and 20formerly of Mangrove Cay, Andros, will be held on Friday, August 3rd, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, Joan’s Heights. Officiating will be Rev. Father Stephen Davies, assisted by Reverend Canon Sebastian S. Campbell and Rev. Father Berkley Smith. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. - BUT SOME DEADLINE TODAY NDING DISCLOSURES OUTSTA
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Nassau & Bahama
A SECURITY officer at the Customs Department was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison after he admitted to stealing the rims from a 2009 Nissan Note registered to the department. Laraino Moxey, 29, of Culmers Lane, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on one count of stealing and one count of receiving in connection with the removal of two rims and two tyres valued at $750.40 from a vehicle parked at the department’s property on Saturday. Moxey was caught removing the two rims which had tyres affixed to them by Stephen Coleby on July 28. However, in the process of explaining his actions to the court, Moxey indicated he stole all four of the vehicle’s rims on Friday, July 27, regretted his action that night and returned to the
certain neighbourhoods� and the suggestion to do By NICO SCAVELLA is “emotional and makes so no do much more to “fully Tribune Staff Reporter DESPITE the country sense�. derstand this senseless unnscavella@tribunemedia. His comments came recording 13 homicides net of killings,� and have set law 13 days, Commissioner in hours after the country reof corded its 27th homicide PRIME Minister Perry enforcement respond “as Police Ellison Greenslade Christie yesterday likened quickly as possible� and in the year. Seven people for said the Bahamas is not have a “very meaningful way� the Bahamas’ crime in ROLLE a state of “crisis� and in been killed since Friday. situation to the “Wild West,� their crime fighting efforts. By RASHAD Reporter On Monday afternoon, average Bahamian can the These efforts, Mr Chrisconas he said the recent Tribune Staff wave emedia.nettinue to “go about their day police also reported that a of murders in the capital tie suggested, would likely rrolle@tribun man was stabbed outside as normal day� without include dedicating the an establishment must solicit a “major� Nottage’s fear on Nassau and stantial� number a “subBernard of be being attacked. DR “continuous� effort by Manwill foreverAt a press conference Street while two men were his ers to patrol the of officEmergency acti“footprints the Bahamian administration to “flood streets shot while in the The National at police headquarters New Providence and of t etched on tal landscape� after they agement Agency (NEMA) on Ross Corner. These area of the streets� with officers sithe police managemen in multaneously giving victims developmen work asMonday a for- after a weekend of were said to cations with from entering the vated its emergency evacuation a bid to do “all that is necesthem be “carnage�, his in stable and an Commissioner condition A DORSETT through were blocked sary to bring this madness “the capacity to interdict of the Bahaat the Kenplan yesterday in hospital. the movements of peopleBy SANCHESK mer president of Greenslade area. were also shelter was established to a halt�. Athletic said the only soat the Commissioner Staff Reporteret lution to the country’s crime mas Association Several persons with respira- dal G L Isaacs Gymnasium Mr Christie, speaking on the streets,� incorporat- Tribune bunemedia.n Greenslade said Centre s, the Bahamas problem to the hospital Association , theis to “keep prolific ply not enough it is simElizabeth Sports with reporters yesterday, ing more reserve police of- sdorsett@tri during Gar- rushed Association offenders for on Queen people as a shelter Medical S in Jubilee tory complaints. said the “madness� occur- ficers, and “if necessary� and as a behind bars�. He to “point the finger Tribune arrivedwere which was used said - for displaced RESIDENT to evacuate their the at the af- Royal Bahamas police MinDoctors’ Union When The ring is due to gang activity incorporating Royal Baharesidents forced last hurricane consumer in times of crisis� FORMER Prime Police Force remas Defence Force marines dens were after a massive the scene, severaltheir roofs, as the the minister for and retaliation. health and (RBPF) is not yet refuse to “manage to accept the believed residents. on landfill ister Perry Christie homes yesterday their a defeat, was as I did when I the dump is smaller fairs, education, considering Providence pouring water Opposi- implementing their homes. He said the past bloody in policing efforts. a The fire at for it arrears, into pictured yesterday. W. a curfew fire at the Newcommunity in thick, blaze grew closer to or “locking down started by SEE PAGE THREE COMMISSIONER Mr Christie also said for Tall national security, who was in sponsibility response to weekend is the Photo: Terrel of Police Ellison Greenslade he Philip “Brave� to have been Road. Parliament airport tenant described recent resigned,� he said in levelled speaking at a press development� a “shocking would be speaking with blanketed e Staff smoke. tion Leader conference yesterday. Member of Miller was also assist- bush fire off Fire Trail as Carey/Tribun the criticism recent that will rePhoto: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune black hazardous on from accusations Mr Christie Davis said Wednesday. in questions on the Royal Bahamas Pines Leslie in hosing down their 71, died Staff quire the government TWO AND THREE administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government SEE PAGE THREE pandering at his administration Members of to SEE PAGES the entrance Dr Nottage, the Cleveresidents transportaby a party of irresponsibl WELLS Force blocked as visibility ing at providing “misstep� a Police and RICARDO cronyism. thought help. By Wednesday He will receive homes sance and said he was “disap- to its base. Reporter that weeks. never any By RICARDO WELLS who needed residents to the subdivision acceptmaintained Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic. being tion for those the three most recent He also zero. Angry in arrangenemedia.net that I was degree Tribune relating Mr Christie inci- a double shooting Staff Reporter dropped to by the allegations govin verbal alterrwells@tribu a state funeral announced, documents s would on my part dents, which have left on Ross By LAMECH y for any Per- pointed�around by the new berwells@tribunemedia.net a review of one became involved irrements to ing responsibilit of human trafficking. man dead and three others Corner yesterday, lamented Tribune Staff JOHNSON Prime Minister tossed matters that to these two controversie the press secon of any whatsoever of criminality, FORMER fire off Fire Reporter Suppression Act, Chapter the “too bold� as according to Office of the the notion James Coakley, 53, administrati yesterday condemned ernment concerning a smaller bush to the city his last term the country and po- in hospital in serious condi- crimes occurring nature of ljohnson@tribunemedia.net of 106. absolve his and prove that much sponsible spending andbare’ is just after a ry Christie spread retary for the AS Anthony have ed by Cargill Creek, Andros Minnis administra- transpired during tion. in the caplice Movement fre- Trail Road that blanketed Jubilee Gardens yesterday is as noth- that ‘the cupboard is wrongdoing efforts by the his government in The former ital recently, as he insisted Prime Minister, continue to grapple was brought before Fire Trail Road. fire the smoke in Jubilee Officer-in-charge prime minister.at accusations from of the FNM’s rhetoric slogans.� the Free National A MAN appeared with the latest spate of areas in Chief also charged boxer was in bushes off to prevent dump. The tion to portray as he challenged flees from the in Magistrate Newbold. vio- Central Detective of the that a “handful of prolific Magistrate’s “political political slogans.� with Hitting back Minnis adminisA DORSETT light, YOUNGSTER done enough the New Providence Gardens and surrounding landfill that started PAGE SIX lent SEEcrimes, ing more than challenges I have Unit, offenders� remain the Court yester- son-Pratt Joyann Fergu- counts of rape filed three SEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a law enforceat and threatened A at the New Providence to evacuate their homes. Hanna/Tribune Staff By SANCHESK under hell-bent day accused of members of Reporter to answer to two Section quent fires have caused some of thick, black smoke the controvergovernment officials are seeking Chief Superintendent Clay- on terrorising officials fire “One of the the nation’s te examination of the sexually as- counts were asked et Photos: Shawn Tribune Staff 6(a) of the Sexual prompting who led the $8m to issues. the public. ton Fernander, speaking of trafficking in pertration concerning Landfill that Many residents saulting a woman during bunemedia.n the public’s assistance respiratory mas- several homes, of more thanclean up as the person led the government to “dispassiona Offences Act, Chapter sdorsett@tri in the media on the sial pay out 99. It them to develop and who SEE PAGE THREE SEE PAGE THREE the Christmas holidays. sons contrary to Section is alleged came as a scene of record�. interview at one vendor for hurricane that he engaged in to an ment owners in JubiTheir comments at the landfill, She is alleged to be a victim 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking off of $1.2m During a lengthy raging ANGRY home home on Thursin Persons Prevention was startand the write yesterday expressed sive fire was SEE PAGE SIX and his Cable Beach defended his lee Gardens concern that neither which officials believe nor day, Mr Christie disgust and Liberal Party the Progressive had any reenergy. despite not having to produce solar, many purchase of agreeWELLS of Works sponse to his Mar’s former The heads the governBy RICARDO MINISTER said offers, as Baha Izmirlian said cases of im- Tribune Staff Reporter challenges, Desmond Bannister ment requires to “address enced alleged nemedia.net concerns� pressed certain developer, Mr “stands ready, and BPL delayed officials solicitROLLE migration from migrants rwells@tribu today marks which he suggestedof docu- he has “serious Power and ment and consistent company By RASHAD Reporter his By AVA TURNQUEST WHILE buy Baha sitthe reliable By on Bahamas SANCHESKA developer with for both ing bribes DORSETT and able to The bill will allow submission to “keep the supply of electricity Tribune Staff beatings of Tribune Chief Reporter THE originalMar resort willing complete it the deadlineformer parlia- the emedia.net tellProvidence, Light’s ability and alleged prisoners in commissioner of police, the an law as it placed author- Tribune Staff Reporter today and Bahamian rrolle@tribun aturnquest@tribunemedia are chal- lights on this summer,� of island of New or a ity solely in the ting and to file financial ments. of the Baha the resort’s Mar with the abili.net person acting on migrants and hands of sdorsett@tribunemedia.net Among these the lack will include finanhis behalf, the independent s States has de- immediately Bahamian conmentarians Public Discloyesterday said ing The Tribuneprevent the whichmeet the requirement with obtaining judiciary, THE United Bahamas custody. the Ministry continued completiondates workers and chronic delays ATTORNEY General to obtain a warrant from a adding that may ty to disclosures, Chair- lenges from spouses, POLICE are investigatthe Yesterday, the The opening cial records in situations reliability highlighted Allyson Maynard-Gibson Supreme Court judge to in- international the ICB met ing the from fulfilling of the project.� “intimida- of Foreign Affairs said sure Commission lays, missed stag- tractors. ’s CCA for either circumstances surthe instalLaroda told tercept and examine standards requireoper- government government ental “inaccurate� and “now supposedthe en- created by yesterday defended the This involves supporting man Myles yesterday that particularly or patent incomIn- son’s communicationsa per- and also addressed recent rounding the death of a of Mar all the necessary they may have report had all (INCL. VAT) “incomtion of non-governm self interest terception of Communicato now. The from criticisms lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha gered opening� three-year-old boy who s� and efforts and in some cases . into late next petence must stop re necessary was auated there organisation tions Bill as an important telecommunications opera- Devices of the Listening found unresponsive and property said better.� agreement. infrastructu there were tire of He information Sarkis alg�. heads plete� in a car an incident year shows that superi- Bahamas deserves by the government that he is SEE PAGE FIVE anti-crime tool that would tors, internet providers and Council. Act by the Privy in front are “outstandin yesterday, to marriage. inhibit “free some unwilling-n He added of his daycare yesReferring to SEE PAGE SIX Minpostal services. offer “is at new, althorities to enhance the privacy of criminal Education In an interview in his dis- was also Izmirlian’s She said any suggestion terday afternoon. lawready “looking including and apprehensio said In a statement yesterday, Fitzgerald or� to the current situation. for in which speech through abiding citizens rather ways,� and Mr Laroda some persons ness that the The body of the toddler as problems than ister Jerome SEE PAGE THREE ternative despite this, libel laws� encroach upon it, as detrac- Mrs Maynard-Gibson ex- “spying legislation was a was discovered PAGE 12 its latest However, SEE cussions with in make to bill� was false. plained that this move shortly the Bahamas report. tors claim. was who are required they exter 2pm on Monday afunprecedented in Bahamiby a human rights also referSEE PAGE FIVE the disclosures, The report SEE PAGE SIX
IS • FORMER PM BY DAVIS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY OF ‘DISAPPOINTED’ FNM ALLEGATIONS COLLEAGUE • SAYS GOVT DID NOTHING WRONGT OVER $8M PAYOU
DR. EVANETH PHILLIPA LOUISE McPHEE, 61 ALFRED SEARS URGES
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PRECIOUS MEMORIES WILL REMAIN IN THE HEARTS OF HER SISTERS: Rita King, Cynthia Bain, Princess Ferguson, Brenda Mae McPhee, Gwendolyn Stuart, Yvonne Miller; ADOPTED SISTERS: Brendalee Greene and Agatha Farrington; BROTHERS: Ivan, Harold, Prince and Leroy McPhee; BROTHERSIN-LAW: Franklyn Stuart and Thomas Ferguson; SISTERS-IN-LAW: Clara, Sandra, Karen, Marion, Linda and Laurean McPhee; NEPHEWS AND NIECES: Tiffany Krista Evette McPhee, Kareem Wallace, Shandiona Stuart, Kathy (Alva) Smith, Erica Ferguson, Arinthia (Alex) Johnson, Esthermae King, Berylin (Anthony) Minnis, Philip (Janet) King , Ushieka (Anthony) King-Forbes, Cutelle Schyvonne (Patrick) Major, Delton Bain Jr., Min. Sandra (Dec. Kenneth) Fox, Terrance (Deirdre) Bain, Deborah (Rudolph) King, Monique Glinton, Karen Bethel, Kenva (Orlando) Perez, Kayla Stubbs-Coleby, Kelson, Kolette, and Kimball Stubbs, Kevin McPhee, Keisha (Oswald) Smith, Kencil (Latera) McPhee, Kendrick (Summer) McPhee, Myrmidom, Tiffany Marion , Jerry, and Cordero McPhee, Ghea Hall, Giselle (Klovis) Rahming, Gayla McPhee, Catrina (Leon) Dugue, Sophia (Patrick) Simmons, Eltoya, Irvin Patrick Jr, Candice, Christian And Alexis McPhee, Lloyd (Christine) McPhee, Chinique (Dion) Gray, Sr., Kenrear (Phillip) Brown; GRAND NIECES AND NEPHEWS: Kathia, Kai and Khayree Smith, Gerrad (Kimmy) Harris-Smith, Bianca, Lashan And Elvis Rolle, Levi Wallace, Kellan And Giada Rahming, Arneita, A’teelah, Skylar And Karson McPhee, Zavier Bethel, Indira Coleby, Simone Stubbs, Natelia (Hai) Peng, Nathan Jones, Brianna Sands, Anastacia, Annalisa and Antonio Minnis, Andretti (Cheryse) Bain, Darcel Bain, Shakessa (Tassone) Wilson, Sharetta (Dundas) Munnings, Shakanah Fox, Teria, Teangelo, Teresa, and Teryn Bain, Charles and Roderick King, Kennique and Kennedy Glinton, Ashad Rolle, Australia Hanna, Dion Gray, Jr., Jajuan And Jayden McPhee, Kendra Stubbs, Jessica Perez, Dequan Stubbs, Acaydia, Aleynnah And Patrick Cayden Jaymes Major, Brittney Nairn, Nina and Geoffrey Greene, Josiah Dean Jr., Jaylin McPhee and Irvin McPhee III, Devard, Renaldo, Philique and Philip King Jr, Leijah, Lathan, Luna, Lola and Lilliana Dugue, Malakai Simmons; GREAT-GRAND NIECES AND NEPHEWS: Mark Cartwright Jr., Joshua Rolle, Khaedyn And Khye Harris-Smith, Xayla Bethel, Keyonni Scott, Julissa and Arleen Perez, Nyasia Chung, Ryan Demerritte, Amelia and Bella Peng, Jayden Wilson, Adrianna Munnings, and Omari King; COUSINS: Dr. Nicholas Hepburn, Pascal, Kendal, And Lynden Hepburn, Rose Barrett, Collona Wallace, Cherise Hepburn, Rev. Dr. Phillip McPhee and Family, Maedawn Munroe and Family, Prince and Maverick McPhee, Ethlyn Smith (Linda, Pat, Sherry), Magistrate Linda Virgill And Family, Dr. Gilbert Hepburn and Family, Wendy Craigg, Davie Rolle; OTHER RELATIVES: Sharelle, Sharneice and Sharene Brown, Everett, Charles, and Neville Knowles, Irvin Bain and Family, Veldia,Vanessa, Al Coleby and Family, Geoffrey Greene Sr., Gina McPhee, Robert Hepburn and Family, Minera Stubbs and Family, Cecil Thompson and Family, Helen Stubbs and Family, Carmetta Burns and Family, Queenie Barry and Family, Minera Jones and Family, Sandra Archer and Family, Deloris Rolle and Family, Errol Bethel and Family, Dr. Saunders, Registrar Edmund Turner, Registrar General Deidre Clarke-Maycock, Ulyssema Tlakaris-Kerr, Anya Dean, The Farrington Family, Rev. James Curry and Family, The Rolle Family, Cecil Longley and Family, Elder Catherine Roker and Family, Curlene Forbes and Family, Melva and R. Whitney Bastian and Family, Gregory Williams and Sandra Moncur, Lilly Blatch and Family, Dr. Arthur Clarke and Family, Ruthie and Patsy Newbold and Family, Eulalee Rolle and Family, Francita Nairn and Family, Vernell Culmer Family and Cleo Cash and Family, and Bobby Jean Bastian and Family; FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES INCLUDING: Dame Margueritte Pindling, Governor General Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas, The Right Honorable Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister Of The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas, Former Prime Ministers The Rt. Honorable Perry G. Christie and The Rt. Honorable. Hubert A. Ingraham, Sir Michael Barnett and Family, Dame Joan Sawyer and Family, The Honorable Allyson Maynard Gibson and Family, Colleagues from the Ministry Of Health Including Dr. The Honorable Duane Sands, Minister Of Health, PSs Barbara Burrows, Rena Glinton, Cresswell Sturrup, Dr. Deswell Forbes, Archie Nairn, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson and Family, Lucinda Forbes and Family, Dr. Joyous Pickstock, Anneppe (Glo) Okpuna and Family, Joan Demeritte, Dr. Yvonne Skeffrey, Angela Colebrooke, Brenda Simms, Maria Daxon, Floyd Moxey, Shelley Munnings, Dr. Robin Roberts, Machelle Carroll, The Winder Family, Roslyn Gibson, Portia Ferguson, Delerese Smith, Tessa Turnquest, Cherrylee Pinder, Johnette Strachan, Dr. Susana Campbell And Family, Virginia Bullard, Pearline Santana and Family, Shivron Gray and Family, Dr. Cyprian Strachan, Dr. Bryan Tynes, Dr. Adrian Dean, Dr. Charles Wildgoose, Dr. Christopher Clarke, Dr. Mortimer Moxey, Dr. Birenda Sarma, Dr. Christine Chin, Dr. Ian Kelly, Dr. Kevin Moss, Dr. Kendal Pennerman and Family, Lulu Johnson, Kristian Sturrup, Pauline Johnson and Family, Clarice Forbes, Ephraim Rolle and Family, Kendal Pennerman and Family, Wilfred Delancy and Family, Ethel Knowles and Family, Barbara Bain and Family, Ethlyn Meadows and Family, Janet Nixon and Family, Dorothy Coleby and Family, Virginia Knowles and Family, Barbara Dorsett and Family, Eloise Bain and Family, Suffragan Bishop Gilbert Thompson and Family, Rev. Canon Sebastian Campbell and Family, Rev. Canon Norman Lightbourne and Family, Rev. Father Stephen Davies and Family, Rev. Father Berkley Smith and Family, Rev. Father Hugh Bartlett and Family, Rev. Angela Palacious and Family, Deacon Eric Miller, The All Saints Anglican Church Family, All Saints Anglican Church Senior Choir, The St. Anne’s Anglican Church Family, The Entire Community Of Mangrove Cay, Andros, The Bahamas Department of Corrections, The Management and Staff Of NHIA, Nassau Village Family, Eastern Medical Clinic Staff and Clientele, The Management and Staff Doc’s Pharmacy, Drs. and Nurses From PMH ICU and Accident & Emergency Departments, The Bahamas Red Cross Society, Bahamas Girl Guides Association, The Bahamas Bar Association and the Medical Association of the Bahamas, and the UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research. Other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention please accept our sincere apologies if your name has inadvertently been omitted. Viewing will be held in the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until service time.
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property the following day with the intention of returning the stolen wheels. He told the court: “What I did or what I’ve done was out of sheer stupidity. I’ve been there going on two years, a security officer, and not once have I ever remove or touch anything that didn’t belong to me. “That’s why when I really thought about it that night, when I took them, I decided to return them the following day. And that is when they actually caught me putting them back on.� Moxey told the court he went into work early on July 28, unpacked the stolen wheels and started to remount them to the vehicle. “I was going to put them back on. I had already put two back on. When (Coleby) came there, it was about 9am, shortly after 9am, and I had the other two inside my car; I did already put the other two back on,� he told the court. Magistrate McKinney asked Moxey to provide
the court with a reason why he should not be given the maximum sentence of five years in prison for the offence. Moxey told the court he was a father to four children, all of whom he claimed he fully supported financially. He begged for leniency and understanding. In response, Magistrate McKinney said in view of his post and what it represents to society, a ruling which took that into account had to be made. Magistrate McKinney said: “You are held in a high position of trust to protect your employee’s property or others’ property. You ought not be committing the act that you are charged with and plead guilty to.â€? He continued: “Instead of giving you the maximum, the court is sentencing you to six months in jail. You have the right to appeal to a judge in the Supreme Court.â€? Moxey was not represented by a lawyer.Â
‘NEW HORIZONS’ AHEAD FOR REFORMED PLP PARTY YOUR SAY By PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS OUR party has entered an era of historic responsibility requiring us to retool, reshape, and transform to preserve the fabric of our democratic tenets. That responsibility begins with renewing our social and economic contract with the Bahamian people, one that ensures all Bahamians have an undeniable access to the economic and social fruits of our country. The great expectation of the people has caused us to pause to examine the very nature of our party to enable us to fulfil our mission. The concerns of the majority have not fallen on deaf ears, we respond with the first pillar of change, reforming the document that governs our body our constitution. The Progressive Liberal Party prepares itself to take on the important responsibility of our nation by contributing to human progress forging ahead against the odds. We look forward to new horizons being reminded of our history of diligence, bravery, and, wisdom. The Progressive Liberal Party will not choose the path of being complacent and resting on our laurels. Emerging from the rubbles of defeat is a party burnishing its hooks never to be separated from the people, correcting the errors of our past, and making every effort to uphold the principles that bind us to serve the people. This chapter will be a journey of strict discipline and conduct as we are mindful of the adage that one bad apple spoils the barrel. Together, as we create modern history, we will endeavour to ensure that our supporters will be the heroes and the source of our strength. Rebuilding is a long road ahead. This process necessitates calling for the whole party to explore and invite all men and women who can help their party construct a system that will pioneer a new era of reform and opening up. Now more than ever our numerous trials and domestic turmoil must inspire a generation of nation builders, aspirations of patriots,
PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. and leadership that encapsulates the struggles and sacrifice of correcting the social ills of its fellowmen. We have full confidence in our path of reform meeting for the first time in the Progressive Liberal Party’s history during a constitutional convention. The very purpose of our party is to serve as an instrument to lead the Bahamian people and to serve the public good, shouldering the revolution of social and economic development. Reform and change are an inevitable prerequisite for the survivability of the Progressive Liberal Party and its great cause. Our party presses ahead with the new task of rebuilding subjecting ourselves to the oversight of the Bahamian people. Political integrity will be a clear position and the actions of any culprit will not prevail. Our political institution will steer clear of the actions of any individual whose actions will lead to resentment among the people and eventually lead to the irrelevance of our party and the failure of its mission and mandate. Simply put, during this period of reform the Progressive Liberal Party will not be soft in dealing with those who seek power for personal gain or privileges. The mission of our party will be achieved by men and women who are honest and upright exercising strict selfdiscipline guided by a code of conduct. The reforms of today will reflect the wishes
of the peoples and will meet the developmental needs of our organisation. We are clearly aware that the sole criterion of reform is the courage and capability to address pressing issues and to answer the basic questions of how to rebuild. To the Bahamian people, especially those who have lost confidence in the political system and their leaders, we endeavour to regain your trust to correct a relationship built on the foundation of rectifying our errors, upholding truth, and learning our lessons. To the supporters and members of the Progressive Liberal Party, we must all hold hands, looking at what both history and reality have shown us. Together, we must be tenacious in our pursuit of our mission encountering new situations and new problems. We will face our great shares of risk and challenges, and we will be troubled by the unexpected. But together we must prepare ourselves and hold firm against adversity. As leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, I don’t pretend to have the solutions to our every problem, but I do believe we can lead the next chapter of the rejuvenation of our party and our country. After our defeat, we are now undergoing the process of reform, preparing ourselves to serve the hearts and souls of the Bahamian people. • Mr Davis, QC, is leader of the Progressive Liberal Party
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, August 1, 2018, PAGE 11
‘We warned of dangers of separating children’ WASHINGTON Associated Press A DEPARTMENT of Health and Human Services official told senators Tuesday that his agency had warned the Trump administration that separating families would be dangerous for children. But some of the government’s top immigration officials used a Senate hearing to largely defend how the policy has been implemented, with one comparing family detention centers to “a summer camp”. One official told the
Senate Judiciary Committee that while the Trump administration was developing its immigration policies, Health and Human Services officials said they were worried “about any policy which would result in family separation due to concerns we had about the best interests of the child.” Commander Jonathan D White of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a branch of HHS, said they were also uncertain their department had enough resources to handle large numbers of detained immigrants.
“There’s no question that separation of children from parents entails significant potential for traumatic psychological injury to the child,” White said. Asked by Sen Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, what response HHS officials got from administration policymakers, White said, “The answer was there was no policy which would result in separation of children from family units.” White is a career official at HHS who has served in three administrations. White’s remarks came as the Judiciary committee
questioned officials about what has become an election-year liability for the Republicans and the White House — President Donald Trump’s separation of migrant children from detained families. Trump dropped the policy more than a month ago under fire from Democrats and Republicans alike. But of more than 2,500 children who were initially separated from parents and guardians, hundreds remain in federal custody including more than 400 whose parents left the US without them. Lawmakers and
journalists who have visited some detention facilities around the country and migrants themselves have reported poor conditions. The top members of the Judiciary committee — Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif — have asked inspectors general of two federal agencies to investigate reports by news organisations that immigrants at some centers have suffered alleged sexual and other forms of abuse. Matthew Albence, an
executive associate director at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told the lawmakers that “the best way to describe” conditions at family detention centers was “like a summer camp”. He said the facilities undergo rigorous inspections and offer basketball and other forms of recreation, food and water around the clock and medical and dental care. “We do not leave our humanity behind when we report for duty,” Carla L Provost, acting chief of the US Border Patrol, told members of the committee.
TRUMP CAMPAIGN CHIEF ‘BELIEVED THAT HE WAS ABOVE THE LAW’ ALEXANDRIA, Virginia Associated Press PAUL Manafort orchestrated a multimillion-dollar conspiracy to evade US tax and banking laws, leaving behind a trail of lies as he lived a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said yesterdayas they laid out their case against the former Trump campaign chairman. Prosecutor Uzo Asonye told the jury during his opening statement that Manafort considered himself above the law as he funneled tens of millions of dollars through offshore accounts. That “secret income” was used to pay for personal expenses such as a $21,000 watch, a $15,000 jacket made of ostrich and more than $6m worth of real estate paid for in cash, Asonye said. “A man in this courtroom believed the law did not apply to him — not tax law, not banking law,”
Asonye said as he sketched out the evidence gathered by special counsel Robert Mueller’s team in Manafort’s bank fraud and tax evasion trial. Manafort’s trial is the first arising from Mueller’s investigation into potential ties between Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia. It opened with extraordinary anticipation amid unresolved questions about whether Trump associates coordinated with the Kremlin to tip the election in the president’s favor. But it was clear from the outset that the case would not address that question: Prosecutors did not once reference Manafort’s work for the Trump campaign nor mention Mueller’s broader and ongoing investigation into Russian election interference. Mueller was not present in the courtroom. Manafort, the lone American charged by Mueller
RIVALS PROTEST OVER ZIMBABWE ELECTION HARARE, Zimbabwe Associated Press
ZIMBABWE’S election took an uneasy turn yesterday when the opposition alleged results were not posted outside one-fifth of polling stations as required by law, and the electoral commission said the impatient nation would have to wait longer to learn who will be its next president. The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, meanwhile, suggested the main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, and his supporters were inciting “violence” by declaring he had won Monday’s election even though only parliamentary returns have been announced. “Let me also warn such individuals and groups that no one is above the law,” Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu said. Security forces “will remain on high alert and continue to monitor the security situation in the country.” Zimbabweans desperately hope Monday’s peaceful vote will lift them out of economic and political stagnation after decades of Robert Mugabe’s rule, but the country is haunted by a history of electoral violence and manipulation that means trust is scarce, despite today’s freer environment. While the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has five days from the end of voting to release the final tally, the national mood is growing anxious partly because unofficial results are already swirling on social media. Dozens of opposition supporters even gathered at their headquarters in the capital, Harare, celebrating in the belief that they had won the presidential election based on results they said they collected from
agents in the field. As they danced to music blasting from speakers set up on a truck, police with water cannon circulated in the area. There was no confrontation, but even the possibility of it was an unnerving reminder of the tensions that pervade the southern African nation, debilitated by Mugabe’s long rule. The 94-year-old former leader had been in power since independence from white minority rule in 1980 until he was forced to resign in November after the military and ruling ZANU-PF party turned on him. Mnangagwa, a former deputy president who fell out with Mugabe and then took over from him, has said his showing in the presidential polls was “extremely positive” while urging people to wait for official results. Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor who leads the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party, has gone further, saying his own count shows that he won the election and that he’s ready to form the next government. Chamisa’s party also said results have not been posted outside 21 percent of the country’s nearly 11,000 polling stations, raising concerns about possible vote-rigging. It suggested there was a deliberate effort to delay announcing the results, reflecting deep suspicion about the panel presiding over the election. Priscilla Chigumba, a judge who heads the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, said she was confident there had been no “cheating” in the first election without Mugabe on the ballot. Each polling station must post its results outside after vote-counting, she said.
who has opted to stand trial instead of cooperate with prosecutors, was described by his defense lawyer as a hugely successful international political consultant who left the details of his finances to others. He relied on a team of financial experts to keep track of the millions of dollars he earned from his Ukrainian political work and to ensure that that money was being properly reported, said attorney Thomas Zehnle. He especially trusted business associate Rick Gates, who pleaded guilty in Mueller’s investigation and is now the government’s star witness. But that trust was misplaced, Zehnle said in an opening statement that made clear that undermining the credibility of Gates — a former Trump campaign aide who spent years working for Manafort in Ukraine — is central to the defense strategy. Zehnle warned jurors
PAUL MANAFORT, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, with this wife Kathleen. that Gates could not be trusted and was the type of witness who would say anything he could to save himself from a lengthy prison sentence and a crippling financial penalty. “Money’s coming in fast. It’s a lot, and Paul Manafort trusted that Rick Gates was keeping track of it,” Zehnle said. “That’s what Rick
Gates was being paid to do.” Manafort, who has been jailed for nearly two months, wore a black suit and appeared fully engaged in his defense, whispering with his attorneys during jury selection and scribbling notes as the prosecution began its opening statement. The trial, decided by
a jury of six men and six women who were seated after a brief selection process, is expected to last several weeks. Central to the government’s case are allegations that Manafort funneled more than $60m in proceeds from his Ukrainian political consulting through offshore accounts.
PAGE 12, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
No plans to shut down auto business after fire By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
THE government does not have any current plans to shut down or relocate Strachan’s Auto Repair, press secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday. The blaze on Sunday night when more than 200 cars burned was not the first time a fire has broken out at the compound. The fire that broke out in 2013 was described as an “inferno” at the time by then-Garden Hills MP and former Speaker of the House Kendal Major. In interviews with The Tribune yesterday, both residents and business owners in the area expressed concerns about the effects the compound poses on families, property, and businesses. However, Mr Newbold said the government does not have any plans at the moment to become involved, especially as the investigation into the blaze is ongoing. “Did you ask the operators? No. I don’t know… Between the fire people and the people who licence Strachan’s Auto, gonna have to deal with that,” Mr Newbold said. “As everybody knows, there’s been a fire there before. Residents have complained about it. And so the people who licence and operate Strachan’s Auto are going to have to come to some conclusion. “And I’m sure the people who live in the area (are) going to have something to say about it, because they’re the ones whose properties are at risk, about what happens with Strachan’s Auto. Has there been an official
THE BLAZE at Strachan’s Auto Repair on Sunday. position taken at this point? No, there hasn’t been.” When asked if the government has any plans to step in, Mr Newbold said not right now. “Well, there are no plans right now. I’m sure they’re still investigating according to the fire chief, Walter Evans. They’re still investigating to find out exactly where did this fire start and how did it start. “Of course that could have come from many things — oil, gas, fluids, throughout that property. And so anything could have happened. I’m sure the first thing they want to do is have that investigation
completed and they have some definite conclusions that they can arrive at, and they will decide what they (are going) to do with it.” Yesterday, The Tribune canvassed the neighbourhood near the site. A landlord and resident of a nearby building described the impact the lot and the sporadic fires had on the seven families who live in his building. The landlord, who wished to be identified as “the chairman” said outside of the fires, the neighbours “catch hell” due to the presence of rodents, mosquitos, and snakes which he says manifest themselves due to
Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff the cars at the site. “Now at the end of the day let me say that I try to be neighbourly,” he said. “It’s not my endeavour to try to put a noose around nobody’s neck here, but it’s only so much you could take and you have to draw the line somewhere. “Now over the years we had a number of fires around here, but look at this incident on Sunday and how close it came to us— the firefighters had to spray water on my roof about six times. “We had damage done — it wasn’t serious damage, it was minor damage because of the heat— the rubber on
the windows, they melted, on the end of the balcony some people plastic belongings they melted because of the heat.” The landlord added: “There’s been a number of them (fires), but the thing is now it’s creeping up closer and closer and closer. “I have another tenant who was saying that his car was damaged because it was a couple feet away from the blaze and it’s a very stupendous situation.” He said such an extreme number of cars should not have been allowed to accumulate there in the first place and described the situation as “out of control”.
Peter Rahming, of PTM Fine Woodwork, a business located across the street, did not see the effects of the fire until Monday morning. “It’s a good thing that a lot of breeze wasn’t blowing, because a lot of homes might have been…devastated,” he said. Mr Rahming, whose business has been located there for the past two years, called the auto repair site a “hazard” and suggested the government relocate it. “I think they should relocate it, honestly…If the government could give them some kind of Crown land or something, I think that would be best.”