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Volume:114 No.177, AUGUST 8TH, 2017
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TWO DEAD IN HOLIDAY SHOOTINGS
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
HOLIDAY weekend shootings left two men dead in the capital, one of whom was killed less than a month after he was released on bail. At the scene of the first fatal shooting, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean SEE PAGE 11
Turnquest and Cooper clash
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest last night blasted his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) counterpart for challenging whether the government had exaggerated the size of the country’s fiscal deficit. His attack came after PLP Shadow Finance Minister I Chester Cooper seized on new Central Bank data which showed a deficit much lower than the $500m figure Mr Turnquest reported in his budget address. It was this half billion dollar number which the government has used to
justify new borrowing of $722m. However, the Central Bank placed the deficit at $284.7m in its latest report published on July 31. The figure represented data on the government’s budgetary operations for the first ten months of the fiscal year 2016-17, which is June 2016 to April 2017. In a statement yesterday, Mr Cooper, PLP MP for Exuma and Ragged Island, said the government’s earlier statements “seem misleading,” and raised very serious questions he said Mr Turnquest and the Minnis administration should answer. SEE PAGE SIX
BISHOP ELLIS - GIBSON SHOWN NO RESPECT By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
BISHOP Neil C Ellis has lamented the “inhumanity” shown to former Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson before his recent arraignment, claiming that the former MP’s treatment was inconsistent with the concept of “basic respect for human dignity”. Bishop Ellis, in a pastoral letter to members of the Mount Tabor Church, re-
gretted Gibson being made by police to “hop” up the steps of the Magistrate’s Court complex for his arraignment despite suffering an injury “which required the aid of crutches for support”. Bishop Ellis’ letter was in reference to the former national insurance and labour minister’s arraignment in a Magistrate’s Court last Thursday on 36 bribery and extortion-related charges.
DANCERS IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
SEE PAGE FIVE
Do the things you really want.
DANCERS during the traditional Emancipation Day celebrations at Fox Hill Park yesterday. See page two for more photographs. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
SACKED - FOR HAVING A BEARD A FORMER police officer is seeking to appeal the commissioner of police’s recent decision to discharge him from the Royal Bahamas Police Force allegedly because of his unwillingness to compromise a key component of his Muslim faith. Maria Daxon, attorney for former Constable Bertram Bain, told The Trib-
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une she has been instructed to file an injunction in the Supreme Court to stay the August 2 decision, which she alleged hinged on Mr Bain’s unwillingness to shave his beard in accordance with the RBPF’s grooming policies. Ms Daxon also claimed Mr Bain’s constitutional right to freely practice and/ or change his religious be-
liefs have been breached as a result of his dismissal adding “the police force should conform to the Constitution, not the Constitution conforming to the police force”. She further questioned the circumstances surrounding and leading up to Mr Bain’s termination, and also raised concerns
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Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE EIGHT
MIGRANTS: 8 MORE SET FREE By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net EIGHT migrants were released from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre on Friday, including a Kenyan man who had been held for six years without charge. SEE PAGE THREE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
YOUNGSTERS enjoying the Emancipation Day celebrations at Fox Hill Park yesterday - which included performances, food stalls, games and more. Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff
EMANCIPATION DAY
IN FOX HILL
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 3
Migrants: 8 more set free from page one
Immigration Director William Pratt confirmed the migrants were released, but declined further comment on the matter. The Tribune understands the migrants are six Cuban men, a Nigerian man and a Kenyan man. According to sources close to the matter, the men released included migrants whose detention status were reported by The Tribune last week, including the stateless man of Cuban descent who served in the US Navy and had been held for more than a decade in two periods. Another released migrant was a Nigerian amputee who was held for three years. On Thursday, The Tribune toured the Carmichael Road compound with Superintendent Peter Joseph, who addressed allegations and criticisms leveled against operations at the CRDC, specifically the processing and treatment of migrants. The CRDC has a staff complement of 39 officers, according to Supt Joseph, who said the recent increase of 16 officers to the minimum-security facility was satisfactory. “It’s very difficult,” he said, “we have increased our staff complement to try to attend to persons’ needs and we are also making some improvements in how we operate. We want to try and see if we can do a better job of the way we do the food, how we provide the meals. “We’ve also ordered new bedding, going to refurbish all the dorms. All of these things are in progress,” he said. Last month, the facility experienced severe overcrowding due to back-to-
back apprehensions that saw the number of detainees swell to over 400 persons. There are four dorms at the facility with a maximum capacity of 80 persons; however, one dorm is currently being used as a temporary medical clinic. Two dorms are designated for men, and one dorm is reserved for women. Mothers and children are kept at a separate facility, which has been temporarily suspended due to a contractual dispute over the use of the building. Supt Joseph confirmed that there were no minors currently being held, adding that the dispute should be resolved in a matter of days. Referring to critics of mass deportation exercises, he said: “We had over 400 migrants, that’s why we had to get those (deportation) flights out. If they come faster than we can get them out, there is nowhere else to put them. “So, we’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” He added: “You can hold a person indefinitely on a deportation order, but we don’t try to make that a practice because again it’s our objective to get you out as quickly as possible. So, it’s not our practice to want to serve a deportation order on you because that’s an indefinite situation.” Since taking the post last year September, Supt Joseph said he has been working to resolve the backlog of “long-term detainees” and enforce strict operating guidelines for both officers and detainees. A hallmark of his steps to increase accountability and transparency was said to be the installation of additional CCTV monitoring. He pointed to major upgrades underway, like the
SUPERINTENDENT Peter Joseph pictured during his interview with Tribune chief reporter Ava Turnquest at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff “The director, when he When he spoke to The “when they’re trying to get construction of a medical clinic and refusal dorms, appointed me to take over Tribune on Thursday, Supt to where they want to go. If and the refurbishment of this facility, the one thing I Joseph estimated there they leave it’s not as if that’s existing dorms; and sched- could assure him was that I were between ten and 11 Jamaica or Haiti, there’s uled projects to create an would take this to another long term migrants current- no coming back (to) what exercise and recreational level, and that is definitely ly at the facility. they’ve gone through to get He said: “(The migrants), this far. space; and to outfit and reo- what I intend to do. “There is always going to they’re the ones who are pen the onsite kitchen. “It’s just too far and the Refusal dorms are meant be stories about the no soap, frustrating the process, cost is way too much. So to accommodate persons and the no toothpaste, so they’re the ones who don’t that is not the route that that are denied entry into I don’t know how I’m sup- want to go home. They they want to take, their the country, but still have to posed to combat that. I can don’t want to go back so route is forward no matter take you in the storeroom they’ll give you any story. what the cost.” be held overnight. Supt Joseph implored the now and show you cases of Every time you interview He added: “This small them there’s a different group that I had to deal with public not to demonise the soap, cases of toothpaste.” Supt Joseph said: “We’re story. role of immigration officwhen I came here, that is in “The stories are gonna the process of being dealt ers and operations at the accustomed to it by now. CRDC as he spoke of plans Although I’ve only been change. They will give you with and will be dealt with, for modernisation and ex- here for a short time, but different names, they don’t that ain’t ga happen again. I’ve come to realise that is give you information that pansion of the facility. “I don’t care what part of “I can’t accommodate just something that we have will help you to help them. the world you come from, “Especially when you’re when you end up in here that and I won’t stand for to live with because of the it (allegations of mistreat- perception that the public talking about persons from you ain’t ga be no longhas of this facility.” African continent,” he said, term.” ment),” he said.
FOUR DEAD AFTER TWO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FOUR people are dead three of them from Grand Bahama - following two separate recent traffic accidents, police reported. The three Grand Bahama victims died on Monday during an accident shortly after 1pm on East Sunrise Highway and Gedney Drive involving a 2006 GMC Sierra and a silver coloured Nissan Tilda. The occupants in the Nissan were all injured. One female passenger, 76, died at the scene while all other passengers were taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital where two other persons later died from their injuries. The lone male driver in the 2006 GMC Sierra received minor injuries and was taken to the Rand Me-
THE SCENE of the crash in Grand Bahama. morial Hospital in a private vehicle. Meanwhile, Lashanda Percentie, the niece of former National Security Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt who was hospitalised following a tragic car accident last week, has died. Mrs Percentie, 36, was driving in her vehicle on Carmichael Road on July
31 when she lost control of her car and crashed into a concrete wall, according to police reports. Her condition was previously listed as critical, and
doctors did not expect her to live. She died in hospital on Saturday, according to a police report. Mrs Percentie, an immigration officer, lived with Mrs Pratt before her marriage a year ago. Last week, someone hearing of a pending death in the family assumed it was Mrs Pratt and without checking, put the news out on social media that the former deputy prime minister was in fact dead. Mrs Pratt, alive and well, has since denied those erroneous reports. Police have urged motorists to drive with care and attention, use seat belts and adhere to the speed limit. Investigations continue.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Which international airport in The Bahamas is a national disgrace? THE Marsh Harbour International Airport, renamed the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport in 2014, is a national disgrace. Redeveloped at a cost of over $30m, its completion faced delay after delay. It was plagued by design flaws and cost overruns, though portions of it were ahead of their time. While critics pointed out vast unused spaces that would have to be air-conditioned and maintained, proponents of the design said it was built to satisfy future needs. So what if it were larger than it needed to be now, they said, when other airports were outgrowing their space, Marsh Harbour would just be growing into its. The design is just one facet of a much greater problem. The Leonard M Thompson airport, the third busiest in The Bahamas, is so dirty and so poorly maintained that if the hero it was named after could see it, he would turn over in his grave, push up the dirt and call for a re-naming until it was cleaned up. Here, on a recent weekend, is what Tribune sources reported. Some of the report was accompanied by photographs. The main departure lounge for both international and domestic flights was filthy. Candy wrappers, food, empty cups, chips, used snack packaging was on the seats and the floor. There were so many wrappers and pieces of trash it would be difficult to believe the area had been cleaned even once on that particular day. Three or four large black trash bags filled to the brim sat tied near an exit door in plain view, waiting for someone to cart them away. There was an attractive 700 Wines & Spirits display but apparently it had not opened yet so anyone wanting to buy spirits to take home had to do so from the store on the other side of security clearance and the gentleman working in the store would walk the goods through and hand them to the individuals who, despite not being able to carry more than 3.4 ounces of shampoo or toothpaste, could then hand-carry the rum or Kalik on the plane. As for all the Bahamian stores that the airport pretended it would have, there was little more than promise offered. Yes, there was a shop that had a small selection of souvenirs, including Abaco Neem, the true pride of Abaco industry, along with Abaco ceramics. But most of the goods were the usual -- water, soda, snack food and t-shirts. Hardly a shopping mecca. For the most part, the airport was eerily empty of enterprise. A few workers lounged in chairs in the ticketing area, their position best described as sprawling. Two airport employees, one male, the other female, sat at the bar drinking. Though probably finished for the day and off-duty, they were still wearing their reflective sleeveless vests, a sight that could have been disconcerting for the average traveller unaccustomed to seeing airport staff possibly in charge of their safety sucking back beer and liquor. The very competent gentleman be-
hind the restaurant counter who handled money and food with equal opportunity sans gloves also had control of the TV. On one screen was a reasonable show, on the other, still photos which he changed from time to time of scantily clad seductive females, one that stayed on for a long time with stockings, garter belt and little more -- you get the picture. But the worst offence was the men’s room. One urinal was covered with a black garbage bag, obviously out of order. The other was so backed up that had someone used it, the splash-back would have sent him reeling. In the toilet compartment, water seeped onto the floor. The soap dispenser was empty and paper towel dispenser, designed to be handsfree, was loaded incorrectly and had to be cajoled into giving forth its gift of paper. There was even trash in the alcove with the draping, photo and dedication to Leonard Thompson, a son of the Abaco soil who flew 25 combat missions in World War II until his bomber was shot down and he was captured by Germans in 1944, later released by Russians and went on to become one of the first aviation pioneers in The Bahamas. Poor, dirty conditions at the airport were in contrast to so much of the islands of the Abacos from Treasure Cay to Green Turtle Cay to Hope Town on Elbow Cay where roads were beautifully maintained and you could drive for miles without seeing evidence of littering except near the Green Turtle Cay dump which is another issue for another day. Abaco’s main airport is critical to the success of the Family Island in the northern Bahamas that has provided so much satisfaction to so many visitors, many of whom return year after year. There is no excuse good enough to explain away the bad condition of this newly renovated facility. A design audit is in order starting with the exterior where the drop-off area is too narrow. If a taxi unloading passengers and luggage fails to pull up as close as possible to the curb, a second vehicle cannot pass. The second floor where a new airport lounge has just opened is undergoing a re-design process, including the possibility of adding restrooms. But why were plans approved without restrooms on an entire floor of the airport in the first place? In February, the government signed a technical assistance agreement with Vantage, the Vancouver-based company that manages Lynden Pindling International Airport under the NAD umbrella. Perhaps the new Member of Parliament for the Abacos, the Hon Darren Henfield, another proud son of the Abaco soil, can address how Vantage or NAD can assist in cleaning up what is now a national disgrace and an international embarrassment. After all, Mr. Henfield is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and while the condition of a men’s room is not high on the list of foreign affairs issues, it can shape public opinion and flush business we pay millions to attract right down the toilet.
Sacred cows EDITOR, The Tribune. LISTENING to the posturing of the attorneys for the erstwhile political “sacred cows”, I have to wonder if the maxim “everybody is equal under the law” was thrown out with the baby’s bath water. Acknowledging that it was unnecessary to shackle an injured Shane Gibson, where were these voices when our young men were led shackled and handcuffed to court? Where were the cries of horror when the female
civil servant spent time in Fox Hill while she awaited a Supreme Court bail hearing and was led to court in handcuffs? But what really concerns me is the fact that these “leaders of the Bar” seem to be encouraging members of the public to “diss” the legitimate working of the judicial system in the form of police investigations and court proceedings . In our crime-ridden society only the police and the courts protect us from a system of anarchy. Yet we have senior members of the
Bar adopting some of the worst aspects of Trump’s America. We do not need to hear of “witch hunts”. We need to hear these persons who have been honoured by the Queen exhorting the population to await the results of investigations and any following court proceedings. Then if the results follow a certain course other court proceedings can be contemplated and taken. JEANNE THOMPSON Nassau, August 7, 2017.
Minnis the reformer EDITOR, The Tribune. WHAT we are witnessing before our eyes today in The Bahamas regarding wealthy, prominent politicians being hauled before the courts is without precedent. It is usually the small man who bares the brunt of the law, while important people are exempted from penal liability. PM Dr Hubert Minnis has virtually changed the course of history since assuming high office approximately three months ago. At the current rate he is on, he will be considered a political reformer by historians in years to come. Minnis has exceeded expectations; and has demonstrated a bravery which is simply unmatched by even former PM Hubert Ingraham. When Ingraham became PM again in 2007, many FNMs were clamouring for investigations to be conducted into the affairs of the first Christie administration. They were sorely disappointed, as no such investigations were carried
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net out. There was a perception that certain persons connected to the PLP government were engaged in gross corruption, and had gotten away scot free. Some FNMs reasoned that it may have been due to Ingraham’s close ties to Christie. Both of them were law partners and had served in the PLP Cabinet of Sir Lynden Pindling, the nation’s first PM. While Ingraham is a loyal FNM and has been since 1990, his political navel string is buried in the PLP. Any mention of the PLP might cause him to become sentimental, especially if he reflects on his start in frontline politics as PLP chairman in 1976. This is understandable. Ingraham was a good PM. The type of malfeasance which allegedly plagued the two Christie administrations never occurred under his watch. However, his unwillingness to investigate
Christie hurt him. In fairness to Ingraham, his first administration did hold a commission of inquiry into the Pindling government in 1994. But that process led to no criminal prosecutions. Bahamians were disappointed. Ingraham simply did not go far enough. On May 10 of this year, an overwhelming majority of Bahamians entrusted their country to Minnis in order to do what Ingraham failed to do: stomp out corruption once and for all. If Minnis succeeds in this regard, he will become a legendary icon. He will go down in political folklore as the greatest PM the country has ever had. Minnis is a courageous political reformer. The small man loves him dearly. It is surely the people’s time. Minnis must continue on the path he is on. We the people put him in office to do exactly what he is doing. THE WHISTLEBLOWER Nassau, August 7, 2017.
Apology to D’Aguilar EDITOR, The Tribune. I OWE a profound and abject apology to the Hon. Dionisio d’Aguilar (FNMFree Town), the erstwhile Minister of Tourism. Last week, without first speaking to the Minister, as I should have done, I lambasted him in particular and the Minnis Administration in general for “terminating” nine persons, not eleven as I wrongly stated in an editorial, from the Freeport office of the Ministry of Tourism. Recently, it was brought to my knowledge that those workers “terminated” had been hired by the former administration less than three weeks before the May 10th general elections. These “hires” would have cost the taxpayers at least B$750,000 per year. These hires were, clearly, an electoral ‘bribe’ and should not have happened so close to
the elections. Our staff complement at MOT here at home and abroad exceeds 400. In Jamaica there are less than 150 personnel for that whole Island state. Jamaica has one marketing office in the entire USA. We had six with a staff complement of less than 60. Our USA staff complement was over 120. Tourism is a dynamic and ever evolving industry. Most travel arrangements are now made online or via other electronic platforms. The necessity for heavy body counts is now passe. Jamaica has more than 2.5 million stop over visitors. We have about 1.5 million and have not seen a measurable increase for decades. Generally stop-over visitors spend in excess of B$1,400 during their stay. Cruise ship visitors, for whom we are also thankful, tend to stay on board their
ships and spend less than B$70.00 per trip. We need to grow our stop-over visitor total. It is as simple as that. I am more than persuaded, now that I have had the benefit of proper research and intense discussions with stakeholders, that Dionisio will bring something different to the industry. Already he’s had several vital meetings with professionals in the so called African-American travel and entertainment industry to host events and retreats in The Bahamas. The reception, I understand, has been fantastic, so far. The Hon Minister has his job cut out for him, but he will make us all proud once the political dust would have settled. To God then, in all things, be the glory. ORTLAND H. BODIE, JR Nassau, August 7, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Fisheries officer sues after arrest
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net JUSTICE Indra Charles on Friday found the Royal Bahamas Police Force liable for an incident in 2015 that culminated in the arrest of a civil servant at his home. Gilford Lloyd, a senior fisheries officer at the Department of Marine Resources, brought a civil action against Chief Supt Theophilus Cunningham, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and the attorney general concerning an incident at his Yellow Elder Gardens home on January 9, 2015 when they searched for someone who did not live there. Mr Lloyd sought damages for unlawful entry, assault, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and punitive damages, in addition to other relief and declarations from the Supreme Court. Mr Lloyd testified that around 10pm on the date in question, police officers under the command of Chief Supt Cunningham, kicked
down the door of his home, identified themselves as police, placed a gun to his head and ordered him to get down on the floor. Mr Lloyd, in shock at the situation, wet himself, and asked to be able to use the restroom. After being allowed to do so, he was handcuffed and taken outside to one of seven police cars that were in the street, with his neighbours looking on. After some 30 minutes, Chief Supt Cunningham reportedly looked him over and ordered his release. It was at this time that he noticed the front door of his home had been damaged. He was able to determine the identity of the commanding officer because junior officers at the scene referred to the surname and rank of the senior officer, the court was told. After doing an online search, he learned the full name of the senior officer who was conducting the operation and ordered his eventual release. Mr Lloyd called a neighbour, Nelson Strachan, to
testify in his defence and Mr Strachan told the court that when the brigade of police cars had first arrived and officers indicated that they were looking for a “Dominic,” he told them that the individual they were looking for lived on the next street. However, the officers ignored him and barged into the home where they later brought Mr Lloyd out in cuffs. Chief Supt Cunningham, in his testimony before Justice Charles, denied he was ever present and therefore could not have ordered or conducted the operation that resulted in Mr Lloyd’s detention and duress. He further noted that for the period of October 2014 to March 2015, he was responsible for operations concerning the eastern districts of New Providence and that Yellow Elder did not fall within that area. Justice Charles on Friday said that she had the opportunity to observe the demeanor of the witnesses who gave evidence. “It is always difficult for
FORMER Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson during his court appearance. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
BISHOP ELLIS - GIBSON SHOWN NO RESPECT from page one Before his arraignment, Gibson had voluntarily presented himself to the Central Detective Unit (CDU) on Wednesday to assist officers with an ongoing investigation. Gibson’s attorney, Anthony McKinney, QC, has reportedly said his client injured his foot during a recent boating trip and that his limping was “not the result of any brutality”. The next day, after he was taken to Magistrate’s Court, Gibson reportedly got out of a police car using crutches. He reportedly used those crutches to enter the nearby police station. A short time later, Gibson left the station in handcuffs and no crutches. With the assistance of officers, Gibson limped and hopped his way up the stairs to court. He was later seen using the walking aides while at the Supreme Court for his bail hearing. In his letter, Bishop Ellis, senior pastor of Mount Tabor Church, noted it was “painful” to watch the arraignment of a man he said is a “faithful member” of the Mount Tabor congregation. The politician’s wife, Pastor Jackie Gibson, is also
an active member of Mount Tabor. Charging that the “laws of man” can only be just “when they conform with the laws of God and are enforced with basic respect for human dignity,” Bishop Ellis called on “all relevant authorities” to “question whether the manner in which Mr Gibson was handled was consistent with this principle”. “I am aware that Mr Gibson was called in for questioning by the police,” Bishop Ellis said. “I am advised that just prior to this he suffered an injury which required the aid of crutches for support. The videos I saw show that while being escorted by several officers to his arraignment, Mr Gibson was made to abandon his crutches in order to be handcuffed behind his back. “Observers report and video affirms that he limped along the street and literally hopped up the steps to the level of the court. “Based on the totality of the circumstances . . . and Mr Gibson’s long-standing service to multiple sectors of our community and the nation itself, I have struggled mightily to understand what risk was being protected against that required the measure of inhumanity
shown to Mr Gibson,” Bishop Ellis, who noted he was out of the country, wrote. “We are well served to be guided always by the simple admonition of St Paul to the Galatians that we are to ‘do unto others as we would have them do unto us.’ This simple concept is so powerful that it is central to our shared values of civility. Any breach of this basic Christian principle, especially in the exercise of public duty, can result in serious and long lasting negative consequences for our nation.” Last week, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis expressed outrage at the circumstances surrounding Gibson’s arraignment, and noted Progressive Liberal Party supporters will be asked to “come together shortly to demonstrate our contempt for these inhumane actions”.
a judge to tell who is telling the truth when the evidence is divergent (but) I am fortified that I believe the evidence of the plaintiff,” the judge said. She also accepted the evidence of Mr Strachan, which she said corroborated what Mr Lloyd had said under oath. She found that the police were liable for the incident that occurred at Mr Lloyd’s home. The judge said the damages will be determined at a hearing on November 1 at which time the full judgment should be available. However, she added that this did not exclude the legal parties from reaching an agreed sum on damages that should be awarded to Mr Lloyd. Christina Galanos and Bjorn Ferguson appeared for Mr Lloyd while Kenrah Newry appeared for the Crown.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 5
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THE TRIBUNE
Bank of The Bahamas bailout to be debated by Parliament By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest yesterday pledged the government’s planned $166m “rescue” for Bank of The Bahamas will be fully debated in Parliament. Mr Turnquest acknowledged that a second “bail out” for the beleaguered bank “tests the patience and confidence of the public”, but ultimately defended the move as the government’s duty to act in the best interest of its shareholders and the industry. “We intend to go to Parliament to have the rescue fully debated which should have been done with the prior deal,” he told The Tribune in an interview yesterday. He also committed himself to disclosing the details surrounding the first Bahamas Resolve transaction, telling The Tribune “to the
extent that we can, I will”. “We fully appreciate that the public’s patience and confidence has been tested with this second effort,” Mr Turnquest said, “but we believe that the bank, operated without political interference and free of a book of bad loans that should have been addressed years ago, will pay off in the medium term. “The government of The Bahamas as the majority shareholder has an obligation to its depositors and minority shareholders to act in their best interest as well as the industry. We are confident that the action taken to secure the bank’s path to profitability and return of shareholder value is the best option available.” He continued: “We are likewise confident in the newly elected board of directors and their plan to restructure and strengthen the bank’s governance and market position.” Resolve is a state-owned and controlled company
that was established in October 2014 to assume liability for $100m of BOB’s non-performing commercial loans. The “bail out” came under scrutiny on the general election campaign trail earlier this year after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham questioned how the deal was authorised without the approval of Parliament. In early February, then Prime Minister Perry Christie said his administration would soon make a full disclosure on the current affairs of BOB and Resolve Bahamas. However, no such disclosure was made. According to Tribune Business, the new “bail out” is essentially a repeat of the first Bahamas Resolve transaction, although the sums involved are much higher. The latest rescue will remove some $166m worth of “toxic” commercial loans from BOB’s balance sheet and transfer them to the Bahamas Resolve special purpose vehicle (SPV). The loans, which are to be paid for at gross book
DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest. value, will be exchanged for lating to BOB and Resolve promissory notes (govern- Bahamas. In January 2015, Prime ment IOUs or bonds) that will be provided by Baha- Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, leader of the Official mas Resolve. While in opposition, the Opposition at the time, led Free National Movement about 100 supporters on was critical of the Christie a march to BOB’s Shirley administration’s actions re- Street location.
“We have assembled here at the people’s bank to declare with one loud voice that enough is enough,” Dr Minnis said on the steps of the bank at the time. “The government must act and they must act now. The use of government voting power to prop up failed leadership in the bank is unacceptable, when the Bahamian taxpayers have been made to swallow a $100m increase in the public debt load in order to prop up the same bank. “The bank’s present leadership must go and they must go now.” At the time, Dr Minnis also called on the government to “cause for an immediate forensic audit to be conducted of all decisions made by senior management which contributed to the potential collapse of the bank, the need for intense Central Bank intervention and ultimately the need for a government bail out”. Shortly after winning the May 10 general election, the government announced BOB, among other institutions, would undergo a forensic audit.
WAR OF WORDS ON FINANCE DEBT
from page one
Reacting to Mr Cooper’s statement on Monday, Mr Turnquest accused the PLP politician of being “disingenuous at best” or, at worst, “obviously trying to mislead the Bahamian people on the basic facts”. Mr Turnquest said he expected “better” from Mr Cooper, adding the accounting practices the latter is promoting is likely the reason why the country’s finances are in their current state. He stressed that the Minnis administration met a litany of unpaid bills when it assumed office on May 10, and those liabilities, as well as bill already paid, had to be accounted for in the budget debate. For his part, Mr Cooper said: “With great fanfare, the current administration levelled a half-billiondollar deficit at the feet of the Christie administration during its recent budget exercise, sending shockwaves throughout the Bahamas and the international investment and rating communities. “As the Christie administration was voted out of office on May 10, one wonders how in even the most extreme circumstances, an administration could run up an additional $215m in deficit spending in just 10 days, if, as the Free National Movement
contends, it met ‘the cupboards bare’. “As the deficit is based on actual disbursements, Mr Turnquest needs to fully explain what the extra $215m was used to pay that does not seem to have been run up by the PLP.” Mr Cooper added: “What bills were encountered by the Minnis administration after the election, when the FNM was supposedly tightly monitoring fiscal controls? Or was the estimated $500m an exaggeration?” According to Tribune Business, more than $215m worth of deficit spending had to be incurred during the final two months of the 2016-2017 fiscal year to hit the Minnis administration’s $500m projection. Based on previous Central Bank reports, which pegged the end-March deficit at $265.9m, the former government added a relatively “modest” $18.8m to it during April - a far cry from the $500m worth of “red ink” that the Minnis administration is estimating for the 2016-2017 full-year, Tribune Business reported last week. The Central Bank data suggests either the Christie administration abandoned all spending controls during its final days in office; that previous spending commitments caught up with it; or the current government’s estimate may be excessive, it was previously
reported. Yesterday, Mr Cooper explained that backlogged bills that had not yet been paid should not be factored in to the deficit because government accounting is done on a cash basis. “The deficit represents actual spending and not what bills were left due or that the government wished to pay, as this is a natural consequence of all governments when control changes hands – to meet some bills unpaid – as was the case when the PLP took over from the Ingraham administration in 2012. “Indeed this scenario will occur at the end of each budget period. Cash management is key,” he continued. “After the show that was gleefully participated in by so many ministers of the Minnis administration as the PLP was castigated on the notion of unsustainable deficit spending, it is incumbent on the minister of finance to explain what it spent the extra $215m on and why; or provide appropriate reconciliation of its numbers versus that of the Central Bank of the Bahamas,” Mr Cooper said. However Mr Turnquest castigated the political newcomer for his reasoning. “Having admonished his party to apologise to the Bahamian people for the mismanagement of the country’s fiscal affairs and as a financial services professional himself, I expected better from the shadow minister,” Mr Turnquest told The Tribune. “Cooper acknowledges that in a cash basis accounting system, bills are only recorded when paid. However, liabilities incurred must still be accounted for and provision made to pay them as they become due or demanded. The practice of deliberately holding over payments at year end to take advantage of the inherent weakness of a cash basis system and under reporting liabilities incurred is misleading and dangerous. This practice likely con-
tributed to the massive national debt every Bahamian is now obligated to pay as successive governments fail to recognise past obligations in planning for future spending. “On assuming office, the current administration was faced with millions of dollars in recorded payment in the treasury system awaiting available cash and approval to disburse cheques. Many vendors would attest to the fact that they remained unpaid for months leading into the general election, including salaries for groups of workers such as the ‘job empowerment programme,’ more commonly known as the 52week workers I spoke about during my budget debate contribution and the police overtime pay. “Pharmaceutical companies were not paid and threatened to cut off supply, insurance premiums were not paid, vendors, including hurricane relief vendors, were not paid, service contracts were not paid, and the list goes on. “To be frank, I am appalled at the suggestion that the bills incurred in the period from May 10 to June 30 had much of anything to do with the current administration given the massive amount of bills discovered and those that were undisclosed and popped up. The fact is that prudent cash management is an absolute must, given the lack of fiscal control exercise by the former administration. “During the budget debate my colleagues outlined line after line of fiscal abuse and waste, yet the shadow finance minister is unashamed to raise his head. I had hoped he would be different but I suppose the PLP message remains the same, unapologetic and shameless,” Mr Turnquest said. He said the Ministry of Finance will continue its modernisation project which will prevent “these distortions going forward” and ensure true accountability and transparency in fiscal reporting practices.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 7
Exuma, Abaco still blighted by power cuts
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper has called the frequent power outages affecting Exuma, an “untenable” situation that is frustrating both residents and visitors. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) member said Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) “has failed to keep the lights on in the height of summer and a peak business season for tourism”. “The constant power outages in Exuma are impeding growth and investment on the island, stifling our tourism product and reducing the quality of life for residents of Exuma,” Mr Cooper noted in a statement released on Monday. “Little Exuma, for example, was without power from 10am Wednesday past well into the night. The situation is untenable,” he said. “I have so far been unable to get a clear explanation of why this is happening and a long-term plan by BPL to resolve the issue, nor a plan to resolve the chronic street light outages. “This is simply unacceptable. I call on the management and board of BPL to examine on an urgent basis the constant power outages with a view to bringing immediate relief to our citizens and guests.
“Further, I call on the government to articulate its national energy policy, inclusive of improving reliability, reducing costs, creating incentives for renewable energy and reverse metering.” His statement came days after BPL said a recent wave of power outages in Abaco were the result of “a series of tests” at BPL’s Wilson City Power Station. BPL, in a statement on Friday, said it was “necessary” to conduct the tests as it seeks to “improve our reliability and system stability”. BPL acknowledged those tests resulted in “a number of repeated power outages on the island over the past ten days”. The statement by BPL came just days after one hotelier told The Tribune that the repeated outages have turned potential Abaco visitors away. Molly McIntosh, general manager of the Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina, said while the situation has become better since the July 7 holiday weekend, the power was “still going off for an hour or so every other day”. Additionally, one visitor, after seeing The Tribune’s articles online, contacted this newspaper and complained that the outages were the worst his family had seen since visiting
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
the Abacos from the early 1970s. BPL, in a statement last month, acknowledged it was having challenges with its generation and distribution network in Abaco, adding that copper theft continues to be a “significant problem” responsible for a number of prolonged outages. The company said it was working constantly to resolve issues responsible for the recent periods of supply interruption. “BPL sincerely apologises to its customers for the inconvenience caused during this time and remains committed to the continuous improvement of service to the island,” said BPL’s statement on Friday. Last month, BPL blamed “copper theft” and “distribution challenges” for the constant power outages that
have plagued Abaco. At the time, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard called the frequent power outages in Abaco “disgraceful” and “unacceptable.” He urged BPL to “overhaul the island’s protection system,” which he claimed has not been upgraded in 25 years. Abaco residents also expressed their disgust on BPL’s Facebook page, with some persons calling for a march to Parliament against the company. Earlier this summer, Works Minister Desmond Bannister said he has “serious concerns” with BPL’s ability to “keep the lights on this summer.” At the time, Mr Bannister said he is already “looking to find new, alternative ways”, including solar, to produce energy.
CHESTER COOPER
PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Sacked - for having a beard from page one
that Commissioner Ellison Greenslade might have bypassed the protocol for dismissals outlined in both the Police Service Commission Regulation and the Police Act (2009) before terminating her client. A copy of Mr Bain’s discharge certificate obtained by The Tribune shows that on August 2, 2017, the officer of 17 years was dis-
charged from the RBPF “in accordance with Section 7 (c) of the Police Disciplinary Regulations No 1965 and Section 21 (1)(c) of the Police Force Act 2009.” The discharge certificate noted that during his tenure with the RBPF, Mr Bain’s “conduct and general character has been unsatisfactory.” Mr Bain first joined the RBPF in 2000, and converted to Islam sometime in 2011. However, Mr Bain, according to court documents
The Bahamas Public Services Union
Special General meetinG for nomination of officerS to Serve for 2017-2020 The Bahamas Public Services Union in accordance with Article 21-(i) of the Union’s Constitution will hold a Special General meeting, for the nomination of officers to serve for the year 2017 - 2020 on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 beginning at 6:00pm at the Bahamas Communication and Public Officers Union located Farrington Road, Nassau Bahamas. Nomination forms may be collected at the Union’s Administration Office, Wulff Road between the hours of 9:30am to 4:40pm Monday through Friday commencing Thursday, 3rd August, 2017 Candidates for all positions are urged to collect and return the completed forms to the Secretary General on or before 5:00pm Wednesday, 15th August 2017.
obtained by The Tribune, claimed that his dismissal was the end result of his multiple attempts at having Commissioner Greenslade acquiesce to his pleas to adhere to the Muslim practice of not shaving one’s beard while serving as a member of the RBPF. According to an affidavit filed July 6, 2016, which lists Commissioner Greenslade as one of seven defendants, Mr Bain met with Commissioner Greenslade and/ or other senior officials no less than three times on the matter, dating as far back as early 2015. And each time the relevant parties met, Mr Bain informed all present of his Muslim faith, according to the affidavit. In one such instance, on June 10, 2016, and in the presence of current and/or former members of the RBPF’s senior executive leadership team and other RBPF officials, Mr Bain “humbly requested the commissioner of police to assist with come accommodation Muslim practices to wear a beard”. In the affidavit, Mr Bain said he did so “with humility and out of respect to consider awareness of my constitutional rights, and status as a police officer and as a Muslim”. This represented an immediate conflict, Mr Bain acknowledged in his interview with The Tribune on Friday, given the grooming policies of the RBPF and the reported Muslim practice of not shaving one’s beards in reverence of Islam and its founding prophet, Muhammad. Rules A series of inquiries on the RBPF’s grooming policy led to this newspaper being instructed by a senior police officer to refer to the grooming standards for RBPF cadets, which are published on the RBPF’s official website. The officer said those stipulations also apply to all police officers. According to those rules, male cadets are required to maintain a “neat and
THE TRIBUNE
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, who is a defendant named in an affadavit. clean” appearance both in by three separate senior po- nate her client. In that letter, and out of uniform, regard- lice officers that he had “de- she said Mr Bain’s terminaless of location. Their hair faulted” for either not com- tion came the same day must be of crew cut length plying with a “lawful order” her law firm, Dulwich Law (short) and must not touch to shave his beard, or not Chambers, filed a notice of referral to case managethe shirt collar at the back shaving while in uniform. of the neck. Two tribunals later, both ment, and that her client’s Cadets may sport hair of which he said he was termination also occurred that is of sufficient thick- found guilty for his refusal despite an originating sumness to “reflect current to shave his beard, Mr Bain mons filed in 2016 for relathair styling, but shall not said he was officially dis- ed decisions made in June and July of that year. protrude over the ears,” ac- charged from the RBPF. “This gentleman is a good cording to the website. “I know without a doubt “Trendy hairstyles” are what happened to me was police officer,” she told The prohibited. Cadets must be a travesty, was unlawful, Tribune on Friday. “Always clean-shaven, and no side- however the greatest trav- was a good police (officer). I burns or beards are allowed. esty was not what happened used to work in (Central DeAccording to the affida- to me, but it’s what is being tective Unit), he used to work vit, Mr Bain reported to the happening to the Constitu- in (Drug Enforcement Unit). maintenance section of po- tion of the commonwealth Never had an issue. Other were lice headquarters from early of the Bahamas,” he said. (officers-in-charge) 2015 to mid-2016, an area “When I know, and each willing to work with him. “He was allowed to do he suggested to The Trib- and every Bahamian knows, une on Friday was more ac- that the sweat blood and his prayer, they used to give commodating of his Muslim tears that were shed by our him his lunchtime to go faith due to the ‘back of the forefathers to more or less and do his prayer. But the house’ nature of the job and seek this freedom for us, and commissioner of police, Mr it not requiring him to be in leave it for us to maintain, Greenslade seems to have a standard police uniform. and for us to allow any one problem with what’s been However, on June 21, person or one sect of people going on,” she claimed. “Now we have to go 2016, Mr Bain said he was to destroy it, I think that’s back to the courts, ask the instructed by Commissioner the greatest travesty of all.” Greenslade to report to poAttempts to contact courts to put an injunction lice headquarters, where he Commissioner Greenslade on the commissioner. This was informed by the police yesterday for comment man has a family. He is the breadwinner, his wife is not chief that he would be trans- were unsuccessful. ferred from the maintenance Nonetheless, in a letter working. Because this man section to the Elizabeth Es- addressed to Commissioner decided to change his relitates Police Station, and thus Greenslade dated August gion, that is a problem? It required to be in uniform. 3, 2017 and obtained by is unfair. There are many According to the affidavit, The Tribune, Ms Daxon areas in the police force he from that date up to June 23, bemoaned the “unconsti- could work in and maintain 2016, Mr Bain was informed tutional” decision to termi- his religion.”
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THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 9
THE SMOKE rising from a reported charcoal venture near Excellence Estates as seen in a video online.
RESIDENT WANTS ACTION OVER PURPORTED CHARCOAL BUSINESS STARTED NEAR HOMES By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A SOCIAL media campaign detailing an alleged illegal charcoal venture near his home has gathered widespread support for one Excellence Estates resident and could offer some resolution to a problem that has plagued his community for more than three years. In a video posted to Facebook last week, homeowner Don Williams exposed a charcoal-production venture he alleges was allowed to “take shape” just yards from his front door. In the nearly five-minute long video, Mr Williams, 31, while touring the site, gave an account of how the alleged illegal venture resulted in increased medical and electrical costs for his family. The video has brought dozens of responses and scores of reactions since its release. The post even featured a comment by We March founder, Senator Ranard Henfield, who offered some advice to the suffering homeowner. In an interview with The Tribune on Friday, Mr Williams said inaction over the course of two years, despite his complaints, allowed the venture to re-start on three separate occasions, each
time, expanding its level of production. “Despite my complaints to community officials, politicians and other government officials, these persons were allowed to start-up, get push out, rebuild, get ended by a hurricane and rebuild. All without being properly checked by law enforcement. All in the very same area, near my home,” he claimed. Mr Williams, a resident of the Golden Isles constituency said the operation, in its first manifestation, appeared in late 2014, some distance away from his home. “I remember seeing smoke one day, it was a short distance from my home, and I paid it no mind. Not too long after that, what I thought was a one-off thing, was now a big deal, just outside my yard. “I hired a bulldozer early last year and I had the operation pushed through. They then cleared the lot right next to me, and I had that mowed down too. “They moved further back and then the hurricane came through and wiped that out. Guess what, they came back yet again. “Now, they are operating a bigger, more dangerous operation,” he claimed. Mr Williams said he opted to produce his video after having several incidents
with the group, asking them to desist, and being brushed off as nothing more than an irritant. “This was my last hope. I tried it all,” he told The Tribune. “My daughter is out of the country. She’s on respiratory medication. My wife is also out of the country. My life is upside down because of this. “All I wanted was help.” Mr Williams said that “help” started to stream in after his video went viral last week. “Thanks to the video we have gotten more traction in the last 24 hours than I had in the past two years,” he said. “Urban Renewal, the Department of Forestry and the Ministry of Housing all have made contact and plans are underway to fix this and I couldn’t be happier. “This is my home. I can’t just pack up and leave. I am happy that this is close to being over and my life could get back to the way it once was.” Calls placed to the Department of Environmental Health Service (DEHS) on Friday were unsuccessful. DEHS Director Melanie McKenzie, via text message on Friday, said she was “out of country,” but indicated all queries on the matter would be directed to her office.
The public is invited to attend a public discussion on the
BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT (BPL) CONSUMER PROTECTION PLAN Tuesday, 8 August at 6:30pm St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Boyd Road The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is the independent regulator for the Electricity Sector in The Bahamas. This Public Consultation is mandated by the Electricity Act (EA) 2015. Under the EA, URCA is responsible for approving a set of standards proposed by Public Electricity Suppliers, for the protection of electricity consumers. UTILITIES REGULATION & COMPETITION AUTHORITY
Frederick House, Frederick Street P.O. Box N-4860, Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242 393 0234 • Hotline: 242 396 5238 • Toll Free: 242 300 URCA (8722) • Fax: 242 393 0237 Email: info@urcabahamas.bs www.urcabahamas.bs
“Improving Lives Through Effective Utilities Regulation”
PAGE 10, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
‘Nation-builder and lawyer’ Sir Geoffrey Johnstone dies
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FUNERAL services for Bahamian politician and lawyer Sir Geoffrey Johnstone, who died in Doctors Hospital early Friday morning, will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 11am at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk, Princes Street. Rev Bryn McPhail will officiate. Sir Geoffrey, who would have been 90 next month, has been in failing health for some time. He was admitted to hospital last Tuesday. Born in Nassau on September 19, 1927, he was the eldest son of Bruce Eric Johnstone and Wilhelmina Helena Aline Johnstone nee Kemp. He was graduated from Queen’s College in Nassau in 1945, after which he worked for two years as an insurance agent for British American Insurance Company Ltd. In 1947, Sir Geoffrey studied law at the Inns of Court in London and was called to the Bar of England and Wales from Middle Temple in June 1950. In August of that year he was also called to the Bahamas Bar and in the same year joined the law firm of Higgs & Johnson and was admitted into partnership in 1952. He later became the firm’s senior partner in 1968 and continued in that role until his retirement in 1999. Sir Geoffrey was elected to the House of Assembly for the Eastern District of New Providence in November 1962. He served as minister of road traffic and records in the United Bahamian Party (UBP) government from January 1964 to 1967.
SIR GEOFFREY JOHNSTONE, who died on Friday morning. He would have been 90 years old next month. In January 1967, he was returned as member for the Montagu constituency where he served until September 1972. He also served as leader of the opposition from February 1970 to July 1971. He played an instrumental role in the creation of the Free National Movement (FNM). Sir Geoffrey also served as Bahamas Bar Association president from June 1973 to June 1975 and as vice-president from June 1975 to June 1976. On December 31, 1994, Sir Geoffrey was appointed
a commander of the most distinguished order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Twelve years later he was made knight commander of the order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. “Prince Charles actually knighted me,” he said at the time, “as the Queen was away.” Sir Geoffrey served as chairman of the Hotel Corporation of the Bahamas in the early 1990s. He also served as deputy to the gov-
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ernor general on several occasions. Many officials paid tribute to Sir Geoffrey in the wake of his death. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis priased the former Cabinet minister as a nation builder. In a statement, Dr Minnis extended condolences to Lady Johnstone and loved ones on behalf of himself, his wife, and the government. “Sir Geoffrey was a nation-builder, who loved his country and served the Bahamas in both public and private life,” the Prime Minister said.”I express gratitude for his service to the Bahamas and to the Free National Movement.” Dr Minnis’ statement continued: “He was a former Cabinet minister and served as a member of Parliament for 10 years. He briefly served as leader of the opposition. He became a longstanding and dedicated member of the Free National Movement.” The statement added: “He served as non-resident ambassador to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. He also served as an elder at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk beginning in 1962.” Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, also former leader of the FNM, hailed Sir Geoffrey as a “giant of a man.” “Considered a prince by many in the establishment, Geoffrey Johnstone was an accomplished barrister who practised before the Bahamas Bar for more than 50 years,” Mr Ingraham said on Friday. “He served as both vicepresident and president of
the Bahamas Bar. Sir Geoffrey was one of the most unselfish politicians I have ever known. He was a true Bahamian patriot, a nationalist and a cornerstone of the Free National Movement. “He served as a Cabinet minister in the last UBP-led government and later as the leader of that party. “He gave up more political capital than anyone else to create the Free National Movement,” said Mr Ingraham. “In doing so he presided over the dissolution of his party; gave up his position as leader of the opposition and relinquished his safe parliamentary seat, Montagu, to facilitate the creation of the Free National Movement. “Well respected and admired by his colleagues, Sir Geoffrey actively persuaded many of his former colleagues to also give up their seats in the House of Assembly so as to ensure the successful development of a strong two-party system in our country. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. “As leader of the FNM,” said Mr Ingraham, “I benefitted greatly from Sir Geoffrey’s knowledge, experience, influence and fundraising prowess. He opened many doors for me and for the FNM. “I valued his counsel and advice in office and remain grateful for the support he lent. “He served my government as chairman of the Hotel Corporation. I was pleased to appoint him as non-resident Bahamian ambassador to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.
“I was similarly happy to appoint him as deputy to the governor general and see him act as governor general on a number of occasions. “I was more than pleased,” Mr Ingraham continued, “to recommend him for the highest award of knighthood which a Bahamian prime minister can make. It was an honour which I believe he treasured. “I remember fondly time spent with Sir Geoffrey, whether at his renowned Christmas parties or fishing on his boat, ‘Skylarking’. Most recently Delores and I visited with him at his home late last year when he was already in declining health. “Delores joins me in expressing sincerest condolences to Lady Anne Johnstone and to the extended family on the passing of Sir Geoffrey,” Mr Ingraham said. Sir Geoffrey is survived by his wife, Lady Anne Johnstone, his younger brother, Peter, and his wife, Joan Johnstone, his brother-in-law, Godfrey Kelly and sister-in-law, Sonia Kelly. Also surviving him are his nieces and nephews. His nieces are Heather White (née Raine), Deborah Raine, Gloria Raine and Linda Eliza (nee Kelly) and Emma Johnstone. His nephews are Bruce Raine, Glenn and David Johnstone and David White. Instead of flowers donations may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box N205, Nassau, or The Bahamas Humane Society, P.O. Box N242, Nassau, in memory of Sir Geoffrey AD Johnstone, KCMG.
SIR ARTHUR FOULKES PAYS HIS RESPECTS TO ‘A GREAT BAHAMIAN’ FORMER Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, in paying tribute to Sir Geoffrey Johnstone, described him as “a great Bahamian who gave brilliant service to his country for many years and in many ways”. Sir Geoffrey, 89, a distinguished politician and lawyer, died in Doctors Hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a long illness. Sir Arthur said he got to know Sir Geoffrey “in the political arena where he played a major role during that tumultuous period of the Sixties and Seventies. “Sir Geoffrey was a very charming and polished gentleman and a skillful and charismatic politician. I know because he and I were candidates on opposite sides in the same constituency in the 1962 general election. He won and I lost. But we became friends. “At the time of the dra-
SIR GEOFFREY JOHNSTONE matic events which resulted in a major realignment of politics in the early Seventies Sir Geoffrey was at the centre of things,” said Sir Arthur. “It was fortuitous that he had just become leader of the opposition and leader of the United Bahamian Party in 1970 during the political upheaval which began that year. “Sir Geoffrey was one of the few among the leadership in his party at the time
who recognised that a new political era had come to the Bahamas and he was willing to play a positive part in the transition. “It was largely because of his efforts that the UBP was disbanded making way for a new political party, the Free National Movement, to take over the role of the Official Opposition. “Sir Geoffrey and a few of his colleagues vowed at that time to retire from politics. He was one of those who kept that vow even though there was considerable pressure exerted to have him stay on the frontline and he was relatively young and still popular. “Sir Geoffrey was a prince of a man, a great Bahamian patriot and nation-builder who served his country passionately, nobly and honourably. The nation owes him a great debt of gratitude. “Joan and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lady Johnstone,” said Sir Arthur.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 11
Two dead in holiday shootings from page one suggested shooting deaths were a trend concerning persons out on bail or electronically monitored. He criticised a “hell bent” criminal element that felt entitled to lawlessness. Police have not released the identities of the deceased men; however The Tribune understands they are 21-year-old Terrence Rolle and 30-year-old Keno Hepburn. Rolle was charged with the murder of Troy “Ghost” Clarke and was released on bail on July 17. He was sitting in a parked car on Lily of the Valley Corner, off East Street when he and another passenger were fired on by two men in a charcoal gray coloured Honda sometime around 2.45pm Saturday. The gunmen reportedly drove up to the parked car, rolled the windows down and opened fire on the occupants of the vehicle. Rolle received multiple gunshots to his torso, according to police, and died at the scene. The other victim was taken to hospital by Emergency Medical Services. On Saturday, Senior ACP Dean said: “We can tell you that we have similar instances to this, the record has been plain, persons who are released (on bail) don’t want to abide by their conditions and so sometimes this is the end result. But from the police’s perspective, that doesn’t bar us from doing our duties which is prevention, detection of crime, to arrest these offenders who continue to commit crime. “We’ll continue to do that, that’s why we have ramped up our strategies. We have increased patrols, police officers were in the nearby area, and were able to respond to the scene quickly.” The second fatal shooting occurred outside a Cow-
A MAN out on bail for murder was shot and killed in front of a home on Lily of The Valley Corner on Saturday. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff pen Road nightclub shortly emerged from nearby bush- material they believe that wonder if this is a trend. Referring to the weekafter 1.30am on Monday, es and robbed one of them they have this right to com- We want to say to Baha- end drug and weapons seiof a large amount of cash, mit crime without being mian people who are going zures, Senior ACP Dean Emancipation Day. According to police, and shot the other man be- tracked down by the law,” to the beach, you can go to said: “You can go to the Fox the beach. You going to the Hill festival. We are havhe said. Hepburn was involved in an fore fleeing on foot. “They have no respect Family Island, you can do ing many successes on the The injured man was argument with several other men before he was shot out- taken to hospital where he for law and order, no re- so. You having family func- street. You’re going to see side the club. He was pro- is detained in stable condi- spect for the communities tions, you can do so. more aggressive and com“The police are out in prehensive successes. they live in, no respect for tion. nounced dead at the scene. On Saturday, while speak- the citizens. So, it’s obvi- full force, we have pulled Police also reported that “Officers are out and officers are searching for ing generally about the state ous that they don’t need to out everybody from our about,” he added, “if one two suspects responsible of crime, Senior ACP Dean be in these communities. senior command right time you need to support for a shooting and armed appealed for the continued We have to bring them to down to the constable on your police, it’s right now. robbery that left a man in support of the public in the justice and get them into the ground. They are out This is all you have now, in full force. You know that we are the guardians of the hospital on Sunday. Police anti-crime fight, and gave prison where they belong.” He added: “We want to we have a number of things community.” were told that shortly be- assurances of increased satfore 4pm, two men were uration patrols during the reassure the Bahamian going on, beach picnics out Anyone with information public because this is the at Arawak Cay, Montagu on these killings is asked to doing a transaction over the holiday period. “There are some indi- beginning of the holiday and then we have the major call police at 919, 502-9991 sale of a vehicle off Frank Watson Highway, when two viduals who are hell bent period, the public was say- festival in Fox Hill which is or the Crime Stoppers hotmen armed with handguns on committing crimes, im- ing this is the beginning, being heavily policed.” line at 328-TIPS.
PAGE 12, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
‘FNM can’t ask for apology from anyone’ PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said the Free National Movement has no moral authority to demand an apology from anyone, as he called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and the FNM to apologise on behalf of the governing party for what he sees as various transgressions and misdeeds over the years. In a statement released on Monday, Mr Roberts
among other things called on Dr Minnis to “practise what he preaches” and apologise for sitting around the Cabinet table when the Ingraham administration negotiated the “fire sale” of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company. Mr Roberts painted the “assortment of characters” that make up the Minnis team as being unsavory. “The FNM will dig your
eye out while denying any knowledge of the same,” Mr Roberts claimed. “They are the adulterous woman King Solomon described in the book of Proverbs: ‘Such is the way woman. She eateth, wipeth her mouth and says I have done no wickedness.’ They continue to prance around like peacocks telling the Bahamian people they are
as pure as the driven snow while pointing the finger of accusation at everybody else. “Minnis must deal honestly with the (alleged) corruption within his ranks first before pointing the finger. If he says he is cleaning corruption in government, then he must act accordingly. This political charade and PR stunt he is orchestrating is nothing more than a corrupt abuse of state power to persecute his political opponents for purely political reasons,” Mr Roberts added. “Minnis must also not be allowed to get away with this nonsense about the PLP should apologise. The FNM is in no moral position to demand an apology from anybody. They should be busy atoning for their sins perpetrated on the Bahamian people. The devil cannot get away with calling everybody else a sinner while his sins go unchallenged and unpunished. “The devil is always in the details just as the devil is in fact a liar.”
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts. Last week, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis admitted his party made mistakes and lost the public’s trust during its last term in office, but did not give an outright apology
for the PLP’s actions. In response, Dr Minnis said he was waiting on Mr Davis to say the words “I am sorry” for the decisions of the Christie administration.
www.ub.edu.bs
FALL SEMESTER ORIENTATION 2017 UB NORTH CAMPUS, GRAND BAHAMA Parents’ Day Tuesday, August 8th, 2017 6:00 p.m.
New Student Orientation Registration Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 9:30 a.m. Academic Unit-based Advisement Thursday, August 10th, 2017 Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Online Registration Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 – Friday, August 18th, 2017 Begins at 6:00 p.m. on August 15th, 2017
OAKES FIELD CAMPUS, NEW PROVIDENCE
On August 11th, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., status letters will be distributed to applicants in the Performing Arts Centre, Oakes Field Campus, University of The Bahamas. Parents’ Day Performing Arts Centre (Faculty of Social and Educational Studies /Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences) Performing Arts Centre Thursday, August 10th, 2017 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Parents’ Day Performing Arts Centre (Faculty of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies / Faculty of Liberal and Fine Arts / Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CELEARN)) Performing Arts Centre Thursday, August 10th, 2017 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. New Student Orientation (A – J) Performing Arts Centre Monday, August 14th, 2017 7:00 a.m. New Student Orientation Harry C. Moore Library & Information Centre Eastern Porch (K – Z) Monday, August 14th, 2017 9:00 a.m. Family Island and International New Student Orientation Performing Arts Centre Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 9:00 a.m. Academic Unit-based New Student Orientation and Advisement Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Academic Unit-based New Student Orientation and Advisement Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Online Registration Tuesday, August 15th, 2017-Sunday, August 20th, 2017 (midnight) Begins at 6:00 p.m. on August 15th, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 8, 2017, PAGE 13
Conflict resolution safety advice
Police advice
Every family has disagreements, which keeps the communication channel open. However, the handling of those conflicts will result in either a win/win outcome or destructive situation.
By SERGEANT 3150 NATHALIE RANGER
C
ONFLICT Resolution is when two or more parties find a peaceful solution to a disagreement amongst them. The need for resolution to conflicts has risen in our schools, homes, work place and community. It is inevitable that conflicts are going to happen whenever you have people with different expectations, views and concerns. However, in order to resolve a conflict we must accept our share of the responsibility and eliminate the concept of blame. In the school Children find themselves in situations that often lead to escalated conflicts with their peers. During adolescence into the developing stages of puberty, many children act out their emotions in the form of teasing, gossiping, and physical aggression. If left unchecked, these same behavioural patterns will transfer over to the teenage years. The school should include in its curriculum, conflict management, to teach students how to resolve and prevent conflicts.
The school can also organise a workshop on this subject matter and get parents involved. In the home Every family has disagreements, which keeps the communication channel open. However, the handling of those conflicts will result in either a win/ win outcome or destructive situation. Most family conflicts are because of poor communication skills, lack of family values, lack of respect, poor interpersonal skills, lack of effective role models/ poor parenting skills, sibling rivalry, financial problems, lack of trust, lack of accountability, and lack of Godliness. If God is out of the home, then the enemy will take charge and destroy the peaceful environment of the home. In the workplace When people work together, conflicts are often unavoidable because of differences in work goals and personal style. Almost everyone encounters a difficult person now and then in their personal and professional life.
Handling and resolving conflicts that arise in the work place is one of the biggest challenges managers and employees face. We often feel uncomfortable or dissatisfied with the result because no resolution has been achieved. Conflicts in the workplace are caused by poor communication, different values, different interests, personal clashes and poor performance. In the community How we handle conflicts within a community is important to the longterm success of a community. Conflicts in the community are caused by different beliefs, resources, preferences, needs and risk. Too many of our citizens are caught up in conflicts that they do not know how to manage. Our community should come together and form a conflict resolution forum so that the community can move forward in a positive direction. When faced with a conflict, agree to resolve it. 1. Use your brain and not your hands or a weapon 2. Talk about what is
bothering you in a calm and respectful way 3. No name calling 4. Take turns talking without interrupting 5. Be willing to listen to the other person and be sure to understand how he or she feels and sees the problem 6. The less angry you are the easier it will be to resolve the problem 7. Think of positive options, how can you meet each other’s needs and be fair 8. If you still can’t agree, ask someone else (an outsider) to help resolve the conflict. It is important to control anger and settle disputes peacefully because violence is becoming worrisome and threatening in our country because of the lack of knowledge on how to resolve conflicts. By resolving conflicts there will be fewer crimes, better relationships in the home, school, workplace and the community. For more information, contact the National Crime Prevention Office on 302-8430, 3028431, 3028154 or visit our website @ www.royalbahamaspolice.org.
REF#4 SECURITY GUARDS These individuals will be responsible for securing the property, animals, guests and staff of Blue Lagoon Island. Duties to include report of suspicious activity, monitoring surveillance equipment, inspection of all areas and control of access to prohibited areas. Requirements: Minimum of a High School Diploma with Two (2) years’ experience as a Security Guard, physically fit, able to work nights and knowledge of surveillance equipment. Are you an energetic, enthusiastic person thrives in an innovative changing environment? Do you love the outdoors and interacting with people in a beautiful tropical setting? If your answer is yes, we invite you to apply to be a part of our exciting team. Openings exist for the following positions: REF#1 HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR This individual is expected to supervise all cleaning personnel inclusive of scheduling and evaluations. Duties include but are not limited to inspection of areas for conformance to prescribed standards of cleanliness. Requirements: A minimum of Five (5) years working at a supervisory level in this capacity. Knowledge of sanitation procedures is a must. REF#2 LANDSCAPING SUPERVISOR This individual will supervise landscaping personnel including scheduling, training and evaluation. The supervisor will be responsible for an ongoing maintenance plan for Blue Lagoon Island to improve the aesthetic appearance of the island. Requirements: Five (5) years landscape maintenance and supervisory experience. REF#3 ELECTRICIAN This individual will be expected to install and maintain wiring and control all electrical systems. The electrician will inspect electrical components and identify electrical problems. Requirements: must be a Certified Master Electrician qualified in Three Phase and High Voltage electricity.
REF#8 LIFEGUARDS These individuals will be responsible for the safety of all Blue Lagoon guests both in and around the water. The lifeguard will respond quickly, intelligently, decisively and in accordance with established emergency and accident management procedures in the event of an emergency. Requirements: CPR and First Aid trained. Lifeguard Certification
REF#5 SOUND TECHNICIAN
REF#9 VIP BEACH SERVICES AGENTS
This individual will be responsible for managing and maintaining all audio equipment for Blue Lagoon Island. Responsibilities to include compiling playlists for International and Bahamian clients as well as recording special announcements.
These individuals will be expected to provide top notch personalized service to upscale/VIP guests ensuring all their needs are met. These agents will be expected to carry out special requests, answer queries, welcome and escort guests upon arrival and look after all their needs during their visit to Blue Lagoon Island.
Requirements: A minimum experience of Three (3) to Five (5) years, in sound, audiovisual and DJ experience.
Requirements: Experience in VIP or Concierge services in a hospitality environment. Must be articulate, people-oriented and energetic, Minimum of a High School Diploma and BahamaHost Certified, Ability to speak a foreign language a plus.
REF#6 LEGAL DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR This individual will be responsible for managing the flow of legal documents, information, and data within the organization including the processing of immigration document and waivers. Duties will include implementation of legal procedures and policies. The Coordinator will review and draft legal documents and forms. Requirements: Lawyer or advanced student of Law. A minimum of Three (3) years’ experience with knowledge of Corporate Law in addition advanced computer software skills REF#7 HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR This individual will provide administrative assistance to the HR Manager inclusive of payroll, benefits, recruitment and selection, interviewing, creating and updating job descriptions, performance evaluations and employee incentive programs. Requirement: Minimums of Three years HR experience, knowledge of Labour Laws and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources
REF#10 RESERVATIONS SUPERVISOR The individual will be expected to provide support to the Reservations Manager. This individual will assist with scheduling, training and performance evaluations of staff. duties will also include but not be limited to booking reservations and communicating daily counts with all Blue Lagoon Island departments. Requirements: A minimum of Five (5) years’ experience in a similar position at a supervisory level. Must be computer literate and detailoriented with exceptional customer service skills. REF#11 BEACH ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR This individual is expected to conduct beach activities including games, face painting and other forms of entertainment for Blue Lagoon Beach guests. It is expected that this individual enjoys interaction with people especially children and is very creative. Requirements: Physically fit, energetic, outgoing and creative with great customer service skills.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESUME TO: job@dolphinencounters.com | Specify reference number in the subject line
PAGE 14, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
MARIJUANA AND COCAINE WORTH $600,000 SEIZED BY POLICE IN GRAND BAHAMA
POLICE in Grand Bahama seized more than $600,000 worth of drugs during separate incidents last week. According to a report from police, shortly after 11am on Thursday, August 3, Drug Enforcement Unit officers acting on information went to a residence on
Ponce de Leon Drive where a large quantity of suspected marijuana was discovered. A 35-year-old woman was arrested. The amount of suspected marijuana found in the home is 50 pounds with an estimated street value of $50,000, police said. In the second incident,
shortly before 4pm last Friday, Drug Enforcement Unit officers while on patrol in the McLean’s Town area, discovered a number of crocus type bags in bushes, which all contained suspected marijuana and a tar looking substance suspected to be hash oil. No arrest was made in this matter.
The estimated amount of suspected marijuana is 310lbs with an estimated street value of $310,000. The estimated weight of the hash oil is 56lbs with an estimated street value of $280,000. Meanwhile, police also arrested ten Haitian men following the seizure of a
quantity of cocaine and marijuana during a joint law enforcement operation in Inagua on Sunday. According to a report from police, shortly after midnight, US Coast Guard officials handed a Haitian vessel that they intercepted in waters just off Inagua over to local police, immi-
gration and defence force officers. During a search of the vessel, two kilos of cocaine along with 15 pounds of marijuana were found. Ten Haitian crew members of the vessel were subsequently taken into custody. Investigations into these matters are continuing.
GN-1936
PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL GOVERNMENT MONTHLY AND WEEKLY EMPLOYED PUBLIC OFFICERS SENATORS AND MEMBERS OF PARLAIMENT
PAGE 16, Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Grand Bahamian wins PHA award
THE TRIBUNE
THE JUNE winner of the Public Hospitals Authority/Tribune Unsung Heroes Award, Carolyn Nortelus, a senior techologist at Grand Bahama Health Services Laboratory and the first from Grand Bahama to be awarded, with Kevin Darville, Tribune Media Group Project Manager, and Herbert Brown, PHA managing director. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff CAROLYN Nortelus, senior laboratory technologist at the Grand Bahama Health Services Laboratory, was named the June recipient of the Public Hospitals Authority Unsung Heroes Award on Friday. Ms Nortelus is the first award receipt from Grand Bahama and is being recognised for outstanding work to her area of service in hematology and the Rand Blood Bank. She joined GBHS Laboratory in 1999 and gained the title of senior laboratory technologist by demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills with patients and staff. Ms Nortelus’ colleagues described her as a person who mirrors the mission of GBHS which is to provide timely and consistently accurate reporting of information to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare by caring professionals. For the last 18 years, Ms Nortelus has supervised the unit and mentored her staff to pursue excellence in service. She recently assisted her peers and external stakeholders in the establishment of the Blood Donor Society of Grand Bahama, an organisation formed to assist GBHS with meeting the recurring demand for blood donors. She told The Tribune this award does not only recognise her hard work, but it also sheds light on the great
Unsung
HER ES impact PHA is making on the public. “I want to thank my colleagues, the Public Hospitals Authority and the partnership with The Tribune for recognising the hard work of the whole entourage of the PHA for delivering good health care services, and for continuing to provide support and dedication to the patients that we serve,” she said. PHA managing director Herbert Brown is proud of this programme because it touches the lives of those who deserve to be commemorated for their dedication to provide stellar service to the public. “This programme we call the PHA Unsung Heroes Award is having a significant impact,” Mr Brown said. “That does not suggest for one moment that we have reached where we need to be, because I believe there is still much work to be done, but clearly we are making a positive difference as a result of this programme.” Mr Brown added that
the Grand Bahama team has always demonstrated a level of commitment that is worth being recognised. “I can say with confidence that you [Ms Nortelus] are a part of the team who makes us so proud every day.” The Unsung Heroes Award continues to highlight outstanding employees in the public health care system through a partnership with PHA, The Tribune Media Group and the Aidan Carron Children’s Foundation. Kevin Darville, The Tribune Media Group’s special projects manager, presented Ms Nortelus with a certificate of recognition, a cash prize of $1,000, a dinner voucher for two at the Dune restaurant at the One&Only Ocean Club, and a pin to commemorate her selection as the sixth monthly winner. Ms Nortelus joins Veronica Ferguson, Patricia Laing, Una Bain, Glynis Armbrister and Zhivago McPhee as recipients of the monthly award.