THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!
HIGH 90ºF LOW 78ºF
The Tribune Established 1903
24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM
Biggest And Best!
VOLUME:115 No.183, AUGUST 16TH, 2018
OBITS OFFICIA
CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS
INSIDE
BPHELL - I had to pull the plug
Bannister says board was in total collapse By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister conceded yesterday Bahamas Power and Light needed new leadership after its board of directors in recent times remained “locked” in dispute on every critical issue at great cost to the company. Despite coming to a screeching halt before it could tackle the lion’s share of BPL’s problems, Mr Bannister said the appointment of a new board was not a negative reflection in any
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he was surprised by the dissolution of the entire board of Bahamas Power and Light on Tuesday. This breakdown, he said, was proof the government had failed to firmly
SEE PAGE FIVE
POLICE UP PATROLS IN WAKE OF ROBBERIES By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating three separate incidents of armed robbery, home invasion, and break-ins that took place in the western district of New Providence on Tuesday. This comes after two other reported robberies in the area last week. When asked about this spate of crime in the west, Superintendent Anton Rahming told The Tribune that there have been additional patrols in the area. “We have had a number of officers in those particular areas. Based on our
POACHERS DECIMATE SOUTHERN CRAWFISH
way of the achievements and integrity of the outgoing board. A day after the board dissolved, the minister confirmed the relationship among board members “deteriorated”. These factors presented the basis for a new board of directors, which the minister said he expects to be appointed by tomorrow. His statement further substantiated The Tribune’s account of the brewing situation that contributed to the board’s unexpected disintegration. SEE PAGE FIVE
implement a plan for BPL or tackle its power generation challenges. Meanwhile, former BPL executive chairman Leslie Miller questioned whether the ex-board was technically savvy enough to handle the day-to-day issues at the company. “The board of any government agency is there
L SOUR CE
SEE PAGE SEVEN
By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net
DAVIS: MELTDOWN SHOWS LACK OF PLAN By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
$1
MEDALS OF HONOUR FROM left, Dr Jonathan Rodgers and Elma Garraway, both honoured with the Order of the British Empire, and Kendal Romeo Haurtwerth Culmer, honoured with the British Empire Medal. All three were at a Queen’s Honours ceremony at Government House yesterday. See page nine for more. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
THE crawfish season has gotten off to a rocky start for fishermen in the southern Bahamas according to Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) vice-president Keith Carroll, who blamed poachers for leaving the fishing grounds “almost completely dead”. The crawfish season began August 1 and runs to March 31. “Fishermen in the northern Bahamas are doing alright. The southern Bahamas where the poachers fish all year round is almost completely dead. We weren’t expecting anything because of what we saw with the poaching going on there and it turned out to be just as we feared,” said Mr Carroll. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
CRASH HACKER PILOT’S LICENCE HAD EXPIRED By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AN unqualified pilot carrying four passengers in a plane that was not airworthy crashed off the Berry Islands in January, days before a fatal plane crash off South Andros that killed six people, according to a new report from the Air Accident Investigation Department. All on board the plane survived the crash but the
THE PLANE that crashed. incident is an example of the aviation industry’s “hacker” problem.
SkyBahamas CEO Randy Butler, in an interview with The Tribune, said the problem has gotten no better since January, despite government officials’ pledge of unprecedented efforts to counter the longstanding issue. Mr Butler said the hackers “are back and they are back stronger than ever”. He said while the presence of inspectors at key sites like the General SEE PAGE THREE
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
DIANE PHILLIPS:
LEAVE LIGHTHOUSE POINT ALONE
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Thursday, August 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
BUY LARGE & GO BIG TO
HOUSTON
PURCHASE ANY LARGE PIZZA WITH A 2 LITRE PEPSI FOR A CHANCE TO WIN WEEKLY PRIZES!
2
•2 Round Trip Tickets to Houston •Hotel Accommodations for 6 Days & 5 Nights •Ground Transportation GRAND •2 Concert Tickets PRIZES to see Drake
* See store & facebook for details. Certain restrictions apply.
THE SIMPSON Penn Centre for Boys.
Another escapee from Simpson Penn caught ANOTHER escaped inmate of the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys was captured by police. The teen was picked up shortly after 7pm Tuesday by Mobile Division officers. Police, acting on information, went into the area of a park on Mermaid Blvd west where they saw a boy fitting the description of one of
the escapees. Upon seeing police, the teen fled but was caught after a short chase and returned to the juvenile detention facility. Thirteen juvenile inmates escaped the centre on Saturday night after gaining access to the building’s ceiling. The boys, aged 15-17, were unarmed and no
one is reported to have been hurt as a result of the escape. Police captured some of the inmates; others were returned by family. Up to press time, one boy remained at large. Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell has said he will review the security mechanisms of the facility.
TWO ARRESTS OVER MARIJUANA FIND 603-3333
TWO men were arrested after police seized marijuana from them in two separate incidents. In the first incident, shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, Mobile Division officers, acting on information went to Potter’s Cay Dock, where they saw a
man standing in the area of Danny’s Stall, acting in a suspicious manner. The officers conducted a search of the man and recovered a quantity of what was suspected to be marijuana. About an hour later, police acting on information, went to Cyprus
Court, Elizabeth Estates, where they again saw a man acting suspiciously. The officers conducted a search of the man and the surrounding area and recovered a quantity of suspected marijuana. Both men were arrested and are expected to be formally charged.
UB STUDENTS TO JOIN HALL OF FAME UNIVERSITY of the Bahamas (UB) alumni, who are making vast contributions to the development of the public and private sector, embody the
scholarly, social and innovative vitality of the academy. In November, UB will honour former students who have distinguished themselves in diverse business, governmental, entrepreneurial, civil society, community-building and humanitarian endeavours at the Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards. UB is inviting nominations of outstanding alumni to be celebrated across four distinct graduation classes: 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008. Chartered on November 10, 2016, the institution has an alumni community of more than 18,000 persons. Graduates of the former College of the Bahamas (COB) and the antecedent institutions which were amalgamated to form COB - The Bahamas Teachers’ College, San Salvador Teachers’ College, C R Walker Technical College and the sixth form programme of Government High School – as well as the Bahamas Hotel Training College are UB alumni. The alumni awards celebrations will coincide with UB Homecoming 2018 and UB charter anniversary activities. Considering the extensive impact that graduates of the institution have had nationally and globally, UB Alumni Association President Adrianna Knowles anticipates a robust pipeline of nominations. “The association wishes to publicly celebrate and honour our alumni, while increasing our engagement with them. We anticipate that this will be a traditional annual event that inspires and motivates alumni who are making a difference in the communities they serve to be recognised while adding to our list of outstanding alumni,” she said. A person may submit a maximum of five nominations for consideration by
the deadline of August 31 for the 1978 Hall of Famer Award, 1988 Outstanding Alumni Award, 1998 Trailblazer Award and the 2008 Emerging Leader Award categories. UB’s Hall of Fame has a number of extraordinary inductees including Laura Pratt Charlton, Tanya McCartney, Vernice Walkine, Eric Carey, Charles Sealy and Stuart Bowe. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of COB, the institution also honoured other exceptional achievers with the Flamingo Award. Creating an engaged and supportive alumni network is paramount to UB’s success. The institution also seeks to more actively engage former students with whom it has lost contact. Director of Alumni Affairs Elvardo Thompson shared that in building a world-class institution, there must be a focus on the global leaders that are being educated and trained at UB and their achievements. “UB will use the upcoming Alumni Awards to honour our outstanding alumni, which includes both graduates and persons who have studied at the institution for one year, whose personal and professional attainment and service bring honour upon themselves and their alma mater,” he explained. The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 31. To nominate an alumnus, become a sponsor or request additional information, contact the Alumni Affairs Office in the Michael H Eldon Complex, 1st floor, at 302-4303, or email elvardo.thompson@ub.edu.bs or keturah. babb@ub.edu.bs For complete details on the nomination process visit the Alumni Affairs Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/ UBAlumniAffairs/
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 3
Crash hacker pilot’s licence had expired
RANDY BUTLER, CEO of SkyBahamas, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest. from page one Aviation area on Coral Harbour Road has went from “none to some” since January, there remains “staffing issues”. “There are only so much inspection officers up there,” he said. “If they had police at the gate where they are supposed to be or security there, that would assist. If they enforced the airport ID rule so no one who doesn’t have the requisite credentials could get past the control area, that would help as well.” Mr Butler said hackers know how to beat “the system” because inspectors are easily identifiable and not always present. When inspectors are around, hackers often fly off, not lingering in wait of passengers, he said. “After the (fatal crash in January) you had (inspectors) go out there, stopping people, asking for private licenses, medical certificates or what have you. They would notice pilots who were making too many flights per day, per week or per month and they did nothing. They have to go further and actually detain planes and they aren’t doing that.” Civil aviation officials could not be reached to respond to Mr Butler before press time last night. Meanwhile, the recently released accident report described the pilot as a 49-year-old man who regularly scheduled commercial flights between Andros and Freeport. The aircraft registration certificate of the pilot’s Piper Aztec plane – which crashed on January 12 – expired nearly two years before the
crash. He did not have a valid Bahamian issued pilot licence, having been issued only a private pilot licence on November 13, 2008 which itself expired in 2011. His medical certificate expired in June 2016. The report said: “The Accident Investigation Department understands that while it is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure they are in possession of the required valid documents for themselves, as well as the equipment they are operating, prior to acting as a required crew member, the regulatory authority also has a responsibility to conduct regular surveillance and impromptu inspections of those documents and aircraft to ensure they are in compliance with regulations. “The investigation into this accident found that the operator of this aircraft was not in possession of the required medical certificate issued by the USA or the Bahamas, which in turn invalidated the privileges that could be exercised by the use of the private pilot certificate. The investigation also found that the registration certificate for the aircraft had expired, which also invalidated the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft. Both
certificates are required by regulations prior to operating the aircraft and acting as a required flight crew member.” It’s not clear whether legal action has been taken against the pilot. According to the report, the pilot never made maintenance records for his plane available to investigators. In a telephone interview, he told investigators he experienced a right engine failure that caused a “significant loss of altitude”. “As the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude on the left engine alone, he decided to divert and attempt a landing at nearby Great Harbour Cay airport,” the report said. “However, with the continued loss in altitude the pilot stated he opted to execute a controlled landing
in an area of mangroves approximately two miles SE of the Great Harbour Cay Airport to avoid crashing into trees that were between his position and the runway at Great Harbour Cay. “It was reported that the pilot was the only occupant to receive injuries (minor) and the aircraft received damages as a result (extent unknown). All occupants were able to walk to the mainland of Great Harbour Cay where they were assisted by locals.” The AAID called for the regulatory authority to wage a broad campaign to alert the public on the “dangers of travelling with individuals or companies to act as a commercial operator that has not been properly certified by the regulatory authorities.”
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
Galleria Cinemas
Galleria Cinemas The Mall-at-Marathon BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 10:00 AM DAILY The Mall-at-Marathon
BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 10:00 AM DAILY
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 17TH, 2018 MILE 22 THE MEG UNGRATEFUL CHRISTOPHER ROBIN BLACKKKLANSMAN MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT THE EQUALIZER 2 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
NEW T B A C C C A
1:15 1:00 N/A 1:15 1:00 1:00 1:00 1:15
3:40 3:25 N/A 3:35 3:50 3:50 3:25 3:35
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
380-FLIX
6:15 6:05 N/A 6:15 6:45 7:00 6:00 6:15
8:45 8:25 8:40 8:25 N/A N/A 8:20 N/A
10:45 10:45 10:40 10:35 10:00 10:00 10:45 N/A
Use your e-card to reserve tickets at 380-3549 or visit us at www.bahamaslocal.com
PAGE 4,Thursday, August 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH,
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,
jrolle@tribunemedia.net
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991
EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,
C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES
News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax
(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com
@tribune242
tribune news network
US newsrooms to Trump: We’re not enemies of the people NEW YORK (AP) — The nation’s newsrooms are pushing back against President Donald Trump with a coordinated series of newspaper editorials condemning his attacks on “fake news” and suggestion that journalists are the enemy. The Boston Globe invited newspapers across the country to stand up for the press with editorials today, and several began appearing online a day earlier. Nearly 350 news organisations have pledged to participate, according to Marjorie Pritchard, op-ed editor at the Globe. In St Louis, the Post-Dispatch called journalists “the truest of patriots .” The Chicago Sun-Times said it believed most Americans know that Trump is talking nonsense. The Fayetteville, NC Observer said it hoped Trump would stop, “but we’re not holding our breath”. “Rather, we hope all the president’s supporters will recognize what he’s doing — manipulating reality to get what he wants,” the North Carolina newspaper said. Some newspapers used history lessons to state their case. The Elizabethtown Advocate in Elizabethtown, Penn, for instance, compared free press in the United States to such rights promised but not delivered in the former Soviet Union. The New York Times added a pitch. “If you haven’t already, please subscribe to your local papers,” said the Times, whose opinion section also summarised other editorials across the country. “Praise them when you think they’ve done a good job and criticise them when you think they could do better. We’re all in this together.” That last sentiment made some journalists skittish. The Wall Street Journal, which said it was not participating, noted in a column by James Freeman that the Globe’s effort ran counter to the independence that editorial boards claim to seek. Freeman wrote that Trump has the right to free speech as much as his media adversaries. “While we agree that labeling journalists the ‘enemy of the American people’ and journalism ‘fake news’ is not only damaging to our industry but destructive to our democracy, a coordinated response from independent — dare we say ‘mainstream’— news organisations feeds a narrative that we’re somehow aligned against this Republican president,” the Baltimore Sun wrote . Still, the Sun supported the effort and also noted the deaths of five Capital Gazette staff members at the hands of a gunman in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. The Radio Television Digital News Association, which represents more than 1,200 broadcasters and web sites, is also asking its members to point out that journalists are friends and neighbors doing important work holding government accountable. “I want to make sure that it is positive,” said Dan Shelley, the group’s executive director. “We’re shooting ourselves in the foot if we make this about attacking the president or attacking his supporters.” It remains unclear how much sway the effort will have. Newspaper editorial boards overwhelmingly opposed Trump’s election in 2016. Polls show Republicans have grown more negative toward the news media in recent years: Pew Research Center said 85 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said in June 2017 that the news media has a negative effect on the country, up from 68 percent in 2010. Still, newsrooms are trying to convince them otherwise. “We are not the enemy,” declared the Mercury News in San Jose, California.
Trump strips security clearance WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump yesterday acted on a threat and revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan, citing a constitutional responsibility to protect classified information. Brennan, who served in the Obama
administration, had retained his security clearance, as is custom, but had also become an increasingly sharp critic of Trump’s. Trump says he is reviewing security clearances for nine other individuals here’s a look at the ten individuals: JOHN BRENNAN In a written statement, Trump cited “erratic conduct and behavior” by President Barack Obama’s CIA director as justification for revoking Brennan’s security clearance. Trump also accused Brennan of “lying” and “wild outbursts.” At a news conference last month in Finland, Trump stood alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and openly questioned US intelligence agencies’ conclusions that Moscow tried to influence the 2016 election in his favor. Afterward, Brennan criticized Trump’s performance as “nothing short of treasonous” and accused him of being “wholly in the pocket of Putin”. JAMES CLAPPER Clapper served Obama as director of national intelligence and has held key positions in the US intelligence community. He has been critical of Trump and told CNN yesterday that he has no plans to stop speaking out when he’s asked for his views on the Trump administration. JAMES COMEY Trump fired Comey from his post as FBI director in May 2017 over the bureau’s Russia investigation. Comey had also announced in July 2016 that the FBI would not recommend charges against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for her email practices as Obama’s secretary of state. MICHAEL HAYDEN The veteran US intelligence official is a former director of the National Security Agency, principal deputy director of national intelligence and a past CIA director. He’s also been critical of the president. Hayden said last month when the White House first issued the security clearance threat that losing it wouldn’t affect what he says or writes. SALLY YATES Trump fired Yates early in 2017 after she refused to enforce the new president’s ban on travel to the US by residents of several mostly Muslim countries. Yates served in the Obama administration and had agreed to stay in the job under Trump. She also had informed the White House that Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser, was potentially compromised because of his contacts with Russian officials. SUSAN RICE Rice was national security adviser during Obama’s second term and has criticised Trump policies. ANDREW McCABE McCabe is a former FBI deputy director who led the investigation into Clinton’s email practices. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired McCabe this year after FBI disciplinary officials and the Justice Department concluded he hadn’t been candid during an inspector general investigation. PETER STRZOK The longtime FBI agent was recently fired from the bureau, his lawyer said this week. Strzok had worked on the Mueller investigation but was removed after anti-Trump text messages that Strzok exchanged with an FBI lawyer became public. Trump has used the text messages to buttress his claims that the FBI is biased against him. LISA PAGE Page is the former FBI lawyer who exchanged anti-Trump text messages with Strzok. Trump has begun referring to Page as the “lovely Lisa Page” in his tweets about the Russia investigation. BRUCE OHR The Justice Department official has come under Republican scrutiny for his contacts with Glenn Simpson, cofounder of Fusion GPS. The opposition research firm hired former British spy Christopher Steele during the 2016 US presidential campaign to compile a dossier of information on Trump and his ties to Russia. Ohr’s wife, Nellie, worked for Fusion GPS during the campaign.
Potholes nuisance EDITOR, The Tribune. THE streets of New Providence are filled with potholes. They are everywhere. Some of them are trenches. If it rains and water fills them you don’t know they are there. Falling in them can cost you a tyre or ruin your suspension system. The Department of Public Works is responsible for keeping the roads in proper condition. I wonder if the staff and leadership there ride the same roads I travel on? Patching is a simple
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net act. Either the public works staff should do it or private contractors should be hired by the department. It should not be up to the minister of public works to have to bring the full weight of his office on his department just to get potholes patched. If that’s what is necessary to get it done there is little hope for The Bahamas. The men and women in our government
agencies who have the direct responsibility to look after our state need to step up. We should not have to complain about the state of the roads in the newspapers. Find some asphalt. Get some workers to drive around with it. Patch the potholes! It’s that simple. We the citizens do not care if they are government workers or private contractors. We are tired of falling in holes as we go from place to place. MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, July 27, 2018.
Empowerment Act EDITOR, The Tribune. SO we wake up this morning with an Empowerment Act for the Bain and Grants Town…is totally hype or could it? There was no way the planners could have taken this beyond concept as for such a proposal to get legs you need detail and detail even with all the FNM rhetoric we have nothing except possibly a ‘singing MP’ - where was the Speaker surely this broke every rule? We used to this lack of decorum. Let’s look at the residents of this area. I doubt too many would have stashes of cash in the bank
or could go to a bank to borrow to upgrade their property or as the basis of this Empowerment redevelop their property. The landlords as many have observed have it hard to maintain the cash flow from existing rentals – do not see any reason to upgrade as the tenants could not pay additional rent. This will generate negative land speculation. On that score alone this concept is flawed. What are the plans for Curtis Street- Ferguson Street - Meadow Street Eneas Street - Cambridge Street? Just to name a few streets in the Zone.
If Government has no plans now or perceptions as to the best possibilities how on earth can this Empowerment Act ever gain any feet? Before we all have amnesia remember Hubert Ingraham invested millions in the new Courts - built the Ministry of Health office but did you see any private development as a result of those substantial investments? Can we see the World Bank report from 30 years ago?
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?
W THOMPSON Nassau, July 27, 2018.
Prince George Wharf 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
D DAVIS Nassau, July 23, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 5
BPHELL - I had to pull the plug from page one However, when the minister was asked to comment on who was being eyed to constitute the new board, he declined comment. Sources close to the matter have said selections have been made and are now with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. The sources declined to reveal the names as the governor general has to formally approve them. In the meantime, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said he had no concerns as he received assurances from Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis there would be swift resolution. He said his main concern was BPL workers and it did not appear they stood in any immediate danger. “As minister with portfolio responsibility for Bahamas Power and Light I wish to thank the outgoing board members for their service,” Mr Bannister
THE BAHAMAS Power and Light head office. said in a brief statement yesterday. “I have delayed issuing this statement out of respect for a board member who is travelling and could not easily be contacted. I have still not been successful in contacting that member. The outgoing board may proudly point to a number of notable accomplishments during their tenure. “Accordingly, the
Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
appointment of a new board does not reflect negatively in any way on the achievements or integrity of the persons who have given service to BPL and to the country.” The minister continued: “Regrettably, in recent times the former board remained locked at loggerheads with respect to virtually every critical issue. This became costly to BPL.
DAVIS: MELTDOWN SHOWS LACK OF PLAN from page one to ensure that the political directorate’s policy, initiatives and plans are carried out,” Mr Davis said yesterday. “If you are going to just appoint a board without giving them a mandate and without them understanding the coherent plan for delivery of whatever they deem to be necessary for the Bahamian public, you are just, as it were, laundering your board. No more than that.” He suggested BPL’s board would be no different from the last because it appeared the government would continue to act in the same way, which would only yield the same result. “I continue to remind this government not knowing is not synonymous to dumbness. Not knowing and not knowing that you don’t know…that’s dumb. There are persons amongst us they don’t have to be PLPs, they have them amongst their own supporters who could lend their expertise and help their governance, but, low and behold, it appears that advice is nothing that this government seeks.” Mr Davis maintained the former Christie administration’s plan for BPL was superior to this government’s intentions for the company. “We set up a structure that was going to deliver in the shortest possible time new generation, reliable and affordable services to
PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis. the Bahamian people. In fact if you were to check your bill in May of 2017 you would note that your bill was in the neighbourhood of 30 cents per kilowatt hour. “I think if you look at it today it is back to pre-2012 rates and so it tells you within a very short period of time this government and through its board was not at least appreciating that there was a system in place, a structure in place to address what I call the legacy issues that impacted BEC and it was a complete answer to it. “They scrapped it. Having scrapped it they had no alternative plan in place. So at the very least if they were going to employ their own policy of stop, review and cancel perhaps they ought to reverse it and just
review first before stopping, but they are just stopping and moving on without their own plan.” He continued: “This is of concern because we are hearing about the number of consultants that are being brought in, the kind of salaries that’s being expended on these consultants and what they are being brought for.” He also suggested BPL’s staff reduction exercise has hindered the company’s efficiency. “We note with dismay that BPL spent $73m or there about for an exercise that was not properly thought out or planned because what you have done is separated over 300 employees and now you are saying you don’t have enough employees. “It’s costing the Bahamian people and at the end of day this further exacerbates the cost of electricity.”
Moreover, as relationships within the board deteriorated, three members offered their resignations. In those circumstances, it was important that the company seek new leadership. “It is anticipated that a new board will be immediately appointed as the utility works to accomplish its goal of ensuring that reliable power is available to all
residents of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Out of respect for the former Board members I do not intend to discuss this matter in any further detail.” This statement came after sources told this newspaper the minister demanded the resignations from the remaining board members after three of them - vice chairman Patrick Rollins, Ferron Bethel and Whitney Heastie, BPL’s CEO – voluntarily resigned first. However, The Tribune has been told the remaining three further requested a meeting with the prime minister to air their concerns. It is unclear what became of this purported meeting. It was the proverbial last blow in the minister’s ongoing battle to mediate issues between Chairwoman Darnell Osborne and certain members. In an interview with The Tribune on Tuesday, one ex-board member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said had Ms Osborne resigned long ago, the board would have had
no issues in successfully carrying out its work. Under her leadership, the source claimed the board was without direction, leaving much of BPL’s critical issues unaddressed. Ms Osborne rejected the allegations telling The Tribune her record spoke for itself, but she would not speak to the resignations or what caused them. “I am a champion for good corporate governance, transparency and accountability,” Ms Osborne said in response to questions from The Tribune on Tuesday. “My record speaks for itself. I work on behalf of the Bahamian people and transparency and accountability is how I conduct business.” She maintained that claims to the contrary were part of an effort to “spin” the true picture of what took place concerning the board and its members. Nick Dean, Nicola Thompson, as well as Ms Osborne, Mr Rollins, Mr Bethel and Mr Heastie make up BPL’s board.
Deep Sadness
It is with
that we regret to inform you of the loss of one our beloved staff members Krishtasha Williams. Krishtasha passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, August 13, 2018. We not only grieve at the passing of a tremendous individual but also for the loss her family suffers. Krishtasha was a dedicated Massage Therapist and she will be truly missed. We would like to thank all of her clients for the love and support that they have provided over the years. ~ From all of our staff at Baha-Retreat Spa
PAGE 6, Thursday, August 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Central Bank to be catalyst for area CAVES VILLAGE Premium Office Space for Lease 1,081 sq.ft. 2 open plan areas, conference, reception, kitchenette, bathroom and IT closet. $4,233.92 pm inc. CAM + VAT 1,056 sq.ft. 4 offices, conference room, reception, kitchenette and bathroom, IT closet. $3,696.00 pm. Inc. CAM + VAT 850 sq.ft. 3 offices, conference room, reception, kitchenette and bathroom, IT closet. $2,975.00 pm. Inc. CAM + VAT Contact Mr. Simon Chappell on 327 1575 or 477-7610 Email: simon@cavesvillage.com
By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE new Central Bank facility will be an “iconic structure” and a “one-of-a-kind building” Central Bank Administration Department Manager Ian Fernander said yesterday. Mr Fernander also expressed his wish that the new premises, to be located in the Royal Victoria Gardens, could serve as a “catalyst” for the development of the surrounding areas of Gaol Alley, East Street, and
THE PLANNED redevelopment in the downtown area including the new Central Bank. Market Street. Mr Fernander made these remarks during
yesterday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau at East Villa restaurant, as he detailed the major aspects of the vision for the new premises. “The vision is that the bank will be an iconic structure…it wants to be a one-of-a-kind building” that will inspire awe and be remembered by locals and visitors alike,” Mr Fernander said. The second will be to “achieve a building” that Bahamians “(feel) belongs to them”. To this end, Mr Fernander said the premises will include facilities “welcoming to the general public,” such as an art gallery, museum, and movie theatre. Another stipulation of the building is that it be “designed and built by Bahamians as much as possible.” A competition was held to select a designer for the new premises. Mr Fernander said only Bahamian architects were eligible to participate. In May, it was announced that Architekton Design Studio Bahamas was selected as the winner. Mr Fernander also said an additional element of the vision is that the building be sustainable and “as much as possible,” be built using Bahamian materials. He added he hopes to have a building that doesn’t have to be “so heavily maintained” and won’t cause “much headache” for at least 50 years. He added they are seeking a building that uses very little, “or if possible” uses no energy and very little water resources “from the system.” When asked about this, Mr Fernander said one of the requirements in the design competition was to create a LEED building.
“A LEED building is one that uses very little energy, has very low carbon footprint, and uses very little natural resources from the earth,” he said. Lastly, Mr Fernander said the building must have a built-in parking structure. The administration department manager expressed hope that, if the building were to be started “as soon as possible,” it would take two to three years to complete. Proposed to be located in the Royal Victoria Gardens, he also expressed hope that the new premises will serve as a “catalyst for the development of the entire area that it’s in,” until it is “more inviting and more enticing even than Bay Street”. “Much of that area is government-owned land. We’re talking about the area from between East Street to Baillou Road… from Gaol Alley to the sea. “And so the view is, in time, much of that land becomes...public space that is developed aesthetically and wonderfully for the public’s use.” Mr Fernander showed panels depicting wide boulevards, the creation of new streets, and even a plan for a railway station. He said the potential movement of Parliament, the Senate and the courts are accounted for in the plan. Mr Fernander could not state what will happen to the old Central Bank building on Shirley Street, but said it will be “put to good use.” He also promised that the buildings already in Royal Victoria Gardens will remain and the vegetation will not be affected.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Green Leaf Financial Services Limited Hereby advises our customers and the General Public that Ms. Tonique McIntosh is no longer employed with our Company and therefore is NOT authorized to conduct any business including broker services business on Green Leaf Financial Services Limited behalf.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 7
Police up patrols in wake of robberies from page one information, we are working to see how quickly we can bring those persons into custody,” he said. “Certainly, we do not know for sure who the individuals are but we are working some information to try and see how best we can bring those persons into custody.” The first incident, a house breaking and attempted robbery, took place shortly before 2.30pm Tuesday. According to a police press
release, a woman housekeeper was at a residence when four men forced their way inside through the garage door wearing bandanas over their faces. The men “held her at bay” while demanding jewellery and cash, police said. As they searched the residence, the woman began to scream, causing the men to flee. Superintendent Edward Demeritte, officer-in-charge of the Cable Beach police station, confirmed to The Tribune yesterday that the residence was located in
Sea Beach Estates. The second incident was the armed robbery of two men and woman on a beach in the west. The robbery that took place shortly before midnight. According to Supt Demeritte, the victims were approached by three armed men. The press release noted they were robbed of the keys for their vehicle, cash, and a bank card. The woman was also indecently assaulted. On Tuesday night, there was a break-in at the News Cafe Sandyport,
Supt Demeritte told The Tribune. “A business establishment was closed, (individuals) entered during the course of the night and stole some items out of the
News Café,” he said. Supt Demeritte also addressed other incidents of crime that have occurred in the western district of New Providence in recent days.
Approximately 3.45pm on August 6, Jimmy’s liquor store was robbed. On August 7, there was a break in at a Rubis gas station in western New Providence and items were stolen.
PAGE 8, Thursday, August 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Let perfection be… leave Lighthouse Point alone By Diane Phillips SOME things are perfect just the way they are, even when we don’t understand why they are the way they are. Look at the concept of balance, for instance. Humans are more secure when our big feet are planted firmly on the ground. A bird with little tiny claws will find the tallest tree and perch on the top branch comfortably when it rustles in the wind and the branch wobbles. The human wants security and stability. The bird wants visibility to guard against prey and spot food. It would be foolhardy to try to change either because each was created to be perfect in its own right. Just like Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera. With its strange, almost eerie beauty, its craggy cliffs and extravagant double stretch of half-moon beach and bay, it is so tragic that it is at the centre of a tug-ofwar. The Bahamas National Trust wants it to become a national park. A cruise line, reportedly Disney, wants it for their passengers. No one can blame either entity, but there is a clear answer as to who the rightful winner of this battle is - Lighthouse Beach and Lighthouse Point belong to the Bahamian people who deserve to have unfettered access to it for eternity. And that means it should become a national park.
BNT’s proposal to purchase the privately-owned land dates back to 2013, long before a cruise line set its sights on the space. BNT has continued to reaffirm its desire to preserve and protect this piece of perfection at the southern tip of Eleuthera. “Lighthouse Point is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled natural places in our country,” the BNT writes. “The area contains diverse and important terrestrial and marine ecologies including over 200 bird species and four endemic plant species. The interior wetland known as Big Pond is a rare hyper – saline water habitat of high scientific value. “The BNT feels strongly that Lighthouse Point should not be lost to a Cruise Port development… BNT’s position is clear, Lighthouse Point should not receive approvals for large scale development, but should be preserved as a model for sustainable development in The Bahamas.” BNT is not alone. One Eleuthera Foundation has been working tirelessly to protect and preserve the area. Save The Bays has declared its support for preservation. People who never before pasted a banner on their vehicles are driving around with the Save Lighthouse Point decals. The Eleuthera Land
Conservatory is urging preservation. On top of all that, a change.org petition calling for preservation and public access garnered 16,000 signatures in record time for a national cause. “The biodiversity of the ecosystem and the hugely important cultural and historic resources are irreplaceable and should be preserved for the enjoyment and education of the entire community and not just for a select few,” the petition states. One Eleuthera Foundation President Shaun Ingraham says the organization is not opposed to development, but that it must be sustainable, appropriate in carbon footprint without stressing the fragile environment. Begging for the
LIGHTHOUSE POINT preservation of perfection is ship after ship disgorges not an anti-cruise line posi- up to 4,000 passengers at a tion. Far from it, I believe time should foster national the cruise industry deserves embarrassment. far better treatment than it Cruise destinations like gets in The Bahamas, par- Nassau should have it ticularly in Nassau where made. We collect head tax the cruise port is what one on every passenger. We do Cabinet minister recently not have to pay for advercalled “a d----- dump.” He tising to lure visitors. The said we should be ashamed cruise lines do that work of ourselves. And indeed for us and they give us the we should. We opportunity to invite more than ‘Lighthouse convert their pasfour million cruise Point is one sengers into stay passengers a year over visitors for a to see the beauti- of the most subsequent vacaful Bahamas and beautiful and tion or business we treat them to trip. unspoiled an experience at It is our own Prince George natural fault that only Wharf that should places in our about 80 percent make every one of percent get off country.’ us shudder. the ship and the That the cruise conversion rate port in Nassau is in desper- to stay over visitors is not ate need of redevelopment higher. John Honeywell, should not come as a sur- the late editor of World prise. Stakeholders have Cruise Magazine told The been decrying its poor Tribune exactly that last condition for years. Disem- year when asked what he barking from the spotless did when a ship he was on cabins and public spaces arrived at Nassau. “Stay of the cruise ship on to the on board,” he said. area between East Street We invite millions of and Charlotte Street is like cruise passengers to our descending into a heated home, our capital city and chaotic cauldron of confu- we show them a back door sion. Thousands descend that says you are not worth daily into that space with the effort it takes to proa look of anxiety or out- vide you with a satisfactory right being lost. Without experience. Then we have directional signage or the nerve to complain they information posted, pas- do not spend enough. If sengers have no idea where they spend it elsewhere, to turn. The walk from the we have to ask ourselves farthest dock north must why Nassau ranks so low be close to or more than a in cruise visitor spend and quarter mile in the broiling satisfaction and draw the sun. If they survived that obvious conclusion the two trek and find themselves are linked. in need of a rest room, the So we understand why smartest thing they can do a cruise line like Disney is pray for strong bladder wants a place that is pure control. and tranquil and bathed No one remembers in beauty. But Lighthouse exactly when the defunct Point is not the right choice. welcome centre welcomed Lighthouse Point must be its last guest. Watching the preserved for the public. mass morass every day as There are really two
issues at stake in the discussion about Lighthouse Point. The first is why cruise lines seek experiences for their passengers outside Nassau. Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar has pledged the government would address conditions at the port, hinting that it would consider a public private partnership involving Bahamians. There is a perfect solution to that as well, including a publicly-held management company with a proven record and a consortium from the cruise industry which has everything to gain for showing its passengers a better experience in The Bahamas. The second issue is about Lighthouse Point which many reviewers on TripAdvisor have called the most beautiful beach in The Bahamas, despite the difficulty reaching it. When the natural state offers such extraordinary beauty and that physical environment is also scientifically significant in rare species and rich in historical significance, we must pay it the respect it deserves. Some areas are appropriate for mass market development; others simply are not. The cruise lines should be encouraged to explore areas closer to Nassau or in Grand Bahama where there is adequate space and infrastructure for their passengers to enjoy a beach experience in addition to shopping and tasting the culture, music, art and food of The Bahamas. As for the future of Lighthouse Point – let perfection be. There are more than 16,000 reasons why and each one of those has a name.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 9
Three of the best are honoured by Queen FROM left, Audrey Marie-Deveaux, friend of Elma Garraway and bag designer; Commodore Tellis Bethel; Elma Garraway; and Anthony Garraway, her husband. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff By KATHRYN CAMPBELL GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling conferred awards on three distinguished Bahamian citizens during a Queen’s Honours Investiture ceremony at Government House yesterday. The exercise marked completion of the recognition of those honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2018. Sixteen citizens received their awards during a ceremony in July. The brief ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including permanent secretaries; commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel; Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Anthony Ferguson; family and well-wishers. Members of the RBDF provided entertainment. The three honoured, Elma Garraway, Dr Jonathan Rodgers and Kendal Romeo Culmer, have contributed to the development of the Bahamas. Anita Beneby, secretary to the governor general, described them as individuals who have given “full expression” to the aspirations of the
nation as contained in the national pledge, the motto, and the preamble of the Constitution. “You are united in your service to community; your work has moved The Bahamas forward, and you have done this by upholding discipline, hard work, loyalty, respect for the rule of law and our Christian values,” she said. “You are our best selves, and as such, each of you inspires us to strive well beyond the normal expectations of our vocational lives to achieve the ideals of our nation.” Mrs Garraway received the honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to education and the community. She was sponsored by Anita Bernard, former secretary to the Cabinet, and Ruth Millar, former financial secretary. Dr Rodgers received an MBE for his services in the field of ophthalmology. He was sponsored by J Barrie Farrington, former hotelier. Kendal Culmer was presented with a British Empire Medal for service in business and politics. His award did not require a sponsor. A reception followed the ceremony.
DAME Marguerite Pindling with Kendal Romeo Haurtwerth Culmer, British Empire Medal recipient.
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling with OBE recipient Dr Jonathan Rodgers.
GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling at the ceremony at Government House.
PAGE 10, Thursday, August 16, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
T U O T I T R O S AN EYESORE on Alexander Street, off Bernard Road, a scrap shop where car parts are sold.
Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff
It’s time to clean up our eyesores By FARRAH JOHNSON THERE isn’t a resident of New Providence or cruise ship tourist who doesn’t shake their head every time they travel downtown and see the rundown state of the nation’s capital. A million words have been written on what needs to be done to put things right - sadly, it will probably be many more years before real change comes. For many Bahamians, however, it’s not just downtown which needs some serious attention. In a new occasional series, Tribune reporters will be out and about turning the spotlight on eyesores which need urgent attention. Today we start on a corner off Bernard Road, a spot which has been infuriating residents and motorists for years. Adderley Street, which comes right before Fun
Galaxy amusement park, is a common route for many travelers, but a junkyard situated in the road has become a complete nightmare for everyone who lives nearby. The unsightly lot belongs to Gully Towing & Premium, an auto shop specialising in accessories and spare parts. What should be just an average neighbourhood instead resembles something out of a Mad Max movie - derelict cars piled high, dumped by the side of the road many overgrown in weeds they’ve been abandoned so long. A two-door truck without wheels, missing the bumper and front grille is also perched on the lawn just before the junkyard. In the junkyard itself, vehicles have been heaped on top of each other, an attempt to hide them from passersby with a green tarp but it covers only part of
CARS at the entrance of the corner on Bernard Road near Bernards Close. the site. have this junkyard do not creatures to mess up people Local resident Denzel live in the community, in this area.” “Gladstone” Smith said he around where they live is The neighbour said while believes the time has come clean, but they dirty up this he is friends with the junkfor the lot to go. area.” yard owners and has even “We want it moved Mr Smith said he has spoken to them on many because it’s bringing down tried to talk to the people in occasions about moving the neighbourhood. The charge of the junkyard but the vehicles, nothing has problem is you can’t pass the state of the lot has been done to rectify the in the road (because) the never improved - in fact he issue. road is blocked up a lot of believes the area has never Papas Bernard, another times,” he said. looked so bad. neighbour, stated that if “And these people who Another neighbour - he had a truck he would who asked not to be named “push” all of the vehicles - expressed similar con- out of the neighbourhood. cerns insisting the junkyard When The Tribune conand the overflow attracted tacted the junkyard owner rodents. Phil Armbrister, he claimed “This is the worst place the problems were being around in the Fox Hill com- dealt with. munity,” he said. “Presently the guy who “That needs to be some- was towing and moving the place else. There’s rats and vehicles his truck was down, snakes and all kinds of so he ordering a part from stuff down there...mosqui- Ft Lauderdale and just toes and all that–harmful waiting on some parts,” he
explained. Moreover, despite claims from neighbours to The Tribune, Mr Armbrister also insisted “nobody” had come to him personally regarding concerns over the state of his property. “A lot of things have been done. The truck was here moving some of the cars out so we could put the other cars at the rear of the building,” he said. “So to set the record straight, we’re doing due diligence and we’re doing our best in trying to tow the cars away. Soon as the parts come from Florida we will be able to move forward with it.” Rest assured, The Tribune will be checking to make sure Mr Armbrister is as good as his word.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 11
LOREN MILLER, left, president of the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama and Lucetta Johnson, a cancer survivor, right.
Oncology unit needed ‘desperately’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net AN oncology unit is desperately needed in Grand Bahama and cancer patients and advocates are hoping one is established soon so patients won’t have to travel to New Providence for chemotherapy treatment. In July 2017, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands promised an oncology unit or cancer treatment centre would be established at the Eight Mile Rock Clinic and that cancer services would be available before the end of that year. He noted there had been requests by people or a cancer centre in Freeport, and said that it was “humane thing to do”. This brought hope to many patients. However, it’s been one year and still there is no oncology unit in Grand Bahama. Lucetta Johnson said traveling back and forth to Nassau for chemotherapy treatments is a costly and difficult process. “Every 21 days I had to go Nassau for treatment, and I am not employed, my husband is not working, and I have no medical insurance,” the Grand Bahama resident said. Mrs Johnson said that sometime last year she had heard Dr Sands on the radio speaking about a cancer treatment centre for Grand Bahama. “I thought by now we would have been able to do treatments in GB. I am finished with my treatment now, but I know other people who have problems going to Nassau just like me. They have to go to Nassau in the morning and come back that afternoon,” she said. “It is not easy and a lot of people dying in GB because
they cannot afford to go Nassau for treatment – they cannot find the funds.”’ Mrs Johnson said she understands that there are nurses in Freeport who are trained to administer the treatment. “It is very important for the (oncology) programme come to GB,” she said. Freeport patients occupy about 50 percent of the 12 rooms at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas’ healing centre in Nassau. Loren Miller, president of the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama, said they are still advocating for an oncology facility in Grand Bahama. “We know that government has a lot of pressing issues and a lot of things on their plate to deal with, but this is also an important matter. “I know there are pressing issues in GB with unemployment, but, in the meantime, a lot of persons desperately need treatment, and they can’t afford to be traveling up and down to Nassau,” she said. The Cancer Society of The Bahamas helps patients to some extent by purchasing their tickets to New Providence and sometimes provide accommodations for them at their healing centre. “We can’t help everyone,” said Ms Miller. “So, it would be very beneficial if patients can stay here at home and receive treatment. So even if they can do something small for us where two of four persons can be treated at a time, we would be satisfied with that.” Ms Miller has seen a significant increase in the past two years of patients needing assistance to travel for treatment in Nassau. “We have people who need to go over there every two weeks, three weeks,
or once per month, if they need 12 rounds of treatment,” she explained. “We have been assisting persons for many years, and we have seen a very large increase last year and this year of persons needing tickets to travel into Nassau.” She stressed a cancer treatment centre on the island would be a Godsend. “It can be a bit stressful to travel when you are sick and to be able to remove that burden, and the cost associated with that would be a big help to persons,” Ms Miller said. “We are still optimistic about an oncology unit for Grand Bahama, and if we don’t see it this year, hopefully early next year.” The Cancer Society of the Bahamas’ office in Freeport was destroyed as a result of damage sustained during Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Ms Miller said the group’s office relocated a year ago at the MSC Building on Logwood Road, Freeport. The office hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 10am -3pm.
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
PAGE 12, Thursday, August 16, 2018
Drugs case delayed by lack of translator By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A SENIOR magistrate yesterday had to adjourn
the drug case against five foreign nationals involved in the discovery and seizure of 100 pounds of suspected marijuana after her court was unable to
secure a Spanish translator for the duration of the hearing. Deputy Chief Magistrate Subsola Swain made the decision after her court attempted to contact a translator to aid in proceedings against 19-year-old Brandon Kevin of Ecuador, one of five foreign nationals on trial in the Magistrate’s Court in connection to a major drug discovery in May. Kevin is charged alongside 35-year-old XIaolin Ling, 40-year-old You Meichun and two juveniles, the latter four who are all from China. In the discovery, police on mobile patrol received reports of a group of illegal migrants on a vessel near the Poop Deck, East Bay Street around 2.40am on May 26. Police Marine Support Services officers assisted by Flying Squad officers and K-9 officer Rexo, conducted a search of
the vessel and found five foreign men on board who did not speak English. Police discovered two large packages of what was suspected to be marijuana. A further search of the vessel uncovered nine other packages of marijuana in the panelling of the vessel. The drugs totalled 100 pounds. At the commencement of yesterday’s appearance, there were two Chinese translators present to facilitate proper communications with the four Chinese nationals. However, there was no Spanish translator. Deputy Chief Magistrate Swain stood the matter down to allow her office and the court time to facilitate a Spanish translator but the attempt was unsuccessful. When the case resumed, Deputy Chief Magistrate
Swain informed the defendants, their various representatives and family members that the appearance could not proceed without the presence of the translator. She informed the court of her decision to have the matter adjourned to September 7 to allow the court time to ensure the presence of both a Chinese and Spanish translator. However, before the appearance was concluded, Deputy Chief Magistrate Swain asked the representatives for the accused how well their respective clients were adjusting to their current conditions. It was at this time, through the Chinese translator and a Spanish-speaking witness in the case, several of the accused gave issues with the state in which they are being kept while awaiting trial. Kevin informed the
THE TRIBUNE
court that he is presently suffering from a respiratory condition he feels is worsening by the day, an escalating skin condition and an overall feeling of bad health. He also made a plea to receive medical attention, to which the court agreed. Family members who sat in the court during the appearance cried openly. Additionally, two of the four Chinese accused also made pleas to see a skin doctor, raising concerns over what appeared to be some form of a skin ailment affecting them. In this regard, the court also agreed to the need for medical attention. Additionally, the four Chinese nationals, through their attorneys, made a request to have more Chinese cuisine while on remand, to which the court informed them that they can make various arrangements through their representatives.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDY IN UK APPLICATIONS for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open until November 6, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening. org/apply. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. Eligibility criteria includes at least two years of employment experience and a commitment to return home to make a contribution to The Bahamas. Over the past 35 years, 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than
1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2019/2020 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow. High Commissioner to Jamaica and The Bahamas Asif Ahmad said: “We are looking for ambitious, professional, forward-thinking leaders from any walk of life. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, but one thing that all of our previous scholars have in common is that they were bold enough to step forward and apply. ‘If you are chosen for Chevening, you will receive a first-rate UK education which can open doors in your career. You will also become part of the global Chevening alumni network full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience as you will, and can offer mentorship, advice, and contacts.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 13
‘Liberalise cannabis now - and lead rest of world’ By AVA TURNQUEST and FARAH JOHNSON Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
LEADING Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe is urging Bahamian officials and those in the Caribbean - to liberalise cannabis for medical and scientific use to cement the region’s stake in the industry. Dr Lowe projected cannabis-based products will be imported to the country just like pharmaceutical drugs within the next two years, and is lobbying for regional cooperation to push back against developing countries from fully entering and dominating the market. He argued political stigma around adult use should not stall research he believes will allow Caribbean states to benefit from standardising the cultural and traditional practices of plant or “bush” medicine. Dr Lowe spoke with The Tribune following the launch of 12 cannabis-based nutraceutical products by his company Medicanja Limited - the first medical cannabis company in Jamaica and the CARICOM region - last month. “If other people are seeing the virtues and the efficacy and the safety standards,” he said, “and if we wait for the world to catch up to us, they’re not only going to catch up but surpass us. And then we turn around to purchase from them, because that’s really what’s going on now,” he said. “I can guarantee you in another year or two we will all be importing cannabisbased products from the United States and Europe just like we do pharmaceutical drugs. So the time is now and we don’t have a lot of time and we have to move on this right away. “What a lot of people don’t realise in this whole thing is a lot of hypocrisy is there. Let me say why I say this. The UK is the largest exporter of cannabis, I bet you didn’t know that. In the United States we have all these states that are developing and doing their own thing, it’s not legal federally but they are still doing it.” Dr Lowe added: “But the poor developing countries are really held back. We are struggling in Jamaica to make sure that we develop our industry and be ready for the take off because it’s going to come and I think it’s going to come within the next two years.” Medicanja uses plant and natural resources to manufacture cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Dr Lowe and his partners Professor Manley West and Professor Albert Lockhart are renowned for their groundbreaking glaucoma treatment Canasol - both the first eye-drop and the first medicinal commercial product from cannabis.
THE LEGAL use of medical marijuana is being explored in a number of countries. “Despite all the fights and everything else,” he said, “we got the support of the police and the politicians of the day because they saw where we wanted to go and they supported us. So that was the start and then other products have been developed but the big problem is, which is just a little better now, but we still have problems. “We were able to develop a number of products but could not get them marketed and sold because of the ban although they were purely for medicinal purposes,” he said. In 2017, Dr Lowe and his team of researchers developed a drug to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which was granted orphan-drug designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “This is why it’s so important to get the political leaders on board,” he continued. “We did this early, because while our government and the political leaders at the time couldn’t come out publicly and endorse in the early stages, they have done it now. “When we launched Medicanja, which is our flagship company for cannabis, we got on board the former governor general, the former prime ministers from previous government and the sitting government and they became our leaders and literally gave endorsement - so that helped us to move very quickly.” He added: “But it’s all about education and understanding. Education is a continuum and let this be the start.” Dr Lowe told The Tribune he has now turned his focus to advocacy in hopes to encourage regional scientists to take a leading role in the development of standards for traditional, herbal medicine. “What a lot of people don’t realise is up until 1960, roughly 70 percent of all medications came directly or indirectly from plants and to a lesser extent, animals,” he said. “But that was the basis of where the synthetic chemist came in and they began to design drugs and what we’re finding now is that though some of them are quite effective, sometimes
they kill the patient before having the cure, and even when the patient is not killed they develop a lot of side effects which sometimes even trigger even new types of diseases and
ailments that they didn’t have before.” Dr Lowe said a big challenge for traditional medicine was the lack of standardisation. “There is a real problem because nobody has developed the standardisation,” he said. “Nobody knows exactly what is in some of the medicines. People use them and they work but in modern times we should be able to say exactly what it is and even without having it in single molecules as the FDA and others would like, we could still know what is in there. What are the major bioactive ingredients, so that we could make better medicines from these.
“We can understand doctors having reservations because they were trained in the classical way to have pharmaceutical details given to them, and then they use it as a prescription. Nobody has detailed the products from cannabis for health care purposes and once this begins and doctors understand and know more about it, this is going to be great.” This week, Bahamian naturopathic and homeopathic Dr Derek Pinder, owner of Herbal Healing Centre, echoed Dr Lowe’s call for the government to facilitate Bahamian research. “Being one of the quieter leaders in the field of herbal and natural medicine, The Bahamas has always been
behind so we’re really looking forward to this. We’re not shouting from a rooftop but there is much work going on here in The Bahamas. It’s not only the cannabis, there is a great discussion and research going on in the field of guinea hen weed for the treatment of cancer. “Dr Lowe has the patented formula for glaucoma using cannabis, but it goes beyond the cannabis. Anything that’s growing in our backyard: shepherd’s needle to guinea hen weed, we can use as medicines.” “We have to get back to the basics,” Dr Pinder added, “once we get back to the basics I think we’ll be able to enjoy 100 percent health again. It’s no sense in reinventing the wheel.”
PAGE 14, Thursday, August 16, 2018
The chef who served Sir Lynden Pindling
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
RAYBERTHA’S Senior Citizens Centre in Grand Bahama is home to some 12 residents, including a former hotel executive chef who made cooking history in the United Bahamian Party-era and served as a private chef to Sir Lynden Pindling and Dame Marguerite Pindling. When The Tribune visited the home last week, this newspaper found that well-known Bahamian chef Granville Johnson,
90, resides at the assisted living facility in Freeport. He was happy to share his extraordinary life as a chef who was applauded and recognised for his culinary skills by Sir Stafford Sands, former minister of tourism, and his many guests from Miami high society. Mr Johnson recalled that in those days, during the segregation era, blacks were not allowed to live in Miami Beach. “I represented The Bahamas in the United States and Canada to put on a Bahamian food exhibition. The UBP government sent
me over to Florida to represent the Bahamas, and it was called ‘Bahamian Dinner Flown to Miami,’ he said. “I grew up in the hotel from a young boy scrubbing the floor and taking out the garbage at the Bahamas Country Club at Sir Harry Oakes, and later became a chef there,” he recalled. Mr Johnson eventually became an executive chef. He was flown over to Florida to cook an authentic Bahamian meal for Sir Stafford and his guests at a Bahamian themed-event.
“They flew a live turtle over… and we put on a whole display of Bahamian food. When we finished, Sir Stafford Sands, who was then minister of tourism, came into the kitchen and took me to the dining room and introduced me to the crowd of white people. “Sir Stafford said, ‘ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the young chef that did all that wonderful food,’ and the whole room stood up and clapped. They were all white persons, doctors and lawyers – there were no blacks there,” Mr Johnson recalled. “At that time in Miami, black people could not live there, and they booked me to stay at the McAllister Hotel in downtown Miami.” Mr Johnson was also a private chef to former Prime Minister Sir Lynden and his wife, Governor General Dame Marguerite, preparing meals for the couple during special parties and events at their home. “Anytime (Dame) Marguerite was having a party, she would call me to create a menu, and I would get my stuff together and go up to their house when they were at Village Road,” he said. Mr Johnson said that he enjoyed working for the Pindlings. “Sir Lynden and I were very good friends,” he said. While recuperating at his brother’s home following surgery in Miami, Mr Johnson said that his sisterin-law was quite surprised
THE TRIBUNE
GRANVILLE JOHNSON, 90 when Sir Lynden called to Granville, the prime minisspeak with him. ter is on the phone to you!’” “My brother’s wife After leaving New answered the phone, and Providence, Mr Johnson she was so excited and worked in Grand Bahama came calling, ‘Granville, as the executive chef of the Lucayan Beach Hotel and Lucayan Harbour Hotel at the same time. Mr Johnson has been living at the Raybertha Home for the past two years. He credits his good health to God and living a clean life. “I never smoked, and I don’t drink,” he said, adding that he is not on any medication. “I believe in God, I trust God, and I thank Him every morning for granting me long life, and good health.”
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
- CONVENIENCE, PERFORMANCE & STYLE -
TEMPERATURE-CONTROL DRAWERS
WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
HOT WATER DISPENSER
AUTOFILL PITCHER
Geoffrey Jones’ fine line of General Electric Refrigerators bring intelligence and style to the centerpiece of your kitchen and raise the bar on freshness. GE refrigerators are full of ingenious ideas that are perfectly in sync with today’s daily routines, complemented by striking design details that answer real-life needs.
good things, for life.
Sales & Full Service Department Rosetta & Montgomery Streets
T: 322-2188/9 E: geoffjones@comcast.net www.geoffreyjonesandco.com
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, August 16, 2018, PAGE 15
HUNT FOR ANSWERS AFTER BRIDGE COLLAPSE
RESCUERS work among the rubble of the Morandi highway bridge that collapsed in Genoa, northern Italy. GENOA, Italy plunged some 45 meters particularly difficult, due to Mediterranean. Associated Press (150 feet), Interior Minis- the holiday. Debris also must be ter Matteo Salvini declined “It’s not easy to distin- cleared from railroad AS more bodies were to say how many people guish between who doesn’t tracks, a vital link especially pulled yesterday from a might still be buried in the respond because they are now that Genoa is largely mountain of jagged con- debris where about 1,000 on the other side of the cut in half by the loss of crete and twisted steel rescue workers searched for world and turned off their such a key artery, Premier left by a highway bridge victims. phone to relax” on vacation, Giuseppe Conte said. collapse that killed 39, prosThe collapse occurred and “who’s not responding Authorities worried ecutors focused on possible about midday Tuesday, because they are under the about the stability of design flaws and past main- the eve of Italy’s biggest rubble,” he said. remaining large sections tenance of the heavily used summer holiday, when trafHe said he hoped the of the bridge, prompting span, and politicians squab- fic was particularly busy on death toll would not rise. a wider evacuation order bled over blame. the 51-year-old span that “Miracles are still possi- and forcing about 630 Motorists, meanwhile, links two highways — one ble,” Salvini said. people from nearby apartrecounted miraculous leading to France, the other Authorities urged the ments, some practically in escapes and the horror of to Milan — from this north- quick removal of tons of the shadow of the elevated seeing others plunge over western port city. debris from a dry river bed highway. Firefighters went the edge. Salvini declined to say so that the rubble doesn’t inside some of the vacated As a second night how many people are still create a makeshift dam apartments briefly to descended on the site where missing, and he added that if heavy rains fall in the retrieve documents and, in part of the Morandi Bridge trying to locate them was flood-prone city on the at least one home, pet cats.
Building a new bridge could require razing the evacuated buildings, said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Danilo Toninelli. After leading an emergency Cabinet meeting in Genoa, Conte said there were 39 confirmed dead and 16 injured, including nine in serious condition. Three children were among those killed, Salvini said. The dead included four French citizens traveling to a music festival and two Albanians. Genoa Prosecutor Francesco Cozzi told reporters the investigation into the collapse was focused on
Photo: Antonio Calanni/AP human causes, specifically any possible design flaws in the bridge’s construction or any inadequate maintenance. He said he didn’t know who might be responsible, but added: “It wasn’t an accident.” Asked if authorities had any warning that the bridge could be dangerous, Cozzi indicated that no serious safety concerns had reached his office before the collapse. Otherwise, “none of us would have driven over that highway 20 times a month, as we do,” he said. A $22.7m project to upgrade the bridge’s safety had already been approved.
OMAROSA ‘WON’T BE SILENCED’ BY PRESIDENT TRUMP NEW YORK Associated Press
FORMER White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman declared that she “will not be silenced” by President Donald Trump, remaining defiant as her public feud with her former boss appeared to shift to a possible legal battle. In an interview with The Associated Press, Manigault Newman, who is promoting her new book about her time in Trump’s orbit, said she believes the president’s campaign is trying to keep her from telling her story. She commented just hours after Trump’s campaign announced it was filing an arbitration action against her, alleging violations of a secrecy agreement she signed. “I will not be intimidated,” she told the AP. “I’m not going to be bullied by Donald Trump.” Still, the former reality TV star-turned-political
continued to unleash scathing criticism of the 72-year-old Trump, saying he’s in mental decline and unfit to be president, and is intentionally sowing racial division. She accused him of using his rowdy political rallies to divide, even suggesting Trump is promoting violence. Discussing the differences between their views, she said: “One, I want to see this nation united as opposed to divided. I don’t want to see a race war as Donald Trump does.” The White House counters that Manigault Newman is a disgruntled former staffer with credibility and character issues who is now trying to profit through false attacks against someone she has worked with and supported for more than a decade, including his presidential campaign. “She worked here for a year and didn’t have any of these things to say,” White
OMAROSA Manigault Newman aide declined to answer several questions about her experiences during her year as the highest-ranking African-American aide in Trump’s White House, citing the arbitration action. She said she’d been interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller’s office, but would not discuss details. But Manigault Newman insisted she pushed for diversity at the White House, which currently has no African-American in a senior role following her departure. Manigault Newman
2
WITH YOUR CHOICE OF
OR
MEDIUM 1 TOPPING PIZZAS
ONLY
+ 2 LTR SODA
House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters in Washington. “In fact, everything she said was quite the opposite. And not just the year that she worked here, but the time that she spent on the
campaign trail and I think it’s really sad what she’s doing at this point.” Manigault Newman, who has known Trump since she was a contestant in 2003 on his reality TV show, “The Apprentice,”
said his proclivity for racial division is evident “when you see at every single opportunity he insults African-Americans.” “He wants to divide this nation,” said Manigault Newman.