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The Tribune
Volume:116 No.191, SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2019
Established 1903
Weekend
WEEKEND: ARTIST UNVEILS KALEIDOSCOPIC VISION
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1 art books film fashion
Weekend
Gibson ‘urged man to pay him $300k’ FORMER PLP Labour Minister Shane Gibson took “advantage” of a businessman by encouraging the man to pay him over $300,000 to ensure the contractor would be paid for hurricane clean-up efforts, a Crown attorney claimed yesterday. James Guthrie, QC, said Gibson solicited $330,000 from contractor Jonathan
Friday, September 27, 2019
history puzzles theatr e COOKING WITH HOT SAUCE Page 7
Into the kaleidoscope
Artist’s multiplicity of visio n
Court told minister ‘took advantage’ of businessman By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
music food gardening
pages 14 & 15
DIANE PHILLIPS: MUDD SHOWS TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY
SEE PAGE TEN
HURRICANE DEATH TOLL REACHES 56
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Hurricane Dorian death toll has increased to 56 and Royal Bahamas Police Force officials have again urged people to report missing relatives to the Central Detective Unit. So far, there have been nine deceased victims recovered in Grand Bahama and 47 in Abaco. On Tuesday, officials said there were 54 deaths associated with SEE PAGE THREE
TORMENTED BY MEMORIES OF THE STORM By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
Ash over three months in 2017 in exchange for him using his government position to ensure Ash would be paid the $1m plus he was owed by the government in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Mr Guthrie conceded that as Mr Ash was involved in making the various payments, it is fair to assert that he partook in the criminal acts. However, Mr Guthrie said it was Gibson who SEE PAGE SIX
SHANE Gibson outside court earlier this week. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
NIGHTS are the worst for Lavario Pinder. Each time the 37-yearold closes his eyes he sees destruction and corpses drifting in dangerously high and rising waters brought by Hurricane Dorian. “I try to stay strong and not think about all the horrible things I’ve seen. Some other people wouldn’t be able to handle that,” he told The Tribune yesterday, from a bench behind the Fox Hill Community Centre where he’s been staying for the past three weeks. SEE PAGE TWO
RAGGED ISLANDERS FEAR BEING PUSHED ASIDE AFTER DORIAN By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
RAGGED Island residents were feeling neglected even before Hurricane Dorian ravaged Grand Bahama and Abaco. Now with attention fixed on restoring the country’s second and third
largest island economies, residents of Ragged Island feel despair, fearing their wait for basic services like healthcare and public education will be pushed aside indefinitely. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) designated their island “uninhabitable” after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and
has not lifted that tag since. The consequences of this can be severe for the 60 or so residents living there, with one family finding this year that when the health of their patriarch deteriorated, emergency medical airlift wasn’t available because of the absence of a doctor on the island. SEE PAGE FIVE
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
A COMIC’S VIEW: FERREIRA GETS MY GOAT
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Friday, September 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
AN AMAZON Air flight arrives at Grand Bahama International Airport, bringing supplies to assist the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation.
AMAZON DELIVERS RELIEF SUPPLIES ON Monday, two Amazon Air flights loaded with hurricane relief supplies landed at the Grand Bahama International Airport - the latest in a series of aid drops benefitting the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF). Through its network of local and international donors, the GBDRF has already overseen the import and distribution of hundreds of thousands of dollars in relief aid to the Grand Bahama community. Now, the foundation has incredible assistance from Amazon, receiving its largest single private donation of in-kind relief through Amazon’s Disaster Relief programme. “The moment the Hurricane Dorian passed, we immediately reached out to Amazon to request assistance for Grand Bahama. The reaction of the Amazon team was incredible, offering support straight away. This donation and the support of Amazon has been a God-send,” said GBDRF organiser Henry St George.
“At Amazon, we leverage our vast logistics network, operational excellence, and technology leadership and innovation to provide support for communities in immediate need after devastating natural disasters,” explained Bettina Stix, senior manager & founder, disaster relief by Amazon. “In our response to Hurricane Dorian, our efforts were strengthened and supported by the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation, and we were proud to work alongside them to send tens of thousands of relief items donated by both Amazon and Amazon-customers to the Bahamas.” In addition to Amazon’s in-kind donations, Amazon launched a wishlist campaign, specifically curated by its nonprofit partners including GBDRF, where customers from around the globe had the opportunity to make donations to those in immediate need. Both Amazon and its customers donated essential relief supplies such as
shelf-stable food, clothes, and personal hygiene necessities like toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste. “Amazon and its customers have been so generous to the people of Grand Bahama, and coordinating such a large drop off of air freight would simply not have been possible without the logistical support of the disaster relief by Amazon team throughout,” noted Mr St George. “Seeing the Amazon aircraft arrive at our makeshift airport was astonishing and will provide our entire island with muchneeded relief and hope.” The pallets of relief items will be distributed as part of the GBDRF’s distribution partnership with more than 130 churches and relief organisations on the island. The churches are able to identify the specific needs of the individuals and families in their respective congregations and prepare relief packages to address those needs. GBDRF continues to provide relief to the community throughout Grand Bahama and is proud to
have been identified by Amazon as a partner for its charitable initiatives. Persons interested in making
donations or volunteering are encouraged to visit www.gbdisasterrelief.org for more information. To
learn more about the Disaster Relief by Amazon team, visit www.amazon.com/ disasterrelief.
Tormented by memories of the storm from page one The monster storm has left a permanent imprint on his mind, Mr Pinder said. “I’ve seen a lot of very terrible things in Abaco. After my cousin roof fly off and everything was completely gone, so soon as we got out everything was completely flat. I really could have died in the process if we stayed, but after the eye came over and we had a break to move on that road coming to go to the government complex, I did
see one or two dead bodies floating around. “(Prime Minister) Dr (Hubert) Minnis said it was 50 something people died I believe it was way more than that. “I was going to the government complex and they have a port there where they have a lot of containers and the containers was up in town and in the Haitian village which was completely flat. It’s like no houses was there at all and the containers came from the port and were lined off in the Haitian village.
“I believe there are couple dead bodies under those containers too. When I sleep at night (I see it),” he also told The Tribune. But in the mornings, Mr Pinder said he tries to focus on what’s next for his life. Despite losing it all, he said this is his chance to start over. “Really and truly I don’t know how to put the pieces of the puzzle together but I guess this is a new beginning and a new start. They’re not really saying much to me but they already came with job offerings and stuff like that.
“I gave them my number because I am a heavy equipment operator. That’s my profession. I could do anything else too if they have anything else to do but that’s my profession what I told them I do.” Finding employment in New Providence is his short-term plan, but ultimately Mr Pinder said he wants to return to Abaco and operate heavy machinery with clean up teams. Rico Pierre is also trying to move on from the traumatic experience of Hurricane Dorian.
He credits prayers and God with getting him through the ordeal. “I was in an old church when the hurricane came and it was plenty water,” the 25-year-old recalled. “For me I could swim, couple of us could swim, all those that couldn’t swim we had to help them. “We had to hold on to a pipe because the water was getting higher. I believe everyone made it because of me and couple other fellas because we could swim but the main person was God because we was
praying. “I said ‘please Father God bring out the sun, bring out the sun’ but at first the sun wouldn’t come out then it came out and it held the weather for a couple minutes and we come out.” He said his main concern now is finding employment. He is hoping to find a construction or landscaping job to rebuild his life in New Providence. Fox Hill MP Shonel Ferguson said between 135 to 140 people are currently staying at the Fox Hill shelter.
EMERGENCY TEAMS GIVEN NEW WORK OUTFITS ONE hundred t-shirts and 200 work pants have been donated by to the National Emergency Medical Services staff as part of Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. The donation was made by Acute Air Ambulance – Aitheras Aviation and the Cintas Uniform Company. NEMS director Dr Alvery Hanna said she had been approached by members of Acute Air who wanted to know how they could assist local EMS personnel. “I explained that our staff especially in Abaco, and few also in Grand Bahama, have lost all of their belongings, yet still they continue to work in whatever clothing they can find. So, I
expressed that we have a need for uniforms, and they decided that that is what they would do to assist EMS. Over the ensuing weeks, after they returned home, they endeavoured to get us exactly what we needed.” Two Acute Air Ambulance team members, Cortney Preston and Trisha Wesolek, returned to New Providence on Tuesday September 24 and made a formal presentation to NEMS after the Department of Customs waived duties and fees on the donation. The uniform t-shirts are emblazoned with EMS in large lettering on the back and the star of life on the front reflecting the official colours and symbols of NEMS.
A NEMS official, centre, with the donated uniforms.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, September 27, 2019, PAGE 3
HURRICANE DEATH TOLL REACHES 56 from page one
Dorian. There are still 608 people missing in the aftermath of the ferocious storm. In its update yesterday, the National Emergency Management Agency stressed that the RBPF was the only entity authorised to release the official count of recovered bodies. NEMA also outlined how the process of identifying victims happens. “Whenever a body is found in Grand Bahama and Abaco, the police are called in and accompany the retrieval team at all stages. As a part of the ongoing procedure, the RBPF has
begun the process of identification of recovered bodies from Grand Bahama and Abaco,” the RBPF said by way of NEMA. “If you have not seen your loved ones since the passage of Hurricane Dorian, please report them missing or misplaced at the missing persons section at the Criminal Detective Unit (CDU) located University Drive. An officer will take a statement, which will include relevant information pertaining to the missing or misplaced individual.” Investigators are using four methods to identify deceased people. This includes: facial identification when facial
features are still intact and relatives can easily recognise their loved ones; fingerprint analysis; DNA analysis to be compared to controlled samples from relatives; and dental records. Police also said another form of identification can be done through the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) with a Black Notice that circulates information - including fingerprints, DNA, dental and facial identification - on unidentified bodies. Officials are also working to identify a suitable location for solid waste management. “A designated landfill
site is still required for solid waste management,” the NEMA statement said. “The Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Environmental Health Services/Department of Lands and Survey are working together to identify a suitable location for solid waste management. DEHS has reported that a potential site has been identified. “Freeport building assessment continues in the following locations: Queen’s Cove; Columbus Park; Hudson Estates; Hawksbill; Regency Park; Bahamia North; and Back of Town.” Regarding building controls, NEMA said there is an overwhelming request from building owners to
start rebuilding or repairs. The Ministry of Public Works is in discussions to retain a structural engineer who will be preparing a process for applicants to receive permits to build in collaboration with the Buildings Control Division. However, there is still no date for when shops and supermarkets will reopen in Abaco. “The Emergency Operations Centre in Abaco shared the results of onthe-ground assessments recently conducted in north, south and central Abaco to determine and update figures of people currently living in Abaco Islands and in need of humanitarian assistance.
“Abaco is still in the relief phase as it relates to food assistance. A distribution plan of in-kind donations – food and non-food items – has been put in place to start weekly deliveries to pre-identified distribution sites. “Also a distribution centre has been set up in Marsh Harbour, at the Central Abaco Primary School and is now fully functional. There is no confirmed date for reopening of shops/ supermarkets. Abaco Gas is selling propane from their operating location in Marsh Harbour. Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue is organising and coordinating relief efforts in Hope Town.”
Missing since the storm
CLOCKWISE from top left, Sybil Pinder, Roswell Pinder, Tanae Pinder, Terrell Lightbourne, George Laing, and Clarence Jones, who have all been missing from High Rock since Hurricane Dorian.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net POLICE have officially issued missing persons bulletins for several individuals from the High Rock community in East Grand Bahama who have not been seen or heard from since the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Three relatives that are still missing are Tanae Pinder, 21, and Sybil and Roswell Pinder, both 60. The eastern part of Grand Bahama was hard hit by Dorian, which caused 20
to 25ft surge on the island that washed away homes, vehicles, and persons. Dorian battered Grand Bahama for nearly two days after pounding Abaco. Tanae Pinder is a student; she has a tattoo of a red rose with “Sybil” on her upper shoulder. She has dark brown shoulder length hair, a light brown complexion with hazel eyes. She is about 5’3”, of slim build, and weighs 115 pounds. Her mother, Sybil Loretta Pinder is employed as a customs broker. She has a light brown complexion, brown eyes, and brown
natural hair. She is 5’5” of medium build and weighs 170 pounds. She has a black mole between her eyes. Roswell Pinder is a security officer. He has a dark brown complexion with dark brown eyes. He is 5’8” and weighs 160 pounds, with dark brown, low cut hair. Mr Pinder also has a black mole and his right eye appears cloudy. Also missing from High Rock are Terrell Rudolph Lightbourne, 43, George Laing, 49, and Clarence Jones, 63. Mr Lightbourne is a security officer by profession.
He has a dark brown complexion with dark brown eyes and a bald head. He is 5’8”, of medium build, and weighs 170 pounds. He has a star tattoo over his left eye and a scar below the right eye. Mr Laing is a fisherman from High Rock. He has a dark complexion with dark brown eyes, low grey hair and a beard. He is about 6’2” and weighs 400 pounds. Mr Jones is a retired trained teacher. He is 6’ tall of medium build and weighs 210-220 pounds. Also missing in Abaco is Astrid Emily Stratton,
77. She is Caucasian and is about 5’ with a heavy build. Between 17 to 20 persons in East Grand Bahama are missing, 14 of them from the High Rock community alone, The Tribune was told. Pastor Jenese Pinder, who lost seven of his
relatives in the storm, has described the loss as “devastating” to the close-knit community. He lost sisters Sherlene Cooper and Lovette Munnings, and nephew and grand-nephew DJ and Omari Munnings, and three other cousins.
PETA DONATES TO ANIMAL RESCUE THIS week, PETA donated $2,500 to a fundraiser set up by Oakland, California resident Douglas Thron, a cinematographer and animal activist who recently used a drone to locate and rescue an abandoned dog from “mountains of debris” on Abaco in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Mr Thron is aiming to raise $25,500 to put toward a custom infrared drone and an all-terrain vehicle to help him do the same for many other animals still struggling to survive in the rubble. “Douglas Thron is using his creativity and critical thinking to rescue as many animals as possible from post-Dorian devastation,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is proud to support this and stands with him as he works to meet his goal.” On his GoFundMe page, Mr Thron said he spent the past two weeks delivering aid to the Bahamas islands hit by Hurricane Dorian. “Just recently they started
allowing the public back onto Abaco Island, one of the hardest hit areas,” he wrote. “As a professional aerial cinematographer, I’ve covered many of the biggest natural disasters in recent times including the Paradise and Santa Rosa, California fires, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen a place as destroyed as Marsh Harbour. “. . .While delivering aid and filming the destruction in an effort to bring public awareness, I spotted numerous dogs and cats with my drones and quickly realised this was the most effective way of finding these poor animals before it’s too late. The mountains of debris make it very challenging to find these animals. I have come back to the US to gather more supplies to aid in the rescue of these desperate animals. An infrared drone would help me spot the animals faster in the sea of debris and destruction. I also plan to bring over a four-wheeler or dirt bike to get around since many of the roads are
still unreachable by cars. “I have been working with multiple rescue groups in the Bahamas that said these tools would help with rescue missions immensely,” he added. A recent survey revealed that 91 percent of animal guardians aren’t prepared for a natural disaster, according to a press release from the animal advocacy group. PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—urges animal guardians to make a plan for their family in case of emergency evacuations and not to leave animal companions behind to fend for themselves. Animals should never be left tied up or confined to crates, pens, or hutches, as they’ll be trapped and unable to flee rising water, PETA warns. Mr Thron was one of PETA’s 2018 People of the Year for filming the rescue of a cat who was stuck under a burned-out truck during the California wildfires. His GoFundMe page raised more than $6,000 up to press time.
Death Notice for
Donald Emerson Knowles MBE, 87 of St. Pauls Street, Chippingham and formerly of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, died at his residence on Monday September 23rd, 2019. He is survived by his wife: Miriam Knowles; three daughters: Clarissa Hanna, Kelly Knowles and Ruthie Knowles; five sons: David, Howard, Donald and Charles Knowles and Christopher Hanna; one sister: Shirley Smith; 11 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends including: Ethel Knowles, Laurencene McSweeny and Mary Collie.
PAGE 4, Friday, September 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
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Scars that will linger in our nation FOR those of us who did not go through the horrific experience of Hurricane Dorian, it is hard to grasp the level of trauma suffered by those who did. Read the story on page one today in which storm survivors talk of how the tragedy has affected them and it gives a glimpse of how big a scar has been left on our nation. Lavario Pinder is one of those who came through alive after Dorian hit Abaco. He was far from unscathed, however. He told our reporter of how, when he closes his eyes, he sees the surging water that struck the island, with bodies drifting in the current. “I really could have died,” he says. Instead, he’s alive, but left trying to figure out how to start his life all over again. Another Abaco evacuee, Rico Pierre, credits being able to swim for keeping him alive. He was in an old church when the storm struck and he and a couple of others managed to help people who couldn’t swim to survive through the storm. He said: “We had to hold on to a pipe because the water was getting higher.” It’s almost impossible to think about how hard it must have been for those who went through such experiences. This isn’t something that can be solved tomorrow. This is a trauma that will still be with people tomorrow. Six months from now. A year, two years. Perhaps forever. In yesterday’s Tribune, we hailed the signing of a heads of agreement for a new cruise port in East Grand Bahama
as being the start of rebuilding. But just as we rebuild the physical parts of our nation after the damage of the storm, so too do we need to help those dealing with trauma to rebuild their lives. This will not be a short journey - but we need to be there to support hurricane survivors as they go through it. We can draw encouragement from those who have seen this need and are trying to respond to it - the art gallery has been open for free all this month for those needing a space of peace, the music and arts communities have been responding with events that combine fundraising and offering comfort, and mental health professionals have been making their services available. There will be a strong role too for the religious community, which will be the first place many survivors turn to in search of support. We hope that this response can be sustained long-term – and perhaps coordinated so that when people do need somewhere to turn to, even months down the line from now, they know an easy way to find the support they need. Perhaps a helpline, perhaps a dedicated support team at Social Services, perhaps the churches coming together to provide a central point of contact for those who want to reach out. More than anything else, the survivors of the storm need to hear one thing from the rest of the nation: We are here for you. As those of us lucky enough not to have been affected try to understand what victims have gone through, that is the least that we can do.
Thank you for helping Ranfurly EDITOR, The Tribune. As you know, just over three weeks ago, one of the most powerful hurricanes in Bahamian history unleashed its deadly force on the Islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. In Hurricane Dorian’s wake, it is estimated that over 70,000 people have been displaced. Amongst the displaced have been the children from the home in Grand Bahama. A total of twenty-three (23) children have been added to our Ranfurly Family. A small but important number by comparison. These children are the most vulnerable of the vulnerable. The capacity of Ranfurly has more than doubled overnight. To this end, we made an initial appeal to the general public for support for basic needs: trauma counsellors, food, water, personal hygiene toiletries, bedding, medication, clothing, art supplies for therapy, cleaning supplies, volunteers to supplement the staff and loving arms to comfort children. The outpouring of love has been incredible. It far surpassed anything that we could have ever imagined. The response was such that we were able to immediately think about secondary needs – education (so many children
from GB were concerned about the interruption in their schooling); tutoring, long-term counselling, transportation, food and petrol coupons, medical needs and filling the needs of the home, that had swollen in capacity overnight. We are grateful for those who came forward and have helped us in: nursing, feeding (all the restaurants/emergency food kitchens that fed us) outsourcing of the additional laundry needs, homework assistance, bedtime story readers, volunteer drivers, life coaches, tutors, plumbers, electricians, refrigeration, air-conditioning men, volunteers that have endlessly answered the phones, greeted visitors, sorted, cleaned, packed storage cupboards, delivered, picked up, carried, fed, watered, and just generally shown us so much care. The list is endless. Our third, extended wish list has now been issued. This list is helping us to sustain ourselves during the duration of this time. Additional caregivers, drivers, cleaners, school fees, counselling fees, tutoring fees, medicine for serious diseases, BPL bills, healthy food items, school lunch fees, laptops for the BGCSE students,
textbooks, cupboards/shelving and additional dorm space. Even as we write, the offers and expression of assistance are coming in from all over the world. Our hearts are big, and our Home is family. Your assistance ensures that we can continue to uphold our end of the situation. As the only private, non-affiliated Home in the Bahamas, the responsibility lies with the board of directors to provide all of the needs of the Home. We are ALL volunteers. The Ranfurly Homes for Children is not a business. It is completely non-profit with full accountability and transparency. Your help helps us to help these beautiful children. At Ranfurly, they are protected, loved, validated and supported as best as we can. We need your continued support and are deeply grateful for the donations that we have already received (please be patient as we get our thank you letters out) and any additional donations of money, time or talent that you care to make. Please feel free to contact us at any time and with any questions. RANFURLY HOMES FOR CHILDREN Nassau September 25, 2019
How do we treat our neighbours? EDITOR, The Tribune. YOU can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S Forbe Dorian has demolished the shanty towns in Abaco and the lives of many persons living there were lost. Mothers, fathers brothers, sisters and children, yet some of us are still not sympathetic towards the remaining survivors. Not feeling their pain. Social media has gone wild. Ablazed with xenophobic hoax commentaries from several supposedly international leaders being used to mitigate our phobia. Australia prime Minister telling muslims to adhere to the country rules or leave, British mayor saying if you don’t like pork just leave. The list goes on and on. Echoes of “Headshot them, shoot them on sight, riddle their bodies with gunshots”. The Prime Minister has lost his head and is pandering to the illegals, he better get it right. “Get them out of our country. We do not want them here. Wipe them from the face of the earth,” is repeated over and over on voice notes. Some harsh comments coming from a nation that is supposed to be governed by Christian principles. Why do we hate the Haitians so much while giving other nationalities a pass? Is it because they’re black and poor, or is it because they speak another language. Hundreds of other nationalities from all over the world are here illegally and not a peep about them. The only sin the Haitians have committed is to seek a better way of life for their families… Right here I pause to ask the question: “What would Jesus do, how would Christ handle this?” I heard someone say they
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net hate them because they are arrogant, ungrateful and biggity and they practice witchcraft. Has it ever came to mind that arrogance and being biggity is their only means of defence? We treat them like crap and don’t expect them to stand up and defend themselves. Exploiting them at every opportunity. Renting them houses unfit to be occupied, having them work for chump change while holding work permits over their heads. And when they complain we call them ungrateful. As for obeah the Haitians did not bring it here. Almost every Caribbean country practises witchcraft that was introduced to the islands by slaves brought in from Africa. “Variants of Obeah are practised in the Bahamas and in the Caribbean nations of Barbados, BSurinameelize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Virgin Islands, as well as by the Igbo people of Nigeria. In some cases, aspects of these folk religions have survived through amalgamation with Christian symbolism and practice introduced by European colonials and slave owners.” - Wikipedia The Bahamas is not exempted. No I’m not Haitian, repeat I’m not a Haitian. I said it before and I will say it again. Like all other countries the Bahamas have immigration policies that must be maintained at all times. Those in breach should be held accountable and face consequences to the full extent of the law. Illegal immigrants are breaking the law and should be treated accordingly. But in the meantime, while
solutions are being sought, especially after Dorian shouldn’t we be as compassionate as we possibly can? It is because of man’s inhumanity to man the downtrodden will be buried in so many unmarked graves. Hundreds of persons are missing and presumed dead. Illegal immigrants tend to be a burden on most countries, especially small countries such as The Bahamas. But does that absolves us from being humane? God wants us to love others through genuine and sincere kindness and compassion. This means that we should not be critical or judgmental of others. We should not be hurtful or take advantage of others. Likewise, we should also not treat others with indifference. We should help those who need help. And when we are wronged, we should forgive. If we love God, we will do these things daily. Constantly. Not just to those who are close to us like family and friends, but to everyone. “Boy I know I’m in trouble now, but so be it.” Dorian has left us in a position that compels us to think out of the box. Let us proceed with caution before we bring damnation upon our heads. We all know the story of the wicked servant in Mathew chapter 18:32-33 32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ The world is watching and is being kind towards us let us extend that kindness to others. Lest it be wrested away from us. God bless us all. ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, September 22, 2019.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, September 27, 2019, PAGE 5
RAGGED ISLANDERS FEAR BEING PUSHED ASIDE AFTER DORIAN from page one
Perseus Wilson had a membership in a company that provides emergency medical transportation services throughout The Bahamas. When he sought help in August, the company declined to airlift him. According to documents seen by The Tribune, it said he was not in the care of a medical professional and a doctor neither recommended his transport or said he was stable for flight, all requirements for mobilisation. “He was angry to find out they wouldn’t come to get him after he paid his money to be a member,” his wife, Jill Wilson, recalled on Wednesday. “Perseus also spoke with doctors in Exuma and they said for
them to come he has to be seen by a doctor who must say he’s at a stage where they have to pick him up. But how can a doctor say that when no doctor is on the island?” Mr Wilson was eventually transported by private charter to Exuma and then to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau. He died in August at 66. He had stage three chronic kidney disease and, doctors discovered, cancer. His family does not argue that he would be alive today even if he had received medical attention sooner. However, the absence of a clinic and medical professionals on their island has dangerously complicated the equation for anyone who needs emergency help, they stressed. “There has to be at least a nurse on the island and that
may have made a difference in his case,” Mrs Wilson said. “I have children down there now and I’m going back there so of course I’m worried this could happen again.” Many Ragged Island residents believe the government wants them to abandon the island and leave it truly uninhabited. This, they surmise, would lessen the burden on the public treasury in an era when climate change has the country rethinking its approach to hurricane preparedness. Two reasons Rochelle Maycock, 33, isn’t fleeing Ragged Island is her dislike for the country’s cities and the vibrancy of her island’s fishing industry, which, she said, brings her husband nearly $80,000 a year. “You know how much seafood Ragged Island does produce?” she asked
on Wednesday. “Right now we have, say, 8,000 pounds of crawfish on the island or more. Most of the people already rebuilt their houses after the storm. All we need is for the government to step up and come with essential services.” Erica Wallace, 38, said her two children were attending school in Exuma last year, but are now back on Ragged Island, getting education through non-traditional means. “We just got tired of the separation so they’re here now being homeschooled until the government decides to put a school here,” she said, adding her children are enrolled with Southside Academy, which offers online homeschooling services. “We want to be together as a family so this is what we have to deal with now. We want the physical school though so
the children could mix with other children.” During his national address in May, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced an $8m investment in Ragged Island’s redevelopment that would involve the construction of a new $2m school and teachers’ duplex, a $2.5m clinic, a $2.5m administrator’s office, a post office and courtroom and a new $1m police station and accommodations. Four months later, residents on the island say no work has started on any of this. “My engineers and architects are working on this project and all of the other capital projects that we are looking to construct throughout the country,” Works Minister Desmond Bannister said Wednesday when asked about the matter.
He said the issue isn’t a simple one. “After Dorian they have to drop whatever they are doing to assess schools, government buildings, seawalls and hundreds of residential buildings in Grand Bahama and Abaco,” he said. On Facebook, the complaint of one Ragged Island descendent was shared dozens of times yesterday. Janae Wallace wrote: “This place is where I’ve learned everything I know, this place made me who I am today. Hurricane Dorian tore through Grand Bahama and Abaco and they have been given an overwhelming response from all over the world. Not to be selfish, but I have to ask the question, have y’all forgotten about Ragged Island? Is Ragged Island considered to be a part of The Bahamas?”
1800kw engine delivered to Abaco by BPL By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light has confirmed the arrival of a 1,800-kilowatt generator in Abaco, weeks after Hurricane Dorian destroyed most of the utility provider’s infrastructure on the island. A press statement released by BPL said the generator, which was landed in Abaco on Monday, is expected to be installed and powered at the Wilson City Power Station (WCPS) by the end of this week.
The powerful Category Five storm, which devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama more than three weeks ago, flattened homes and businesses, while destroying a number of power lines on both islands. Earlier this month, BPL described the electricity situation in North Abaco following Hurricane Dorian as “dire”. The power provider added that the entire transmission grid from Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay would need to be rebuilt. Meanwhile, in South Abaco, although the
conditions were not as severe, electrical repairs still needed to be made by the company. Since then, BPL has been making much progress in restoring power to the storm-ravaged island. According to the power provider, all transmission lines leading from WCPS to Sandy Point were expected to be installed by Wednesday. Once completed, BPL noted, the commissioning process will then begin. BPL said: “We will send power up the line from WCPS to the road, and presuming there are no problems, on to the transformer at Winding Bay. Once there are no problems on that section, we will advise customers in Winding Bay to shut everything off, and we will then fire up the line into Winding Bay. We will proceed in this manner with each community heading south.” Subsequently, restoring transmission lines between WCPS and Marsh Harbour will be the next area of focus for the power company. “Once we get a transmission line back up in Marsh Harbour, we will rebuild a line to pick up critical infrastructure, including the hospital, the government complex, the air and
ABOVE and left, BPL workers in action tackling the damage after Hurricane Dorian. sea ports and the Water process. In fact, teams from already received all the and Sewerage Corpora- CARILEC are expected to necessary paperwork, with tion of the Bahamas plant. be in Abaco in the next 10 verbal commitments from a Given the extent of the to 14 days. further six utilities totaling damage to this part of the “We will have CARILEC an additional 30 workers,” grid, we expect this process split off to work on the BPL said. to take some time,” BPL transmission line between The journey ahead in added. Treasure Cay and Little restoring power to Abaco BPL is working with Abaco, which will also take will not be an easy feat, Caribbean Electric Util- significant time to build. but BPL maintains that its ity Services Corporation CARILEC is prepared to “commitment to rebuild (CARILEC) during this field 58 linesmen from nine better and stronger remains restoration and rebuilding utilities for whom they have firm.”
CARNIVAL: SHIPS TO RETURN AFTER ASSESSMENT By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
AS Grand Bahama recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, a top Carnival Corporation executive has assured residents that the company’s ships would return to Freeport as soon as they complete an assessment on the island. Carnival vessels suspended all sailings to Freeport after the storm churned over the island at the beginning of the month. While in Grand Bahama on Wednesday, Giora Israel, senior vice president of Carnival Corporation, said members
of the Carnival team are on the island to carry out assessments to make a decision as to when ships can return. He was in town for the signing of two heads of agreements with the government for the new $100 million Carnival cruise port proposed for East Grand Bahama, and an $80 million pier construction by Carnival and Holland America Lines at Half Moon Cay. Before the storm, Carnival had five ships – the Liberty, Elation, Sensation, Ecstasy, and Sunrise — sailing to Freeport. “You will be happy to hear and the rest of the people that (the team) is here to make an assessment
of when - it is not if – it is just when in a matter of a short period of time can the ships come back because that’s one of the things everybody wants, to bring the cruise ships back,” he said. “It is not if, it is a matter of when the ships can come back. We are delighted from what we have seen and heard, so far,” Mr Israel added. Additionally, the Carnival executive also announced some good news regarding the Grand Bahama Shipyard, which is expected to begin a major repair contract next month. Carnival Corporation is a joint owner, with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and Grand Bahama Port
EVENT AIMS TO TURN HOPE INTO ACTION A MUSIC and art event being held tonight aims to raise funds for hurricane relief - but also to raise awareness of issues of mental health and care for the environment. Hope is Action is organised by Da Black Masque Collective, and will be held at 7.30pm at NPCC on Blake Road. It will include art sales, music, food and cocktails, T-shirts and bracelets - but people are also encouraged to bring relief items and to sign up as volunteers.
Da Black Masque Collective founder Selah Poitier said that 100 percent of monetary donations will go to the Hurricane Bahamas Restoration Fund. In-kind donations will go to the Ranfurly Homes for Children. She said musicians appearing will include Sammi Starr, Young Roey - an Abaco performer who fled the storm, another young musician called DeAngelo and more. Ms Poitier said: “We’ll also be pushing for
actionable change and raising awareness of climate change, saving our environment and mental health. “We owe it to the lives affected to do our part in transforming our nation into a culture of sustainability. I strongly believe we need to transform our nation. Beyond the hope, we need to agitate for change.” To donate online, people can visit www. thebahamashurricanerestorationfund.org or www. ranfurlyhome.org.
Authority, in the shipyard. Mr Israel was very impressed with how fast the facility was able to bounce back in operation two weeks after Dorian. “The shipyard is one of my crazy ideas that came to fruition many years ago,
and they’ve done a remarkable job after the hurricane; in eight days after the hurricane the shipyard was open,” he said. Mr Israel reported that the facility – which employs some 600 workers – is gearing up to receive “the first
big cruise line repair” on October 5. “This is a lot of good news and we are excited about that, and to continue work and employment at the shipyard, and looking forward to expanding the shipyard,” he said.
PAGE 6, Friday, September 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Gibson ‘urged man to pay him $300k’ from page one instigated the offences, and that he had “no business” accepting the “dirty money” from Mr Ash, who is a Crown witness. “The minister acted unlawfully, it is a breach of the criminal law, and it is a serious crime,” Mr Guthrie said. His comments came during his opening address to the nine-member jury during the first day of Gibson’s bribery trial before Justice Carolita Bethel. According to Mr Guthrie, after Category 5 Hurricane Matthew battered the Bahamas, and New Providence in particular, in October 2016, the government spearheaded a “huge” clean-up operation. Mr Ash, of Ash Enterprises and Trucking Services, was one of many persons involved in the efforts. Mr Ash, Mr Guthrie said, owns a number of trucks and heavy equipment and was able to call on “large numbers of men” to perform the “heavy work” the clean-up operation required. According to Mr Guthrie, Mr Ash began working in late-2016 after meeting with Urban Renewal Commission Deputy Director Gregory Butler. He first worked on Bay Street, then the Centreville constituency for three months. Afterwards, Mr Ash was asked to take over three dump sites – the city dump, the dump at the sports centre, and Bacardi Road – Mr Guthrie said. Doing such large amounts of work and employing so many workers meant Mr Ash was billing the government “large amounts of money,” the prosecutor said. But the government was slow to pay, despite owing Mr Ash upwards of $1m, the English attorney said. The contractor, Mr Guthrie said, “was desperate to be paid”. Mr Guthrie said as a result of the slow payments, one of the people Mr Ash complained to was Jack Thompson, then the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. Mr Thompson consequently referred Mr Ash to Deborah Bastian, through whom he eventually met Gibson. At some point, a meeting between Mr Ash, Gibson, and Bastian was held at a “pink building” on Nassau Street, Mr Guthrie said. Mr Guthrie said that meeting is a “crucial part of the case”
FORMER MP Shane Gibson outside the Supreme Court this week. that the jury will have to consider in its deliberations. The English attorney said “almost immediately” after that meeting, Mr Ash began to make payments to Bastian. However, those payments were actually intended for and accepted by Gibson, the Crown argued. Mr Guthrie said after a while, Mr Ash started making the payments directly to the former Cabinet minister. Thus, Mr Guthrie
asserted that the payments were bribes and that if Mr Ash paid Gibson the requested amount, he would see to it that the man’s bills were paid “as night follows day”. Yesterday, Mr Butler took the witness stand and explained how Mr Ash first became involved in the clean-up efforts. Mr Butler explained that after the hurricane, Urban Renewal’s (UR) staff had been asked to report to
Funeral Service for MARGARETTE CUNNINGHAM, 61 of Ridgeland Park West, will be held on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 at Church of God Audtiorium, Joe Farringtom Road at 2:30p.m. Officiating will be Bishop Delton Fernander, assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Soldier Road. Left Cherish fond memories are her Husband: Family Island Administrator Rev. Dr. Preston Cunningham I; Children: Preston II, Wayne (Melecha) and Presteish; Stepmother: Mother Eliza Pinder - Sandy Point, Abaco; Grandchildren: Vashenique, De`ja, Preston III, Adrian, Destiny and Khrishard; Siblings: Valderene Moss, Olean Ferguson, Clarinette McDonald, Sylvia (Donathan) Rose, Claudelle Johnson, Anna (Hubert) Rolle, Ireline (Ronald)Neymour, and Basil (Marie) Simms. Nieces/Nephews: that are too numerous to mention; Aunts: Min. Mable Farquharson and Mrs. Evelyn Ferguson; In-Laws: Elrie Moss, Viva Symonette, Rev. Willard (Elvie) Cunningham , Sharon (Elder Clinton) Scavella, Dec. Bradley (Shanette) Cunningham, Pastor Benson (Alice) Cunningham and Dec. Gerald (Daphnie) Cunningham, along with their families. Other Relatives and Friends including: The Membership of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral including The ‘A’ Team, Ridgeland Primary Family, Rev. Jonathan and Thelcene Simms and Liberty United Missionary Baptist Church, Sandilands Primary School Family and the Crooked Island Community. Relatives and friends may pay their last respect at Evergreen Mortuary located on Collins Avenue & 5th Terrace on Friday from 10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. and again at the church from 1:30p.m. until service time.
Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff NEMA to assist in the clean-up efforts. He said they were subsequently assigned to different constituencies; he was assigned to Centreville, the constituency he lives in. Mr Butler said he, a man identified as Superintendent Richardson, and a Mr Cambridge were in charge of the area. Mr Butler said their job as UR staff was to go the various constituencies along with NEMA to assess residents’ living conditions and to what extent their homes needed repairs. Mr Butler said UR staff reported directly to UR Co-Chairs Cynthia “Mother” Pratt and Algernon Allen. Mr Butler said he first met Mr Ash sometime after Hurricane Matthew had passed while he was getting gas at the Ministry of Works. Mr Butler said at the time, he did not know who Mr Ash was. He said Mr Ash spoke to him about getting work, but as he was not in the position to authorise anything, Mr Butler said he referred the contractor to the late Bruce Walker, who at the time was the coordinator for the clean-up efforts. The witness said when Mr Ash first got involved in the clean-up, he was under the impression that Mr Ash was from the Centreville
constituency. He explained that when he heard Mr Ash’s surname, he remembered that a family by that name lived just down the street from him. Mr Butler said he recommended Mr Ash on that basis. However, he said he later found out the man was not a resident of Centreville. When questioned by Gibson’s attorney Damian Gomez, QC, if he received any money from Mr Ash for recommending him to Mr Walker, Mr Butler adamantly replied: “No, sir”. Mr Gomez then suggested that Mr Ash said Mr Butler did in fact receive money from him, to which Mr Butler said loudly: “So I’ve heard.” Mr Butler said once engaged to conduct cleanup efforts in Centreville, the contractors would then be given responsibility for a polling division. Afterwards, they could hire workers, but they had to be residents of Centreville. Mr Butler said contractors were paid by way of a time-keeping system. He said in the morning, everyone would report to UR’s Centreville office. Afterwards, he said, he, Supt Richardson and Mr Cambridge would monitor their activities to ensure they were being done. Once UR was done with the time sheets, they would be signed by Mr Butler, Supt Richardson and Mr Cambridge, and forwarded to NEMA. Mr Butler said after being paid one week, Mr Ash indicated that the amount on his cheque was incorrect. He said the complaint came in October, some two to three weeks after the cleanup efforts commenced. Mr Butler said he spoke with Supt Richardson, who
said Bastian, who was stationed at NEMA, should look into it to see if Mr Ash was owed anything. Mr Butler said he also spoke face-to-face with Bastian about the issue, though he said he couldn’t remember if Mr Ash was present during that conversation. Mr Butler acknowledged that from his recollection, Mr Ash did a “reasonable amount” of work in the Centreville constituency. However, Mr Butler said he was transferred elsewhere after Mr Ash made his complaint. Gibson is charged with 15 counts of bribery. It is alleged that between January 16 and 19, 2017, and being concerned with Bastian, he had solicited $250,000 from Mr Ash as an inducement to or a reward for him giving assistance or using his influence in approving outstanding payments owed to Ash by the government. The Crown further asserts that on various dates between January 19-31, 2017 Gibson, still concerned with Bastian, consequently accepted $100,000 worth of payments from Mr Ash. Then between January 30 and February 28 of that year, Gibson accepted several cash payments from Mr Ash totaling some $100,000. Between February 10 and March 27, 2017, Gibson solicited and accepted a total of $80,000 each from Ash, but this time he was not concerned with Bastian, the Crown maintains. The Crown claims Mr Ash initially made the payments to Gibson through Bastian for the first set of payments totaling $200,000, but made them directly to Gibson for the remaining $80,000. Gibson denies the allegations.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, September 27, 2019, PAGE 7
Readers have their say on corruption AFTER Matt Aubry, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s executive director, said Bahamians must “mobilise their outrage into action” if the nation is to defeat both real and perceived corruption plaguing society, readers posted their reactions on tribune242.com. Proudloudandfnm said: “If our political parties would stop selling jobs for votes maybe we can curb corruption, but our parties will never stop. Bribery will never stop. Our government’s inability to do anything properly will never stop. Just how it is here and it will never ever change . . .” Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “Our country’s statutes and regulations are unconstitutionally laced with provisions that grant a cabinet minister absolute discretion in deciding the outcome of an application made by a citizen, resident, business or foreigner for just about any and everything. A person can fulfill all of the application requirements under a statute and its regulations, yet still have their application declined by a cabinet minister in his absolute discretion. “This foolishness is the very root cause of the rife corruption within our civil service and at the highest levels of our elected officials. Our legislators have unconstitutionally set themselves up as gods, and by extension set up our more senior civil work force officials as rulers or mini-dictators, over everyone living, working or doing business in the Bahamas today. This is patently wrong and must be changed so that a level playing field exists for everyone with no ability to extort ‘pay to play’ from anyone.” Dawes posted this comment: “At the end of the day the root of all problems over here is us. Us
Elteah Mills, 82
of Dundas Town, Abaco, who died on September 13, 2019, will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at11:00 a.m. at New Dimension Ministries, Church of God, Joe Farrington Road. Officiating will be Bishop Anthony Campbell assisted by Bishop Johnny Lowe. Interment will follow in the Eastern Cemetery, Dowdeswell Street. Bahamians are willing to turn a blind eye in the hope one day we can use the same process or person involved, we are willing to buy a lunch for the Government employee to get better service (or any service), we are willing to hire the illegal to cut our grass as it’s cheaper than the Bahamian. All of these have caused enormous problems for the country as a whole, but we keep doing it, as at that moment in time it benefits us, even though it will hurt us a lot more in the long run. I hope every year that this will be the year we say enough, but the older I get the more I have realised that’s never going to happen.” And the closure of The Bay restaurant in Abaco after is was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian prompted Alleycat to say: “In the midst of a huge tragedy like this, sometimes it’s the little things that really get to you - and the thought of no more fish tacos at The Bae really gets to me! So sorry to hear this. Yet another victim of Dorian. With fond memories . . .” And there was this from Jus2cents: “Very sad to hear this, the keys without locks, got me in tears. I think I would do the same. We need sensible directives, from a sensible government, with a sensible Restoration & Reconstruction PLAN going forward. The govt should do everything it can to help small businesses in all affected areas. Build smart and use renewables. Starting with a #FOIA.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
MARIJUANA PACKAGES FOUND NEXT TO BUS STOP TWO taped packages of suspected marijuana worth over $3,000 were discovered in a garbage container at a public bus stop in the Freeport area, police reported. Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder said the illegal drugs were discovered shortly after midday on Wednesday.
Funeral Services For
She said that officers of the Northeastern Division, acting on intelligence, went to a bus stop on the Mall Drive where they found the two packages of suspected marijuana with an estimated street value of $3,300. No arrest was made and investigations are continuing into the matter.
Predeceased by her son: Terry Johnson; daughter: Linza Mills Left to cherish her memories are Sons: Fabian Archer, Cay Mills, Brian Mills, Richard Parks, Barry Bostwick and Owen Parks; Daughters: Melenie Haston and Carolee Seymour; Grandchildren: Barry Bostwick Jr. (Rebecca Bostwick), Chelsia Thompson, Affiea Haston, Althea Haston, Okita Parks, Faniesha Archer, Halle Cottrell (George Cottrell), Brandon Russell, Gabriel Bostwick, Victoria Bostwick, Celine Bostwick, Adaijah and Aysjah Seymour and Tavari Mills; Great Grandchildren: Pa’Rizia, Phaedra, Patrick Albury-Haston and Everleigh Cottrell; Sister: Elvert Mills; Brothers: Durward and Lofton Mills; Sister-in-law: Alma Mills; Sons-in-law: Darren Haston and Winston Seymour; Daughters-in-law: Maryanne Archer and Christine Bostwick; Nieces: Stephanie Campbell, Henza Dawkins, Donna Burrows, Connie Bethel, Kayla Lockhart, Vanessa Fraser, Indira Taylor, Rosemary Thompson, Bertlyn Linden, Mary Roberts, Julia Mills, Beatrice Charlton, Hazel Greenslade, Janet Shepherd, Eunice Mills, Julie Mills, Francis Deveaux, Maguerita Thompson, Wensilee Mills, Norma Murray, Maydawn Curry, Debbie Mills, Rebecca Mills, Wisidean Maycock, Elvernia Russell, Marilyn Mills, Elizabeth Cornish, Brenda Roberts; Nephews: Bishop Silbert, Troy, Dale, Bertram Jr., Johnny, Elvis, Michael, Ezra, Paul, Wayde, Glen, Don, Carl, Bradley and Lofton Jr. Mill; Numerous Grandnieces and Grandnephews; God Children: Natalie Knowles, Erroll Thurston Jr., Tannah Newbold; Other relatives and friends including: Lernis and Rowena Cornish and Family, Bishop Campbell and Family, Pastor Johnny Lowe and Family, Moria Higgs, Monique Curry, Dorcus Mills, Sammy Archer and The Archer Family, Dave Darville, Tania Adderley, T’shura Mills, Jade and Shakura Burrows, Chase Knowles and Family, Patrick Bethel and Family, Genova Wilmore, Julia Henfield, Clifford Henfield and Family, Doris Goveas, Becky Marsh, Mr. Arthur Minns and Family, Robert Newbold and Family, Darren Henfield and Family, Kirk Thompson and Family, Elvinet ‘Flo’ Sawyer, Angela NeelyCornish and Family, Shirley Lockhart and Family, Erroll and Barbara Thurston and Family, Sherwood and Genevie Simms and Family, Bernise Brown and Family, The Strachan Family, The Curry Family, Emmaline Lockhart, Partap, Doreen, Malisa, Andy and Michael Singh, The Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham and Family, The Seymour Family, Leonard and Eileen White and Family, The Dawkins Sisters, Esther Lewis, Sandra Russell, The Church of God Family and the Dundas Town Community; Special Thanks to: The Staff at the Marsh Harbour Clinic, Female Medical II – Nurses at The Princess Margaret Hospital. Relatives and Friends may pay their last respects at Butlers’ Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 1:00p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at New Dimension Ministries, from10:00a.m. until service time.
Jeffrey Howard J. Hall, 65 of Lisa Court, Perpall Track will be held on Saturday, Saturday 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Maderia Street, Palmdale. Officiating will be Rev’d Fr Junior Calixte. Prior to service Mr. Jeffrey Hall was cremated. Predeceased by his parents: Christine Hall – Varvaressou and Howard Moree. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his Loving partner: Nona Saunders; Son: Kristian James Hall; Stepchildren: Christopher Saunders and Christina Saunders; Grandchildren: Kayla Hall and Amare Rolle; Sisters: Bernadette Thornley, Amalia Varvaressou and Demetra Varvaressou; Brothers-in-law: Graham Thornley, Joseph Paleologos and Ahmed Hassan; Aunt: Barbara Hall; Nieces: Jasmine Pearce (Lindsey) Jessica Mitchell (Ari), Holly Amber Pearce-Barrett, Courtney Pearce-Hanna (Lamont), Julia Pearce, Maria (Giannis), Christina (Giannis), Nadia, Sarah, Rania; Nephews: Alexander Thornley (Astrid), Lil Geoff Pearce (Lissandra), Jessie Pearce, Constadino; Grandniece: Jayden, Gabriella, Amelia, Carmen; Grandnephews: Geoffrey, Thomas, Killian, Brandon, Nicardo, Jackson, Derek, Michalis, Iosef, Alexandros; Cousins: Michael, Charlene, Alice, Tanya, Paul, Patrice, Christopher, Elvin; Longtime friends: Geoffrey (Hero), Stephanie, Alfred, Wanda, Anthony (Sarge), Tanya, La’Neise, Anthony Jr, Pablo, Shan, Kevin, Dean, Jefferson and Lisa Court family. There Will be NO VIEWING. Relatives and Friends are welcomed to come and sign the book of condolences at Butlers’ Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 2:00p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the church, from 10:00a.m. until service time.
Edwina Patricia Woodside, 67 of Carmichael Road, formerly of Blanket Sound, Andros, will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at The New Testament Baptist Church, Dolphin Drive and New Testament Way. Officiating will be Pastor Alpheaus Woodside assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Cremation will follow. She is survived by her Mother: Adline Fowler; Son: Zhivago Adderley; Grandson: Lavar Ferguson-Adderley; Siblings and Their Spouses: Alpheaus Woodside (Althea), Whitmore Fowler, Leslie Fowler and Kevin Fowler, Evadney Fowler, Alvara FowlerWilliams (Stanley), Barbara Fowler-Rolle (Robert) and Yvonne Fowler-Rolle (Kenneth); Aunts and Uncle and Their Families: Reinadell Marshall, Beulah Lafleure, Zeliah Bowleg and Jacob Lightbourne; Stepbrothers and Stepsisters and Their Families: Vantlock Fowler, Marina Lee, Shirley Brown, Locksley Fowler, Rebecca Scott, Rosabell Wilson and Rosenell Lightbourne; Nephews including: Deon, John Mark, LaVinciano, Sean, Alescio, Travis, Sharad, Demetrius and Demetre Fowler, Philip Adams Jr., KenVaughn and Kody Rolle, Trevor, Glen and Alphaeus Woodside Jr., Kenneth and Kevin Williams; Nieces including: Angela Riley, Doramae and Ann Scott; Ashell Bain, Dorcas Vega, and Lacita Parker, Philippa Adams, Robyn and Robinique Rolle, Melinda Whitney, Shantesha Cartwright, Taniqua, Sarahn and Whitney, Keesha and Ashley Fowler, Roshena Winston, Krista Dixon, Kashalia Fowler; Numerous Other Nieces and Nephews, Grandnieces and Grandnephews and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
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CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019
Relatives and Friends may pay their last respects at Butlers’ Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 1:00p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at New Testament Baptist Church, from 9:00a.m. until service time.
PAGE 8, Friday, September 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE THE OIL spill at the Equinor facility and, below, Environment Minister Romi Ferreira, who somehow concluded that only one goat and three birds were impacted by the spill on land.
FERREIRA’S STORY IS ONE FOR THE BIRDS AS hard as I try not to point the deserved finger at certain entities and a particular administration in these trying times, post Hurricane Dorian, this week the MP for Marathon and Minister for the Environment Romauld Ferreira, really got my goat! (Pun intended). It’s bad enough that the seventy-five million gallon Equinor oil spill in Grand Bahama seemed to be on its way to being swept under the rug. Now to add insult to injury, Minister Ferreira, according to an article in this week’s Tribune, dropped this nugget in regard to the Equinor oil spill” “So far, (Equinor) did extensive aerial reconnaissance along the entire western seaboard of Abaco and of course Grand Bahama, they saw two areas of interest but they turned out to be seaweed. “They used visual and infrared technology to do their scopes. On land, we can confirm that one goat and three birds were impacted by the spill.”
One goat and three birds? Really? What about the potential damage if the oil spill seeps into the water table or sea? Minister Ferreira has long been considered punch drunk in many circles throughout the country, now he seems to be drunk off power, considering how flippant he was with the media while dealing with such a pertinent national issue. I was shocked that this week he offered nothing of substance, only the “one goat, three birds” report. How ironic, when you think Ferreira campaigned on protecting the environment after a certain gas leak in his Marathon constituency. What happened to the well prepared, well versed, pre-election environmental
champion who always had an informative, sensible sound bite for the media? It’s time for Ferreira to get it together! The government needs to bring in its own ‘‘experts’’ so that we can have a thorough, timely, accurate understanding of “what’s really gern on” with the Equinor spill. I don’t know about you, but when my Mom used to tell me to clean up my room I would push all my mess under the bed, call it a day, and walk away. We cannot allow anyone to “mess up” our environment and walk away. It’s time for our government and it’s ministers to get it together, and come clean or come next election, they’ll get more than three birds from the voting populace.
Funeral Service Thelma Harriet (Brown) Knowles, 95
CHANGE OF TIME FUNERAL SERVICE Due to unforeseen circumstances the time for the Funeral for Mrs. Knowles IS CHANGED TO 4:00 P.M. On Tuesday, 1st October, 2019 The Service will be held at Ebenezer Methodist Church, East Shirley Street, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas Mrs. Knowles was predeceased by her husband, Mr. Arthur Robinson (Jack) Knowles; and is survived by her children, Christine Woodman (Johnny), Anne Lever (Ian) and Elizabeth Howard and many other Relatives and Friends. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to Ebenezer Methodist Church Music Board, P.O. Box S.S. 6145, Nassau or to Head Knowles For Hurricane Relief in memory of Mrs. Thelma H. Knowles.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, September 27, 2019, PAGE 9
CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP WITH CHINA A CELEBRATION was held yesterday at the British Colonial Hilton to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The event was attended by guests including Governor General CA Smith, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, and Minister of National Security Marvin Dames. Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff
Dames urges new graduates to ‘stand firm’ in police jobs By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames congratulated 100 new police graduates yesterday for successfully completing the police recruit training programme. Speaking during the graduation at Police Training College, Mr Dames encouraged the new cohort to “stand firm” through difficult times on the job. He said: “On behalf of the government and the people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, I congratulate each of you on your special day. As first responders, your (job) is not an easy task. Often times you’re criticised for those things that’s even not your responsibility but you must take it like a man and
a woman - and an officer and press on. Because that’s what first responders do. “There is an expectation that when others are down and out, despite your challenges, despite your feelings, despite your losses, that you to must be there to rescue them. (Your job) is not an easy task but you must stand firm.” Mr Dames advised the new officers to keep their integrity and to not become corrupt. He said: “I want you to always remember these three very important things. Number one, remember who you work for, police officers serve the public. How the police choose to fulfil their function and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence - actions and behaviour. Never mistreat or abuse
any member of the public at any time. “Number two, keep mentally and physically healthy. Many aspects of police work require you to perform physically demanding tasks. Do not allow (your) physical training to go to waste. Remember when you put on your uniform, you represent our great nation.” Mr Dames added: “Number three, maintain quality time with your loved ones. If there is anything that this recent storm has taught us it is we ought to cherish the people we love. Keep an appropriate work life balance, do not carry the problems of the world with you home at the end of your shift.” Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson warned the graduates to “be careful of the company” they keep.
“As you transition into law enforcement there are a lot of persons out there who would want to use you for their personal gain. Trouble is easy to get in but hard to get out of. Word to the wise is sufficient,” the police chief said. “Put God first in all things, every day you will have the opportunity
to do good, to build on your personal or professional reputation. You must remember that every person you interact with during the course of your duty will tell someone about his or her experience with you so choose to be positive and professional.” He added: “Be passionate
about your job, love what you do and enjoy going to work. Be self-motivated don’t sit around and wait for others to motivate you. Some days you will have to create your own sunshine. Stay fit and take care of your body so you can be better prepared for the physical action that is required.”
Funeral Service for
Grantley Kenaz Miller A.Sc., B.A., LLB, J.P, 42 of Seaview Drive, West Bay Street, will be held Friday September 27th 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Baillou Hill Road. Officiating will be Rev’d. Canon Basil Tynes, assisted by Rev’d. Fr. Donald Kerr. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Amanda Miller and uncle, Alonzo “AG’’ Gordon. Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memories are: FATHER: Charles Miller; MOTHER: Miriam Johnson; ADOPTED SON: Tre; SISTER: Jennifer (Dino) Moss; BROTHERS: Police Reservist 1110 Baldwin (Lenore “Dolly”) Johnson Sr., Darryl Miller Sr., Bryan (Lakasha “Kesha”) Miller, Christopher Miller, Jefferson Miller, Spencer Miller, Lynden “Snow” Miller, Steve Miller, Roger Miller; AUNTS: Elizabeth (Rev. Dennis) Lockhart, Bleva Gordon, Drucilla Kemp, Clara Walker; UNCLE: Kenneth Miller; NIECES: Darese Miller, April Woodside; Brittany Miller, Coya, Shorntel, Dominique Munroe; NEPHEWS: Baldwin Johnson Jr., Darryl Miller Jr., Demetrius Miller, Kaiden Miller; Travis, Dominique Moss, Jensel (Aisha) Watkins; COUSINS: Joyce Rolle, Douglas Rolle, Bernadette Rolle, Mario Rolle, Victor (Marsha) Bullard, Elaine (Clement) Foster, Pamela Bullard, Craig Bullard, Patrice (Dereck) Dean and Family, Coral Sturrup, Antoinette (Robert) Banks of North Carolina, Racquel (Dwain) Wallace, Trevor Lockhart, Dennis Aiden Lockhart Jr., John Patrick “J.P.” (Bianca) Lockhart, Dominic (Tara) Lockhart, Samantha Lockhart, Lynaire (Robert) Garraway, Brenda Barry, Revelita Wallace, Jennifer Lockhart, Dianna (Terry) Mortimer, Betty Sands, Michael Barry, Al Rolle, Luther Wallace, Harlon Sands, Darlene Sands, Monique “Nicky” Morris, Quinton “Boogie” (Vanessa) Sands, Perrone Forbes, Donnie Forbes, Caroline (Newell) McPhee, Candy Bullard, Peachy Bullard, Tammy Bullard, Demetria Bullard, Lancelot Bullard, Demetrius Bullard, Richard Sturrup, Corishia (Stephen) Storr, Corel, Rashad, Coral, Coretta Sturrup, Julian & Sandra Gordon, Ricardo & Shelly Gordon, Anthony & Shewanesh Gordon, Ricarla Gordon, Shakara “Muffy” Gordon, Sheila Munroe, Thelma, Ruthmae, Caitlyn, Reverend Gloria Ferguson; Reverend Willard Forbes; Nora; GRAND-AUNT: Olive Forbes; GRAND-UNCLES: Courtney Forbes, Alfonso Forbes; GOD-MOTHER: Freda Holbert; NUMEROUS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: The Miller Family, The Gordon Family, Little Creek South Andros Family, Canon Basil Tynes and Family, Father Donald Kerr and Family, Alfred Burrows and Family, St. Barnabas Anglican Church Family, St. Agnes Anglican Church Family, Jonathan and Aaron Watkins, Veronica “Ronnie” Meadows and Family, Lavardo Meadows, Tricia (Trish) Butler and Family, Kevin Butler, Kenneth Butler, Kendal Butler, Pedro and Denise Darling and Family, Jeffrey and Dorinda Davis and Family, Ryan and Pauline Bain and Family, Sean Ferguson and Family, The Marathon Estates Family, The Sands Family, Sherry Walkine, Sharon Greene, Vanessa Clarke and Family, Erica Barr, Tammy Knowles, Garviann, Tara, Deshonell Saunders, June Cartwright, J.P. Morgan Bank Company Ltd. Family, Bahamas Financial Center Family, Cadmia (“Tiny”) Inniss of Florida and Family, Shorn, Anthony Cargill and Family, Roselda Bowe, Cecile, Reverend Brent Ferguson, Dwayne Ferguson and Family, Yvette and Douglas Delancy and Family, Melva and Warren, Maureen Saunders, Thomas, Alron “Allie” and Miguel Ferguson, Yreille “Eray” Belizaire, The Chapel on The Hill Youth Choir Family, The Perpall Family, The Burns Family, The Morley Family, The Gibson Family, High Court of The Commonwealth of Fiji, College of Law-The Australian National University, University of Huddersfield, London, Colleagues of the Legal Fraternity, R.M. Bailey Class of 1993, Incoming Class of 2011 Eugene Dupuch Law School, former colleagues and friends of UBS (Bahamas) Ltd., UBS Trustees, Butterfield Bank & Trust, Dartley Bank & Trust, Austrobank, Sentinel Bank & Trust and Santander Central Hispano Bank & Trust, Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn-U.K., Law Society of Queensland-Australia, Law Institute of Victoria-U.K., Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers, and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Our sincere apologies to anyone else we may have unintentionally left out. Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium #44 Nassau Street on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the Church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until service time.
PAGE 10, Friday, September 27, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
The Mudd shows two sides to every story By Diane Phillips
IF ever there were proof that there are two sides to a story, it’s in the history of The Mudd, a community obliterated by the flood waters, swells, surges and winds of Hurricane Dorian. The Category 5 storm of historic proportions took an untold number of lives and wiped out a shanty town that more than 1200 people called home. Many of its residents worked by day in magnificent residences worthy of magazine covers. By night, they retreated into a no-man’s land of substandard housing, nailed together wooden shacks interspersed with the occasional modest cottage. No matter the state of construction, home was home. Then along came Dorian. And suddenly eyes shut tight were opened wide. We may never know how many lives were lost – men, women and children swept out to sea or buried under the rubble. Hurricane Dorian did more than steal lives, homes and a way of life. It robbed
Bahamians of the complacency in which we deluded ourselves into ignoring what was right before our eyes, that there are two worlds, one of the immigrant community, including those who have every right to be in The Bahamas, and another of the rest of the born-here entitled population. Unlike any event or incident before it, Dorian laid bare the catastrophic consequences of the failure to come to grips with “the immigration problem”. It is that – the failure to deal individually and comprehensively, legally and socially, with a growing immigrant population. The result was an increasing number of marginalised residents living marginalised lives, unempowered, unbanked, uncounted. When the Prime Minister personally begged residents of The Mudd to evacuate, where were the people who did not officially exist supposed to go? Let’s be honest. Few subjects arouse more emotion in this country than immigration.
JOHN CHIPMAN STREET CORRECTION Thanks to the Rev CB Moss who called to correct location of John Chipman Street which is slightly further south in Grant’s Town off East Street running to Collins Wall, not between Collins Avenue and East Street as I said in last week’s column. And the name was changed a few years before 2016. The pastoral leader of Mount Olive Baptist Church is a great resource for historic information.
MOVING ON AFTER HISTORY AND TRAGEDY COLLIDE
THE EXTENSIVE damage to The Mudd after Hurricane Dorian. Photo: Gonzalo Gaudenzi/AP It has become a for-or-against calm and well-spoken. Nothproposition rather than a ing he said indicated that level-headed business, legal, he was anything other than social or cultural discussion. objective, though he is also Mention immigration and known to have strong politieven the most articulate cal affiliations. In the 1950s, people lose the ability to he explained, a well-known express themselves. We do Abaconian brought in Haitian not stop to consider where a labourers to work the famdying Miami would have been ily’s farming interests. Over had it not been for a swelling time, he granted them land. Cuban and South American It wasn’t the most desirable population. We forget how piece of God’s green earth, growing numbers of Jamai- but it was theirs. They have cans and Indians added to the the papers to prove it. The Canadian economy. We resent land was in what we call The people from abroad, even Mudd. So how do you kick though at one point we all people off land that was rightcame from somewhere else, fully theirs? rich or poor because they are Dorian did what no polieither stealing our land, infil- tician ever had either the trating our culture, or taking political will or the testosjobs (even if they were jobs terone to do – it levelled a we did not want). shantytown where unsafe So it was with great inter- buildings rose on property est that a taped conversation that was and still is privately surfaced this week that shed owned. That combination light on the history of The created a complex legal maze Mudd. The individual speak- that was still making its way ing was Bernard Swann, through the courts with no former police constable clear solution in sight when #1414, now retired and living Dorian came along and delivin Exuma. Mr Swann was ered the knock-out punch.
IF the past was as legally and socially messy as the muddy area where history and tragedy collided, the critical decision before the nation now is how to move forward. The Mudd is -and will likely forever be -- uninhabitable for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the gruesome consequences of living atop what could be a gory and unforgiving graveyard. A monument and meditation lake should be created in its place. And the displaced who owned land must be granted Crown Land in an area suitable for living and raising healthy families. For those who employed Haitians and others in The Mudd, including many in the exclusive community of Baker’s Bay who genuinely want to help, there must be an opportunity to share ideas for redevelopment with dignity. New materials, including hurricane-resistant modular housing, will make construction of safer residences faster, easier and more costeffective. Nothing should be off the table, including multi-storey dwellings. And those who will reside in the new town with a name far more glamorous than The Mudd, maybe even The Forest or The Phoenix, must have a seat at the table. The tragedy of historic proportions named Dorian has forced all of us to pen a new chapter and to do so or once again we will close our eyes and pretend until the next time there is a cultural volcanic eruption. In a distant future, history will record both the ugliness of what Dorian exposed and the opportunity it invited – a fresh start in Abaco in which those who build new communities do so appreciating that the Haitian population is very much a part of the Bahamian population and has been for longer than this country has been an independent sovereign nation. Of the two sides to every story, there is one common bond. Both sides hurt. Healing will happen when each one looks another directly in the eye and somehow across the divide finds a way to connect and slowly feels a smile start to spread across what was once an angry or lonely face.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, September 27, 2019, PAGE 11
In tribute to
Chippie METALLUS CHIPMAN, grandson of John “Chippie” Chipman is pictured during his tribute in dance.
A TRIBUTE was held last night for John ‘Chippie’ Chipman in Rawson Square. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, celebrated the Bahamian icon, famed for his contribution to music and the cultural landscape of The Bahamas. Musicians and dancers joined friends and family to offer their respects to Mr
Chipman, who died on September 9, aged 90. A state recognised funeral for Mr Chipman will be held tomorrow, at 11am at St Agnes Anglican Church on Baillou Hill Road and Cockburn Street. The interment will follow at St Agnes Cemetery, Nassau Street. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
MITZI CHIPMAN, daughter of Mr Chipman, dances in tribute.
SWEET EMILY, above, Alia Coley, left, and Nita Ellis, below, performing.
KING Errisson is pictured during his drum tribute.
THE GRANDSONS of Mr Chipman playing drums last night.
PAGE 12, Friday, September 27, 2019
White House ‘tried to lock down call info’ WASHINGTON Associated Press
JENNIFER LOPEZ, above, and Shakira are to star in the 2020 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show.
J.LO AND SHAKIRA TO STAR AT SUPER BOWL JENNIFER Lopez and Shakira are going to bring the heat to the 2020 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced yesterday that the superstar performers, who have released music in Spanish and English since the 1990s, will perform on February 2 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Lopez and Shakira both
posted a photo of them standing side by side on social media to announce the news. “Going to see the world on fire,” Lopez wrote. “It doesn’t get any bigger than this! So excited about getting on that #SuperBowlLIV #PepsiHalftime stage!” Shakira wrote. Both Lopez and Shakira have had major success the pop and Latin charts.
THE whistleblower at the centre of Congress’ impeachment inquiry alleged that President Donald Trump abused the power of his office to “solicit interference from a foreign country” in next year’s US election. The White House then tried to “lock down” the information to cover it up, the official’s complaint says. The nine-page document released yesterday provides many new details about the summertime phone call in which Trump encouraged the president of Ukraine to help investigate political rival Joe Biden. It alleges a concerted White House effort to suppress the transcript of the call and describes a shadow campaign of diplomacy by the president’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani that unnerved some senior Trump administration officials. “In the days following the phone call, I learned from multiple US officials that senior White House officials had intervened to ‘lock down’ all the records of the phone call, especially the official word-for-word transcript of the call that was produced as is customary by the White House situation room,” the complaint says. The previously secret document, with its detail and clear narrative, will likely accelerate the impeachment process
PRESIDENT Donald Trump at the White House yesterday. and put more pressure on Trump to rebut its core contentions and on his fellow Republicans to defend him or not. It also provides a road map for Democrats to seek corroborating witnesses and evidence, which will complicate the president’s efforts to characterise the findings as those of a lone partisan out to undermine him. Trump threatened the person who gave information to the whistleblower as he spoke at a private event in New York with staff from the US mission to the United Nations. “I want to know who’s the person, who’s the person who gave the whistleblower the information? Because that’s close to a spy,” Trump said. “You know what we used to do in the old days when we were smart? Right? The spies and treason, we used to handle it a little differently than we do now.” The remarks were reported by The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. More publicly, Trump
insisted the entire controversy is political, tweeting, “The Democrats are trying to destroy the Republican Party and all that it stands for. Stick together, play their game and fight hard Republicans. Our country is at stake.” The tweet was in all capital letters. The White House had already released a rough transcript of the phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in which Trump prodded Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden. But the complaint released offers a broader picture of what was happening in the White House and the administration at the time. In the aftermath of the call, according to the whistleblower, White House lawyers were concerned “they had witnessed the president abuse his office for personal gain,” the complaint says. The complaint is certain to revive questions about the activities of Giuliani, who it says alarmed government officials by circumventing “national security decision making processes.” The House intelligence committee released a redacted version of the whistleblower complaint yesterday ahead of testimony from Joseph Maguire, the acting director of national intelligence. Maguire acknowledged that the complaint alleged serious wrongdoing by the president but said it was not his role to judge whether the allegations were credible or not.
THE TRIBUNE
UKRAINE UPSET AT RELEASE OF TRANSCRIPT
THE White House annoyed and embarrassed Ukraine’s president by releasing his comments in a private conversation with US President Donald Trump — and may have violated the Ukrainian constitution. The rough transcript of Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy released on Wednesday shows that Trump pressed Ukraine to “look into” his Democratic political rival Joe Biden. The July 25 call is now at the center of a US impeachment probe. “I think such things, such conversations between heads of independent states, they shouldn’t be published,” Zelenskiy told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York. He didn’t indicate whether the White House warned him that his comments would be released. But he also said that “no one can pressure me.” He sought to play down the situation involving Biden and his son’s activities in Ukraine, calling it just one of “many cases that I talk about with leaders of other countries”. Before the White House released the rough transcript, Trump tweeted that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had received permission from the Ukrainian government to do so. “They don’t know either what the big deal is. A total Witch Hunt Scam by the Democrats,” Trump tweeted.
FRENCH LEADER CHIRAC DIES, AGED 86 JACQUES Chirac, a two-term French president who was the first leader to acknowledge France’s role in the Holocaust and who defiantly opposed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, died yesterday aged 86. President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute in a nationally televised speech to a predecessor he said incarnated an “independent and proud” country and called Chirac “a statesman we loved as much as he loved us”. Chirac died “peacefully, among his loved ones,” his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux said. He did not give a cause of death, although Chirac had had repeated health problems since leaving office in 2007. Chirac was long the standard-bearer of France’s conservative right, and mayor of Paris for nearly two decades. At home, a host of scandals dogged Chirac, including allegations of the misuse of funds and of kickbacks during his time as Paris mayor. He was formally charged in 2007 after he left office as president, losing immunity from prosecution. In 2011, he was found guilty of misuse of public money, breach of trust and illegal conflict of interest and given a two-year suspended jail sentence. He did not attend the trial.
IT’S THE PLT PLANT, LETTUCE AND TOMATO MCDONALD’S is finally taking a nibble of the plantbased burger. McDonald’s said Thursday that will sell the PLT, or the plant, lettuce and tomato burger for 12 weeks in 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario by the end of the month. McDonald’s says it developed a special recipe using burgers from Beyond Meat, a Californiabased startup that makes “meat” from pea protein, canola oil, beet juice and other ingredients. The small-market test is rolling out about six months after rival Burger King began testing the plantbased Impossible Foods burger, a rival to Beyond Meat. It’s now selling the Impossible Whopper nationwide because of strong demand from customers.