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The Tribune
Volume:115 No.218, OCTOBER 5TH, 2018
Established 1903
Weekend
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
Friday, October 5, 2018 art books design film fashio n music food entertainme nt gardening
Weekend
WEEKEND: FASHION IS A MISSION FOR LOCAL DESIGNER
FUTURE OF SPACE TRAVEL Pages 20 & 21
Future of fashion
Local designer takes on Miss ion
Catwalk
pages 8 & 9
Deadly drivers who claimed FIVE lives By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
CLOCKWISE from top left, Christin Reckley, 26, guilty of the double traffic fatality on Marathon Road last month; Kareem Bowe, 37, guilty in a traffic fatality of Jean Lubin on June 23; Taylor Pratt, 26, guilty over the traffic fatality of Marvin Pinder last month, and Floyd Weech, 57, guilty over a traffic fatality on Robinson Road that claimed the life of Andre Sands. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
A FEMALE Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine must spend a week in custody before she is sentenced for hitting and killing two pedestrians with her uninsured car in the Marathon area last month, a magistrate ordered yesterday. She was one of five people charged with vehicular offences yesterday, including hit and run incidents and killing in the course of dangerous driving. Three of the accused were given fines of about $10,000 for the vehiclerelated killings. Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans said 26-year-old marine Christin Reckley will receive her sentence on October 15 for killing 37-year-old Maude Augustin and 23-year-old
Stevan Devallon in the early morning hours of September 16. Prior to the order, Reckley, the RBDF’s top female recruit in 2018, pleaded guilty to one count each of killing in the course of dangerous driving and driving while not covered against third party risk insurance. According to police, Reckley, who was off-duty at the time, was heading north on Marathon Road in the area of Samana Drive shortly before 1am when she lost control of her car and struck the pair. Both Augustin and Devallon died on the scene, despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel. An autopsy report determined their deaths were the result of blunt force trauma caused by injuries to their necks, head and torsos. SEE PAGE THREE
DOCTORS PRESS ON WITH STRIKE BALLOT By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE “amicable” talks with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who agreed to address their concerns, the Consultant Physicians Staff Association will conduct a strike vote today. The prime minister confirmed to The Tribune yesterday that a meeting
was held yesterday morning where long-standing concerns of senior doctors were discussed. Dr Minnis said the meeting came to a close with the understanding that issues would be prioritised and timelines were set. However, he would not say if there was some form of agreement when it came to money related issues. SEE PAGE SIX
NYGARD LAUNCHES LAWSUIT OVER HOME SEIZURE By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
PETER Nygard is seeking damages from the government, claiming in writs filed in the Supreme Court this week that his constitutional rights have been breached and his property, Nygard Cay, has been wrongfully seized by the country’s provost marshal. A hearing was held yesterday connected to the matter.
NYGARD CAY Mr Nygard wanted the court to impose an injunction preventing the deputy provost marshal from
seizing his property, but that became moot as his property was seized on Friday. Instead, the Supreme Court granted the Save the Bays/Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay permission to be added as a defendant in Mr Nygard’s action against the commissioner of police (the provost marshal), Tommy Sands, the deputy provost marshal, and the attorney general because of the land seizure.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FIVE
A COMIC’S VIEW:
MINNIS AND HIS GUSSIEMAE POSSE
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Friday, October 5, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
MARIJUANA STASH FOUND
Minnis: McAlpine wants GB to suffer
DRUG Enforcement Unit officers discovered a quantity dangerous drugs hidden in bushes in the Hawksbill Subdivision, a senior police official reported yesterday. Assistant Supt Terecita Pinder reported that DEU officers, acting on information, went to Abaco Drive this week where they searched a bushy area and found a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. The drugs weighed two pounds and had an estimated street value of $2,000. ASP Pinder said no arrest was made.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis criticised Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine for the latter’s criticism of the government’s purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort, accusing Mr McAlpine of wanting the island to “suffer”. His comments came during a town hall meeting in Cabbage Hill, Crooked Island, where Dr Minnis again defended the purchase of the property in Grand Bahama by highlighting the resort’s importance to the island’s economy and underscoring the “symbiotic relationship” between cruise ships and the hotel.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine. Dr Minnis also rehashed the extraordinary concessions former potential buyer the Wynn Group was requesting, which contributed to the government walking away from that proposal. “There (has) been a lot of talk recently about us purchasing the Grand
| “Leader in Personal Banking Services”
Lucayan,” Dr Minnis said. “And it’s essential for you to understand why. “If you go back historically… the Royal Oasis was doing very well and the International Bazaar was doing well. The Royal Oasis subsequently closed down… the government did not intervene. As a result of that, all the shopping areas [in the vicinity] that depended on the hotel subsequently closed.” That property sustained severe damage in 2004 following Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Its subsequent closure resulted in the loss of more than 1,500 jobs in Freeport and also affected many nearby businesses, including the International Bazaar and the Straw Market. Dr Minnis noted when the bazaar closed down, the surrounding area became a “ghost town”. He said people lost their jobs and many had to migrate to other islands. Such social and economic upheaval “increased the strain” on Social Services, he added. The prime minister said the Lucaya hotel plays an “important role” to Grand Bahama, though it only employs 400; noting that when the three hotels on the strip were open, they were employing more than 1,200. Dr Minnis also noted the resort’s importance to the cruise industry, highlighting that Grand Bahama offers a “different type of sale package” for cruise ships. Unlike most destinations where
cruise visitors are day trippers, in Grand Bahama these visitors can spend the night. “The cruises that arrive in Grand Bahama, they are connected to the Our Lucaya hotel, and their guests remain in the hotel overnight and they would leave the following day,” Dr Minnis said. “So it’s a symbiotic relationship between the cruise ship and the hotel,” he said, noting that if the hotel closes, the cruises will leave and jobs reliant on both of them will be lost. The prime minister took a swipe at Mr McAlpine, who has critiqued the purchase. “So I ask you, here today in Crooked Island: were we wrong in purchasing that hotel to save some of your brothers and sisters in Grand Bahama? Let Nassau hear you. Let McAlpine hear you, who thought it was wrong. “Let McAlpine hear you — one who live in Grand Bahama, want the entire Grand Bahama to suffer. I could not believe what I heard. Everybody gat to live. Because today it’s Grand Bahama, tomorrow it’s Crooked Island. And we’ll do the same thing for you. We will not allow you to sink or suffer.” Dr Minnis referred to how negotiations with the Wynn Group broke down, pointing to the company’s extraordinary concessions requests. He said besides the $65m purchase price, the Wynn Group made last-minute
requests for “additional concessions that were outside of the law”. These included a 20 percent electricity discount rate, 420 “unfettered work permits,” and no casino taxes. “They also wanted us to guarantee that if they suffered any loss — in other words, if the hotel at the end of the year had a $5m loss, we the government must pay them that $5m, so they [would] suffer no loss. “In addition to that, we must give them 7 percent interest. In other words, in addition to absorbing their loss, they must receive a 7 percent return.” The company also wanted a commitment from the government to either buying or building a new airport within two years. While Dr Minnis reiterated that “under no circumstances” should governments be in the business of buying hotels, the administration could not let the hotel close. “But we made a commitment that we get out of that business as soon as possible,” he added, noting that already “six groupings” have expressed interest in the hotel. “If there was any inclination to do what that private entity was asking, then I would do it. A Bahamian I would do that for. It’s your money. And you would not object to another Bahamian taking all the benefits so that we all can benefit. Not for it to be repatriated out of the country.”
Saunders Beach Sunday – Thursday 7:00AM-11:00PM Friday – Saturday 7:00AM-12:00AM
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THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 3
Deadly drivers who claimed five lives from page one
Their deaths last month marked the 54th and 55th traffic related deaths of the year. Meanwhile, Kareem Bowe, a facility manager at the Ministry of Works, was yesterday remanded into custody until he pays a $10,100 fine for hitting and killing a man with a car not registered in his name while in the Boyd Road area earlier this year. Prior to receiving his sentence, the 37-year-old pleaded guilty to one count each of killing in the course of dangerous driving and driving a vehicle while not covered against third party insurance concerning the June 23 accident. According to Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, the deceased, Jean Lubin, was walking northbound on Foster Street when a red car, which was traveling south, veered off the eastern side of the road and hit him. The pedestrian was taken to hospital but died a few minutes later. An autopsy report determined the cause of death was the result of multiple injuries and blunt force trauma to the head and torso. According to the facts, the car in question was a red, 2008 Honda Accord registered to Renaldo Russell, but driven by Bowe. Additionally, 57-year-old Floyd Weech pleaded guilty to hitting and killing Andre Otto Sands with his truck as he attempted to cross Robinson Road earlier this year, then fleeing the scene in an incident that was caught on camera. According to police reports, Sands was attempting to cross Robinson Road near Washington Street shortly after 10pm on July 23, when he was hit by a red truck that continued driving in an easterly direction. Sands was taken to hospital by paramedics and pronounced dead a short time later. An autopsy
TAYLOR PRATT, 26, left, and Christin Reckley, 26 outside court yesterday. report determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The accident was caught on nearby CCTV and posted to social media over the following weekend. The footage showed the man carefully watching the road as a number of vehicles drove by. He began crossing the road and then looked to his left for oncoming traffic. Halfway across, he suddenly became aware of the truck speeding towards him to his right and before he could jump out of the way, the vehicle slammed into him. According to the prosecution, the Ford F150 truck was registered in Weech’s name. Additionally, Weech admitted he was the driver, and that he didn’t stop because of the crowd in the area. Magistrate Vogt-Evans accepted Weech’s guilty
pleas, but like Reckley, ordered him into custody to await his sentencing on October 15. Meanwhile, a woman was ordered by another magistrate to pay $10,500 dollars for hitting and killing a 39-year-old man as he attempted to cross the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway last month, then fleeing the scene. Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux ordered Taylor Pratt to pay $10,000 for killing Marvin Pinder in the course of dangerous driving, or face two years in prison. She was also ordered to pay $500 or face six months in prison for failing to remain at the scene. Pratt’s attorney Christina Galanos informed the court that Pratt paid $7,500 of that total yesterday, and now has until November 12 to pay the balance. According to reports
SEEKING TO STRENGTHEN FISHERIES IN GB By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard revealed that steps are being taken to secure a new vessel to provide a stronger presence for the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources in East Grand Bahama. He said additional fisheries officers will be hired in Grand Bahama and encouraged anyone interested in the posts to apply to the Department of Marine Resources. Mr Pintard said there have recent arrests involving foreigners fishing illegally and using compressors an that local fishermen should ensure they do not break the law. “We wish to send a clear warning to Bahamians who own vessels that we fully expect them to comply with the law by not having foreign nationals who do not have any documentation justifying them being in the country on their vessels, or who do not possess certification from the Ministry of Agriculture to use compressors on your vessels,” he said. “We fully intend to enforce the laws. In keeping with that we are going to commission a vessel in Grand Bahama to assist the Fisheries Department and to work with the defence force and Bahamas (Department of) Customs to step up patrols and interdictions of vessels we believe to have persons working on them illegally.”
MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard. He appealed to the public for assistance and urged residents to contact the Department of Fisheries and share information of any violations to fisheries officials. He also spoke of the need to establish fisheries facilities in East Grand Bahama. He noted Greg Bethel, an official at the Department of Marine Resources, visited a site a in East End with a view of renting a facility to have a “stronger presence” there. “This is progressing well and we are inviting members of the public to function as fisheries officers to submit applications, as we expect to hire additional officers in Grand Bahama,”
she said. He also stated that the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism is in the process of ensuring that Bahamian produce makes its way into hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships in the Bahamas. Mr Pintard urged all agriculture and marine producers in the Bahamas to contact the Ministry of Agriculture so they can catalogue all Bahamian producers and present a directory to all the major buyers in the country. Additional land for farming is also being identified in Freeport for a limited number of farmers, according to the minister.
at the time, Pratt, struck Pinder as he attempted to cross the highway near a business establishment shortly after 11pm on September 21. Pratt, however did not remain at the scene. Paramedics attempted to revive Pinder but were unsuccessful, and he was
Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, Edy Paul, of Antigua Street, was fined $3,000 for giving a false written statement concerning Pinder’s death to the authorities. Failure to pay the fine will result in two years imprisonment. Another man, Terrance
Ferguson, of Mermaid Boulevard, denied hitting and killing Kendino Rudon with a car he was driving on August 7 in the Yellow Elder community, then fleeing the scene. That matter was adjourned to November 12 for trial. He was granted bail in the amount of $8,000.
PAGE 4, Friday, October 5, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Why powers must be separated TO many foreign observers, the ugly spectacle of the current US Senate nomination hearings for the Supreme Court being shamelessly politicised yet again makes a mockery of America’s democracy. This time, even before any of the allegations of sexual misconduct, Democrats declared their intention to vote en bloc against the nominee without considering his qualifications, experience and suitability for the job. Although there have invariably been political overtones in the past, outsiders question a system that allows such weight to be given to the likely political leanings of a nominee when the function of a judge is to interpret and uphold the law in an objective and unbiased manner irrespective of political beliefs. Such politicisation is inconsistent with the separation of powers in a democracy. The legislature, executive and judiciary should each fulfil its function independently without interference but at the same time provide the vital checks and balances needed to safeguard the freedom of all. In a Westminster-style parliamentary system, the separation of powers is equally important. But the system works differently because the Prime Minister is a member of the legislature as well as being head of the executive branch of government, and his actions can be constrained by Parliament which has supreme authority because it constitutes the voice of the people. Although everyone is subject to the law of the land - even the lawmakers themselves - in a small country like ours the checks and balances on prime ministerial power are weaker than in, for example, Britain with its large Parliament. When the ruling political party has a huge majority, as is the case currently in The Bahamas, and the Opposition is consequently weak, the Government’s actions may not be scrutinised effectively. It follows that the role of the fourth estate and of pressure groups and other bodies – including, for example, an organisation like the Bahamas National Trust in relation to environmental issues – becomes increasingly significant in seeking to curb the excesses of a sitting government. Against this background, the performance of our Prime Minister some 18 months into a five-year term is causing concern, though his parliamentary colleagues are unlikely to stand up to him and thereby put their own jobs at risk. Dr Minnis is reputed to be autocratic and dictatorial and seems to regard even constructive criticism as a challenge to his authority rather than a basis for rational internal debate.
One result of such arrogance, which can verge on hubris, is a tendency to shoot from the hip in an arbitrary manner that appears to be ill-considered and can be dangerous. The most recent example is his public pronouncement that too many work permits for foreigners are being issued. It was unclear whether this was the harbinger of a new immigration policy or simply an off the cuff observation. It appears to have been the latter for it is hard to reconcile such remarks with the new Commercial Enterprises legislation to improve the ease of doing business by liberalising and streamlining the granting of work permits. It is reasonable to protect the interests of qualified Bahamian workers, but his words were nonetheless crass and politically inept because creating uncertainty about employment could have potentially damaging effects both on foreign investment and on planning by local companies needing specialist expertise from overseas. A prime minister’s public utterances matter and they can be misinterpreted. On a broader front, add examples like the controversy surrounding the Oban oil storage facility and refinery in Grand Bahama and the purchase of the Grand Lucayan hotel – not to mention the delay over confirmation of a Chief Justice – and it is unsurprising that people are beginning to question Dr Minnis’ judgment. The word on the street is that the sense of disappointment with a Government that promised so much after its crushing victory in last year’s election is growing by the day. One important issue is that after the 60 percent hike in VAT people want to know exactly how it is fulfilling its undertaking to cut public expenditure; and, as just one example, many are indignant about the large delegations that accompanied Dr Minnis at last year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London and, recently, on his trip to New York for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly. It is hard to see the need for so many people and how such expenditure can be justified. His explanation in the House of Assembly this week was unconvincing. The sad fact is, after the initial euphoria, disillusion is now rife. Whether the opposition PLP will be able to reinvent itself, beginning with its upcoming party convention, remains to be seen. But we believe unless this FNM Government starts to show it is really working in the best interests of the Bahamian people it will become increasingly unpopular and may be in for a rude shock at the next election. That is still far off but it needs to start improving its performance now.
Sands should go EDITOR, The Tribune.
WHILE it is becoming an increasingly trite and depressing exercise to judge which of the members of this government is least competent, Duane Sands continues to exert every effort to claim the prize. After repeatedly defending the underpayment of Bahamian health professionals on the grounds that poor Bahamians are not paying enough fees for their medical services, the health minister suddenly discovered this week that it just might be a revenue issue (you don’t say!) that is afflicting our health system. True to form, he then dismisses any fair and reasonable resolution of the issue by inferring (through either mendacity or ignorance) that resolving the issue by broadening revenues would involve a 50 percent income tax, citing the UK and Canada.
He does not explain what happened to the 49 percentage points between the present zero and fifty. Nor does he address how a government that could find $65m to purchase a defunct hotel could not find $30m to resolve the primary health issues of its tiny population. FNM philosophy on sickening display. On a broader level, Sands’ only real answer to legitimate gripes with the health system he is mismanaging is to attempt to delegitimise the PLP messenger, telling the party to “sit small” and “shut up”. The crass arrogance of this man does not permit him to consider that in saying that to the official opposition, he is displaying his true attitude to the wider public. It is the same attitude displayed in the wake of the OBAN scandal, the BPL crises and every other mess that this crew has inflicted on the
Bahamian people. Meanwhile the media does its best to cover or ignore the obvious unfitness for office of the FNM in its entirety. On a related note, I am personally aware (in the directest of senses) that the person writing under the pseudonym Simon (Front Porch) is not in fact a person at all, but a number of people. This should be obvious from the fact that the column has ranged in tone and intellect over the years from the elegant to the asinine. Since May, 2017, the latter has proved dominant. My advice to any elements of the former category that continue to contribute is to disassociate themselves from a brand that will continue to shed respectability as it becomes ever more a defender of an increasingly indefensible FNM. ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, October 2, 2018.
Beware of special interests EDITOR, The Tribune. THE following is an open letter to the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism on the Lighthouse Point Beach matter. Dear Mr Minister, I write to voice my opinion concerning the subject, The Lighthouse Point Beach on the southern end of Eleuthera in the settlement of Bannerman Town. Born and raised in South Eleuthera, I have had many memorable experiences at the aforementioned site. Due to lack of development and any avenue for meaningful employment, many persons along with myself have had to relocate into New Providence to make a decent living. It is because of this reason, I express a need to demand that South Eleutherans, whether residing in South Eleuthera or in The Bahamas have a voice in the matter of creating and sustaining economic development for South Eleuthera which is years overdue. On a previous occasion, namely 2013, I have written correspondence to organisations such as Bahamas National Trust, Ministry of Tourism, The Department of Education, One Eleuthera Foundation, and The International
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Monetary Fund, with a plan, requesting assistance for wild life preservation and cultural development. To date I have only received one reply, from The Department of Education. On several occasions I have spoken to Mr Eric Carey (National Trust) who has promised to visit me at the site, and Mr Shaun Ingraham (One Eleuthera) who has visited the site many times; as I also listen to them on radio and I am appalled at how vocal they are in supporting special interest groups who have interest in Lighthouse Point Beach, “for their playground, in my opinion” but are not making any leeway to assist or support their own native communities. History is repeating itself. As one of the key witnesses in the Ann Millar generation property quieting title, I am seeing the same things happen. There are a few persons pushing for these interest groups who care less about the natives. During the case, as I studied the documents, it made me sick to the stomach to read how my people were raped, in my opinion, for a few shillings to sign off their
interest for “the property”. The documents they were given to sign, I am sure they didn’t understand or were unable to read it, because as a university graduate, I had to read it several times to comprehend it. The document they were given, they were told to sign off their interest, so they could get the money. These bag men were representing special interest groups and were not concerned about the natives. I know this is private property but as the authorities make any decisions on how it should go, please hear the native people from South Eleuthera, so when history repeats itself it will say, “the natives” wanted this, not any “interest groups”. When I exit this world, I hope no one will have to experience the helplessness, I experienced, reading documents about who decided their destiny. With the government’s eagle eyes, put laws and stiff penalties in place to protect The Bahamian people from any abusers. I hope this letter helps your decision in this matter. A concerned citizen, a South Eleutheran. MILDRED YOUNG Nassau, September 28, 2018.
BPL tender issue EDITOR, The Tribune.
Aggreko Diesel standby generator…specifically stated 80 ABSOLUTELY no apol- MW. Note standby-80MW. ogy! I return to the BP&L The Shell Americas proRFP/tender issue as there posal deals with a 275MW has been no resolution to level of generation - not a correct malpractice and standby system but a full breach of the Electricity new generation system Act 2015. Your Editorial powered by LNG gas which position believing the opin- at this time has no Regulaion of BP&L is wrong - you tions to govern the use of. have not spoken to URCA A blind man can see who controls the practice the difference so can hunof BP&L who are not lords dreds of others but it seems unto themselves. BP&L, Cabinet can’t…have The RFP called for to wonder why? Where is proposals to replace the URCA?
The Chamber of Commerce questioned this process because members felt disadvantaged. Numerous writers clearly in the know questioned the process – the Minister responsible loathes voice probably on orders and the Prime Minister seems satisfied but this was flawed to the hilt. The RFP must be cancelled as it breached the law and process. W THOMPSON Nassau September 30, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 5
NYGARD LAUNCHES LAWSUIT OVER HOME SEIZURE from page one
One of Mr Nygard’s lawyers argued in an affidavit that the provost marshal has no jurisdiction to seize land and tenements in The Bahamas. Mr Sands first entered Nygard Cay, pictured, pursuant to a writ on September 27, according to the affidavit, noting that this was days after lawyers for the wealthy fashion designer wrote the deputy registrar of the Supreme Court to say the writs had been improperly issued and called for them to be withdrawn or amended. Mr Nygard’s legal action is the latest development in the long-running saga between the mogul and activist groups. It follows a petition by Save the Bays to have Nygard Cay sold to satisfy
the $2.2m debt Mr Nygard owes in legal costs from alleged illegal dredging activities. Mr Nygard had engaged in unauthorised dredging and construction of a groyne on the sea bed located south east of his property, Save the Bays alleged. The Tribune understands that at yesterday’s hearing, a lawyer for the Office of the Attorney General informed the court that no instructions were given for a lawyer to appear on behalf of the provost marshal and such instructions would have to be sought. The lawyer said if he does not receive such instructions, the provost marshal would have to make alternative arrangements for representation. The matter was held before Justice Keith Thompson.
One Eleuthera ‘has not made a major offer for Lighthouse Point’ By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE One Eleuthera Foundation has not made a substantial offer to buy Lighthouse Point since 2009, according to the group’s CEO Shaun Ingraham. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Ingraham said while a second offer never really materialised, talks with the property’s owner - The Related Group - remained ongoing. Research by Tribune Business uncovered a 2008 press release announcing a joint venture between The Related Group and Meritage Hospitality Group for an 884-acre site in South Eleuthera that was previously owned by Bahamian
businessman, George Baker. One Eleuthera is locked in a public campaign to block Disney Cruise Line’s acquisition of the property. The cruise company has taken preparatory steps to acquire the historic site for the construction of multi-million-dollar cruise port, promising a $400m spend. However, Mr Ingraham yesterday said his group has worked behind the scenes for much of the past decade to spur interest in Bahamians acquiring the site among government officials, residents and other conservation groups. “Over time, we gained the support we needed,” he told The Tribune. “The second time we were in negotiation, there wasn’t a number tossed
CAN YOU HELP GRANDMOTHER TO FIGHT CANCER? By RIEL MAJOR
STEPHANIE Sakr, a mother-of-three and grandmother-of-two, is seeking the public’s help to raise funds to help in her fight against breast cancer. In October 2017, the 58-year-old widow was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Mrs Sakr’s children, Nadia, Nathalie and Joseph, quickly flew her to the United States for additional testing and screening to discoverer the tumour in her breast had aggressively grown, resulting in her breast being “extremely swollen and engorged”. Nadia Lewis, her eldest daughter, said: “She needs urgent treatment, the cancer has started to spread to her lungs.” Doctors from a Florida hospital suggested Mrs Sakr undergo chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiology
in effort to reduce her tumours. Sadly, Mrs Sakr doesn’t have any medical insurance and all expenses must be paid out of pocket. The bills have been difficult for her daughters to pay and Mrs Sakr needs $100,000 to cover her medical expenses. In light of October being breast cancer awareness month Mrs Sakr’s three children created a GoFundMe page, https:// www.gofundme.com/stephanie-sakr, and are asking the public to generously donate any amount in support of her treatment costs. Despite the cancer diagnosis, Mrs Sakr and her family are still hopeful and in good spirits. Ms Lewis said: “Everyone is holding up well. She remains very positive all of this has not changed her outlook on life.” The GoFundMe page had raised more than $2,500 up to press time.
around. It was us making a case to have certain areas zoned and protected.” As a means to strengthen those odds for adequate zoning and environmental protection, Mr Ingraham said his group also petitioned successive governments to take steps to zone segments of the property as environmentally protected areas. “We wrote the government. We met with successive governments.
We were trying to work along with the government to do this, particularly the last two administrations,” he said. “Every government made a commitment to conservation, but we knew we had to do a lot more to truly protect the site. “Hence, a second attempt to acquire the property,” Mr Ingraham added. When asked specifically about the asking price for the property, Mr Ingraham
said numbers varied over the last few years. “It was at $33m at one point. We realised that we could do that. Then it came down to $25m. We kept at it. We are still at it,” he said. Mr Ingraham was asked when he was made aware of Disney’s interest in the property, he responded: “I can’t remember exactly when we were made aware, but once it came to our attention, we knew it was
going to take a lot. “The anxiety for us is that (Lighthouse Point) is a special space,” he said. “It was never about stopping Disney or going against the government for us; it was always about ensuring that Lighthouse Point in given back to the people without restriction. “That is what this has always been about. That is what our plans have tried to show. We want the point for Eleuthera,” he added.
PAGE 6, Friday, October 5, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Conflicting reports over MP’s debts By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedial.net
FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson and the vice president of her investment company have given conflicting information concerning the settlement of the more than $70,000 it is claimed their company owes in real property taxes concerning the maintenance and operation of a building it assumed responsibility for some 13 years ago, court documents allege. Court documents show how Daniel Ferguson claimed Turtle Creek Investments Limited (TCI) would arrange a “payment plan” with the Department of Inland Revenue to settle the $74,069.22 it owed from not paying real property taxes since it entered into a hire purchase agreement for the building in December 2005. However, Ms Ferguson, TCI’s president, asserted in a sworn affidavit that both her company and the building’s owner, Daybreak Holdings Limited, agreed that all outstanding real property taxes would be settled at the sale of the building in question. And Ms Ferguson’s claims about the agreed sale of the building, which houses the Crab House and Seafood Emporium, have been adamantly denied by Daybreak Holdings, which has since labeled Ms Ferguson’s assertions about it as “nothing short of ludicrous”. Additionally, Michael Craig Roberts, an attorney at Graham Thompson & Co, denied a portion of Ms Ferguson’s affidavit that claimed that both TCI and Daybreak Holdings agreed that he would have the latter provide a “figure for settlement” regarding the interest
SHONEL FERGUSON MP, in Parliament last year. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff component of the hire pur- offered no proposal concern- to four years, something that ing the interest settlement. caused the building’s owner chase agreement. Nonetheless, Justice Ian to recently pay $15,963.75 to Mr Craig “unequivocally” stated that Ms Ferguson was Winder, the presiding judge, J S Johnson Insurance “incorrect” in her assertions has requested that counsel in Agents & Brokers in a bid because he “at no time” the matter, namely Christina to bring the insurance policy put forward a proposal for Galanos for Daybreak Hold- current. Also, it is alleged that TCI settlement as he had “no ings and Ed Turner for TCI, let him know beforehand has not paid its light bill for instructions” to do so. Additionally, Mr Rob- if Mr Davis will be called “some time now,” and as it erts said in his affidavit to testify in the matter, for stands, is currently utilising a generator for electricity. that having reviewed the “obvious” reasons. Yesterday, The TribAdditionally, TCI has hire purchase agreement as per the request of Day- une exclusively reported allegedly not paid any of the break Holdings’ president how TCI owed $74,069.22 $10,833 monthly payments Donna Davis, he also came in real property taxes as it agreed to pay for the to the conclusion that due of December 6, 2017, in building in question since to the “various breaches” alleged contravention of the September of 2016, resultby TCI, Daybreak Hold- hire purchase agreement it ing in the owner receiving ings could take the position entered into for the building. no revenue from the agreeThe Tribune also revealed ment, despite the company that the agreement “should be deemed terminated” and how TCI allegedly owes the currently subleasing a porpossession of the property Water and Sewerage Corpo- tion of the building for ration $22,173.15 as of July $12,000 per month. returned to the owner. Daybreak Holdings, the Opposition Leader Philip this year when it was dis“Brave” Davis’ name is connected, having not paid plaintiff, further alleges that mentioned in both Ms Fer- “any utilities and insurance” notwithstanding the various guson’s and Mr Roberts’ on the building for at least breaches, TCI has “failed affidavits as having some two years. The last time TCI and/or refused” to bring the involvement in the dispute paid its water bill was in July hire purchase agreement current or to vacate the as a mediator of sorts; how- of 2014, it is alleged. Concerning the building’s building. ever, Mr Roberts claims Mr But Ms Ferguson is Davis was “never retained” insurance, TCI has allegin the matter, thus provid- edly not paid any insurance claiming that subsequent ing another reason why he premiums for the past three to entering into the hire purchase agreement, TCI opened several businesses in the building and made “timely” monthly payments. However, she said as the economy declined and crime escalated in the area, both parties agreed to reduce the monthly payment to $5,000 until the $1.35m was liquidated. When the economy didn’t improve, she said both parties agreed to put the building up for sale and distribute the proceeds between them. In particular, Ms Ferguson claimed both parties agreed that upon the building’s sale, TCI would be reimbursed for the equity it put into the building. Ms Ferguson also claims that as of August 17 of this year, her company has paid Daybreak Holdings $1,548,609, in addition to investing over $700,000 in renovations for what she claimed was initially a building in a “dilapidated state”. Ms Ferguson claims that as the $1.5m TCI paid to Daybreak Holdings exceeds the sum owing on the hire purchase agreement, and that as both parties concluded that the principal amount under the agreement was settled,
the only outstanding issue was the amount of the outstanding interest. Concerning the outstanding real property taxes, Ms Ferguson claimed in her affidavit: “The parties agreed that all outstanding real property taxes would be settled at the sale of the building.” However, in a supplemental affidavit to respond to Ms Ferguson’s assertion, Ms Davis enclosed a copy of an email communication to her from Mr Ferguson, with Ms Ferguson’s alleged email copied in on the correspondence, where he stated on February 5 of this year that he would arrange a payment plan with Inland Revenue. Concerning Mr Roberts’ involvement in the matter, Ms Ferguson claimed that at some point, TCI received a call from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis informing it that Graham Thompson & Co was making inquiries into the financial status of the hire purchase agreement. Ms Ferguson claims that after briefing the attorneys of the financial status, both parties, meaning TCI and Daybreak Holdings, agreed that Mr Roberts would have Daybreak Holdings provide a figure for settlement regarding the interest. However, Mr Roberts claims that after being asked to review the hire purchase agreement by Daybreak Holdings, and with a view to “trying to find some means of settling this dispute” between the parties without resorting to litigation, he took it upon himself to reach out to Mr Davis whom he was told “knows very well the beneficial owners of Turtle Creek.” Mr Roberts said he spoke with Mr Davis on the telephone on one occasion and mentioned to him both TCI’s and Daybreak Holdings’ position on the matter. He said Mr Davis subsequently told him that should he be instructed to put in writing what he had mentioned, he (Mr Davis) felt he would be able to have the dispute resolved out of court by speaking to the beneficial owners of TCI. He said he was “never instructed thereafter to pursue the matter further with him,” meaning Mr Davis. Thus, Mr Roberts claimed that contrary to Ms Ferguson’s assertions, the conversation with Mr Davis was merely to see “if he felt that he could be instrumental in having the dispute settled out of court.” “…At no time did I put forward a proposal for settlement for and on behalf of (Daybreak Holdings) as I had no instructions to do so and furthermore Mr Philip Davis had not been retained in the matter,” Mr Roberts claimed. The matter continues in front of Justice Winder next week.
DOCTORS PRESS ON WITH STRIKE BALLOT from page one
Meanwhile, Department of Labour director John Pinder confirmed the strike vote request was submitted on September 14. He agreed that discussions involving labour officials went well, adding that many times, unions obtain strike certificates as a bargaining chip in the event discussions go downhill. Dr Locksley Munroe, head of the association, could not be reached yesterday for comment. The prime minister said: “I met with the doctors 7.30 Wednesday and listened to the concerns and we agreed that there would be more communication and involvement with the senior doctors in the progression of healthcare moving forward and there is also to be more communication with themselves and the Public Hospitals Authority. “They have some concerns, we agreed to address the concerns and they understood that not all could be addressed but we would address those we consider as priority. We set timelines moving forward.” Dr Minnis said he also committed to meeting with the senior doctors bi-annually to ensure timelines are met and everyone is on the same page. “The doctors produce excellent service now, but there is always room for improvement. Our doctors are well trained and top of the class wherever they go. “We pointed out that everything cannot be done at once but we would look at priority and work with timelines moving forward,” he added. Late last month, Dr Munroe said it was possible a strike poll would be taken in early October. At the time, Dr Munroe said among the steps doctors could take to protest their concerns include withdrawing their services or demonstrating, which he said could “happen in a kind of ad-hoc matter”. “You can go off on long lunch breaks or something to that effect; you can take a strike poll and then have the legal authority to go on a strike or withdraw services,” he said last month. “There won’t be any illegal things, I can tell you that flat-out.” The CPSA has been trying to secure an industrial agreement from the PHA for several years. It hopes the agreement would allow senior doctors to get an increase in their benefits. The PHA has said it does not have the funding to pay doctors more money. However, Dr Munroe maintained PHA has ignored doctors’ advice about how it could raise critical revenue.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 7
SANDS INITIATIVE TO TARGET GAMBLING ADDICTION By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands is hoping a gambling addiction symposium to be held at the end of this month will provide assistance and “some remedy” to individuals and households affected by compulsive gambling. On Wednesday, Dr Sands said reports that as much $500m is wagered annually are “staggering” and reflective of a larger issue. He also expressed dismay at anecdotal accounts of people being unable to meet financial responsibilities because they are “problem” gamblers. The Gambling Addiction
Awareness Programme Symposium will be held on October 31. The event is being hosted by Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre under the theme “Overcoming Your Gambling Addiction: The Continuum of Care”. When asked about the event, Dr Sands said it was “always imagined” that there would be support for compulsive gamblers. “Anecdotally, I think as we look at our travels around virtually every single island, every single community, there’s no question that there’s significant participation in gaming or gambling. “Anecdotally, there are reports of people that are having problems paying school fees, meeting their rent or mortgage obligations, etc. It was always imagined
from the beginning that there would be support for problem gamers or problem gamblers. “And so this initiative to be held at the end of October is one such example of a programme intended to provide support for individuals that find that they are having a problem with gambling. “As you listen to the numbers, and depending on who you listen to, the numbers can be quite staggering. “If it is true that there is as much as $500m per year being wagered, then it suggests, given the size of our economy, that we have a challenge and that there are persons who are problematic gamblers. So, hopefully this will assist and bring some remedy to those households affected.”
Eighty-eight people participated in a previous symposium held in April. Dr Sands made his remarks following the opening ceremony of the Mental Health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) training workshop, which was held at the Public Hospitals Authority. The programme is a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative that launched in the Bahamas in 2013. The health minister delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, where he said health providers can look at the implementation of mhGAP as a “successful facet of our evolving primary care model”. He added the initiative seeks to “expand access to mental health
services through improved linkages with primary care facilities in our communities”. “The programme has introduced training to staff at primary care centres and community clinics which continue to be a frontline detection method of mental health challenges and episodes,” he said. “This incorporation of mental health treatment in all primary health care facilities ensures that Bahamians who present for treatment of any complaint should have the presence of emotional or mental issues detected and addressed, and if necessary referred for further treatment.” Ninety-one physicians and 54 nurses have undergone training since 2013.
Top two called up for govt cannabis committee By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE government has chosen two co-chairmen for its cannabis committee, which Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said he hopes will be fully constituted within the next week or two. Bishop Simeon Hall and former Deputy Commissioner of Police Quinn McCartney have been appointed to head the committee and they will first consider CARICOM’s report released earlier this year calling for an end to prohibition against marijuana. As there is tremendous pressure when it comes to decriminalising marijuana use, Dr Sands said it is important the committee is constituted properly. “In the first instance they are going to be considering the CARICOM document which forms the basis for recommendations for policy change and then making recommendations about the approach that arises from that document from the Bahamas and kinda create a framework for how we proceed,” Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday. “I guess I’d like to get this done fairly quickly within the next week or two to have the committee formed and they would then have
to meet and form their deliberations. “There is a tremendous amount of pressure being put on this promise of marijuana. You have heard all the comments and the idea that this is going to be a boom for the economy but there is no guarantee that it will. “I think we have to ensure that we take an holistic approach in the interest of the country and not just in the interest of the private sector and not just in the interest of persons who a particular proclivity.” He continued: “I have to be very very mindful that this is not about me and my views. I am a representative of the government of the Bahamas and as such we have to be guided by trying to achieve as best as possible a consensus view and there will be some people who believe that we’re not aggressive enough and there are some who believe we are too aggressive. “Again my personal view, I would legalise it, but my personal view is unimportant here, consensus is consensus.” This comes several weeks after Cabinet was said to have been discussing CARICOM’s report. According to Jamaican news agency the Gleaner in July, the Regional Marijuana Commission (RMC)
BISHOP Simeon Hall has been called up to sit on the government’s cannabis committee, along with former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Quinn McCartney.
report argues that a strictly regulated framework for marijuana, akin to that for alcohol and tobacco, should be introduced. It said there was a unanimous view that the current classification for cannabis/ marijuana as a dangerous drug with no value or narcotic should be changed to a classification of legal cannabis as a “controlled” substance.
The RMC was asked by CARICOM in 2014 to fully ventilate the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean. Its mandate was to determine whether the plant should be reclassified, and under what legal and administrative conditions. According to the Gleaner, there was also unanimity on the need to ensure
protections for children and young persons against possible adverse effects of cannabis. The commission reportedly advised that prohibition for children and young persons should be maintained, except for medical reasons, and called for the utilisation of treatment and diversion programmes for youth users instead of prosecution.
The report stated, according to the Gleaner, that legislation is needed to ensure unhindered access to cannabis/marijuana for scientific and medical research by approved institutions and researchers. The commission also recommended marijuana smoking and other uses should be banned in all public spaces.
PAGE 8, Friday, October 5, 2018
Our Prime Minister, King of the
Selfies OUR Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis craftily, and without providing details, on the actual cost of his recent trip to the United Nations’ 73rd General Assembly, did manage to get some awesome “selfies”. Minnis did, however, table in Parliament a list of 17 officials (that’s bigger than Beres Hammond’s entourage), including the
Office of the Spouse, who made the trip to New York.
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PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia pictured with US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during the trip to New York for a United Nations meeting.
More irony!! Wasn’t this the same administration that, while in opposition, carried former Minister of Foreign Affairs (or Minister of Affairs in Foreign, depending on the occasion) Fred Mitchell to task over his travels and his travel wardrobe budget. Despite not divulging the “chunk of change” it’s going to cost us Bahamians for the Minnis road trip, there was a rare instance where our PM was efficient and effective.
‘Doc’ (and Mrs Minnis) managed to secure a photo op with POTUS Donald Trump and his wife Melania, And I’m certain he took the opportunity to grab some fresh one-liners from his muse. Which hopefully means we won’t have to hear the same played out ‘Fake News’ line for a while. The ‘Gussie Mae’ delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, Transport Minister Renward Wells, State Minister for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and his wife, Tamicka, and Parks and Public Beaches Authority chairman Shanendon Cartwright. Bahamas Maritime Authority chairwoman Denise Lewis Johnson, Viana Gardiner, chief operating officer of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, senior policy advisor Joshua Sears and deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eugene Newry also attended.
Also, Dr Minnis’ personal assistants - Yontalay Bowe and Katherine Stewart Marche - travelled along with two of his police aides, an aide to Mrs Minnis and a reporter and cameraman from the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. ‘Vel Mudoes’ !! That’s a bigger posse than Jay Z and Beyoncé.
Even more irony!! What I find most ironic and comical is that our PM, a doctor, would allow St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright to give remarks regarding non communicable diseases. “Due to conflicts in my schedule, member of Parliament for St Barnabas Shanendon Cartwright participated on my behalf and gave remarks with regards to non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Minnis said. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking Shanendon’s credentials, or his ability to deliver remarks. I
just prefer to hear from a doctor, especially if one is available, and coincidentally happens to be PM, in relation to anything medical. Also, Shanendon is my longtime friend and fellow basketball aficionado, he also does an exemplary job in his constituency. If I were told, he gave remarks regarding parks and recreation, or how to creatively keep your team in a pick up game of basketball with unusual calls, I would be the first applauding Minnis’ decision. Sadly this was not the case, but after a second thought, considering Doc’s track record when it comes to public speaking, maybe it was best Mr. Cartwright gave remarks. Until next week I will leave you with this from Harry Truman, which I think pretty much sums up our present administration.
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them.”
WE’RE PIRATES WITHOUT A BOAT... DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira spoke out in the House of Assembly this week about the financial state of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation – with many loans in arrears. Readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com. Sickened said: “Everywhere we look we see years and years and years of government waste, incompetence and graft. If we look too hard we may realise that we are simply land pirates (pirates without a boat).” Starting with a quote from the story, TheMadHatter posted this: “‘The number of loans being repaid right now to the BMC is 2889, 1366 of which are in arrears. The value of the loans in arrears is more than $34m. Mr Turnquest said the BMC is currently owed $194,246,667.’ AMAZING how he can spurt out these
figures when it has to do with money owed to govt but when WE keep asking over and over for the exact breakdown of the $8bn in debt and a listing of payments made to who, how much, and dates on our foreign debt, we are told to “just shut up and pay ya Vat before we devalue ya currency.“ That prompted this response from DDK: “It IS time to march on
parliament! If we knew the true debt figures we could flash them on billboards all over Nassau and the Family Islands, alongside the VAT totals collected to date. Perhaps THEN they would start bringing down the debt!” Joeblow said: “Repossess and/or put liens on all properties! Where’s the problem?” And in The Tribune’s online poll, we asked readers if they were in favour of Disney’s plans for Lighthouse Point. 74 percent of those voting said they were against the plans, with 26 percent supporting them. • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
Your view on Disney plans
PAGE 10, Friday, October 5, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
100,000 reasons to support race event FOR the first time in its history, Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend (SIRW) has doubled its annual donation, giving away $100,000 to four cancer charities. During the official launch of the Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure® 5K event on Monday, Sunshine Insurance, which is the lead organiser and sponsor for the event and Marathon Bahamas, representatives donated $25,000 each to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama, the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group. The donation came at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month. “For the past five years, our efforts have allowed us to donate $50,000 to our beneficiaries. It gives me a great sense of pride to announce that this year,
for the first time in the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend’s history, we have doubled that allocation and are today donating a total of $100,000 to the charities,” said Sunshine Insurance VP of development Shelly Wilson. “I would be remiss if I did not thank our many incredible sponsors . . . for their generous donations. None of this would be possible without them. I would also like to thank all of you – our participants who register, volunteer and donate your money and time to our cause.” Mrs Wilson noted that as her company’s race has grown, so has the public’s appreciation for what it does. “Despite the many years that have passed, we have not lost sight of why we do this, and that is to raise awareness about a disease that has claimed the lives of too many of our
mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and even fathers,” she said. “Fighting breast cancer is not a job for one person or even one organisation. It literally takes a village to make an impact. The Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure is much more than a race. It’s a movement. It’s also our primary fundraising event, and the money we raise is donated to local cancer organisations for their various outreach programmes.” Mrs Wilson urged Bahamian women to get regularly screened for the disease by having mammograms and maintaining healthy lifestyles. Susan G Komen Bahamas honorary chairperson, Willie Moss, who is a 25-year breast cancer survivor, thanked Sunshine Insurance for continuing to bring awareness to the disease, particularly to those who might not think of
VERNON DAVIS JR, PMH administrative officer; Thelma Rolle-Fernander, PMH FoundaHELEN ROLLE, Sister Sister secretary, centre, and tion executive administrative assistant; and Dr Andrea Sweeting, Sister Sister president, receive Robin Roberts, PMH Foundation board memtheir funds from the Sunshine Insurance team. ber receive the $25,000 cheque.
HANDING out cheques from Sunshine Insurance are Dwayne Swaby, left, Shelly Wilson, second left, and Tonique Williams, right, joined by Susan Roberts, Cancer Society of The Bahamas founder and Dianne Bingham, Cancer Society board member, above, and, right, by Lorine Miller, Cancer Society of Grand Bahama president. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff getting themselves checked. “Your body talks to you. It tells you when you’re not well. Awareness is what we want to focus on. Without Sunshine Insurance, we would not have touched so many lives,” she said. “I want everyone to come out [in January]. It’s a wonderful experience. [Cancer] is not a death sentence. Not all of us make it out, but if we get the word out, we can save more lives.” During her speech, Mrs Moss reminded the government that it promised to
deliver on a national cancer registry, but that promise, to date, has still not been fulfilled. Cancer Society of The Bahamas founder Susan Roberts said she is grateful for the “incredible” donation, noting that the Cancer Society represents individuals with all types of cancer in people young and old. She agreed with Mrs Moss that the time has come for a national registry. “We started over 42 years ago. It’s now 42 years later. It’s rather embarrassing.
This is a serious call. The Ministry of Health has serious problems and this is an essential thing that should happen,” she said. President of the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama Lorine Miller said cancer seems to be “at an all-time high” in Grand Bahama and her organisation is doing all it can to help residents on the island. Komen Bahamas is scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2019. To register, visit www.komenbahamas. org.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, October 5, 2018, PAGE 11
Trump campaigns as he lends Kavanaugh support By CATHERINE LUCEY and JILL COLVIN Associated Press PRESIDENT Donald Trump aimed to boost Republican congressional candidates in Minnesota as the GOP hopes to fend off a Democratic effort to recapture the House of Representatives. Trump landed in Minneapolis in the afternoon and headed to a fundraiser. He was set to appear at an evening rally in Rochester, friendly territory in the traditionally liberal state, where Republicans are targeting two Democratic districts but playing defense in two GOPheld districts in the Minneapolis suburbs. Outside Washington, the focus still remained on the dramatic nomination process for Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. Trump told reporters he thinks Brett Kavanaugh is “doing very well” as senators weigh a new FBI background report prompted by allegations of sexual misconduct. Trump earlier tweeted his support for Kavanaugh, who is accused of a sexual assault at a high school party, saying, “Due Process, Fairness and Common Sense are
DEMONSTRATOR’S hold “Baby Trump” balloons as Anti-Trump protesters began to gather at Soldier’s Field Veterans Memorial in Rochester, Minnesota. now on trial!” Trump has sought to use the Kavanaugh confirmation conflict to appeal to white men, arguing that the accusations are proof that innocent men could be unfairly targeted. The outcome in Minnesota could prove critical as Republicans seek to counter Democratic enthusiasm in the midterm elections. The president is campaigning for Republican Jim Hagedorn, who
is seeking an open congressional seat in the 1st Congressional District, a Republican-leaning area Democrats have controlled for 12 years. Hagedorn, who came close to unseating the outgoing congressman in 2016, has been an unabashed supporter of Trump and hopes the publicity from the rally will help put him over the top. Trump also will appear with Rep. Jason Lewis, who is facing a close
re-election race in the Minneapolis suburbs. But Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen, who is also fighting to hold a suburban seat, did not plan to attend, underscoring the president’s mixed popularity in the state. The president’s sinking support in the suburbs has put both lawmakers in a tricky position against well-financed Democrats. But in a new memo, the White House argues that candidates who distance themselves from Trump will suffer this fall. Officials contrasted Lewis’ request to campaign with Trump with Paulsen’s efforts to keep his distance. The White House believes Paulsen’s rejection of Trump will sink his candidacy. The White House memo acknowledges that Republicans are facing an enthusiasm gap, but suggests this is where Trump can make up the difference — for those candidates willing to take his help. Republicans who don’t talk about Trump or his accomplishments, the White House warns, will make a tough situation a whole lot tougher. Trump has used campaign rallies in an effort to boost Republican turnout, encouraging the voters he drew to the polls in 2016 to support more staid traditional lawmakers.
AMAZON’S $15-HOUR? NOT FOR US Associated Press
AMAZON’S announcement that it would raise its hourly minimum wage to $15 has been seen as a win for workers. But some longtime employees say they are losing out. Those who already made $15 will get an extra dollar an hour when the change is made next month, but they will also lose two benefits they relied on: monthly bonuses that could top hundreds of dollars and a chance to own Amazon’s sky-rocketing stock, currently worth nearly $2,000 a share. At least four longtime workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear they would be fired, said the $1 an hour raise would not make up for the lost benefits. The employees, all of whom work in different warehouses around the country, said the $15 minimum wage was great for new workers, but the math didn’t work out for those who have worked at Amazon’s warehouses for a few years.
SIGNS OF LIFE AT QUAKE HOTEL PALU, INDONESIA Associated Press A FRENCH rescue team it has detected a pos-
a shortage of heavy equipment. The national disaster agency said that the death toll has risen to 1,558. Agency spokesman
a sible sign of life under the rubble of a hotel in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island nearly a week after it was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, as the death toll rose to more than 1,500. Philip Besson, a member of the French organization Pompiers de l’urgence, said the team’s high-tech sensors “detected the presence of a victim” in the wreckage of the four-star Mercure Hotel in Palu but wasn’t able to say if the person is conscious. The device can pick up signs of life, including breathing and heart beats, he said. Nita Hamaale, whose 20-year-old younger sister is believed to be buried beneath the hotel rubble, said a translator for the French rescue team told her they didn’t want to raise her hopes. The translator said it’s possible other factors such as gas in the rubble could result in a false positive. Besson said the five-member team only had a hand drill that was not strong enough to reach the victim, who was trapped under thick concrete, and had to abandon digging as night fell. Besson said the team would bring heavy equipment tomorrow to try to rescue the person. “We have to drill through the concrete to be able to verify and access the victim,” he said. Rescue efforts since last Friday’s quake have been greatly impeded by
Supoto Purwo Nugroho said the body of a South Korean man was among eight dead pulled from the wreckage of another hotel, the Roa Roa, which collapsed sideways in a heap of cement and steel. Local television said the man, the only foreigner known to have perished in the disaster, was a paraglider taking part in an event in the area. As the search for victims continued, aid workers raced to get shelter, food, medicine and other badly needed supplies to survivors. The Indonesian military was bringing in hundreds more troops to help with search and rescue efforts and keep order among survivors who have grown desperate six days after their lives were thrown into chaos. Hundreds of the injured and other survivors lined up on the tarmac of Palu’s badly damaged airport, hoping to escape aboard military aircraft. The United Nations announced a $15 million allocation to support relief efforts, saying more than 200,000 people were in dire need of assistance. More than 70,000 homes are thought to have been wrecked by the quake, demolished by the tsunami or engulfed by mud slides. Thousands of people are sleeping in tents or in rough shelters made from debris, unsure when they’ll be able to rebuild.
WEST ACCUSES RUSSIAN SPY AGENCY OF SCORES OF ATTACKS LONDON Associated Press THE West has unleashed an onslaught of new evidence and indictments accusing Russian military spies of hacking so widespread that it seemed to target anyone, anywhere who investigates Moscow’s involvement in an array of criminal activities — including doping, poisoning and the downing of a plane. Russia defiantly denied the charges, neither humbled nor embarrassed by the exceptional revelations on one of the most hightension days in East-West relations in years. Moscow lashed back with allegations that the Pentagon runs a clandestine US biological weapons program involving
toxic mosquitoes, ticks and more. The nucleus of Thursday’s drama was Russia’s military intelligence agency known as the GRU, increasingly the embodiment of Russian meddling abroad. In the last 24 hours: US authorities charged seven officers from the GRU with hacking international agencies; British and Australian authorities accused the GRU of a devastating 2017 cyberattack on Ukraine, the email leaks that rocked the US.2016 election and other damaging hacks; and Dutch officials alleged that GRU agents tried and failed to hack into the world’s chemical weapons watchdog, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
D
PAGE 12, Friday, October 5, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
MELFORD CLARKE Caribbean District is Kiwanis Club of the home to over 240 Kiwanis Cable Beach clubs. These clubs are divided into 26 divisions. Each division is led by a Kiwanis Club of Cable Lieutenant Governor, who Beach. - Melford Clarke, will report to Governor a member of The Kiwanis Clarke. The Bahamas (SunClub of Cable Beach (Sun- shine Division 22) is one of shine Division 22), assumed the 26 divisions that make office as Governor of the up the EC&C with its first Eastern Canada and Car- club, The Kiwanis Club of ibbean District (EC&C) of Nassau chartered in 1962. Kiwanis International on Today, there are twelve October 1. Kiwanis clubs throughout Governor Clarke is only The Bahamas with more the second Bahamian to than 400 members. ever be elected as EC&C Kiwanis members worldDistrict Governor. He has wide dedicate more than 18 been a member of Kiwanis million volunteer hours and International for 30 years, invest more than $107m where he served at all levels annually in projects that of leadership in numerous strengthen communities capacities at his club, the and serve children. Bahamas Division and now Governor Clarke will EC&C. serve on the 15 member Governor Clarke said: “I District Board for one year, truly believe, that through leading the largest and most working together, Kiwanis diverse district of Kiwanis. members achieve what He said: “I now put all one person cannot accom- my efforts towards leading plish alone. When you give the District onward, effecta child a chance to learn, ing positive change in all experience, dream and suc- areas. ceed, great things happen.” “As a Kiwanian, I am The Eastern Canada and a servant leader first and know first-hand the challenges faced around the world. “I will continue on the path of service making a OUR Clubs and Sociedifference in the lives of ties page is a chance for those who need it most in you to share your group’s The Bahamas and indeed activities with our readers. the world.” To feature on our Clubs Governor Melford and Societies page, submit Clarke is a retired senior your report to clubs@tribmanager of the Family unemedia.net, with “Clubs Island Commercial OperaPage” written in the subject line. tion Department of the For more information Water and Sewerage Corabout the page, contact poration. He is the father of Stephen Hunt on 502-2373 two children, Melinda and or 826-2242. Melvert.
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