PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
PM Minnis defends commodore’s leave
COMMODORE Bethel will be on leave until January 15, 2020, according to RBDF memorandums from page one the decision was proof the Minnis administration did not have a substantive plan for those islands. “We have been very, very focused on security,” Dr Minnis said, when asked by The Tribune to respond to the critique. “We’ve been very focused on the rebuilding efforts of Abaco, the Abaco cays and Grand Bahama and we will remain focused on the rebuilding efforts. “Like I said, it won’t happen overnight and the public and Bahamians at large must understand that, but we will continue to move with our reconstruction efforts. All throttles have been pushed ahead moving forward.” Asked if this was the right time, Dr Minnis added: “I think the government has a policy that individuals who have long extended vacation, from we came in, we’ve enacted such a policy where we place individuals on leave. “We are not in the business of paying individuals
for three and four year vacation leave that they accumulated. We put you on leave so as to save the Bahamian taxpayers money.” On Sunday, Mr Davis said he was trying to understand why the decision came at this time. He said: “The issue of leadership has been bedevilling throughout this whole restoration and relief effort and they need to have some coherency as to what’s going to be happening. What is the plan and the relationship between the various agencies that will bring relief? “So it does beg the question whether his departure would impact this very fundamental and important initiative that requires urgent leadership attention.” He continued: “You would not expect at this time that you would be engaging in the stripping of leadership of persons who may have the competence and capability to bring the kind of assistance you need to bring normalcy back to communities and to lives of people affected by the hurricane.
“We would quite naturally ask how is this going to impact the exigencies of the Defence Force and will it suffer in any way by these actions of the commodore.” Commodore Bethel will be on leave until January 15, 2020, according to RBDF memorandums seen by The Tribune. It is not clear if he will return to lead the RBDF when his vacation leave ends. After several senior police officers were directed to take leave earlier this year, sources told this newspaper that Commodore Bethel and Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson would be slated for preretirement leave in the near future. Eight senior police officers were directed to take pre-retirement leave several months ago. For some of them, their vacation time is insufficient to lead them into retirement. National Security Minister Marvin Dames has said those with remaining years to serve will be transferred out of the force when their leave ends.
NEW ACTING PORT CONTROLLER THE government has announced that Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright has been appointed as the new acting port controller. He is responsible for all government operated port facilities within the country. As port controller, he oversees the inspection and licensing of all commercial vessels less than 500 gross tons, commercial recreational watercrafts, pleasure yachts and private boats. He is the admiralty marshall and is responsible for aids to navigation. Additionally,
COMMANDER Berne Wright
his responsibilities include the regulation of all maritime matters. Lieutenant Commander Wright enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in August 1990. His awards include: a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, National Security Commendation, and two letters of commendation from Governor Generals Arthur Foulkes and A D Hanna. Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright is married and has one daughter.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 22, 2019, PAGE 3
200 jobs boost with new medical school
from page one
build a 98,000 sq ft medical school campus, beginning at the end of the year. The project will be carried out in four phases and is expected to provide 150 jobs during peak construction with 200 permanent jobs available at completion in 2029. The first phase would be completed by September 2020 when the university is expected to hire between 50-75 Bahamians. Signing on behalf of the newly formed Western Atlantic University was CEO Peter Goetz. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the signing represented an important part of the recovery effort in Grand Bahama. “In order to rebuild Grand Bahama and Abaco, we must spur economic development and job creation. This development represents a significant investment in Grand Bahama, the country’s second largest economy,” he said. “This major development will inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy over time and provide direct and indirect opportunities for scores of residents,” the prime minister said.
According to Dr Minnis, it is estimated that in the university’s first 10 years of operation, Grand Bahama would benefit from a combined $200 million in revenue as a result of student and faculty spending on housing, food, entertainment, goods and on-island transportation. The medical campus will be located on land near the Jack Hayward High School. It will include university-owned housing for faculty, staff and students on campus. Dr Minnis said that the school should be ready for occupancy by September 2022 at the end of phase three, to accommodate growth to 500 medical students by September 2023. Phase four is scheduled to begin in late 2022, he stated, allowing the physical expansion with ongoing construction. And by 2029, he said campus enrollment is expected to reach 1,000 students. During the construction phase, he said Western Atlantic has agreed to an overall ratio of 80 percent Bahamian workers to 20 percent non-Bahamian workers. He also said the University is committed to recruiting qualified Bahamians for all posts, including faculty positions. “Whenever possible, and
WOMAN ROBBED AFTER TAKING CASH FROM ATM NEW Providence police are searching for the man who robbed a woman of cash shortly after she withdrew money from an ATM on Saturday. Police said the woman had just taken money out of the ATM on Wulff Road when she was approached by an armed man who robbed her before escaping in a red Toyota Passo. Police also said a 19-yearold man was arrested on Friday after he was found with a suspected stolen iPhone. The previous day, shortly
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after 7pm on Thursday, a teenager was walking on Carmichael Road when he was accosted by a man armed with a sharp object, who robbed him of cash and an iPhone before escaping on foot. Shortly before 9am on Friday, officers from the South Western Division, acting on information, proceeded to Strachan’s Hill where they conducted search and found an iPhone, believed to be stolen during the armed robbery. The 19-year-old who was arrested is expected to face charges.
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when candidates present nearly identical skills, experience and qualifications, the university will adopt a ‘Bahamian first’ mantra,” he said. Dr Minnis also indicated that the school will offer employment positions to Bahamians for all non-faculty staff that encompass a breadth of disciplines, including management positions and opportunities for advancement at a ratio of 80 percent Bahamian to 20 percent non-Bahamian. It was noted that approval to operate the campus will be contingent on the university obtaining accreditation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), or an equivalent body. Western Atlantic will also work toward receiving accreditation for its students to be able to practice medicine in the US, Canada and the Bahamas. Dr Minnis said the medical school will work with the University of the Bahamas to expedite and ease
the application process for eligible and interested UB students. He said the university will make up to five concurrent scholarships available to the government through the Ministry of Education for Bahamians wishing to attend Western Atlantic University. “The scholarships will cover the cost of both basic sciences and clinical sciences tuition and tuition-related fees. This development has the potential to attract global talent and build international connections,” Dr Minnis said. For his part, Mr Goetz said that Grand Bahama is an ideal “superb” location and opportunity for the campus because of its proximity to the US. “We can’t believe we are lucky enough to be the first to open a medical school; the second sort of – we tried this once before, but now we are ready. We were ready then, but we had some political obstacles out of our control,” he said. He noted that WAUSM has an experienced team
of executives, including University President Joseph Flaherty, former dean emeritus at Ross University School of Medicine from 2011 to 2017, and who was previously presiding as dean at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, one of the largest medical schools in the US. Mr Goetz stated that the medical school will help to meet the “huge” demand for physicians. “There is a huge shortage of physicians in US and Canada,” he said, adding that the American Medical Association has reported that there would be a shortage of 132,000 physicians by 2032. He said: “We are here for the long run – the last time we were here, students were here for four months – our students are going to be here 20 months at a time. They will sign two-year leases when our first students come, their families are going to come. This is the renaissance of bringing youth and vibrancy to Freeport. We can’t wait to get
started. I am so pleased to be home.” Also bringing remarks, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson said the signing marks the government’s ongoing “aggressive economic” development agenda for the island. “It’s been approximately six weeks since the hurricane. Today, we signed a second HoA marking approval and commencement of another major million-dollar project for Grand Bahama. “The prime minister has made it clear that a significant part of the rebuilding process is to accelerate the process of investments, which will bring economic activity, critical mass of residents, and jobs for Bahamians,” he said. Mr Thompson said the government’s agenda is to strengthen the medical tourism product, while developing tertiary education tourism for Grand Bahama. Editorial View - Page 4 & Tribune Business
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
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Union pays price for wrong tactics WHEN junior doctors walked out on strike in August, initially there was sympathy for the medics, but that sympathy ran out very quickly. First of all, the public soured on demands that included such items as a duty-free car every three years, no property tax and splitting the profits from a car park to be built at public expense. Then, when the matter was referred to an industrial tribunal, medics dragged their heels to return to work – earning no favour from the public and, as it now turns out, from the courts either. Justice Ian Winder in the Supreme Court yesterday found that the Bahamas Doctors Union had taken unlawful strike action. He said the union broke the Industrial Relations Act when it continued to strike despite being required to discontinue once it was referred to the Industrial Tribunal. After losing public sympathy, the union now has cost itself the chance to take part in further industrial action going forward. To say the union got its strategy all wrong for achieving its goals might be understating matters. Worse, it might have a knock-on effect for other unions going about things in the right way. As Trade Union Congress president Obie Ferguson pointed out, if the government can refer the doctors to the Industrial Tribunal to bring a strike action to an end, what’s to stop it from doing so with other unions too? The irony of it all is that the union had a strong case to begin with – trying to resolve matters that had been lingering on for years, and to sort out payment of a debt of $10m to workers. If they had simply stopped their action when required – and it is fair to say that the absence of the medics was having a toll at hospitals and clinics forced to
curtail services – they would have been able to take up their case at the tribunal from a strong position. Instead, they go having lost widespread support and having possibly harmed other unions trying to seek relief for their own members. The role of a union leader can be very difficult. You don’t want to let your members down, nor do you want to harm your employer too much because that in turn only hurts the workers too. Cost a business too much in profits, it might come back to bite if layoffs have to be made. Cause problems within the public service, and it’s the public themselves who find they are shut out of locked offices or unable to access facilities. It’s a balancing act – and in this case one that tipped too far and left the medics themselves looking like the villains. Strikes should always be a last resort. The doctors’ union had reached that last resort, but how they conducted it has let them down. Sometimes, union leaders need to ask whether just because they’re entitled to go on strike, whether it really is the best way to get a solution. After all, that’s what everyone wants – a deal. Just because you can strike doesn’t mean you should if it doesn’t get that outcome. And if you can’t strike? Well, the doctors are about to find that out thanks to the intransigence of their union. We hope the tribunal brings a good outcome for all – and we also hope the government won’t take this ruling as a guideline for clamping down on other unions with fair grievances. Unions are one of the voices of the people – history tends to judge poorly governments that don’t let such voices be heard.
Medical school more than just a plaster on Grand Bahama’s wounds ANOTHER day, another deal for Grand Bahama. This time, it’s a $64.2m medical school in Freeport that will bring 150 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs by the time it’s completed in 2029. That may seem a long way off, but the first phase is expected to be up and running by this time next year, with 50-75 Bahamians hired. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hailed the project as a “significant investment in Grand Bahama” and it comes on the heels of the heads of agreement signings for a $100m cruise port in East Grand Bahama with Carnival Cruise Line, and another deal worth $80m for a pier at Half Moon Cay. Wherever possible, the new Western Atlantic University medical school will recruit Bahamians, including to the faculty, and a ratio of 80 percent READERS have been posting their reactions to the stories making the news on tribune242.com. After Freeport attorney Carey Leonard said he was extremely disappointed by Zhivargo Laing saying that it is ‘95 percent unlikely’ that the government will accede to the WTO during this current term, John had this to say: “Even Zhivago Laing, in his arrogance, knows everyone is watching the BREXIT to see what happens with that and what happens to Britain after it leaves the EU. Will it become another Haiti? Will it be shunned and scorned by the rest of Europe and even the United States and Canada? There is no need to rush into an organisation where the exits may be blocked or too narrow to exit in the same condition and independence you
Bahamians to non-Bahamians has been promised both at the construction stage and in staff positions. It is hoped that up to 1,000 students will enrol, bringing a combined $200m in revenue to Grand Bahama. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, this is tremendous news for the island – but more than that it is an opportunity in the long-term for many Bahamians. With shortages of doctors in many countries, this could be a real chance for a generation of Bahamians to establish a bright future. Looking across at Cuba, great stock has been made of the investment in medical education there – perhaps Freeport is showing the way for The Bahamas to establish a similar reputation. When the debris of Dorian has been cleared away, that offers the prospect of a very bright future indeed.
entered into it. Everyone is trying to strengthen their borders, not weaken them, even with trade. Carey Leonard needs to take a chill pill and relax.” Super Value’s principal Rupert Roberts’ reaction to Mr Laing’s comments, saying it was “music to my ears”, prompted this response from Well_ mudda_take_sic: “Amen! The right people finally seem to have come to their senses. Joining the WTO would never have been good for The Bahamas (in fact harmful) for all too many well known very good reasons.”
Porcupine said: “What Mr Roberts didn’t mention, which I feel is crucial, is that judicial decisions on trade between WTO nations are handled by a court full of corporate lawyers and judges, unaccountable to any group of stakeholders, other than businesses. Joining WTO will always favour the biggest economies and nations. Until we get our own productivity up to international standards, get our own taxation system that is progressive rather than the present regressive manner we tax our people, and develop a working bureaucracy that actually protects Bahamians, we will be crushed like a bug on any point of contention regarding environmental, labour, trade and other Bahamian specific issues which WILL arise.”
Let’s stand together EDITOR, The Tribune THANK you for this opportunity of commenting on the recovery efforts following Hurricane Dorian’s devastating impact. As a second home owner in Marsh Harbour, I have recently returned from 10 days of recovery work in Abaco and am pleased to report that solid progress is being made following this unprecedented catastrophe. The aid agencies on site, such as Samaritan’s Purse, Team Rubicon, World Central Kitchen, US Aid and many more are making tremendous contributions in their respective areas of expertise, all with open hands and hearts to those in need. On many occasions though I did hear residents wondering as to what the Government of the Bahamas was doing in the midst of all these other foreign aid agencies helping. I can say without question that the Bahamian Government is indeed engaged in the recovery as I watched truckload after truckload of debris being transported from the Mudd and Peas, having carefully extricated the debris to ensure that any human remains would be treated with full respect. We also saw the erection of tents to house those families in need of a place to
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net stay and further clearing and site preparation for those expected to return to their Abaco island. As well, work is ongoing to re-establish water and sewerage and electricity to those parts of the island without, work that is complex and extensive due to the pervasive damage to pipes, poles and lines in the affected areas. All this is to say that it is easy to criticise the Government response when in fact we are dealing with a catastrophe that is of a magnitude previously unseen in the Bahamas. As well, the resources which the Bahamas has available are small in comparison to the resources these helping nations have at their disposal. With a population of around 400,000 spread over some 700 miles, the Bahamas has a Gross National Product (a figure of a nation’s economic activity) of $11.78 billion. In comparison, Canada has a population of 37 million with a GNP of 1.679 trillion, (a trillion = 1000 billion), the UK with a population of 67 million has a GNP of 2.85 trillion and the USA with a population of 330
million has a GNP of 19.3 trillion. So let us be thankful these helping nations are openly and without reservation willing to assist our small nation rebuild. In truth, while the aid is in the millions, the recovery and re-building costs will stretch into the billions for the Bahamas. May I suggest that rather than criticising the Bahamian government, we resolve to do our part to be active in the recovery efforts as many Nassauvians have already done through the housing and care of Abaconians, the contributing of significant financial resources and through the practice of sincere and earnest prayers for our Government and others in the recovery process, as we are exhorted to do in the Scriptures. The Abacos and Grand Bahamas will rebuild and the healing needed will accompany that process. Let’s stand with them in solidarity and speed their recovery through positive acts of kindness, compassion and support on their behalf. STUART BALLARD - Bahamas Strong Marsh Harbour, Abaco/Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada October 17, 2019
Protocol, please EDITOR, The Tribune OIL spill at EquinorRiding Rock conservatively 120,000 gallons of crude oil from tanks that were not built to withstand more than 140mph winds and clearly a low biometric pressure popped their lids spilling-spraying ‘000’s of thick black crude. Wednesday next when the House meets after Cabinet Tuesday I expect PM to advise that Government has discontinued all discussions with OBAN. If PM doesn’t then the public has to ask.....who are the people behind OBAN?
We want their names, Mr Prime Minister, local and foreign as this fish head is starting to smell. As you like a good boil fish, please explain. Tennyson Wells’ funeral..... why wasn’t he in death allowed rightfully the title of Honourable? Wells served as a Minister for two terms....not my issue here is the PM’s comment on loyalty... he clearly forgets when Ingraham was retiring the Convention at Worker’s House when the prodigal son, Tommy ‘T’ was supposed to be crowned with ease Algernon Allen and Tennyson contested the leadership.....
Tommy ‘1’ prevailed if he didn’t I doubt one The Most Honourable Hubert A Minnis would be Prime Minister.... That’s the history to be remembered. This thing...protocol having been established..... does anyone realise just how stupid that is? Why does the Dean of Christ Church read off the protocol list in God’s house, the PM is a common man it’s God’s house not a political house. Keep politics out of church, please. W THOMPSON Nassau, October 13, 2019.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 22, 2019, PAGE 5
GREEK ARCHBISHOP VISITS SCENE OF HURRICANE GREEK Archbishop Elpidophoros travelled from New York to The Bahamas last week to meet with government officials, visit with the local Greek Orthodox congregation and view first-hand the devastation wrought in Abaco and Grand Bahama by Hurricane Dorian. Arriving on Sunday, October 13, the archbishop led that morning’s divine liturgy service at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Nassau. The following day, he met with Governor General C A Smith and other officials to discuss the extent of the damage caused by the storm and strategies for long-term relief going forward. The delegation took part in a fly-over of Abaco and visited Grand Bahama, where the archbishop met with Deputy Prime Minister
Peter Turnquest, Grand Bahama Port Authority president Ian Rolle, and talked with storm victims, disaster relief workers and government officials on the ground. “My heart was deeply moved by not only by the sight of this catastrophe and the profound suffering, but also by the courage and strength of the Bahamian people,� he said. “I am very proud of the philanthropic work of our Greek Orthodox community there. I pray that the Lord grant abundant mercy to them, so that a swift and full recovery may be achieved.� Ahead of his first visit to The Bahamas, Archbishop Elpidophoros said he was “anxious to visit the faithful Greek Orthodox of our only parish in the Caribbean Sea, and also the wider community of the
from page one
Abaco’s ‘dome city’ will only be used for two years, says PM
Seven weeks after Dorian pummelled the island, the prime minister urged Bahamians who sought temporary relief in the United States to come home. He said they were needed to help with the rebuilding efforts and reiterated that additional steps had been taken to enforce security measures. Dr Minnis said government was ensuring they would be accommodated at the family relief centre, adding a similar concept was being planned for Grand Bahama. “The rebuilding of Abaco is going to take a long time but the rebuilding has begun,� Dr Minnis told reporters yesterday during a press conference following visits to Abaco and its cays over the weekend. “We must rebuild with great care and attention so that Abaco and the Abaco cays are stronger and more resilient especially in the face of threats from climate change (that) include stronger hurricanes and rising sea levels. “My team visited the site for the family relief centre. The land has already been cleared. Infrastructure materials are arriving. Trailers for the workers to build the domes are at the site. “The infrastructure from the family relief centre will remain in place to accommodate permanent housing on the same site, which is near the Spring City Subdivision and the temporary domes will be removed as individuals and families move to their permanent location. “The family relief centre will be located on government land and will be enclosed and it is
anticipated that the family relief centre will be in place for approximately 24 months or two years.� There have been concerns that the centre is being constructed near a well field in Spring City. However, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis said this was untrue. Dr Minnis also said: “I know that Bahamians were placed in shelters in the Florida area and I would have said repeatedly that those Bahamians must now return back because the US would have given them a certain length of time and many of them will be accommodated if they’re from Abaco. They will be accommodated in the family relief centres that we’re constructing and similarly in Grand Bahama. “Accommodations are being made for them to return to because they are needed to help rebuild our Bahamas.� While work has begun in various settlements of Abaco, Dr Minnis said there was still a long road to recovery and reconstruction ahead.
Bahamas. “In the company of International Orthodox Christian Charities and with a delegation from our archdiocese in New York, we will bring our consolation and tangible assistance, and seek together how to help with their needs and concerns over the long-term recovery. They are all our sisters and brothers, and our hearts are open wide to be of service to them in Christ,� he said. The delegation presented the local parish with $126,000 to be used as part of the ongoing hurricane relief efforts. In addition, the archdiocese will partner with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to identify longer term relief efforts for the Bahamas and is encouraging the Orthodox Christian faithful of America to assist in the relief efforts for The Bahamas.
GREEK Archbishop Elpidophoros on his visit to The Bahamas last week
PRIME Minister Minnis during his visit to Abaco. He said because Marsh Harbour and the adjacent areas are larger and contain more public infrastructure than the Abaco cays, these communities would require considerably more reconstruction. “Even as we rebuild Marsh Harbour and the adjacent communities we are working to rebuild the cays as quickly as possible and this will help
with economic recovery in general and will help the people on the Abaco mainland to recover. “For example Elbow Cay employed approximately 400 people from Marsh Harbour. The quicker communities like Hope Town and Elbow Cay are rebuilt the more employment there is for residents of the mainland. “In addition to general
Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS reconstruction efforts we must get as much regular economic activity as possible going throughout Abaco including in areas not destroyed by hurricane Dorian. “But allow me to emphasise that the central government is deploying hundreds of government personnel from every ministry and major agencies on the ground to coordinate
and to help with recovery and reconstruction,� Dr Minnis also said. “We are ensuring security. We are boosting security and ensuring proper security on the ground. “Those who break the law will be dealt with appropriately and prosecuted. I want to repeat this, those who break our laws will be dealt with and prosecuted. Law and order are essential for rebuilding. “We have had to reestablish the workings and the instruments of government on the ground. This is the largest deployment of government personnel in the history of our country in the aftermath of a natural disaster.� The prime minister said beginning this week, Abaco residents will be able to utilise the government’s ‘one stop shop’ in their rebuilding efforts. The ‘one stop shop’ facility includes the Ministry of Works, Department of Environmental Health, Department of Customs, local government, the National Insurance Board, Department of Inland Revenue and the Small Business Development Centre.
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PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net RESIDENTS in Hudson Estates, Grand Bahama, are very concerned about the large piles of debris that have been left in that private subdivision since the passage of Hurricane Dorian seven weeks ago. They complained that the mounds of debris and garbage lining their streets pose a serious health and environmental hazard for families there. They say they are being overrun by rodents, flies, roaches, and mosquitoes. After surviving the worst storm-related flooding in their homes in decades, Hudson Estates residents lost all of their possessions. Damaged furnishings, appliances, and mattresses have been thrown outdoors. The area – made up of three subdivisions – was among the hardest hit areas on Grand Bahama. “My concern is that there is a lot of garbage, and no one coming to move it,” said a resident who asked to be identified as Ms Davis. ‘It is getting ridiculous because we have all kinds of flies, roaches, (odour) – everything is coming out because of the garbage piled up around here.” The elderly resident thinks the debris should have been removed by now. “It’s over a month now and I think someone should come and do something for us. We are under attack by rodents that are coming now – everything coming now because of the garbage.” Ms Davis has lived in Hudson Estates for over a decade. The flooding she experienced with Dorian was something she had never seen before. “The water was to my neck in my house – that’s how high it was. We could not get no rescue and then the sewerage was in the water in your house,” she recalled. “We had (a) baby and everything and - we try to go in the manhole but it break down. So, we had to swim through the water. I fall in the water five times and somebody had to come lift me, and tote me, so I would not drown – that’s how high the water was. I never seen nothing like this before in my whole life,” Ms Davis said. Another Hudson Estates resident, who gave her name as Ms Gilbert, is also frustrated by the situation.
RESIDENTS of Hudson Estates in Grand Bahama, badly hit by Hurricane Dorian, are appealing for assistance in debris removal. Photos: Denise Maycock
After battling the hurricane, residents now face an infestation of rodents and flies “It’s too long and something needs to be done – we have an infestation of rodents and flies and something needs to be done,” she stressed. “We did not want this storm. You think we wanted to throw away our stuff and have to replace it? Many of us cannot afford to pay to have these things removed so we need someone to come in and assist us in moving these debris, like now.” Ms Gilbert, who has
lived in the community for 30 years, is very concerned about the safety of the children. With refrigerators and other appliances outdoors, she said rainwater can settle in them and breed mosquitoes, which “spread all kinds of diseases.” “Then, there are rodents coming into people’s homes through the windows – it is really bad,” she said. Ms Gilbert had four feet of water in her house. “We had to sit and wait in
that water and sewerage for two days, and we lost everything, including two vehicles and two trucks.” She also said the debris is obstructing the road, making it difficult to drive in the area. Another resident, Ms Pinder, said that the general appearance of the area is “depressing.” “Coming home to it is very depressing, and now the scent of it is unbearable. So, we really need someone to help through
here to move the debris,” she said. “I don’t know who is responsible. They say this is a private area, but the developers don’t seem to be interested in garbage removal, so we are appealing to someone to help us.” Ms Gardiner, a resident of 19 years, said this is her third hurricane since living in the area. She and her neighbours are eager to have some sort of normalcy again, if not in their homes. “Since Dorian no one has come to pick up anything. It is a hazardous situation because we have asthmatic children and lots of elderly residents who are diabetic and hypertensive living here – it is just not healthy.” She also had four to five feet of flooding in her three-bedroom home. “We have to have our houses open to combat the mould, and so we have to leave our windows open, but with the debris so huge it is a big concern. We need debris removal as soon as possible.” According to Ms
Gardiner, the developer claims that residents are not paying their service charge in the Hudson Estates Subdivisions. “At this time, I don’t think it is a service charge issue, it is a government issue. Hudson Estates is a big subdivision, we have one, two and three. All the sections were flooded,” she explained. “I lost every piece of furniture in my house, and I stayed two days after the hurricane, just crying and praying and throwing (things) out. And normalcy is what we want. Right now, if we can’t get the normalcy in your house at least we would like it to see some normalcy in our surroundings,” she said. Ms Gardiner indicated that the debris also poses a fire hazard. “After battling the hurricane, we had to battle with fire, and we almost lost four houses on my strip where people’s cars were burnt. So, if we can get the debris removal, it would be a big relief.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 22, 2019, PAGE 7
Doctors’ strike ruled unlawful
from page one
refer a trade dispute that came out of a strike and by referring it, it automatically means that you must discontinue your strike, where is the mechanism in place for the resolution of that dispute once it is referred wherever it is being referred? “Because what it means now, the 30-something unions that are registered in the Bahamas, as soon as they take a strike vote and they decide to go on strike, the minister says it’s not in the best interest or whatever have you…and I’m going to refer it to the Tribunal. “So when you go to the tribunal, what do you get? What is the result? Zero. And that cannot be in the best interest of the country; that cannot be in the best interest of industrial relations in The Bahamas. In other words, it’s regressive.” Mr Ferguson said Justice Winder’s ruling “conflicts” with what has been repeatedly said by the Court of Appeal concerning labour disputes. “The Court of Appeal has ruled consistently that the tribunal has no powers to impose terms and conditions where there is a bargaining impasse,” he explained. “That must be resolved around the negotiating table. “This is a general dispute. A general dispute is a dispute involving the creation of new terms and conditions of employment. The workers are entitled to $10m. They were negotiating where they made an offer of $5m, and there were some additional attachments to the settlement of $5m. “So on what basis could the tribunal resolve a bargaining impasse when the tribunal’s jurisdiction does not permit that to happen? He added: “The $5m (in holiday pay) is still outstanding. There’s no payment date or nothing.
JUNIOR doctors and PMH staff protesting over the summer. There’s no agreement. Could the tribunal impose on the government a $10m overtime pay, public holiday pay? The answer is no.” When asked if he plans to appeal the ruling, Mr Ferguson said: “That’s what it smell’s like. It smells that way. But I have to discuss with my client and take instructions.” The Minister of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the BDU had previously entered into an industrial agreement governing the terms and conditions of employment of the junior doctors in the public health system. The agreement provided for the payment of holiday pay to members of the bargaining unit. However, a dispute arose as to the payment of the outstanding holiday pay under the agreement, owed to them over the past decade. On September 25, 2018,
the BDU filed a trade dispute under the provisions of the IRA seeking to have the matter resolved. On December 17 of that year, BDU’s members took a strike vote that was supervised by the Department of Labour. Two days later, the minister of labour issued a strike certificate certifying the results of the poll in favour of the union engaging in strike action. On August 21 of this year, the BDU summoned its members to withdraw their labour in most, but not all of the areas of the various hospitals and clinics throughout the Bahamas. Senior doctors and consultants were thus required to work around the clock, limiting care to only the critically ill. The government claimed that its ability to provide health care services was severely impacted, and complained that even that limited level of healthcare was unsustainable.
That’s a lame excuse, says union chief
By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson released a statement yesterday dismissing Education Director Marcellus Taylor’s “lame excuse” as to why 100 newly recruited teachers are still at home waiting to be employed and assigned to public schools. Last week, Mr Taylor said once the security and vetting processes are completed, 100 new teachers will be assigned to schools. In response, Mrs Wilson said the BUT supports the vetting process and union reps have urged the Ministry of Education in previous years to ensure that new hires are vetted. She said: “I must state the fact that the majority of the new teachers who are at home waiting to be placed were in attendance at the orientation for new teachers August 21 and August, 2019. Approximately 95 percent of the new teachers have been recipients of the taxpayers’ money through scholarships, grants, assistance of tuition fees,
BUT leader Belinda Wilson former teacher cadets and other forms of government funding. “Approximately 95 percent of them are graduates of the University of the Bahamas having spent at least four years of enrolment at our premier tertiary institution. The majority of the new teachers reside in New Providence which is only seven miles (by) 21 miles.” She added: “Everyone knows that school opens in August and these qualified, young Bahamians graduated mostly from the University of the Bahamas from May 2019. So, the excuse is lame, and I
contend it is incompetence and ineptness on the part of the Acting Director Marcellus Taylor who is now categorised based on the lack of productivity at the Department of Education.” Last week, Mr Taylor said the Department of Education does have a situation where new teachers are waiting to be posted. He said: “We again have to follow rules in the public sector so some of the rules that we have relate around security, vetting and ensuring that the person we have in our schools are indeed people who fit to be among our students. “As the minister emphasised, safety and security are major concerns of ours. Once those processes are completed then I think the other mechanisms that have to come into effect in the public service will then trigger.” He added: “We are not going to engage people who we are not sure about and so that has to happen. Once that’s done then those teachers will be engaged. We want teachers in school more badly than anyone else can want them.”
Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff Meanwhile, the BDU claimed that on August 21, its executives met with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, as well as Mr Ferguson and Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes. At that meeting, Dr Minnis agreed that his administration was prepared to pay $5m owed to the junior doctors in three instalments. However, the prime minister said he was not prepared to discuss the “non-monetary” aspect
of compensation as he needed more time to peruse the proposal. Despite those assurances, the BDU continued strike action. As a result, Mr Foulkes, in a press statement on August 25, noted that the union’s strike action had “threatened the public interest” and consequently referred the matter to the Industrial Tribunal in accordance to Section 76 of the IRA. At the time,
Mr Foulkes said he notified all parties to the dispute in writing. Section 76 mandates that when a strike is in progress and the minister considers that the public interest is affected or threatened he may refer the dispute that gave rise to the strike to the tribunal. Once notified of the referral, persons engaged in the strike are required to discontinue. Failure to do so would constitute a criminal offence. Justice Winder noted in his ruling that the provisions of that section are “clear and unambiguous”. Nonetheless, despite receipt of the notification, the BDU “continued with the withdrawal of their labour and did not return to work”. The government subsequently obtained an injunction from Justice Winder blocking the union from taking any further industrial action and to return to work. At that point, the only issue for determination was whether the BDU breached the relevant portions of the IRA. Justice Winder found as much, noting: “It is not seriously disputed that the union and its members remained on strike, notwithstanding the matter had been referred to the tribunal by the minister of labour. The union therefore contravened the provisions of the IRA entitling the (government) to injunctive relief.” Editorial View - Page 4
PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
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HE epitome of brotherly love is displayed between Dr Victor Horsley and his two elder brothers, Barton and Neil. His entire life, they held his hand when he crossed the street, they looked out for him in the playground and they made sure he did well at school. His brothers protected him and guided him. He was the baby brother. They have always been on a similar path. “What I love most about them is that they always looked out for me,” said Victor. “I appreciate that to this day. There is nothing that I have done that they didn’t have an eyeball on. They kept me in line and made sure I was doing the right thing. Mom always taught us to look out for each other.” Lawrence and Albertha Horsley raised their three boys in west Philadelphia. The Horsley boys came from a rich family history which included being descendants of US President Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemmings. Family was always important to their parents (now deceased). Their father was a city inspector and their mother a teacher. She would chide them if one brother bought something for themselves and not the others. These life lessons stuck with them as they grew up, even though they took different career paths. Barton was in management at BUDD, a 20th century metal fabricating company. Neil had a Master’s degree in counselling and was working in Long Island, New York. Victor went to Howard University, an historically black university (HBCU) where he learned to appreciate his African American identity and his family history even more. From Howard, he was selected for a programme at Temple University and by completing that was able to immediately begin teaching.
THE TRIBUNE
Standing tall - and always together
LAWRENCE and Albertha Horsley may not have known their three smart boys would all be podiatrists, but they taught them to stick together. Below: Neil, Victor and Barton Horsley
BROTHERS WHO FOLLOWED IN THE SAME FOOTSTEPS
“I was so happy,” Victor said. “I went on to study for my Master’s degree in teaching, and I borrowed a biochemistry book at a food co-op. The young man who loaned me the book was a podiatry student at a college in Philly. We were both
vegans. We got to talking and he was like, ‘you should do this!’ He thought I should try out for the podiatry programme too. “But I told myself that I can’t be a doctor. You tell yourself you can’t do something and you don’t. (Now
that I have done it) I do motivational speeches and teach study techniques for kids. Howard University helped me a lot with that. You have to help kids get out of that ghetto frame of mind that they just don’t like school and teach them the great benefits of school.” Victor ended up enrolling in Kent State Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, where he graduated in 1982. There is a saying that ‘the first shall be last and the last shall be first’. Well in this case, Victor, the last of the Horsley brothers, took the lead and became the first podiatrist in the family. He found something he was passionate about and he couldn’t help but share it with his brothers, just as his mother taught him. So this time, his brothers were the ones following his lead. First Neil took his MCAT exam and passed, attended the same school and graduated in 1984. Barton followed suit and graduated in 1986. Today, even Victor’s nephew, Kairi Horsley is a podiatrist. “None of us were on the fast track to be doctors,” Victor said, “but mom had us on the fast track of life to know that whenever opportunities presented themselves, all of the brothers would put themselves in a position to take advantage of it. “Back then, there were only five schools of podiatry. When I was studying, I saw the need to cater to black people and their foot problems. There are now nine schools in the US and these schools are trying to save all (these people) from amputations.” The statistics are staggering. In The Bahamas, about 1,000 people undergo some kind of amputation each year, according to Dr Daniel Johnson, podiatris. The doctors are working assiduously on “Fix My Feet” and “Show Me Your Feet” campaigns, with the aim of helping Bahamian diabetics avoid having to have limbs amputated. Victor came from Belleville, Illinois where he served as a podiatrist in the public health service to help Bahamians. He has 38 years’ experience in the field and has worked in places such as Detroit, Michigan; east St Louis, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Wisconsin and St Louis, Missouri. On October 24 & 25, The Bahamas Podiatric Medical Association, Dr Johnson’s Foot & Ankle International, and the Academy of Minimally Invasive Surgery will present a conference entitled “New Hope for the Diabetic Foot”. About ten of the top podiatrists in the region will present on the subject, and health care professionals from a broad spectrum of the field will be in attendance to learn about the cutting
edge technologies and procedures that are preventing amputations around the world. (For more information, call 1 (242) 322-5402 or visit DrVictorfai2.com). “We will be focusing on minimally invasive surgery and how it will benefit limb salvage for the diabetic foot,” Victor explained. “Instead of making your usual two-and-a-half or three inch incision, you make a one-eighth of an inch incision using special tools. We are able to perform bone osteotomies, or bone cuts, which relieves pressure off the foot and which are essential for limb salvage. These are ambulatory procedures, meaning the patient can walk out of the doctor’s office. We keep people walking and it keeps people feeling better.” His brother Neil, who is the current Chair of the Department of Surgery and Biomechanics at Rosalind Franklyn University (where students are some of the highest achievers in the US in podiatry) will be one of the visiting doctors addressing the conference. “There is a definite need for our service in The Bahamas to help with an increasing amputation rate,” Victor explained, noting that Diabetes in The Bahamas is now at epidemic proportions. “Locals here have severe foot problems that you would never imagine. Amputations, sores pressure ulcers… Diabetics suffer from neuropathies where you don’t have the sensation component of your nerve. You could step on a tack and not know it as a diabetic. You could stub your toe on the dresser on the way to the bathroom at night and fracture your bone into several pieces and not know as a diabetic. “When diabetics gain weight, the foot swells and pops the nerve endings. There are many ways to prevent amputation. Even if you don’t want to move and you want to be lazy, there are ways we still can avoid you having to have an amputation. This gives new hope. “Danny (Johnson) found that people in The Bahamas were giving up. That is why he named the conference new hope for the diabetic foot and that is why he got us to come on board and help save them. Once you have an amputation, you are likely to have another amputation or die
within five years. Amputations can cost up to $150,000 when you consider the surgery, loss of wages, loss of mobility, hospital and home care. Amputations are occurring from preventable injuries and curable wounds. They can do a 3mm skin biopsy which allows the lab to count the nerve endings in that tiny piece of skin. If the results are a nine or below, you are at a high risk of amputation. This helps us to determine where you are and give you the help you need. This new hope gives diabetics a new lease on life and then they choose to eat healthier and exercise and feel more excited about life.” Victor specialises in HyProCure, which is considered a “proven solution to misaligned feet”. It is estimated that nearly 45 per cent of people have misaligned feet. Misaligned feet are quite common, but are often misdiagnosed because they cause a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms including knee, hip and back pain. They affect people of all ages (visit hyprocure.com). Events for the second annual conference to be held October 24 & 25 will have events at both Melia Resort and the University of the Bahamas media room. Presenting doctors in addition to Dr Johnson and the Horsley brothers include doctors Vietta Johnson, Borys Markewych, Monique Mitchell, Andronica Handie, Delton Farquharson and Sandra Zonicle-Newton. Doctors from Louisiana State University will be there to lend support and technical knowledge. Dr Stephen Dorsette was set to receive the lifetime achievement award in person at the conference, but sadly he died just a few weeks ago. The New Hope for the Diabetic Foot conference will be followed by another on November 8 at UB, which will include Calvin Harris who did a documentary on the subject, podiatrists and a local vascular surgeon to bring awareness to diabetic limb salvage. These conferences are just ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14. Victor became a vegetarian when he was in medical school, after learning about up to 84 FDA approved chemicals that can be snuck into meat, including steroids, hormones and antibiotics. He became a vegan about 20 years later. Today, his elder brothers are also vegan. He is still a family man and is a proud father to his children Kai, Atiyya and Bashan and grandfather to six children. LEFT: Dr Victor Horsley, Podiatrist
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 22, 2019, PAGE 9
ANOTHER MURDER PUSHES 2019 TOTAL UP TO 88 By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net
POLICE were last night on the scene of a homicide in Excellence Estates off Golden Isles Road where an adult male was confirmed dead. This killing brought the murder count for the year up to 88. An increase on last year when, as of October 21, 2018, The Tribune’s records show there were 71 murders up until that point. By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net TWO men are dead and two others are in the hospital following a horrific two-car collision that occurred in Abaco early Monday morning. Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs yesterday confirmed the incident, noting that shortly after 7am, police in North Abaco received a call of a traffic accident south of Cooper’s Town. “The two vehicles involved were a blue Toyota Corolla (with three occupants) and a white Chevy Malibu (with one driver) …. We know that both vehicles were traveling along the S C Bootle Highway when they collided head on into each other,” he said. According to CSP Stubbs, the driver and the rear seat passenger of the Toyota were pronounced dead on the scene. The remaining passenger and the driver of the white Malibu, he said, were airlifted to the capital for further medical treatment. Up to press time, officials confirmed that they were in stable condition. In an interview with The Tribune, President of Humanitarian Aid and Rescue Project (HARP) Burke Bryant, who was one of the first on the scene, said responders worked as best as they could to treat seriously injured passengers. “One of the guys had a broken femur and a few
Earlier yesterday, a man was in custody in connection with Sunday’s homicide that left a 21-year-old man dead. Police said shortly after 10pm on Sunday they responded to reports of gunshots in the Pinewood Gardens area. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a man suffering from gunshot injuries. Paramedics were called and gave assistance, but the man died at the scene. The Tribune understands the victim
is 21-year-old Anniko “Neke” Strachan, however, his identity was not released by police. The victim’s childhood friend, who gave his name only as “Denny”, said Mr Strachan was an honest young man. He said: “Neke was a good guy – everything he asked me for he got, I never told him no. He was like a brother to me and we were classmates in primary school. I feel horrible he died because we were friends.
“He was the one to make everyone laugh. We never got into any problems and we weren’t gangbanging. He was a good person.” News of Mr Strachan’s death quickly spread across social media with many family and friends expressing their grief. A Facebook user said: “This not a safe place…people killing innocent people for (nothing). My brother gone; RIP Neke to the realest.” Another Facebook user said:
“RIP brother. You’re in a good place now, rest up. You will always be in our heart.” Another friend wrote: “Getting this message, that hurt my soul. Growing up we was always close and recently we fall off. I’ll never forget you; I love you and you in a better place now.” Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist with this investigation to contact the nearest police station.
Two men die in Abaco crash horror lacerations. The other guy that was in the car with the other two guys that had passed had major trauma to his head and severe lacerations all over his body and internal bleeding,” he said. According to Mr Bryant, responders had to wait for three hours or more for men to be airlifted to New Providence. “We didn’t get airlift until 11.30... You had basically one doctor on the island, maybe two now, but the rest - no one else was licensed and cleared. Government claims there’s three but what they don’t (say) is the other one is on Hope Town. The government has not stepped up and has not put doctors in any hospitals,” he said. When asked what he believed may have caused the fatal collision, he responded: “The guy that was heading out of Cooper’s Town I was able to speak to because he was conscious. He said the other car started veering off the road into his lane. He flashed his lights and then they collided… that came
THE scene at the crash in Abaco yesterday morning.
Photos: Burke Bryant/Facebook
from the guy that ended up in the accident.” Police have not released the names of the deceased victims, but it Abaco residents say one of the victims is Rudolph Lightbourn from Sandy Point. This traffic accident came nearly two months after Hurricane Dorian devastated the island, flattening many homes and businesses, while also leaving thousands displaced. In response to the fatal accident, many Dorian survivors from Abaco took to social media, expressing their condolences over the deaths. According to police, there have been 37 fatal traffic accidents so far this year, leaving 39 people dead.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
Johnson’s plan is now the best on offer THERE continues to be so much publicity about Brexit that the latest significant developments do not bear much repetition here. But, as events move at a feverish pace in the run-up to the departure date of October 31, some comment might be helpful as the current political crisis in Britain continues despite hopes of some resolution last week when a new Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK government was finally reached. Prime Minister Boris Johnson planned to put his hard-fought deal to the House of Commons at its ‘super Saturday’ emergency sitting on October 19. But this highly charged affair ended in stalemate because, instead of voting on it, MPs considered first an amendment to withhold approval of the deal until it becomes law. This was
passed narrowly and meant that Mr Johnson, pictured right, was required by law to ask Brussels for another extension of the Article 50 withdrawal process. The latest news from Downing Street is that the Prime Minister remains bullish about having a meaningful vote on his deal and securing parliamentary approval sometime this week. At the time of writing the details are unknown, but it is clear that he will table as soon as possible a draft Withdrawal Agreement Bill – and it is now possible some MPs who supported the amendment will fall into line and vote this week for the actual agreement itself. Nonetheless, the Sunday newspapers in Britain made alarming reading, reflecting, as they did, on the public fury at MPs for
potentially delaying Brexit yet again. People are now saying the failure by the House of Commons on Saturday to vote on Mr Johnson’s deal shows the contempt of MPs for democracy and the national interest. It now looks as though faith in the Westminster Parliament as a place of wisdom and experience has been weakened further and many agree with the Prime Minister’s own view that the behaviour of MPs is corroding public trust. Having watched on TV some of the proceedings of the historic Saturday sitting, I was appalled at the views expressed by certain MPs who by their actions are continuing to stop implementation of the will of the people. To my mind
this is no longer about the finelybalanced arguments for and against the UK’s departure from the EU. For better or worse, we have gone beyond that and it is now about respecting democracy. One of the best interventions was by Mr Johnson’s immediate predecessor, Theresa May, who reminded the House that both main parties had pledged in their manifestos at the time of the 2017 general election to honour the result of the 2016 referendum and not to do so now was an ‘egregious con trick’ on the people. Many are saying that the UK has been humiliated by the political class’s failure to implement the result of the referendum, with some now asking how the
so-called political elite can believe it has the moral right to overturn a decision by 17.4 million voters to leave because it disagrees with them. With the country still in a state of crisis over Brexit, there can be little doubt that, even though debate will continue about the content of the new Withdrawal Agreement, the majority of people want a resolution of the dispute in order to end the uncertainty that is particularly damaging for businesses. The division of opinion will remain, but it is clear Mr Johnson’s new deal with Brussels is the best obtainable and that Brexit should proceed by the end of October. The government can then embark on negotiations about a future relationship, including a trade deal, with the EU.
Following in some mighty footsteps
PRINCE William and his wife on their recent trip to Pakistan.
SINCE the US media tends to concentrate on domestic news and, nowadays, in particular on the behaviour and tribulations of their President, it is hardly surprising that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Pakistan last week has not attracted much attention this side of the Atlantic. During a jampacked five-day tour, which was the first royal visit there for a decade, the general view has been that they did not put a foot wrong on what was their own first trip to the country and that overall it was an outstanding success. Receiving a warm welcome and red carpet treatment wherever they went, William and Kate were praised on all sides for the way they conducted themselves as two young,
The Peter Young column photogenic and popular British royals. They travelled around this huge, predominantly Muslim country with a population of over 200 million, from the capital Islamabad, where they met the President and Prime Minister, to Lahore, known as the city of culture, and the Hindu Kush mountains in the north east on the edge of the Himalayas as well as the rugged region to the west near the border with Afghanistan. They were shown examples of Pakistan’s rich culture, diverse communities and fine varied landscape. They visited mosques, schools, a cancer hospital, an orphanage and a canine training centre and participated in local activities including a special showcase cricket match -and they met a wide range of people, including breaking off from their fixed schedule for a spontaneous encounter with a family in their simple home in the remote area of the Hindu Kush. Having been part of a team organising many years ago a similar visit to Nigeria by the Prince and Princess of Wales, one can only shudder to think of the complexity of the logistical and security arrangements for this latest visit to Pakistan. But, reportedly, everything went smoothly apart from one frighteningly bumpy flight in their special RAF aircraft which was forced twice to abort a landing at Lahore because of bad weather. The purpose of such royal visits is to strengthen
ties between Britain and the receiving country and to promote British values as a democratic, responsible and caring nation while also indirectly encouraging trade links. This visit will also probably have helped Pakistan’s tourism sector and will have boosted the country’s image and reputation on the world stage and created a distraction from its social, political and economic problems. What is more, through the royal couple’s meetings with politicians, cultural figures, sports stars, school children and others, their visit will have strengthened - to use the vernacular - ‘people to people ties’; and it is worth noting Pakistanis are the single largest minority ethnic group in the UK. From researching their visit to Pakistan, it seems to me the success of these two fine representatives of The Queen was attributable to their informal, relaxed, warm and unstuffy approach, all the while smiling to adults and children alike and showing genuine interest in them. At the same time, they were calm and dignified and willing to engage in conversation about issues like education, care of the needy and disabled, climate change and the environment, to name just a few. They themselves obviously enjoyed the trip, describing it in an interview at the end as “fantastic”. Of course, this was an especially poignant visit for William since, in a sense, he was following in the footsteps of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, who went to Pakistan in 1996, a year before her death, and had left a legacy of generosity and philanthropy. It was
noticeable that he and Kate visited the same cancer hospital as she had done. Some commentators describe all this as the royal family doing what they do best without unnecessary drama - they understand what is required of them and some win hearts and minds wherever they go, though, sadly, not all are as good at it as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Meanwhile, perhaps this is an opportunity to remind readers that, as head of state for seven decades, The Queen has been at the centre of Britain’s national life during a sustained period of relative peace and prosperity. She is, of course, also head of state of The Bahamas as a realm rather than a republic. She has been a beacon of decorum and decency in serving the nation with in the words of the Prime Minister when she became Britain’s longest-serving monarch in 2015 - unerring grace and dignity. Her calm and reassuring presence provides stability, unity and continuity while politicians are impermanent and often transient figures who, as everybody knows, seem to be forever at odds with one another. The Queen’s longevity also makes her the most experienced and knowledgeable head of state - probably of all time for she has been seeing state papers and meeting world leaders continuously since her coronation in 1953. So, while praising the new generation of royals as appropriate - and most certainly after last week’s visit to Pakistan - the evidence is that most people recognise only too well the vital role of the monarch herself and offer Her Majesty every good wish for the future.
THE VISIT was a great success, according to reports.
Out of Africa - but why? I WONDER whether others might be as surprised as I was to learn that Kenya has launched a satellite into space which is now in ‘earth orbit’. After spending time in African countries during a diplomatic career, it seems to me there must be some doubt about the availability of resources and expertise in some of them to launch such satellites when a large proportion of their citizens are living in poverty. A Google search reveals that some eight countries in Africa have a presence in space or plan to launch satellites in the near future. But they can only do so with the help of larger nations like the US, Russia, Britain and others. For example, reportedly, Kenya’s satellite was launched from the Japanese module of the International Space Station - and Nigeria, with the largest economy in Africa, has a relatively advanced space programme
operating its own satellites and collecting a range of data, but these were built in the UK and launched from a Russian space port. Apparently, the purpose of these socalled artificial satellites is, for example, to develop scientific research, to monitor the environment and the weather and to collect data needed to manage agriculture. That seems admirable, but there must surely be doubts about their need and usefulness when US satellites are already monitoring the earth and providing data from space concerning just about everything that is happening in the world. Barriers to space exploration are clearly being lowered and the layman might wonder about the scope for misuse, abuse and criminal or politically-motivated activity. Big Brother has always been watching us, but now it’s the rest of the family as well!
THE TRIBUNE By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A HARBOUR Island development company yesterday said a judge’s order for it to stay construction until it gets the requisite approvals from the relevant authority was just an issue of “red tape.” 4M Harbour Island Limited, in a statement, said in seeking to get approvals for the project, it always “followed the advice” given by the government on how to proceed. And while 4M lamented the “confusion” and bureaucracy over the approvals for its marina project, it “welcomes the opportunity to ensure the correct documentation is in place.” The company said it looks forward to the day “when the red tape is untangled” and it can “deliver to the public what we have promised”. 4M also said it plans to take legal action against a hotelier on that island, Benjamin Simmons, for allegedly breaching a gag order by making a number of “false” claims about the controversial marina project. 4M claims Mr Simmons accused it of, amongst other things “performing construction without a building permit” as well as without an approved environmental impact assessment (EIA). 4M asserts that the gag order, which it did not make a request for, “limited” its ability to effectively respond to some of Mr Simmons’ allegations, including on social media. 4M’s assertions came after Justice Diane Stewart delivered a ruling that effectively confirmed Mr Simmons’ and Briland Island Responsible Development (BIRD) successful bid at an order quashing the Town Planning Committee’s (TPC) decision to approve 4M’s construction of a new 55-slip marina at Harbour Island. The project would form part of a new development called the Briland Residences and Marina. Justice Stewart, in an October 17 written ruling, said 4M must make an application to the “appropriate authority” - the Harbour Island District Council - and receive the requisite approvals “in compliance with the law” if work is to ever resume on the project. Until that time, Justice Stewart ordered any construction on the marina development be “stayed”. Justice Stewart simultaneously
Tuesday, October 22, 2019, PAGE 11
Harbour Island developers The Tribune looking forward to Weekend ‘untangling the red tape’ A1MAIN
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WEEKEND: ARTIST TAKES TO SEA IN SEARCH FOR HOME
Thursday, April 18, 2019
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to discover home page 7
• Harbour Island residents split over marina plan • ‘Boutique’ $45m project explodes in size • Frontman given work permit despite record
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
among those concerned. “We must respect and preserve Eleuthera and the rest of our islands,” the singer, who has a home on Eleuthera, wrote this month under an Instagram post criticising the advertised expansions. “When we destroy it, we won’t get a second chance.” The project has raised transparency concerns: work began on a marina even though the heads of agreement and an environment impact assessment have not been publicly released. The Tribune obtained the EIA and the environment management plan from the developer yesterday. A government official said the heads of agreement will be tabled in the House of Assembly soon. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis promised the release of the document more than a year ago, but never followed through. SEE PAGE THREE
HOW The Tribune reported the story earlier this year. 4M Harbour Island Limited “welcomes the opportunity to ensure the correct documentation is in place” and looks forward to the day it can “deliver to the public what we have promised”.
A HARBOUR Island decision it did. When development is set quashed theto project’s site plan and proceed with the project as become five times larger than initially plannedby and is the TPC and “any the matter came on for hearing, planned. approval sparking outrage from high EXPANSION PLANS: The initial footprint, on the left, and the land the planned development covers now. profile guests and some “While we were disappointed all of the parties agreed that the decision flowed directly locals on the island. which If the expansion plans that this confusion arose over site plan approval was invalid and therefrom,” are approved, the develop-as it was “unlawful ment will expand across the which agency was required to give worthy of being set aside. Howand jurisdiction”. width ofwithout the island, driving fears that the pristine environment and in quaint charm the site plan approval, we wel- ever, they disagreed over why the 4M, its statement, said it welof the community will be approval was invalid. eroded. HARTNELL KHRISNA RUSSELL to restore and a recentopportunity report into the By NEILto come ofdivision, the ensure $30-$50m comes the ruling, which it By said As scrutiny intensifies, Deputy Chief Reporter revitalise many locations. the Cat Island, Tribune Business Editor focus has started to centre The maintained that the krussell@tribunemedia.net It is aiming to make TPC all the Rum Cay and documentation San Salvador nhartnell@tribunemedia.net the correct is in “provides clarity about the future on the development’s profacilities financially selfMP seemed to side with the THE Reserves arm of Reserves, telling reporters BAHAMIAN investor sustainable ject manager, Bernard by enhancingwas unlawful because place. plan for Aour Briland approval path project needs to take to Bahamas the Royal Police it The Ross, an the American who was clear they had been group believes it can gener- the visitor experience and Force was used as a “dump- broadsided by the findings ate $1.5bn in gross revenues pre-selling packages to both was convicted of drugwas made by the wrong body. Club andthe 25 years Marina secure ing ground” for retired of Residences in which cruiseit related crimesapproval.” in the 1970s ship passengers and the investigation which during officers, highlighting that suggested they cheated the it plans to transform key hotel tourists, reversing and served 11 months in ThethatTPC submitted that because management and development leadership public purse. Nassau heritage sites into perceptions is a long-term one, “This is essentially a matter prison. Nassau is was a challenge, opposition Celebrity Lenny Krav“boring” with little of interThe report further brings “world-class” landmarks. PSA was not extended to HarPhilip “Brave” Davisso Olvin Rees, aon member of est tothe itz, star of thetape,” Ministry of the statement leader and want to start it the of red said. do amid “run down” to we light tensions between has said. Tourism’s recent promothe Reserves and the the Public Private Invest- attractions. While he said right he didn’t foot, not just ments yesterday said bour Island, it had no authority to tional campaign for The forgroup, ourselves “4M is seeking to bring a boutique agree with all of the findings SEE PAGE SEVEN it planned to invest between FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS Bahamas, appears to be resort experience to Harbour but for the community we wish to approve the development. The TPC contended that the be part of.” LOSES PHA CONTRACT Island, complete with overSMITH 100 TRIAL WITNESS Mr Local Government Act (LGA) jobs for the local community.By AVA WeTURNQUESTThe whole issue arose Authority when (PHA) before Tribune Chief Reporter Magic Touch successfully Simmons filed an application for provided that the district counexpect the Briland Club Resiaturnquest@tribunemedia.net bid for the $500,000 annual contract in 2016, which cil can exercise the powers of the THE cleaningjudicial contract review against 4M and dences and Marina development later increased to nearly for the Princess Margaret $2m, according to Public Hospital and its the Eye Care TPC under the TPA. However, Hospitals Authority (PHA) TPC in a bid to have the court to be a boost to both the Harbour Clinic, previously held by Deputy Managing Director Barbara Hanna’s Magic since VIEW that act has been repealed, Lyrone Burrows yesterday. aside the site plan approval. Island community and economy. A COMIC’S Touch cleaning set company, EBCO’s contract is has now been split between reportedly valued priat the PSA WHY IT’S TIME TO must be substituted in on the “At every step of the process, two companies. He and BIRD did so $422,216.55, while the BARBARA HANNA While their contracts are CE contract is valued at FOLLOW THE US Any decisions the TPC its stead. mary allegation that there was we have followed the advice still being vetted, EBCO $1,512,496.30, The Tribune Cleaning and Cartwright May 1. The split is a return was told. ON MARIJUANA to make under the to a former arrangement utiEnterprises no are compliance with Section 37 of is empowered given to us by the government on (CE) SEE PAGE TEN SEE PAGE FIVE expected to start work on lised by the Public Hospitals how to proceed. We followed the the Planning and Subdivision Act PSA must thus be made by the application process that was rec- (PSA), particularly in failing to district council. Meanwhile, 4M maintained ommended, held a public meeting hold a public meeting to hear and that the PSA was not extended to on Harbour Island on Novem- decide the application. Alternatively, Mr Simmons Harbour Island by the Planning ber 16, 2017, with more than 100 people in attendance, and worked and BIRD contended that if Subdivision (Extension to Family closely with government agencies the PSA did not apply, the TPC Islands) Order 2012 and that Parto secure a heads of agreement had no jurisdiction to make the liament did not intend for the
‘RESERVES ISSUES HISTORIC SITES DEAL NEED MORE STUDY’ ‘WILL EARN $1.5BN’
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PSA to extend to Harbour Island. Rather, the provisions of the TPA were to continue to govern developments in Harbour Island. Justice Stewart ultimately ruled that under the TPA, Harbour Island’s District Council is “empowered to make decisions, including granting approvals for town planning matters for Harbour island utilising the powers, rights and obligations under that statute.” But as no decision was made by the district council—something that was accepted by both the TPC and 4M, the site plan approval to develop the marina as granted by the TPC to 4M was “unlawful and without jurisdiction.” Attorney Robert Adams, who represented 4M, said: “It may sound confusing with all the different acts – but essentially once it was agreed by all parties that the wrong authority had granted approvals, then it was an obvious step that we would need to receive those approvals from the correct authority instead. “We are confident those will be secured and look forward to working with the Harbour Island District Council to secure those and proceed with the development.” A spokesperson for 4M added: “We look now to the future. We look to securing site approval under the (TPA) in Harbour Island, and we look forward to resuming the project once those are secured. “Briland Club Residences and Marina Development is a gamechanger for the local economy. It will bring jobs, more visitors and a real boost to the community. We know there is overwhelming public support – and we will be delighted when the red tape is untangled and we can deliver to the public what we have promised.”
PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 22, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
N IRELAND POISED TO DECRIMINALISE ABORTION
TORNADO CRASHES INTO DALLAS DALLAS Associated Press A TORNADO tossed trees into homes, tore off storefronts and downed power lines but killed no one in a densely populated area of Dallas, leaving Mayor Eric Johnson to declare the city “very fortunate” to be assessing only property damage. Meteorologist Patrick Marsh said yesterday that people took shelter thanks to early alerts, and that it was fortunate the tornado struck on a Sunday evening, when many people were at home. “Anytime you have a tornado in a major metropolitan area, the potential for large loss of life is always there,” he said.
LONDON Associated Press
WOMEN stand outside a house damaged by a tornado in Dallas yesterday.
Trudeau fights to stay in power as Canada votes TORONTO Associated Press JUSTIN Trudeau faced a possible humiliating defeat as Canadians voted in parliamentary elections Monday, just four years after he channeled his father’s star power to become prime minister. Handsome and charismatic, Trudeau reasserted liberalism in 2015 after almost 10 years of Conservative Party government in Canada, but a series of scandals combined with high expectations have damaged his prospects. Early results had the Liberals leading in 24 of the region’s 32 ridings, or districts. The Conservatives
were leading in six and the NDP in one. But many of the ridings only had a handful of polls reporting and some of the races were extremely tight, and it was too soon to tell whether Trudeau would be able to fend off a strong challenge from the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. Trudeau, son of the liberal icon and late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, is one of the few remaining progressive leaders in the world. He has been viewed as a beacon for liberals in the Trump era, even appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine under the headline “Why Can’t He Be Our President?” Polls indicate Trudeau’s Liberal
Party could lose to the rival Conservatives, or perhaps win but still fail to get a majority of seats in Parliament and have to rely on an opposition party to remain in power. “It’s a coin toss,” said Nik Nanos, a Canadian pollster. Not in 84 years has a first-term Canadian prime minister with a parliamentary majority lost a bid for re-election. Perhaps sensing Trudeau was in trouble, Barack Obama made an unprecedented endorsement by a former American president in urging Canadians to re-elect Trudeau and saying the world needs his progressive leadership now.
But old photos of Trudeau in blackface and brownface surfaced last month, casting doubt on his judgment. Scheer is a career politician who is seen as a possible antidote to Trudeau’s flash. Scheer, 40, calls Trudeau a phony who can’t even recall how many times he has worn blackface. Trudeau also was hurt by a scandal that erupted this year when his former attorney general said he pressured her to halt the prosecution of a Quebec company. Trudeau has said he was standing up for jobs, but the damage gave a boost to the Conservative Party.
NORTHERN Ireland is set to decriminalise abortion and set the stage for legalisation of same-sex marriages, bringing its laws in line with the rest of the UK. This is happening because British lawmakers voted last year in favour of changing these laws if Northern Ireland’s government wasn’t up and running by October 21. Under the new measures, the UK government will take responsibility for putting regulations in place to provide access to terminations. Women will be offered free transportation to obtain abortions in England in the meantime. Grainne Teggart of Amnesty International said the change would make the system more “compassionate”. “From midnight tonight history will be made, these oppressive laws that have policed our bodies and our healthcare will be brought to an end,” she said. “Our rights and our healthcare are being brought into the 21st century.” But Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster said that the law change would not mark the end of legal efforts to prevent the introduction of abortion services in Northern Ireland. She said the party would explore legal options “This is not a day of celebration for the unborn,” she said. Same-sex marriage will become legal in January. Northern Ireland’s government has been suspended for more than two-and-a-half years amid a dispute between the major Protestant and Catholic parties, leaving Britain’s Parliament to make some key decisions.