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The Tribune Established 1903
Volume:114 No.244, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2017
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THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
WEEKEND: RESORT OFFERS HAVEN FOR PLUS-SIZE TOURISTS
‘Stand easy - arms deal’s above board’ By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday expressed confidence in operations at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) as he moved to clarify several discrepancies in Auditor General Terrence Bastian’s report into the law enforcement agency. The report covers the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015, and found that a 2014 procurement exercise posed a threat to the safety and security of Bahamian borders by awarding a $1.3 million contract to a homebased company that did not have the necessary approvals to import weapons from the commissioner of police. “This is not a company that was pulled out of a hat,” Mr Dames said when contacted yesterday. “You just can’t go to the US and say I want to buy a
shipment of guns, it doesn’t work that way. There are any number of external and internal layers that prevent anyone from just walking off the streets and saying give me a shipment of guns, I want to send it to another country. We’re in the business of law enforcement, there are a lot of companies that we deal with that are subjected to the toughest scrutiny because of what they deal in.” Mr Dames said: “The commodore had said to me that the company, according to their records, is a legitimate company. It’s not the first time they’ve done business with them. “I’m not too concerned that it’s a home-based business,” he continued. “Sometimes we have to be careful when we look at these reports that we don’t draw a conclusion that the weapons are missing, the weapons are actually not missing.”
FORMER Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President John Pinder said yesterday the more than $700,000 paid out to Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers in 2014 was not “wrongly paid out” as indicated by the Office of the Auditor General.
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net BPL chairwoman Darnell Osborne said yesterday officials are in the process of “tightening” and “centralising” how contracts are awarded at the power company. SEE PAGE SIX
MANAGE OUR CRUISE PORT - IT NEEDS $100M UPGRADE
SEE PAGE THREE
$700K TO OFFICERS ‘WAS NO MISTAKE’ By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
BPL ACTS TO TIGHTEN CONTRACT PROCESS
In fact, Mr Pinder said the “lump sum payments” were intentional as it is common practice for all members of the disciplined forces “to get whatever money is negotiated” by the BPSU on behalf of its members. Yesterday, The Tribune reported more than $700,000 was wrongly paid out to 1,227 RBDF officers in 2014. SEE PAGE THREE
CRUISE ships in port at Nassau. The management of the cruise port will be put out to bid by mid-December, with the facility needing a “substantial capital infusion in excess of $100m”. See Business for the full story. Photo: Captain-tucker/Wikimedia
LEGAL MARIJUANA? NO TIME SOON SANDS: BE By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday the government is monitoring global trends in the decriminalisation and legalisation of marijuana, but doubted the Bahamas would “follow suit” in the immediate future. However, in addressing the matter from both a personal and a professional standpoint, Dr
Sands in an interview with The Tribune contended the Minnis administration would be “objective and open-minded” in its discussions on the issue. This comes on the heels of National Security Minister Marvin Dames’ suggestion the Bahamas should consider decriminalising marijuana “at some point”. Dr Sands said while there are many people who would advocate for the outright legalisation
of marijuana, there needs to be a proper discourse on all the pros and cons related to the topic. “Let’s watch how this thing play out and let’s pay attention to the pros and cons,” he told The Tribune. “We have agreed that we are going to participate in the activities of CARICOM who has started to get the evidence of medical marijuana and we will participate in that discussion.”
SEE PAGE SIX
LICKETY LICKED IN JOBS BATTLE By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A LICKETY Split employee, whose husband conducted a year-long harassment campaign against her boss over suspicions they were having an affair, has won her claim for unfair dismissal.
Justice Indra Charles, in a September 14, 2017, ruling found that the ice cream/ deli business and its managing director, Llewellyn Burrows, “don’t have a leg to stand on” over the dismissal of former manager, Sharmean Woodside. Recording that several “volte faces” were
performed over the rationale for Ms Woodside’s dismissal, the Supreme Court warned Bahamian employers that they needed to be “decisive” when terminating employees and not later “go fishing for other grounds to justify the real reason”. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
HONEST ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIANS need to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding crimes against women and children, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands urged yesterday, as he noted linkages of such acts to violence in school and the wider community. Dr Sands spoke at a symposium on preventing violent crimes hosted by the Crisis Centre. According to organisers of the event, the prevention and eradication of violent crime in the Bahamas is predicated on the establishment of functioning links between essential services and experts. SEE PAGE SEVEN
PAGE 2, Friday, November 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
THE STATE-recognized funeral for Calvin James Johnson JP, former member of parliament. The service was held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
FINAL RESPECTS PAID TO FORMER MP JOHNSON By MORGAN ADDERLEY
THE SERVICE at St Francis Xavier Cathedral for Calvin James Johnson JP yesterday.
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MOURNERS gathered at St Francis Xavier Cathedral yesterday to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of former parliamentarian Calvin James Johnson, JP. The state-recognised funeral was well-attended by parishioners who remembered “a man of faith” who was “at peace with his God,” and deeply “loved his family and country”. In a tribute, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis extended “the gratitude of a grateful nation for the contributions made to national development” by the former senator and member of Parliament. Johnson also previously served as a parliamentary secretary. Dr Minnis wrote: “With courage and determination, Calvin entered the political arena to help rescue his country, which resulted in an era of reform and modernisation. We honour his service and his love of country.” Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also expressed “profound sadness” at the loss of Johnson. In his tribute, Mr
Ingraham described visiting Johnson on his sickbed at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Mr Ingraham wrote that although Johnson was “very low and not speaking,” the former MP “indicated that he knew that I was there and there was a glimmer of a smile when I spoke to him using my moniker for him ‘American Boy’.” Mr Ingraham explained the origins of the nickname: “Calvin, who hailed from West End, Grand Bahama, was a Bahamian patriot, dedicated to giving service to the Bahamian people, but… he believed in the principles and philosophies of the ‘American Dream’ and wanted to make those kinds of dreams and aspirations tangible and real for all Bahamians in the Bahamas.” Mr Ingraham wrote: “Calvin first came to my attention 25 years ago in 1992 when I was putting my team together to contest that year’s general election.” “We nominated Calvin to carry the Free National Movement’s banner in the [former] Fort Fincastle
constituency; then a PLP stronghold. He campaigned as if he fully expected to win that seat. And as fate had it…Calvin accomplished his goal and delivered Fort Fincastle for the FNM in those historic elections which brought 26 years of PLP control of the government of the Bahamas to an end.” Mr Ingraham described Johnson as someone with “an infectious personality that endeared many persons to him” and a man with “multi-faceted talents.” In addition to his political pursuits, Johnson owned the retail outlets Midtown Accessories, which had three locations. Mr Ingraham noted Johnson tried to “hire as many persons as possible… seeking to spread jobs among as many [people] as possible.” This heart for others, Mr Ingraham wrote, “was Calvin’s nature.” Johnson died on October 30, at the age of 64. His wife, Linda Joyce Johnson, predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Candace Carin Johnson and Calvin James Johnson II, and numerous relatives and friends.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, November 10, 2017, PAGE 3
OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ in the House of Assembly.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Davis: RBDF audit is attempt to smear reputation of PLP By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday questioned the focus of Auditor General Terrence Bastian’s report into the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, suggesting the recently tabled document was an extension of the political narrative espoused by the Minnis administration. “What’s the cry about? It’s another narrative to make it appear that the Progressive Liberal Party is doing something wrong,” Mr Davis said yesterday. “I don’t know why the Auditor General is
weighing in on a company having a licence or if they are competent to execute a transaction, I don’t know that is in their ambit unless there was something else untoward in regard to the contract. “I don’t understand the Auditor General weighing in on whether a person should have a licence or not, what does that have to do with an audit of expenditure funds? The question is whether they got value for money, was the process flawed in any way in the sense that what we got was not what we actually wanted.” The audit report covers the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015, and found that a 2014 procurement
exercise posed a threat to the safety and security of Bahamian borders by awarding a $1.3 million contract to a home-based company that did not have the necessary approvals to import weapons from the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Mr Bastian’s report was tabled in the House of Assembly on Wednesday and also outlined concerns over irregularities in salary payments and promotions. In a later interview with The Tribune, National Security Minister Marvin Dames expressed confidence in the procurement process, noting there were some discrepancies in the report.
“We ought not to jump to conclusions over these audit reports,” Mr Davis said. “My recollection of these matters is that you’re talking about purchasing, it would have been guided by technical staff on this. My recollection is that the RBDF would have assessed their needs and having done that they would have gone to an open bid, that means anyone that sees the bid has the opportunity to participate. Once they participate the RBDF will have their procurement protocol that would have assessed the tenders and the bidders and then make a recommendation.” He continued: “Whatever recommendation they
made would be on them as the technical people, they would have sifted through and made the recommendations to the tenders board, an independent body that will then assess the process and decide whether they will agree with recommendation, if they agree it will be passed on to the relevant ministry. Based on the amount it would have come to Cabinet. “So unless there is something on the face of the process or document - it is very unlikely that a Cabinet will not accept the recommendation of technical people. I don’t know how that became relevant at the end of the day, it’s whether the mandate of the tenders board
was carried out, and that the RBDF got value for money and got what they wanted.” In a statement yesterday, PLP Chairman and Senator Fred Mitchell urged party supporters not to adopt that narrative or become distracted by the report, which he predicted will prove to be “more prejudicial than probative” once full details were aired. “The auditor general has a history of going off halfcocked,” his statement read. Mr Bastian drew the ire of the former Christie administration last term, notably for his audits of the Urban Renewal programme and the Road Traffic Department.
‘STAND EASY - ARMS DEAL’S ABOVE BOARD’ from page one The audit also noted the “online purchasing/courier service” had been inactive for more than four years before it renewed its business licence just four months before receiving Cabinet approval on their bid; and the Customs Department could not locate two shipment entries in December 2014, and June 2015. Mr Dames told The Tribune yesterday he fully accepted the report, tabled
in Parliament on Wednesday, however, he did not find cause for alarm over its findings after review with Commodore Tellis Bethel and Permanent Secretary Carl Smith. He said many of its findings highlighted concerns leveled by the Minnis administration ahead of the 2017 general election, inclusive of improving morale, and the recruitment and training process; and ensuring the organisation was adequately funded. While there were no concerns over the integrity of the 2014 procurement
process, Mr Dames said he has ordered a full review of all companies currently engaged with his ministry to ensure full compliance will all laws and policies. Mr Bastian’s report also outlined concerns over irregularities in salary payments and promotions. The report noted that three people were promoted in 2014 who were not employees of the organisation. The report also said 16 people promoted were not on the promotion list. Mr Dames chalked up those concerns to an
“error in communication” between the department and the RBDF. “We accept the report,” he said, “an audit report is an audit report. It says something in there to do with promotions, that was addressed those people promoted were actually recommended for promotion. “That is not the case,” he said, “but what it (report) points to that there are inherent loopholes that we have to fix. “Why these reports are good sometimes, it speaks to gaps in our processing,
$700K TO OFFICERS ‘WAS NO MISTAKE’ from page one According to a report by Auditor General Terrence Bastian, the officers were given lump sum payments otherwise afforded only to BPSU union members despite the fact RBDF officers are among a group explicitly excluded from receiving the lump sums according to the 2014 BPSU Industrial Agreement. The report said $710,250 was wrongly paid out to officers. The finding is contained in an audit report tabled in the House of Assembly Wednesday for the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015. “The practice is every time the BPSU negotiates on behalf of the public service it is also given to them (RBDF officers) as well,”
Mr Pinder told The Tribune on Thursday. “Because the defence force and prison officers and the Royal Bahamas Police Force do not have a union, every time we get an increase in salary they get it as well because they have no one to negotiate on their behalf. “They are considered military so it was not a mistake. These auditors are looking at policy instead of asking the questions. “The practice is whenever we get a general increase the disciplined forces get it as well. “So it was not a mistake, it was intentional.” Mr Bastian, during his investigation, also found an irregularity that had the opposite effect, robbing some officers of payments to which they were entitled. The salary entry point
for officers is $18,600, but some RBDF recruits received $600 less than they should have, Mr Bastian found. The auditor general said to now pay $600 per annum to 833 people who were enlisted between 2003 to 2015 “would have a monumental impact on public funds”. In fact, he said the impact on the Consolidated Fund could be as
high as $435,000 if anomalies connected to the issue are addressed. The Office of the Auditor General also found five vendors who provided services to the RBDF between 2013 and 2015 under-reported the amount of money they received to a combined total of $1,047,321.95, impacting their associated business licencing fees.
it speaks to failure to adhere to rules and regulations and it too speaks sometimes to weaknesses within our daily operation. That is why we as a government and our prime minister has called for the auditing in every government department, because we want to bring about a greater level of accountability, but also a greater level of professionalism, of transparency, and we want to ensure to that the people’s funds are being spent responsibly and are being
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THE TRIBUNE
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Don’t rush ahead without the facts IN the country’s rush to taste blood and make the guilty pay for corruption, greed and graft, reports flying out of the Auditor-General’s office in the last week have been juicy teasers, tantalising pieces alleging, at best, financial indiscretion and at worst, blatant disregard for anything but the most self-serving gratification. The reports, commissioned by the government following the May 10 election and prepared by accounting firm Ernst & Young (E&Y), have fueled headlines six columns across with stories spilling from Page One to inside pages filled with enough tasty tidbits to keep a reader entertained and engaged. The problem is that in the rush to expose, we are running the risk of exploiting. Already, Minister of Works Desmond Bannister felt it necessary to apologise for the report that could have inadvertently cast aspersions on the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis when Davis turned out to be the man who put the brakes on a runaway machine. According to the stories leaked first to this paper and later more broadly, the E&Y report charged that Davis’ brother’s company, Al D’s Roofing & Construction, was awarded two contracts by the board of BEC while Davis was responsible for that utility. Further, it stated the DPM’s brother was not the lowest bidder. In the first instance, the Davis company submitted a bid of $199,000 while the low bid was $118,816, yet the board with Leslie Miller as chairman ignored the lower bidder and awarded the contract to Davis’ brother’s company. In the second instance, the company bid $41,417 while the lower bid came in at $36,400, but again Davis’ brother’s company was awarded the contract. Davis, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, stood up in the House of Assembly Wednesday vehemently denying nepotism, declaring his only involvement in the process was to put a halt to it. Davis was firm, stating when he learned contracts had been awarded to someone in his family, he instructed the BEC board through proper channels to cancel them immediately and said no one in his family should be awarded a contract by any of the agencies, divisions or entities for which he held responsibility. The first day’s headlines were followed a day later by the apologies from the government, explaining the report was incomplete and that the auditors were not aware of the cancellation of the contracts. The media, including this paper, did nothing wrong in the reporting. The Tribune, like others, delivered the news of the day with background to give it substance and context. The messenger delivered the message and never once hinted that the then Deputy Prime Minister was attempting to cause his family to benefit from the position that he held. The same was the case with the E&Y report - it pointed no fingers at
Mr Davies, rather at Mr Miller for using his “influence” on the contracts process at BPL. Even when Mr Davis told Mr Miller to half the contracts to his brother, Miller didn’t recognise why the minister was so concerned. What is frustrating for us is in the confusion over Mr Davis’ role - which could have been avoided by immediately informing E&Y of his actions to cancel his brother’s contracts - no one is asking any questions of Mr Miller. Why not? His use of “influence” and “circumvention” of process are detailed by E&Y but everyone is avoiding the subject. Just 24 hours after the BPL report appeared new headlines appeared, this time the Auditor General’s report alleging infractions in procurement for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, though carefully not pointing the finger at anyone. Dating back to 2013, prior to the installation of the new Commodore this year, and specifically in 2015, a homebased business that had only renewed its licence a few months earlier was awarded more than $1m in orders for weapons and ammunitions. In addition, it said, Customs could not find records for two of the shipments, a statement that invites imagination. Did Customs lose the papers or did the weapons and ammunition get “lost” in shipping and could dangerous weapons be on the streets now? We know a little something about the procurement process and the complex, copious procedures that involve the United States or other vendor countries and their requirement for end user agreements. It is highly unlikely, if indeed not impossible, for anyone in the RBDF to have executed orders for more than $1.2m in weapons without those orders going to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of National Security and/ or the Cabinet. As for missing weapons, every weapon or round can be traced to its owner or vendor by its serial or lot number. If any weapon had escaped and been used in a way other than that intended for national security, that weapon would have been identified. Because that has never happened, chances of Customs finding the papers are greater than chances of the RBDF losing shipments and leaving weapons lying about on the streets. Nevertheless, the country has every right to expect the Minister of National Security to provide an update on that matter. The Tribune is a staunch supporter of prosecuting culprits and criminals to the greatest extent of the law, especially those who violate the trust the people of The Bahamas placed in them when they went to the polls to choose who would govern them for at least the next five years. But please - in your eagerness to slake the thirst of those crying out for just desserts, do not rush and get it wrong or the lack of trust will be on the other foot and then who will we believe?
Pindling aiming for a run? EDITOR, The Tribune. OVER the past year or so Bahamian politics had become mundane to me. However, my political mood experienced an abrupt change when I saw a write-up in the two major dailies regarding Monique Pindling’s address at the PLP convention. The address piqued my interest for two reasons. Firstly, it was given by a progeny of Sir Lynden Pindling, the man widely heralded as the “Father of the Nation.” And secondly, the speech was a scathing assessment of the defunct administration of ex-Prime Minister Perry Christie. It was a very courageous move by Pindling. She
could have been heckled by irate PLP stalwarts who might not have been in the mood for any constructive criticism. Pindling was really only echoing the sentiments of thousands of Bahamians throughout the country. Notwithstanding Christie’s untimely rebuke of Pindling for scolding the party in a public forum, I believe that since many of the political blunders of the past administration were committed publicly, Pindling did the appropriate thing in chastising her party publicly. To the best of my knowledge, this was Monique Pindling’s first address at a PLP convention. It makes you wonder if she is seriously considering
contesting a seat in the 2022 general election. None of the children of Sir Lynden have ever been elected to Parliament. I believe it was Michelle Pindling-Sands who contested the Yamacraw seat in 1992, but lost to the venerable Janet Bostwick. She was subsequently appointed to the Senate in 2002 under the first Christie administration. It will be interesting to see what Monique Pindling’s next political move will be. Maybe her speech at the PLP convention was her own way of getting her political feet wet. Time will tell. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB November 2, 2017.
Christie out of touch EDITOR, The Tribune. I READ and listened with interest to Perry Christie’s remarks about the recently-concluded PLP convention and he just confirmed for everyone how out of touch he is with us, the people. I am a 29-year-old Bahamian from a traditionally diehard PLP family. I voted in 2007 and 2012 once each for the PLP and FNM. As much as my family hoped I would vote PLP this time, I just could not do so, disappointing them again as I did in 2007 when I voted FNM. I told my parents the PLP they told me about since I was a child is not the same PLP that exists today. Leslie Miller was 1000 percent correct when he said plenty PLPs either voted FNM or just didn’t vote this time. To read and hear Mr Christie criticise Monique Pindling for saying what she said publicly at the Convention shows how out of touch Mr Christie is and confirms the country made the correct decision on May 10. He says comments at Convention should be given “to inspire people”. As a millennial who has no allegiance to any party, but who voted PLP once
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net before, I found Miss Pindling’s comments extremely inspirational. She spoke the truth and echoed the feelings of thousands of people in The Bahamas - PLPs and non-PLPs. Mr Christie, why hide those comments and restrict them to internal sessions? That way, those of us who aren’t delegates or in the PLP inner circle would never hear them. But clearly, Mr Christie just doesn’t get it. Then he said she should have come to him to talk privately about it. What a joke! My uncle told me he did just that two years ago and Mr Christie totally dismissed him and stopped speaking to him afterwards. Mr Christie, you did the honourable thing after the election and accepted full responsibility for your party’s election defeat. Your recent comments make me and others wonder if your apology was sincere. Lastly, my grandmother was talking to me about his comments and laughed, commenting Mr Christie must have a short or convenient memory. She then told me about the stinging
criticisms Mr Christie (and Mr Ingraham) made of Sir Lynden in public after the 1983 NBC television report on the drug trade in The Bahamas. The same way many people agreed with Mr Christie’s criticisms of Sir Lynden back then, is the same way many people agree of the criticisms of Mr Christie today. Plenty of people are saying the PLP just can’t change their ways and their thinking. If they do not do so, and listen to the Monique Pindlings and the Leslie Millers in their party, they will never see Government again. In closing, a word to Dr Minnis and the FNM Government. Please stop telling us over and over how corrupt the PLP are or were; we know that and that is why we voted them out. We voted you in for change and to improve our country. Please let us know what your plans are for us because you know we Bahamian people don’t have much patience. Continually bashing the PLP is now old and played out. Okay? A YOUNG, EDUCATED AND THINKING BAHAMIAN Freeport, GB October 30, 2017.
The turning point EDITOR, The Tribune. WOW! I can’t believe Deputy Leader Chester Cooper is using the same old tactic the PLP has always used in an effort to win the next general elections. A tactic straight outta da University of Wulff Road. A mission from God? Wasn’t the PLP on a mission from God to save us from the UBP in the sixties and the seventies and the eighties? Didn’t He send Sir Lynden Pindling to save us five times in a row? Didn’t he send former Prime Minister Perry Christie to save us from the evil FNM? Twice! Yet The Bahamas is a slum and the PLP were
the slumlords. Am I now to believe that God wants me to forsake Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and cast my vote for the PLP in the next general elections? You know, I expected Mr Cooper to “turn” but not this quickly or so willingly. It’s only been six months since the May elections and two or three weeks since the PLP convention. I really must learn their brain washing techniques. So effective and the results are astounding. As for my Facebook frenemies who think I don’t have a right to speak about God, Christianity or politics because I don’t have a Bahamian surname therefore I can’t be a Bahamian...
there’s no such thing as a Bahamian surname. All Bahamian surnames are mostly European and some of the newer ones are African. I invite these people, and Mr Cooper, to come visit my neighborhood. Wulff Road. murder capital of New Providence. Come spend the night in an abandoned house or a broken down car that has been sitting on the side of the road for five or ten years. Then tell me that God gave this land to the PLP. If he did then He either got it wrong or the PLP wasted the opportunity of a lifetime. KIRK CATALANO Nassau, November 5, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, November 10, 2017, PAGE 5
Armed robber appeal dismissed By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal this week dismissed the appeal of Dudley Seide, affirming his conviction for armed robbery with a sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. According to court documents, the appeal was dismissed on several grounds by Justice Jon Isaacs after Seide’s counsel Ramona Farquharson-Seymour made several arguments to overturn the conviction including that there were several errors on the part of the trial judge. The matter stems from the July 2009 robbery and murder of Leslie Thomas Maycock as he was closing his business. The document states he was approached by two gunmen who took his chain and a black pouch containing $700 to $900. He was shot by one of the men and died a few days later. Seide and another man were arrested and charged with murder and armed robbery. During the trial, the prosecution sought to rely on a confession. However, the defence alleged the confession was not voluntarily obtained, and therefore inadmissible, as the appellant had been subjected to abuse at the hands of the police. The abuse alleged by the appellant was that he was hogtied and dunked into the sea by the police, which caused or worsened an ear infection. Following a trial, the appellant was found not guilty of murder but guilty of armed robbery and sentenced to 20 years. Seide appealed the conviction on the ground the trial judge erred by admitting his confession statement which the judge ruled was voluntarily obtained. However, the Court of Appeal found no merit in Seide’s case.
Mrs Farquharson-Seymour pointed out the Crown’s case against the appellant relied on a record of interview and a statement both taken on the August 29, 2009. She contended that both of those documents came into existence as a result of the conduct of the police before, during and after these statements were taken, which can best be characterised as barbaric. The conduct she complained of was that questions put to Seide and his answers were not recorded nor was there mention of a detention record when he was arrested around 6.15am on August 28, 2009 and first questioned more than 12 hours later. It was also alleged “that the appellant contended that he was hogtied and repeatedly dunked at Barbary Beach, which caused an injury to his ears; that the doctor diagnosed the appellant of having ‘otitus externa,’ commonly referred to as ‘swimmers’ ear’ and “that all of the officers whilst denying abusing the appellant could not recall significant information about their involvement with the appellant.” “Further they all pointed to Sgt 772 Johnson, as the investigator in charge of all that happened with the appellant” and the Crown “never produced Sgt Johnson as a witness,” the judgement noted. The Court of Appeal said where the prosecution proposes to rely on a defendant’s confession it must satisfy a court beyond a reasonable doubt that the confession was made voluntarily. Mrs FarquharsonSeymour also argued the learned judge erred in law by not affording the defence adequate facility and assistance in preparation of their case. But Justice Isaacs said: “I am satisfied that the position adopted by the judge
is defensible because the defence would have had ample time before the trial began or even after it had started to take steps to locate Officer Seymour and/or the documents. As indicated, the appellant could have enlisted the court’s assistance in having Officer Seymour subpoenaed to attend court.” He also said: “I would also mention that despite the voir dire continuing, the defence could have maintained their request for searches to continue even while the trial was ongoing. This was not done.” Mrs Farquharson-Seymour also argued the trial judge erred in law by suggesting to the defence that they should not present a no case submission. Justice Isaacs said a “short shrift” may be given to this ground. “At page 481 of the record, at the close of the Crown’s case, and after the learned judge had excused the jury, appears the following: ‘The court: Mr Brown, I think you will not be making a submission. Mr Brown: No, that would be a waste of time, I realise where I have to fight my battles.’ “The submission of which the learned judge spoke was one of no case to answer. Mr Brown’s response to the learned judge was impudent but it did disclose that he had made the conscious decision not to make a submission in the court below; but would keep his powder dry for discharge elsewhere. “That being the case, no complaint may be heard from the appellant on this point as the learned judge at no time displayed a closed mind to the appellant’s case or that he had prejudged the matter. This ground therefore fails.” The ruling was supported by Court of Appeal President Dame Anita Allen and Justice Stella Crane-Scott.
ANTONIO JOHNSON, above, and Meichiliano Bridgewater, below, outside court yesterday. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn
PAIR ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
TWO men were charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm in the Freeport Magistrates Court on Thursday. Antonio Johnson, 26, of Limewood Lane, and Meichilano Bridgewater, 20, of
Weddell Avenue, appeared before Magistrate Rengin Johnson. The pair pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm while endangering life and attempted murder in connection to an incident that occurred on October 30. Both were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until February 5, 2018, for trial.
WITNESS SAYS CO-DEFENDANT ADMITTED TO SHOOTING By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PROSECUTION witness Allan Alcime told the Supreme Court yesterday that while he and three co-defendants were in police custody, Devaughn Hall allegedly admitted to shooting Barry and Sheena Johnson. He claimed Hall confessed during a confrontation conducted by police on September 18, 2015 - about a week after the couple had been discovered murdered at their residence in Deadman’s Reef in Grand Bahama. Paul Belizaire, Devaughn Hall, and Kevin Dames are on trial for murder and armed robbery. Alcime and Virgil Hall, who were also charged with the trio, have accepted a plea deal with the Office of the Attorney
General to testify as witnesses for the Crown. During cross-examination on Thursday, attorney Geoffrey Farquharson asked Alcime whether he was at a confrontation conducted by Officer 772 Johnson at 7.55pm on September 18, 2015. Alcime said he was at the confrontation, along with Belizaire, Virgil Hall, and Devaughn Hall. “In the confrontation, one of the co-defendants fingered your friend and said Virgil Hall shoot the people,” Mr Farquharson said. Alcime denied the assertion. “The police asked me if I shoot them, I said, ‘I ain’t shoot them,’” the witness said. He said that Virgil Hall and Belizaire also told police they didn’t shoot the victims. Alcime told the
court Devaughn Hall told the police that he killed the couple. Mr Farquharson suggested to Alcime he was the leader of the group and could be seen assaulting the man in the video. “That’s you standing over the man, kicking and pushing the man and poking him,” suggested Mr Farquharson, referring to the video surveillance footage of the shooting. Alcime admitted to assaulting the man and claimed Mr Farquharson’s client, Paul Belizaire, was also there kicking and pushing the man. Mr Farquharson put it to the witness that he slapped and kicked Mr Johnson. “We all put hands on the man,” replied Alcime. “You were running the show,” suggested Mr Farquharson. Alcime denied the
assertion. He said Devaughn Hall was running the show, and was standing over the man. Alcime said it was Devaughn Hall who told them Mr Johnson had $2million. He said they searched the man’s truck for the money but did not see any. Farquharson asked Alcime what was he charged with at his arraignment in the Magistrates Court in reference to the matter. The witness said that he was charged with murder, attempted armed robbery, and possession of a firearm. Mr Farquharson suggested he was never charged with attempted murder, but Alcime insisted that he was. “I put it to you that you were charged with the armed robbery of Barry and Sheena Johnson,
US EMBASSY CHIEF IS ANNOUNCED THE United States Embassy in Nassau has announced James Denver Herren as the newest chargé d’affaires. Mr Herren is fresh out of an assignment as the director of contracts management in Baghdad, Iraq. He assumed his duties as chargé d’affaires on November 9. He previously served as the deputy director of the joint administrative service platform in Brussels. His other assignments include tours in Haiti, Muscat, Ulaanbaatar, Lusaka, and Wellington. Mr Herren holds a BA in political science and a MA in American studies from Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah,
Oklahoma. While currently a resident of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (located near Fayetteville), he grew up in Ochelata, a small town in the northeastern part of Oklahoma. Before joining the service, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a welder, a bar manager and a foreman on an Alaskan floating fish processor. While working on his master’s, he taught entry level university classes on political science, became a police officer, and ran a congressional campaign. Mr Herren is married and has two daughters. He enjoys golf, hiking and watching American football. He replaced former chargé d’affaires Lisa Johnson.
US Embassy chargé d’affaires James Denver Herren.
stealing a set of keys and a silver 2003 GMC truck,” said Farquharson. Alcime denied the assertion, but then later admitted that in addition
to the murder, he was also charged with armed robbery and possession of the firearm and four shotgun shells. The trial continues.
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BPL acts to tighten contract process from page one
Her statement came on the heels of Ernst & Young’s (EY) audit into Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) which exposed instances where procurement decisions were allegedly influenced and processes circumvented under the previous administration, Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Ms Osborne said adhering to international best practices is also the aim of the improved procurement measures. Her comments come two days after The Tribune published contents from EY’s audit into BEC now known as BPL, which accused former Executive Chairman Leslie Miller of allegedly “influencing” procurement decisions and sometimes “circumventing” the process altogether. Mr Miller has denied these allegations. “We had put in place some stop gap measures where the bid process will now be changed,” said Ms Osborne. “We have more individuals who must be present at the opening of the bids. We also have implemented more of a centralised procurement process and not each and every department and everyone accepting these bids and what not. “We expect that the procurement process will be tightened and international best practices observed.” She added: “In the meantime, we have just centralised the process. We have required that the CEO’s administrative assistant accepts and records the bids and there are more individuals who must be present. “We are also moving
DARNELL OSBORNE, BPL chairwoman. towards having an email for tenders and this email being reviewed by whomever the CEO or COO has appointed. That would help to eliminate the biases that would exist where people are able to take out and look at bids and that sort of thing. So there are a number of things that are being done just to tighten it and improve the procurement process.” On Tuesday, The Tribune revealed EY found alleged actions taken by Mr Miller regarding the issuance of contracts worth less than $100,000 – below the limit of board/chairman involvement – at the
government entity were “highly irregular”. The audit also flagged numerous “irregularities” in the way contracts were awarded by BEC since 2012, including lack of due diligence leading contracts being awarded to companies “owned by public officials or BEC board members”. The probe further revealed one company owned by the brother of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip “Brave” Davis received lucrative contracts from BEC even though the business was not the preferred bidder in a tender process. The company, AL D’s
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Construction & Roofing, received two contracts for a higher value than the recommended bidder. Mr Davis has since revealed he intervened to cause the cancellation of two contracts awarded to his brother’s company by the BEC while he served as minister of works in the Christie administration. Mr Davis insisted he did not want his brother to be awarded any contracts with the Ministry of Works or any agency in his portfolio and as a result he moved for them to be cancelled when he learned these wishes were not honoured. The audit found while two BEC executives wanted
to award these contracts to two different companies, Mr Miller wrote to the officials directing them that BEC’s board had requested the contracts be given to AL D’s Construction & Roofing instead. Investigators also found a company owned by Mr Miller – Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace – received $52,192 from the utility provider since 2012. When questioned about the audit’s findings earlier this week, Mr Miller pushed back on the report saying “every contract” awarded by BEC’s board was given to the lowest bidder. He denied engaging in any
irregular practices insisting he led a “top notch” team at BEC and saved the government millions of dollars in overtime pay and other expenses during his tenure. He also denied Mario’s Bowling had any contract with BEC/BPL. He claimed to be unaware of any contract being given to a relative of Mr Davis. EY’s analysis of accounting data also found numerous irregularities, including payouts to some companies that were not registered with the Corporate Business Registry and more than $3m in payouts to vendors with tax identification number (TIN) anomalies.
DNA WANTS ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AFTER BPL REVELATIONS By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
THE Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday called on the government to table “its promised compendium of anti-corruption laws” and “fully enact” the Freedom of Information Act in the wake of a Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) audit which found numerous irregularities and lax oversight in the company.
In a statement, DNA Leader Chris Mortimer said while the revelations at BPL were appalling, they were “not surprising”. “Wednesday’s headlines surrounding the management and issuance of contracts at Bahamas Power & Light are just the latest in a string of revelations which have come out of BPL this year and while we continue to be appalled by the obvious mismanagement and abuse of
processes at the company, the Democratic National Alliance is not surprised,” the statement said. “Multiple audits of the goings on at BPL have uncovered a culture of theft and corruption which has persisted across multiple administrations. Sadly, those allegedly responsible continue to avoid justice leaving the Bahamian people holding the bag.” Mr Mortimer said while politicians and their friends
and families have “allegedly lined their pockets with millions” the Bahamian people are left to cover the cost. “We the people have been left to bear the burden of a broken system and exorbitant bills,” he said. “Under the oversight of successive administrations, BPL has devolved into nothing more than a breeding ground for unsavoury characters who have robbed the company blind and all but crippled our electricity grid. The DNA again calls on the government to table its promised compendium of anti-corruption laws. Coupled with a Whistleblower’s Act and fully enacted Freedom of Information legislation, BPL and the country as a whole can finally move away from the culture of corruption which has kept us stagnant for decades.” On Wednesday, The Tribune exclusively revealed the Ernst & Young (EY) audit into operations at BPL that identified numerous irregularities, including payouts to some companies that were not registered with the Corporate Business Registry and more than $3m in payouts to vendors with tax identification number
(TIN) anomalies. The auditors, in some cases, found a “lack of supporting documentation for payments remitted to vendors,” invoice dates months apart although they are sequential, “vendor invoices containing an invalid or no tax identification number,” “inconsistencies across vendor invoices,” and “no evidence of existence of vendors at the Bahamian Corporate Business Registry,” among other issues. The revelations, gleaned as part of a probe into an alleged fraud scheme at BPL, paints a picture of a company riddled with internal control woes. The audit also flagged numerous “irregularities” in the way contracts were awarded by the former Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) since 2012, including lack of due diligence leading contracts being awarded to companies “owned by public officials or BEC board members.” The audit also outlines several instances when the tender process at BEC was not followed, noting EY identified three contracts with a value in excess of $100,000 for which no
formal tender had been performed. The investigation also looked into 11 employees who allegedly helped facilitate a scheme that defrauded the company of nearly $2m. The 11 employees facilitated the fraud by recording, printing, signing and vetting fraudulent cheques or invoices, signing cheque registers for fraudulent cheques, creating fictitious vendors, putting their signatures on fictitious invoices and facilitating concealment of the fraud, the audit noted. It’s not clear investigators found all 11 employees to be active participants in the scheme, and Minister of Works Desmond Bannister has said the audit has exonerated some of them. During EY’s interview with one of the employees, the person “became agitated and suggested that ‘Everyone is trying to get money out of BEC.’ “When pressed further,” EY noted, the employee “alluded to politicians and senior executives who are benefiting personally from BPL. She refused to provide further details, however.”
LEGAL MARIJUANA? NO TIME SOON from page one Dr Sands continued: “When asked this question previously, I would have said The Bahamas is not likely to lead this discussion and so, I do not believe that The Bahamas will be the next dominoe to fall. I think it is very important that people look for the evidence and there is evidence for and against. I may have my own personal views, but when I speak, I speak for the Cabinet and the government of The Bahamas. “And so, the measured commentary that the government of The Bahamas has, is that we are going
to be conservative and that we are going to be objective and openminded in terms of our change and approach to marijuana.” Asked of his personal view on the topic, Dr Sands stated: “Minister Dames would have made some comments which I share and support that the idea of dramatic changes in the life of a young person because of possession of small quantities of marijuana, it is something that clearly we would not want to have life-altering implications.” However, he said even if that view is adopted nationally, it would not result in a complete turnabout on the
issue in the coming years. Mr Dames on Wednesday told the Nassau Guardian that he is a “firm believer” those persecuted for possession of small amounts of marijuana should not face a life of ridicule. The Mount Moriah MP also insisted that before the country can look to decriminalisation, the nation must consider a series of complex issues, including the drug’s medical implications. To date, several US states have legalised marijuana for recreational and medical use. Moreover, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to legalise marijuana across Canada by July 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, November 10, 2017, PAGE 7
DR DUANE SANDS, Minister of Health.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Sands: Be honest on domestic violence from page one The one-day forum, held yesterday at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre, brought together key stakeholders across the allied health, law enforcement, education and legal disciplines to clarify the best way to unify resources and efforts. Speaking during the morning session, Dr Sands categorised The Bahamas as a world leader in “ways that are destructive to the fabric of our social and economic well-being”. Referencing both local and international crime and violence statistics, Dr Sands suggested that in The Bahamas violence is often perpetuated by cultural and generational trends that are known to be bad, but accepted nonetheless. The Elizabeth MP called for the secrecy to end and the seriousness of violence against women, rape, incest, physical and sexual abuse to finally be acknowledged. Dr Sands said only then a true effort can be made to address all the core issues.
He stated: “In May, I mentioned that while we are world leaders in tourism, finance and sports, we also lead in ways that are destructive to the fabric of our social and economic well-being. I recalled how The Bahamas was one of the leaders in penetrating trauma due to gunshots and stabbings. I also stated that the probability of dying from these types of injuries far exceeds the risk of death from cancer or HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas.” Dr Sands added: “Culturally, in The Bahamas violence is perpetuated as being “forceful/fearless” and in some instances celebrated as a form of discipline ‘keeping your house in order’. Also, many of my Bahamian brothers and sisters are of the view that domestic violence is a private matter and not a crime. However, this so-called ‘private matter’ is spilling over into our schools where our children, especially the boys, are acting out in the form of bullying and gang violence. “Our primary and junior high girls are displaying uncharacteristic ‘womanly’
and violent behaviour because of years of sexual molestation… sometimes from their fathers, uncles or other relatives. In the work place, women are withdrawn and non-participatory and our men are overly aggressive and argumentative. “We continue to underreport, accept or even encourage inappropriate language, unwanted touching and even overt sexual harassment – because ‘that’s how we go’,” he said. Dr Sands, highlighting portions of a 2013 Department of Statistics report, mentioned that some 1,200 women are abused annually. Referring to a recent Department of Social Services’ report, Dr Sands also indicated that 500–600 children suffer abuse annually. He added: “Sadly, as startling as these statistics may be, they do not represent an accurate account of instances of violence and domestic violence, as many of these incidents of violence are not reported and of those reported, the information is not shared. This brings me to the importance
READERS RESPOND TO BPL AUDIT READERS on tribune242.com have been giving their reaction to the news that PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis intervened to cause the cancellation of two contracts awarded to his brother’s company by BEC. Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “The E&Y report has obviously been seriously tarnished by intellectual dishonesty. It is now painfully clear that no one at E&Y even bothered to interview officials at AL D’s Construction and Roofing, or for that matter Brave himself, as the former PLP cabinet minister who was bound to be irresponsibly portrayed by any material inaccuracy in, or incompleteness of, the report. One cannot help but wonder to what extent the findings of all the other various costly investigations instigated by the Minnis-led FNM administration have been similarly compromised or tainted by intellectual dishonesty. “And what about the timing of the leaking of the E&Y report? Is it only coincidental that this report was leaked immediately after Minnis’s grave
political blunder in the HOA regarding his stated intent to increase the salaries of parliamentarians? It certainly seems the leaking of the report was intended to provide Minnis with a great deal of political cover by distracting the public’s attention away from his serious blunder on MP salaries a mere day or two before.” Reality_Check said: “It is becoming all too easy for Brave to look like an elder statesman of considerable public stature because of Minnis’s political missteps and apparent inability to govern.” Bogart asked: “Since Independence 1973 why do we not have guidelines to govern this activity . . ? Ridiculous that a hundred million dollar plus company does not have rules in itself as to whom are contracts awarded. If any company be it Bahamian,
French, American or any other there must be guidelines, rules and regulations on how to do business. The board of directors should be questioned and held responsible otherwise what is the point of having a board who may be earning some renumeration for their position and responsibility for the company?” After the Office of the Auditor General found that more than $700,000 was wrongly paid out to 1,227 Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers in 2014, Truism responded with: “This is a non news event. In the public service salary recovery is a daily event. Now what about this increase in parliamentary salaries while we sending minimum wage earners home?” And Sheeprunner12 had this suggestion: “What is the big deal????? Just garnish their wages and take back $100 per month from the officers or forego a pay raise . . . this (is) what happens when the Treasury finds overpayments elsewhere.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
of the theme of this symposium: ‘Connecting the dots: working together to prevent violence’.” Nevertheless, Dr Sands stressed that many of the avenues to ease the blight of violence, both physical and sexual, already exist, only now needing the right focus and directive to be viewed as effective. To that end, he said the country needed to place more emphasis on conflict resolution and better communication skills; crafting policies and procedures that investigate and document occurrences of violence; developing medical and psychological programmes that assist and support victims of violence and drafting legislation that provides protection to victims of violence. Additionally, he called for more education on violence and its effect on victims and their families; and national “understanding and claiming” of the real events and factors that either lead to violence or create a fertile and warm environment to facilitate violence. Dr Sands said: “All agencies, public and private,
must continue to make a greater effort to work in collaboration. The first point of report; whether it is a healthcare facility, social services, the police, school or the Crisis Centre; must connect and continually communicate with all the relevant agencies thereby providing a holistic approach to the efforts of combating the scourge of violence in our society.” He continued: “Hence, the work of the Crisis Centre to provide free counselling and services to men, women and children who are experiencing any form of abuse must be intricately tied to our partners in health care, social services and law enforcement. “We must speak with one voice, move as one body, act as one force and stand in solidarity as we campaign for the eradication of violence in our society and advocate for the protection of victims of violence.” He said the Minnis administration and the Ministry of Health are committed to ensuring these measures. Thursday’s symposium
also included remarks by Under-Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Eugene Poitier in place of National Security Minister Marvin Dames. Mr Poitier said the Ministry of National Security has been working toward creating a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary crime fighting initiatives to address our crime challenges and bring a greater focus to the causes or risk factors versus the symptoms. He added the ministry is also expected to introduce shortly a holistic social initiative – national in scope – free from silos that cut across ministerial boundaries and seek to address those risk factors that are leading our young people to crime. Other presenters at the forum included clinical psychologist, Dr Tracey King; Urban Renewal Chairman Hulan Hanna; attorney Cleopatra Christie; Donna Nicolls; Dr Robin Roberts; educational psychologist Novia Carter; and clinical and educational psychologist, Dr Valerie Knowles.
PAGE 8, Friday, November 10, 2017
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Many mouths of Minnis I
N 2014, the former PLP administration established the parliamentary select committee to determine salary increases for MPs. Needless to say, “nobody was on dey run”. The mid-term timimg for this proposal (as that former administration’s in the next fiscal year: “I popularity was reaching only want to put the nation an all-time low) meant the on notice that the time plan came under heavy has come when individucriticisim from all corners als are being paid by that of the nation, and as a result government half-a-million the idea was scrapped and per annum, individuals are MPs’ salaries were not receiving contracts up to increased. $800,000 and the members After the former PLP of Parliament are being government tabled the paid $28,000. I want to put plans for the pay increase the country on notice that for MP’s in 2014, Dr Minnis at the next budget I will told the Nassau Guardian: come forward with a pay “The FNM has not agreed increase for the members of to any salary increase. Parliament.” “A politician’s position, Dr Minnis said this, in that’s a service position. the House of Assembly, You have as a conbeen elected stitutional to service amendand just as ment bill to we had pain create an and sufferindependent ing during Office of the the road Director of BASED on performance Public Prosreconstruction where thus far, here are 4 FNM ecutions, was the entire MPs who have actually presented. earned a potential raise. [populaDr Minnis 1. Minister of Health and also added, tion of New Elizabeth MP Dr Duane “I Providence] will suffered at Sands. establish an 2. Long Island MP independent that time, the politi- Adrian Gibson. committee 3. St Barnabas MP Shan- who will look cians must likewise feel nondon Cartwright. at the mem4. Yamacraw MP Ells- bers’ the pain and suf- worth Johnson. salaries, who The jury is still out on will look at fering that the rest of the rest!! salaries for The Bahathese halfmas is going a-million, through.” these $800,000 and these “People are suffering and contracts signed a few you are talking about salary hours before election, all of increase. Salary increase, that will be reviewed. (The my foot. As long as I am committee will) review all leader of this country, the salary structures for govFNM would not support ernment entites.” any pay increase with all Two things come to mind the pain and suffering that when hearing and reading is going on in this country. the Prime Minister recent The FNM will push hard remarks: First off, it is for equality. The FNM eerily similar to the PLP’s will push hard to stop this 2014 proposal. income inequality.” The same proposal that Take all of it in, those are was rebuked and voted Dr Minnis’ words (verba- against by the opposition tim) from 2014. FNM. (Imitation is the sinNow fast forward the cerest form of flattery I tape to Thursday Novem- suppose.) ber 2, 2017. Also, as I have highAs Prime Minister, Dr lighted previously in this Hubert Minnis now says column, the hypocrisy in the salaries of members of our present administration, Parliament will be raised and the consistent double
FOUR FNM MP’S WHO REALLY DESERVE A RAISE
talk and “Trumpian” like maneuvers of Prime Minister Minnis are astounding. (Thanks for proving me right once again ‘Doc.’ ) I mean, did I miss something? Are we in an opposite parallel universe? Are the citizenry and voting populace, to allow their intelligence to be insulted so easily and continually? The recent actions and positioning of Prime Minister Minnis, and subsequently his FNM party and MP’s, is a far cry from the “accountability and transparency” promised by this administration on the campaign trail. Sadly, the only thing this present FNM government has done consistently, is fail to deliver on it’s campaign promises. Where is the ‘Over the Hill Tax Free Zone’ bill? Where is the anti-corruption bill?
MR ROBINSON’S NEIGHBOURHOOD I wonder if Dr Minnis had an inkling of the potential fallout to come with his salary increase announcement. In any event, his loyal defenders, the “Minniskateers”, were quick to come to his aid. (No doubt with dollar signs in their eyes.) The country’s youngest parliamentarian, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson, who is obviously the “Porthos” of this group, offered this impassioned nugget: “I think it’s about time that they increase members of Parliament salaries.” “I think that $28,000 a year is highly ridiculous. Members of Parliament are being given janitorial salaries.” “It is no easy task out there and if we are serious about stemming this tide of corruption then we must have a balanced approach to it and I think
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. Seriously? this increase would give Mr Robinson, let me that balanced approach.” When asked to provide make one thing abundantly a ball park figure, Robin- clear; while I continue to son offered the following lobby for young leadership in all political parties, I’m reslinse. “I would say about referring to vibrant, young, dynamic, visionaries. Young $60,000 to $70,000 a year.” “It’s long overdue. You leaders who are willing cannot expect that mem- to serve, and bring about bers of Parliament in the positive changes in the government, they are deal- country, both socially and ing with staff who are being politically. Not more “politpaid three and four and ical puppets” regurgitating five times their salaries and sensless party rhetoric, to they must sit there and not gain “brownie points” while indulge in some form of unwittingly exposing the political naivete of both corruption. It is ridiculous. My Min- themselves and their leader. Not to mention, leavister of Tourism (Dionisio D’Aguilar), there are 32 ing Parliament far more persons in our ministry wealthy than you entered. It’s national service, not who are paid more than him. He’s the minister and serve yourself! If I’m not mistaken, Mr 32 people are paid more than him, so imagine me Robinson went from stuas the parliamentary secre- dent to politician in one tary. I think that the public fel swoop. So, $28,000 is should have no objections not a bad starting salary, to it. We should see it as considering the economic another phase of stamping landscape in the country presently. out corruption.” Furthermore, Mr Robinson needs to start earning that MP’s salary that he so flipantly turned his nose up at. Allegedly, he’s quite a hard man to catch up to in Bain and Grants Town, with some constituents refering to him as a “mini” Jerry Roker. Two more things, Mr Robinson. First, if a politician is corrupt at $28,000 a year, they will still be corrupt at $60,000- $70,000 a year. Secondly, if you want that MP’s increase so badly, then ensure that your leader and party implement and
deliver on your campaign promise for a recall on all non-performing MPs. Robinson’s comments should offend every Bahamian who voted him in and hired him to do a job for which he knew the going rate beforehand. A rate which, I might add, is almost twice what most of the domestic and maintenance workers he so thoughtlessly insulted make. If the job is too much and the pay is too little, resignation is always an option. No one will fault you for chasing the money you think will keep you from ‘yielding to temptation’ in the free market. But it’s just amazing. Six months ago this crew was on stage begging for a chance to “clean up” the PLP’s mess. Now they ’round here talking ’bout dey ain’t no janitors’! The FNM came into office in May. Went on vacation in June, returned to the HOA in October, and are now asking for “that lil extra ting” in November. All while delivering “zilch” on the major campaign promises so far. Here’s a solution for the PM and his “Minniskateers” since a “raise” is all they are transfixed on; stock up on cold Guinness and conch salad in abundance for the “Smokers Room” in the HOA. If that fails, might I suggest Dr Minnis lean on his medical degree and expertise and write himself and his “Minniskateers” a prescription for their “problem”!
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, November 10, 2017, PAGE 9
Tech summit opens in Grand Bahama By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net HUNDREDS packed the convention centre at the Grand Lucayan Resort yesterday for the first ever Grand Bahama Technology Summit opened by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who revealed that legislation has been put forth to enable new technology businesses to come to the island. The government, according to Dr Minnis, has recently tabled the Commercial Enterprise Bill which, once passed, will streamline business applications and adapt immigration policy. “Grand Bahama is certainly open for business and welcomes international business representatives, particularly those from Google, Microsoft and HP to discover what this island has to offer,” Dr Minnis said. “I also want to encourage Bahamian professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs, at home and abroad, to establish your businesses here at home,” he said. He believes Grand Bahama is uniquely suited
ATTENDEES, including Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the summit. Photo: OPM Media Services to become an internationally During his keynote He believes Grand Baharecognised science, technol- address, Dr Minnis indicated ma’s proximity to the US, its ogy, and innovation hub, “a new day is on the horizon modern and superior infraand highlighted the recent for Grand Bahama”. structure, as well as reliable soft opening of a technol“This island has endured electricity supply and highogy development centre in many struggles. But today speed internet, makes it Grand Bahama by Carnival there is the promise of a attractive for international Corporation for its Ocean new and exciting future for business, such as the FreeMedallion Project, which Grand Bahama,” he said. port Container Port. involves the manufacturing “The government of The Dr Minnis said that it is of cutting edge technology Bahamas has embarked the deepest container termifor the cruise industry. on a mission to establish nal in the region, and serves The two-day summit – Grand Bahama as a world- as a major transshipment themed ‘Making Grand renowned technology hub.” hub between the US, Latin Bahama the Gateway to With some of the bright- America, and Europe. Innovation and Technology’ est minds in technology He also said the coun– features some talented indi- at the summit, Dr Minnis try has a stable democracy, viduals in the information and said the meetings would be committed to the rule of technology industry, including instrumental in the strategic law, with one of the best people from Google, Hewlett planning process of pro- banking systems in the Packard, Microsoft and Sili- moting the information and region. con Valley. technology industry. Dr Minnis noted that
government would embrace the expertise of Bahamians, including some in Silicon Valley, who are at the cutting edge of innovation and technology, to establish and develop Grand Bahama as a technology hub. He also noted that the development of Bahamian human capacity through education and training is very important to realising this goal. “I am therefore pleased that the Grand Bahama campus of the University of The Bahamas is playing an active role in this summit,” he said. “I am also pleased that there are many high school students present today. We are encouraging students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and information technology,” said Dr Minnis. The prime minister told participants about the recent soft-opening in Grand Bahama of the Carnival Corporation’s Ocean Medallion Project, which has provided employment opportunities for Bahamians.
He noted the cruise line has identified Grand Bahama as the ideal location for the manufacture of the Ocean Medallion concierge system. “This interactive technology will change the cruise industry,” he said. “Its development centre in Grand Bahama will provide an avenue for Bahamian IT and electrical technicians to gain employment in their fields. I congratulate those who were recently hired and are being trained in this technology. “Grand Bahama will now be the place where industry meets technology. In many ways, it is a new beginning,” the prime minister said. “The government will closely follow your discussions, and the recommendations following this summit.” He also said: “Our jurisdiction will be promoted as a cybersecurity hub to operate in Grand Bahama.” Presenters on the first day of the conference were Kristie Powell of Google, Bahamian Dr Gardyn Higgs of Silicon Valley, Xerxes Beharry of Microsoft, and Sebastian Tickle of itelbpo Smart Solutions.
NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR BAHAMAS PRESS CLUB AWARDS THE best in Bahamian media will be recognised for their hard work and dedication in the field of journalism and mass communications during The Bahamas Press Club Media Awards scheduled for Saturday, November 18. The black tie event will be held in the Windsor Room at the British Colonial Hilton, under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will deliver the keynote address. The event is sponsored by Aliv, Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd (BPL) and the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (ZNS). The categories and nominees are below: The Kenneth Nathaniel Francis Award for Newspaper Design and Composition Nominees: 1 - Ayhisha Small – paginator, The Nassau Guardian 2 – The Tribune Newspaper The Bursell Bradshaw Press Photographer of the Year Award Nominees: 1 – Kermit Taylor - photographer 2 – Terrel Carey – photographer, The Tribune 3 – Shawn Hanna – photographer, The Tribune 4 – Torrell Glinton – photographer, The Nassau Guardian 5 – Eric Rose – photographer, senior information
officer, Bahamas Information Services The Eric Wilmott Award for Investigative Journalism Nominees: 1 - Natario McKenzie - business reporter, The Tribune 2 – Rashad Rolle – staff reporter, The Tribune 3 – Taneka Thompson – news editor, The Tribune 4 – Clint Watson – editor, producer, ZNS 5 – Sancheska Dorsett – staff reporter, The Tribune 6 – Ricardo Wells – staff reporter, The Tribune 7- Khrisna Russell deputy chief reporter, The Tribune 8 – Ava Turnquest – chief reporter, The Tribune 9 – Karissma Robinson news anchor, ZNS The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism Nominees: 1 – Taneka Thompson – news editor, The Tribune 2 – Ava Turnquest - chief reporter, The Tribune The Leon Turnquest Award for Sports Print Journalism Nominees: 1 – Renaldo Dorsett – sports reporter, The Tribune 2 – Randy Smith – sports reporter, The Nassau Guardian Website of the Year Nominees: 1 - Natario McKenzie justbiz242.com 2 – Ianthia Smith –freelance journalist Social media award: bloggers, podcasters, live
streaming, etc Nominees: 1 - Natario McKenzie justbiz242.com 2 - 10th Year Seniors 3 – Frecinda S Mullings – writer, producer, social media comedian 4 - Ianthia Smith – freelance journalist 5 – Stephen Hanna – journalist, social media 6 - Rossano Deal video editor, The Nassau Guardian The Award for Best Television News Story Nominees: 1 - Kyle Walkine – anchor/reporter, Our News/ The Nassau Guardian 2 – Genea Noel-Ferguson – reporter/anchor, ZNS 3 – Karissma Robinson - news anchor/journalist, ZNS The Leslie Higgs Feature Writer of the Year Award Nominees: 1 – Alesha Cadet – features reporter, The Tribune 2 - Jessica Robertson journalist/marketing/ advertising/PR 3 - Jeffarah Gibson – features reporter, The Tribune 4 - Jayme C Pinder – staff reporter, The Nassau Guardian 5 - Travis Cartwright-Carroll – senior reporter, The Nassau Guardian The Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Excellence in Health Promotion Award Nominees: 1 – Ava Turnquest - chief reporter, The Tribune 2 - Shavaughn Moss
- lifestyles editor, The Nassau Guardian 3 – Shenique Miller journalist/talk show host – Guardian Radio 4 – LeDaunne Davis – anchor/reporter, ZNS Best Television Documentary Nominees: 1 – Andrew Burrows – ZNS 2 – Prof Winston Mitchell - professor media journalism, University of The Bahamas Best Editing for Television News Story or Documentary Nominees: 1 – Andrew Burrows - ZNS 2 – Rossano Deal – social media editor, The Nassau Guardian 3 – Winston Mitchell – professor media journalism, University of The Bahamas The P Anthony White Award for Columnist of the Year Nominees: 1 - Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya – columnist, The Tribune 2 - Alicia Wallace – columnist, The Tribune University of the Bahamas Best Feature Story and Best Hard News Story TV/ Radio (UB Students Only) Nominees: 1 – Dawn Munroe - student, media journalism, University of The Bahamas 2 – Leah Cooper – student, media journalism, University of The Bahamas 3 – Andrea Darville student, media journalism, University of The Bahamas.
ABOVE and right, members of the Women’s Corona Society at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas for an elegant afternoon of culture. More than 50 members and friends were fortunate enough to view the Thierry Lamar exhibit with the artist stopping by to discuss his work with our members. NAGB tour guides were also on hand to tour the exhibitions on both floors and answer questions. All agreed it was a wonderful event. Following the art tour, afternoon tea was served on the balcony of the beautifully restored Bahamian home which
houses the Art Gallery. The Bahamian breezes made it very comfortable as the ladies sipped tea, enjoyed a variety of excellent sandwiches and cakes while chatting with friends. Various members and
local businesses donated Raffle prizes which helped raise more funds for our charities. A different “welcome back “ event after our summer break which members seemed to thoroughly enjoy.
Rotary Club of Old Fort Rotary Club of Old Fort. - Marvin H. Dames, Minister of National Security will address the Rotary Club of Old Fort next Wednesday, November 15, at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Old Fort Bay Clubhouse. His topic will be “The importance of the relationship between civic society and a reduction in crime”. The meeting is also open to the public.
Women’s Corona Society Women’s Corona Society. - The Women’s Corona Society came together at
JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, November 10, 2017, PAGE 11
GOP FALLOUT OVER MOORE SEX CLAIMS
TRIBUTES left for victims of the massacre at the Sutherland Springs church where a gunman killed 25 people - including a pregnant woman.
Church in Texas massacre to be demolished - pastor SUTHERLAND SPRINGS Texas Associated Press THE Texas church where more than two dozen people were killed by a gunman during Sunday services will be demolished, the pastor said. Pastor Frank Pomeroy told leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention earlier this week that it would be too painful to continue using First Baptist Church as a place of worship. Pomeroy discussed the state of the building with the denomination’s top executives, who traveled to the rural community in a show of support, a national Southern Baptist spokesman said. The pastor described the church as “too stark of a reminder” of the massacre, spokesman Sing Oldham said. No final decisions can be made
without consulting congregants, but Pomeroy discussed turning the site into a memorial for the dead and putting up a new building on property the church owns, Oldham said. Charlene Uhl, mother of 16-yearold Haley Krueger, who died in the attack, agreed that the church should come down. There should still be a church “but not here,” she said Thursday as she visited a row of white crosses commemorating the victims in front of the building. She said her daughter attended worship services and a weekly Thursday night youth group meeting held by another victim, Karla Holcombe. Jeannie Brown, visiting from Indiana, stopped at the site with her daughter, who used to live in Sutherland Springs but left decades ago for San Antonio. Asked whether the church should be destroyed, Brown said: “Yes. Who would want to go back
in there? But then if it is destroyed, does that mean he (the gunman) won?” Other sites of mass shootings have been torn down, including Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults in December 2012. A new school was built elsewhere. A one-room Amish schoolhouse near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was torn down in 2006, 10 days after an assailant took children hostage and shot and killed five girls ages 6 to 13. The previous site of the school is now a pasture. A nearly identical schoolhouse with a security fence was erected nearby and named New Hope School. The father of the gunman broke the family’s silence and said his relatives are grieving. Michael Kelley spoke to ABC News on Wednesday from his home
in New Braunfels, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of Sutherland Springs. He said he does not want the “media circus” surrounding the attack by Devin Patrick Kelley to destroy “our lives, our grandchildren’s lives”. A motive remains unclear, but the younger Kelley appears to have targeted the church because it was attended by his wife’s family. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being shot and chased by two residents when he was leaving the church, authorities said. The gunman shot and killed 25 people at the church. Authorities have put the official toll at 26, because one of the victims was pregnant. All the victims died at the scene, except for one child who died at a hospital. Eleven people remained hospitalised Thursday with wounds they suffered in the attack.
RUSSIA’S TWITTER DEFLECTION AFTER TRUMP’S CRUDE COMMENTS ON TAPE SAN FRANCISCO Associated Press DISGUISED Russian agents on Twitter rushed to deflect scandalous news about Donald Trump just before last year’s presidential election while straining to refocus criticism on the mainstream media and Hillary Clinton’s campaign, according to an Associated Press analysis of since-deleted accounts. Tweets by Russia-backed accounts such as “America_1st_” and “BatonRougeVoice” on Oct 7, 2016, actively pivoted away from news of an audio recording in which Trump made crude comments about groping women, and instead touted damaging emails hacked from Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta. Since early this year, the extent of Russian intrusion to help Trump and hurt Clinton in the election has been the subject of
both congressional scrutiny and a criminal investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. In particular, those investigations are looking into the possibility of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians. AP’s analysis illuminates the obvious strategy behind the Russian cyber meddling: swiftly react, distort and distract attention from any negative Trump news. The AP examined 36,210 tweets from Aug 31, 2015, to Nov 10, 2016, posted by 382 of the Russian accounts that Twitter shared with congressional investigators last week. Twitter deactivated the accounts, deleting the tweets and making them inaccessible on the internet. But a limited selection of the accounts’ Twitter activity was retrieved by matching account handles against an archive obtained by AP. “MSM (the mainstream
media) is at it again with Billy Bush recording ... What about telling Americans how Hillary defended a rapist and later laughed at his victim?” tweeted the America_1st— account, which had 25,045 followers at its peak, according to metadata in the archive. The tweet went out the afternoon of Oct 7, just hours after The Washington Post broke the story about Trump’s comments to Bush, then host of “Access Hollywood,” about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, saying, “when you’re a star, they let you do it.” Within an hour of the Post’s story, WikiLeaks unleashed its own bombshell about hacked email from Podesta’s account, a release the Russian accounts had been foreshadowing for days. “WikiLeaks’ Assange signals release of documents before US election,” tweeted both
“SpecialAffair” and “ScreamyMonkey” within a second of each other on Oct 4. “SpecialAffair,” an account describing itself as a “Political junkie in action,” had 11,255 followers at the time. “ScreamyMonkey,” self-described as a “First frontier.News aggregator,” had 13,224. Both accounts were created within three days of each other in late December 2014. Twitter handed over the handles of 2,752 accounts it identified as coming from Russia’s Internet Research Agency to congressional investigators ahead of the social media giant’s Oct 31 and Nov 1 appearances on Capitol Hill. It said 9 percent of the tweets were election-related but didn’t make the tweets themselves public. That makes the archive the AP obtained the most comprehensive historical picture so far of Russian activity on Twitter in the crucial run-up to the Nov 8, 2016, vote.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore faces lurid allegations of sexual misconduct with minors decades ago — with party leaders demanding he get out of the race if the accusations prove true. The fallout followed a Washington Post report in which an Alabama woman said Moore, then a 32-year-old assistant district attorney, had sexual contact with her when she was 14. Three other women interviewed by the Post said Moore, now 70, approached them when they were between the ages of 16 and 18 and he was in his early 30s. The Moore campaign denied the report as “the very definition of fake news and intentional defamation”. Senior Republicans, including President Donald Trump, swiftly called for Moore to step aside from the Senate race if the allegations are shown to be true.
SCORES MORE SAUDIS HELD IN CORRUPTION SWEEP RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Dozens more people have been taken into custody by Saudi authorities, the kingdom said Thursday, bringing to 201 the number detained in a sweep that investigators say has uncovered at least $100bn in corruption. Saudi critics and experts have called the unprecedented purge of top princes and businessmen a bold and risky move by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at consolidating power as he keeps an eye on the throne, sidelining potential rivals and dismantling alliances built with other branches of the royal family. The sweep comes at a time of increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and its main regional rival, Iran, over the ongoing conflict and suffering in Yemen and a newly erupting political crisis in Lebanon.
NEIGHBOUR DENIES ATTACK ON SENATOR BOWLING GREEN, Ky (AP) — US Sen Rand Paul’s long-time neighbor pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he assaulted the Kentucky Republican while the senator was mowing his lawn. Rene Boucher faces up to a year in jail if convicted of fourth-degree assault. Paul, who was not at the hearing, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that he suffered six broken ribs and has excess fluid around his lungs. The injuries have sidelined Paul from the Senate as he recovers at his home.
PAGE 12, Friday, November 10, 2017
THE TRIBUNE