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VOLUME:115 No.20, DECEMBER 18TH, 2017
HO US E & 16 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
SPORTS: SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS REVEALED - PAGE 15
PAGES
Time to charge marital rapists Minister backs UN official’s call for change By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net STATE Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson supports enacting legislation that criminalises marital rape, he said yesterday. Although he could not comment on the government’s official position on the matter, he said he “holds fast to (his) belief” that “sexual intercourse without consent in any form is rape.” His statement came two days after United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Du
A PROMINENT QC has been blasted for failing to disclose his “conflict of interest” over a real estate transaction involving a “sometime client” serving a 15-year prison sentence. The Court of Appeal found Elliot Lockhart QC had failed to inform Clifford Dean, who had
been convicted of “drug offences”, that he was also the president, director and a beneficial owner of the company seeking to acquire the latter’s real estate in a $250,000 deal. Mr Lockhart, who was acting for both vendor and purchaser, was also criticised by an earlier Supreme Court verdict over the same transaction. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
GUNMAN SHOT DEAD AFTER OPENING FIRE ON OFFICERS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
IN the the fifth policeinvolved killing in a month, police shot and killed a man Friday after he allegedly opened fire at them. During the man’s attempt to evade apprehension, police said, he collided into a vehicle, exited his car and fired a shot in the direction of the officers. “Officers being in fear for their lives returned fire,” Assistant Commissioner Clayton Fernander said. “The individual ran a short distance where he collapsed. A weapon was recovered — a pistol fully loaded — from that scene.” SEE PAGE THREE
S&P RATING ‘NO CAUSE TO CELEBRATE’
bravka Šimonovic address ed the hot-button issue in a press conference where she said the legality of marital rape in The Bahamas is “a sign that something is deeply wrong.” Ms Šimonovic is expected to present her report on the status of human rights in the country when she addresses the UN Human Rights Council in June. Her report will focus on women and children. Mr Johnson said a landmark Privy Council case in 1991 called “R v R” made the convincing case for criminalising spousal rape. SEE PAGE FIVE
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Chester Cooper yesterday challenged the Minnis administration to “take a more proactive role” when courting investment opportunities. In a statement released in the wake of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) decision to uphold the country’s sovereign credit rating Mr Cooper cautioned celebrating the credit rating agency’s decision, insisting work still needs to be done as the country looks to sidestep further downgrades in the coming months.
QC BLASTED OVER ROLE IN PROPERTY DEAL By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
HOME
SEE PAGE EIGHT
ISLANDS STEP UP MIGRANT SEA PATROLS CHILDREN enjoying a carnival hosted over the weekend by Island Luck Cares Foundation. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
WHAT’S GOING ON AT SCHOONER BAY? SPECIAL REPORT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net AN Abaco couple have slammed Schooner Bay’s “arrogance” in evicting them from their farm in a dispute stemming from the controversial licencing of 100 Crown Land acres to a foreign developer. Glen Kelly told Tribune Business that agents for the south Abaco project gave
his wife, Tracy, by evicting just five minBahamian utes’ notice entreprethat the water neurs from supply to their Crown Land seven-acre property that hydroponic is supposed farm would be to be used SCHOONER BAY cut off, ending for the “bena two-and-aefit” of locals. half year fight to remain on Tribune Business has the property. obtained documents which Their eviction, in late raise questions as to whether November, has reignited the licence terms have been the furore surrounding breached and how the Crown whether Schooner Bay Ven- Land came to be licenced. tures is violating its licence FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Immigration is “tightening up” its efforts in the capital and on the Family Islands after receiving information that more migrant sloops “are on the way,” according to Kirklyn Neely, head of the department’s Enforcement Unit. In a recent interview with The Tribune, Mr Neely said 114 illegal migrants, who were captured in the past few days, will be repatriated to Haiti today. “We got some information that more boats are on the way, so we have to be prepared for that,” Mr Neely said. SEE PAGE FIVE
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 18, 2017, PAGE 3
A BODY is taken away after a gunman was shot by police. A second person was in police custody.
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
GUNMAN SHOT DEAD AFTER OPENING FIRE ON OFFICERS from page one
Police said they had issued a bulletin earlier Friday for a sky blue Nissan Bluebird self-drive – or rental – vehicle with two suspicious looking men seen in the Palmdale area. Police later encountered the men and their vehicle around 7pm in the Homestead and Minnie Streets area when the chaos erupted. A .45 Austria Glock pistol and a magazine with ammunition was recovered from the scene, police said. The other passenger in the car was arrested.
He said the rash of recent police-involved killings reflect increased aggressiveness of suspects toward authorities. “I must praise the officers because they are on the alert,” he said. “We want to give God the thanks for guiding us and for keeping us safe that the shoe was on the other foot because it could’ve been different.” He said police have “emptied all of the offices from police headquarters down to the divisions” and are out on the scene. The coroner and her team visited the scene. The deceased has been identified as Marc Charles.
The scene of the incident drew numerous onlookers, including several mourners who hollered out. “That’s my brother,” one woman screamed. “I want to see him. These sissy police take him down. I woulda been happy if the streets took him.” Meanwhile Mona Barr, the mother of one of Mr Charles’ daughters, contested the police version of events yesterday, insisting there are eyewitnesses who could contradict police claims. Mr Charles had two other children, she said, a one-year-old and a tenmonth-old baby girl.
ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander speaks to the media on the recent police -nvolved homicide.
THREE AMERICAN WOMEN HELD AFTER COCAINE DISCOVERY By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THREE American women were arrested at Freeport Harbour in separate incidents on Friday and Saturday after they were caught with a combined amount of $100,000 worth of suspected cocaine strapped on their bodies. According to police shortly before 7pm Friday, a 60-year-old American female presented
herself at a security checkpoint at the Freeport Harbour. When she was searched, she was found in possession of 2.5lbs of suspected cocaine taped to her waist with a street value of $25,000. A day later, shortly after 5pm Saturday two women, both 39, of Pompano Beach, Florida, were also at a security checkpoint at the harbour when authorities discovered taped packages of suspected drugs on their bodies.
Asst Supt Terecita Pinder said the packages weighed a total of 9lbs, 9oz and have a street value of $75,000. She said both women were preparing to board a ferry to Fort Lauderdale. In another incident, shortly before 10pm Friday, police in Abaco while on routine mobile patrol in the area of Oleander Street, Dundas Town, saw two males who ran on seeing the police. Officers gave chase and captured one of the
suspects who was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana. He was arrested and taken into police custody. Shortly after 10pm, officers of Rapid Response Unit while in the area of East Sunrise Highway in Grand Bahama arrested a 28-yearold male of Mayfield Park, who was found in possession of 10 plastic bags of suspected marijuana. The suspects are all expected to be arraigned early this week.
PAGE 4, Monday, December 18, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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After Alabama, Gillibrand’s star begins to rise THE stunning win for Democrat Doug Jones in last week’s Alabama Senate election represents different things to different American political actors. US President Trump, who had held a rally in support of polariSing GOP candidate Roy Moore just before the election, typically blamed everyone but himself. National Republican leaders seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at Moore’s defeat. They would likely have acquiesced in an unprecedented ethics inquiry into Moore as soon as he took office, given the credible charges against him of inappropriate sexual contact with women and underage girls. The controversial Moore would have remained in the spotlight, giving the Democrats an easy, visible target for their efforts to rally women voters away from Republican candidates next year and potentially in 2020. For Democrats, Jones’ victory narrows the Republican margin of control in the Senate to 51-49, counting the Independent Bernie Sanders in the Democratic column. Democrats have been able to close ranks and hold together on major votes since Trump was elected and, with a few Republican defections, have managed to defeat repeal of the Affordable Care Act among other defensive legislative triumphs. While Democratic chances of capturing the upper house of the US legislature are problematic next year because of which states are voting for the Senate in 2018, the Jones win certainly makes a Democratic takeover somewhat more likely. The Alabama result may reveal more significant trends. First, contrary to the expectations of many, black voters turned out in significant numbers for Jones. African-Americans made up 30 percent of Alabama voters in this election, and they really counted. Political strategists in the US have long presumed that in non-presidential election years, blacks would not consistently show up and vote. In Virginia and now Alabama this year, they have defied those expectations. Given the nature of the Moore candidacy, and especially his dismissive and almost contemptuous denials of the sexual misconduct charges against him, it is not too surprising that women supported his opponent. Especially with suburban white women, who have supported Trump last year and Republicans more generally, Jones and
the Democrats made real, significant advances. Better educated voters supported the Democrats, as has been the case in most recent elections. But the most meaningful result of the Alabama election may turn out to be something else. The Democrats may have discovered their candidate for 2020. She is New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Trump and his son Eric have both excoriated Gillibrand since last week’s election. In response to her calls for Trump himself to be investigated for sexual misconduct and even to resign in response to charges against him, as have Democratic Senator Al Franken and Congressman John Conyers, Trump and his son tweeted their recollection that Gillibrand as a candidate often approached them for political donations. Donald Trump said she “begged” for the money, and would do “anything” for it. The salacious sexual innuendo was hard to miss. The Trumps may come to regret this. Particularly during a period when sexual predation has become a major national political issue, their attacks have elevated New York’s junior senator to unprecedented prominence. It is thus instructive to recall Gillibrand’s political history. The previous high point occurred in late 2008. Barack Obama had then just been elected president. He decided to appoint New York Senator Hillary Clinton to the position of Secretary of State. Speculation raged around whom then Governor David Patterson would appoint to replace her. New York’s numerous major Democratic power brokers each had their own nominee. Some additional candidates put themselves forward. An internecine blood bath loomed. But none occurred. The governor picked a relatively little known Democratic congresswoman with deep New York state political roots from a conservative, formerly safe Republican district in the Hudson River valley south of Albany. The furore subsided, almost immediately. Kirsten Gillibrand has been in the Senate ever since, last retaining her seat in 2012 by the largest margin ever racked up in a New York statewide election. No Republican has yet come forth to oppose her re-election next year. She is a prodigious fund raiser with potentially broad centrist appeal. It would be unwise to bet against her now.
Haitian nationality EDITOR, The Tribune. WE have been quick to speak of the constitutional rights the children of illegal immigrants have regarding citizenship in The Bahamas, but one crucial point has been overlooked, the children of illegal Haitians are in fact Haitian citizens. Article 11 of the Haitian Constitution states that “Any person born of a Haitian father or Haitian mother who are themselves native-born Haitians and have never renounced their nationality possesses Haitian nationality at the time of birth”. Article 12 states that “any Haitian, except for the privileges reserved to Haitians of origin, is subject to all the right, duties and obligations attached to their Haitian nationality. No Haitian can make their foreign nationality prevail on the territory of the Republic”. Article 41 states that “No
person of Haitian nationality may be deported or forced to leave the national territory for any reason. No one may be deprived for political reasons of his legal capacity and his nationality. (41-1) No Haitian needs a visa to leave or return to the country”. Every child born to an illegal Haitian should have gotten their passport through the Haitian embassy. The failure to do so does not make them stateless, it makes their parents negligent. That negligence does not entitle them to Bahamian citizenship automatically. The government of The Bahamas has the right to deport all illegal Haitians and their children back to Haiti and the Haitian constitution constrains that government to accept their citizens. Their failure to do so allows us to use avenues through international law to seek resolution. There are also a variety of economic
sanctions that might encourage that government to cooperate in accepting their citizens back. Additionally, the government should amend our Immigration laws to deprive those here illegally of the right to apply for citizenship. It saddens me that we allow our countries resources and people to be exploited by the burden of illegal immigrants. It is also sad that with the bevy of legal minds in this country, including constitutional lawyers, that our nation finds itself in it current state regarding immigration. It is unfortunate that those elected to serve the people of The Bahamas are not the ones making the information in this letter public and taking the necessary actions in the national interest. JB Nassau, December 15, 2017.
How did the sloop get past? EDITOR, The Tribune. RBDF .... Haitian sloops ability to get through from Haiti to downtown Nassau or RBDF Coral Harbour. Whether or not RBDF are patrolling the west side of New Providence really is immaterial as the wind powered sailing sloop had by then, approaching Coral harbour or Clifton, avoided being sighted the whole length of The Bahamas, well virtually. In flying time, some two plus hours. Just how is the question. A sloop with bright red
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net sails - and sloop sails are not small - not seen by a member of the general public let alone a RBDF Patrol boat or aircraft is the issue. Was there no RBDF patrol craft west of Inagua and Cay Sal or along the east coast of Andros and the approaches to New Providence for probably a period of four to five days as the sloop was sailing by? I agree with the
Commodore, did the public or marines assist? This is serious and here an investigation has to be undertaken and rules established if Marines are texting or messaging traffickers the operational patrols of the RBDF. An immediate precaution should be that on base and on patrol no RBDF Officer, marine may carry a cellphone ... leave cells at the Guard gate. W THOMPSON Nassau, December 13, 2017.
Missing the basics EDITOR, The Tribune. Re: Ashore – And More Heading This Way. The Tribune, December 12, 2017. LET’S see now - a slowly moving wooden sailboat, cleverly disguised to look exactly like a derelict Haitian sloop loaded with illegal immigrants, painted bright blue and sporting patched, white, orange and red sails, was able to meander undetected over
hundreds of miles through this country for several days. It then successfully landed its human cargo very near to the RBDF base on New Providence - the second such known incident within the last few weeks! The invading illegal immigrants are clearly very familiar with the weaknesses of our border protection capabilities, which they seem to penetrate with alarming ease and
increasing boldness. Perhaps some detainees could be persuaded to kindly teach our Immigration Dept, RBPF & RBDF a few basic lessons in evasion tactics, navigation & seamanship. This should include actually going out to sea on effective patrols, and of course, this could be with the ‘assistance’ of the USCG. KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, December 14, 2017.
Make a donation too EDITOR, The Tribune. WE are down to the last few days before Christmas. It’s the best time of the year. People are winding down. There are parties everywhere. People are buying gifts. People are waiting for the big day to get together with family and close friends. Those of us who have jobs should take a little time to look out for those who are struggling. There
are people who have been unemployed for a long time; or people who are sick; or people who have fallen on hard times for other reasons. If you have some extra in your pocket, make a donation too this year. Find a good charity like the Salvation Army or the Ranfurly Homes for Children and give something. You could also do something more personal. If there is someone you know who is on
hard times, help that person out. The season is about giving and kindness – something too many of us forget too often. Give to those beyond your immediate circle this year. Put a smile on the face of a less-fortunate person who isn’t expecting a kind gesture. MARTHA S GREENE Nassau, December 15, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 18, 2017, PAGE 5
Time to charge marital rapists from page one was made on marital rape because the times have changed and we have to move with it,” he told The Tribune on Sunday. “Cave man days are over where a lady is seen as property and her body, her will and right to choose belongs to her owner. You don’t own anybody.” He said legislation criminalising marital rape, if brought, should be consistent with penalties on the books now for rape, including the possibility of life in prison for the people convicted. The Ingraham administration aimed to criminalise all forms of marital rape in 2009 but the plan faced immense pushback and prompted uproar from religious leaders and many Bahamians. The Marital Rape Bill was ultimately shelved. Nonetheless, Ms Šimonovic revealed on Friday that in her discussions with the Office of the Attorney General she understood
DUBRAVKA ŠIMONOVIC that “necessary revisions are currently under consideration”. Attorney General Carl Bethel could not be reached yesterday for his comment. In 2013, thenAttorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson told the
Human Rights Council in Geneva that the Christie administration was considering criminalising marital rape, but no decision appeared to have been made during the previous term.
And while the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) opposed the Ingraham administration’s efforts to outlaw spousal rape, former BCC President Dr Ranford Patterson said in 2013 that the organisation would support such legislation if emerges again. However, later that year some pastors were up in arms over false rumours the Christie administration’s amendments to the Sexual Offences Act would sneak in provisions that criminalise marital rape, highlighting the religious community’s divide on the issue as recently as 2013. Yesterday, current BCC president Bishop Delton Fernander said he would not give his personal view but will poll members of his organisation to see what their current position is. As a physician, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday he encountered women who were sexually abused in the context of their marriage. “It is not lost on me that there is significant controversy about the issue of rape within the context of
marriage,” he said. “That has been a matter that has created a firestorm, debate, discussion, commentary but it is a matter that has to be ventilated publicly and not just because the international community is looking, but because we want to do what is right for the people of The Bahamas.” Deputy director of the Crisis Centre Donna Nicholls said marital rape is prevalent in The Bahamas. Women, she said, seek counseling and call the centre’s hotline for help but do not come out publicly with their stories. “The perception in the country keeps women trapped,” she said. “The silence enables the behaviour along with the concept that once you’re married your body belongs to your spouse. We have to disrupt the dysfunctional narrative and see this for what it is. It’s a real thing that affects the lives of many, many women every single day.” As an example of how marital rape can manifest, Mrs Nicholls said: “If you’re in a marriage and you don’t want your marriage
to end for whatever reason but you know your husband has been unfaithful and has children outside marriage or you know he stays out late every night so you say look, ‘I know of your indiscretions so you need to use a condom to have sex with me’. He may say, ‘A condom with my wife? Your body belongs to me. You can’t deny me of my conjugal rights.’ I use that example because I know that’s the most common example.” According to the Sexual Offences Act, a person could face up to 15 years in prison if sex is forced on their spouse under circumstances where there is a decree of divorce, judicial separation, a separation agreement or where the perpetrator has notice that such petitions have been presented to a court. Rape, according to that act which was enacted in 1991, is the “act of any person not under fourteen years of age having sexual intercourse with another person who is not his spouse” without their consent. • See page 13 for more
ISLANDS STEP UP MIGRANT SEA PATROLS
from page one
“We expect to see more boats before Christmas and so we have our eyes and ears out in Nassau and in the Family Islands. We still have 179 illegal Haitian migrants at the Detention Centre and we will be sending 114 of them back to Haiti on a Bahamasair flight on Monday at 8.30. As it relates to the latest boat, we still have no idea how many persons were on the boat but we do know we have the captain of the boat and we expect to get more information from him.” Last Monday, Mr Neely said officials are bracing themselves for an “influx of illegals,” as the holiday season “usually sees about three to four” Haitian sloops illegally land throughout the islands. His comments came after a boat “loaded” with Haitian migrants landed near Clifton Pier about three miles from Coral Harbour. This was the second time in a month that an illegal sloop landed near the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s (RBDF) Coral
Harbour Base. The illegal landing prompted Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis to call for “heads to roll”, saying an explanation is needed from authorities. Immigration officers and other authorities spent last Monday combing the area for the migrants. The RBDF said 57 people - 43 men, 11 women and three children - were taken into custody last Monday and transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. In November, a large empty sloop was discovered on the shoreline of Adelaide Beach. Despite extensive searches, immigration officials said no one from that boat was captured. At the time, Immigration Director William Pratt said he “had no idea” how such a large sloop could land so close to the RBDF’s base and go undetected, but suggested the RBDF should perhaps “improve their surveillance.” Authorities believe the immigrants who landed at the time had help from people already on New
Providence and warned anyone who was found to be hiding them would be jailed, fined or both. Last month, Mr Neely estimated between 150 to 250 undocumented migrants were on board the sloop. The hunt for the migrants began on November 12 when the RBDF said it was investigating reports of a wooden Haitian sloop landing in the southwest area of New Providence. Last month, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said the Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, adding it is not possible to identify every vessel that comes through its borders. “I can tell you from personal experience I’ve had many trips when I was in the police force running operations, you can go out for hours and not see anything, land, boats, or anything else. For someone to think that every vessel that comes through here should be identified, that’s not humanly possible,” Mr Dames said at the time.
A SLOOP that was found on the shoreline of Adelaide Village last month.
PAGE 8, Monday, December 18, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
S&P Rating ‘no cause to celebrate’ from page one
Mr Cooper insisted S&P simply acknowledged the viability of Baha Mar and its contribution to the economy, adding with the openings of the Grand Hyatt and the SLS, and the Rosewood to come, analysts and investors are more optimistic on The Bahamas’ prospects. “Ensuring the success of this project is critical to the Bahamas and the government should keep a keen eye and a helpful hand waiting with regard to the continued health of Baha Mar,” Mr Cooper noted. “It is hoped that the government is receptive to S&P’s advice and analysis on the need to focus on economic growth.” Mr Cooper said so far over the course of its term in office, the government has appointed a committee on the ease of doing business. However, he noted it remains critical for that committee’s approach to be a comprehensive one inclusive of small and medium-sized local businesses. “The Minnis administration must take a more
proactive role in actually courting foreign direct investment (FDI) and local direct investment (LDI), while ensuring Bahamian participation. We have heard many allusions to FDI, but little in the way of solid indicators that investment is being actively courted or is on the way,” Mr Cooper stated. “There has been no update in Parliament or in the general public about what can be expected in terms of FDI throughout The Bahamas. Even without confirmation that the credit rating remains at junk, the economy remains anaemic. There is little hope for the jobless and there has been nothing tangible articulated as to a plan for Grand Bahama, which is in dire straits.” He added: “There has also been nothing communicated about continued mortgage relief for homeowners facing foreclosure or this administration’s commitment to those homeowners.” Mr Cooper said the PLP has repeatedly called on the Minnis administration to communicate a clear plan for growth and economic recovery. He added that to date
those requests have not been met as the government continues to operate without solutions. He said he is hopeful that in 2018, the Minnis administration would produce a “fresh perspective” and an understanding that no matter how deep spending is slashed in the public sector to improve the country’s deficit on paper, it will not translate to economic growth or jobs. In an interview with Tribune Business last week, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest confirmed that S&P’s decision was due in part to the agency’s want to see the Minnis administration deliver on its economic revival and fiscal consolidation plans before returning The Bahamas’ creditworthiness to ‘investment grade’. The agency also held the country’s “stable” longterm outlook due to the government’s “solid mandate to facilitate economic and debt stabilisation.” S&P also warned that it could further slash The Bahamas’ credit rating over “the next one to two years” if the government’s finances “do not improve as quickly as expected”.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife, Patricia, with Bahamas ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie, left. Photo: Yontalay Bowe
PM REACHES OUT TO INVESTORS IN DC By MATT MAURA Bahamas Information Services THE government has undertaken a programme of long-term economic growth in order to reduce unemployment and to move the country’s economy along a path of “more dynamic and sustainable growth,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said on Saturday. His remarks came at a reception in Washington, on the heels of The Bahamas maintaining a stable outlook from the international credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) during its most recent assessment of the country. Dr Minnis arrived in DC on Friday. Among other items on his schedule, he courted overseas Bahamian investors; overseas investors who are friends of The Bahamas and those of Bahamian heritage who are not Bahamian citizens, but who have family ties to The Bahamas. Addressing the reception
for local Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas, Dr Minnis said his administration will “early next year” announce a number of exciting investment prospects for the country, including Grand Bahama. He also announced that administration officials will launch targeted investment and trade missions to various geographic regions “in due course”. “There is a new Bahamas emerging. I invite you to be a part of the transformation that will help to make the Islands of The Bahamas a more dynamic and vibrant country,” Dr Minnis said. He also said his administration’s programme of reform and transformation includes innovative thinking about the role of government “as we create new and innovative partnerships for national development”. “We are stabilising public
finances and reforming government. We are ensuring the greater ease of doing business for Bahamians and foreign investors,” Dr Minnis told the gathering. “The Bahamas has a highly favourable investment regime. We are cutting the red tape and too often long waiting times for international investment projects to be vetted and approved.” Dr Minnis was accompanied by his wife Patricia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield and Mrs Henfield. The reception was held in the George Washington Room of the St Regis Hotel. Bahamas ambassador to the United States Sidney Collie, Mrs Collie, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the consular corps and others attended the reception.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
THE CARMICHAEL Road Detention Centre.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Time is drawing nigh on Minnis’ immigration policy By MALCOLM STRACHAN
we can’t even stick together long enough to tackle an LESS than two weeks issue that we should all be away from the December 31 able to agree has a broadly deadline placed on undocu- negative effect on Bahamented immigrants to mian life. On one hand, there is the either become regularised Opposition Leader, Philip or leave the country, and all Bahamians are watching to ‘Brave’ Davis, obviously see if the Minnis adminis- suffering from a case of tration is ready to put their amnesia again, insisting the money where their mouth current government has to get a handle on illegal is. This is almost like betting immigration. However, we on the underdog at the race wonder where was this zeal track, except the stakes in when he was the nation’s number two and we had this regard are way higher. Citizens of this coun- the same long-standing try are no strangers to immigration issues? Unless the politicising of our the rest of us are delunational issues. It is per- sional, for the majority of haps nowhere more vexing his career in public life, illegal immithan when has it comes to We have entered gration always been immigration. an issue. Yet, Consequently, an era to he still seeks the critics which we don’t to absolve his will undoubtparty at every edly be ready believe what opportunity to crucify a government and make it the governa partisan ment if they says without issue. do not follow It is this through with seeing they are same kind of their tough following some mischief that talk. causes us to With recent sort of plan. as a Haitian Further, we do stumble country. At sloops landa time when not just want ing illegally solutions smuggling to see stop-gap should be anywhere offered by from 300- measures. those who 400 Haitian are supposed migrants into the country – might we add both in to be the nation’s greatvery close proximity to the est political minds, we are RBDF base at Coral Har- instead subjected to a juvebour - the pressure could nile game of tit-for-tat. While the Progressive not be any higher for an administration still trying Liberal Party may want to secure its footing in to lay the foundation for an election run in 2022, government. The prime minister must the nation would benefit know that with every hand much greater as a whole if that ticks around the clock, they were to lend strategic the populace is eager to expertise for the best way see how he handles this. forward in dealing with this At this time, no one really mammoth task. Unfortunately, they don’t knows what to expect once the December 31 dead- seem to be interested in line comes and goes. One anything of the sort. It’s along those lines that thing is for certain - there former Immigration Miniswill probably be no illegal migrants leaving of their ter Fred Mitchell’s attempt own volition. After paying to blame the current Minthousands of dollars and ister of Transport and taking a death-defying Local Government for the journey to escape what was recent landings of Haitian most likely a life of poverty sloops was equally basein Haiti, the undocumented less and severely lacking in migrants living in the coun- character. Truthfully, we have try are not going to leave come to appreciate these willingly. This leaves the question types of statements are – how far is the government typical of Fred Mitchell. prepared to go in its efforts But as easy as it is to get to rid the country of ille- caught up in the political gals? We are talking about mudslinging, we must all potentially tens of thou- stay focused. When the prime minsands of desperate people ister makes his national here – people who have shown every indication they address to begin the new are prepared to risk their year, we expect him to give lives in a hopeful search of us insight into the governa better one. Meanwhile, ment’s plans. More than
trying to make the headlines with announcements that barely scratch the surface, the Bahamian people require the government to introduce more detailed strategies into the national discourse. While the economy, crime, rebuilding Ragged Island, revitalising Freeport, anti-corruption – to name a few - will all be hot button items immigration may top the list as the timing of it falls in line with his October announcement. Bahamian citizens are going to be looking beyond press releases filled with statistics of the number of illegal migrants apprehended and deported. We have entered an era to which we don’t believe what a government says without seeing they are following some sort of plan. Further, we do not just want to see stop-gap measures. We want to know the 5 Ws and H of the government’s plans for the country. While there was some explanation to why the
two Haitian sloops were able to traverse through our waters and offload hundreds of illegals mere miles off the western end of New Providence undetected, we are still concerned with the fact there is possibly some Bahamian assistance. Immigration is not solely a matter of protecting the waters. It requires the intelligence of our security arm to investigate and neutralise the system which allows the flow of illegal migrants to continue to exist and thrive as somewhat of an industry in the “dark economy”. Moreover, it requires diplomatic heads between The Bahamas and Haiti to meet and agree on the way forward. We cannot continue to operate as a haven for Haitian migrants to achieve the Bahamian dream, meanwhile the standard of living for Bahamians continues to deteriorate. While we may sympathise with the plight of Haitians, we are not
prepared to continue being so sympathetic to the detriment of our livelihoods any longer. It is simply a burden we cannot afford to take on. If this issue remains unimpeded and tensions continue to rise, we don’t know what we could be facing going forward. People living in this country have become much more aggressive and angry as life has become harder for the average and poor Bahamian. It is no mystery. We see how little a life is valued on our streets. And while many may point fingers at the influx of Haitians that would have come into the country over the years as the sole reason for the violence, we also offer that it is the increased difficulties on Bahamian life that may also be an equal contributor. What we have here is a powder keg just waiting to explode. Undoubtedly, we can rest assured the humility and mild manners that existed
within illegal migrants circa 1990 is long gone. Their numbers have increased, as well as their aggression and disdain toward Bahamians whom they see as being insensitive to their hardship. If you recall, it was just a few years ago when the infamous threat from a Haitian man was made towards all Bahamians, letting us know not to underestimate them. And we certainly should not because a desperate man can make for a dangerous one. While we do not expect the tensions that exist between Haitians and Bahamians to result in ethnic violence any time soon, it is possibility we cannot ignore if successive governments continue to stall on the issue. We must not be so idealistic in thinking the worst could never happen. Because it can, and history has taught us this many times. However, we pray that this time we will get it right.
PAGE 10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Good news or bad we just need to be told W
HAT has become of the report of a Jamaican Commission that reviewed the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)? It has been almost nine months since the commission’s chairman, Bruce Golding, submitted the report to Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness on March 30. But, there has been silence ever since. Maybe, the report can be delivered by December 30 when the period of expectancy will have gone its full-term. The report is important. When Prime Minister Holness announced the formation of the Golding Commission in June 2016, he created a great deal of anticipation among supporters and detractors of CARICOM in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean Community. Among the tasks given to the commission were: • an evaluation of the effects that Jamaica’s participation in CARICOM has on its economic growth and development; • an analysis of CARICOM’s performance against the goals and objectives outlined in the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and identification of the causes of its shortcomings; • an assessment of the value of Jamaica’s membership in CARICOM on its influence in critical international fora and with third state trade and development partners; • and an assessment of whether the CARICOM dispute settlement provisions provide realistic options for settlement of
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
disputes for Jamaica. While many of the undertakings assigned to the Commission were centred on Jamaica in CARICOM, a review of CARICOM’s usefulness was a good thing. No organisation should be left in existence without a regular review of its relevance and usefulness. And CARICOM is too important an instrument for the well-being of the people of its member-states in the global community not to evaluate it dispassionately from time to time. That Prime Minister Holness appointed an impressive array of commission members from the private sector, academia, business, finance and trade unions, was all to the good. Especially helpful was that he entrusted the chairmanship to Golding, a former Prime Minister and seasoned politician, who had experienced the workings of CARICOM at the highest governmental level. I, for one, welcomed the commission and its work. Whatever were to be its findings, my view was that its report would produce a body of findings, based on evidence given by a range of Caribbean experts, that would be worthy of a constructive CARICOM-wide conversation. Indeed, the commission received oral and written evidence from many
persons with considerable experience of CARICOM and of integration. I was pleased to be among those who gave evidence and I know that the present and former SecretariesGeneral of CARICOM, including Jamaica-born Roderick Rainford; the Chairman of the 1992 West Indian Commission, Sir Shridath Ramphal; former Vice Chancellors of the University of the West Indies; and leaders of the Caribbean private sector also gave evidence. Therefore, whatever its content, the report is a very valuable tool for Jamaica and for CARICOM. It ought not to languish in the Cabinet office of Jamaica, particularly after Prime Minister Holness publicly placed a great deal of aptness and contemporary relevance on its work. At the time, the nationalists in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries wallowed in the belief that the report was commissioned as Jamaica’s “get-out” card from CARICOM, inured in the belief that regionalism is burdening national development. Their sentiment was reminiscent of Sir Alexander Bustamante’s admonition to the Jamaica people, at the referendum on the West Indian Federation, that “if you federate, all these little poor people from the small
JAMAICAN Prime Minister Andrew Holness, right. islands will come to take Caribbean Congress of your job in the cane piece”. Labour: “We must satisfy As it turned out, far fewer the growing ambition of our “small islanders” migrated people for an area of action to Jamaica than the number large enough for their creaof Jamaicans who migrated tive energies. We must to the small islands. create a large enough area, But, as Michael Manley small though it may be in pointed out: “Fear is a the face of the colossal who huge force in politics. He bestride the world today, who can manipulate fear but a large enough area to has a huge weapon in give us a voice and pull and politics.” power over those internaIt is time to put the fear tional affairs which, in the of CARICOM to an end, long run, determine the or, at the very least to peace and prosperity and debate it. That is why the the opportunity for happiGolding report should not ness of the people of these be shrouded in silence and lands.” hidden from public discusThat 1947 admonition sion. Whatever it says, it echoes with compelling should be placed in the meaning 70 years later as public domain. The people Caribbean countries are of CARICOM have a right marginalised in global to know what the commis- affairs; as the region sion found. The Jamaican confronts the relentless people particularly have juggernaut of climate that right since their taxes change and its ferocious paid for it. and destructive storms; Like every other nation, as large and powerful Jamaica is a country of countries and regions dicboth small-minded persons tate and impose terms in and persons of great vision finance, in trade, in taxaand even greater heart. As tion and in investment. far back as 1947, Jamaica’s In all of this, it is imporleaders were the fashion- tant to know what the ers of a Caribbean vision; Golding Commission no one more so than the found. Did it conclude that legendary Norman Manley there should be a “Jamwho, in that year, told the exit” from CARICOM?
Or did it reach the same conclusion that Caribbean leaders did after the collapse of the West Indian Federation which was: an arena of co-operation was essential between Caribbean countries if, individually and collectively, they are to command some attention and regard in the world. And, if their conclusion is the latter, then what did they recommend should be done with the structures of CARICOM to make integration work, regionally and internationally, for the Caribbean people? These answers should not be left blowing in the wind. The gestation period is over; it’s time to deliver the Golding report. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own.
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017 PAGE 11
Safety advice for using social media SOCIAL media sites such as, Facebook, twitter, instagram, snapchat, and whatsapp increases communication, access to information and help in developing a sense of self, however, the thoughts of what your child might come across online can be worrying. Follow this safety advice to make sure going online is a positive experience for you and your child. 1. Discover the internet together. Be the one to introduce your child to the internet. For both parent and child it is an advantage to discover the internet together. Try to find web sites that are exciting and fun so that together you achieve a positive attitude to internet exploration. This could make it easier to share both positive and negative experiences in the future. 2. Set rules for internet use in your home. Try to reach an agreement with your child on the guidelines which apply to internet use in your household. Here are some tips: • Discuss when and for how long it is acceptable for your child to use the internet. • Agree how to treat personal information (name, address, telephone, e-mail). • Discuss how to behave towards others when chatting, e-mailing or messaging. • Agree what type of sites and activities are OK or not OK. 3. Encourage your child to be careful when disclosing personal information. It is important to be aware that many web pages made for children ask them for personal information in order to access personalised content. Being conscious of when and where it is all right to reveal personal information is vital. A simple rule for younger children could be that the child should not give out their name. Older children using social networking sites
Police advice
By SERGEANT NATHALIE RANGER
such as Facebook should be selective about what personal information and photos they post online. Once material is online you can no longer control who sees it or how it is used. What goes online stays online. 4. Talk about the risks associated with meeting online “friends” in person. Understand that the internet could be a positive meeting place for children, where they can get to know other young people and make new friends. However, for safety and to avoid unpleasant experiences, it is important that children do not meet strangers they have met online without being accompanied by an adult, or others they trust. In any case, the child should always have their parents’ approval first. 5. Teach your child about evaluating information and being critically aware of information found online. Most children use the internet to improve and develop knowledge in relation to schoolwork and personal interests. Children should be aware that not all information found online is correct, accurate or relevant. Educate children on how to verify information they find by comparing to alternative sources on the same topic. Show them trusted sites they can use to compare information. 6. Don’t be too critical towards your child’s exploration of the internet. Children may come across adult material by accident on the web. Also a child may intentionally search for such web sites; remember that it is natural for children to be curious about off-limits material.
Try to use this as an opening to discuss the content with them, and perhaps make rules for this kind of activity. Be realistic in your assessment of how your child uses the internet. 7. Report online material you may consider illegal to the appropriate authorities. It is vital that we all take responsibility for the web and report matters, which we believe could be illegal. By doing this we can help to prevent illegal activities online, such as child-pornography or attempts to lure children via chat, mail or messaging. 8. Encourage respect for others; stamp out cyberbullying. There is an informal code of conduct for the internet. As in everyday life, there are informal ethical rules for how to behave when relating to other people on the internet. These include being polite, using correct language and not yell at (write in capital letters) or harass others. Also, children as well as grown-ups should not read other’s e-mail or copy protected material. 9. Let your children show you what they like to do online. To be able to guide your child with regard to Internet use, it is important to understand how children use the internet and know what they like to do online. Let your child show you which websites they like visiting and what they do there. Acquiring technical knowledge could also make it easier to make the right decisions regarding your child’s Internet use. 10. Remember that the positive aspects of the internet outweigh the negatives.
The internet is an excellent educational and recreational resource for children. There are age appropriate sites for
younger children. Encourage your children to use such sites and to avoid registering for sites and services with adult content and
behaviours. Help your child read the terms & conditions of service for any site which they wish to join and to comply with the age restrictions of the site. Help your child apply all the privacy and security settings on the site. Encourage your child to be critically aware and explore the internet to its full potential. For more information, contact the National Crime Prevention Office at 302-8430, 302-8431, 302-8154.
Funeral Service For
N. Kirtland Claridge, 63 “Kirt” “Kirkie” “Buzzard”
of Lumumba Lane, Kool Acres, will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Kemp Road. Officiating will be Rev’d Fr. Oswald E. Pinder. Cremation will follow. Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Anita Claridge; children: Khawan, Jason, and Kaycee Claridge and Tanya Whyms; mother: Aldora Claridge; grandsons: Hugo Minnis and Jadad Claridge; sister: Deborah Claridge; nephew: Stephen V. Isaacs; aunts: Naomi Claridge, Ethel Claridge, Cynthia Knowles and Frances and Elizabeth Claridge; uncles: Christie H. Knowles Sr. and Edwin Turnquest; cousins: Aldora (Eugene “Gene”) Toote, Godfrey (Nyoka) Knowles, Craig Knowles, Mario (Princess) Knowles, Iris Joan Wallace, Carolyn Rolle, Theophilus (Erune), Paulette and Ian (Erma) Claridge, Dien Edwards, Melvin Claridge, Henley (Shandy) and Nelson Claridge, Rochelle (Gregory) Basden, Sharon (Terry) Walker, Linda, Claire and J’Von (Carlee) Claridge, Stanley Taylor of Orlando, Fl, Barbara Peyton, Yvonne Coleman, Kenneth (Loretha) Taylor and Marjorie (John) Goodwin all of Virginia, U.S.A., Devona (Richard) Ferguson, Davina Knowles, Danielle (Cpl. Deind) Pratt, Carolyn Richards, Karen (Ruel) KnowlesGray and Kirtwood, Casandra and Gary Claridge; father-in-law: Bruce Carroll; In-laws: Barbara (Frederick) Foster, Brenda, Machelle and Allie Carroll; god-brothers and sisters: Kirk Glinton, Eddie Dames, Shane and Stewart Davis, Dianne Davis-Bingham and their families; and a host of other relatives and friends including: Julanda Romer, Tranika Garvey, Te’Quan Dean, Rachael Burrows and family, Asanath Cartwright, Eva Hilton and family, Rosamae Bain and family, Emerald Sands and family, Kirkwood Adderley and family, Joy Darville and family, Geneva Cartwright, Michael Martinborough and family, Myrtis Cartwright and family, Mrs. Althea Tinker and family, Mavis Farrington and family, Larenzo Carey, the Lumumba Road, Kool Acres community, St. Margaret’s Church family especially Rev’d Fr. Oswald Pinder and Rev’d. Dr. Roland Hamilton and their families, Brenda Duvalier, members of St. Margaret’s choir and the Anglican Church Women, the families of Vince Hawkins, Godfrey Cartwright, Don Rodgers, Nat Russell, Tyrone and Jeffrey Swaby, Don Davis, Marlon Thompson, Mark Hanna, Myron Lockhart-Bain, Lemuel Boyd, Donnie Adderley, Shadrack Smith, the doctors and nurses of the Trauma Unit, Chest Wing and Accident and Emergency of the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Administrator and Staff of Albury Sayles Primary School family. To those whose names we may have inadvertently left off, we do apologize. Friends may pay their last respects at Butlers’ Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets, on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday December 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
PAGE 12, Monday, December 18, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
THE TWO robbers entering the liquor store as a customer leaves in the video shared on social media.
Armed robbers raid liquor store By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394 ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL RE: IHCL -018 LAUNDRY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas is requesting competitive proposals for Laundry Management Services from qualified parties to provide laundry services to its Resort. The principle objective of this RFP is to acquire quality services from the most responsive and responsible bidders who comply with the required specifications, terms and conditions and have the capacity to deliver. The interested party, which will be responsible for the management and operations of the laundry plant, must clearly and specifically indicate the services offered by providing sufficient descriptive literature, pictures, and samples (if requested) to enable the Resort to determine if the services offered meets the requirements of the solicitation.
Our service needs include the following:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Managing and operating the laundry plant; Utilizing our current facility to sort, wash, dry and iron linen; Transporting linen to the Resort; Conducting quality checks of products and providing recommendations to management as needed. Ensuring the necessary linen poundage is provided to support the Resort’s needs, based on occupancy. Reporting any malfunctioning of equipment. Providing the required labor to carry out the requested services. Maintaining a safe and clean work environment.
Interested parties may submit their questions and Proposals by email only (no phone calls) to: Patrice L. Carroll – Director of Purchasing via email: patrice.carroll@atlantisparadise.com The deadline for submission of the RFP is December 18, 2017
POLICE are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension and arrest of two armed robbery suspects following a brazen attack at a liquor store on Friday. During the incident, a video of which has since gone viral on social media, two armed bandits are seen storming into a Blue Hill Road liquor store shortly after 8pm where they forced customers inside to hand over various amounts of cash and other valuables. In the short clip, two men sporting masks of some sort enter the store as a woman customer attempts to exit. One of the armed men is then seen making a beeline for the register, while the second suspect forces the woman back into the store. Once inside, the second
ONE of the robbers pointing a gun during the raid. When contacted for suspect demands cash from store clerks before he the latest on the incident appears to fire a shot yesterday, police press liaison officer, Superintowards the ceiling. Now in fear for their tendent Shanta Knowles lives, a few of the cus- said police are “definitely tomers can be seen seeking the public’s assisnervously cooperating with tance with information that the masked men - handing could lead to the arrest of over what was demanded of these men.” Anyone with informathem. According to police tion is asked to call police reports, the thieves were at 919, the Central Detecsuccessful in robbing two tive Unit at 502-9991 or the people before fleeing on Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS. foot.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
GRADUATE ENGINEER NEW PROVIDENCE OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING DIVISION – SEWERAGE SERVICES The Water and Sewerage Corporation seeks applications from qualified applicants to fill the position of Graduate Engineer, New Providence Operations & Engineering & Planning Division. The successful candidate must have a minimum of: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil, Mechanical, Environmental or Sanitation Engineering, with a minimum of two (4) years’ experience in similar functions. Passage of the Engineer Intern Examination or similar, would be a plus. Competencies and Skills: • Good analytical skills • Good Project Management skills • Good Time Management skills • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing • Good Supervisory management skills • Ability to train, mentor and coach subordinate staff and maintain discipline • Good interpersonal and human relations skills • Advance computer skills • Flexible working hours The principal duties include but are not limited to the following: 1. Develop close working relationships with all key participants and stakeholders involved in works implementation (including the contractors, consultants, government departments, Local Government officials, residents) to assist in effective oversight of the works. 2. Convening, at least monthly, meetings with the Contractor(s) and Engineering Consultant(s), for the purpose of coordinating works activities. 3. Assist Project Coordinator (PC) in the invitation and evaluation of bids including the preparation of bid reports and recommend the award of supply and construction contracts 4. Assist PC in management and administration of the procurement process: 5. Provide cost control 6. Expedite the submissions of claims for disbursement to CDB through PC 7. Keep accounts on relevant project-related expenditures and disbursement activities 8. Prepare, and submit to PC, fortnightly reports on progress of the works 9. Participate and report on formal community participation in implementation of the Project, including discussions of a certificate of practical completion of each works contract 10. Perform any other related duty as assigned Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested persons may obtain an Employment Application Form from the Human Resources Division - Personnel Department. The completed application form, along with relevant copies of diploma, certificates, degree(s), and resume, must be returned to the Personnel Department by January 11, 2018.
#38 University Drive , Nassau, Bahamas | www.wsc.com.bs
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, December 18, 2017, PAGE 13
Marital rape ‘the most pressing gender issue’ By MORGAN ADDERLEY MARITAL rape is the most pressing gender-based issue facing The Bahamas, said Dubravka Šimonovic, the UN’s special rapporteur on violence against women, during her inaugural country visit to the country. Ms Šimonovic, a human rights expert, stressed the legality of martial rape is “a sign that something is deeply wrong,” adding the issue could easily be resolved through legislative changes. She is tasked with presenting a report on the status of human rights in the Bahamas - with special focus on women and children - due to the country’s renewed bid for a seat on the UN’s Human Rights Council. In her End of Mission statement, Ms Šimonovic found that in The Bahamas, “violence against women is hidden, denied and even more worryingly, accepted as normal”. This is reflected in our current legal framework, which contains many “shortcomings”. One such shortcoming is the law “does not outlaw marital rape - except in narrowly-defined exceptional circumstances.” Ms Šimonovic discussed the matter with the Office of the Attorney General and was informed, “necessary revisions (to the law) are currently under consideration”. According to her statement, the objective of Ms Šimonovic’s visit to The Bahamas (December 11-15) was to “assess both the scope of gender-based violence” in the country and “the measures taken by the authorities” to provide protection and security to women and girl victims. Particularly, young women between the ages of 16-18 are the most vulnerable demographic in Bahamian society. Addressing the issue of contraception, Ms Šimonović’s suggested a new law be enacted to ensure the age of receiving contraceptive and other health services without requiring parental consent – 18 - is consistent with the age of consent, which is 16. This way “a girl can receive adequate sexual and reproductive health services, possibly reducing the risk of HIV infection”. In terms of nationality, Ms Šimonović considers the fact that “only a Bahamian man, not a woman, having a child born outside of the Bahamas can pass on his Bahamian citizenship to his child” to be discriminatory. The mission statement noted: “This violates the human rights of women to a nationality, equality in the family and access to public services.”
Referencing the Minnis administration’s mandate that illegal immigrants leave the country by December 31, Ms Šimonovic wrote this results in the “detention and quick deportation of hundreds of individuals, targeting the Haitian descent community disproportionately, some of whom may be born in The Bahamas”. She added: “To avoid the expulsion of someone entitled to refugee status, a victim of trafficking or anyone born in the Bahamas with a right to Bahamian nationality, the government should ensure that legal counselling about the proceedings is available. “In particular, it is urgent for the authorities to speed up the immense backlog of Bahamian nationality applications for Bahamianborn individuals of Haitian descent ... to guarantee their rights.” Ms Šimonovic also underscored the connection between corporal punishment and a predilection to violence in adulthood. She told reporters, “Corporal punishment in schools is problematic. It was something that was abolished in a number of countries and it is important to see links between those that are exposed to that type of punishment at home and in school and then how they (reproduce) this violence later on in life.” Further gender-based issues Ms Šimonovic found include the lack of female political participation and the widespread lack of awareness and education surrounding gender based violence. Furthermore, violence against women is underreported, under prosecuted, and sentencing is rare. In her statement, she called for a “comprehensive law on gender based violence against women and domestic violence that could cover all victims of violence”. Ms Šimonovic also pointed to the lack of women’s shelters, especially in Family Islands and called for a specific shelter that would allow the presence of a male child over the age of ten. When asked by reporters about funding, Ms Šimonovic noted that shelters fall under services that governments must provide. However, she also said nongovernmental organisations and the private sector should play a role. Other recommendations Ms Šimonovic made include the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution, and a free 24-hour assistance hotline for victims of gender-based violence. She also called for more women in the police force, and for a policy that male and female police officers respond to incidents of violence against women.
THE ZONTA Club tying orange ribbons in Pinewood Gardens last month to raise awareness of domestic violence. The issue of marital rape has been raised by UN special rapporteur Dubravka Šimonovic as she reports on human rights in The Bahamas.
PAGE 14, Monday, December 18, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
DAME ANITA ALLEN BIDS FAREWELL TO APPEAL COURT POST By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
COURT of Appeal President Justice Dame Anita Allen will officially take leave from her post next Thursday, following a special sitting of the Court of
Appeal to mark her retirement on Friday. In her farewell address, Dame Anita recognised family, friends and colleagues who played critical roles in her success and achievements over her more than 40 years of service to the legal sector.
Highlighting the many judicial milestones which occurred during her tenure, Dame Anita noted the presence of her husband, retired politician Algernon Allen; her son, attorney Algernon Allen Jr; and several of her contemporaries throughout the years including former
Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, attorney Brian Moree, QC, and those who served with her on the bench – Justices John Isaacs, Stella Maureen Crane-Scott and Roy Jones. To the latter, she said: “Thank you for your kind sentiments and let me again take this opportunity to publicly recognise and acknowledge a dedicated commitment and stellar service to the Court of Appeal.” She added: “And thank you for your personal support and encouragement of my leadership. Suffice to say, you have been my best critics, my most honest friends, my most reliable teammates and my most dependable colleagues.” As for the judiciary she is leaving behind, Dame Anita said while she isn’t interested in offering her views on the current state of laws, the judicial system or overall judicial administration; her commentary throughout the year and efforts to improve the system should be viewed as her parting assessment. She said: “All I wish to do today is to pay tribute to the judiciary and to say that we are most fortunate to have in The Bahamas a judiciary that is independent and impartial. And one that commands the respect and confidence of the community.” Dame Anita became a justice of the Supreme Court in 1995 and was elevated to senior justice in 2005. In 2007, Dame Anita served as acting chief justice, later succeeding Justice Dame Joan Sawyer as president of the Court of Appeal in November of 2010. In January, during the annual special sitting of the Court of Appeal, Dame Anita confirmed she was set to retire from the bench on December 21. At that time, Dame Anita said the appellate court had much to be proud of for the
DAME ANITA ALLEN work accomplished since her appointment with the help of colleagues and staff. She attributed the court’s high level of performance to the work of registrars, judicial research counsel secretaries and staff at the court. Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley, also present for Friday’s ceremony, is expected to be appointed the new president of the Court of Appeal. That appointment will then vacate the post of chief justice, which is expected to be filled by Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs in an acting capacity, according to wellplaced sources. Sir Hartman had previously announced he and
Justice Rhonda Bain were set to reach the mandatory retirement age in February and April this year respectively, adding the latter had made an application for an extension to continue as a judge of the Supreme Court. A statement issued by the Cabinet Office in February noted that in accordance with Article 96 (1) of the Constitution, Governor-General Dame Marguerite Pindling, acting on the recommendation of then-Prime Minister Perry Christie, after consultation with then-Leader of the Official Opposition Loretta Butler-Turner, extended Sir Hartman’s appointment.
PAGE 20, Monday, December 18, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Minister pledges hands-on approach to GB issues By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Environmental Association (GBEA) met with State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson on Friday who assured the group the minister of the environment is now taking a hands-on approach to their issues. GBEA officials had expected to receive a final copy of a safety risk assessment study undertaken for the island, but was told the
study had been submitted to Cabinet for review. GBEA President Bertram Pinder and members Grace Pinder and Shuffel Hepburn Sr were at the meeting with Senator Thompson and Permanent Secretary Harcourt Brown. There were no representatives from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), the industrial plants and the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS). “This was a complete change of plans because the meeting was supposed
to be (with all relevant parties concerned) to release the final copy of the safety assessment. But no copies of the study were released,” Mr Hepburn said. “The unexpected absence of the GBPA, representatives from the industrial plants and the DEHS made it clear that there was a significant change in the government’s approach to handling the results of this study.” Last year, the Antea Group of the Netherlands conducted an independent study of the communities near the industrial plants.
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Mr Hepburn said the GBEA has continually criticised the study commissioned by the former government. “It is not the right study and furthermore the results fall short of emphasising the real day-to-day dangers faced by the residents living around the industrial plants,” he said. Senator Thompson, he said, informed the GBEA that Minister of Environment Romauld Ferreira is reviewing all the studies and reports relating to the health and safety matters
concerning residents in the affected communities. They were told Mr Ferreira is interested in attending a town hall meeting with residents in January 2018. GBEA was also informed that an e-nose study has even been turned over to Mr Ferreira for his review. Plans to establish a local monitoring committee for the e-nose project were also discussed and would consist of representatives of the GBPA, the residents, and the government, The Tribune was told.
Common Invent, an independent firm contracted by the government, is solely responsible for monitoring the e-nose systems and data. “We were assured that the business of the residents would continue to be channeled through the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama and that the office would be fully involved,” Mr Hepburn said Mr Pinder was told. A brief account of some of the illnesses faced by residents was reported to Mr Thompson and Mr Brown at Friday’s meeting.