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Volume: 107 No.155 MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25) INSIGHT: T

E INSIDE TODAY: H D G I I S

S EDUCATION: ARE YOUR CHILDREN N DOCTORS HOSPITAL N I I GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY? SEE PAGE 12B SUPPLEMENT ‘YOUR HEALTH TODAY’

BAHAMIAN WHISTLE-BLOWER IS APPLAUDED FOR EXPOSING Murder count FIFA SCANDAL By ALISON LOWE Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected]

A DECISION by a Bahamian soccer official to “whistle-blow” on alleged corruption is being credited in the international media as exposing a scandal that is now threatening to “tear apart” FIFA, the wealthy global body that governs the hugely-popular sport. The Telegraph of London climbs to 50 yesterday reported that a secret dossier on the cor- SEE page 11 Father is shot BAHAMAS DEFEAT MEXICO IN CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS multiple times BTC SEVERANCE DEALS FALL SHORT outside home OF UNION HOPES By ALISON LOWE By NATARIO McKENZIE “I guess he was saying his Tribune Staff Reporter Tribune Staff Reporter final goodbye because he [email protected] [email protected] was telling us he loved us,” she told the Tribune yester- THE Bahamas Commu- THE murder count day. Ms Algreen said that nications and Public Offi- climbed to 50 over the she was wakened by the cers Union “did not get weekend after a father was sound of gunshots near the what it wanted” from BTC shot multiple times outside family’s home on Polehmus in the voluntary severance his Bain Town home. and Parker Streets around packages that the company The victim has been iden- 4.08 am Saturday. She said it has decided to offer employ- tified by his family as 31- wasn’t until around 6 am ees as it seeks to reduce staff year-old Fidel Antonio Saturday that the family dis- by at least 30 per cent, the Miller. Miller’s sister Daisy covered that Fidel was dead President of the BCPOU Algreen recalled that she inside his car. has stated. last saw her brother alive SEE page ten Bernard Evans said the around 11.30 Friday night. packages “fall short given the economic conditions and the climate in this country” Shooting report and do not match or exceed KIDS SCOOP the benefits offered to BTC REPORTS reached the Tri- employees who separated Owing to technical dif- bune news desk last night of a ficulties, Kids Scoop was reported shooting in Union SEE page 11 not published in Satur- Village. Details were sketchy day’s paper. It will now up to press time yesterday go in Tuesday’s paper. however police press liaison We apologise for any officer Chrislyn Skippings con- firmed that there was a report SHOOTING VICTIM inconvenience. of a shooting in Union Village shortly before 1pm yesterday. DIES FROM INJURIES By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter [email protected] Photo by Tim Clarke/Tribune staff THE death of a 29-year-old ON TOP: The Bahamas beat Mexico 17-12 in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association Men’s man shot in Freeport two weeks ago has brought to three the number of people murdered on a single street in Freeport in three months. FINANCIAL DUTIES IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS TO Suny Anopolis died in the Princess Margaret Hospital in BE TRANSFERRED TO ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS New Providence on Friday By NOELLE NICOLLS ing professionals. In the new budget evening after being shot on Tribune Staff Reporter announcement last week, the government Weddell Avenue in Garden [email protected] included provisions to appoint about 20 bur- Villas, Freeport, on May 17th. sars to the new post at public high schools, His condition had initially THE government is implementing rec- according to Tribune sources. been described as “poor” ommendations from an internal audit of “The financial burden that was placed when he was admitted to the public high schools to transfer all financial SEE page ten SEE page ten responsibilities inside the schools to account-

NASSAU AND BAHAMA ISLANDS’ LEADING NEWSPAPER

PAGE 2, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHS HIGHLIGHT HEALTH CONCERNS OVER RESTROOMS Court bathrooms a ‘disgrace’

Welcome to the REVolution

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected]

DISTURBING pho- tographs that depicted gross negligence of maintenance at court bathroom facilities were the subject of public health concerns yesterday. Last night, officials within the Office of the Judiciary Revolution starts with REV. And the revolution confirmed to the Tribune that “aggressive” action that’s coming to Bahamian communications would be launched today to starts with REV, too. address the issue. REV is Cable Bahamas powerful “triple play” “We will move aggres- of Television, Online, and Voice. Now you can SEE page six GROSS NEGLIGENCE: Photos show the atrocious state of court choose the convenience of getting it all from bathroom facilities. Cable Bahamas. REVTV, coming this month, brings you over 60 high-definition channels, video on demand, easy searching, and DVR online. And soon we’ll bring you the power ‘Mother Pratt’ hopes her first book of REVOICE (think rejoice!), the clearest phone technology in the business with caller ID, call will inspire struggling Bahamians forwarding, and no hidden fees or extras. By ALISON LOWE And with speeds up to 9 Mb/s downstream, Tribune Staff Reporter REVON brings you Internet speeds as fast as [email protected] the fastest in America. Of course, REV comes ASPIRING to inspire down- with the Cable Bahamas reliability and our trodden Bahamians, Cynthia commitment to always do whatever it takes to “Mother” Pratt, former Minis- provide the very best personal service to your ter of National Security and MP home or business. for St Cecelia, launched her first book this weekend, chron- It’s REV. It’s powered by Cable Bahamas. icling her “life, struggles, chal- And it’s spreading all over the islands. Join the lenges and triumphs.” The parliamentarian and Revolution. Go to cablebahamas.com. church leader said that her dri- ving ambition now that she is preparing to exit public life is that her story, as a woman who came from “abject poverty” to rise to one of the nation’s high- est offices, can provide the encouragement needed to lead young people to make the best of their lives despite difficult Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt with PLP Leader Perry Christie. circumstances. FIRST BOOK: “No Equal to God’s Chosen” is the title of her 125-page ly childhood days where I grew But it is Bahamian children work, which has been several up in inner city and the straw and teenagers who she hopes years in the making. market, really in abject poverty, the book will have the most sig- “‘From Poverty to Destiny’ is and it goes down through my nificance for. the sub-heading. It talks about years of sports and of nursing “I am concerned about the where I’ve come from, my ear- and of education and now in child in Bain Town, the Grove, politics to show the masses who Montell Heights, even those in are in the gutter that there is Carmichael who are in the mid- hope and if God is able to ele- dle class, but still poor. It’s all vate me it can happen for about trying to encourage them them,” Mrs Pratt told The Tri- that they don’t have to resort to bune yesterday in an interview negative things, that there is from her home. hope,” said Mrs Pratt. At a reception hosted at the Sixty-five-year-old Mrs Pratt British Colonial Hilton on Fri- was born the 13th of 16 chil- day, Mrs Pratt welcomed par- dren and spent her early years liamentarians, church and com- in “the inner city” just south of munity leaders, family and Meeting Street. She worked friends to announce the launch of the book: The first, she says, SEE page nine of a series to come.

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS crime SHORTS BAHAMAS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER’S ASSOCIATION POLICE PROBE Govt criticised for failing to consult SHOOTING OF with local farmers on WTO talks MAN AGED 50 By AVA TURNQUEST cerned,” said Dr Campbell, tion, The Tribune spoke "shouting at the Ministry of By DENISE MAYCOCK “that as stakeholders we with local farmers who said Finance." Farmers also Tribune Freeport Reporter Tribune Staff [email protected] Reporter have not been involved in they would prefer the gov- highlighted the need for a [email protected] the WTO accession negoti- ernment to use existing leg- cultural shift from con- FREEPORT – Grand ations and that Finance has islation to implement sea- sumers, most of whom are Bahama Police are investigat- THE Bahamas Agricul- presumed themselves to be sonal tariff structures for still reluctant to patronise ing the shooting of a 50-year- tural Producer’s Association competent in all areas as local produce instead of local growers. old man in the Freeport area have lodged concerns with they negotiate away our eliminating tariffs across the “We would recommend early Sunday morning. ability to be competitive in board. instead that the duty be ASP Loretta Mackey, the government over its “failure to consult” with the markets of the WTO, However, officials insist- removed from temperate police press liaison officer, ed that imports, and by fruits,” Dr Campbell said local farmers on World inclusive of our own.” reported that police respond- extension the elimination of yesterday, “such as apples ed to a shooting around Trade Organisation negoti- tariffs, was increasingly nec- and Bartlett pears, etc, 5.57am at Nansen Avenue. ations. Tariffs essary due to consumer which we do not produce When officers arrived at The criticism came as demand. and remain in place for trop- the scene, they saw a man BAPA continued their lying on the ground with a In his Budget presentation Larry Cartwright, Minis- ical fruits, such as mangoes, appeal for government to gunshot injury at an apart- last week Prime Minister ter of Agriculture, advised bananas, avocados, citrus, reconsider its decision to ment complex. The victim had Hubert Ingraham that the local industry could etc, which we do produce remove customs duty from been shot in the upper shoul- announced plans to elimi- not meet the country’s pro- and in some instances also der near the neck. imported fruits in a press LARRY CARTWRIGHT nate all tariffs on fresh fruit. duce demand and that the export.” He was transported by statement yesterday, sug- Duty on imported vegeta- tax cessation would “cut Officials within the Min- EMS personnel to the Rand gesting that the move will producers, exporters and Memorial Hospital for med- bles was reduced from 35 to down” on smuggling. istry of Agriculture, as well hurt the agricultural indus- importers. 10 per cent a few years ago. According to Mr Cartwright, as Finance, were unavailable ical treatment. try. Ms Mackey said Central “We are most con- Following the presenta- consumers have been for comment up to press Detective Unit officers are Keith Campbell, the asso- continuing investigations into ciation’s president, also the shooting. Anyone with warned that the removal of information that can help the such duties would put the police is asked to call 350- country at a disadvantage as 3107/8, 352-9774/5. it vies for entrance to the During the weekend the World Trade Organisation Police here on Grand Bahama (WTO). arrested 19 adult males and one juvenile male for various offences that included house- Unfavourable breaking, shopbreaking, steal- ing, abstracting electricity, “The removal of the duty causing harm, disorderly from fruit also places us in behaviour, fighting, and using obscene language. the most unfavourable posi- Six of the males arrested tion possible when it comes have outstanding warrants of to WTO accession,” said Dr apprehension issued by the Campbell, “as prudent coun- Magistrates’ Courts. tries have always set their tariff rates as high as possi- ble prior to accession and then engage in negotiations MAN ARRESTED afterwards to adjust them.” The WTO is a global FOR ALLEGED body governing trade between member nations GUN POSSESSION with the goal of improving the ease of business between POLICE arrested a 31- year-old Chippingham man early yesterday morning when he was found in pos- session of a handgun. The arrest occurred around 3am on Sunday. According to reports, offi- cers of the Southern Divi- sion were on patrol on Nas- sau Street in the area of Bain Street when they saw a man actually suspiciously. It is reported that the man upon seeing the officers threw an object under a nearby vehicle. Officers retrieved the object, a loaded handgun. The man, a resident of Churchill Avenue, Chip- pingham was taken into cus- tody. Police investigations into the matter continue. • THREE men were tak- en into police custody early Sunday morning after police recovered a handgun follow- ing a chase in the Pinewood Gardens area. Reports state that shortly after midnight on Saturday officers of Rapid Strike were on routine patrol on Sequoia Street, Pinewood Gardens when they observed the occupants of a black Toyota Tercel acting suspiciously. It is reported that the dri- ver upon seeing the officers sped off. The officers pursued the vehicle and saw one of the men throw an object out of a window. The officers inter- cepted the vehicle, conduct- ed a search of the area where the object was thrown and recovered a handgun. The men ages 19, 20 and 27 years were taken into cus- tody.

PAGE 4, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE EDITORIAL/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Tribune Limited Criticism of NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 police over John SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt . Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Bull robbery Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972- has been unfair Published Daily Monday to Saturday EDITOR, The Tribune. could be of help to the Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas police and help in the iden- Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama Many unfair comments LETTERS tification process. have been made about [email protected] Well trained security offi- TELEPHONES police presence and police cers, who are alert, obser- Switchboard (News, Circulation and Advertising) 322-1986 action on Bay Street relating vant and vigilant have been gy and crime prevention Advertising Manager - (242) 502-2352 to the armed robbery at known to foil armed rob- advice are available at sev- John Bull. Comments from bery attempts. WEBSITE politicians and other persons eral firms in The Bahamas. Security Services Interna- In recent times security www.tribune242.com – updated daily at 2pm were carried in the media. officers have foiled armed It appears that media per- tional (SSI) is highly recom- mended. Cameras & Moni- robberies at at least two sonnel did not attempt to banks in New Providence. get the facts. tors, Alarm Systems and the Castro brother turns 80 in aging regime extremely useful panic but- Many of our merchants con- At a time shortly after the sider security as an expense robbery an armed police- tons are very effective in the HAVANA — Cuban President Raul Cas- are even older," said Ernesto, a 26-year-old prevention and detection of from which revenue is not man appeared on the scene derived. tro is set to join elder sibling Fidel in the Havana resident, who asked that he only be and as he approached the crime. In a robbery situation ranks of octogenarians this week, even as he identified by his first name for fear he could it is expected that employees They are hesitant to pay spearheads efforts to rejuvenate the Com- get into trouble for speaking out about the vehicle he saw a huge auto- for the required standard of matic pointed towards him. in the store will hesitate to munist-run island's tired economy. country's leaders. call while the robbers are security. The big day comes Friday, June 3, and it is "To make real changes the country needs This stopped his pursuit I implore merchants, in promptly, but he did follow present. likely to pass with little fanfare. Raul and young people," he said. "Raul talks a lot particular the jewel mer- Fidel — who turns 85 on August 13 — have about giving power to the young, but I ask the vehicle on foot and was This delays the informa- chants to consider crime historically eschewed public celebrations of you, 'Where are they?'" able to observe the culprits tion reaching the police. prevention measures and their birthdays, and the government told The Those with long years of involvement in abandoning the vehicle at Panic buttons just need to Associated Press it had no word of any offi- the island's affairs say Raul's birthday is a Parliament and Shirley be touched and the infor- security consultations to cial events to mark the day. moment for reflection. Streets. mation is communicated to make their businesses safer But the milestone is sure to remind sup- Wayne Smith, who was a young foreign There was police presence the police via the monitoring for their employees and cus- porters and detractors alike that the era of the service officer in Havana when President company. tomers. Hardening the tar- Castros is nearing its end, biologically if not John F. Kennedy pulled U.S. diplomats off in the city with officers on the waterfront and straw Cameras well placed pro- get is one of the concepts of politically. Raul is already a month older the island in 1961, said he never thought at crime prevention. than Fidel was when a near-fatal illness forced the time that the Castros would still be in market and on George vide information that assist him to step down — temporarily, then per- power all these years later, nor that Cuba Street. I could not confirm immensely in detection. It is In spite of the critics and manently — in 2006. In April, Fidel gave up would still be America's enemy. how many police officers also a preventative measure. those who would like the his final post as head of the Communist Par- "Good Lord, no," chuckled Smith, who is were in the city area, but Merchants should be crime trend to remain as it ty. now a senior fellow at the Washington-based they were certainly not advised to store their most is, our Police Force contin- "Fidel is out at the age of 85 — and he was Centre for International Policy. "When we enough to be at each jew- valuable items as far inside ues to perform with distinc- always much healthier than Raul as a young left in 1961, I expected to be back shortly. ellery store or even on each the premises as possible tion. man — and now Raul is 80," said Ann Louise Here we are more than 50 years after the I have faith, that this is the Bardach, a longtime Cuba expert and author revolution and we still haven't come to a block. some distance from the of "Without Fidel" and "Cuba Confidential." decent relationship with them." I have a concern as to entrance. Hardened glass year of the policeman. She gave Raul credit for having the Smith, who returned to Havana as Amer- what security measures are used on the showcases could We served with honour courage to push an agenda of economic ica's chief diplomat in 1979 and remains an being taken by our mer- be an asset. It is known that we remember with pride. change since taking over the presidency, but outspoken opponent of Washington's 49-year chants to protect their some merchants use cheap said he missed a great chance to bring in new trade embargo, said he was hopeful Raul premises. It appears at times replicas of products for dis- PAUL THOMPSON Sr leadership at a key Communist Party summit Castro could make good on his economic that all is left to the police. plays. Recording of serial Nassau, in April when he selected old-guard revolu- overhaul now that he is in command and out Crime prevention technolo- numbers on expensive items May 27, 2011. tionaries Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 80, from under his charismatic brother's shad- and Ramiro Valdes, 79, as his Nos. 2 and 3. ow. "Their challenge is that they must bring in "It will be interesting to see how far they a younger generation, but instead Raul get before he does pass from the scene, Not surprised that Discovery is picked someone even older than him as his because of course he will," Smith said. chief deputy," she said. "It just shows how That would be fine with many Cuban unconfident they are. They missed an oppor- exiles in Miami, who have grown old them- tunity." selves waiting for an end to the brothers' stopping Miami-Freeport service On the streets of the capital, Havana, reac- reign. tions to the president's round-number birth- "He's 80 and he may have another four or EDITOR, The Tribune. stay-on-board cruise passenger levels. day were mixed. five birthday celebrations," said Pepe Her- The John Bull incident over the weekend "I'm not so concerned about his age nandez, head of the Cuban American Nation- The announcement that mv Discovery will have consequences – no cruise line is because he looks like he's in good health," al Foundation, a Miami-based exile organi- was stopping its service between Miami and going to suggest to their passengers it is said Marcelo Delgado, a 72-year-old retiree. zation. "But our concern is what happens Freeport came as no surprise – really sur- automatically safe if you leave the boat in "What I am worried about is that it seems to after that, and in Cuba they don't seem very prised that they didn’t stop earlier. be taking a long time to bring in the eco- concerned about that. I think we should be case an incident occurs. nomic changes he is talking about, and there concerned about what happens when there The brilliance of our Ministry of Tourism Atlantis if you didn’t notice is running a isn't much time left." are no more birthday parties for Raul." forced SS Celebration, not the Carnival new TV advertisement children free 100 per Since taking office, Raul has legalized One person who is unmoved by Castro's boat, from their preferred and liked service cent – free daily full breakfast – couple that Palm Beach to Nassau to adding to the some forms of self-employment, turned over birthday is Daniel Torres, a 69-year-old with companion free we might as well tell fallow government land to small-time farmers retired veteran in Miami who left Cuba Freeport South Florida overnight service. and promised to trim the state's bloated pay- shortly after the 1959 revolution because he They I am told subsidized both services – the potential guests your vacation is on us! roll by 500,000 workers. says he was threatened with jail time for obviously market forces won out and one It seems things are getting desperate as He also has pledged to legalize the sale of speaking out against the government. service is now discontinued. most Caribbean destinations indicate their cars and homes, end restrictions on Cubans "After 52 years of tears and suffering, I Whichever party you support the success arrivals by air and sea are respectfully in travelling abroad and open up credit to don't know what else to say," he said. "It's the black. would-be entrepreneurs — though those pro- a shame he's made it to 80." of the government’s interventions since 2007 posals remain part of a vague five-year plan have not been too successful except after and many are still sceptical. (This article was written by Paul Haven the dredging of Nassau Harbour for $45 H RAHMING "Raul is going to turn 80, and the others of the Associated Press). million we see high percentage increases of Nassau, cruise arrivals as well as a higher what I call May 23, 2011. BAHAMAS HAS NO JURISDICTION OVER AIRPORT AREA OCCUPIED BY US CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION EDITOR, The Tribune. Lynden Pindling airport is a joke compared to the tor- It was with great interest ture of doing the same in that I read the letter from Miami after a long flight Mr D’Aguilar, the former from Europe or South president of the Bahamas America. Chamber of Commerce who congratulated the govern- JEANNE I THOMPSON ment on the new airport but Nassau, who complained bitterly May 27, 2011. about the length of time it took for him to pre-clear US Customs and Immigration POLITICIANS and urging the government to do something about it. CONFUSE ME I was surprised that Mr. D’Aguilar does not under- EDITOR, The Tribune. stand that the area of the airport occupied by US Cus- The politicians that make toms and Immigration is US up the present Government territory and the Bahamian have released their Budget government has no jurisdic- for the next twelve months. tion over it. Meanwhile, the politician He is probably too young that is the leader of the Offi- to remember when we did cial Opposition is quoted in not have pre-clearance facil- the press as saying the bud- ities and how the govern- get "is an election ploy" ment worked hard and long designed to get votes, while to have such facilities in this the only independent politi- country. cian is quoted as saying the He possibly has not been budget is "political." in the arrivals terminal in Well, the dictionary says Miami or another US port that a politician is "a person of entry along with thou- who is professionally sands of travellers from involved in politics, especial- Europe, the Caribbean, ly as a holder of/or a candi- Latin America and other date for an elected office." parts of the world waiting So shouldn't one expect a for long periods in longer politician to be political or lines to clear Customs and attempt to get votes? immigration . Politicians confuse me. Believe me, Mr D’Aguilar RICK LOWE the time spent in the pre- Nassau, clearance lines at the Sir May 26, 2011.

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS BTC moves to improve ease of access to customer service BTC is taking steps to bill or talk about internation- tion to making it easier to improve ease of access to cus- al roaming? If you remember remember how to call BTC, tomer service by implement- those numbers now, you can “whether to discuss roaming ing a single number at its forget them in the future. or topping up minutes”, the expanded call centre for all BTC announced today that call centre also means extend- customer service needs. its expanded call centre is up ed hours and all calls to the The newly-privatised and running with all calls centre are free. telecommunications compa- being handled by one num- "They do not use up any ny said in a release issued ber seven days a week, 24 minutes and there are no toll over the weekend that it is hours a day. charges if you are calling from doing away with the multi- Marlon Johnson, Vice Pres- a Family Island." tude of different numbers cus- ident, Sales and Marketing for BTC will continue to roll tomers were previously BTC said: “The BTC call cen- out customer service initia- required to use to inquire tre with all calls regarding all tives as it deepens its com- about various services and services being routed through mitment to unparalleled cus- report problems and replac- a single number free of charge tomer service, said the state- ing them with one “easy to from anywhere within The ment. “As customers rightly remember” phone number: Bahamas is one more way expect value for money, we 225-5282. BTC is improving service to must continually get better at “Remember that three-dig- our customers by making it how we interact with our cus- it number you had to dial to more convenient.” tomers. Frankly, we want cus- report a phone out of order? The single number call cen- tomers to expect to get the Or the seven-digit number tre replaces more than 20 best customer experience in you called to change features numbers that occupy a full The Bahamas at BTC and on a mobile phone, set up services numbers page in the that is and will be our prima- VIBE or the other number telephone directory. ry aim as a company,” said you rang to inquire about a He emphasised that in addi- Mr Johnson.

RANDY FRASER’S WIFE EXPECTED TO TAKE WITNESS STAND THE wife of Baptist Bishop Earl Randy Fraser is expected to take the witness stand when his trial resumes in a Magistrate’s Court today. Prosecutors have accused Fraser, 53, of abusing his position of trust by having a sexual relationship with a 16- year-old girl he had agreed to counsel. It is alleged that Fraser, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Temple on St James Road, had a sexual relationship with the girl between July 2005 and February 2006. Fraser has denied committing the offences and remains on $10,000 bail. He is represented by attorney Jiaram Mangra. Deputy Director of Public Prosecu- tions Franklyn Williams is prosecuting the case.

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PAGE 6, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS Cable Bahamas technicians try to restore cable, Internet services Police continue appeal for

CABLE Bahamas technicians were busy yesterday trying to restore cable and Internet services to residents of western New Providence. help in finding convict, 26 The disruption in service reportedly began early Sunday morning. POLICE continue their public of the trial the prosecution withdrew Attempts to reach officials at Cable Bahamas for comment appeal for any information that may the charges against Calvin Edgecombe, on the issue and to ascertain the cause of the disruption lead to the arrest of 26-year-old convict 24, and Dario Mills, 24. proved unsuccessful up to press time yesterday. Lavardo Rahming. The jury was unable to reach a ver- The company acknowledged by way of an automated Rahming, a Pinewood Gardens res- dict in the case of Jermaine Russell, messaging service that technicians were working “diligent- ly” in western New Providence to restore service to its cus- ident, failed to attend Supreme Court who was charged with conspiracy to tomers. in Grand Bahama last week Monday commit armed robbery. He will remain where a jury found him and Shavardo on bail until September 1 when the McPhee guilty of the 2008 murder and prosecution will decide whether to armed robbery of Abaco grocery store drop the charges or proceed with oth- cashier Dion Strachan. er charges against him. Rahming was described as having On Monday, a jury of eight women dark brown skin, being of slim build, and four men returned a unanimous and 6 feet 2 inches tall. guilty verdict on the murder charge McPhee was present in court to hear against the pair. the verdict, but Rahming, who was on They also returned a guilty verdict by $35,000 bail, failed to show up and a a vote of 9-3 on the armed robbery bench warrant was issued for his arrest. LAVARDO RAHMING charge. Dion Strachan was shot and killed Persons with information that might on November 27, 2008 during an was employed as a cashier. assist police with their search are asked armed robbery at the M&R Foodstore Five men were initially charged in to contact police at 911, CDU at 502- )25 the matter, however, during the course in Marsh Harbour, Abaco where he 9991, or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS. Court bathrooms a ‘disgrace’

FROM page two ditions have remained 6$/( unchanged since April. The sender said he was sively in there and try to directed to the facilities after clean it up and restore it,” he attempted to use the said Leroy Sumner, an JDO bathroom at the nearby undersecretary. “This is the police station. first complaint that we are “This is the same bath- getting that something was room that defendants, plain- 0HWDO'UXPV untowards at the toilets. tiffs and lawyers have to “We will move in there use,” said the sender. “This [today] to address the prob- should be investigated.” lem.” HDFK Because of these circum- Human waste, graffiti and stances, the lawyers, magis- trash were shown to pervade trates and other people the restrooms assigned to &DOO don't want to come to court. the Nassau Street court Pictures attached are self complex. explanatory.” According to the sender, “I think this is a dis- ,VODQG3DYHUV who took the pictures on grace,” he added. Friday and wishes to remain Mr Sumner explained that anonymous, the filthy con- conditions at the facility degenerated due to improp- er use which overwhelmed the restroom’s sole janitress. “[The bathroom] was left open and became a commu- DEPLORABLE: Human waste, graffiti and trash were shown to pervade nity toilet,” he said, “previ- the restrooms assigned to the Nassau Street court complex. ously the bathroom was only to be used by persons appearing in and around the Minister of Environment, tor of Court Services, court. “but now that you have giv- according to Attorney Gen- “The police who had en it to me I will ensure it is eral John Delaney. Howev- access to the key left the toi- given to the right persons er, Mr Delaney advised that lets open and the communi- for appropriate action. maintenance of public bath- ty had unfettered access.” Clearly this is a combination rooms was the responsibility Last night, it was unclear of absolutely poor sanitation of the Ministry of Public whether the facilities were and public cleanliness.” Works. operable. The Office of the Judi- Attempts to reach Minis- “It does not fall under the ciary has administrative ter of Public Works Neko responsibility of my min- oversight of the court Grant were unsuccessful up istry,” said Earl Deveaux, premises through the Direc- to press time.

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS Bahamasair eases travel policy curb on animals who help people with disabilities Traveller with Post Traumatic Stress allowed to take dog on board By AVA TURNQUEST The pair also appeared Tribune Staff Reporter on many television pro- [email protected] grammes, including Bahamas at Sunrise and THE compassion of a Conversations with Etoille Bahamasair pilot, and deter- Pinder. UDLQ\GD\V mination of a disabled trav- “The Bahamian people eller, has effected changes gave me the confidence to EHVWURQJEHFDXVH to the airline’s operational : Bahamasair. associate with people again policy concerning animals POLICY CHANGE in my life,” said Mr Hawn, VXQZLOOVKLQHDJDLQ who assist persons with dis- ed him approval. tributed to the success of who suffers debilitating fear abilities. “Captain Beneby took your trip to Cuba.” due to his illness, “and gave All types of assistance me under his wing and made “I believe that I repre- me the confidence to believe dogs used by disabled per- this all possible,” he said. sent thousands of Bahami- I can go forward with my sons are now allowed to “Thanks to Captain Bene- ans, who would have done dog and communicate my a a travel onboard Bahamasair by and the Bahamian people whatever they could, to message.” planes with their handlers, that have given me so much make you and Booster com- Without that confidence, according to traveller, Davis more than they will ever fortable,” added Mr Bene- he added, “I would never Hawn who suffers from Post know.” by. have had the courage to go Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Mr Hawn later penned a Mr Hawn turned to into a country like Cuba.” who was allowed to take his letter, at the request of Capt Bahamasair in March, after dog Booster onboard his Beneby, which explained the he was turned away by a Bahamasair flight to Cuba. broad range of services that Cuban airline that refused “The warm reception I can be provided by assis- to allow Booster in the cab- received in the small nation tance dogs and included in. with the big heart published work on the topic. As a graduate student (Bahamas) re-instilled my The letter led to the change majoring in Canine Studies, faith in my fellow man,” Mr in operational policy. Mr Hawn needed to travel Hawn said. “It gave me the In an e-mail sent to Mr to Cuba to complete a confidence to go forward Hawn, Capt Beneby said: research project for his into a ‘new’ foreign country “Thanks to you (Mr Hawn), degree. (Cuba).” Bahamasair has made a “All bet’s were off,” said In the past, only guide change in our Operations Mr Hawn, “it wasn’t possi- dogs – which assist blind Manual, to make it very easy ble. But two things made it persons – were allowed to for anyone with a service possible, and both of them fly inside the cabin, accord- dog or service animal to involve coming to the ing to Mr Hawn. travel. Bahamas.” Mr Hawn is a resident of “In the future, whenever An advocate for Pass Christian, Mississippi your reservations are made, increased awareness towards and owns a timeshare unit you only need to mention the use and importance of in Grand Bahama. He that you will be travelling assistance dogs, Mr Hawn explained that he developed with a 'Service Dog' and you had his first public speaking a relationship with Bahama- will receive the royal treat- engagement in the Bahamas sair, specifically pilot Vin- ment.” during the 2010 Disability cent Beneby, as a frequent “I am extremely delight- week. visitor to the country. ed to note that you had a Along with Booster, Mr After he explained his successful trip to Cuba,” said Hawn demonstrated the condition, and the need for Mr Beneby in the e-mail benefits of assistance dogs Booster’s continued pres- correspondence with Mr during an address to the ence, Mr Hawn said Capt Hawn, “and we at Bahama- Bahamas National Council Beneby immediately grant- sair are happy to have con- for Disability. I OVERSEAS NEWS Police patrol car Venezuelans protest US involved in crash

A POLICE patrol car sanctions against oil co. was involved in a crash By CHRISTOPHER employ to describe the U.S. with a private vehicle at TOOTHAKER, "They don't care about our Paradise Island yesterday. Associated Press country." The collision, which CARACAS, Venezuela Chavez's leftist-oriented gov- ernment relies heavily on involved a Ford Explorer, Thousands of government PDVSA's annual revenues of occurred at the traffic light supporters jammed into a plaza about $4 billion to fund its shortly after 8am. Sunday to protest U.S. sanc- social programs for the coun- Last night, officers with- tions against Venezuela's state try's poor. Industry analysts say in the traffic division oil company, the latest in a the sanctions probably won't remained tightlipped over series of demonstrations significantly cut into PDVSA's the details concerning the encouraged by President Hugo business because Washington Chavez to invoke nationalist is not preventing the company accident. sentiments. from selling crude to the Unit- Investigations were said Chavez backers waving ed States or through Citgo, its to be continuing. Venezuelans flags and chanting, U.S. subsidiary. "The people, united, will never be defeated!" marched from several points throughout the capital and converged on a downtown plaza where they lis- tened to officials condemn the sanctions against Petroleos de Venezuela SA, known as PDVSA. "Nobody messes with Venezuela," Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told the crowd. "Venezuela must be respect- ed." Ramirez has said shipments of heavy crude to PDVSA's U.S.-based subsidiaries will con- tinue, but the company cannot guarantee shipments to nonaf- filiated private oil companies. Under the sanctions, PDVSA will be barred from any U.S. government contracts, U.S. import-export financing, and export licenses for sensi- tive technology. But it will not be banned from selling oil to the United States or dealing with its U.S. subsidiaries. Venezuela is one of the Unit- ed States' main suppliers of petroleum, and the U.S. is the South American country's chief oil buyer. Under Chavez, PDVSA has sought to diversify its clientele, exporting more to China and other countries. Ramirez has hinted the oil company could seek to accelerate those initia- tives to further reduce Venezuela's dependence on the United States. President Barack Obama's administration slapped sanc- tions on PDVSA and six other companies from other countries for doing business with Iran. The State Department said PDVSA delivered at least two cargoes of refined petroleum products worth about $50 mil- lion to Iran between Decem- ber and March. Chavez's opponents have also criticized the sanctions, but Chavez and his supporters have portrayed them as anti-patriot- ic U.S. flunkies who applaud the measures. "They are pawns of the empire," said protester Edgar Torres, using a term Chavez and his supporters often

PAGE 8, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS Guyana: Recovering its ‘lost’ years By SIR RONALD nation, One destiny.” This man of the SANDERS is still evident today in the Caribbean fact that the main platform falling sec- (The writer is a Consultant of the smallest of the three ond only to and former Caribbean main political parties, the Haiti as the diplomat) Alliance for Change (AFC), poorest expresses the belief that, “if country in WORLD VIEW Guyana is to meaningfully the region. AY experience the notion of PRESIDENT Much of that 26th independence”, it “must BHARRAT has changed, marke year as an independent loans for spending on infra- adopt considered measures JAGDEO and the d 45 nation better economically structure and some better- to cultivate and husband economy years than it was a decade ago, it ment of wages and pensions. ethnic unity and harmony.” looks set to sinceM Guyana became inde- should have been much bet- It also allowed the govern- The main opposition, Peo- change for the better even pendent. During that time ter developed and far more ment to improve the climate ples National more. other countries, such as prosperous than it now is. for investment through a SIR RONALD SANDERS Congress/Reform (PNC/R) This view is based not Malaysia, Singapore and the But, much has been reformed tax strategy. puts it less frontally, by its only on the economic Maldives, that had been far achieved economically in the Today, Guyana’s econo- nomic growth – and has own statement that Guyana growth of the last few years, behind Guyana in develop- last decade prompted by the my is one of the strongest in been one of the fastest grow- will attract investment to but on Guyana’s rich natur- ment have surpassed it. forgiveness of Guyana’s the Caribbean and as its ing economies in CARI- boost its economic develop- al resources, and the diver- So, while this sprawling debt under the Highly President Bharrat Jagdeo COM every year since ment when an image is pre- sification of its productive country, larger than England Indebted Poor Countries observed, “the country is 2006.” sented to the world of a base to exploit these and rich in natural programme which allowed now enjoying its “sixth con- These statements are sup- “united, reconciled, pur- resources more effectively. resources, marked its 45th the government to secure secutive year of strong eco- ported by the International poseful and serious nation.” Twenty years ago, Monetary Fund (IMF) Nonetheless, it would also Guyana depended almost whose reports indicate that not be true to say that racial entirely on export earnings between 2006 and 2010, division remains a hallmark from sugar, rice and baux- Guyana enjoyed average of the daily lives of the ite. Today, while these three economic growth of 4 per Guyanese people. No such commodities remain impor- cent – an enviable achieve- division is evident among tant, the agricultural sector ment among CARICOM most people under the age has been diversified and countries, the majority of of 30 who have no living Guyana is now a net whose economies have con- experience of racial strife exporter of agricultural tracted especially since the and are far more integrated products. Its other global financial crisis that than previous generations as resources, especially gold, started in late 2008. a result of modern commu- will catapult the country’s nication, access to global economic growth in the information, and a growing future. Debt common culture. Last year the country The two main political earned US$346.4 million Few would dispute that parties – the opposition from gold, almost three the two decades between PNC/R and the ruling Peo- times the sum it earned from 1976 and 1996 were ‘lost’ ple’s Progressive Party/Civic bauxite (US$114.6 m), sugar years for Guyana – a period (PPP/C) – are both still per- (US$104 m) and rice when, despite its vast natur- ceived to be rooted in race (US$154.6 m). The coun- al resources, the country with the former’s support try’s gold sector is set for experienced high debt, col- coming from people of “catalytic investment” on an lapse of social and physical African descent and the lat- unprecedented scale that infrastructure and large- ter’s from people of Indian will earn the country as scale migration of its best descent. much as US$1 trillion while educated people. The eco- One of the difficulties introducing new technology nomic decline came in the that each of these two main that conforms to the high wake of the nationalisation parties face in the upcom- environmental standards in the 1970’s of much of the ing elections for the Presi- that Guyana has set as part productive sector of the dency and membership of of its policy to employ a low country – the sugar, bauxite the parliament, is that nei- carbon development strate- and banking industries – for ther of them has outstanding gy. Manganese will also which it was punished by the persons in their leadership once again contribute to the industrialised nations and who are of the other race. economy. the institutions such as the Thus, the PPP has no group And then there is oil IMF which they controlled. of outstanding Africans which, given all the positive Improvements in the post- amongst its leadership, and studies, will eventually flow. 1996 period had its founda- the PNC has no group of A few weeks ago, tion in an Economic Recov- outstanding Indians among Guyana received US$40 mil- ery Programme introduced its leaders. It is difficult to lion from Norway as pay- by the then government see how either party will ment for 8 million tonnes of headed by President succeed in securing the scale carbon saved by preserving Desmond Hoyte. of non-racial support that millions of acres of Some may argue that the would make them truly rep- Guyana’s huge forests. Pres- decline of national cohesion resentative of all the people ident Jagdeo has indicated began even earlier and was of Guyana. that the country “can expect particularly evident between This forthcoming election to receive in excess of a 1962 and 1964, when racial is a good opportunity for quarter of a billion dollars riots and civil strife marred both the PPP and the PNC in similar transactions the country leaving a bitter to broaden the base of their before 2015.” legacy that continues to be support by placing credible Managed efficiently, the silent poison that runs persons of all races in lead- these revenues could trans- through the body politic of ership positions. form Guyana and allow it to the nation. And, it should not be for recover from the “lost“ At independence Guyana tokenism, but for good polit- years – but they must also was hardly one nation. It ical sense and in the interest be distributed fairly and was more two societies coex- of the nation. equitably through transpar- isting with no appetite to For, until all the political ent machinery. return to past racial distur- parties are regarded as Broad-based political par- bances. racially cohesive and repre- ties in government and the But, it would be untrue to sentative, the fear of neglect legislature would be essen- say that, at the time, the on racial grounds will con- tial to that process. country, as a whole, had tinue. overcome its racial divide in Since the late 1970’s and Responses and previous fulfilment of its national until recently, the economy commentaries at: www.sir- motto, “One people, One of Guyana has been the sick ronaldsanders.com

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 9 LOCAL NEWS Royal Bahamas Police Force CREATIVE FINANCING Bahamas real National Crime Prevention Office estate today ‘BUSINESS ARMED ROBBERY PREVENTION TIPS’ Mike Lightbourn By MIKE LIGHTBOURN By CONSTABLE 3011 business. Let the police MAKELLE PINDER catch the robber! PPLYING for a mort- Agage can be difficult. Armed robbery is one of After A Robbery With concerns about reduced the most serious and poten- work hours and job loss, some purchasers who would have tially dangerous crimes com- Close the store and lock qualified for a mortgage a few short years ago may find they are mitted today. the doors. unable to meet today’s criteria. A robber commits a hold- Call the police; even if However, a motivated vendor may be able to help out. up because he or she the alarm was activated. The first hurdle to clear is finding a property you like that’s believes that their profit will Don’t touch anything the owned by a motivated vendor. Some owners of vacant property be worth the risk. By robber may have touched. might even be willing to finance the sale outright. decreasing the possible prof- Ask witnesses to stay The next step is to see if your BREA agent may be able to it and increasing the risk of until the police arrive. negotiate a lease-to-own option. Here’s how it typically works: apprehension, potential Only step outside when A portion of the monthly rent is held in escrow, where it businesses can reduce their the police arrive and con- builds up for a portion of an eventual down payment on the chance of becoming a tar- tact you via telephone. home. If you think about it, this is a fairly easy way to save mon- get. ey for you to place a down payment on a home. Call your business owner, Within a stipulated period of time, you will have saved Businesspersons must manager or other designated enough to secure a loan and complete your purchase. This face the possibility of rob- person. process usually takes two to five years. bery on their premises real- Of course, most vendors will probably want to be paid the full istically, and they should Tips sales price up front. However, once they understand the process, make security training a some vendors like the idea of receiving regular income with the high priority. Use a drop safe that is full price of the sale yet to come. You might say it’s the “gravy” You can avoid becoming a secured to the floor. on the meat. victim of such crime by Post signs indicating lim- You’ll never be able to recover your rent, but a rent-to-own adopting the following crime ited cash on hand. option will help you build equity while you’re making those prevention measures pro- Professionally install secu- monthly payments (as if you were paying a mortgage). Don’t vided by the Royal Bahamas rity cameras to capture the expect this to be a common occurrence since your agent will Police Force National Crime best images of the suspects. have to find the right scenario before it will work. Prevention Office: Trim landscaping for Your BREA agent will be happy to negotiate for you once a good view into and out of suitable property is found. Before A Robbery your business. The agent is paid a rental commission and then a sales com- Should you be a victim of mission once the sale has closed. Think about it. Greet everyone who crime, please do not resist enters your business. but take note of the descrip- (Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Light- Keep doors and windows tion of the culprit e.g. his bourn Realty). clear of signs and posters to appearance, clothing, height, allow good two-way visibili- physical details and the ty. CONSTABLE 3011 MAKELLE PINDER direction or mode of escape. Use video surveillance Call the Police as soon as it and make it well known. uncomfortable for robbers. Get a look at the robber is safe to do so. Make bank deposits at Keep your business well- but don’t stare. If you come across any least once a day. lit inside and outside If safe – Get a descrip- suspicious person(s) loiter- Place a surveillance cam- tion of the robber’s vehicle ing around your business or era behind the cash register During a Robbery and direction of travel. have any information per- facing the front counter. Activate the panic alarm taining to any crime, please Install an emergency Stay calm and don’t ONLY when it’s safe. do not hesitate to call the (panic) alarm. resist! Personal safety first! police at emergency num- Make your sales counter Do as instructed. Don’t Money and merchandise are ber ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers clearly visible to observers. make sudden moves. not important. at 328-tips (New Provi- A clean environment is Keep your hands in sight Don’t chase or follow the dence), 1-300-8476 (Family good for business and at all times. robber out of your place of Islands ‘Mother Pratt’ launches her first book FROM page two it, did not live to see her complete and publish it. “He was behind me for some time, urging me with her mother in the straw market selling straw on to complete it, I just didn’t have the time work to tourists as a child, before later going on because I was wearing so many hats. I believe he to become an MP and the first woman minister of was trying to tell me something, that is to say national security in The Bahamas and perhaps that he would not be here. Now it is a reality it “the only woman of colour to come from such really makes my heart full. I know he would’ve abject poverty and reach high office,” she sug- liked to be here to see that happen,” said Mrs gests. Pratt. The book is currently available from 100% Bible Bookstore on Madeira Street in Palmdale. The book seeks to impress upon readers that if Meanwhile, Mrs Pratt said she is anticipating The Mercedes-Benz C-Class she can attain that which she has, then anyone an opportunity to present copies of the book to can. the Ministry of Education for distribution in Your most enjoyable drive ever. “There’s been ups and downs and I want them schools, and has also secured large orders from to see some of these things. Because for many churches throughout New Providence. Outside of people, if they had to go through what I went The Bahamas, Kentucky State University and through, they’d have given up, but I didn’t. With St Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Car- The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a pleasure to external conditions and your own some of the young people who have not had olina, are also expected to obtain copies of the to behold offering a new interpretation of particular needs. The key to this flexible opportunity to be brought up but bringing them- book for their students’ edification, said the MP. driving pleasure. Its taut lines lend it an response is the standard-fit Agility selves up, this is a good time for them to read this Mrs Pratt said that her next book will focus on air of effortless superiority while the wide Control Package which includes book – to know there are others with same kinds her political life, and the particular “advantages radiator grille and distinctive rear section of struggles who didn’t resort to violence, pros- selective damping. and disadvantages” of being a woman in public announce a vehicle with a real presence titution, stealing. That’s the message I am trying life and leadership. and dynamic personality. to get across,” said Mrs Pratt. “There will be advice for women who may be The interior offers noticeably more The former cabinet minister is excited about looking to enter politics. You have to be a quick Few cars can compete with its ability to space and a more distinctive atmosphere the prospect of further impacting the lives of learner, a good listener and make sure you don’t to suit your taste. As you will see, the Bahamian youth. adjust so many facets of its character – make the same mistake twice. You also have to C-Class is the perfect embodiment If she has one regret in relation to the book, be certain that your family is standing with you, from the interior to the drive technology – she suggested, it is that her husband, who was even if no one else is standing with you because so quickly and precisely in response of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy. “instrumental” in helping her formulate and write hard times will come,” said Mrs Pratt.

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PAGE 10, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS Murder count climbs to 50 FROM page one multiple gunshot wounds to a 10-year-old son, worked the body. primarily as a mechanic “Justice needs to prevail, according to his mother. “My neighbour was walk- all this killing going on is Police are uncertain of the ing through the yard and she senseless,” Ms Algreen said. circumstances surrounding called to him, telling him to Miller’s mother, Rose- this incident and are appeal- get up and go inside. He did- marie Bain-Deal, while ing to members of the public n’t respond and so she admitting that her son had a who may have any informa- knocked on my mother’s checkered past said that she tion to contact them at 911, window. That’s when we was deeply saddened by her 919, the Central Detective came out and realised that son’s death. “I am very Unit at 502-9991, 502-9910 he was dead,” she said. much hurt. It’s a different, or CRIME STOPPERS at Police say that they received strange feeling,” she said. 328-TIPS. In 2010, the coun- a report of the incident “Fidel was my last boy, he try recorded its 50th murder shortly after 7 am on Satur- was loved by the young and in July when 60-year-old day. According to police, the elderly. He had his prob- Veronica Knowles- a taxi when officers arrived at the lems, but I thank God for driver on Long Island- was scene they discovered the 31 years he was here discovered dead with Miller’s lifeless body in the with me.” injuries to her head in bush- driver seat of a gray car with Miller who leaves behind es near Salt Pond.

FINANCIAL DUTIES IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS TO BE TRANSFERRED TO ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS FROM page one

on principals was a bit too much for them in that a lot of them were not properly trained to be accounting officers and that is basically what we were asking them to do. What we sought to do then was remove that financial burden from principals, allowing them to manage the schools. One of the key elements as in any school, universities and other schools abroad, you have an accounting area or bursary. So we are removing those duties from the principal and allowing the bursar to take full financial management of the school, because the schools are now generating a lot of rev- enue,” said a source. In addition to government allocations for Bursars will only be staffed at high school boards, public schools maintain oth- schools to begin with. Eventually the gov- er revenue generating accounts that some- ernment plans to create the post at junior times generate hundreds of thousands of high and primary schools. The move is dollars. Last year, one high school generat- intended to increase the overall fiscal man- ed $200,000 in revenue just from its tuck agement of schools. Although school board shop that sells juice, sodas and hot dogs, funds are heavily regulated, the government among other snack foods. For some schools, has found that schools are strained with their self-generated revenue is more than implementing the proper procedures the government allocation. because they do not always have the tech- nical know-how. “We said to the principals, you are now Administrators the accounting officers. We expect you to produce financial statements and expendi- When school administrators were given ture reports; we expect you to do record responsibility to manage their other rev- keeping; we expect you to have staff enue generating accounts, the government employed to manage the tuck shop and did not anticipate schools would generate whatever else. You know all of that is an the volume of funds they do today, particu- accounting department function and duty. larly from tuck shops. “General account So we have been grossly unfair to the prin- principles were not always followed” in deal- cipals to put all of that mandate on them and ing with these accounts, because there was ask them to perform. So there you would no uniform policy or guideline for schools to find their shortcomings. So when the audi- follow. tors come to the schools, to look at their “The principals developed a generic financials, they are actually going to audit approach. There was no accountability persons who have not been trained to carry because there was no mandate to be out those duties; persons who have little accountable. (Their perspective was), ‘We experience. Some of them can hardly bal- raised the funds and we spend it. If I need to ance their own cheque books,” said the buy a phone for the principal, some phone source. cards or lunch for teachers, whatever I need All of this is expected to change with the to do with these funds I do’, because there coming of the new school year, as each pub- were no guidelines,” said a Tribune source. lic high school is set to have a new bursar. SHOOTING VICTIM DIES FROM INJURIES FROM page one

Intensive Care Unit at Rand Memorial Hospital for treatment following the shooting. His death brings to four the number of homicide cases now being investigated by police in Grand Bahama. Police have expressed concern about the level of violent and illegal activity in the Garden Villas, Freeport, in the wake of the shooting of Mr Anopolis. The first of the series of shootings, which culminated this weekend in the death of Mr Anopolis, occurred on March 7, when 42-year-old Patrick Russell, of Lewis Yard, was discov- ered shot to death in his car at Weddell Avenue. The second incident occurred on May 8, when 31-year-old Kiano Martinborough was discovered shot in the head at Wed- dell Avenue. He was taken to hospital where he later died. No arrests have been made in any of the shootings, howev- er police investigations are continuing. Anyone with information that can assist the police are asked to call 911, 352-9774/5 or 350-3107/8. OVERSEAS NEWS 800 tons of fish die, rot on Philippine fish farms

TALISAY, Philippines

More than 800 tons of fish have died and rotted on fish farms in a lake near Taal volcano south of Manila, with author- ities blaming it on a sudden temperature drop. The massive fish deaths started late last week but have eased. Officials have banned the sale of the rotting fish, which are being buried by the truckload in Talisay and three other towns in Batangas province, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources official Rose del Mundo said Sunday. The deaths are unrelated to recent signs of restiveness in Taal volcano, which is surrounded by the lake where many villagers have grown milkfish and tilapia — staple foods for many Fil- ipinos, officials said. The volcano and lake are a popular tourist draw. Government volcanologist Allan Loza said Monday that 115 earthquakes were detected in Taal in the past 24 hours com- pared to an average of 10 to 15 quakes daily in recent weeks, a sign that magma is rising from within the small volcano. Such unrest has been monitored since April, long before last week's fish deaths, he said. THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 11 LOCAL NEWS BAHAMIAN ‘WHISTLE-BLOWER’ IS

PRAISEDFROM page one FOR EXPOSING FIFA SCANDALengaged former US federal prosecutor John P Collins to conduct a full investiga- it was Anton Sealey, Presi- tion. dent of the Bahamas Foot- The Telegraph reports ball Association, who “led” that the whistle-blowers who a group of Caribbean foot- went to Mr Blazer with the ball officials who exposed allegations were led by Mr an alleged attempt by an Sealey. Mr Sealey’s claims aspiring President of the are backed by statements International Federation of from the Bermuda, Cayman Football Associations to Islands and Turks and bribe regional officials with Caicos Islands Football $40,000 each to support his Associations, the dossier presidential bid. shows. Qatari President of the The current President of Asian Football Confedera- FIFA, Sepp Blatter, was tion, Mohamed Bin Ham- drawn into the ethics inves- mam, along with FIFA Vice President, Trinidadian Jack tigation after it was alleged Warner, and the long-stand- by Mr Warner that he was ing current President of aware of the payments to FIFA, Sepp Blatter, were the CFU and had “raised no preparing to face a FIFA objections.” ethics committee hearing Mr Warner and Bin Ham- over the allegations. How- mam have denied wrongdo- ever, although investigations ing. Bin Hammam claimed will go ahead against Ham- the allegations are a con- mam and Warner, all accu- spiracy designed to derail his sations have been dropped chance to be FIFA Presi- against Blatter. dent in Wednesday’s presi- dential election. Last night Mr Sealey was not avail- PRESIDENT OF FIFA, SEPP BLATTER able for comment yesterday, international media report- according to his wife, as he ed that he has ended his bid remains in Zurich, Switzer- According to the corrup- week’s FIFA presidential for the presidency in the land, where FIFA’s head- tion probe dossier seen by election. wake of the allegations. quarters are located. The the Telegraph, Mr Sealey They were allegedly told However, FIFA will open a corruption claims highlight- and up to 25 Caribbean “not to tell anyone about the “full blown” investigations ed by him and his fellow Football Union (CFU) offi- cash, not to discuss the cash into the accusations against Caribbean Football Union cials were offered envelopes with the others and not to Hammam and Warner. officials are the latest in a containing $40,000 in cash, show anyone the money.” Sepp Blatter, of Switzer- series of claims of ethical split into four $10,000 A corruption probe was land, FTFA’s current presi- misdemeanours by FIFA “stacks” of $100 bills at a initiated after at least four dent, will not be investigated executives, among them sug- CFU meeting in Warner’s of the delegates apparently because he knew nothing of gestions that officials accept- native Trinidad on May 10- refused the cash and report- the payments. He will stand ed bribes for votes on which 11 in an alleged effort by ed the incident to FIFA unopposed for re-election countries should host future Bin Hammam to persuade executive committee mem- on Wednesday to continue world cup tournaments. them to vote for him in this ber Chuck Blazer, who in a job that he has held for 13 years.

BTCFROM SEVERANCE page one DEALS FALL SHORT OFthat.” UNION HOPES Yesterday Mr Evans said that BTC is expected to hold a press conference from the company in 1999 – benefits “It’s a pivotal and today to announce the packages. the union had suggested it would However, the union President sug- demand for employees in this latest very crucial first indus- gested he has yet to see the full details exercise. trial agreement under of the packages, despite having been Mr Evans said he has reason to the partnership agree- engaged with BTC for about a month believe the separation packages are in negotiations over them. likely to be formally offered to employ- ment with a private “Once we get the full details we will ees within the next “couple of weeks.” entity (CWC), and that have a better idea of how it will affect “Overall it could have been better, each individual,” he told Tribune Busi- but the beauty of it is that it is not changes the landscape.” ness. mandatory. If it were mandatory it Asked if he feels many people will would be another matter,” said Mr accept the packages and leave the com- Evans of the voluntary separation pany, Mr Evans said it is hard to say at packages. He said the union will not be Those in the range from 55 years to this stage. pushing for greater benefits to be 58.5 will receive the same offer up to a Mr Evans said the union is keen now offered in the packages for this reason cap of 68 weeks, with persons ranging to focus along with the company on but will instead be focusing on negoti- from 58.5 and under 60 will be pro- finalising a new industrial agreement ating the “pivotal and very crucial” rated from 68 weeks based on the num- for employees at BTC. He said a pro- industrial agreement governing rela- ber of months remaining to the age of posed agreement put forward to the tions between BTC and staff under the 60. company recently has yet to receive a newly-privatised entity. These packages, it was said by formal response. Cable and Wireless Communica- sources close to the matter, are expect- He said the industrial agreement will tions, which purchased 51 per cent of ed to be offered to all employees with be “very, very different” to the previ- BTC from the Government in April the expectation that BTC's current ous one governing relations between 2011, have committed under the terms staff levels could be reduced by at least workers and the company. of their agreement with the Govern- 400 people. “It’s going to be very, very focused ment to engage only in voluntary and determined on ensuring we have downsizing of employees for the first protection for our members. It’s a piv- three years of their management and Medical otal and very crucial first industrial majority ownership of BTC. agreement under the partnership In last week’s Tribune, it was exclu- According to a powerpoint presen- tation prepared for the company's agreement with a private entity sively revealed that under the terms (CWC), and that changes the land- of the packages for BTC workers nego- executives, the report suggests that no person in the age group 45 to 50 will scape. tiated between BTC, the BCPOU and “They will be trying to streamline the managers’ union, the BCPMU, all receive less than six months incentive payment. In addition the company and cut back as much as possible. I am employees at BTC under the age of looking forward to the challenge we 45 years will be offered the chance to appears to be willing to continue the cost of Medical coverage payment for think it will be. We know there’s an leave the company with a minimum of exclusivity period (during which time five weeks pay for every year on the all age groups for one year, with out- placement/training services to be pro- BTC holds the monopoly on cell phone job up to 104 weeks in total. service and which coincides with the Employees between the ages of 45 vided. On Friday, BTC’s Vice President of agreement to keep staff reduction on a and under 50 will be offered the same voluntary basis) and so we know that five weeks per year up to a cap of 110 Sales and Marketing, Marlon Johnson, declined to comment on the details of there’s supposed to be no mandatory weeks, and people ranging from 50 but downsizing up to April 2013, so all of under 55 will be offered 5 weeks salary the packages revealed by The Tribune, telling this newspaper only that the our energies will be on the protection for every year of employment up to a of our members.” cap of 75 weeks. company “would make a statement on

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 13 LOCAL NEWS FNM’s Grill and Chill Mini Fair f f a t s

ALL SMILES: FNM Leader, e

n Prime Minister Hubert u

b Ingraham greets excited i r

T youngsters at the Free / e

k National Movement's 40th r

a Anniversary Grill & Chill l C

Mini Fair,on Heritage Park, m

i Arawak Cay on T Saturday. (FNM Photo)

THE TRIBUNE • SECTION B • [email protected] MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 ANDROS BAHAMAS WASTE GETS TARGETED FOR Venture fund $50K CARBON FINANCING $14 MILLION Bahamas has ‘a lot of potential’ to seeking $2m benefit from emission offsetting CHICKEN FARM By ALISON LOWE Business Reporter By NEIL HARTNELL * Wants additional government injection to help [email protected] Tribune Business Editor finance further five-six projects deemed worthy A renewable energy consulting firm believes the Bahamas The Government-spon- of support is well-positioned to benefit from offsetting carbon emis- sored venture capital fund sions, with BISX-listed Bahamas Waste receiving $50,000 in is set to request a further $2 * $3.5m invested in 53 Bahamian start-ups to “carbon financing” so far for its “green” efforts. million injection from the In doing so, it has become the first Bahamian company to Ingraham administration to date, $2.2m as debt and $1.3m in equity be recognised for its carbon offsetting measures, and to help fund another five-six receive so-called carbon financing in return. The first tranche ventures “in the pipeline”, * Delinquency ratio at 50%, with Fund focusing of the money helped the company set up its $1 million its chairman telling Tribune biodiesel facility, and another $50,000 award is expected Business there were no on ‘balance sheet clean-up’ and provisions once Bahamas Waste has achieved a certain amount of plans to “discontinue” pub- biodiesel production. lic funding. recently With assistance from Cape Eleuthera Systems, the con- While concerns have been sulting arm of the Cape Eleuthera Foundation and the expressed in some quarters * ‘No plans’ to end government funding Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas Waste, was recog- that there was no ‘line item’ nised by Pioneer Carbon Trading for its efforts to create in the 2010-2011 Budget bound up with other forms Venture Fund was seeking a biodiesel from waste cooking oil that would otherwise have specifying the annual $1 mil- of small and medium-sized further $2 million in gov- ended up in the public landfill. lion injection that the business assistance. ernment funding to support The financial support it receives for its carbon offsetting Bahamas Entrepreneurial His comments came as five-six business ventures it is higher than might be otherwise, as the biodiesel project Venture Fund traditionally Edward Rolle, the fund’s had deemed worthy of back- meets the criteria that enables resulting credits to be sold as received from the Govern- administrator and manager ing. ‘gold standard’. This is a ‘premium quality’ and higher val- ment, Michael Cunningham of Baker Tilly Gomez’s cor- “We’re addressing, ue credit attached to those whose carbon offsetting not LARRY CARTWRIGHT said this had been the prac- porate department, told Tri- requesting additional funds tice “for the last two to three bune Business that the SEE page 8B SEE page 8B By ALISON LOWE years”, the funds being Bahamas Entrepreneurial Business Reporter [email protected]

A US investor with decades of agricultural Regulators pave way to PARLIAMENT URGED: ADDRESS production experience has received approval to set up 3RD PARTY RIGHTS IN CONTRACTS a “large scale chicken overturn SRG ‘block’ award operation” in North By NEIL HARTNELL Lennox Paton QC wins Andros, which he projects Tribune Business Editor will involve a $14 million verdict that couple investment. By NEIL HARTNELL * URCA says award of The Court of Appeal’s pres- In a brief interview on Tribune Business Editor ident has called upon Parlia- cannot recover losses ment to address a ‘grey Friday, Robert L. Parker entire spectrum band Regulators have left the area’/loophole in the law con- on behalf of company told Tribune Business the ‘only justifiable in cerning “the rights of third par- chicken farm will be a door open to reversing the ties under contract”, after a they own because “major and a good project” previous “block allocation” exceptional majority verdict struck out a for Andros that will of wireless spectrum to Sys- couple’s claim against a con- its existence as land “employ a lot of people”. tems Resource Group circumstances’ tractor, finding they could not Minister of Agriculture, (SRG), saying such awards recover losses on behalf of a owner was not Larry Cartwright, con- “would only be justifiable in * Rejects Cable and company they owned. disclosed to contractor firmed that Mr Parker had exceptional circumstances”, The verdict, which is likely to interest not just parties to while also rejecting spec- BTC’s spectrum trading contract, that the land upon received government construction contracts, but trum trading proposals. which the construction occurred approvals to go ahead with those involved in all forms of proposal was owned not the couple but a his chicken production Unveiling the results of its such commercial agreements, company they beneficially investment in around consultation over the open- found that David and Melissa * Says will not be owned. autumn 2010. Yesterday, ing up of new spectrum Solomon were unable to recov- Brian Simms QC, head of lit- Mr Parker said he remains bands, the Utilities Regula- bound by PUC er damages from contractor “a little bit short of mon- tion & Competition Author- Jason Thompson because he SEE page 7B ey” but soon anticipates he ity (URCA) warned com- decisions ANITA ALLEN was unaware, from the original will have the total financ- munications industry play- ing in place to move ahead. ers that it did not consider In the meantime, Mr itself bound by decisions Cartwright said the taken by its predecessor, the Department of Agriculture Public Utilities Commission has been involved in an (PUC), if these were incon- effort to try to locate the sistent with international ideal property in North best practices. Andros for Mr Parker to It said it will only award develop his farm on. He is 100 per cent capacity in a to lease Crown Land from spectrum band to a single the Government for the operator “in exceptional cir- project. cumstances”, with the com- “The area he was inter- pany having to prove such ested in is not available,” a step was in line with inter- explained Mr Cartwright, national best practices. who added that it is likely URCA had asked the sec- the farm’s chicken would tor whether it agreed with be produced “primarily for its position that no single export”, since “the produc- operator be awarded an tion of agricultural prod- entire spectrum band unless ucts in the Bahamas is in exceptional circum- reserved for Bahamians”. stances. He noted, however, that In response, the Bahamas “concessions can be made Telecommunications Com- for providing to the local pany (BTC) urged it to market”. overturn a PUC decision Mr Cartwright described that had granted SRG a Mr Parker as having “a “block” WiMAX spectrum wealth of knowledge in allocation, namely 190 MHz poultry production”. in the 2.5 GHz band. It also claimed that SRG had more spectrum than it could allegedly use efficiently through the “en masse assignment” of two fre- quency bands. “BTC's biggest current spectrum issue with URCA is the en masse assignment of WiMAX frequencies to $5.5968 a competitor, SRG, who have been assigned the $4. bands 2150-2162MHz$ and 2500-2690MHz,” the newly- privatised incumbent said $5.5451 then, branding this anti-com- petitive. $4. SRG hit back by alleging that past spectrum alloca- $5.6569 tions in the Bahamas $4. appeared to favour BTC.

The information contained is from a third SEE page 7B party and The Tribune can not be held responsible for errors and/or omission from the daily report.

PAGE 2B, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS RoyalFidelity Market Wrap By RoyalFidelity Capital eight out of the 24 listed secu- changed hands, representing a a volume of 3,150 shares to BOND MARKET The bank experienced a Markets rities, with one advancer and decrease of 17,606 shares climb by $0.25, its stock clos- No notes traded during last decrease in its loan loss pro- one decliner. compared to last week's trad- ing at $2.80. week. visions, which totalled $31,000 It was a slow week of trad- ing volume of 23,268. Fidelity Bank Bahamas compared to $243,000 in the ing in the Bahamian stock EQUITY MARKET Colina Holdings (CHL) (FBB) was the decliner for COMPANY NEWS prior year, a decrease of market. Investors traded in A total of 5,662 shares was the big advancer, trading the week, trading a volume Earnings Releases: $212,000. of 1,000 shares to see its share Fidelity Bank Bahamas FBB's earnings per share price fall by $0.19 to close at a (FBB) released its unaudited increased to $0.037 compared new 52-week low of $1.77. financial results for the quar- to a loss per share of $0.005 in Cable Bahamas (CAB) ter ended March 31, 2011. the previous year. traded a volume of 251 shares, FBB reported a net income Total assets and liabilities remaining unchanged to close of $1.1 million, compared to a as at end-March 2011 were at $8.74. loss of $142,000 reported in $306 million and $270 million FirstCaribbean Interna- the comparative quarter in respectively, compared to tional Bank (CIB) traded a the prior year. $282 million and $247 million volume of 240 shares, remain- Net interest income as at December 31, 2010. ing unchanged to close at increased from $2 million in $8.60. the 2010 first quarter to $3.1 Finance Corporation of Commonwealth Brewery million in 2011, or by 54 per Bahamas (FIN) released its (CBB), a newly-added listing cent, while non-interest unaudited financial results for to the exchange, traded a vol- income showed a slight ume of 100 shares, remaining increase of $217,000 in com- SEE page 9B unchanged at $8.33. parison to the prior year.

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By SIMON COOPER decide to buy or sell a business. reductions in food tariff rates Res Socius However, I certainly do not have a crystal ball in this instance. I am going to sit back By ALISON LOWE lthough Robin Hood and see where this fascinating Business Reporter The duty reductions Awas not a business- story leads. Why don’t you pop [email protected] man, he was adroit at relieving by some time and tell me what on grocery items: wealthy people of their money you think? Super Value president Rupert Roberts and redistributing this as he saw NB: Res Socius was found- has praised the Government for some “big- Chicken - 40% - 30% fit. I have sometimes wondered SIMON gie” reductions in duty rates on “high vol- why anybody would want to ed by Simon Cooper in 2009, Sliced/unsliced turkey - 40% - free COOPER and is a business brokerage ume” popular food and grocery items, sug- give a business a name like that, Sliced/unsliced ham - 40% - free although many people ask me authorised by the Bahamas gesting the cuts will not only benefit con- Sliced/unsliced beef - 40% - free what Res Socius means, too. Investment Authority. He has sumers but also his own bottom line, as Fresh fruit - 35% - free While I think of it, Res Socius extensive private and public “lower prices mean higher consumption”. Ketchup - 30% - 10% means honest partner, which is SME experience, and was for- Sauces - 30% - 10% an empty building. In this case, Mr Roberts suggested he would be order- how I believe a business bro- Trans-Island Trading would not merly chief executive of a pub- ing an extra inventory of items that now Salad dressing - 30% to 10% ker ought to behave. be acquiring fixed premises at licly traded investment compa- have diminished tariff rates, and will launch Dish liquid - 40% - free I am not suggesting for a all, but just the right to lease. ny. He was awarded an MBA a special marketing campaign to raise pub- Powder detergent - 7% - free moment that any of the parties with distinction by Liverpool lic awareness of the retail price cuts that Liquid detergent - 7% - free involved in Trans-Island * The Market-Based Model University in 2005. Contact him Instant coffee and tea - 30% - free Traders’ acquisition of Robin is sometimes used when a sim- on 636-8831 or write to will result. [email protected]. The businessman, whose company has 10 Prepared foods - 40% - 30% Hood’s food retail interests ilar business (for example, stores throughout New Providence, said he Deodorants - 45% - free have engaged, or will engage, in another branch of the same feels the Government “picked good items” Stockings - 45% - free any skulduggery. franchise chain) sold recently, Baby nipples - 45% - free But they are equally unlikely to reduce if they were hoping to provide too. This provides an indepen- Baby wipes - 45% - free to be completely happy with dent base from which to take some relief to the cost of living for the aver- Computer ribbons - 45 - free the result if the deal is con- out and add back differences. age Bahamian. Baking powder/yeast - 30% - 10% cluded. “The poor people are struggling. They Black/Red pepper - 35% - 10% In my extensive experience * In my experience, the want more for less to put in the pot. I think Vanilla - 35% - 10% of brokering sales of businesses, Income Model is the most reli- [the Government] picked a good selection of Dried seasoning - 35% - 10% there is inevitably a huge divide able of all three, provided that items to do that,” Mr Roberts said. Nutmeg - 35% - 10% between the expectations of the proven business numbers are However, he noted that consumers should Cloves - 35% - 10% two parties. available (which they surpris- not expect to see retail price cuts equivalent A seller is foregoing future ingly often are not). These fig- to the duty rate reductions announced by the income and wants to be able to ures usually need adapting, too, because they often obscure the Prime Minister - up to 45 per cent reductions bank as much compensation as Bahamians eat more chicken per capita than possible - typically up to seven costs of depreciation, owner in some cases - as duty only constitutes one years’ worth of future income. income and tax where this component of the retail price structure. North Americans or Canadians, at 79 per A buyer who has to shell out applies. He added that freight costs on his most cent of all their protein consumption, Mr money hopes to be back in recent shipment of chicken were “one third Roberts suggested this particular reduction profit within a matter of a few In the end, though, the price more” than on the previous one, meaning is very significant. years. paid is what the buyer is pre- that his ability to pass on savings to cus- “That’s a biggie,” he said. So, given that neither Mark pared to stand, not what the tomers based on the duty reduction is dimin- Other particularly popular items that saw Finlayson, Sandy Schaefer nor seller believes they ought to get. ished somewhat. Meanwhile, recent ship- substantial duty reductions in the Budget Suresh Khilnani are likely to This is a true test of the two are fresh fruits, sliced ham, ketchup and migrate across to the other side party’s abilities to out-eyeball ments of goods such as washing-up liquid, on each other, and how genuine which the higher 40 per cent duty rate was washing up liquid. of the argument, what would be a fair way to agree the price their interest is. The general paid, will continue to be sold for the higher “We sold tons of sliced ham when it was trend is to pay between one and 40 per cent duty, so now it is duty free we’ll to be paid? Traditionally, three price that is necessary to recoup expenses. different methods have been three times the adjusted annual More immediate reductions will be seen in sell tons more,” said Mr Roberts. He added around for as long as people net income depending on how “perishable” goods such as meat and fresh that Super Value typically brings in “entire have been buying and selling stable the business actually is. fruits. Duty rates on all fresh fruits were container loads” of ‘Joy’ brand dish liquid businesses around the world, I hope to be your Res Socius reduced to zero, while duty on alone. and believe me this stretches partner some day should you “sliced/unsliced” ham, turkey and beef also “These are very high volume items with back into the mists of time. reduced from 40 per cent to free. considerable reductions,” said Mr Roberts. Chicken was reduced from 40 per cent He said he was unaware of any duties * The Asset Method is simi- duty to 30 per cent duty in the Budget being raised on grocery items in the Budget. lar to the way in which real revealed last Wednesday by the Prime Min- The tariff reductions took effect immedi- estate brokers value fixed prop- ately on Wednesday of last week. erty, and is often used when a ister. With a recent study suggesting that business sold is little more than At this low rate BTC unveils expanded call centre &21'26 )25 6$/( youcan’t afford The Bahamas Telecom- to inquire about a bill or talk munications Company about international roam- ;\)TJIV[,ZQ^M Jack Christofilis (BTC) has gone operational ing? Licensed, certified home inspector. NOT to get a with its expanded call cen- "In addition to making it tre, all calls being handled easier to remember what 1HZ  EHGURRPV   EDWK LQ  VWRUH\ by one number seven days number to call and easier to EXLOGLQJ *DWHG SURSHUW\ JUDQLWH home inspection! per week, 24 hours per day. do business, whether dis- FRXQWHUWRSV VWDLQOHVV VWHHO DSSOLDQFHV That’sright, a walk-through inspection of the average "The BTC call centre, cussing roaming or topping $250. with all calls regarding all up minutes, the call centre  three-bedroom, two-bath home or condominium beginsat just$250. services being routed also means extended hours," (Report with photo imaging available for an additional fee.) through a single number said Mr Johnson. "There are GRZQ Considering the major financial investment of buying or building a free of charge from any- representatives on hand 24- home, a thorough professional inspection of all structural components, where within the Bahamas, 7. And all calls to the call roof, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems is a wise move is one more way BTC is centre are free. They do not  EHGURRPV   EDWK XQLW LQ VLQJOH that will pay for itself many times over. improving service to our use up any minutes and VWRUH\ EXLOGLQJ 1HZO\ UHIXUELVKHG JUDQ Give me a call today for further details customers by making it there are no toll charges if LWH FRXQWHUWRSV VWDLQOHVV VWHHO DSSOLDQFHV or to schedule your inspection. more convenient," said Mar- you are calling from a Fam- lon Johnson, vice-president ily Island."  of sales and marketing. BTC will roll out cus- GRZQ "The number is easy to tomer service initiatives as remember: Call BTC or 225- it deepens its commitment %DQNLQJ¿QDQFLQJDYDLODEOH 424-3368 5282." to unparalleled customer www.dunrightinspections.com It’s not done...’til it’s Dunright! The single number call service. We abide by the Standardsof Practice and Code of Ethicsof ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) centre replaces more than “As customers rightly 7HO  _  _  20 numbers that occupy a expect value for money, we full services numbers page must continually get better in the telephone directory. at how we interact with our There was a three-digit customers. Frankly, we want number you had to dial to customers to expect to get report a phone out of order, the best customer experi- a seven-digit number you ence in the Bahamas at called to change features on BTC, and that is and will be a mobile phone, set up our primary aim as a com- VIBE, and another number pany,” added Mr Johnson. Atlantis to stage tourism summit

TOURISM SUMMIT: The Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Hospitality industry consulting firm, HVS, have unveiled the inaugural Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS), which will be held from November 10-11, 2011, at Paradise Island’s Atlantis resort. The conference is designed to bring hotel investors and operators together with Caribbean decision-makers to address the tourism industry’s challenges and opportunities in the Caribbean. “The Caribbean island region offers investors complex but rewarding opportunities for hotel and resort development,” said Steve Rushmore, HVS’s president and founder. He described CHICOS 2011 as “a landmark conference benefiting all inter- ested in this region’s lodging industry”. Among the conference’s sponsors are Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos and the Blackstone Group. Dean Steve Carvell, from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management, is among the speakers.

PAGE 4B, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS URCA 2.9% over spending budget

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: URCA said it reported a comprehensive income of about $131,000 for the yea. Ther reg- ulator presented its 2010 annual report and 2011 annual plan at a meeting on Wednesday, May 25, at the Har- ry C. Moore Library and Information Centre.

The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) has confirmed that expenses were 2.9 per cent over budget during its 2010 financial year, hitting $4.917 million com- pared to a $4.776 million pro- jection at the start of the year. Kathleen Riviere-Smith, URCA’s director of policy and regulation, said the disparity was due to several additional costs, including membership of international organisations that was previously the purview of Government. Extra travelling expenses Kathleen Riviere- were incurred for two out-of- URCA’S DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND REGULATION: town Board members to attend Smith. meetings in the Bahamas, plus Annex House location. Still, report and 2011 annual plan at additional staff costs, imple- URCA said it reported a com- a meeting on Wednesday, May mentation of new performance prehensive income of about 25, at the Harry C. Moore management system, profes- $131,000 for the year. The dis- Library and Information Cen- sional services for regulatory closures came when the regu- tre. advisors, and costs associated lator presented its 2010 annual Mrs Smith said last year’s with URCA’s move to its UBS amendments to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) Act 2009 05",)# ./4)#% required the regulator to remit $5.9 million to the Govern- ).4%.4 4/ #(!.'% .!-% "9 $%%$ 0/,, ment’s Consolidated Fund. In / i *ÕLˆV ˆÃ iÀiLÞ >`ۈÃi` Ì >Ì ] +%$2/. January 2011, URCA paid $4.3 4!9,/2 œv Ì i -iÌ̏i“i˜Ì œv ,œiۈi] ÝՓ>] million into the Fund. As URCA continues its man- > >“>à ˆ˜Ìi˜` ̜ V >˜}i “Þ ˜>“i ̜ %,6)3 date to facilitate electronic +%$2/. 2/,,% v Ì iÀi >Ài >˜Þ œLiV̈œ˜Ã ̜ Ì ˆÃ communications in the V >˜}i œv ˜>“i LÞ ii` *œ] ÞœÕ “>Þ ÜÀˆÌi ÃÕV Bahamas, it has tabled a three- œLiV̈œ˜Ã ̜ Ì i ˆiv *>ÃëœÀÌ "vwViÀ] *°"° œÝ ‡ year plan that starts in 2011. In the 2011 first quarter, URCA Ç{Ó] >ÃÃ>Õ] > >“>à ˜œ >ÌiÀ Ì >˜ Ì ˆÀÌÞ ­Îä® `>Þà SEE page 9B >vÌiÀ Ì i `>Ìi œv «ÕLˆV>̈œ˜ œv Ì ˆÃ ˜œÌˆVi°

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PHOTOS: Ministry Left: The Ministry of Housing Below: The Ministry of Works spends up to $30k per repair on below-par homes

The Ministry of Housing has revealed that in several cases it had to spend $30,000 in repair- ing 500 government homes built below standard. The disclosures came when the Ministry outlined problems it had experienced in working with Bahamian contractors dur- ing a meeting with the New Providence Contractors Asso- ciation. The Association said the meeting was a first step in its mandate to represent and address the needs of Bahamian workers within the construction industry. The event took place at the Ministry of Housing, where the sector's status and concerns of both parties were discussed. place with Government execu- Minister of Housing, Ken- tives at the Ministry of Public neth Russell, told NPCA offi- Works and Transport, where cials that he and his staff were other important industry con- committed to creating jobs for cerns were shared. These Bahamian contractors. This will included the proposed Con- be in evidence through govern- tractors Bill, which is now being ment housing developments in drafted in an effort to regulate southern New Providence later the construction industry in the this year, plus other projects Bahamas. the Ministry of Housing expects Neko Grant, minister of pub- to undertake early in 2012. lic works and transport, told NPCA president, Delroy NPCA officials that his depart- Meadows, committed to work ment's staff were the ones sole- closely with the Government ly responsible for drafting of to ensure work standard and the Contractors Bill. He invited quality issues were addressed. the NPCA to play a role in its He said the Association's struc- creation. ture and policy will address the The Ministry of Public work produced by its members Works and Transport also laid on all Government and private SEE page 9B projects. A second meeting took

PAGE 6B, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS CHAMBER MAKES Chamber partners TV APPEARANCE for 2011 economic crime impact survey

The Bahamas Chamber of feedback on the economic crime, identity theft, insur- Commerce and Employers impact of crime as we move ance fraud, money launder- Confederation (BCCEC) to shape future programmes ing and theft have become. has joined with accounting in our Crime Division to The survey is also seeking firm KRyS Global to launch help businesses mitigate to determine their true an Economic Crime Survey their potential risk to all impact on Bahamian busi- for the Bahamas. types of crime.” nesses. The survey, designed to Mr Rolle said the BCCEC Ed Rahming, managing provide information on the had worked with KRyS director of KRyS Global, true state of economic crime Global to develop and tai- said the survey’s findings in the Bahamas, and uncov- lor the questions, the latter would assist Bahamian busi- er new trends, will be dis- having administered similar nesses in “planning their patched to all BCCEC surveys in other jurisdic- own controls”. members via e-mail tomor- tions. “Although the focus in the row. The date for all replies Bahamas in recent months to be received is July 12, Questions has turned primarily to vio- 2011. lent and other traditional “The Chamber feels that The survey features 87 forms of crime, economic this survey is timely, as we questions broken down into crime is still highly relevant are seeing an increase in 48 economic questions; eight during the current recession TV GUESTS: Representatives of the newly-reorganised Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers crime for numerous reasons, retail questions; eight inter- due to the potential magni- Confederation (BCCEC) will be guests on the next money matters show, You & Your Money, which airs the recession being just one tude of losses, the signifi- today. They will examine the Government's new budget and explain how organisational changes at the nal fraud questions; three of them,” said BCCEC chief money laundering questions; cance of any loss to a busi- Chamber will impact its operations. Pictured L to R: Khaalis Rolle, chairman, BCCEC; Jeffrey Lloyd, host, executive, Winston Rolle. ness whose profit margins and Winston Rolle, chief executive, BCCEC and 20 physical/property “We also feel that the sur- questions. are thin or non-existent Photo: Wendell Cleare vey will provide valuable It is aiming to discover already, and the likely just how prevalent misap- increased motivation of per- propriation, bribery, cheque petrators to commit eco- and credit card fraud, debit nomic crime,” Mr Rahming card fraud, corruption, cyber said.

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THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 7B BUSINESS FROM page 1B exclusively within the knowledge of the [Solomons], who were the legal owner of the land when they entered igation at Lennox Paton, successfully PARLIAMENT URGED: ADDRESS 3RD PARTY RIGHTS IN CONTRACTS into a contract with [Thompson], and argued before the Court of Appeal his March 18, 2008, defence and coun- determinative as to the value and qual- and the same. Indeed, a company is a if the outcome is unsatisfactory, so be that the “Solomons could not recover, terclaim that the couple had failed to ity of work performed by the contrac- legal entity separate and distinct from it.” on behalf of a third party, loss alleged- pay the sum owing under the ‘final tor”, finding for the Solomons on both its members, and possessed of sepa- In his dissenting judgment, Appeal ly suffered as a result of a breach of certificate’ issued by the architect occasions. rate legal rights and liabilities, except Justice Conteh said the outcome of contract”, winning a two-one majority under the contract. The central issue was whether this of course where the court, because of finding for Mr Thompson was that he verdict that struck out the action. Bri- The Solomons then filed an amend- case fell within an exception to the special circumstances, pierces the cor- was not liable for any damages result- an Moree QC, senior partner at McK- ed claim on March 1, 2010, in which general rule that only a plaintiff can porate veil.” ing from defective workmanship sim- inney, Bancroft & Hughes, represent- they mentioned that the land upon recover damages for their loss. The In overturning the Supreme Court ply because he did not know that the ed the Solomons. which the work was carried out was Chief Justice ruled that it did, but a verdict, she added: “I respectfully sug- Solomons’ company owned the land, Tracing the origins of the dispute, not owned by them. majority of the Court of Appeal over- gest that this might be an area of law and that it might therefore suffer the Appellate Court president Anita Allen “It was not until the amendment of turned this, because at the time the for the intervention of Parliament by loss. said it related to work that Governor’s the statement of claim did the con- construction contract was signed, Mr an enactment setting out the rights of “I am unable to agree that because Harbour-based Mr Thompson had tractor become aware that the fee sim- Thompson did not know the company third parties under contract.” the appellant did not actually contem- performed for the Solomons on land ple in the land on which the works - rather than the Solomons - owned She was backed by fellow appeal plate at the time he concluded the they owned at Double Bay, Eleuthera. were agreed to be carried out was the land involved and therefore might Justice Christopher Blackman, who building contract with the Solomons The project involved renovation of owned by a third person, namely suffer damage. “If knowledge of the said there was nothing to indicate Mr that someone, other than the an existing building, plus construction David and Melissa Solomon Corpo- third party at the date of the contract Thompson knew “the work he had Solomons, in this case their company, of two new buildings. The Solomons ration, a company beneficially owned was unnecessary, the result would be been contracted to perform was on might suffer damage resulting from sued Mr Thompson in the Supreme by the Solomons,” President Allen to open the floodgates and allow an land owned by a company. It may be his defective workmanship, he should Court on December 19, 2007, alleging said. infinite number of third parties to asked whether this is material. In my not be accountable for that damage breach of contract and damages for This led to the strike-out applica- make a claim for substantial damages,” view, it is...... or loss,” Justice Conteh said. defective work, overcharging and “fail- tion, which was initially dismissed by President Allen wrote. “I am of the opinion that the courts While the Court of Appeal upheld ure to use his best skill, efforts and Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett at “Moreover, it is no answer to say are not required to fashion a remedy to the Supreme Court’s verdict on the judgment”. the Supreme Court level. He also ruled that because the Solomons are bene- aid a litigant whose own action or ‘final certificate’ issue, it was rendered Losses and damages were claimed at that “the ‘final certificate’ issued by ficial owners of [David and Melissa behaviour may create a difficulty. It moot by its finding in favour of the $451,092, and Mr Thompson alleged in the architect under the contract is not Solomon Corporation], they are one was at all material times peculiarly and ‘strike out’ application. FROM page 1B "Specifically, in the past it would seem Regulators pave way to that the PUC apparently awarded spec- trum in the 1900 MHz and 3.5 GHz to BTC without any public consultation or other transparent process,” SRG's president, Paul Hutton-Ashkenny, overturn SRG ‘block’ award alleged. URCA’s final decision dismissed SRG’s call for it to uphold the PUC’s ly to result in the award of an entire the private sector. decision on the grounds that “indus- band to a single operator. “URCA notes that spectrum is a try stakeholders must have confidence “URCA intends that future grants national resource, and that licensees that past positions by the regulator will of spectrum should be closely aligned are currently required to pay spectrum survive”. with the amount of spectrum that is fees to the Government of the “URCA does not accept that the required by the operator having regard Bahamas for the use of the spectrum,” requirement for regulatory certainty to the geographic area, the topogra- the regulator said, noting that these means that URCA should be fettered phy, the population, the available tech- fees were designed to reflect the value by the decisions made by the legacy nologies and the services to be provid- of the assigned spectrum. regulator, unless such decisions remain ed. “URCA believes that the introduc- consistent with best practice, having “This will help to ensure that spec- tion of spectrum trading could transfer regard to the circumstances which cur- trum assignments in the Bahamas are the benefits of increases in the eco- rently obtain,” the regulator concluded. efficient, and maximise the benefits to nomic value of the spectrum from the Just to make certain the likes of BTC the Bahamas of the available spec- public to the licensee,” URCA added. and Cable Bahamas/SRG got the trum.” “Such a result could, in URCA’s opin- point, URCA drove him this point in While URCA did not specifically ion, be inconsistent with the sector pol- reply to another consultation question, state that it would reverse the alleged icy.” adding that regulatory certainty “does ‘block allocation’ of spectrum to SRG, The regulator also rejected BTC’s not offer any guarantee that previous nowhere in its response does it reject assertion that wireless spectrum be decisions or policies will not be the possibility of doing so. Indeed, in awarded on a national basis, giving an changed as appropriate, based on the declaring wireless spectrum “a finite operator complete coverage of the overarching requirements of the Sector resource”, the regulator said it would Bahamas using that frequency. Policy and international best practice. use its powers under the Communica- “It seems clear to URCA that there “URCA considers that, if and to the tions Act to cause the “vacating of will be instances in which a national extent the previous decisions by the spectrum” where warranted. award of spectrum will be inefficient PUC introduced a policy that led to URCA also rejected the solution and wasteful,” URCA said. “URCA spectrum assignments [being] made on proffered by SRG’s new parent, BISX- proposes to select the option of nation- an inefficient basis, such a policy is listed Cable Bahamas, which also al spectrum licences or licences specif- incompatible with the Sector Policy called upon it to uphold the PUC’s ic to particular islands or territories, and will not be perpetrated by earlier decisions on spectrum grants. based on the option which will pro- URCA.” However, to soften the blow Cable vide optimal use of the spectrum band With all the in-use spectrum bands Bahamas suggested that URCA “mit- in question.” capable of being divided among multi- igate against any efficiency issues” by The regulator added that it had ple operators to provide services to introducing spectrum trading and received “significant interest” in the countries and populations larger than inserting ‘claw back’ provisions into 700 MHz band, with one party “sub- the Bahamas, URCA added that “the future licences that would allow it to mitting a completed licence applica- grant of an entire band to a single oper- regain previously allocated spectrum tion for spectrum in the band”. How- ator would only be justifiable in excep- capacity. ever, to ensure a fair and transparent tional circumstances”. URCA, though, rejected the spec- process for allocating capacity in this Addressing SRG, which is now a trum trading notion, pointing to the band, URCA said it had decided to Cable Bahamas subsidiary, head-on, fact that the Communications Act pro- delay opening it at this time. the regulator said: “URCA is firmly hibited licencees assigning wireless and The regulator added that it would of the view that in the Bahamas, the radio spectrum to a third party. It fears open the 11 GHz and 40 GHz bands application of ‘best practice’ is unlike- that spectrum trading will transfer the “forthwith”, while there had been no economic benefits from the taxpayer to interest in the 12 GHz band.

PAGE 8B, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS FROM page 1B only produces environmen- tal benefits in terms of car- BAHAMAS WASTE GETS bon reduction, but other economic and social bene- Venture fits. Cape Eleuthera’s director of facilities, and its consul- tant to Bahamas Waste on the carbon market and $50K CARBON FINANCING renewables, Geoff Walton, said: “They are creating jobs fund that weren’t there, and sold to individuals, compa- innovation into the fight for Waste’s biodiesel manufac- because they are using the nies or governments wish- carbon-reduction and cli- turing, would address waste waste cooking oil that would ing to mitigate their own mate change mitigation. and carbon emissions. otherwise go into the land- greenhouse emissions from Mr Walton said: “Since “There’s a lot of waste fill, they are creating anoth- transportation, electricity this agreement was signed here, a lot of CO2 is being er benefit in that regard use and other sources. between Bahamas Waste produced. The Bahamas not too.” and Pioneer Carbon Trad- required to meet any of the seeking A carbon credit for one Transfer ing, Bahamas Waste cannot emissions standards that ton of ‘gold standard’ offset sell their CO2 offsets to any- they have in the US, for carbon can sell on the open one else, and Pioneer Car- International companies, example. The open landfill is market for around $9, bon is obligated to pay a huge example of where whereas other ‘regular’ car- seeking to enhance their $100,000 to Bahamas Waste own ‘green’ credentials, offsetting could take place. bon credits would fetch a for the first 20,000 tons of So much methane is being lower $4 or $5 price. transfer money to other carbon offset, even if the produced there, and $2m Bahamas Waste entered companies that are taking price PCT are selling the into a contract with Pioneer steps to reduce emissions credits for on the market methane produces a lot of FROM page 1B Carbon Trading (PCT) in and make the environment ends up going lower than CO2. cleaner. Individuals may also “If someone were to come 2007. Essentially a global that. They also have first to support new ventures. We’re looking for $2 million, broker for carbon credits wish to purchase carbon right of refusal on a new in and try to find a way to capture the CO2 in the land- which will suffice to support the current projects on the and offsets, PCI transfers credits, thereby causing agreement after the contract table,” Mr Rolle told this newspaper. “We have about five fill, they could create a new funds to Bahamas Waste in money to be transferred to for the first 20,000 tons of in the pipeline.” return for being able to sell “environmentally-friendly” offsets expires.” offset, create jobs and get While the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund had carbon credits in the inter- projects, if they wish to off- The renewable energy carbon financing. Nobody received submissions from around 200 potential applicants national voluntary carbon set the emissions from per- proponent said the Bahamas has caught on to that yet. in the past year, Mr Rolle said “quite a lot were useless pro- market, based on Bahamas sonal air travel has “a lot of potential” to Anytime CO2 is being pro- jects”. Waste’s offsetting. Carbon trading is seen as benefit from the implemen- duced, there’s a way to clean “Mainly, those projects we didn’t think were fit to receive The concept underpinning introducing financial incen- tation of other projects it up and you can get credit funding, as persons did not understand ‘out of the box’, the market is that credits are tives and market-based which, like Bahamas for that,” said Mr Walton. what is needed and missing,” he explained. “What’s really happening with the Fund is a lot of custom coaching, mak- ing sure persons behave the way they should. It’s the persons with the smart ideas who do not know how to successfully run a business.” Mr Rolle said that to date, since its inception in 2005, the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund had provided 43 start-up ventures with debt financing in the form of loans, while it had take equity stakes in a further 10 busi- nesses. In total, it has invested $3.5 million across these 53 com- panies, some $2.2 million of that as debt financing, and $1.3 million in equity stakes. Describing Sunryse Shredding as the Fund’s “flagship” investment, and an indication of what it’s financial support (PSOR\PHQW could do, Mr Rolle said the performance of the entrepre- neurs it had supported was “improving”. “With custom coaching, a lot of the participants are behav- ing the way they should behave, and in the running of a true 2SSRUWXQLW\ business understand what is needed, ensuring the company 5(67$85$17 0$1$*(56 1(('(' )25 is in good standing with the regulators,” he said. This involved paying all due Business Licence fees, real /($',1* )$67 )22' )5$1&+,6( property tax, National Insurance Board (NIB) contribu- tions and ensuring the firms were in ‘good standing’ with the 5(48,5(0(1764 Companies Registry. Adding that the 53 companies assisted to-date would have been unable to attract commercial bank financing to ‡ 0867 +$9( $7 /($67 7:2  <($56 2) support their dreams, and the more than 100 jobs created, Mr Rolle said: “I think the Fund, in a sense, is an excellent 5(67$85$17 0$1$*(0(17 25 )22' idea to advance small businesses. I think each one of the %(9(5$*( 0$1$*(0(17 (;3(5,(1&( Fund’s companies has a place in this society.” ‡ 0867 +$9( 67521* /($'(56+,3 6.,//6 Meanwhile, Mr Cunningham said the Bahamas Entre- preneurial Venture Fund, which has a delinquency ratio 0f ‡ 0867 %( &86720(5 6(59,&( '5,9(1 about 50 per cent, was looking to invest a collective $700,000 ‡ 0867 %( 5(68/7625,(17(' with eight business prospects, two of whom had already $57,&8/$7( received funding. “In the last year we’ve cut back tremendously, because the ‡ 0867 +$9( (;&(//(17 ,17(53(5621$/ quality of project requests coming in did not meet the 6.,//6 Fund’s requirements. We did not see the kind of requests we ‡ 0867 +$9( (;&(//(17 25$/ :5,77(1 would want to risk the Fund’s money on,” Mr Cunning- ham told Tribune Business. &20081,&$7,21 6.,//6 “In the last 12 months we’ve received 22 applications. We’ve seen the need to fund about eight of those requests, two of which we’ve already done. Those are not only in 0F'RQDOG¶VRIIHUVH[FHOOHQWEHQH¿WV New Providence, but the Family Islands as well.” The 22 completed applications were requesting collective funding of about $20 million, although one project alone was seek- 3OHDVH VXEPLW 5HVXPH WR ing $15 million, and another $3 million. +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV 'HSDUWPHQW One of the companies already financed is an existing 0F'RQDOG·V +HDG 2IÀFH RQ 0DUNHW 6W 1RUWK Family Island-based fishing operation with “a very suc- cessful past”, but in need of capital to move forward. 3 2 %R[ 66 Agreeing that the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture 7HOHSKRQH  Fund had “seen some serious challenges in the last two 1DVVDX %DKDPDV years”, with the recession impacting the companies in its (PDLO KXPDQUHVRXUFHVOWG#GDQEUDGOWGFRP portfolio, Mr Cunningham said the Board had moved “to clean up the balance sheet because a lot of ventures funded by way of equity and loan, a number of them have not suc- ceeded. We had to make provisions for quite a number of them. “In the last 12 months, we’ve been pushing very hard, but it’s been very difficult because of the southward trend cre- ated in some operations. We foresee that in the next six months or so, if things pick up in the economy, we should be even more active, and the success rate should be even bet- ter.” He added that the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund was seeking “bigger projects” in which to take equity stakes or provide debt financing to, in the belief that the suc- cess ratio would improve. Having initially focused on providing support in the $15,00-$20,000 range, the Fund’s current ceilings are $200,000 for equity in any one venture, and $100,000 for debt. But, by focusing on bigger investments and companies, Mr Cunningham expressed hope the success ratio would rise to one-in-three or one-in-two, as it was harder “to walk away from a $100,000 investment, than a $15-$20,000 invest- ment”. “We’re looking at a delinquency of roughly around 50 per cent, which is not bad for a venture-type operation,” Mr Cunningham told Tribune Business. “Administrative costs are very low. I think it [the Fund] fits in very well. When you look at the Fund itself, unlike oth- er agencies that provide funding, you have an equity element to us. We become bosses in the venture, and establish our- selves as Board members. We assist with expertise, and provide free assistance with accounting and administra- tion.” Mr Cunningham said the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Ven- ture Fund had to “take full control and put in new man- agement” at a Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) based business it had financed. He said the business in question had been “barely able to break even” and cost the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund a “material amount, but now seems to be doing OK”. Mr Cunningham said the Fund had recently received a $250,000 injection from the Government, and he had been told at ministerial level that the Ingraham administration wanted it to continue with its work. THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 9B BUSINESS FROM page 4B Smith, and Usman Saadat, the outgoing chief URCA 2.9% over executive. Non- executive appointments are made hopes to implement formal regulatory safeguards, by the Governor General on the advice of the promote sustainable competition, establish pub- Prime Minister and, with respect to the chair- lic interest through public service broadcasting spending budget man’s appointment, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. and content regulation, and ensure consumers a study of BTC’s efficiency; consult on a pro- across the Bahamas have access to the same qual- Mr Aranha noted the absence of M Saadat posed 2012 fee schedule; and consult on an offi- from Wednesday’s meeting, and said the Board, ity of service. cial Codes of Practice for Broadcasters with In the second quarter, URCA is aiming to respecting the validity of Mr Saadat’s reasons regard to content. for wishing to terminate his relationship with establish a Consumer Advisory Council made In the fourth quarter, URCA will consult on URCA, accepted his resignation, which will take up of members of the public and stakeholders the digital switchover from analog television effect on 31 August, 2011. who will help its develop certain policies through broadcasting, in response to the mandate by the “I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly providing input and feedback. International Telecommunications Union (ITU) acknowledge the contribution that Mr Saadat URCA will also consult on the publication of that all broadcasters must switch to digital signals has made to the development of URCA during the Separated Accounts prepared by Significant by June 2015. his time here. He brought great intelligence, Market Power (SMP) operators, such as Cable Other panel members at Wednesday’s public experience and professionalism to the task, which Bahamas and the Bahamas Telecommunications meeting included Wayne Aranha, URCA’s chair- has been challenging, as pioneering times often Company (BTC); alternative dispute resolution man; J Paul Morgan, deputy chairman; Katherine are. The professionals of URCA charged with between operators, complaints handling and con- Doehler, communications specialist; and Vincent carrying the organisation forward have benefited sumer dispute resolution; and conduct a market Wallace-Whitfield, senior case officer and sec- from his tenure. We wish him success in his future review of the methodology to assess Significant retary to the URCA Board. endeavours,” said Mr Aranha. Market Power. The latter review is currently URCA’s Board consists of three non-executive The Board is now in the early stages of initiat- underway. members - Mr Aranha, Mr Morgan and ing a “competitive selection process” for a new WAYNE ARANHA In the 2011 third quarter, URCA will conduct MsDoehler -and two executive members - Mrs chief executive. Ministry spends up to RoyalFidelity Market Wrap $30k per repair on FROM page 2B million, a decrease from the $6.3 million below-par homes reported in 2010. BOND MARKET - TRADING STATISTICS Total assets at quarter-end April 30, 2011, the quarter ended April 30, 2011. FIN report- BISX SYMBOL DESCRIPTION VOLUME PAR VALUE ed a net comprehensive income of $6.7 million stood at $966 million, compared to $967 million for the quarter compared to $3.4 million in at October 31, 2010. FBB13 FBB Series 0 $1,000 the prior year. Total liabilities were $862 million, compared C Notes Due 2013 Net interest income after provisions, of to $867 million during the previous period. $842,000, increased by $3.5 million compared FBB15 FBB Series 0 $1,000 to $5.5 million in the previous year, while total Dividend Notes: D Notes Due 2015 non-interest expenses increased slightly from Famguard Corporation (FAM) has declared $3 million in the 2010 second quarter to $3.1 a dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on June FBB17 FBB Series 0 $1,000 million. 7, 2011, to all ordinary shareholders of record A Notes Due 2017 Allowance for credit losses stood at $5.8 date May 31, 2011. FBB22 FBB Series 0 $1,000 B Notes Due 2022 EQUITY MARKET - TRADING STATISTICS DELROW MEADOWS Week ending 27.05.11 NTERNATIONAL MARKETS FROM page 5B BISX SYMBOL CLOSING PRICE WKLY PRICE CHANGE VOLUME YTD PRICE CHANGE FOREX Rates Weekly %Change out its plans to create more jobs Currency this year for Bahamians in the AML $ 1.18 $- 0 21.65% construction industry through BBL $ 0.18 $- 0 0.00% CAD 1.0237 -0.42 various infrastructure develop- BOB $ 6.91 $- 0 41.02% GBP 1.6513 1.62 ments in New Providence and BPF $ 10.63 $- 0 0.00% EUR 1.4308 0.99 the Family Islands. The require- BSL N/A $- 0 0.00% ments for bidding on projects BWL $ 2.70 $- 0 0.00% Commodities Weekly %Change tendered by the Ministry, and CAB $ 8.74 $- 251 -16.44% Commodity the inclusion of Bahamian CBB $ 8.33 $- 100 0.00% labour within major develop- CBL $ 6.98 $- 0 -0.29% Crude Oil 114.98 2.39 ments such as Baha Mar were CHL $ 2.80 $0.25 3,150 16.67% Gold 1,533.00 2.83 also discussed. CIB $ 8.60 $- 240 -8.41% The NPCA added that plans CWCB $ 1.87 $-0.03 121 1.63% for training of workers enter- DHS $ 1.38 $- 0 -13.75% ing the industry through its con- FAM $ 5.40 $- 0 -11.04% struction education and certi- FBB $ 1.77 $-0.19 1,000 -18.43% International Stock Market Indexes fication initiative were also dis- FCL $ 5.50 $- 400 0.73% cussed. FCLB $ 1.00 $- 0 0.00% Index Weekly % Change The New Providence Con- tractors Association will hold FIN $ 6.00 $- 0 -17.01% its first annual Contractors ICD $ 7.30 $- 0 30.59% DJIA 12,441.58 -0.56 S&P 500 1,331.10 -0.16 Trade Show and Exhibition on JSJ $ 9.82 $- 400 0.00% June 25 at Arawak Cay. The PRE $ 10.00 $- 0 0.00% NASDAQ 2,336.09 -0.65 Nikkei 9,521.94 -0.89 event will focus on promoting Bahamian contractors and their work.

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THE TRIBUNE • SECTION E MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 North America Caribbean Rugby Association Championships f f a t s

e n u b i r T / e k KICKER: The Bahamas beat Mexico r a l

17-12 in the North America C

m

Caribbean Rugby Association Men’s i 15s Caribbean Championships. T y b

s o SEE MORE PHOTOS ON 4 & 5E t o h Bahamas gets 17-12P victory over Mexico

By RENALDO DORSETT intensity, especially with our defense. That's Sports Reporter our biggest asset, our defense," Beadle said. [email protected] "We just capitalized on any mistake they made and we just took it to them. We didn't want to late second-half score vaulted lose in the front of our home crowd, and we the Bahamas into an inspiring just felt we had to represent for the Bahamas." win before a galvanizing home Beadle scored his first try of the game in crowd in the latest outing for the first half and a conversion gave the the men’s national 15-a-side Bahamas a 7-0 lead. rugbyA team. Mexico would follow with their first try of Duran Beadle scored two tries for the the game and a penalty kick by Charlton gave Bahamas, including the go-ahead score in the the Bahamas a 10-5 lead going into the half. second half, en route to a 17-12 win over Mex- Mexico took their first lead of the game ear- ico in the North America Caribbean Rugby ly in the second half with their second try to Association Men’s 15s Championships. take a 12-10 advantage. Trailing 12-10 at the Winton Rugby Center Bahamas head coach Garry Markham said Saturday, Beadle’s try regained the lead for the the team was inspired by the effort of the Bahamas in the waning moments of the second Bahamian faithful which created a true home- half. crowd environment. Kacey Charlton added a successful conver- "I think they were lifted to be honest. We sion to bring about the game's final margin had a good crowd out here and we were real- as the Bahamas' defense held firm. BALL IN PLAY: The Bahamas defeated Mexico 17-12 in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association "We played pretty good. We kept up the Men’s 15s Championships over the weekend. SEE page 3E Bahamian athletes on IAAF top lists

By RENALDO DORSETT Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie was TRACK & FIELD of Americans Allyson Felix's 22.81 list. Sports Reporter third in the women's 200 in 22.76 and Sanya Richards-Ross' SB of Brown, 32, is now heading to [email protected] and Leevan 'Superman' Sands got time of 44.65s. 22.88. Ostrava, Czech Republic, for his fourth in the men's triple jump with Demetrius Pinder is the one of It was the 11th best time on the next meet at the 50th Ostrava Gold- WITH their latest performances another SB's leap of 17.13 meters only two athletes to appear twice IAAF top list on the season thus far. en Spike next week Tuesday. on the IAAF Diamond League Cir- or 56-feet, 2 1/2-inches. within the top 10 which includes the For Sands, after posting a second Ferguson-McKenzie, 35, will head cuit last weekend, several athletes Improving on the 45.37s he did in fifth leading time in the world, done place finish with a season's best of to Ostrava on Tuesday and then made progressions among the IAAF Kingston, Jamaica, on May 7, Brown April 2 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 17.09m (56-2 1/2) in a meet in Doha New York on June 11 for the Adidas top lists in their respective events. climbed up the ladder with the 10th in 45.06s and the ninth fastest time on May 6, Sands improved on that Grand Prix. In the latest leg of the Golden best time so far this year in the (45.26s on April 16) in Gainesville, with a leap of 17.13 on his third Sands, 29, will head back to Gala in Rome, Italy, last week, world. Florida. attempt. Auburn and continue his training Brown posted a season's best of Rondnell Bartholomew of Grena- In the women's 200m, Ferguson- The leap of 17.13m in Rome before he competes again in New 45.16s in the men's 400m, sprinter da heads the list with a world leading McKenzie's time of 22.76s was ahead placed him 14th on the IAAF top York on June 11.

TRIBUNE SPORTS MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 3E

LOCAL/INTERNATIONAL SPORTS Div I athletes qualify for Bahamas gets 17-12 NCAA Championships victory over

By RENALDO DORSETT signature event and as a mem- Mexico Sports Reporter ber of both the 400m and [email protected] 1600m relay teams. FROM page 1E Pinder ran to a 45.82s quar- COLLEGIATE athletics terfinal win to qualify and he ly pleased with their per- around the United States was also a member of the formance today," he said. headed into regional quali- 1600m relay team with a "A lot of things didn't go fiers and championship 45.60s split to anchor the right, we dropped a lot of rounds this weekend. And Aggies to a first place finish in balls and at times we did- several Bahamian athletes 3:03.95s. He ran the third leg n't make the right deci- made a dominant impact for of the 400m relay for a first sions, but that side Mexico, their institutions. place finish for the Aggies in they didn't keep their A number of athletes at the 39.52s. heads down, they tackled, NCAA Division I level qual- In the field, Lamar Delaney they kept it together, ified for the upcoming NCAA of the Houston Cougars scored a try, got together Championships – set for June claimed an NCAA bid in the and honestly had one of 8-11 in Des Moines, Iowa – triple jump. He finished 12th the best performances I've headlined by a new national overall with a jump of 51' 3 seen in a long time." record. 3/4" to earn the NCAA berth. Markham pointed to the In the NCAA Div I West Jamal Wilson of the Texas veteran leadership and a Regionals, Ivanique Kemp of Longhorns finished 14th with stingy defensive effort for the University of Arkansas a jump of 51' 3/4" while the the win. set a new mark for the coun- TCU Horned Frogs’ "We had three guys try in the 100m hurdles. Cameron Parker was 25th come in, that was it. We Kemp raced to a fifth place with a jump of 50' 1/2". have some older veterans finish in a time of 13.20s en In the NCAA East Region- on this team. Guys like QUALIFIED: Quartermiler Demetrius Pinder (left), of the Texas A & M Aggies, qualified in both his signature route to qualifying for the als, the Bahamian connection Garfield [Morrison] came event and as a member of both the 400m and 1600m relay teams. NCAA Championships and at the University of Auburn in at prop and did an setting a new national record. earned several qualifying excellent job today but She surpassed the old mark spots. time in Auburn history. while winning their heat by Cumberbatch, of Lincoln they found towards the of 13.26s set by Taviannia In the women's 200m, both In the women's century, she nearly four seconds. The time University, finished second in first half, beginning of the Thompson in 2007. Sheniqua Ferguson and Nivea finished in 11.33s to earn ranked third in Auburn out- 59.62s. She ran the opening second half, their legs Also at the West Region- Smith earned NCAA Cham- another qualification. door history for the event. leg of the 1600m relay team began to be weary and als, other Bahamian athletes pionship berths. In the final women's event In the NCAA Division II which finished second in a they had to give away to were able to qualify for the Ferguson finished third in for the day, Cache Armbrister Championships, defending time of 3:43.42s. some of the younger play- NCAA Championships. 23.22s while Smith was fourth earned a spot in Des Moines champion in the 400m hur- Carlyle Thompson of Nova ers, lacking experience," Quartermiler Demetrius in 23.25s. Ferguson, the 2010 as a member of the 1600m dles, Michelle Cumberbatch, Southeastern University fin- he said. "A couple of Pinder of the Texas A & M NCAA Indoor Champion, relay team. The team clocked was unable to successfully ished fourth in the 400m hur- things didn't quite gel, but Aggies qualified in both his finished with the 10th best a season-best time of 3:31.50 defend her title. dles in 52.42s. you can not fault the entire team effort, absolutely fan- tastic." In the opening round, the Bahamas suffered a 13-10 loss to Bermuda at National Sports Center in Hamilton, Bermuda. Mexico followed with a 34-20 over the Cayman Islands in the Round One North and is now sched- uled to play Bermuda at home on June 4. The point differential between the teams would determine who would advance should Mexico beat Bermuda at home this weekend. "We lost one in Bermu- da, very tight game there. We won a tight game here against Mexico. Bermuda will go to Mexico now, where we hope to see another very tight game and a Mexico win," Markham said. "Then it will come down to points differences and we are up five points on Mexico now, so the ideal scenario would be for them to win by two points." Alberto Ruiz Luca de Tena, Mexico team man- ager, said the team suf- fered a lack of execution down the stretch in the loss. "We had a good effort for most of the day, but in the second half we just gave up that late try which really hurt us," he said. "We suffered some poor tackling and execution on defense and that made it a tough afternoon for us OLYMPIC champion in the long jump Irving Saladino of Panama performs at the FBK games in Hengelo, eastern Netherlands, on Sunday. against the Bahamas." Collins wins 100m at FBK Games

HENGELO, Netherlands fellow Americans Kellie (AP) — Kim Collins clocked Wells and Dawn Harper to 10.05 seconds to win the 100 clinch the 100 hurdles in meters Sunday at the FBK 12:64. Games, edging home Two-time reigning world favourite Churandy Martina. champion Maryam Jamal of Martina finished in 10.10 in Bahrain got out front early his first race as a Dutchman and never gave up her lead after switching from his native en route to clinching the 1,500 Netherlands Antilles. in 4:00.33. Silver went to Olympic silver medallist Ethiopia's Kalkidan Geza- Richard Thompson of ghegne and Morocco's Siham Trinidad and Tobago crossed Hilali captured bronze. in 10.13 to take bronze. Jenny Meadows and Emma Olympic champion Dayron Jackson surged from the pack Robles of Cuba made up for with 200 meters to go in the his loss last year by winning 800, with Meadows finishing the 110 hurdles in 13:07 ahead in 1:59.76 to edge her British of Dwight Thomas and Ter- teammate by 0.48. Uganda's rence Trammell. Robles fell Annet Negesa was third in after the last hurdle in 2010. 2:00.40. The men's long jump was Saudi Arabia's Mohammed won by another reigning Shaween rolled to victory in Olympic champion, with Irv- the men's 1,500 in 3:31.82. ing Saladino leaping 27 feet, 6 Haron Keitany of Kenya was inches to beat Ignisious second and Ethiopia's Gaisah of Ghana. Mekonnen Gebremedhin KIM COLLINS, of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Chuarandry Martina of the Netherlands Antilles (right) compete in the men's 100m. Danielle Carruthers edged took third. (AP Photos)

PAGE 4E, MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011 TRIBUNE SPORTS

LOCAL SPORTS Bahamas defeats Mexico 17-12 in

FIELD PLAY: At Winton Rugby Center Saturday, the Bahamas beat Mexico 17-12 in North America Caribbean Rugby Association Men’s 15s Caribbean Championships. Highlights of the game can be seen here. Photos by Tim Clarke/Tribune staff

TRIBUNE SPORTS MONDAY, MAY 30, 2011, PAGE 5E

LOCAL SPORTS Men’s 15s Caribbean Championships

FIELD PLAY: The Bahamas beat Mexico 17-12 in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association Men’s 15s Caribbean Championships at the Winton Rugby Center on Saturday afternoon. Photos by Tim Clarke/Tribune staff