Section A REGULAR_Section A Tues 3/25/2019 12:48 AM Page 1

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VOL. 31 - NO. 52 MONDAY - MARCH 25TH, 2019 75 CENTS

PLP: MEETING WITH TRUMP COVERED NO NEW GROUND BY LEAH COOPER CONFUSION Journal Staff Writer Progressive Liberal Party Chairman (PLP) Fred Mitchell yester - day expressed that the Prime Minister’s mul - tilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump covered no new Minnis Stands Firm After Meeting Trump ground with no benefit he Bahamas was to The Bahamas. one of the targets IN CARICOM Mr. Mitchell also of derision by boasted in the many leaders of Opposition taking “the the Caribbean this past correct and principled Tweekend, following a stand” when opposing meeting between Prime to the Minnis- Minister Doctor Hubert Administration’s deci - Minnis, three other sion for the country to Caricom leaders and US support ousting President Donald Trump Nicolas Maduro as in Florida. President of The brunt of the criti - Venezuela. cism came from the Back in January, Prime Minister of that country’s Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Doctor Keith Rowley 4 PM of Trinidad and 4 PM of St.Vincent and Juan Guaido declared Tobago, the Hon. the Grenadines, the Hon. g See page 2... 4 PM, the Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis Dr. Keith Rowley Dr. Ralph Gonsalves g See page 2...

BPL INVESTIGATES FAKE Teachers Union Demands Talks EBYN LEAHE COOPRER GanYd to wShat exAtent” Vits IqNueriesG coDncerniEng VThIe CcompEany Ssaid, Journal Staff Writer clients have employed whether so-called legiti - “BPL wishes to empha - alleged fake energy sav - mate energy saving size that energy saving Bahamas Power and Light ing devices to lower their devices are being targeted methods and renewables Company (BPL) yester - electricity bills. by BPL in an effort to are not in question; rather, day indicated that they are In a news release, BPL secure revenues and prof - investigating “whether confirmed receiving its. g See page 4...

NBUY LISAR KNOSWLES ES HAospitNal Dare aGt anOeVxpec’teTd to beA impTleme nIt - MhoPur sAhift fSor NSight EDuty 4 Journal Staff Writer impasse in their negotia - ed on December 10th, Nurses. B.U.T. President, Belinda Wilson tions with the govern - 2018. After a few months of The President of The ment. The new shift system friction, the Union even - BY LICEC BASTIAN the BUT president Journal Staff Writer Bahamas Nurses Union Back in October, the would have established a tually received their strike promised that today, Amancha Williams last Union indicated that it 40-hour work week and certificate last December. Educational Officials Friday said that the Union was not satisfied with the an 8 day daily shift, as Bahamas Union of will be sent a letter and the Princess Margaret shift system that was opposed to the current 10 g See page 4... Teachers (BUT) demanding that talks for President, Belinda the Union's new indus - Wilson's demanding a trial agreement begin, meeting with adding that the Ministry Educational officials as of Education fails to she said the BUT is communicate. stalled in negotiations. This past weekend, g See page 4... Bishops Want

ABYc LEtAHi CoOOPnER OnDavi s;G said uthat nmost of Journal Staff Writer the senseless killings in recent times are being A group of local bishops committed by persons yesterday indicated that illegally in possession of they are standing togeth - guns. er in their fight against Since guns are not gun violence. manufactured in The In a press release, the Bahamas; the group sug - group consisting of gested that those found Bishops Simeon Hall, illegally importing guns Victor Cooper, Greg should face the “stiffest Minnis, J. Carl Rahming, and Ross g See page 3...

ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED TO READ IN THE MORNING Section A REGULAR_Section A Tues 3/25/2019 12:48 AM Page 2

The Bahama Journal A2 Monday - March 25th, 2019 National NEWS

BY BERTHONY MCDERMOTT Belinda Wilson there is everyone is not running rays and based on the On March 9th Health ed with the disease. BJournUal Staff WriterT Cthe need afor thlis, l cosn - arofundo tryingr to figuHre reseults aof thel xt-rahys M iniPster Drr. oDuane toTubecrculosois is lan sidering the union is out what to do; but you which will take 14 days Sands confirmed two infectious disease of the Additional confirmed always left to take the would have the protocol to get clearance, they cases of TB on the lungs and is spread cases of tuberculosis in lead. in place on how it is that will determine whether island. He said one was through the lungs. the AF Adderley and the “I’m hoping that mov - we would resolve it,” they are positive and if at A.F Adderly Junior Symptoms of tubercu - Government High ing forward, a protocol she said. they need to do the six- High School and the losis include a cough schools are begging the will be put in place from Mrs. Wilson said so month treatment.” other at The Government that lasts at minimum the Ministry’s perspec - far, she’s spoken to The BUT President High School. need for some type of three weeks, chest pains, protocol when it comes tive. union representatives on added that if there is a At the time the Health coughing up blood or to dealing with such “So that whenever both school campuses. need for the treatment, Minister affirmed that matters. things of this nature hap - She said, “teachers she would ask the Health the appropriate screen - phlegm, weakness, According to pen like tuberculosis or have been identified. Minister to identify a ing of contacts was set to fatigue, weight loss, no Bahamas Union of scabies or any communi - What is going to happen specific clinic and time begin to see who if any - appetite, chills, fever Teachers President cable disease, then now is they will take x- teachers can go. one else had been infect - and obsessive sweating.

Mg Continiuend from n/ PAGEi 1s... VSenezuetlaa is conmprisded of sn omFic priactricems” as we ll After Meeting Trump the Prime Ministers of as address the situation in who said Caricom called Saint Kitts, Trinidad and Venezuela. on the United Nations “to Barbados, who were not Prime Minister Minnis pay attention to us in invited.’ also told reporters that Caricom, who have been Dr. Gonsalves said the there was no discussion totally ignored in the deci - sanctions by the United or suggestion held at the sion making of the Lima States against Venezuela meeting to have the Group, except for the few are illegal and exacerbat - United States fill in who could not see the pit - ed a difficult situation. where China is currently fall, signed on to it, and He said “the United investing in The then discover what the States is carrying out a Bahamas. outcome was after.” creeping coup-de-tat The two superpowers, He said if Trinidad and against the legitimate gov - China and the United Tobago was snubbed by ernment in Venezuela.” States, have been the US for steadfastly The Bahamas is stand - embroiled in a trade war adhering to the principles ing firm in its decision to since September of 2011. of the United Nations’ support Venezuela’s oppo - The US slapped tariffs Charter, then history will sition leader Juan Guaido on $250 billion worth of absolve us. as interim president of that Chinese products while Dr. Rowley made the country, according to threatening on $267 bil - statement at yesterday’s Prime Minister Mr. lion more. Post-Cabinet Media brief - Hubert Minnis. China has since retali - ing in response to Off the heels of that ated by setting $110 bil - President Trump’s invita - multilateral meeting with lion worth of US goods, tion to five Caribbean President Trump in Palm threatening “quantitative leaders to his private Beach Florida, the prime and qualitative measures” resort at Mar-a-Lago to minister said that The affecting US businesses discuss the Venezuelan Organization Of American functioning in China. crisis and China trade States (OAS) categorical - Last week, Haigang practices. ly indicated that the elec - Yin, Charge d’affaires of Dr. Rowley said , tion in that country was an the Embassy of The “there are some who illegitimate election. People’s Republic China believe that Trinidad was He said, “our argument to The Bahamas, called somewhat diminished by was that if the election is those U.S. not having been invited.” illegitimate, that means accusations “fabricated He said , “we have that the government is lies and irresponsible never stood taller, we have illegitimate.” accusations” which never stood prouder.” He added, “if the gov - are “completely baseless, The Prime Minister of ernment is illegitimate, we unreasonable and contra - Saint Vincent and the are a democratic society dictory to the facts”. Grenadines, Doctor Ralph that believes in democra - U.S. Embassy to Gonsalves speaking with cy; both us and America, Nassau Charge reporters in his country which means you must d’Affaires Stephanie said, “we in Caricom have new elections, and Bowers has since have to be alive to the that must be done as responded advising all mischief that some people quickly as possible.” leaders to “choose high- are using to seek to divide When asked if there quality, transparent, and us. was any pressure from the inclusive foreign invest - “Part of the value of U.S. to change the coun - ment” in an effort to Caricom is that we always try’s relationship with ensure that development seek to hold a common china in the midst of their financing avoids unsus - position and to prevent a ongoing trade war, Dr. tainable debt. division and weakening Minnis said “absolutely Seeking to solidify its of Caricom. not.” position between the two In February, Caricom The other leaders countries, the Ministry of issued a statement to attending the meeting Foreign Affairs, this past emphasize the non-inter - with President Trump Thursday, issued a state - ference in the affairs of were the Prime Minister ment stating that The Venezuela. We reaffirmed of Jamaica, the Prime Bahamas enjoys a long - our support to democracy Minister of Saint Lucia, standing, excellent diplo - and human rights.” the President of Haiti and matic and trade relations He said none of the the President of the with both countries — four Caricom leaders Dominican Republic. the United States and the attending the meeting Last week, however, People’s Republic of with Mr. Trump were the White House issued a China. authorized to speak for statement indicating that The Bahamas estab - Caricom. the purpose of last week’s lished Diplomatic rela - “Those Prime Ministers meeting was to strengthen tions with the United could only speak for the United States’ “securi - States in 1973 and with themselves, as the ty cooperation and count - the People’s Republic of Caricom Committee on er china’s predatory eco - China in 1997. PLP: MEETING WITH TRUMP COVERED

gNContinOued from / PNAGE 1..E. mWatter, wh ichG is “theR prin - OthereU was aNny subDstantive ciple of noninterference in benefit to The Bahamas. himself Interim President the internal affairs of “Our country should following years of eco - another country”. always stand on the foun - nomic crisis. He added, “the Prime dations upon which our In a statement, Mr. Minister's combative and state was created and chief Mitchell said the party evasive answers to the amongst these is the non - stands with the CARI - press upon his return did interference in the affairs

COM consensus on this not inspire confidence that of another state.”, he said. g Continues on / page 3... Section A REGULAR_Section A Tues 3/25/2019 12:48 AM Page 3

The Bahama Journal National NEWS Monday - March 25th, 2019 A3

BY LEAH COOPER keeping with a campaign various islands explain - there, you’d be surprised showing an interest and what campaigning’s all PMJournal Staff WritDer EBUNKS OPPOSITION’S CLAIMS promise. ing those particular that they don’t have the explaining what is hap - about.”, he said. He said, “when we national issues; how we proper communication. pening throughout The Dr. Minnis’ comments Prime Minister Dr. came in, I made a solemn came to those decisions, You’d be surprised that Bahamas.” came during a press Hubert Minnis this past commitment to the how we spend their Cable Bahamas is not The Prime Minister briefing following his weekend fought off Bahamian populace that money, etc.”, he added. shown in that particular also indicated that he will return to the capital claims from the when there are national Adding to his case, the area or settlement, or on continue with these trips Saturday after a meeting Opposition that his fre - events, or any matters Prime Minister reasoned that island or that they and added that the with U.S. President quent trips to the Family that are of concern to that many think when he don’t have ZNS.” Opposition is simply not Donald Trump in Palm Islands is campaigning The Bahamas; we are not speaks in the capital, all He added, “so, going accustomed to doing Beach, Florida. on the public’s purse. Nassau-centric.” the family islands are through, they are more such tasks. The leaders of Haiti, Dr. Minnis told “It’s essential that the tuned in, but that is not than happy to welcome “Now when it comes the Dominican Republic, reporters his visits to the Family Islands know too, the case. their Prime Minister who to election, whenever we St Lucia and Jamaica Family Islands are in and I will go through the He said, “when you go comes through and is call election, we will see were also invited. Governor General inspected the Bishops Guards at hMBs coral harBour Want Action

g CoOntinued fnrom / PA GE 1G... ilulegal gnun possession”. They further encour - penalty of the law”. aged concerned and They added that guns responsible parents to are too easily available play an active role in to “criminals, gang this war by deciding to members, and others not harbor children involved in nefarious engaged in criminality activities”. or benefit from their The group also called criminal activities. on National Security The group also said Minister Marvin Dames that efforts to drastically to “lead the war on guns reduce crime “must be by leading efforts to led by the government”, but they also urged amend relevant legisla - 4 every Bahamian citizen Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling bought remarks and inspected the guards during the Royal tion which would signif - Bahamas Defence Force Governor General's Divisions Ceremony at HMBS Coral Harbour on Thursday, March 21, 2019. The icantly increase the and resident to partici - occasion is a military tradition that allows the Governor General as the Commander-in-Chief to meet, inspect and address her present penalty for the pate in this war. troops on parade in ceremonial fashion. (BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)

g Continued from / PAGE 2

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The Bahama Journal A4 Monday - March 25th, 2019 National NEWS

Bg ConPtinueLd fro mI / PNAGE 1V... EtheS devTicesI arGe insAtalleTd E‘livSe’ po wFer.”AKE EtheN enEergRy suGpplyY, to SinAstallVationI Nof Gthe se DcEomeV in IanCd repEort Stheir on the power company The company also report the matter as soon devices voluntarily so that suspicions before it is dis - the concern being raised side of the meter, there is advised customers that if as possible. they may be safely covered by BPL. Should relates to the illegal diver - no way for customers to they are concerned that The power company removed. BPL discover the tamper - sion of energy in a poten - disconnect power without they may have unknow - also indicated that it wish - The company added, ing or diversion, and the tially unsafe manner.” engaging BPL or trying to ingly participated in tam - es to strongly caution “BPL will not prosecute, customer has not reported It added, “given that remove the device with pering with or diverting consumers to report the but the customer must it, BPL will prosecute.”

gNContinuUed from /R PAGE 1.S.. beEen saiSd that o veArtime is Nnot Dbeen re acGhed by Othe Vis a proc’essT that is invAolved Tme et IwithM personsP who A“AS strategSy mustE be in not going to be paid, Government and the and the BNU would like cannot make decisions, for place to reduce that bed As for now, the Union which causes an imbal - Union and the BNU the government to follow the betterment of both par - shortage, to repair the bed President says they have ance in the Healthcare President said the govern - the process that is out in ties. Apply the process in units on a timely basis at other issues to tend to: System. Overtime is to be ment still wants to pay the IRA and the Industrial an unbiased manner.”, he the Princess Margaret Speaking on the sidelines paid in a timely fashion. $1.75 for a shift change. Agreement, that is all we added. Hospital. of the National Tripartite “We realise we want to “We cannot agree to are asking, is to respect the “There is a shortage of “The Male Surgical Council General keep our Bahamian Nurses that. You have to be com - documents that were nurses worldwide, also Ward has been out of Assembly, Union in the Bahamas, not have petitive and, when you agreed upon, if you cannot including the Bahamas. commission for 5 years, President Ms. Williams them go to Canada or the come to the bargaining respect the process that we There is overcrowding in and that is space that can said, “ we are now in a United States; so we have a table, you cannot stay at agreed upon, how can we the Public Hospitals be utilized. The bed units state where we are trying challenge, because we $1.75, you must see that trust you to apply the Authority, and the need to be repaired in a to retain and recruit nurs - have no money, but the you have some interest in process in an unbiased Princess Margaret, in par - timely manner,”he said. es. We have a shortage question to our govern - the worker, and to move to manner? ticular.”, Mr. Mullings The Union President which is causing the ment is, if you want to at least $3.00, they are not “The Public Hospital said. said “improve the motiva - Public Hospitals recruit foreign workers, going to accept $1.75.”, Authority attitude right He also said that the tion factor, for the Authority, specifically the where are you going to she said. now, we have never seen it hospital has a very large employees as well, in par - Princess Margaret find the money, if you can - Mr. Jullian Mullings, like this before, and the border population. ticular the Nurses. Hospital, to run at a not pay overtime to the Secretary General of BNU has dismissed the “We do not have bed “Accident and deficit. We’ve had issues Bahamian Nurses that are Union said, “what the presence of the Union in space to take care of the Emergency needs to be such as overtime not being presently employed?” BNU has said from the negotiating with the patients, who need to be in adequately running, to paid, rather said, it has An agreement still has very beginning is that there Union. We do not want to hospital. have 15 nurses per shift.

g Continued from / PAGE 1... agreement to the govern - team and we do not have Mrs. Wilson added or the government does draft proposal to you for - Teachmeent rosf tUhe a cnounteri proposal.n Dshould eeducatiomn officials anont comdmunicaste w ith Tmaally, sol wrkite to sus. "I wonder when the Commonwealth of The However I promise stench, then the Union you. "February 7 was the negotiations started, and I Bahamas through the you they will get a letter would have to file a trade "If you presented them deadline for them to pres - want to say that a lot of Minister of Education by Monday [today], and dispute. with a document nine ent their counter proposal times ministers or persons June 20, 2018. To date, I they are going to be given "I'm saying it's sicken - months ago, and they're to us, but it's almost April from the other side would do not have a counter seven days for us to get to ing that we cannot follow having a challenge get - 7. give information that is proposal, I do not have the table, because our the policies or the laws ting us a counter propos - "So, if you're having a incorrect. any information from agreement would have that are presently in al, then write to us for - challenge, just communi - "The Bahamas Union education as to who are expired from June 30, place. And what is even mally, we wrote to you cate to us," Mrs. Wilson of Teachers presented an the members of their 2018," Mrs. Wilson said. worse is when Education formally. We presented a said.

g Continued from / PAGE 3

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The Bahama Journal Editorial NEWS Monday - March 25th, 2019 A5

The Bahama Journal Is An Independent Newspaper - Published Week Days By The Communicators & Associates In Affiliation With Jones Communications Ltd. PASSPORT University Drive - P.O. Box N-8610 Telephone: 242-325-3082 - Fax: 242-356-7256

WOES, PART 2 Wendall K. Jones Letter to the Editor Publisher/Chief Executive Officer Dear Editor: longer the rules because you did not both - er to correct them before telling me to fol - Day 2 – With a positive mind, I arrived at low them – too bad, too sad! Is this cus - Kimaley P. Jones the Passport office just after 7am the fol - tomer service? Vice President/Operations lowing day to find that the crowd was I was told to check my informa - already forming. There was a gentleman tion as entered and was given my receipt in charge of the ‘sign in’ list and since he which indicated the date I should return at knew nothing about yesterday’s promised the end of the month for collection at the pre-booked list, as a precaution I added front office and I intend to let the public my name to his list which he had num - know when it is in hand. My processing bered (he was already up to the 90s). took less than 10 minutes – I had waited EDITORIAL Apparently (and I stand to be corrected) for almost 3 hours! Is this efficient? the task of ‘holding the list’ is allocated to I left the passport office after a selected customer waiting on the outside 10am and headed to the Registry on by an early morning member of the office Shirley Street to request and pay for ‘cer - staff – that shows some initiative!) tified copies’ of my documents to take Bahamas Caught-Up By 7.30am an office member back to the passport office. The Registry came on the outside to explain the proce - process was smoother and quicker but dure to the crowd, i.e. the overflow from ‘older’ persons should be aware that their in Shame yesterday would be seen first, followed by documents cannot be processed on the Throughout the Caribbean Newspaper of as largely “s-hole” nations, posing that morning’s new arrivals. Another’ lo spot because they are not ‘in the comput - Editorials are commenting on the meeting with him and Melania and brown-nosing and behold moment’ occurred as our er system’ - you will have to make a return between U.S. President Donald Trump in their comments following a private names from yesterday were called, we trip after a few hours for pick up! Also, as and five Caribbean leaders. The meeting meeting at 45’s private resort at Mar-a- were issued a number, let into the sanctum an important sidebar, these new birth cer - really came about due to the support of Lago, Palm Beach, Florida. of the freezing cold interior, and directed tificates for us older persons do not con - these countries, including the Bahamas, “So why would Donald Trump meet to our section seats! I was impressed with tain accurate information with respect to a of the initiative of the American govern - with five handpicked leaders and not the this manoeuvre - it appeared that things person’s siblings – the Registry needs to were moving smoothly and we would be address this matter. ment to support the installation of the entire Caribbean Community (Caricom)? served quickly. It is in the spirit of constructive Opposition leader in Venezuela to lead And why would he meet with them at his I was certainly grateful to have a criticism, therefore, that I offer the fol - that south American nation. private resort and not at the White proper seat today. As we sat and waited, I lowing suggestions for consideration by Some months ago, we took the position House? did a cursory count of the seats arranged whomsoever it may concern, in the hopes that our government broke the foreign “Those are questions that need to be in the two sections which numbered that the passport office experience might policy of our nation to interfere in the asked of the five by the taxpayers of their around 50, there were 6 properly num - become a more efficient and effective one internal affairs of another sovereign state. countries paying for the trip, especially bered service cubicles, and an electronic in a more pleasant environment for the Since our independence in 1973, succes - since they were quick to heap praise on Qmatic numbering monitor on display. I customers of 21st century Bahamas: sive governments made this the firm the most racist, xenophobic, vacuous, was also impressed to hear, as other per - 1) PREPARATION: sons (starting with the first time babies a) The website for the passport office (and stance of the Bahamian government over petty, dictatorial bully that has ever occu - and parent/s) were let inside to fill the all other government offices) should con - the years. Now, the Minnis administra - pied the office of President of America. seats, that only those persons who were tain accurate information at all times, and tion has opened our country to ridicule Donald Trump’s agenda was clear – to there for processing would be allowed to be maintained and updated on a regular and derision by Caricom and other coun - get the five he believes will support him take a seat, i.e. if you were not legitimate - basis. Trained Bahamian graphic artists tries and entities around the world. in his quest to oust the current leadership ly accompanying a minor, or were an adult should be hired to design aesthetically While it is known that the US is our in Venezuela. So what’s in it for the ‘Fab- tagging along with your family or friend pleasing online sites for public use. closest neighbour and that we will always Five?’ to hog up a seat in comfort and soak up the b) The General Information pamphlet want friendly relations with the “It’s left to be seen what pieces of silver air-condo, forget it – you were banished to should not be distributed to the public Americans, it appears that we are afraid they are selling their souls for to the man the uncomfortable outer limits! Today the with incorrect information. The pamphlet passport office seemed to be ‘cookin’ with should be updated immediately if any of offending the US, or afraid that if the who put children in cages; who has ramped gas’! changes are made to the process and pro - Bahamas did not support the US, then our up deportation of immigrants including Eventually we were called by cedures, which should be pointed out to country would have been victimized by a from the Caribbean; who continues his rows to a desk where we showed our pass - recipients. It is a photocopied sheet that is vindictive Trump administration. racist agenda to scapegoat immigrants; port and NIB card, were given a slip of easily produced. The registration proce - The Bahamas should have stood on the who has ended TPS for Haitians and wants paper (with no explanation of what it was dure (i.e. arrival on the outside) is not principle established more than 45 years them out; whose rhetoric in support of for), and sat back down to wait, and wait presently addressed in the pamphlet, and it ago. If not, then we should have white nationalism has led to a global rise of as the service cubicles remained empty, should be. abstained on the matter. hate and hate crimes; who has trampled on with only one gentleman at work. My high c) Bahamian citizens no doubt attempt to In Editorial from News Americas in American democracy and who continues spirits began to lag. obtain information by telephoning the During this time a customer made office. It is hoped that the 3 telephone New York City yesterday stated: “ Every daily to bully any and everyone, including it known that the cashier had arrived, and numbers listed on the Information pam - Caribbean national – whether you live in the media, he feels is critical of him. that the slip of paper we had been given phlet and in the telephone directory are the Caribbean or the US’ Caribbean “It is shocking to hear the Prime was supposed to be taken to the window operational, and the numbers are Diaspora, should be bowing their heads Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, on the other side of the room for payment. answered by knowledgeable, helpful staff. in shame at this picture. state: “The message from this meeting was A group of us made our way to that area to 2) COMFORT: Here are five of the region’s leaders – that the United States wants to encourage line up for service. This, however, result - a) The Bahamian public is grateful for the Allen Michael Chastanet, Prime Minister and promote a stronger relationship with ed in a stern reprimand from office staff as awning that is erected outside for protec - of Saint Lucia; Danilo Medina Sánchez, the region. We’re very happy with that well as the defence force officer who tion from the sun and rain. I expect that President of the Dominican Republic; message. We feel that it’s a message that is appeared on the scene to ask us not to this is not adequate to shade larger crowds block the area and to return to our seats, during the hotter summer months and Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of long in coming. … We’re satisfied that still without providing any explanation of rainy season, therefore an additional Jamaica; Jovenel Moïse, President of the there will be instrumental action with that what was supposed to happen next. canopied area should be considered. Republic of Haiti; and Hubert A. Minnis, message.” As we continued to sit, the serv - b) There is certainly no reason why per - Prime Minister of the Bahamas – repre - Really? What action is that? More ice cubicle staff members arrived and sons should be standing up on the outside senting nations that Donald Trump thinks deportation of Jamaicans from the US? number D1 (The letter ‘D’ is apparently in such a haphazard manner. The current for renewals) appeared on the electronic benches are a disgrace, and should be board – finally there was action! Well replaced by groups of chairs similar to number one was a lonely number that those inside, placed and bolted to the morning, because it was quite a while ground in an east to west orientation fac - before another number was called. Some ing south in order to accommodate many of our group from the day before struck up more people under the awning. Several a conversation about yesterday’s debacle chairs can also be placed facing west in and today’s slow start. We decided to take front of the a/c units to the south of the some initiative, instead of just sitting there door. Several chairs should also be desig - doing nothing, and began to make our way nated for senior citizens. over to the cashier in small groups to pay, 3) INFORMATION GRAPHICS - The get our receipt, and sit back down to wait. empty cabinet on the wall outside should All of a sudden the numbering be removed and attractive signage system seemed to go haywire with several (designed by a graphic artist) listing the numbers changing rapidly from D5 to 11 documentation required for the various and directing everyone to cubicle 6 which categories, as well as the application pro - was already serving a customer. The next cedures (which are listed on the informa - number waiting to be served was 6, and tion pamphlet) should be placed on the although I was number 9, office staff came entire western wall for all to see and refer from behind the counter to demand that I to. Proper procedural/information signage attend their cubicle, in spite of us trying to should also be placed on the inside. explain how to count! I presented my doc - 4) REGISTRATION ORDER – I make no uments as outlined on the information apology to those in charge of the passport form and was told that my original birth office for having the audacity to be and marriage certificates were not accept - “telling people how to do their job.” Since able. I pointed out that the information you, yourselves, do not have to ‘tow the pamphlet said otherwise, and was told in a line for service’ it may come as a shock to condescending tone that the information realize that continually disgruntled cus - pamphlet was incorrect and “I am telling tomers (that’s us, the Bahamian people, you what to do!” Well, excuse me for try - whom you are obligated to serve - do not ing to follow the rules as written on your pamphlet, that apparently are really no g See page 7... Section A REGULAR_Section A Tues 3/25/2019 12:48 AM Page 6

The Bahama Journal A6 Monday - March 25th, 2019 National NEWS BUT’s Gives Ministry Seven

BY BERTHONY MCDERMOTT issue, Mrs. Wilson said “However, I can prom - presently in place and proposal to use, but it’s to me. DJournala Staff Writeyr s For Counter Proposal that a lot of times ise you that they will get a what is even worse is almost April 7th,” she “What I need is that Ministers would present letter by Monday and will when education or the said. when there is a problem Bahamas Union of information that is not be given seven days to government does not Mrs. Wilson added that concerning our members, Teacher President Belinda correct. come to the table,” she communicate with you. the issue with the it is dealt with in a timely Wilson said she is won - “The Bahamas Union said. “If you presented them Ministry of Education is and efficient manner. dering when negotiation of Teachers presented an The Union’s trade with a document nine not communication with “What I need is, if on the new industrial agreement to the govern - agreement expired on months ago and they are the Minister, but the prob - there are monies owed to agreement between the ment of The Bahamas June 30th 2018. If the having a challenge getting lem she said is with per - our members, then make union and The Ministry of through the Minister of Ministry does not come to us a counter proposal, sons under the Minister sure it placed in the budg - Education will begin. Education on June 20th, the table within the seven then write to us formally who do not do their work et and they are paid. Her comments come 2018. days, that will be indicat - as we wrote to you for - in an effective manner. “What I need is when just a few weeks after “To date, I do not have ed in the letter, Mrs. mally and we presented a She said, “a lot of we give them recommen - Education Minister a counter proposal. I do Wilson said they will draft proposal to you for - times the technocrats get dations that make sense Jeffrey Lloyd told not have any information have to file a trade dis - mally. off of the hook because based on a policy that reporters outside cabinet from education as to who pute. “So, write to us and say we focus so much on if they may send to us, then the negotiations had are the members of their “It’s sickening that we because February 7th the President and the sit with us, go through our begun. team and we do not have cannot follow the policies was the deadline for them Minister are speaking, recommendations,” said Sounding off on the a counter proposal. or the laws that are to present to the counter they don’t need to speak Mrs. Wilson.

BY LICEC BASTIAN Anthony Ferguson. dramatically. In the inner ranking officers put on sons with an extreme be named as a replacement PMJournal Sta ff WSriter ays"We haHve a very as tutHe, acity alsone. Convfacaitiodn, Der. nMinnics enumb er Inof vaTcatioon pfor vCacant ODPeputy organized Commissioner "Murder has decreased brushed off concerns accrued, has been going Commissioner of Police In the face of heavy pub - of Police. The by 40 percent, when we adding that "they are enti - on across the board in the positions, the prime minis - lic criticism after five high Commissioner will not do look at the rates. Armed tled to vacation". civil service. ter reiterated his confi - ranking officers of the anything to endanger the robbery has decreased by "What's wrong with "I'm not saying it's hap - dence in the police Royal Bahamas Police lives [or] the safety of The 24 percent. So, if I trust asking individuals to go pening with the police, Commissioner of police. Force were added to a list Bahamas. him, and the Bahamian on vacation? They were don't get me wrong. I "The police force is of officers who previously "Just as I have confi - people trust him, I would asked to take vacation. worked in the public serv - running very well, the received letters that dence in the hope that the press do," What's wrong with that. ice, I came up through the Commissioner will decide demanded they take vaca - Commissioner, to send Dr. Minnis said. "When we came in, we public service, and it was what he [wants] to put tion leave with immediate individuals off on vaca - When asked by initiated a policy, the gov - not unusual that individu - forth, how he wants to effect, Prime Minister, Dr. tion, you should have con - reporters, following his ernment initiated a policy. als employed in the health rearrange his force," Dr. Hubert Minnis said he has fidence. recent trip to Mar-a-largo We asked individuals who sector would have taken Minnis said. full confidence in "He and his team have Florida, about the move to have long vacation leave, their leave but not record The latest of top cops to Commissioner of Police already cut crime down have in total eight high to go on vacation, because it, and then at the end be put on leave include this government will not coming near their retire - five Assistant pay you for it. That was a ment they would have Commissioners of Police, g Continued from / PAGE 4 problem of the past. We three four years pay vaca - ACP Clayton Fernander, are watching the tion. ACP Ashton Greeneslade, Bahamian money," Dr. "I am not saying that's ACP Ken Strachan, ACP Minnis said. what happen with the Leamond Deleveaux, and He further noted that police," Dr. Minnis said. ACP Theophilus this action, of sending per - When asked who would Cunningham. BAIC Announces Saturday’s Mega Market and partnership with MOE&H to eliminate single-use plastics The Bahamas that will be banned in at the market, which will Agricultural & Industrial two years will be shop - be open for extended Corporation (BAIC) will ping bags, straws, uten - hours from 8:00 a.m. to hold a Mega Market, sils and Styrofoam con - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23, tainers. Environment Bishop Collie noted, 2019 on Gladstone Road Ministry officials will be “BAIC looks forward to in honour of the corpora - at Saturday’s market to the day when the harvest tion’s 37th year said educate the public as yields can increase sub - Chairman, Bishop well as pass out reusable stantially. The only way Gregory Collie at the bags. this can be accomplished corporation’s headquar - Bishop Collie revealed is if we can encourage ters on Friday. that the corporation has younger persons to get The chairman also partnered with BTC in into the business of farm - announced the corpora - their ‘Neighbourhood ing. More farmers means tion will partner with the Connect’ program. more product.” Ministry of the BTC’s brand ambassa - He added, “The gains Environment and dors such as DMac, for the farmers have been Housing to help prepare Dyson Knight, MDeez exceptional and we look the country for the elimi - and Najee Dunn will forward to farmer’s mar - nation of single-use plas - make an appearance at kets popping up all over tics and Styrofoam con - Saturday’s ‘Mega the country as they have tainers for food and bev - Market.’ begun in Long Island, erage, by 2020 -- adding Artisans from around Grand Bahama, and that some of the items New Providence will be Eleuthera.”

4 BAIC Chairman Bishop Gregory Collie announced at Friday’s press conference at BAIC headquarters that the corporation will hold a Mega Market, Saturday, March 23, 2019, in hon -

g END our of its 37th year on Gladstone Road. Also pictured is Ministry of the Environment & Housing/Environment Officer Kendria Ferguson. (BIS Photo/Llonella Gilbert) Section A REGULAR_Section A Tues 3/25/2019 12:48 AM Page 7

The Bahama Journal National NEWS Monday - March 25th, 2019 A7 D’Aguilar challenges 'Team

TMinistoer of Touurism arnd i(sWednemsday, Marc'h 20, toand prid e tchis aftoernoon nNastsau/i nParuadise eJour nalt, othe la rgeest txhe larcgest aend ml ost Aviation, the Hon. 2019) where he to report that in 2018, Island, Grand Bahama website covering prestigious global trav - Dionisio D’Aguilar, announced Tourism’s our collective effort has and in the major Family Caribbean tourism, el marketing competi - Wednesday challenged record-breaking per - yielded results that are Islands. bestowed on The tion. members of Team formance over the record breaking. Our Mr. D’Aguilar also Bahamas, awards for “In the Public Relations Tourism to “continuous - course of 2018. tourism numbers are up announced that the Best Caribbean category, the Ministry ly up its game.” Mr. D’Aguilar said by 16.9%. All indicators major hotels on Nassau Destination and Best was honoured with a “In our tourism all indicators project project that this trend and Paradise Island Caribbean Tourism Gold Adrian Award for endeavour, we are guid - that the upward trend will continue through - recorded a 34% Minister. Of course, for excellence in influencer ed by a powerful will continue through - out 2019. It will take all increase in room rev - personal reasons, the marketing and a Bronze mantra: ‘It’s Better in out 2019. He applauded of us, united in effort enues during 2018, latter award makes me Adrian Award for its The Bahamas.’ More so “Team Tourism” for the and purpose, to sustain gains not experienced smile. communications cam - than describing a cur - role their collective the growth in tourism in the past ten years. “The Bahamas paign. In the rent state of reality, this efforts played in ensur - that we have achieved The Ministry’s robust Ministry of Tourism Advertising category, mantra, is aspirational, ing a record-breaking over the past 12 marketing efforts, Mr. and Aviation received urging, propelling, each 2018. months.” D’Aguilar said, also the Ministry was recog - three awards for out - of us ever onward, to “Tourism is a team Minister D’Aguilar helped to earn the coun - nized for advertising standing travel market - improve the tourism effort. Ours is an all- said the industry’s try a number of presti - innovation for its product so that it indeed encompassing team that record-breaking per - gious regional and ing at the Hospitality unique 16-island mar - becomes better in The includes me, the formance in foreign air international awards: Sales & Marketing keting strategy,” Bahamas, and The Minister of Tourism and and sea visitor arrivals “To name a Association Minister D’Aguilar Bahamas becomes the Aviation, and my to The Bahamas, can be few: Caribbean Travel International (HSMAI), added. go-to place of rejuvena - tourism team through - attributed to the collec - tion for travelers the out The Bahamas and tive efforts of Team world over,” Minister overseas, our promotion Tourism and the suc - D’Aguilar said. boards, our hotels, large cessful elevation of the “Let us collectively and small, our contract - awareness and visibility commit to continuously ed marketing and adver - of The Bahamas’ brand, up our game so that The tising agencies, cruise that was accomplished Bahamas becomes a operators, airlines, our via the use of a robust, place those of us call network of travel pro - marketing strategy. home can have a better, fessionals, every local The Bahamas more equitable life, and tourism related opera - received far more visi - a greater stake in an tion, each and every tors to its shores in 2018 industry to which two- Bahamian who works in – 6.6 million -- than in thirds of our population the industry throughout any previous year in its gives its labour and the length and breadth “entire history of being energy.” of The Bahamas. engaged” in the tourism Minister D’Aguilar’s “As the CEO leading business. The increase comments came during the tourism enterprise, it in 2018 was experi - a Press Conference gives me great pleasure enced nationwide --

PASSPORT g ContWinued from /O PAGE 5.E.. S, PART 2 appreciate having to waste precious day, once that quota is reached, any other hours, days and months back and forth - applicant’s name can be placed on the fol - we also have a life to attend to) should lowing day’s roster (which should be lim - always be a clear indicator that something ited to an additional 5 persons) and the is wrong: your system isn’t working, and applicant can then leave knowing they it’s time to re-examine your process/pro - can return the following day and be seen, cedures. rather than having to wait for 4 hours Grouchy staff members who appear bur - before being turned away! dened at their job, with no time to take a c) This registration process would not break or have lunch (as I was informed) take long, and the list generated would be are also a clear indication of either and/or the working list for the day’s activities. It not enjoying their work nor their work should be uploaded on to a monitor inside place; not having the tools or procedures so that applicants can see the progress of in place to work efficiently and effective - their group in real time (just like ordering ly; not being interested in having positive pizza or waiting to be seen at the Cable interaction with their customers, but office!) rather use the power of their position 4) PROCESSING LOGISTICS - Once against the customer, rather than for the inside, the various categories would then customer’s benefit. If you vex and we vex be directed systematically to other staff – what good will come of that? Let’s work members’ stations where they can have together to find positive solutions for their documents checked to make sure everyone! they are in order. They will also receive In this technological age, there is no need their form to pay the cashier and get their for persons to be standing outside in the receipt. Once their number is called for wee hours of the morning in an attempt to processing, their time spent at the counter get served. If the registration process is would be minimized since their documen - organized properly, persons can arrive at a tation would have already been checked. sensible hour, be processed quickly, and This method would allow many more per - leave within a reasonable timeframe. sons to be processed in a day. If e-pass - a) There should be a registration desk on port renewals require a mere 10-15 the outside with a numbered sheet for cus - minute processing time, there should be tomers to sign as they arrive, then have a one cubicle dedicated to renewals seat. At 8am a staff member, equipped throughout the day so that more renewal with a portable waistband PA system, applicants can be served. would man the desk with a lap top com - 5) FEEDBACK – A locked ‘Suggestion puter showing a numbered spreadsheet Box’ should be available for customers’ listing the various categories of appli - use and it should be opened by someone cants: new born babies, transfer from old at the Permanent Secretary level for passport to e-passport, e-passport weekly review. How many times do the renewals, and any others. ‘higher ups’ visit offices under their b) Customers would then approach the purview to observe what exactly is taking registration desk in number order when place and confer with staff on a regular their names are called (using the micro - basis for feedback? phone headset on the PA system instead These letters have taken quite a of shouting), until everyone’s name is lot of effort to write, and it is hoped that entered in the appropriate category col - they are received positively and will umn, with any senior citizen/disabled per - achieve mutually beneficial results for us sons in attendance being identified so that all. they can be seen first in their category. Since the passport office is aware of how many applicants they can process in a Yours sincerely, Pam Burnside