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Volume: 107 No.176 MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25)

E 27, 2011 MONDAY, JUN S HIND THE NEW THE STORIES BE Education: Real IN TOMORROW’S TRIBUNE: GET YOUR 2011 T We deserve E H D G I I to know the e S S Education: We deserv N N

th I Estate I e ugly tru h h of a t as muc just w partments are in no de k s? . mble o moted of sha f con- t cation cused stion o the Edu eing ac the que , the activities of And, despite b Then there's s- w how to tion rst instalment rs, sources claim e public school sy ugly truth don't kno rity, the fi cky finge ces for th many teachers Loan Autho ront having sti trans- sequen investiga- hemselves). ears on today's f f them has been lf. The Tribune's y PACO NUNEZ use a computer t of which app that one o seeing tem itse one rep- B tor cials have poured department over already led to ibune News Edi • ministry offi page. v- ferred to the mil- tion has ncern it Tr asing equipment n, the current go of more than $11 firm expressing co illions into purch Obviously the - the allocation in- utable US andal HURRICANE g m ork educa the m n a sc icture emergin at either don't w res about setting n to be gifted to be caught up i he p and services th e ernment ca con- lion soo Devel- may ith the min- f The Tribune’s 't being used. Th and is making a e Inter-American of its dealings w out o properly or aren f tion to rights istry by th because erges, will g probe into the ying hundreds o o do so. nk (IDB). he full picture em ongoin public is still pa certed effort t all opment Ba istry. If t tionship ublic school- in licensing fees vestigations are d this happen? e ministry's rela state of p ousands a year But if these in How coul ract it affect th , which particularly th without seeing cted behind closed employees' cont t friend, the IDB ing isn't certain systems, going to be condu Simple: the try with its bes hools andalous, on its. ve can they be? if a senior minis up our public sc ing. It's quite sc substantial benef oors, how effecti stipulates that e has propped tune flaTtter any at details of d ill tell you they nds promotion, th w decades to the so learned th ior officials w icial recomme over the last fe actually. at a We al hed the Sen lts before off ve to produce illion? , in a nutshell, th have never reac ting for the resu rnment would ha f more than $70 m It suggests er- the above evil, are wai ifficult to gove ngdoing to o those working lable fortune – c use of a “see no nything, but it's d evidence of wro Nevertheless, all thus far incalcu in public beca dice they say a s when hard still being he dark about s, perhaps even culture of cowar n such assertion – evidence that is ep the public in t tainly in the ten hear no evil” an put faith i ponse block it stigation to ke en wasted – illions – has been e ministry, and e traditional res because the inve ts money has be he hundreds of m permeating th r- you know th and compiled how i ees, senior t use corruption ork of co-conspi or crime is to try . r ministry employ sted away beca entrenched netw to public sect ap- is ongoing e sim- whethe d notice wa have been om only protect em so it won't h tion could also b or politicians (an incompetence tors – some of wh change the syst e The solu duct officials, as been and e Ministry of a ear that turning quietly transfer th rnment could con the opposition h ed to fester in th e others out of f pen again, then s ple: the gove mit how quiet should allow last three th lead to a finger er department ns in the open, ad ticular issue) – ation over the stleblower might ffenders to oth its investigatio he on this par ffers Educ whi . o ng real action certain parts of t exactly who su s or so. g pointed at them ther than taki it suspects that - remember eal- decade red that: bein has been in ra ategy virtually ully inept or com this, and what is r we have discove while the public inst them – a str inistry are woef because of all So far, f many But we didn't aga age yet more m expose officials ancial records o k, it turns out anteed to encour etely corrupt, and ly at stake. • the fin large- the dar ws to the guar pl romotions for 00 children in the ither in a mess or much that was ne tion. o recommend p There are 50,0 SECTION INSIDE e e r up h e schools ar e for uncove corr s if the gov- w suspicion. tem. Each instanc istent becaus ent. nd, what happen ff who are under public school sys ly non-ex coun- governm e upon A next elec- sta t a respected or impropriety als doubled as ac fter time, we cam nt changes in the nd it could ge f incompetence years princip dn't Time a ll con- ernme nistration A o conduct its o piece of their SEE PAGE 12B oul we dmi y t ttle though some "c e believed was a , and the new a dependent agenc represents a li tants, even ooks," what w ly to find tions s should be in he results. wn away. ir own cheque b rty little secret, on he investigation its and publish t future being thro balance the cealed di vestiga- feels t aud ey could just fuel crime and put it. , though quiet, in inued? n other words, th Failing schools as one source for an official discont oblem of I The wave of e under-skilled ised on campus, y underway. , there is the pr s the whole truth. ntribute yet mor • funds ra es, tion alread d to a Then , though tell u llow would co eady woefully snack shop sal nting mess has le nior officials who anger likely to fo ividuals to an alr example from t- The accou the certain se gdoing, public from mis- ind letely unaccoun l high schools and ted in any wron ill off interference t labour force. have gone comp full audit of al sar not implica rotect all but k r future inep ur problem , which for some professional bur tly working to p bureaucrats o d, considering o d for. This money assigning of a g are constan as a chievous An nal debt, e ts as much as ficials are lookin y's reputation tions. xpanding natio hools represen to each one; of the ministr . administra o hap- with e ry year at sc used on things of tens of thou- tecting their own ourse, is unlikely t $200 million eve 0,000 a year, was nto the spending method of pro ls This, of c sted throwing titution $20 r buying cell i pieces of equip- e these individua rnments have a ve nd ineffective ins eachers' lunches o nds of dollars on How effectiv pen. All gove hat a corrupt a either. like t sa ractive white- ting the govern- ecting the image t like a good idea s for principals. t known as inte an be at subver interest in proj ar doesn't seem e the phone education men ich are now c vestigations can ir watch. They fe is all of us who ar spite the fact that ds, many of wh ent's "covert" in all's well on the y In short, it ave • de ernment boar us reasons; m of those min- he truth, they ma scenario, and we h eediest of all gov ing dust for vario seen in the case that in exposing t victims in this is the gr ugh up gather led to the be ed of corrup- with the wreck- what's going on. gularly eating thro ther probe has workers suspect come identified a right to know entities, re ts are and ano employ- istry be eir fault. hink? ion a year, studen f several ministry even if it isn't th What do you t to $200 mill s to removal o icion of tion. ough they age ncern about s to: pnunez@ ly when it come eir posts on susp ns out that alth here is also a co Email comment served terrib ch- ees from th It tur pace of a T : how many ke information te nd theft. oved, within the s ng the floodgates ribunemedia.net crucial areas li of corruption a tak- were rem m had openi vernment t out six per cent o an official audit ths some of the inistries and go nology. Only ab t There is als ext few mon n pro- other m IT labs (not tha elation to the n ted and some eve chools even have ing place in r a- been reinsta s ber would likely ribune's investig ncreasing this num phase of The T SUPPLEMENT i t ence – it turns ou make much differ MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SPECIAL REPORT MINISTER ACCUSED OF ‘INTERFERING IN POLICE FORCE’ AFTER RELATIVE’S HOME SEARCHED By ALISON LOWE Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected] Explosive findings in A RETIRED police investi- gator and attorney accused the Minister of National Security of interfering in the police force to have two officers charged before a disciplinary tribunal after they executed a search warrant on the home of one of the Minister’s close relatives. Former police superintendent Keith Bell contends the two police officers did everything Education Loan audit SEE page 13 Source claims govt ON THE MARCH FOR DRUG AWARENESS members told of the findings are ‘appalled’

By NOELLE NICOLLS Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected] AN ongoing government TRIBUNE audit of the Education Loan Authority has revealed a num- ber of questionable practices, theEXCLUSIVE department in question and which in the opinion of Tribune so he is unable to provide any sources, could be considered commentary whatsoever on it “white collar crime at its best.” with respect to any allegations Documents seen by The Tri- which may be made.” bune reveal an ELA official Anita Bernard, secretary to being paid a $10,000 per diem Cabinet, confirmed there is an by the authority without clear audit in progress. However, she authorisation, over $300,000 said: “I would not be privy to being spent in a day without the findings until I have the supporting documentation and report. I have not seen an audit meeting and parties organised as yet.” by the ELA having been held Documents seen by The Tri- at a business owned by a fami- bune detail several transactions ly member of one of its senior that sources claim reveal a lack officials. transparency. The documents Sources claim some members note, for example, an official of government have been was paid a per diem of $10,000 advised on the explosive find- without any clear authorisation. ings of the audit, and were THIS YOUNG BAND was one of many participating yesterday in a Four Point Solidarity March. The Ministry of National Security along with Tribune sources claim this was “appalled.” However, govern- a multi-sectoral committee organised the event, which culminated in a drug awareness rally at Windsor Park. done on several occasions. ment officials are refusing to In several instances, investi- comment, stating the audit is gators note the organisation FAMILY PAYS TRIBUTE TO CONSUELA THURSTON not complete. Several ELA lacks the required financial con- board members, on the other SANDALS PLANS TO INVESTIGATION trols to ensure transparency hand, denied knowledge of the and accountability. In April auditor general’s activities alto- EXPAND IN EXUMA AFTER CLASSROOMS 2010, for example, the findings gether. By CELESTE NIXON MOTHER OF SEVEN DIES JUST note over $300,000 was spent Desmond Bannister, Minis- Tribune Staff Reporter DESTROYED IN FIRE in one day without any sup- By CELESTE NIXON ter of Education, said: “I have [email protected] porting documentation. MONTHS AFTER HER HUSBAND Tribune Staff Reporter spoken with the auditor gener- By AVA TURNQUEST It is claimed by Tribune [email protected] al who has indicated to me that Tribune Staff Reporter sources that ELA funds were SANDALS resort Gen- [email protected] he has not seen or signed off eral Manager has indicated on any reports which relate to POLICE are currently SEE page 12 the hotel’s intention to SURROUNDED by her investigating a fire that continue expanding the loved ones, just as in Big Happy destroyed a block of class- property while increasing Family, her favourite Madea rooms at the All Age Inagua its presence and work in play, Consuela “Faye” School. the Exuma community. Thurston, mother of seven, died According to police reports from cancer-related complica- the fire started around 9:30pm With the recent comple- on Friday and was contained to tion of a 62-room expan- tions Friday afternoon. True to form by all who knew her, she two class rooms and a bath- sion Sandals Emerald Bay died with a smile on her face. room. Exuma General Manager Mrs Thurston drew her last With the assistance of local Jeremy Mutton said there breath at her sister’s home in residents, the police and the is room for further devel- Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahamas Defence Force were opment, not only within Bahama. CONSUELA ‘FAYE’ THURSTON able to bring the fire under the resort, but in the com- “We kept them (children) died on Friday afternoon control. munity. in the back but they saw when Speaking with The Tribune Currently at 90 per cent the hearse was taking her out,” Rock with their aunt, a decision yesterday Education Minister said her younger sister, Olive that was mutually agreed by all Desmond Bannister said that occupancy, Mr Mutton teams from his ministry and said “there is still room for Cox. “They really cried, they the siblings. Mrs Thurston had cried. They just lost their daddy two daughters before her mar- the Ministry of Works were expansion on resort and and now they taking away their riage, Sasha, 16, will also stay in dispatched to Inagua yester- we want to continue and mommy. So we did a lot of cry- Grand Bahama, while Johnnese, day to conduct a full evalua- do more work in the com- ing.” tion of the damage. The Thurstons’ two boys and SEE page two SEE page 13 three girls will stay in Eight Mile SEE page 12

NASSAU AND BAHAMA ISLANDS’ LEADING NEWSPAPER

PAGE 2, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS

IN THIS PHOTO taken in February, the youngest Thurston child, Bri- anna, points to a photo of her parents as her sisters Sarah and Brit- tiny, and her mother Consuela, look on. SIBLING BOND: From left, Peter Jr, 9; Brittiny, 10, Sasha (seated), 16; Johnnese, 19; Sarah, 8; Brianna, 3; and Justin, 6, on Saturday. MOTHER OF SEVEN DIES JUST MONTHS AFTER HER HUSBAND FROM page one

19, will return to New Provi- dence. “That was one of her wishes, that they never separate – if she could have controlled it, and to never ever go in the children’s home,” said Ms Cox. SISTERS Olive Cox (left) and Patricia Pratt hold up a mother’s day card “We (sisters) promised that sent to Ms Pratt from Consuela. It was the last gift she received from Mrs as long as breath is in our bodies Thurston before her sight, speech and memory began to deteriorate. The that none of our children would sisters are smiling in memory of Consuela’s unflagging optimism and pos- ever go into the children’s itive spirit. home,” she said. Then a family of eight, The and its readers, informed as the ily had been reduced to living Thurstons first appeared on the disease continued its debilitat- on hand-outs. A terrifying real- front page of The Tribune in ing course. ity brought on by Mrs December. Still reeling from the The death of Mr Thurston in Thurston’s inability to continue shock of her husband’s diagnosis February, at 42, had crushed her working at Solomon’s Super – advanced stage lymphoma, hopes for his rehabilitation and Centre, where she had been cancer of the immune system – eventual return as the sole care- employed for the past 15 years Mrs Thurston flung open the giver for her children, in the after moving to Nassau in 1995. doors to the emotional and event of her death. “(Solomons) was her first financial devastation wrought In the interview following her and only job in Nassau,” said by the disease. husband, Peter’s death, Mrs Ms Cox. “That was one of the In less than two years, Mrs Thurston was overcome with best places she could have been Thurston’s breast cancer – grief. However, even in her working, they stuck with her to already at stage four when she “darkest hour” that brief the end.” was diagnosed – had permeated moment of flagging optimism, Her boundless optimism did nearly every part of her body. she never gave up on her spiri- not falter during the April inter- In that initial interview, the tual faith. view, even as she explained that family faced eviction and dire “Before he died,” said Ms she now had to choose between need, owing the landlord of their Cox, “she would go and change continuing her treatments and former Joan’s Heights apart- his pampers everyday. When I her family’s future. ment nearly $5,000 in unpaid saw her trying to lift her hus- In the end, her ailing health rent. band, I said ‘no Faye! You for- forced relocation earlier this Throughout the interview, get if you lift heavy loads you month to Grand Bahama, her Mrs Thurston was upbeat, posi- will break your spine’. childhood home. tive and admittedly noisy, as she “I hugged her and I said you Speaking with The Tribune burst into laughter despite rep- can’t handle him, he’s too heavy, on Saturday, the family remi- rimands from her eldest daugh- and she told me ‘but only me nisced on her remarkable cancer ter, Johnnese. one to do it. Ain’t nobody com- journey that transformed her Patricia Pratt, Mrs Thurston’s ing to help me’.” from a quiet, God-fearing elder sister, said: “She inspired “That was one strong little woman into an outspoken and me a whole lot. She made me woman,” said her younger sister, unashamed praiser. feel like I could take on any- “she inspired so many people, “It was so hard,” said Ms thing.” she gave them strength. I looked Cox, “they told me I was selfish, Ms Pratt recalled how Mrs at her when her husband died but it was hard for me to say Thurston was the first person and I saw how she had to gather ‘okay go’. I just didn’t want her she saw when she was hospital- herself to get everything done.” to leave me.” ized in a serious bus accident. Mrs Thurston’s case was “She put up a good fight, I “I was like ‘girl how did you admittedly a difficult one, admire her that’s one strong get here?’ She had only recent- according to Nurse Charlene woman,” added her sister. “She ly been released from the hos- McPhee, co-founder of the Sis- gave me strength, she made me pital herself. She was shaking, ter Sister Breast Cancer support feel like I could take on any- barely could stand up straight, group. In an interview before thing.” and she said ‘girl I had to come, Mr Thurston’s death, Nurse The family extends heartfelt I had to come and be here McPhee marvelled at Mrs gratitude to Mrs Thurston’s sup- where you is.’” Thurston’s drive to provide for porters and many financial “I said you’re a strong her children regardless of the donors, most of whom were woman, with everything you’re mounting obstacles. At that anonymous. going through you put your time, Mrs Thurston’s kidneys Persons wishing to reach the whole self aside to deal with it,” were operating at 32 per cent family can contact Ms Cox in Ms Pratt added. and doctors told her that her Grand Bahama at (242)-439- Over the new few months, tumours had become numerous. 2815, or Ms Pratt in New Provi- Mrs Thurston kept The Tribune, By April, the Thurston fam- dence at 636-8457. THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS BCB ANNOUNCES Former US soldier faces NEW STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN A NEW strategic busi- ness plan which will cre- deportation to Bahamas ate a role for the Broad- casting Corporation of the Bahamas as “a buffer By ALISON LOWE between commercially- receiving the Iraq Campaign also have been eligible for one Tribune Staff Reporter Man accused of lying on a passport medal, Global War on Terror- based on his military service to driven private media and [email protected] application says he believed he was American ism medal and Combat Action date. He would be disqualified the public”, was badge, among other honours. for such eligibility if he receives announced yesterday by A MAN who says he was He immediately enlisted in the a criminal conviction for the the BCB’s general man- raised in the US to believe he detention centre in Jacksonville, in March, is said to have been Navy, who sent him to serve at offence for which he is now ager, Edwin Lightbourne. was American, and went on to Florida. taken from The Bahamas to the the Guantanamo military com- charged. The 2012-2014 Strate- serve with distinction in that His military service in the US US as an infant and was raised pound’s public relations unit. It is unclear why the former gic Business Plan is country’s Army and Navy, is dates back to 2003 when he by relatives in the US and led to He was a petty officer in the soldier was indicted in March designed to “improve the now facing deportation to The enrolled using a birth certificate believe he was a citizen. reserves at the time of his arrest. for the alleged offence, five lives of Bahamians Bahamas after being accused of issued by the State of Florida a Military records show that Mr He had been discharged from years after he received his pass- through the promotion of lying on a passport application few months earlier. Dawkins, whose specialty was active duty in April, 2011. port and while he was still in the cultural and educational five years ago. The former soldier, who was army combat photography, was The New York Times reports Navy. enrichment programmes Leo Dawkins, 26, has spent training to become a registered honorably discharged from the that records show he received Mr Mervis said his client in an independent broad- the last month in a federal nurse at the time of his arrest force as a specialist in 2008 after “glowing” evaluations while “never knowingly and wilfully cast environment”, said a serving in the Navy, which noted deceived” the government and statement from the BCB. ON THE MARCH his “exceptional work ethic.” wishes to “get out of jail, go Developed following Mr Dawkins contends he back to Jacksonville, and con- an operational review by always believed he was a citi- tinue his work there as a nurse.” the Management team zen, and his lawyer, Clark He condemned the move to and the Board of Direc- Mervis, notes that state and fed- prosecute his client, stating, “We eral authorities treated him as don’t often incarcerate war- tors, the plan provides such during his seven years of hero-type people for making a “considered guidelines” service in the Army and Navy. false statement on a passport for the attainment of the He received “secret” security application. It’s a case that Corporation’s public ser- clearance during the stint serv- should never have been prose- vice objectives over a ing at the Guantanamo base. cuted criminally. This is just three-year period and is The former Petty Office was wrong.” said to take into account even issued a passport in 2006. the recent restructuring However, he is now charged exercise that saw the with the crime of lying on that departure of 80 staff 2006 passport application when members. asked if he had ever applied for The new strategic busi- a passport before. Mr Dawkins ness plan requires the checked no, but the US govern- Corporation “to live ment said the answer is yes. within its means, effi- Had he not already received ciently manage scarce his passport, Mr Dawkins would resources and operate professionally.” A new governance structure to support the Corporation’s transfor- mation into an indepen- dent public service broadcaster is currently under active review by the Government. The need for the cor- poration to become the PRO-HANGING buffer between private media and the public GROUP MARCH comes about in light of industry developments THROUGH since the mid-1990s, which have created a NASSAU diverse and highly com- petitive marketplace, said RODNEY MONCUR the BCB. (centre) and The Fami- lies of Murder Victims group marched through Radio the streets of Nassau on Saturday on a pro- Among the plans out- hanging demonstration. lined in the new docu- ment, are the intention to consolidate radio opera- Tim Clarke/ tions into a single public Tribune staff service radio entity by simulcasting ZNS 1 pro- gramming on both the AM and FM bands (1540AM and 104.5FM) nationally over time. Sep- arate programming on 104.5FM has been discon- tinued. ZNS 1 program- ming is currently avail- able on the AM and FM bands in New Provi- dence and Grand Bahama. Additional FM trans- mitters are set to be installed throughout the islands to offer both AM and FM signals nation- wide. In television, the Cor- poration is “pursuing two key and interrelated ini- tiatives” – the digitaliza- tion of equipment, increased production of local programming and enhancement of its online website presence at www.znsbahamas.com. The “digital transfor- mation” of television will “enhance the ZNS brand identity and provide a significant improvement in productivity, work- flow, creativity and pro- fessionalism,” suggests the plan. The Corporation will place more emphasis on manpower development through in-service train- ing opportunities in all areas. PAGE 4, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE EDITORIAL/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Tribune Limited Disappointment with NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 treatment of Mayaguana

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., EDITOR, The Tribune. dition the airport was in four (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt . years ago and to allow it to just I WILL be most grateful if LETTERS continue and deteriorate to Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 you would allow me a little [email protected] such an extent, without doing Contributing Editor 1972-1991 space to express my disap- anything is inexcusable, under pointment in the consecutive any circumstances. governments, as far as it relates Please understand, I don’t I have been in conversations EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. to their treatment of Mayagua- blame the I. Group, as I would with a number of persons on Publisher/Editor 1972- na. have done the same had I been this issue and there are those While living in Freeport per- in their position. who said, the I. Group was sup- Published Daily Monday to Saturday sons often told me in jest that I believe our water situation posed to fix it, and others refer Mayaguana was behind God’s is the worst in the entire to the economic situation as the back and my response gener- Bahamas. The people on the root cause. Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas island, particularly Pirates Well Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama ally was, that’s a good place to Well, the I. Group might be, because it meant He was and Betsy Bay, are totally have had an agreement, but leading and we were following reliant upon the rain water, or they are not the government of TELEPHONES Him. However, that’s some- purchase drinking water at a this country and if they didn’t Switchboard (News, Circulation and Advertising) 322-1986 thing I can no longer take light- cost of $2.25 to $2.70 per gallon pave it as agreed, then it was Advertising Manager - (242) 502-2352 ly, not even in jest, because it is (depending on who is selling it) the government’s responsibility Circulation Department - (242) 502-2387 patently clear that both of the in order to get some fresh to do something about it, even if two major political parties, water. The existing water sup- the economic situation pre- which formed consecutive gov- ply has been for many years just vented the full paving (which I ernments have failed and a little fresher than the water don’t accept) then at the very Women through their own vote remain second class neglected the people of from the sea. least carry out the necessary Mayaguana. It seems for the If you wash an aluminum repairs to ensure that it PRIME Minister Ingraham resurrected son, at that time PLP MP for Pinewood, utensil with it and let it dry, the the issue of women’s rights at a luncheon threw out the red herring that a “yes” vote most part as if the people of remained in good enough con- Mayaguana just don’t matter utensil turns white from the salt. dition to serve the residents and given last week to celebrate the thirtieth for the referendum, which would make If by chance you cook with it anniversary of the opening of the Bureau Bahamian women equal to their menfolk, to the powers that be. visitor of the island, until it If we would go back in time you dare not use any other sea- could be properly resurfaced. of Women’s Affairs. would create a “marriage of convenience” soning with salt contents; not Mr Ingraham seems more concerned market in the Bahamas. Why should it be and list the accomplishments of Would you believe that, in about women’s rights than many Bahamian more of a marriage of convenience for the two major parties as it to mention the rapid deterio- 2011, if an emergency flight had women, who appear quite content to con- Bahamian women than for Bahamian men? relates to Mayaguana, we could ration of the kitchen and bath- to airlift someone at night, res- tinue to walk a few paces behind their men. Apparently she had no answer. find specific things for which room fixtures. idents have to park their pri- Although women are no longer — as they If Mrs Gibson had looked carefully at the they both should receive credit. We were told that as a part of vate vehicles in strategic areas once were — classified on our statute books 1973 Constitution and the proposed change, However, their record of the I. Group agreement with on the runway with their lights with “children and lunatics” — their chil- she would have known that this was not neglect and failure to follow government, they were to pro- on to assist the aircraft in locat- dren still cannot claim Bahamian nationali- true. The nationality amendments to the through caused their accom- vide a reverse Osmosis system ing the airport and runway? ty if their husband is not a Bahamian. How- Constitution were to make Bahamian plishments to fade in compari- that would have supplied the Even though we have electrici- ever, the irony of the matter is that illegiti- women equal, not give them more rights son. entire island community with ty supply coming right to the mate children of a Bahamian woman are than Bahamian men. The Progressive Liberal Par- potable water. Even this was airport; which consecutive gov- Bahamian citizens even though the chil- But all that did not matter. We have nev- problematic (which is a topic dren’s natural father might be a foreigner — er seen or heard such jiggery-pokery as the ty, which formed consecutive ernments seem to have ignored governments for the longest for a different time); but from (unbelievable, but true). and even though they might be born out- PLP pulled during that referendum. It had information received, the I. side the Bahamas. So any child who wants become so political – PLP vs FNM — that in period, during its early days did Another sore point for me is nothing of any significance in Group’s plan was for a twen- our government office complex. Bahamian citizenship is better off if his the end the real issue was lost. As a result ty-year development and I mother is unmarried. Also, as in Common Bahamian women remain second class citi- Mayaguana. During their lat- Visit Mayaguana and go to the ter term, they were responsible understand there was no stipu- sorry excuse for an Adminis- Law a child’s nationality follows that of the zens — and they have only themselves to lated time frame in which they father, children of Bahamian men married to blame. for bringing the Fiber Optic trator’s office. It’s a closet which cable and the I. Group to the were supposed to have provid- serves also as the post office, foreign women, are also Bahamian — “We put in our Constitution,” Mr Ingra- ed the potable water. regardless of where they are born. ham said at the time, “a provision that gave Island, which was supposed to court, Immigration and other The only children left out in the cold — to Bahamian women who had children out- have been the catalysts for an As for the I. Group it is my government departments. and at the discretion of the whim of a politi- side of a marriage more rights than a improved economy and the understanding that part of the When I visit that office and find cian — are the legitimate children of a Bahamian woman who was in fact married.” general development of the agreement with the previous visitors standing in front trying Bahamian mother and a non-Bahamian And so it remains today. It’s now up to island. This project seems to government, was, that they to submit or fill out documents, father. Bahamian women to do something about have been on track and the res- would have paved the runway I often engage them in conver- Make sense? Not to us, but if the rejection it. idents were very optimistic, and built a new terminal among sation to make them feel wel- of the referendum to right an obvious wrong About a year later — by now Mr Ingra- many of whom were employed. other things. Well, in this come to the island of Mayagua- is to be the yardstick, its seems that illegiti- ham had lost the 2002 election and Mr Then the I. Group went on hol- regard, they put half of the na, but inside I often felt macy has more status in this country than Christie was Prime Minister — we attended iday break, came back in a lim- usable runway (which was ashamed that what they were legitimacy. And given a chance by the Ingra- a wedding at which Mr Christie was also ited capacity for a brief period. already in poor condition) out experiencing was a representa- ham government in a free vote on February present. The date was May 30, 2003. The of use, causing excessive stress 27, 2002 it was the women themselves who place— St Anselm’s Church, Fox Hill. The government changed then tion of Mayaguana. they ceased operation and after on the remaining portion in use; I am sure there are persons rejected the referendum, and decided to Outside of the church we introduced Mr they began paving and that remain unequal. Christie to a Bahamian woman from an old four years can’t seem to get on both sides of the political going again. There has been came to an abrupt halt (leav- divide who would take excep- Of course, it was the PLP Opposition that and respected Bahamian family who had ing what could truly be muddied the waters and confused the elec- married a foreigner and whose children were and still is much talk about the tion to my letter and attempt amount of land which was sup- described as a mess). to list additional accomplish- torate. The PLP apparently thought that the left out in the cold by the defeated referen- In came the current adminis- defeat of the referendum would be a defeat dum. We brought the matter to his attention. posed to have been a part of ments of both administrations. the deal with government. Per- tration, who told the Bahamian Without fear of contradiction of the Ingraham government at the polls — He gave her his most affable smile, and, people, (including Mayaguani- which it eventually was. never at a loss for words, assured her that on sonally, I have no problem with there are other achievements On the floor of the House — and led by his watch all wrongs would be made right. the amount if the ten thousand ans) in so many words, trust us, and failures or neglects which I then Opposition leader Perry Christie — He said he knew that Mr Ingraham could not acres were to be developed in we would fix whatever mess the choose not to expound upon in the PLP did a most interesting two-foot shuf- get the referendum through, but he, Perry an orderly fashion, with the other party made. While the this letter; such as the paving fle. Having had an inordinate amount of Christie, certainly could. As Prime Minis- right kind of development, and MICAL constituency did not of roads (which now for the time to consult with the government on the ter he intended to do so. if Bahamians were given com- elect their candidate, the most part, is in a terrible state); proposed referendum, which Prime Minister That conversation took place eight years parable considerations, which Bahamian people elected them the fiber optic cable (which was Ingraham assured them would not include ago. Since then the young Bahamian man we all know was not the case. the government of all the peo- brought into the island more any issue with which they disagreed, and and his foreign wife, whose wedding we However, I had a problem ple (including Mayaguana), and than five years ago, and still as after a five-day debate in the House on the attended, have had four handsome Bahami- when government seemed to expected them to make every of the end of this month my proposed referendum, 39 of the 40 MPs vot- an boys — one of them born in England. have exercised no or little con- effort to do what they promised. phone has been out of order ed “yes” to the referendum. All questions Mr Christie was prime minister for five years trol or restrictions on where Well, let’s look at what they did for one year) and the list goes that were to go to the public for its vote, and today the children of Bahamian women, as far as it relates to Mayagua- the Opposition on the floor of the House whose husbands are foreign, are still out in they could have those acreages, on. But in closing, any well based on their overall plan and na, In their previous term, they thinking Mayaguanian, who can had agreed. the cold. electrified the island, which was However, when it came time for the pub- From the day of that conversation no category of development; but put petty politics aside, and left the company to hop and very important and I would examine the facts as they are, lic to vote, the PLP — again led by Mr more was heard from Mr Christie’s quarter dare say essential to the island. Christie — ordered their supporters to vote about women’s rights, nor about doing some- skip all over the island, wher- have to agree that Mayaguana ever there was prime beach However, during the current has been neglected to a great “no.” thing about the referendum that he helped term, I am more than just dis- Surprisingly Mrs Alyson Maynard Gib- scuttle. front property and annexed it. extent by both administrations appointed in their performance over the years. as it relates to Mayaguana. Hav- Finally, as a Mayaguanian, I ing taken over the airport and am grateful to and thank Mr being fully aware of its condi- Larry Brown, a son of the soil, tion, they just let it deteriorate who agreed to send his aircraft to an extent that the NationaI (Lee Air) to continue giving Flag Carrier, had to cease send- Mayaguanians airlift service, ing their aircraft to the island otherwise, we probably would because of the hazard the run- have no other choice than to way posed. pray the mail boat comes and As a Mayaguanian, I am travel by boat (God help us). incensed that any government in this country would knowing- HUEL A WILLIAMSON ly allow such a thing to happen. Pirates Well, I say knowingly, because no one Mayaguana can claim ignorance of the con- June 23, 2011. THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS Blackouts expected to end this week BLACKOUTS in New Providence are expected to Two of three generators end this week as repairs to another failed generator at the Bahamas Electricity Corpo- have now been restored ration have been completed. BEC’s spokesperson Arnette Wilson-Ingraham ensuring uninterrupted elec- for electricity was lowest. confirmed that electricity sup- tricity supply to residents and “Minister Phenton Ney- ply should be consistent now businesses alike of the mour gave a very strong and that two of the three genera- Bahamas.” firm undertaking to the tors that shut down at BEC’s Last week, thousands of Bahamian people around mid- Blue Hill Road and Clifton customers experienced rolling 2010 that a major overhaul Pier plants have been blackouts after three company would be undertaken on BEC restored. generators shut down. generators,” the statement The power outages were Repairs to the remaining continued. said to have signaled the gov- generator is expected to be “This did not materialize ernment’s financial misman- completed this week, with a and here residents are into the agement and lack of “vision- larger overhauled generator dog days of summer and BEC ary leadership” at the also expected to come on is just now scrambling to exe- Bahamas Electricity Corpo- stream. cute long overdue mainte- ration, according to the PLP. “The Progressive Liberal nance on generators without a In a press statement yester- Party,” said the statement, firm date when these works day, the opposition party crit- “reminds the Prime Minister will be completed.” icised the rolling sequences of that a critical part of being According to BEC, the outages affecting widespread world-class means providing overhauled unit is expected to areas in New Providence over uninterrupted electricity. The return to service with an even the past week. PLP reminds the Prime Min- greater capacity. The statement read: “The ister that it was he who told Paired with additional pow- FNM Government engaged a the Bahamas that his Gov- er sourced through 20 cadre of consultants whose ernment was modernizing and megawatts of portable gener- reports have never seen the expanding public infrastruc- ators, to be acquired in the light of day in the House of ture that will give New Provi- next few weeks, the corpora- Assembly. The FNM bor- dence a modern city and make tion advised that further out- rowed hundreds of millions of it hugely attractive and envi- ages are not expected dollars and have not been able ronmentally sustainable.” throughout the summer. to resolve BEC's problems The statement criticised According to the PLP state- which they engendered. assurances that major over- ment, BEC had been func- “Despite the numerous hauls on BEC generators were tioning without load shedding promises of minister after expected to take place during when control was assumed by minister,” it added, “they the winter season of the Free National Movement have failed miserably at 2010/2011, when the demand in 2007.

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PAGE 6, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS POLICE NEWS Sandals Emerald Bay Resort FOUR IN CUSTODY AFTER MAN ROBBED FOUR men were taken into custody after a man was marks Masterclass Graduation robbed by another wielding a screwdriver. Three men, ages 20, 19 and 17 of Winton Meadows, and a 28-year-old of Meeting Street, were held following the inci- By CELESTE NIXON of the course it will give them Tribune Staff Reporter Lavish ceremony in Exuma necessary skills to be employed in dent, which took place on Montgomery Avenue off Bahamas [email protected] Boulevard, near Carmichael Road at 6.35pm on Saturday. the hospitality industry. “We hope,” he said, “that this The victim was robbed of a cell phone and an undisclosed SANDALS Exuma spear- force and give them the neces- tinue to improve upon what is will allow them an opportunity amount of cash. heads numerous training pro- sary skills they need to move on already a wonderful product. that they wouldn’t have had Arrests were made after a “quick response” from officers grammes to continue developing to supervisory positions. Speaking with the media just before, they receive a certificate of the Southwestern Division, said police in a statement. the skills of employees and create He said "it made sense to us prior to the graduation ceremony for their training and if we cannot “Officers recovered a cell phone along with an undisclosed employment opportunities for that we needed to play an active Mr Mutton said that the Master- take them on at Sandals then I amount of cash, believed to be the property of the victim. young Exumians. role in growing tomorrow's lead- class programme is just one of hope another employer will be Active police investigations continue,” said the statement. The Sandals Resort Emerald ers within our resort – we are the few training programmes that able to.” Bay Exuma held a lavish cere- committed to attracting and Sandals has undertaken this year mony on Friday to mark the first developing the very best in indus- to provide further training for • A MAN, shot by men driving in a passing car as he sat try talent and our Masterclass not only Sandals employees, but under a tree near the City Market food store on East Street Tri-Annual Masterclass Gradua- Graduates tion, just one of the resorts train- 2011 Programme is fundamental also opportunities for the larger south, died of his injuries on Friday morning, a week after the to maintaining this caliber of Exuma community. The first HTP group gradu- incident. ing and development pro- grammes launched this year. Supervisory and Management “We employ just over 500 per- ates next month and at least five The man, who has yet to be formally identified by police, excellence within our resorts.” sons at the resort, the largest of them have been offered was just a few blocks from the southern police station when The Masterclass 2011 training programme is a self development employer on the island and that employment with Sandals Emer- he was shot at around 1pm on Friday, June 17. brings with it a certain amount ald Bay, said Mr Mutton. Two people were reported to have been seen in the white, programme to nurture the indus- Industry try’s future leaders from within of responsibility. As an employer “I was beyond impressed with right hand drive Honda Prelude from which the bullets, the Sandals family. you have to make sure you are the group – they have been the which struck him in his left, upper arm and abdomen, were Ceremony guest speaker, Edu- doing the right thing – to train most bright, energetic and fun During the four-month pro- cation Minister Desmond Ban- fired. gramme the 15 graduates, now persons to the standard we team to work with and that’s nister, congratulated the gradu- need,” said Mr Mutton. what you need in the hospitality The victim was a phone card vendor. He was taken to called the "fabulous 15", experi- ates and said that this programme hospital by ambulance following the shooting. Police continue enced the workings of various According to Mr Mutton the industry,” said Mr Mutton. has prepared them for a leader- resort recently launched the Hos- Sandals has also partnered to investigate. key management positions, ship position in the most critical including Financial and IT Man- pitality Training Programme with L.N Coakley School in Exu- industry in the country. (HTP), a community based pro- ma to launch an annual appren- agement, People Management, In the ceremony’s programme Communication Skills, Customer gramme, that targets young Exu- ticeship programme for three message from Mr Bannister, he mians between the ages 17 to 20 persons in the areas of engineer- Service, Human Resources said the graduates “should all feel Development and Leadership. who have graduated from high ing, dive and watersports and a sense of pride having taken the school without qualifications. culinary. Jeremy Mutton, General initiative to further develop your- Manager of Sandals Emerald Mr Mutton said a group of 10 The programme will begin in selves so that you may provide experienced eight weeks of inter- September and there will be Bay, said the Masterclass 2011 is an improved level of products part of the resort’s ongoing peo- active training in the areas of guaranteed employment for par- and services to your customers.” food and beverage and house- ticipants who successfully com- ple development strategy, in He added that a lot is expect- which you take an existing work- keeping and while employment is plete the initiative, said Mr Mut- ed of them and they should con- not guaranteed after completion ton. ANTIQUE INSTRUMENT PRESENTED TO SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

AS THE AQUINAS COLLEGE CLASS OF 1971 celebrated its 40th reunion, Norman Pottinger, a member of the class, donat- ed a historical treasure to the school. Mr Pottinger presented an Ampeg Baby Bass – a valuable antique – to the music department. The instrument was his father’s, Leonard A Pot- tinger, who used it to play in the first performance of the Bahamas national anthem. Mr Pottinger is pictured presenting the bass to the school. Pictured (from left) are Shona Knowles, principal; Mr Pottinger, Jacob McPhee, music teacher and Archbishop Patrick Pinder.

POLICE OFFICERS CONDUCT FIVE

ByHOUR ALISON LOWE SWEEP AGAINST“At the end CRIME of the opera- Tribune Staff Reporter tion, fifty-five people were cit- [email protected] ed for various traffic infractions such as: Failure to have win- POLICE officers taking a dows of transparent view, or “zero tolerance approach” to having either one or no head crime conducted a five hour lights, rear lights or brake sweep on Friday downtown lights. and in the surrounding areas, “Additionally, six people which resulted in 55 people were arrested, three of whom being cited for traffic infrac- were arrested on outstanding tions. warrants of arrest and four “Operation Safe Harbour” motorbikes were confiscated was conducted by officers from after they were found not the Central Division between licensed, inspected or insured,” 4pm and 9pm, police said in a said the statement. statement released yesterday. Officers of the Central Divi- sion said they would like to encourage members of the public who work or reside with- in the Central Division to “partner with them as together we can create a safer Bahamas for all.” In other crime news, a 16- year-old boy was taken into custody on Wulff Road on Fri- day after being found in pos- session of a handgun and ammunition. Officers of the police’s Mobile Division made the arrest at around 11.15pm. Meanwhile, officers of the Mobile Division arrested a 20 year-old Bahama Avenue resi- dent at Market Street after he was found in possession of a large quantity of ammunition whilst in the area of Market Street and Bahama Avenue on Saturday at around 11.30pm. In Grand Bahama, two men were held on Saturday after a police search of a gold 1997 Buick Century car on East Mall Drive at around 4pm revealed a handgun, ammuni- tion and a quantity of suspect- ed cocaine. The men are aged 27 and 37 years old and were said to be of Bahamian Arms and Hunters, in Grand Bahama. Police investigations contin- ue.

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS Students show leadership in Zhivargo Laing’s programme

By DENISE MAYCOCK attended sessions every month “These tours were especially because being in this pro- Tribune Freeport Reporter for a period of nine months. helpful to them as it gave them gramme is just like succeeding [email protected] They were exposed to training great insight into the world of in life, it is a choice,” he said. and instruction in the art of work and the options out there Mr Laing made another FREEPORT – About 130 visioning, goal setting and plan- for their pursuits,” he noted. observation, noting that the high school students on Grand ning; inter-personal skills; Women participants out- public schools had 59 per cent Bahama have participated in a developing emotional intelli- numbered the men. Mr Laing representation in the pro- leadership programme imple- gence; improving brain perfor- reported that 68 gramme while the private mented by Marco City MP mance; effective communica- per cent were schools accounted for 41 per Zhivargo Laing. tion; effective decision mak- women and cent. The Marco City Youth ing; successful schooling; suc- 32 per cent Additionally, he revealed Leadership Institute was offi- cessful college pursuit; suc- were men. that students in the 12th grade cially closed on Saturday morn- cessful job hunting and work “I hope made up 62 per cent of the par- ing at Pelican Bay Hotel, where performance and practical this gender ticipants while students in the Mr Laing addressed partici- financial management. imbalance 11th grade made up 38 per cent. pants and presented certificates Mr Laing said the group improves “While I was pleased with to 34 graduates of the pro- also went on corporate tours going for- the exposure they got in the gramme. of Nassau and Freeport and ward, but I seminars and visits, what I was The programme provided some will visit Atlanta in am not both- really elated about was the way students with practical and the- about two weeks to ered by it these young people bonded oretical exposure to leadership continue their from day one. They became a issues and training. It was open exposure. group that shattered their prej- to all students, not only those udices about their differences from the Marco City Con- and worked together to make stituency. this programme work for According to Mr Laing, only them,” Mr Laing said. 15 per cent of the participants were from Marco City. MARCO CITY MP “It was my intention to offer Zhivargo Laing this programme not only to stu- dents in the high schools in my area, but given my view about how much of an impact it could have, I decided to offer it to every high school,” he said. Bahamas Consulate to Atlanta Kay Forbes-Smith was present and also spoke to the participants. MP Laing has assisted many young people, providing some $23,000 in scholarships to stu- dents from his constituency who are attending college. He has also purchased dozens of computers for public schools in the area; made dona- tions for students to participate in cultural and sporting events; and established a computer centre and lending library. Mr Laing felt that establish- ing the Youth Leadership Insti- tute would also benefit stu- dents, particularly in the high schools. “I thought about the fact that our 11th and 12th grade students would be leaving school soon and I considered a problem that I had observed for years. “The problem is that while our schools do a fine job try- ing to prepare their minds aca- demically for life and the world of work, they have less oppor- tunity to prepare them in a way that also makes a huge differ- ence, sometimes even more of a difference. That is, they do not have as much opportunity to prepare them in terms of their leadership,” he explained. Mr Laing designed a pro- gramme that could within a rea- sonable period of time enhance the leadership skills of students, raising their potential and improving their prospects for succeeding. Students enrolled in the Youth Leadership Institute

PAGE 8, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE Global drugs war strategy has failed – overhaul it

WORLD VIEW

By SIR RONALD SANDERS police would be able to con- centrate scarce resources on (The writer is a Consultant and protecting the public, govern- former Caribbean diplomat) ments would earn steady rev- enue, and a serious campaign THE Global Commission on to stop marijuana use voluntar- drugs has declared that “the ily could be launched. Similar global war on drugs has failed, campaigns have been launched with devastating consequences worldwide against smoking for individuals and societies tobacco and consuming alcohol. around the world.” Of course, the US govern- The members of this Com- ment was also in the forefront SIR RONALD SANDERS mission include four former of pushing the United Nations Heads of Government, one to adopt the Convention on to the amendment. serving Prime Minister and a Narcotic Drugs. It was – and The US has objected to the former Secretary-General of the remains – an imposition of a government of Bolivia’s pro- United Nations. Former high completely US government- posal because it can do so, and serving officials of US govern- centric position on the rest of by doing so, intimidate Bolivia ments are also among the Com- the world. Even within the US, away from what that country’s missioners. They include Paul the Convention commands no authorities considered sensible. Volcker, former head of the great support outside of the cor- It is the same reason why Federal Reserve; and George ridors of government depart- Caribbean governments have Shultz, former Secretary of ments. But, it succeeded in slavishly stayed with the US State. bending the rest of the world position – despite a major study The Commission issued its to US will. Over the last 50 that shows that decriminaliza- report earlier this month, and years, all countries have had to tion of marijuana would make it prompted an immediate reac- adopt the same rigid approach for less crime and better regu- tion from former US President to drug policy – the same laws, lation. They are simply scared of Jimmy Carter who stated that and the same tough approach being “certified” by the US as “to make drug policies more to their enforcement. non-cooperative or as a pro- humane and more effective, the Now, however, the Global moter of drugs. So, the US American government should Commission on Drugs has failed policies continue. support and enact the reforms declared that: “Fifty years after But, not so in parts of laid out by the Global Com- the initiation of the UN Single Europe: Portugal, the Nether- mission on Drug Policy.” Convention on Narcotic Drugs, lands and Switzerland in partic- Carter was correct to single and 40 years after President ular. The Commission report out his country’s government. Nixon launched the US gov- also shows that in all three of For, no other government has ernment’s war on drugs, funda- these countries where laws were done more to lock the world mental reforms in national and relaxed and provision made to into a so-called “war on drugs” global drug control policies are treat addicts as “patients” and that has patently failed. urgently needed.” “victims” rather than criminals, Through its infamous annual The Commission makes the drug use declined as did International Narcotics Control point that, “vast expenditures involvement in trafficking. Report, by which the US grades on criminalization and repres- The US has designed its drug countries by US criteria and cer- sive measures directed at pro- policy on a basis of stopping tifies them for US assistance, ducers, traffickers and con- supply and doing little about the US has bullied countries all sumers of illegal drugs have demand except to outlaw it. over the world into complying clearly failed to effectively cur- And, this is the regime that they with US dictates whether they tail supply or consumption.” impose on as many countries as make sense or not. While the Commission they can. But, as the Commis- For a long time, many of the accepts that it is a reasonable sion says: “The idea that the US requirements have been starting point that all govern- international drug control sys- wrong for many regions of the ments should work together to tem is immutable, and that any world – including the tackle drug markets and related amendment – however reason- Caribbean. Complying with problems, it emphasizes that able or slight – is a threat to the regimes devised by the US, “the idea of shared responsibil- integrity of the entire system, is Caribbean jails are full of most- ity has too often become a short-sighted. National gov- ly young people who ought not straitjacket that inhibits policy ernments must be enabled to to be there, but who have fallen development and experimenta- exercise the freedom to experi- afoul of the law because unem- tion.” It offers the example, ment with responses more suit- ployment in their countries is which it says may be described ed to their circumstances. This high and the drug trade, as “drug control imperialism,” analysis and exchange of expe- because of its illegality, pays of Bolivia. The government riences is a crucial element of well. there proposed to remove the the process of learning about If marijuana production, dis- practice of coca leaf chewing the relative effectiveness of dif- tribution and sales were from the sections of the 1961 ferent approaches, but the belief legalised and regulated – like Convention that prohibit all that we all need to have exactly alcohol which is far more addic- non-medical uses. However, the same laws, restrictions and tive and dangerous – far fewer despite the fact that successive programmes has been an people would be in jails, the studies have shown that the unhelpful restriction.” indigenous practice of coca leaf Caribbean governments chewing is associated with none should accept the advice given of the harms of international to the US government by for- cocaine markets, and that a mer President Jimmy Carter clear majority of the Bolivian and enact the reforms recom- population (and neighbouring mended by the Commission. countries) support this change, the US has formally objected SEE page nine THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 9 LOCAL NEWS S

I FROM page eight B

/ Global drugs war strategy a n

n They could begin by establishing a Group to

a will join them.

H analyse the peculiar circumstances of the region At the moment, the existing drugs strategy k

c using the Commission’s report as a basis for

i suits the drug traffickers, just as the alcohol pro- r t their work. Drug trafficking and its attendant

a hibition laws in the US from 1920 to 1933 suited P trafficking in weapons, drug addiction, over- the alcohol traffickers. crowded prisons – all flow from declining eco- nomic circumstances and the money associated Responses and previous with illegal drugs. Then, collectively, they need commentaries at: to advance their cause in the UN; many others www.sirronaldsanders.com

AT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs celebration luncheon, two women were hon- oured for their contribution to nation building. Pictured from left are retired banker Pauline Allen-Dean, Minis- ter of State for Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner; and retired Assistant Commissioner of the Royal The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Bahamas Police Force Juanita Colebrooke. The event was held at the British Colonial Hilton on Thursday. Your most enjoyable drive ever. CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN TO NATION’S DEVELOPMENT RECOGNISED

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a pleasure to external conditions and your own to behold offering a new interpretation of particular needs. The key to this flexible TWO HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS driving pleasure. Its taut lines lend it an response is the standard-fit Agility air of effortless superiority while the wide Control Package which includes radiator grille and distinctive rear section AT BUREAU OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS LUNCHEON selective damping. By LINDSAY THOMPSON began her career 42 years ago. own decisions and unqualified announce a vehicle with a real presence Bahamas Information Her first postings were to the to vote, own property or defend and dynamic personality. The interior offers noticeably more Services Central Division in 1967 and the themselves against the decisions Traffic Division in 1968. Her last of male relatives,” the Prime Few cars can compete with its ability to space and a more distinctive atmosphere THE contribution women posting was Assistant Commis- Minister said. adjust so many facets of its character – to suit your taste. As you will see, the make to the overall develop- sioner with responsibility for He deemed it only appropri- from the interior to the drive technology – C-Class is the perfect embodiment ment of the country was recog- complaints and corruption. ate that on this anniversary, to nised by Prime Minister Hubert Ms Colebrooke not only acknowledge the Women’s so quickly and precisely in response of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy. Ingraham at the 30th anniver- developed in all areas of polic- Desk efforts joining regional and sary of the establishment of the ing, but in leadership as well, international initiatives meant Bureau of Women’s Affairs. having studied management to improve the status of women. A luncheon “Promoting the courses in Nassau, England and The Bureau also recognised Advancement of Women” was Canada. She is an active mem- students who participated in OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT IS FULLY STOCKED WITH EVERY held Thursday, June 23, at the ber of the New Covenant Bap- essay and poetry competitions. COMPONENT NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR MERCEDES British Colonial Hilton when tist Church and is an avid trav- First place winner Laronda Gib- RUNS TROUBLE FREE. TRAINED TECHNICIANS ON DUTY. two women were honoured for eller and sports enthusiast. son, grade 11S2 of the Govern- their outstanding efforts toward Prime Minister Ingraham not- ment High School wrote on the nation building. ed that The Bahamas partici- topic: “Teen Pregnancy – A Those honoured were Mrs pated in early meetings and con- Critical Look at the Problem Pauline Allen-Dean, a 35-year ferences – the First World Con- and Effective ways to Address veteran in commercial and off- ference of Women in Mexico It”; second place finisher Beinka shore banking. She is the first City, which resulted in the dec- Rolle, grade 12 of Arthur’s woman manager of a commer- laration of the First Decade for Town High School, Cat Island cial bank, the first Bahamian Women 1975-1985. Amongst wrote on the topic; “My Silent woman to complete the Diplo- issues singled out were equality, Pain”; and third place finisher ma in Banking from the Insti- employment, education, health Olamide Olawoyin, grade 11 N tute of Bankers in London in and legislation. of St John’s College also wrote 1973, and the first to be elected The Bahamas participated at on the topic: “My Silent Pain”. a Fellow of the Chartered Insti- these meetings and conferences The Poetry participants were: tute of Bankers, 1983. She holds and was represented by an icon Rodericka Collie, grade 10 of a Masters degree in Business of the struggle for women’s the L N Coakley High School, Administration from the Uni- rights, Dame Dr Doris Johnson, Exuma who wrote on the topic: versity of Miami. he said. “My Silent Pain’; second place Mrs Dean was the founding “It is an unfortunate and a went to Devereau King, grade president of The Bahamas Con- painful reality that when one 11 of Aquinas College who sumer Protection Association, seeks to equalise conditions that wrote on “Family Island served the Bahamas Red Cross are glaringly offensive, the effort Woman”; and third place fin- for over 30 years and is a mem- sometimes fail to attract support isher Khadijah Andrews, grade ber of the Bahamas Public Ser- from those who would benefit,” 12 of Doris Johnson Senior High vice Commission. She retired as the Prime Minister said. School also wrote on “My Silent managing director of the Bank This was demonstrated dur- Pain.” Honourable Mention: of the Bahamas Ltd in Decem- ing the recent government’s ini- Ashley Robin Williams, grade ber 2000 and has since formed a tiative to extend protection in eight of the Mangrove Cay High Project Financing Consultancy law to married women who School, Andros who wrote on Company. She is an active mem- might be abused by their hus- “My Silent Pain”. ber of St Thomas More Roman bands, he said. Catholic Church and her hob- “Indeed, it appears that many bies include reading, jogging, in our society both male and and travelling with her husband, female, are not yet convinced Thomas Dean, an architect. that women are equal; instead Tyreflex Star Motors Assistant Commissioner stubbornly holding on to out- Juanita Colebrooke is the first moded and long discredited 19th Wulff Road, P. O. Box N 9123, Nassau, The Bahamas, Tel 242.325.4961 • Fax 242.323.4667 woman to serve in this capacity century social mores and laws in the history of the Royal which regarded women as chat- Bahamas Police Force. She tel, incapable of making their PAGE 10, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE

HAITI WAS HIT by the devastating earthquake in January 2010. (AP) UN ASKS THE BAHAMAS TO HALT HAITIAN DEPORTATION FOR A WHILE By RICK LOWE

ONDITIONS Y OUR S AY Creportedly remain so bad in Haiti that the UN With regard to those short while to arrive at asked several countries, illegal Haitians who have some useful positions to The Bahamas included, if been here for generations move this issue from the they would stop sending we must consider giving stalemate it has become. illegal Haitian immigrants them status and property So here are a few rec- back home for a while. rights of some sort. And ommendations as thought Apparently The they do not have to have starters: Bahamas Government's the right to vote initially. Policing of illegal immi- position is to continue with We were fortunate to be grants that are here must repatriation efforts until born in a relatively rich be improved. further consultation with country where opportuni- Legalise the status of Haitian officials. ty is available for advance- many of the Haitians who Every time an issue with ment as a general rule. At have been here for genera- Haitians comes up it least the majority of our tions. reminds us all how lack- poor population still seem Provide property rights adaisical we've been over to live better than most of for the squatters and, the years with finding a Haiti's population. So Figure out how to phase permanent solution. somehow, we have to get their status in so they can It seems impossible to past the emotions of this eventually become full cit- prevent illegal landings subject, even if only for a izens or leave voluntarily. with our limited resources. And our vast area of open water doesn't help. It's REAL ESTATE easy enough for intercep- tor vessels to pass sloops HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN STAMP TAX? and other boats with loads By MIKE LIGHTBOURN of people looking for a bet- ter life entering our terri- THERE is concern that the Treasury, torial waters without see- in many instances, is calculating stamp ing each other out there. tax on property transactions based on So we have two prob- past tax valuations, but not the current lems. Illegal immigrants market price. arriving on a daily basis As we all know, prices, in some and those many Haitians instances, have adjusted downwards in that have lived here, and recent times. This is particularly so on in many instances, con- higher priced properties and particular- tributed to our country that ly in the Out Islands. So yesterday’s tax have no status. valuation may not be an accurate reflec- Now comes the hard tion of today’s market price. part. How do we solve Zhivargo Laing, the Minister of State these issues? for Finance, responded to public con- It's very easy to say we'll cerns, saying the use of past property tax calculations is “the exception, not the stop the boats coming here. rule.” But how realistic is that? In a nutshell, he said the Ministry was It seems we have to do a aware of people who had listed properties for sale, say at $2 mil- more effective and consis- lion, but then produced conveyances for stamping that reflect- tent job of "rounding the ed a much lower purchase price. recent entrants up" and Obviously, the Ministry wants to protect itself against any sending them back. And abuses that may dilute its tax revenue. this is also easier said than On the flip side, a significant number of properties are often done. The Immigration grossly overpriced in the first place and end up selling for the Department can circulate true market value or even less if the Vendor is in a rush to sell. photos of their "raids" (We’ve seen this happen this time and again, and this is why every day, but details of I continue to stress that if you don’t want your property to lan- the entire process and its guish on the market, you need to price it correctly at the time effectiveness is what's it is put up for sale). important. Not press Both parties have legitimate concerns. The question then, is releases. how to avoid this conflict? Get an appraisal. An up to date appraisal from a BREA licensed Appraiser will certainly help your case. Your appraiser will factor in all the elements to place a real- istic market value on the property in question. This will include sales data, which analyses prices on the most recent sales of comparable properties. Ask your bank for their list of approved appraisers on their list or go on the BREA website (bahamasrealestateassocia- tion.com) for a list of BREA licensed appraisers. When bor- rowing, make sure you check with the bank you are doing business with to ensure the appraisal is carried out by an appraiser acceptable to them.

(Mike Lightbourn is president of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty).

PAGE 12, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS FROM page one was aware of the audit was to get into.” Explosive findings in Education Loan audit Phaedra Knowles, the sitting Tribune sources claim the used to purchase such person- representative from the government is pushing to “deal al items as birthday cakes and place all individuals implicated Chartered accountant Hubert nication or a telephone mes- National Insurance Board. with the audit” after the next flowers; that board meetings in the preliminary findings on Chipman, deputy chairman, sage left for him. Board mem- The last time the ELA com- general election, because the and Christmas parties were secondment, “to make sure said he is not aware of the ber Yvonne Isaacs hung up the pleted an internal audit was findings could be damaging. held at a business owned by a they do not get in the way of audit. phone on The Tribune, after 2007, according to Tribune The audit covers the period of family member of a senior the investigation.” He is noted as having been denying knowledge of any sources. January 2007 to January 2011. ELA official; and that ELA “There is so much wastage persistently absent from board claims. That audit, conducted by With no one pushing the bonds were issued privately to going on. At least they should meetings in the unpublished According to Deborah Jack- Price Waterhouse Coopers, process forward, Tribune a company without a competi- let them stay home while the findings of the audit, accord- son, chief administrative offi- was qualified. The statute gov- sources claim, “they have been tive process. investigation is going on. They ing to Tribune sources. His cer, “the auditor general is not erning the ELA mandates the putting it of, putting it off, Under the Education Loan could start shredding evidence absences are documented in doing an active audit; not to organisation conduct an annu- putting it off”, and the audi- Authority Act, the ELA is and covering up. Because you minutes for several board my knowledge, not at present.” al audit. tors cannot get the documents responsible for raising money have found so much so far, meetings. She said she is not the person Mr Chipman confirmed they have asked for. for the educational loan guar- there may be attempts to cov- Mr Chipman directed The to speak to on behalf of the there is supposed to be an Government officials would antee scheme. It administers er up and further frustrate the Tribune to speak to Chairman loan authority, and directed all annual audit. not comment on when they bonds in excess of $100 mil- audit trail,” said a Tribune Lowell Mortimer “to address comments to the chairman. He said: “There are a num- expect the auditor general to lion, with an operating annual source. all of these issues.” When The only board member ber of reasons why there has sign off on the findings and budget of over $2.5 million. Prime Minister Hubert asked about claims of unethical reached by The Tribune who not been, which I do not want complete the audit. Persons knowledgeable Ingraham did not respond to practices within the organisa- about the claims say they fear an e-mail communication tion, Mr Chipman said he has “there is a huge danger per- requesting clarification. not received any complaints. sons may be thwarting the Several ELA board mem- Mr Mortimer was not avail- INVESTIGATION AFTER CLASSROOMS DESTROYED IN FIRE efforts of the auditors.” They bers denied knowledge of the able up to press time, and did FROM page one While Mr Bannister could not comment on the believe the government should auditor general’s activities. not respond to e-mail commu- cause of the fire, he said fire investigators from Mr Bannister said in total two classrooms that New Providence were on site and looking into the were unused and undergoing repairs as well as matter. two classrooms used by students were destroyed by Local Mathew Town resident Kervin Hanchell the blaze. The block was later bulldozed to stop the said the classrooms destroyed were part of the spread of the fire to other school buildings nearby. senior high school block. He added that a bathroom may need to be Mr Hanchell said he was at home when he heard replaced as a result of structural damage. the fire trucks’ sirens. He followed them to the After making an assessment of the damage, Mr scene where he saw a big blaze of smoke coming Bannister said it will be determined what work is from the school. required. He assured the public that the class- “From what I have heard the police responded rooms will be ready for the start of the new school to the fire very quickly and were able to get it term. under control,” said Mr Hanchell. “From the evaluation we will determine what Mr Hanchell also said that residents with needs to be done, but no matter what the damage Defence Force officers were able to secure com- classrooms will be ready for school in Septem- puters, books and other items from being ber,” he said. destroyed.

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 13 LOCAL NEWS FROM page one according to accepted procedure when they sought to search the MINISTER ACCUSEDThey were directed toOF the ment‘INTERFERING of direct interference in IN POLICE FORCE’ home of the relative of National Security Minister Tommy Turn- home by a trusted source whose police matters. quest, on Wednesday, Septem- information had “netted success “Information received is that ber 1, 2010. in the past,” Mr Bell said in his Minister Turnquest was called However, they were charged report. immediately and informed of the with “Conduct of a Major Leaving their police car out- incident. He and his family were Nature” contrary to the Police side with its lights flashing, the outraged and he promised swift Disciplinary Regulations – an officers approached the house action against the officers,” Mr offence that could have led them with a search warrant at 6.15am Bell claimed. to be immediately dismissed from on September 1, 2010. After The former police officer said the police force if they were found allegedly not being permitted to in his report on the incident that guilty. enter the house, the police were the woman was advised to make a Mr Bell, who raised the matter instructed by a police Inspector complaint to police, which she on Love 97 FM’s Jones and Com- to “breach entry to the home.” did, and an internal investigation pany radio talk show yesterday, Inside, they met the woman’s was conducted. claims the disciplinary tribunal son and daughter, and a Jamaican During this investigation Mr ultimately found the two officers housekeeper. They were said to Bell said that the “facts were had “no case to answer” in rela- have identified themselves as revealed” that the police officers tion to the matter. DENYING INTERFERENCE: police officers and conducted the were acting on information; “It became apparent that the Tommy Turnquest search, which “came back nega- armed with a properly sworn whole process was a farce,” said tive.” search warrant; followed all pro- nary proceedings and in fact said Having been told that the own- tocols and exercised extreme Mr Bell in a report he wrote he was not aware that “any offi- about the case, which was also er of the home was out walking patience in seeking to have the cers associated with (Mrs Grant- on Goodman’s Bay, the officers occupants open the door; con- posted online on a political web- Taylor)” were made to face such site prior to the former police offi- went to find her to “advise her of tacted the police control room proceedings. the occurrence,” claimed Mr Bel- and advised the duty officer cer appearing on the radio talk He did say he was aware of the show. l’s report. before proceeding any further; incident from which Mr Bell said “When the patrol car arrived at acted on the instructions of the Mr Bell was closely connected the disciplinary proceedings to the case, having represented Goodman’s Bay, West Bay duty officer to breach the door stemmed, but added: “The Police Street, they found (the relative) to the residence and properly doc- the two police officers in the dis- Force Act is very clear on disci- ciplinary matter. His full time job along with attorney Carol Lash- ument every action that was tak- pline. It’s in the purview of the ley, sister of Minister Tommy en. Speaking with Jones and is in-house attorney for Arawak deputy commissioner of police, Homes/Sunshine Insurance and Turnquest, Minister of National Company host, Wendell Jones, so wherever he got this informa- Security. They quickly returned Mr Bell said that the incident was he is a prospective candidate for tion from, he should go back and the PLP in the next general elec- to the residence and were advised an example of how police officers check his sources.” of the police action. are regularly put under pressure tion. He retired from the police According to Mr Bell, the two force in 2008 after 23 years ser- “It was revealed that (name from politicians not to do their officers went to the woman rela- withheld) was a close relative of jobs. vice. tive’s home in Cable Beach after Yesterday Mr Turnquest the Minister who frequented the He suggested that officers up to receiving information that dan- residence and all their children the level of the Commissioner of denied any interference to cause gerous drugs and firearms were the two officers to face discipli- played and stayed at this resi- Police are politically influenced being kept there. dence. Hence, the commence- in their actions.

FROM page one SANDALS PLANS TO EXPAND IN EXUMA munity – being the largest employer said Mr Mutton. The renovations took just over two in Exuma brings about a certain In the last six weeks Sandals has months to complete and were car- responsibility.” hired an additional 60 employees to ried out by local contractors, Mr Mut- Along with the ongoing training work in the new restaurants and vil- ton said. programmes available to graduates las and has provided intensive train- Mr Mutton announced that Sandals ing courses in their respective areas has secured funds to build a com- of hospitality, said Mr Mutton. plete new dining area at the L.N According to Mr Mutton, Sandals ARRESTS AFTER HANDGUN Coakley School this summer. is known world wide for its range of “It’s not just looking on the resort, dining options and it was important ANDPOLICE AMMUNITION arrested three men FOUND last night but also looking at what we can do in to continue that trend in the expan- terms of the community as we have a after a handgun and ammunition were sion, spending some $400,000 on the found during a vehicle search. responsibility,” he said. new dining facilities. According to police reports, a routine Along with the recent 62 rooms, While most guests are from North patrol on Tonique Williams-Darling additional facilities and dining America, Mr Mutton said he hopes – Highway saw the three men in a Honda options were opened, which included with the expansion and new airlift Accord acting suspiciously. two new restaurants and a pastry from South America provided by Following the search, two men from cafe. Copa Airlines – that not will New Fox Hill aged 27 and 29 and a 38-year-old “It has been quite a busy few Providence benefit from this new from Danottage Estates were taken into months for us in terms of expansion,” market, but also the Family Islands. custody.

PAGE 14, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE INTERNATIONAL NEWS FIGHTING IN STRATEGIC TOWN SOUTHWEST OF CAPITAL LIBYAN REBELS CLAIM

TMOUNTAINRIPOLI, Libya ADVANCES Associated Press

REBELS in Libya's west- ern mountains said they have advanced and are battling Moammar Gadhafi's forces in a strategic town southwest of the capital, ramping up pres- sure against government troops on a second front. The rebels' claim of an advance into the outskirts of the town of Bair al-Ghanam, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Tripoli, follows weeks of intense fighting in the Nafusa mountains in which opposition make the V-victory sign as their shadows forces have slowly pushed LIBYAN DEMONSTRATORS are cast onto a rebel flag during a protest against Moammar Gadhafi Gadhafi troops back toward in the rebel-held capital Benghazi, Libya, Saturday. (AP) Tripoli. Libya's rebels control the eastern third of the country out in the city again earlier this sa told reporters that the gov- and pockets, including a num- month, briefly cutting access ernment so far has distributed ber of Nafusa mountain towns, to the vital coastal highway 1.2 million weapons to sup- in the west. that passes through Zawiya. porters in the west of the coun- The bulk of the fighting in The route links Tripoli with try to defend themselves. recent months has been the Tunisian border and is one Just over 100 Libyans focused on front lines to the of Gadhafi's last main supply arrived in Tripoli by ship from east of Tripoli. But a push by lines. the eastern rebel stronghold rebels from the Nafusa moun- In Tripoli, Gadhafi's gov- of Benghazi early Sunday. The tains could force Gadhafi to ernment remained defiant. ferry was operated by the commit more troops to the Government spokesman International Committee of southern and eastern Moussa Ibrahim said Gadhafi the Red Cross, which trans- approaches to the capital. is in "high spirits" and remains ported about 300 people in the A rebel military spokesman in day-to-day control of the opposite direction, to Beng- in the Nafusa mountains, country. He insisted Gadhafi hazi from Tripoli, on Friday. Gomaa Ibrahim, said opposi- will remain in Libya, but Many of those arriving tion fighters and government wouldn't confirm that the aboard the blue-and-white troops have been fighting since leader is still in the capital. "Ionis" ferry on Sunday early Sunday on the perifery of "Gadhafi is here, he is stay- appeared to be families with Bair al-Ghanam. ing. He is leading the country. small children and elderly peo- Guma el-Gamaty, a He will not leave. He will not ple. While a small number of spokesman for the rebels' step down," Ibrahim told passengers waved green National Transitional council, reporters in Tripoli, challeng- Libyan flags and chanted pro- said the town is significant ing the rebels and the NATO- Gadhafi slogans, others said because it is only 19 miles (30 led coalition giving them air they were returning simply to kilometers) south of the city support. "If they want to con- be reunited with loved ones in of Zawiya, a key western gate- tinue the fight, we are ready. the west. way to the capital and home to We will fight street to street, Mohammed Saad Aziz said a crucial oil refinery. house to house." he was returning to Tripoli to Opposition fighters seized As he spoke, deafening be with family following the control of Zawiya in March bursts of automatic rifle fire recent death of his mother. He before government troops shot into the air by female sol- called on NATO to stop its crushed rebel forces there to diers and fresh civilian trainees daily bombing runs to give retake the city. Fighting broke rang out at a pro-government Libyans a chance to resolve event in central Tripoli. Mous- the conflict on their own. THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 15 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A PRIVATE AMBULANCE reverses into the VIP backstage area of Hos- pitality at Glastonbury Music Festival, after Christopher Shale was found dead in a portable toilet, Sunday. (AP) DAVID CAMERON ‘DEVASTATED’ BY THE NEWS BRITISH PM’S FRIEND FOUND

LONDONDEAD AT UK MUSICrestricted, FESTIVAL celebrity-packed Associated Press area of the festival, which is held on a farm in south- A CLOSE FRIEND of western England and has the British prime minister drawn some 170,000 peo- was found dead in a ple. He was discovered by portable toilet at one of the police shortly after 9 a.m. country's leading music fes- Festival organiser Michael tivals Sunday, authorities Eavis said he was told the said. incident was "a suicide sit- Christopher Shale died uation" but police have yet in unexplained circum- to confirm that. stances in the VIP area of "It is only a couple of the Glastonbury Festival, hours ago," Inspector Chris an entertainment extrava- Morgan said. "We are still ganza that's one of the fix- working on establishing a tures of Britain's music cal- cause of death." endar. News of the death comes the same day as Shale was quoted in a national news- Constituency paper as describing the weakness of his association Shale, who was in his 50s, in unusually frank terms. chaired the Conservative "Over the years we have Association in David come across as graceless, Cameron's West Oxford- voracious, crass, always on shire constituency, and in the take," the Mail on Sun- a statement Cameron said day quoted him as saying he and his wife Samantha in a strategy document were devastated by the which the paper said it had news. seen. "He was a great friend According to the Mail, and has been a huge sup- he added that people port over the last decade," weren't joining his group Cameron said. "A big rock because they "think we'll in my life has suddenly beg and steal from them. been rolled away ... like so And they're right." many others Sam and I Shale worked as the chief have lost a close and val- executive of Oxford ued friend." Resources Ltd., a cost Shale was staying in a reduction company.

THE TRIBUNE • SECTION B • [email protected] MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011

FINANCE CONCERNS $900m resort project DELAY SALE OF RESORTS eyes 700 full-time jobs By ALISON LOWE Business Reporter By NEIL HARTNELL [email protected] * South Eleuthera-based project eyes five- Tribune Business Editor six star resorts and cruise port, together PLANS for the sale of A RESORT project involv- with retail and entertainment complex DEVELOPERS PLAN $500K two Nassau hotels to con- ing a Phase I investment of clude by month’s end are $900 million and 600-700 per- * Set to apply for government approvals in likely to be further manent jobs is planning to coming month FUND TO AID ENTREPRENEURS delayed, as the Govern- formally apply for govern- ment approvals in July, as it By NEIL HARTNELL ment revealed it has yet * Between 500-1,000 Bahamian Tribune Business Editor to be convinced that the aims to establish a cruise port and five-six star hotel facili- construction jobs would be created would-be investors have THE developers behind a proposed south Eleuthera the necessary financing ties in south Eleuthera. Daniel Evans, chief execu- resort project involving a $900 million first phase invest- to complete the deal. stage had taken up “the last a residential community. tive of Beka Development, ment have pledged to create a $500,000 incubator fund Vianna Gardiner, act- 12 years of my life”, Mr Evans “We anticipate doing on a the developer of the South to help that island’s residents “own and operate” their ing director of invest- said the project required no separate parcel a cruise port, Point Resort project, told Tri- own business, and provide them with the necessary ments in the Office of the Crown or Treasury land - tar- entertainment and retail dis- bune Business that Phase 1 training, too. geting only privately-owned trict,” Mr Evans told Tribune Prime Minister, said the was likely to employ between Daniel Evans, chief executive of Beka Development, land for development - and Business. Government is “not yet 500-1,000 Bahamian con- the developer that is poised to seek government would be constructed to the “We anticipate that there satisfied as it relates to struction workers “under approvals for its proposed Sound Point Resort project, highest environmental stan- will be somewhere between the financing” of the direct contract” and, when told Tribune Business that apart from supporting dards. 500-1,000 Bahamians intended acquisition of completed, the development Eleutheran entrepreneurs, their “incubator fund” also He described Beka’s vision employed on the construction the Paradise Island Har- would provide visitors with aimed to improve “the quality of life” for all residents. for the resort as being a “five- phase under direct contract, bour Resort and the Nas- “300 hours of amenities and Apart from boosting entrepreneurship and employ- six star property, with quality and with support services and sau Palm Hotel by 300 hours of activities”. ment on Eleuthera, Mr Evans said Beka was also com- amenities and high standards suppliers, there will be signif- Benisasia Investments Telling this newspaper that of service, phenomenal golf and Properties. bringing the South Point SEE page 6B courses with water views and SEE page 4B It is normal for the Resort development to this Government to check the background of potential foreign investors and their status, particularly whether they have the WIND POWER ‘WOULD NOT BE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS financial wherewithal to GROUP BOOKINGS conclude any transaction, ‘ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE IN NASSAU IN ‘HOME BASE’ PROTECTION before granting approval * But could be in south-eastern Bahamas * Bahamas Chapter of Caribbean Institute for the sale of a major BACK TO PRE-CRASH to be established next month property or company. By NEIL HARTNELL do not give off heat. * Targeting uniform standards, and Earlier this month, Tribune Business Editor “They have a 30,000 to LEVEL BY YEAR-END ‘greater share of hundreds of millions’ in Valentine Grimes, attor- 50,000 hour lifespan,” he said. * Bahamian resort industry ‘bullish’ contracts ney for the seller of one WIND ENERGY “would- “In a residential home, you’re on Copa, and 200 employees now * Aiming for EPA protection/opportunities resort, Genwood Par- n’t be economically feasible” looking at the average bulb trained in Spanish adise Ltd, said he antici- in New Providence due to lasting for 13-15 years.” By NEIL HARTNELL pated the sale of the two lack of speed, a renewable As part of the renewable * ADRs increase in May, and sector Tribune Business Editor properties to be finalised energy specialist has told Tri- energy project financed by the expects to maintain last summer’s by the end of this month. bune Business, although its Inter-American Development increases ‘at minimum’ in 2011 A BAHAMIAN CHAP- deployment could make sense Bank (IDB) and Global Envi- TER of the regional manage- The date had already ronment Fund (GEF), Alter- By NEIL HARTNELL been pushed back. in the remoter south-eastern ment consultants’ Institute is native Power Sources Tribune Business Editor set to be established next Employees at the Par- Bahamas. (Bahamas) last week gave adise Island Harbour Guilden Gilbert, president of month, in a bid to keep more both theoretical and practical GROUP bookings are of “the hundreds of millions of Resort were informed in Alternative Power Sources training on the installation of (Bahamas), which provided likely to return to pre-reces- dollars” spent on the sector at an April 12, 2011, letter solar water heaters and solar sion levels by year-end 2011, home, plus provide better pro- training and installation ser- PV systems to staff from the by Scott Cornelius, the vices for the solar water the Bahamas Hotel Associa- tection and exploit opportu- company's regional direc- Ministry of Housing, Ministry tion’s (BHA) president has nities resulting from trade heaters and solar PV systems of Works and the Department Don Demeritte tor and general manag- championed last week by told Tribune Business, amid agreements. er, that the resort would of Environmental Health. Don Demeritte, who is Phenton Neymour, minister Apart from the two solar signs that leisure demand is be sold by May 12 to of state for the environment, stiffening - albeit slowly - spearheading the initiative from the Bahamas’ water heaters already side, told Tribune Business that the proposed Benisasia Investments told Tribune Business that installed, a further 17 are to despite gloom US economic and Properties. while wind turbines normally STUART The entity which owns required speeds of 14 miles SEE page 7B SEE page 6B BOWE SEE page 7B the Paradise Island Har- per hour (mph) to generate electricity, the average for bour Resort, Genwood New Providence was just 8-9 Paradise, is an invest- mph. ment vehicle thought to “I know there’s been talk be owned by Driftwood, of wind technology, but most the former operator of turbines require average dai- Freeport's still-closed ly wind speeds of 14 mph,” Royal Oasis resort. Drift- Mr Gilbert said. “In Nassau, wood is thought to own you get an average of 8-9 the Nassau Palm Resort mph, so wind turbines would- through a separate n’t be economically feasible. “I believe that in the south- investment vehicle. eastern Bahamas they may be Driftwood has been on feasible. We’re actively work- an initiative to liquidate ing on a project now with a all its Bahamas-based client in the south-eastern resort and tourism invest- Bahamas. Where he is now, ments for some time. no BEC is available; he has Apart from selling the to generate his own power Royal Oasis for $33 mil- and not with a generator. lion to Irish-based devel- “One option we’re looking at for him is the use of wind, oper, Harcourt Develop- and we’ve installed a test for ments, it also sold the six months to make sure it’s a Hurricane Hole Marina viable investment, because we and surrounding time- do not want to sell something share facilities to Kerzn- he will not see a return on er International. investment from.” Driftwood's last Mr Gilbert said Alternative remaining Bahamian Power Sources had done more interests are its two Nas- than 300 solar Photovoltaic sau/Paradise Island (PV) system installations between the Bahamas and SEE page 6B Jamaica, where it is head- quartered, and had “nearly exhausted the container load of” solar water heaters it had brought into this nation. “Before we design a sys- tem, we do the energy usage audit, and from that we rec- ommend as to how the client makes their home as energy efficient as possible,” Mr Gilbert said, adding that $5.5968 Alternative Power Sources rec- $4. ommended the use of $LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs as opposed to incandescents, or Compact Fluorescent $5.2951 Lamps (CFL). Using his home as an exam- $4. ple, Mr Gilbert said he ended up replacing 65 watt incende- scent bulbs with seven watt $5.2769 LEDs on his ‘dimmer’ light- $4. ing. While acknowledging that LEDs were not for everyone, The information contained is from a third he added that “six to seven party and The Tribune can not be held responsible for errors and/or omission LED bulbs use less energy from the daily report. than one incendescent, and

THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 3B BUSINESS ROYALFIDELITY MARKET WRAP By ROYALFIDELITY CAPITAL MARKETS IT WAS a moderate week BOND MARKET EQUITY MARKET - TRADING STATISTICS of trading in the Bahamian No bonds traded this week. stock market. Week ending 24.06.11 Investors traded six out of COMPANY NEWS BISX SYMBOL . . . . . CLOSING PRICE...... WKLY PRICE CHANGE...... VOLUME...... YTD PRICE CHANGE the 24 listed securities, with Dividend Notes: one advancer and two declin- CIBC FirstCaribbean Inter- AML ...... $ 1.18 ...... $-...... 4000 ...... 21.65% ers. national Bank (CIB) has declared a dividend of $0.03 per BBL ...... $ 0.18 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% EQUITY MARKET share, payable on June 30, 2011, A total of 42,263 shares to all ordinary shareholders of BOB ...... $ 6.94 ...... $-...... 0...... 41.63 record date June 8, 2011. changed hands, representing BPF...... $ 10.63 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% an increase of 18,770 shares Commonwealth Bank compared to last week's trad- Bahamas (CBL) has declared a dividend of $0.06 per share, BSL...... N/A ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% ing volume of 23,493. payable on June 30, 2011, to all BWL ...... $ 2.70 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% Commonwealth Brewery ordinary shareholders of record (CBB) advanced for the date June 15, 2011. CAB ...... $ 8.48 ...... $-...... 1,200...... -18.93% week, trading a volume of Cable Bahamas (BOB) has 24,194 shares to see its stock declared a dividend of $0.08 per CBB ...... $ 8.37...... $+0.04...... 24,194 ...... 0.00% price close at a 52-week high share, payable on June 30, 2011, of $8.37. to all ordinary shareholders of CBL ...... $ 6.88 ...... $-...... 0...... -1.71% Finance Corporation of the record date June 17, 2011. Bahamas (FIN) was the Caribbean Crossings will CHL ...... $ 2.55 ...... $-0.25...... 5,616 ...... 6.25% largest decliner for the week, redeem its Series B 7 per cent trading a volume of 2,100 Preference Shares, which mature CIB ...... $ 8.60 ...... $-...... 0...... -8.41% shares to see its stock close at on July 1, 2011, to shareholders CWCB ...... $1.83...... $+0.11...... 0...... -2.14% a 52-week low of $5.40. of record date June 15, 2011. Colina Holdings (CHL) DHS ...... $ 1.38 ...... $-...... 0...... -13.75% declined for the week, trad- AGM Notices: ing a volume of 5,616 shares Cable Bahamas (CAB) has FAM ...... $ 5.40 ...... $-...... 0...... -11.04% to close at $2.55. announced its AGM will be held Cable Bahamas (CAB) in the Governors Room One at FBB...... $ 1.77 ...... $-...... 0...... -18.43% traded a volume of 1,200 the British Colonial Hilton Hotel shares, remaining unchanged on June 30, 2011, at 6pm. FCL...... $ 5.50 ...... $-...... 5,153 ...... 0.73% Abaco Markets (AML) has at $8.48. announced its AGM will be held FCLB...... $ 1.00 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% Freeport Oil Holdings at the British Colonial Hilton (FOCOL) traded a volume of Hotel, on July 13, 2011, at 10am. FIN ...... $ 5.40 ...... $-0.60...... 2,100...... -25.31% 5,153 shares, remaining Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) unchanged at $5.50. (FBB) has announced its AGM ICD ...... $ 7.30 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 30.59% Abaco Markets (AML) will be held in the Victoria JSJ ...... $ 9.82 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% traded a volume of 4,000 Room at the British Colonial shares, remaining unchanged Hilton Hotel on July 28, 2011, PRE ...... $ 10.00 ...... $-...... 0 ...... 0.00% at $1.18. at 6pm.

THE COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS Visit our website at www.cob.edu.bs Chapter One Bookstore, Thompson Boulevard, will be closed from Monday, June 27th to Friday, July 1st, 2011 for the year-end inventory.

The bookstore will re-open at 7a.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, 2011.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. ATLANTIS ‘EXPERIMENT’ MAY BOOST 220 STAFF By ALISON LOWE staff who may see their work urday nights during the fall. Business Reporter weeks boosted as a direct We now may be able to see it [email protected] result of the tower’s staffing open for the standard four needs, Mr Markantonis said days," he said. More than 220 Atlantis he would "like to believe" the The managing director employees could see their move will have a "spill over added that if the strategy of work schedules increased effect on the work schedules keeping the Beach Towers from "one to two days" to a of other employees in restau- open in the fall, combined full work-week this fall as a rants, entertainment venues with the discount rates, works result of an "experimental" and guest amenities. to boost visitor numbers the promotional being put into "For instance, normally we hotel will be keeping it as a action by the resort, which has would see Aura nightclub "model for the future" going aready led to "markedly open only on Friday and Sat- forward. increased bookings" com- pared to last year. The new strategy will see Kerzner International keep the Beach Tower open in this fall season - late August to early November - and sell ter- race rooms within it for a nightly rate of just $99. The approach, said Kerzn- er International (Bahamas) president and managing director, George Markanto- nis, is something "quite simi- lar to what was done in Las Vegas over the past 10-plus years during their summer months, which prior to that generated traditionally low occupancy rates”. For many years rooms in the Beach Tower have not been sold in the fall season, while last year, only 20 per cent of the room inventory was made available for sale. Mr Markantonis said: "We are now of the view that accepting that fall will be a low occupancy period is a self- fulfilling prophecy, and hence we have embarked on an experimental channelled pro- motional campaign aimed at increasing occupancy through better value. “Hence we went out with a lead rate of $99 for Beach Tower Terrace rooms for a limited time period and a short booking window. “These rates are not avail- able anywhere except through some very specific channels. As a result of this approach, we have seen markedly increased bookings during the period of the offer over the same period last year,” said Mr Markantonis. He added that Atlantis will not engage in any additional hiring to staff the Beach Tow- ers, but anticipates current staff hours may be increased to service the additional guests. In addition to those 220

PAGE 4B, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS FROM page one $900M RESORT FOUR AIRLINES BOOST BAHAMAS-FLORIDA LIFT icantly more than that. PROJECT EYES 700 By ALISON LOWE lower ticket prices - as more from the same airport into prop planes equipped with “On a permanent basis, Business Reporter airlines seek to compete Lynden Pindling International restrooms and offering addi- the number of jobs in Phase I FULL-TIME JOBS [email protected] against each other - as well as Airport (LPIA). tional amenities such as free could be 600-700 people.” single purpose entity to provide increased convenience IBC Travel, a Fort Laud- in-flight snacks. Mr Evans described the develop a Bahamas-based NASSAU, Freeport, Marsh to Bahamians wishing to trav- erdale-based public charter Mr Rose projects this will Phase I budget as being “a resort project. Harbour, Treasure Cay and el to the US. company and marketing arm give the airline a competitive little over $900 million”, and Beka worked extensively Bimini are all to receive a Among those adding service of IBC Airways, recently advantage and boost visitor including the hotels, two golf on developing a project for boost in airlift from Florida this into Nassau are Spirit Airlines launched scheduled weekly numbers to the islands over- courses, infrastructure and eastern Grand Bahama, the summer, as four airlines have and Jet Blue. service from Fort Lauderdale all. retail amenities. Bahamas Golden Beach increased or announced plans Spirit will introduce a new to Marsh Harbour and Bimini Fort Lauderdale-based Gulf- The Beka Development development, which was to increase the service they five-days-a-week morning earlier this month. It also stream International Airlines, chief executive declined to reported on several years ago provide from the sunshine flight from Fort Lauderdale- recently launched thrice-week- which operates as Continental identify the master site in by Tribune Business. How- state. Hollywood International to ly scheduled service from Palm Connection to the Bahamas, south Eleuthera being ear- ever, the project never came The additional service Nassau this Thursday, while Beach International Airport plans to increase its schedule marked for the estimated to fruition because it would should increase visitor arrivals last Thursday Jet Blue began (PBI) to Marsh Harbour. from Fort Lauderdale to 2,100 acre South Point pro- have required a significant to this nation, possibly cause offering a third daily flight Richard Rose, IBC Airways Freeport, Marsh Harbour and ject while its application to amount of Crown Land - director of business develop- Treasure Cay during the June the Bahamas Investment something that would have ment for the Caribbean, said 29 through August 22 period. Authority was pending, but conflicted with the FNM’s added: “We have been down LEGAL NOTICE the company saw a good mar- It will offer four, three and election pledge. ket for the new airlift. two daily flights to the desti- there and explored a num- “We’re in full support of The need in Marsh Harbour nations respectively. ber of different parcels and the Government, and wanted in particular was "very signifi- The airline is also looking to sites...... We are finalising to accommodate them and NOTICE cant," as some operators had add at least 10 turboprop 30-45 some of the masterplan prop- worked to find a different pulled out in the economic seater planes to its fleet, as it erties.” location, which we’re very International Business Companies Act downturn, Mr Rose told the seeks to expand its overall ser- Three locations have been happy to do,” Mr Evans said, No.45 of 2000 Florida Sun-Sentinel. vice levels to the Bahamas by assessed for suitability as a adding that in 2008 Beka IBC offers a different type of 50 per cent. Gulfstream came cruise port, and Mr Evans Development was asked by SLETCHER MERCURY COMPANY LTD. service into the Family Islands out of Chapter 11 restructuring confirmed: “We ultimately the Ingraham administration to that which has been offered in March, at the same time desire to put a cruise port in to look at a different site. by the likes of Gulfstream, with pulling its service out of Nassau there. The cruise port gener- Explaining that South its 30-seater Saab 340 turbo- due to enhanced competition. ates a critical mass that sup- Point Resort’s Phase I had Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Sec- ports a lot of the amenities been scaled down in com- tion 138 (8) of the International Business Com- package.” parison to the east Grand panies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of Explaining that the cruise Bahama plans, Mr Evans SLETCHER MERCURY COMPANY LTD. has industry wanted dedicated said: “We’re not looking to piers, he added: “We have build a massive Atlantis-size EHHQ FRPSOHWHG D &HUWL¿FDWH RI 'LVVROXWLRQ KDV looked at three different sites hotel in the first phase.” been issued and the Company has therefore been for a cruise port. All three Asked where Beka stood struck off the Register. The date of completion sites, and whatever we’re in terms of submitting its of the dissolution was the 19th day of May, 2011. doing, will be on private land, application to the Bahamas not government land. Investment Authority, he “In our plans, we do not added: “We’ve got it mostly plan on asking the Govern- written. We just want to ment for any kind of Crown make sure we get it as accu- Alrena Moxey Land to do the project; all rate as we can. We want to Liquidator this will be done on private be good stewards, and know land.” the Government’s time is Emphasising that Beka valuable, so we want to make Development and Sound sure we’re as polished as we Point Resort would adhere can be.” :$17(' to the highest environmen- Beka Development said it $ OHDGLQJ /DZ ÀUP ZLWK RIÀFHV ORFDWHG LQ tal standards, Mr Evans said had received Letters of the cruise point would be Intent already from poten- 1DVVDX LV VHHNLQJ WR ÀOO WKH IROORZLQJ designed such that no ‘cuts’ tial strategic partners, includ- SRVLWLRQ would have to be made in ing a top-class hotel brand, the ocean bed or coastline. construction partners, an air- 0$1$*(5&25325$7('(3$570(17 “The three locations have line, debt financier and insti- been looked at with environ- tutional equity investors. 7KH VXFFHVVIXODSSOLFDQWVKRXOGSRVVHVVWKHIROORZLQJ mental sensitivity, and in Mr Evans declined to PLQLPXPUHTXLUHPHQWV none of the three do we have name these potential part- to put in a cut into the beach ners, but the project’s web- ¸ $WOHDVW)LYH  \HDUVZRUNLQJZLWK or a cut into the ocean,” he site names Hilton Worldwide FRUSRUDWHDQGFRPSDQ\DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ added. as the resort brand. The debt “We’re extremely sensitive financier is Baha Mar’s to preserving the beauty and financing partner, China ¸ ([SHULHQFHLQDOODVSHFWVRIWKH natural resources of land in Export-Import Bank, and the DGPLQLVWUDWLRQRI&RPSDQLHVLQFOXGLQJ the Bahamas. At the expense contractor is named as anoth- SUDFWLFDOFRPSOLDQFHZLWKDOOUHOHYDQW of significant capital costs, er Chinese company, Shang- OHJLVODWLRQODZV we’ve readjusted some of our hai Construction Group. plans so we do not have to Mr Evans, who has a 27- make cuts in the ocean, and year history in commercial ¸ 0XVWEHIDPLOLDUZLWK preserve the beachfront with- financing transactions, and ‡ .QRZ

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THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 5B Airline stafferBUSINESS cries foul over severance deal

By ALISON LOWE claims court by June 8 if you severed ties with the other 60 Those staff received all money stream Airlines seeking com- Business Reporter “It will cost only received the letter on June per cent of its staff in the owed to them. ment was not returned up to [email protected] 8. This letter was dated one Bahamas in February 2010. A message left for Gulf- press time on Friday. me money to month earlier,” he added. FORMER Bahamian Since closing its doors in employees of Gulfstream Air- get money March, Gulfstream has come lines are crying foul after it under new ownership and lead- allegedly defaulted on an oblig- owed to me. ership, and is now expanding ation to pay them severance its service in the Bahamas, monies owed while - now under It’s not fair.” which it operates as Continen- new ownership after emerging tal Connection. from Chapter 11 bankruptcy Mr Hutchinson claimed this protection - it expands its oper- Ian Hutchinson, is all the more reason why Gulf- ations in this nation. stream should settle the debt Ex-assistant general manager ex-assistant general owed. for Gulfstream in Nassau, Ian manager for “This airline continues to use Hutchinson, said he was told Gulfstream in Nassau the same name, and is still pay- by the Department of Labour ing other bills under that name. there was nothing they could company between five and 10 If they can pay these bills, what do to make the company pay years. is the reason for not paying the up the money it still owes. He The payments then started few employees it owes? Is Gulf- was told the only option he and were paid for the following stream Airlines setting a prece- would have would be to seek two months, before coming to dent for future foreign compa- to recover the money through a an end in May “without any nies to come in and take advan- legal action. notice”, said Mr Hutchinson in tage of honest, hardworking “It will cost me money to get a letter signed by both he and Bahamians,” Mr Hutchinson money owed to me. It’s not former Gulfstream Airlines said. With employees having fair,” said Mr Hutchinson, agent for Cat Island, Melissa “accepted their redundancy adding that after 22 years of Dorsette. payment plan in good faith, service he is owed around “On June 8, 2011, a letter was without a choice in the matter”, $30,000 by the company in sev- given to some of the former Mr Hutchinson said they erance. employees by the station man- “would like to see some good He suggested that the Gov- ager stating in effect that if any- faith on the part of this foreign ernment should require foreign one had claims against Gulf- carrier”. companies to place bonds in stream Airlines it would have to “We would like to move for- the Bahamas, so as to ensure be made in the United States to ward and can only do so after ex-employees do not lose out a credit and debit agency on or we have received what is right- when companies leave the before June 8, 2011. Highly fully ours,” he added. country abruptly or fail to fol- impossible to respond to a The company had previously low through on financial oblig- ations. He compared the situa- tion to that of the employees of the Royal Oasis resort in Share your news Freeport. Mr Hutchinson is one of The Tribune wants to hear around seven staffers who were from people who are told in a March 2011 letter from making news in their Gulfstream that they would be neighbourhoods. Perhaps let go as the airline was closing you are raising funds for a its doors in the Bahamas. They good cause, campaigning were told they would receive for improvements in the severance payments in install- area or have won an ments. award. The former assistant general If so, call us on 322-1986 manager said the other staff and share your story. affected had each been with the

PAGE 6B, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS FROM page one news. GROUP BOOKINGS BACK TO PRE-CRASH LEVEL BY YEAR-END Responding to Tribune resort industry had passed things trimmed from budgets, resonating with the Latin the overall cost of a Bahamas two-three years attests to our Business’s questions, Stuart through their Spanish class- while negative stigma also market. vacation - fly free, stay free, success with this. Bowe said the Bahamian es. attached itself to firms look- “ Likewise, all stakehold- eat free. These are all aimed “Where we’ve really suf- resort industry’s projections Just as promising for the ing at exotic getaways. ers have worked together at addressing the consumer’s fered during the recession is for summer 2011 “point to us sector are the signs of group Meanwhile, in line with over the past six months to appetite for value. the loss of the group busi- at the minimum maintaining business - the conferences, International Monetary Fund prepare our people for these “Our market share of the ness, which has nearly recov- the increases we had” last conventions and seminars (IMF) and US Federal new opportunities. leisure market during the past ered.” year. market - returning in full Reserve projections for the “Well over 200 front-line The sector’s average daily force. US economy, Mr Bowe said employees have gone through room rate (ADR) increased “Group bookings are any growth for the Bahamian Spanish-speaking classes. In- in May, a sign that some approaching pre-recession resort industry would be room materials have been demand and pricing power is levels, and we anticipate a “marginal” - although con- printed in Spanish as well. DEVELOPERS PLAN $500K FUND returning to the market, even return to those levels by the tinuing to move in “the right Several of our hotels have FROM page one though visitors - especially end of the year,” Mr Bowe direction”. employees meeting on a reg- leisure travellers - are contin- told Tribune Business. “Our ADR increased in ular basis to practice their uing to exploit the soft envi- “Group rates will continue to May,” Mr Bowe added. “We Spanish.” mitted to building a “quality school” that all nearby students ronment by pushing for deals be below pre-recession lev- are taking a conservative Mr Bowe said the private could attend, and providing a computer to every second year and discounts. els, although they, too, con- approach going forward sector, together with the Min- high school pupil - both to incentivise them to stay in school, This is evidenced by pro- tinue to increase.” through the summer, know- istry of Tourism and the Nas- and develop much-needed technology skills essential in today’s motions such as Atlantis’s Group bookings, especially ing that last summer we sau Airport Development workforce. ‘fourth night free’ and ‘kids for resorts with well-estab- showed good improvements Company (NAD), were con- “One of the things we commit to is a plan to build a school, eat free’, but emphasising the lished convention centres over summer 2009 and, at the tinuing to work on attracting a quality school, and we plan on letting any student living in positive, Mr Bowe told Tri- such as Atlantis and Baha minimum, expect to maintain extra airlift. proximity to our development access to the school,” Mr Evans bune Business the Bahamian Mar, normally account for those increases.” For successes to date, he told Tribune Business. hotel industry was “bullish” between 25 per cent to one- From an airlift perspective, pointed to Sky Bahamas “Dave [Gunter, Beka’s chief financial officer] and I feel on the opportunities present- third of business. They pro- the BHA president said the beginning direct services to very passionately about reaching out to kids and giving them a ed by Copa Airlines begin- vide a solid block of occu- arrival of Copa Airlines’ ser- the US, Jet Blue expanding basis of stability in a world of technology. We feel very com- ning direct flights to this pancies, often booked well in vice to Nassau from Panama its airlift, and Gulfstream Air- pelled about this effort. nation from Panama. advance, around which City would “open up the bur- lines emerging from Chapter “Once we open our doors, we anticipate starting a pro- Emphasising that this leisure travellers can be fit- geoning Latin American mar- 11 bankruptcy protection to gramme, in the second year of high school, where every student opened up a 500 million- ted. ket to us in ways we’ve not expand airlift to the Family on the island has a computer to give them an incentive to stay strong tourism market, in However, group business seen before”. Islands. in school and build the basis of technology for the next gener- which some 50 million peo- dropped off alarmingly in the He added: “With over 500 “Both the public and pri- ation. We’re passionate about good quality education and ple had joined the ranks of wake of the 2008 Lehman million people and a rapidly vate sectors continue to place encouraging kids to stay in school.” the Latin American middle Brothers collapse and the growing middle class - over emphasis on value and prox- When it came to assisting Eleuthera’s budding entrepre- class over the past 10 years, full-fledged credit crunch and 50 million joined the ranks of imity, and based on customer neurs, Mr Evans added: “We would like to even before the Mr Bowe said some 200 recession. Bahamian conven- the middle class during the responses in exit surveys, our resort opens initiate a programme that would be a year-long “front-line employees” in the tions were among the first past 10 years - we are bullish work is being noted,” Mr education programme for anyone to attend.” on Copa. Bowe said. South Point Resort management, and outside experts in “The load factors for the “Customer satisfaction lev- fields such as technology, would provide entrepreneurial skills first several months are meet- els have improved, our phys- training, and “give someone the foundation for owning and ing expectations. All partners ical infrastructure continues operating a business”. have been on deck in ensur- to improve, and we’ve taken “We will set up a $500,000 incubator fund to help Bahamians ing its success. We’ve offered a number of promotional start their own business,” Mr Evans added. “It will be an incu- attractive packages which are approaches to add value to bator fund, and as time goes on there will be more...... The intent here is to build a foundation so people can start and be successful in their own business. “It’s designed not only to support these entrepreneurial 1 2 7 , & ( visions, but our belief is that it will support the quality of life for everyone on this island.” Pointing out that all Eleutherans would benefit from the )5$17,& /,0,7(' creation of businesses such as a dry cleaners, Mr Evans said: “We believe greatly in this premise that people have their 1 2 7 , & ( ,6 +(5(%< *,9(1 DV IROORZV greatest level of self-esteem when they’re closest to God, and are creating something for themselves. These are the core pro- D )5$17,& /,0,7(' LV LQ YROXQWDU\ GLVVROXWLRQ jects we feel passionately about, and would like to implement.” XQGHU WKH SURYLVLRQV RI 6HFWLRQ   RI WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO The Beka team said they also planned, once South Point %XVLQHVV &RPSDQLHV $FW  Resort was operational, to pay for Eleutherans to attend church camps in the US and elsewhere. E 7KH GLVVROXWLRQ RI WKH VDLG FRPSDQ\ FRPPHQFHG RQ WKH VW -XQH  ZKHQ WKH $UWLFOHV RI 'LVVROXWLRQ ZHUH VXEPLWWHG WR DQG UHJLVWHUHG E\ WKH 5HJLVWUDU *HQHUDO

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THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011, PAGE 9B BUSINESS WARNING FROM THE BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS CHINESE PRIME MINISTER OFFERS SUPPORT FOR EURO BUDAPEST, Hungary "Europe's debt crisis is expanding," Wen Associated Press said. "Trust is more important than currency and gold and now, during the debt crisis, we CHINESE PRIME MINISTER Wen again bring trust to Europe." Jiabao on Saturday offered his country's sup- "I have total trust in Europe's economic port for Europe and its common currency development," Wen said. amid the eurozone's debt crisis. Wen also said China would be willing to Wen said China is a long-term investor in purchase Hungarian bonds — the country CENTRAL BANKERS the European sovereign debt market and has does not yet use the euro — and offered purchased a "not small" amount of euro- Hungary a loan of euro1 billion ($1.4 bil- denominated bonds in the past years. lion). "China will consistently support Europe For years Hungary has been striving to and the euro," Wen said after a meeting with attract more Chinese investment and hopes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. China will make use of Hungary's infra- Wen is on a five-day tour that takes him to structure and the advantages of its geo- ADVISE INVESTORS Hungary, Britain and Germany, just as graphical location in Central Europe as a Europe hammers out a plan to battle the hub for its expanding business ventures on eurozone debt crisis. the rest of continent.

BASEL,TO Switzerland EXPECT LESS Associated Press “While encouraging INVESTORS should pre- pare themselves for smaller investors to take some profit margins as banks stash away more capital to risk was part of crisis avoid another global finan- cial crisis, the world's major management, there are central bankers cautioned Sunday. signs that, in some They also advised central banks around the world that areas, investors may be interest rates might need to rise soon to bring inflation under control. going too far again.” The Bank for Interna- tional Settlements said new rules for banks to gradually Jaime Caruana, general manager of the increase their capital cush- Bank for International Settlements ions would likely result in more predictable and small- er returns. But the bank, an ible in heavily indebted annual report that nations umbrella organization for eurozone nations like should speed up complying the world's major central Greece, Ireland and Portu- with the rules if banks are banks, also said in its annu- gal, other major economies profitable and credit flows al report that bank man- also must be careful and won't be restricted. agers and shareholders quickly improve their stand- On Saturday, one of the haven't adjusted expecta- ing to avoid triggering Basel-based institution's tions accordingly. another big global crisis. committees proposed rules It said rates might have to Interest rates, he suggest- requiring the world's biggest be raised because "tighter ed, might need to rise. banks to hold an extra 1 per- global monetary policy is "There is a need to nor- cent to 2.5 percent of capital needed in order to contain malize monetary policy," on their balance sheets, inflation pressures and ward Caruana told reporters in depending on their size. off financial stability risks." Basel. "Globally, real short- The aim is to discourage Jaime Caruana, the bank's term interest rates, already banks from becoming so big general manager, said the negative, fell further over that their failure would global financial crisis of the past year. Normalizing destabilize global financial 2008-2009 still casts long rates would reduce the systems. shadows, but already there incentives to take excessive The cash buffers that are signs of a return to risk and would support nec- giant global banks would excessive risk-taking. essary structural and bal- have to hold would be in He warned of threats ance-sheet adjustments." addition to an existing posed by unsustainable pub- The so-called Basel III requirement that all banks lic debt, soaring energy and rules for requiring larger hold 7 percent of their assets commodity prices and infla- cash buffers are intended to in reserve. tion that is already hitting prevent another shock to many countries and threat- the global financial system ening others. like the one in 2008 when "While encouraging Lehman Brothers collapsed. investors to take some risk Holding more capital was part of crisis manage- would cut into the money ment, there are signs that, that banks can lend and in some areas, investors may invest but improve their be going too far again," he ability to withstand the blow said. if loans or investments go Caruana said that while sour. fiscal problems are most vis- The bank also said in its

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BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES AS OF: FRIDAY, 24 JUNE 2011 BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,410.13 | CHG 0.00 | %CHG 0.00 | YTD -89.38 | YTD % -5.96 FINDEX: YEAR END 2008 -12.31% WWW.BISXBAHAMAS.COM | TELEPHONE: 242-677-BISX (2479) | FACSIMILE: 242-323-2320 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Security Previous Close Today's Close Change Daily Vol. EPS $ Div $ P/E Yield 1.19 0.95 AML Foods Limited 1.18 1.18 0.00 0.155 0.080 7.6 6.78% 10.63 9.05 Bahamas Property Fund 10.63 10.63 0.00 -0.640 0.200 -16.6 1.88% 7.50 4.40 Bank of Bahamas 6.94 6.94 0.00 0.213 0.100 32.6 1.44% 0.53 0.17 Benchmark 0.18 0.18 0.00 -0.048 0.000 N/M 0.00% 2.84 2.70 Bahamas Waste 2.70 2.70 0.00 0.047 0.090 57.4 3.33% 1.96 1.77 Fidelity Bank 1.77 1.77 0.00 0.097 0.040 18.2 2.26% 11.93 8.48 Cable Bahamas 8.48 8.48 0.00 800 1.058 0.310 8.0 3.66% 2.85 2.35 Colina Holdings 2.55 2.55 0.00 0.438 0.040 5.8 1.57% 8.37 8.33 Commonwealth Brewery 8.37 8.37 0.00 300 0.740 0.000 11.3 0.00% 7.00 6.00 Commonwealth Bank (S1) 6.88 6.88 0.00 0.496 0.260 13.9 3.78% 2.19 1.90 Consolidated Water BDRs 1.83 1.83 0.00 0.111 0.045 16.5 2.46% 2.54 1.31 Doctor's Hospital 1.38 1.38 0.00 0.074 0.110 18.6 7.97% 5.99 4.75 Famguard 5.40 5.40 0.00 0.446 0.240 12.1 4.44% 8.80 5.40 Finco 5.40 5.40 0.00 100 0.757 0.000 7.1 0.00% 9.85 8.25 FirstCaribbean Bank 8.60 8.60 0.00 0.494 0.350 17.4 4.07% 6.00 4.57 Focol (S) 5.50 5.50 0.00 0.435 0.160 12.6 2.91% 1.00 1.00 Focol Class B Preference 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 N/M 0.00% 7.30 5.50 ICD Utilities 7.30 7.30 0.00 -0.122 0.240 -59.8 3.29% 10.80 9.80 J. 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(Over-The-Counter Securities) 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Symbol Bid $ Ask $ Last Price Daily Vol. EPS $ Div $ P/E Yield 10.06 5.01 Bahamas Supermarkets N/A N/A 14.00 -2.945 0.000 N/M 0.00% 0.55 0.40 RND Holdings 0.35 0.40 0.55 0.001 0.000 256.6 0.00% CFAL Securities Ltd. (Over-The-Counter Securities) 41.00 29.00 ABDAB 30.13 31.59 29.00 4.540 0.000 9.03 0.00% 0.55 0.40 RND Holdings 0.65 0.75 0.40 0.029 0.000 24.13 0.00% BISX Listed Mutual Funds 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Fund Name NAV YTD% Last 12 Months % NAV 3MTH NAV 6MTH NAV Date 1.5573 1.4674 CFAL Bond Fund 1.5573 2.04% 6.13% 1.535365 1.512246 30-Apr-11 3.0185 2.9020 CFAL MSI Preferred Fund 3.0185 2.41% 4.01% 2.952663 2.907492 30-Apr-11 1.5976 1.5289 CFAL Money Market Fund 1.5976 1.50% 4.50% 1.580804 1.561030 29-Apr-11 3.2025 2.6384 Royal Fidelity Bahamas G & I Fund 2.5997 -4.43% -16.29% 31-May-11 13.6388 13.0484 Royal Fidelity Prime Income Fund 13.5016 1.08% 0.02% 31-Mar-11 116.5808 103.9837 CFAL Global Bond Fund 116.5808 0.71% 8.38% 115.762221 114.368369 31-Mar-11 114.1289 101.7254 CFAL Global Equity Fund 114.1289 2.39% 7.89% 111.469744 106.552835 31-Mar-11 1.1608 1.0000 FG Financial Preferred Income Fund 1.1655 1.66% 5.19% 30-Apr-11 1.1214 1.0000 FG Financial Growth Fund 1.1264 0.71% 6.11% 30-Apr-11 1.1620 1.0000 FG Financial Diversified Fund 1.1668 1.54% 5.59% 30-Apr-11 9.9952 9.5078 Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 1 9.9433 0.98% 4.58% 31-May-11 11.2173 10.0000 Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 2 11.2810 2.07% 9.80% 31-May-11 10.4288 9.1708 Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 3 10.4087 3.83% 11.49% 31-May-11 8.4510 4.8105 Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund 8.7896 4.66% 16.69% 30-Apr-11 MARKET TERMS BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week Change - Change in closing price from day to day EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today NAV - Net Asset Value DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months N/M - Not Meaningful P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings FINDEX - The Fidelity Bahamas Stock Index. 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THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011

Education: We deserve to know the ugly truth

By PACO NUNEZ many teachers don't know how to tion, the activities of the Education moted. departments are in just as much of a Tribune News Editor use a computer themselves). Loan Authority, the first instalment And, despite being accused of shambles? • ministry officials have poured of which appears on today's front having sticky fingers, sources claim Then there's the question of con- he picture emerging millions into purchasing equipment page. that one of them has been trans- sequences for the public school sys- out of The Tribune’s and services that either don't work Obviously then, the current gov- ferred to the department overseeing tem itself. The Tribune's investiga- ongoing probe into the properly or aren't being used. The ernment cares about setting educa- the allocation of more than $11 mil- tion has already led to one rep- state of public school- public is still paying hundreds of tion to rights and is making a con- lion soon to be gifted to the min- utable US firm expressing concern it ing isn't particularly thousands a year in licensing fees certed effort to do so. istry by the Inter-American Devel- may be caught up in a scandal flattering.T It's quite scandalous, on certain systems, without seeing But if these investigations are all opment Bank (IDB). because of its dealings with the min- actually. any substantial benefits. going to be conducted behind closed How could this happen? istry. If the full picture emerges, will It suggests, in a nutshell, that a We also learned that details of doors, how effective can they be? Simple: the employees' contract it affect the ministry's relationship thus far incalculable fortune – cer- the above have never reached the Senior officials will tell you they stipulates that if a senior ministry with its best friend, the IDB, which tainly in the tens, perhaps even in public because of a “see no evil, are waiting for the results before official recommends promotion, the has propped up our public schools the hundreds of millions – has been hear no evil” culture of cowardice they say anything, but it's difficult to government would have to produce over the last few decades to the tune wasted away because corruption permeating the ministry, and an put faith in such assertions when hard evidence of wrongdoing to of more than $70 million? and incompetence have been entrenched network of co-conspir- you know the traditional response block it – evidence that is still being Nevertheless, all those working allowed to fester in the Ministry of ators – some of whom only protect to public sector crime is to try and compiled because the investigation to keep the public in the dark about Education over the last three the others out of fear that turning change the system so it won't hap- is ongoing. how its money has been wasted – decades or so. whistleblower might lead to a finger pen again, then quietly transfer the The solution could also be sim- whether ministry employees, senior So far, we have discovered that: being pointed at them. offenders to other departments ple: the government could conduct officials, or politicians (and notice • the financial records of many But while the public has been in rather than taking real action its investigations in the open, admit how quiet the opposition has been schools are either in a mess or large- the dark, it turns out we didn't against them – a strategy virtually it suspects that certain parts of the on this particular issue) – should ly non-existent because for uncover much that was news to the guaranteed to encourage yet more ministry are woefully inept or com- remember exactly who suffers years principals doubled as accoun- government. corruption. pletely corrupt, and expose officials because of all this, and what is real- tants, even though some "couldn't Time after time, we came upon And, what happens if the gov- who recommend promotions for ly at stake. balance their own cheque books," what we believed was a well con- ernment changes in the next elec- staff who are under suspicion. There are 50,000 children in the as one source put it. cealed dirty little secret, only to find tions, and the new administration And it could get a respected public school system. Each instance • funds raised on campus, for an official, though quiet, investiga- feels the investigations should be independent agency to conduct its of incompetence or impropriety example from snack shop sales, tion already underway. discontinued? audits and publish the results. represents a little piece of their have gone completely unaccount- The accounting mess has led to a Then, there is the problem of In other words, they could just future being thrown away. ed for. This money, which for some full audit of all high schools and the certain senior officials who, though tell us the whole truth. The wave of Failing schools fuel crime and schools represents as much as assigning of a professional bursar not implicated in any wrongdoing, public anger likely to follow would contribute yet more under-skilled $200,000 a year, was used on things to each one; officials are looking are constantly working to protect all but kill off interference from mis- individuals to an already woefully like teachers' lunches or buying cell into the spending of tens of thou- the ministry's reputation as a chievous bureaucrats or future inept labour force. phones for principals. sands of dollars on pieces of equip- method of protecting their own. administrations. And, considering our problem • despite the fact that education ment known as interactive white- How effective these individuals This, of course, is unlikely to hap- with expanding national debt, is the greediest of all government boards, many of which are now can be at subverting the govern- pen. All governments have a vested throwing $200 million every year at entities, regularly eating through up gathering dust for various reasons; ment's "covert" investigations can interest in projecting the image that a corrupt and ineffective institution to $200 million a year, students are and another probe has led to the be seen in the case of those min- all's well on their watch. They fear doesn't seem like a good idea either. served terribly when it comes to removal of several ministry employ- istry workers suspected of corrup- that in exposing the truth, they may In short, it is all of us who are the crucial areas like information tech- ees from their posts on suspicion of tion. become identified with the wreck- victims in this scenario, and we have nology. Only about six per cent of corruption and theft. It turns out that although they age even if it isn't their fault. a right to know what's going on. schools even have IT labs (not that There is also an official audit tak- were removed, within the space of a There is also a concern about What do you think? increasing this number would likely ing place in relation to the next few months some of them had opening the floodgates: how many Email comments to: pnunez@ make much difference – it turns out phase of The Tribune's investiga- been reinstated and some even pro- other ministries and government tribunemedia.net

THE TRIBUNE • SECTION E MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 INSIDETRAK ANDRE RODGERS: Debbie still doin’ it CHAMPIONS By BRENT STUBBS CROWNED Senior Sports Reporter [email protected]

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Rising young star Ryan Ingraham, quartermilers Shaunae Miller and Demetrius Pinder, along with vet- eran sprinter Debbie Ferguson- McKenzie all found themselves in a unique position on Saturday. They all stood atop the medal podium as the most outstanding junior and senior male and female athletes at the Bahamas Association TURN TO 3E... of Athletic Associations’ BTC National Championships at Grand Bahama Sports Complex. For their efforts as the top junior male and female competitors, Ingra- ALLYSON ham and Miller were both awarded with the BTC’s CEO award by Mar- FELIX WINS lon Johnson and they collected a Samsung Tablet and a plaque. Pinder and Ferguson-McKenzie, THE 4OO on the other hand, collected a plaque, a cheque of $1,000 each and TITLE AT a Blackberry Torch cell phone from Johnson, who noted that he was delighted to make the presentations NATIONALS to some awesome performers at the two-day meet. TURN TO 4E... “Not only are these athletes great, but I had a chance to interact with some of them and they were just good people too. Excellent role SPANIARD models,” Johnson said. “I just want the Bahamian public to know what type of athletes we LARRAZABAL have in this country. We had a mix- ture of the young and the old. Deb- WINS bie has already accomplished a lot of things and the other athletes are up and coming, so it’s going to be inter- THE BMW esting to see how they will perform in the future.” OPEN Johnson said they have been impressed, not just with the perfor- TURN TO 4E... mances during the meet, with the tremendous support of the crowd on both days. WIMBLEDON: “Grand Bahama has been super. They supported and we are happy with the performances of all ath- TOP PLAYERS letes, including the Grand Bahamian athletes,” he added. “BTC was very STILL AROUND happy to be a part of this and we are looking forward to our contin- The St Augustine’s College 11th ued support of athletics in the grader clocked a blistering 51.85 sec- FOR WEEK 2 Bahamas.” onds to win the national title. It low- Competing against the top two ered her national junior record time high jumpers in the country in a of 53.45 that she posted in winning thrilling showdown in one of the the junior word title in Moncton, highlight events of the meet, Ingra- Canada, on July 20, 2010. ham cleared 2.23 metres to win the But more importantly, it booked men’s under-20 title and placed third her ticket to the IAAF World overall. Championships in Daegu, South In the process, he erased the Korea, in August as she surpassed national junior record of 2.21m that the B qualifying time of 52.30. She was held by Stephen Wray and also packed trips to the Senior CAC Jamal Wilson and he also surpassed Championships and the Pan Amer- ican Games. TURN TO 5E... the Pan American Junior Champi- onships’ qualifying standard of “It feels pretty good. I’m very hap- 1.70m and even the Senior Central py that I won it,” said a modest American and Caribbean Champi- Miller, who at 6-1 has all the tools to onships’ mark of 2.20m. be a world beater at the senior level GERMANY, The shy but confident CI Gibson in the future. “I’m thankful for the Secondary High standout was gift. Now going to see how it works.” pleased with his feat. “It was all This year, the BAAA changed the FRANCE WIN right. I wasn’t surprised. I did well, venue for the championships from so I think I deserve it,” stated the 6- the Thomas A Robinson Track and ON OPENING foot-5 former basketball player. “I’m Field Stadium to the Grand Bahama going to try and use it.” Sports Complex. And the hundreds Miller, the 2010 World Junior 400 of spectators who certainly out-num- DAY metre champion, was spectacular. bered the crowd normally in atten- Not only did she destroy the field dance in Nassau weren’t disap- TURN TO 6E... in easily winning the open women’s pointed. High jumper Donald Thomas 400 metres, but she also showed that INSET: Pinder was one of the home-based she is on course for another sensa- encourages the crowd. athletes who gave them their mon- tional showing on the world stage ABOVE: Demetrius Pinder in action. ey’s worth when he ran the perfect as she prepares for the trip to the TOP: Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie race to repeat as the national cham- RAMPONE IAAF World Youth Championships receives a medal. LEADS US in Lille, France, next month. SEE page 2E INTO WCUP Early exit for Knowles and Kubot TURN TO 6E...

By RENALDO DORSETT bles play with Nadia Petrova of Rus- No.10 ranked Knowles and Kubot Before they completed their dou- GOLD CUP: Sports Reporter sia, ranked as the 11th seeded team played one set as the match was bles match, Kubot was also played [email protected] in the draw. After a buy in the open- reduced from the best-of-five to his third round singles match against ing round, they will face Jamie Del- best-of-three sets, due to time. No.9 seed Gael Monfils of France MEXICO IT was an early exit for Mark gado and Melanie South of Great Knowles and Kubot easily won on court three. Knowles at the All England Club in Britain. the first set 6-1 over the Australian- Knowles said they were forced to RALLIES TO the latest Grand Slam on the ATP The pair advanced after Carlos Canadian team, but they lost the adjust to the "constant rain delays" tour. Berlocq and Maria Konratieva second 7-6 (5) in the tie breaker that have been commonplace at After a series of delays which halt- retired following the opening. after leading 5-2, failing to close the Wimbledon. BEAT US ed play over the course of two days, On the first day of the match, door on the match down the stretch. "We were two points away from Knowles and Lukasz Kubot of inclement weather wreaked havoc "We played pretty solid today and the match and things just unfolded. Poland fell in three sets to Chris on Knowles and Kubot's plans to won the first set kind of easily," That's what tie breakers do," said Guccione of Australia and Canadian close out the team of Guccione and Knowles said. "It was kind of tricky Knowles about their collapse after Adil Shamasdin, 6-1, 6-7, 4-6. Shamasdin in their men’s doubles in the second set. We had a couple leading 5-2. They will advance to play Carsten first-round match. of rain delays and finished in the "It was right in our hands, but it Ball of Australia and Santiago Gon- Playing on court six, the match dark. just slipped right out. I don't know zalez of Mexico in the second round was delayed several times due of the "We were a little unlucky that we how much of it had to do with dark- after they defeated Dustin Brown rain before organisers finally halt- didn't finish the match in the tie ness, but either way we didn't get and Michael Kohlmann of Germany ed play for the rest of the day as a breaker. We were playing in the the job finished. We're disappointed 5-7, 6-3, 13-11. result of the darkness. dark and just couldn't put the points that we didn't end it there, but we're TURN TO 7E... Knowles is still alive in mixed dou- When they resumed play, the together as we did in the first set." feeling good going into the final set."

PAGE 2E, MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 TRIBUNE SPORTS

SPORTS Debbie still doin’ it FROM page 1E ‘Q’ Ferguson (11.38) in the century, then on Saturday, her pion, winning the hotly con- 23.09 in the 200 was enough tested men’s 400m in 44.78 to give her the edge over seconds. Grand Bahamian native Fresh off his disappointing Nivea Smith (23.13), who was fourth place finish at the close third in the 100 in 11.56. of his collegiate career with Both times were just shy of Texas A&M at the NCAA the World Championships’ A Championships, Pinder more standards (11.29 and 23.00 than made up for it with his respectively), but having season’s best time that once already qualified, Ferguson- again took him under the McKenzie admitted that the World Championships’ A goal was really to come out standard of 45.25. on top of the rising young “It was a surprise, but I stallions. worked for it, so I’m very hap- “It’s definitely an honour. py,” said Pinder, who is now I’m very thankful, to God be preparing for his quest on the the glory,” she said. “But I’m international circuit this sum- so excited about this Black- mer as a professional athlete. berry Torch. I think I’m more “I just want to stick with what excited about it than the I’m doing. I’m very proud of $1,000 cash prize. I’m very my achievement today. The thankful.” crowd was tremendous. They But looking back at the made us all perform even bet- performances that earned ter.” them for her, Ferguson- Pinder was putting in a plug McKenzie said she has to be for his Grand Bahamian 4 x pleased because “last year at I 400 team of LaToy Williams, was hurt at trials and to come Andrae Williams and Michael back here and do it in the two Mathieu, who clocked 3:02.56 events is fantastic.” – a World Championship A “I wanted to run faster in standard – to avoid the upset the 100, but I think a heat from Trinidad & Tobago would have helped them. In (3:04.31) in grand finale. the 200, it wasn’t that fast, but As she gets closer and clos- I just wanted to win. I was er to completing her career, really tired and exhausted, but Ferguson-McKenzie proved it was a good two days of that experience still makes a completion. Q and Nivea and difference as she held off the Anthonique Strachan all per- strong challenge from her formed well. I was just glad I younger foes to secure a won.” women’s double sprint cham- When it was all said and pionship feat. done, Ferguson-McKenzie First, she ran 11.34 on Fri- acknowledged that “they are day night ahead of Sheniqua coming, but not yet.”

ON TRACK: Hughnique Rolle (top), Pedrya Seymour (top left), Andre Wells (top right) and Ryan Ingraham (above) compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ BTC National Championships at Grand Bahama Sports Complex over the weekend.