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C M Volume: 106 No.6Y K FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25)

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FRID AY, N OVEM BER SECTI 27, 2 ON B • b 009 usiness@ tribunem Shareho edia.net B l y N d EIL HA e RTN r Trib ELL un b e Busi a ness t Edi t tor l * Majo e at sh r C arehol ity o der disp inve l ute s i eru has to n pted at r: I a Colin * M t w e a G in a G ral Insu en- ori s a e rance ty fair n w Agenc inve of e m ith a y, sto fer r iA nori 25 r: ‘b a ty inv per c I’m y a l estor ent b ny pany’s alleging Baham ein stre majori the com- as First g squ tch attemp ty share Gene chief an eez of th ting to “s holder i ral presi d ex-Col ed o e im under queeze m s tive dent and ina pri ut agin valuing h e out” an , has tak chief exe ncipal in ation CARS FOR SALE, Shareholder is sta d en cu- A ’ c k h . Knowles and ou e o is F ntering t , and the l ppressio “shareh majority . Holdin ed hat its of atter S n” com older owner of gs, the more th fers repre upreme plaint told Mr Colina G Holdin s an ‘fair sent- Court, fil to the Walker th eneral, gs itself, a tretch of value’ “b which he ing a sum offers w at their p which nd Colin the imagi y any is urging mons in ould see roposed have be a Genera Tribun nation”. that a “ the court on inve him earn Supre en filed l, He e Busines fair value to order stment o a return me Cour with th is also Anthon s can rev determi ” for his s cent a f between Alexi t by their e cour demandi y Walk eal that ned. hares be nd 771.2 136.8 pe ou, Know attorney t order C ng that S er, th Ye on per cen r all les & s, v olina G the e forme t in let the calcul t, depen intend to Co, show ide audite eneral t r Sup ters file N ation me ding th defend they i d financi o pro- reme Cou d with otices o thod used at they d the matte ts 2007 a al stateme rt, Eman the of f appeara . eny Mr W r and nd 2008 nts for uel Alexio Mr Alexi nce on b In his su alker’s c that Coli fiscal yea B u, a pr ou, fellow ehalf i mmons, M laims. na Gene rs, and ISX incipal A A. F. Ho ng for a r Walker least 60 p ral distrib ch nthony F ldings Suprem is ask- er cent of ute “at ief erguson, requiring e Court those ye its net pr ‘un A. F. A. F. Hol order ars. ofits” for ea his minor dings to p Lette on sy’ ity stake urchase rs exchan re at “fair va ged betw gula Con lue”. SE een Mr S to tr E r’s b actor’s page 11B divid ank ‘implau S en By NEI sible d p L HARTN ’ de rop Tribune ELL fenc B e E osa usiness age h ove By N ls Editor is affairs r $6 EIL HAR tice ”, Appe m Trib TNELL WEL Hartman al Jus- over une Bus L-known tha Longley througho draf iness Ed Edward contract t this ev noted ut the Ba t itor Penn’s or com idence d which C hamas”, o T FirstCa defence e from h id not otton Ba f Th E H ri t i l y e E Baham bbean In o chil m, but h argest. was the n, on N al S as Intern Bank (B ternation dren, w is two 2006, ovembe a h r T ecuritie ation- hamas) d al che o had s His two Sharon W 14, (BI s Exch he pay a emand th ques wo igned children pany ilson & SX) chie ange’s $6 milli at the rth $250, tacted then co threaten Com- ter f executi has bee on overd account 000 on FirstCa n- the ed to “ter day said ve yes- n rejecte raft st to keep advise ribbean Cotton B minate ab he was “ sible” d as “imp ruction b his con- the ba to Mr ay contr out the C uneasy” by the Co lau- usiness go father nk of th Penn d acts” if entra si urt o And ing. ’s illn eir id no D Bhupathi lose pos l Ban nce it f App , whi ess a mee t att als that it k’s pro- argued t eal, de le Mr P permiss nd seek ting on N end a de approve millio hat his m nied aut enn had ion to ru its co ovember HELP WANTED nd all d n d ulti hor to n hi mpa 17. paymen ivi- ollar con - ment ising the meet h s account ny’s rep His battle at Baham ts made business’ structio s made b pay- is busine prom resentat as-bas by s daily e n on y his c cial obl ss’s fina ised the ives tha ed banks, paid xpenses w e of tho hildren, igations. n- “ y would a t it had “ adding from h ere b se cheq for this Permiss The prim ttend. N rais is een ues wa ion ar ed ac p s h s y I by seem red flag count w ersonal igned by ad ed ultimatel the own concern i s” it h , y e o R ngly taki ed hout his court s imself, t and from grant- rs appea f tion into ng regula ge. knowl- aid. Som he Jan August been tha rs to hav the Boar - were a e payme uary 20 2006 to t [Mr Pe e Keith d room. While no lso mad nts sig 07, the c paying h nn] was n Davies sa h ting that $400,0 e to sett ned $250 hildren is employ ot he plan id that wh ad been Mr Penn 00 obliga le a M ,000 in ch contrac ees and s ned to co ile taken il of the tion to B r Penn’s eques on tors,” Ju ub- I re ndu mon l for Ba ank acco w stice search an ct more ths from four hamas Int Ju unt. rote. Longley C d analys was August 20 Justic ernationa stice Lon entral B is on the “alleged 06 and e Longl l. it w gley note The dis a ank’s pr ly unable Penn di ey said M as neve d that pute wa pprove th oposal to to man- d not prov r tho r dispute Decemb s settled e paymen KEITH of whe ide evide se chequ d that er 2006 b in dividend ts of ban DAVIES n he rec nce M es were t agreein y Mr Pe s, throu k his illn overed f r Penn’s o cover g to hir nn S licensees gh gettin ess, and rom d liabilities manag e a pro to justif g the “he s suggeste ence wa , no evi- ement c ject sio y the Bo eem d tha s pr o ons O ns in thi ir deci- ard room s to have t whe oduced t versee th ultant to T s respect traded of publ upon re recover n he reco o say e Cotton ribune , he told compani icly ceipt of t ed illn vered fr ject, in th Bay pro “ Busines ly whe es, partic termin he threa ess or wh om his e shape o - potential s it was n those ular- ate” his t to th at this w based V f Baham S ly co co at a er as a c troublin not own mpanies contract nstructi he did n s, and itas Cons - apital ma g” from ed, oper are s with th on illn ot menti a contr ulting, an rkets per trolled ated and lion do e multi-m ess in h on the act was d “I becom spective. by the con- llar Cot il- co is defen Decemb agreed r e uneas Governm ject in ton Bay unterclai ce and er 14. Th on egulator y when a ent, Eleuther pro- h m, “even mitted e latter s begins to t’s he a. The pr e denies though invoices ub- move int ad develo ojec- c author ton B for the C o SEE an b per is Ba heques si ising the ay projec ot- page 1 usinessm hami- gned by who t to Mr N 1B son an Frankl during t his childre was requi Penn, $ . yn Wil- he period n upo red to pay 4 ne o n r th P .2608 Rec ss they a f the ill- eceipt fro em ording th lleged”. Caribb m the Fi Po $4 dispu e history o The tro ean acco rst- rt’s . te betwee f the w ubles rea Ulti unt. lice the n Mr Pen hen the lly began mately, M U n ban n an law r Pe se k, d f Ca nn I e o f Justice Wilso irm, Sha ribbean ’s First- to nemesis ut ound Long n & Co ron accoun m reac that the ley M mpany, w a $6 mi t went in ov h operat contrac r Penn o rote to llion ove to e is $4 ed a curre tor 20 n Novem result o rdraft a inte .153 his na nt accou 06, on be ber 3, f the pay s a rru 1 me and nt in “ half of Co by his ments m AND REAL ESTATE By NEI pte name various complain tton Bay, children ade L HARTN d $4. s, all of w trade ing abou Verita and for Tribun ELL ilar hich wer of perform t his lack s invoice the e B to h e si an s, l S Colina General usiness is Penn’s m- an ce on the bank to eading th Editor and Constru d poin job site issue a e $ Renovat ction ting out ing pa writ dem SIR 4.25 bus ions Com employee that hi yment of and- JACK H 69 iness. H pany s were co s Mr that amo Grand ayward ow e benef about no mplainin Penn’s d unt. Bahama was forc $ ned the b icially t being p g he d efence wa B C Port A ed to 4. usine Da aid”. id no s that ay home uthority hold a m cent. ss 100 pe vid Lock t author on T (GBP eetin The r R yer, paym ise th aft uesda A) li g wi informat enov of Pe ents, ose er he y nig cense th pa ion conta Wh ation nn’s but J refuse ht, T es at h rty and ined is f en ta and C ley ustice d to t ribun is Fo The Trib rom a th ken i res onst said Lon Smith olera e Bu rtune respons une can ird 200 ll in pond ructio the e g- , the te the sines ible for not be 6, M Augu ed f n, viden Baha prese s can from errors a held r Pen st our d that ce sh es mian nce o reve the daily nd/or o n wa argui ays l “hav owed tate. attorne f the “u al, report. mission ally in s “pers ng tha ater, ing reg y for the ninvited” volved in on- we t subcon comme ard to t This n late Edw Fred const several l re not pa tractors rcial rea he ewspaper ard St Ge ruction arge se rt of their constru lities of meeting was info orge’s contr eking mo staff and ction ind the , which w rmed by acts t re specif Penn] ustry, if Freepo as initially sources w he compl ics about intende [Mr rt headqu schedule ho atten aint. d to com before arters, th d to be he ded the ply it was du at Sir Jac ld at the G SE In r e to start k asked M BPA’s E page esponse, M . r Smith 4B was b r Smith to leave oth a GB is underst estate PA licen ood to ha , and the see and ve asserte the m refore ha attorney d that he eeting w d every ri for the S whic as being ght to atte t George h his clien held at nd, espec T ts were c the office ially since ribune Bu laiming a s of a co argu siness wa 50 per ce mpany i ment be s told tha nt owner n eve tween Si t the mee ship stak ntually te r Jack an ting then e. Ca lling all l d Mr Sm fell into a y home fo icensees ith, with n pa r the me present to the form rtner eting, com er Financial Streng wou wher e to th Rat ld not b e the C his Fort ing This e prese allende une A newsp nt. rs & C M also aper wa o QC an BEST held wi s informe d th G d th A- Jac BPA at a Excellent k’s Fortu licensee second m Ba ne Cay ho s on We eeting w bak, GBP me. Amo dnesday as Lt A and P ng those night at d chairm ort Grou present w Sir SEE PAGE FIFTEEN an; Ian R p ere Han BAHAMAS BIGGEST SEE BUSINESS SECTION o n lle, their SEE es page 11B Small ‘%’ IPOs fi ‘unwillin nd g’ public b By N uye EIL HAR rs Tribu TNELL ne Busin ess Edito * BISX r chief targe BAHA ting two c MIAN more o inves aham secon l tors ia dar l wil n y lis e to l be “un tings g buy int willing before e o initial ” year-en ings (IP public of d O) where fer- * Tells portion a substan Tribune B of the s tial usiness b wi tock m e th th rema ark f e co in et n o ntro ot re r ho lling achi e lder sha ng fu or re- ll y share pote o th holde ntial u e Ba r gro in a ha up bse k mas , nce i n S Inter of nv o ecuri natio othe es w ties Exch nal r secon t in a an da n i c ge ry t hief ’s (B listi an executive ISX) ngs nuity Ke said yeste c ith Davi rday. a ustom long es said h vailable, a ized in argued t e had a nd sold w vestm com hat BISX re able,” hen they gua ent o panies, a -listed Mr Davie rante ptions to nd any p bune Bu s told Tri ed mi float via lanning siness. “I - nimum sh a futur many yea said tha flexib inter ould mak e IPO, rs ago, an t le acc est ra ce e a grea that. d I hold t umul tes ntage of ter per- o ation p ab their shar “I find a eriod le to Bah es avail- it difficul ll of al amian ins that anyo t to believ the a and retai titution- ne going e bove in l investor will find public no g greate s, foster- it easy to w a r wealth small pe sell such nd a more creation rcentage, a o diverse o much m as there f this nat wnership ore kno is a ion’s econ investin wledgea “It is m omy. g public ble y view an unwill and they that a la d opinion ing to ac are rger perc cept suc compani entage o h a es should f c be made SE all u E pag s A SUBS e 11B tod IDIAR SALE ay Y OF S OFFICES at 396 : NASSAU -135 I FREEPO 5 RT I ABA CO I ELEU THERA I EXUMA I CORPORA TE CENTR E: EAST B AY STREET I www.fa mguardba hamas.com COB lecturers ‘back strike vote’

SETTING the stage for possible industrial action the Union of Tertiary Educators of the Firefighters walk Bahamas has reportedly overwhelmingly voted in favour of a strike vote after months of unsuc- cessful negotiations with the College of the Bahamas. Yesterday more than 100 members of the UTEB took part in a strike vote at COB's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the Oakes Field campus yesterday. Dozens of other members voted in Grand Bahama and Exuma. Although the official results of the vote are to be released by the Department of Labour today, The Tribune understands that of the 150 facul- off job at airport ty members who cast their ballots, 131 voted for SEE page 10 Back-up team sent f

ANNUALf THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON a t s

e in after protest at n u b i r T / r o j working conditions a M

é p i l e

By ALISON LOWE plumbing system, re-test the F Tribune Staff Reporter water for contamination, and [email protected] double their pest control efforts in response to the rats A BACK-UP fire truck and seen in and around their firefighting team had to be offices. sent to the Lynden Pindling The Tribune was unable to international airport yester- reach the Airport Authority day after 18 firefighters for comment yesterday as its walked off the job to protest chairman was said to have left poor working conditions. for the day, and general man- The emergency personnel ager Jerry Hutchison was said fear water piped into their to be off the island until next offices is contaminated with week. The authority is respon- rust and human faeces, sible for the working condi- according to Bahamas Public tions of the firestation. Service President John Pin- Shonalee King Johnson, der. communications manager for They also wanted to get the Nassau Airport Develop- action from the Airport ment company, which oper- Authority on a rodent infes- ates and manages the airport, BISHOP WALTER HANCHELL gives food to residents of the Wulff Road area during the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at Great tation and outstanding salary said the airport was still fully Commission Ministries International. issues. operational despite the indus- The firefighters, scheduled trial action. to work the 9am to 9pm shift, Speaking of the demon- Court of Appeal Wilchcombe appointed leader of left work between 11am and stration, Mr Pinder said: Intruder injured in 1.30pm, leaving only two fire- “They walked off the job denies woman’s attempted burglary Opposition Business in the House fighters at the airport station. about two hours or so in By PAUL G TURNQUEST They went back to work protest of poor working con- claims of long By MEGAN REYNOLDS Tribune Staff Reporter after the Airport Authority ditions. Their main concern Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected] allegedly agreed in talks with wait for justice [email protected] Mr Pinder to upgrade their SEE page 10 THE Court of Appeal has HAVING been appointed as leader of denied a woman’s claims that AN ATTEMPTED Opposition Business in the House of she has been left traumatised burglary at a Cable Beach Assembly, PLP MP Obie Wilchcombe because she has had to wait apartment ended with one expressed his gratitude to PLP Leader so long for justice. The Court of two intruders being seri- ously injured . Perry Christie and his Parliamentary col- of Appeal said Beryl Grant’s leagues yesterday. appeal was heard last year and The daytime house- a judgment handed down ear- breaking at an apartment OBIE WILCHCOMBE lier this year. complex east of the Mar- SEE page 10 According to a letter from ley Resort in West Bay Indira Demeritte Francis, Street was attempted by Man questioned over tourist robbery released Registrar of the Court of two men at around 12.30pm on Wednesday. POLICE have released a man who was being questioned over Appeal, Beryl Grant had her the armed robbery of 18 cruise ship passengers, a senior officer con- appeal heard by three Justices Police were alerted by firmed last night. of the Court of Appeal on an anonymous caller who Superintendent Elsworth Moss, head of the Central Detective June 25, 2008 and again on requested an ambulance. Unit, said the person was released late on Wednesday. September 2, 2008. Officers at the scene were When asked if police were now back at square one in solving the Judgment, she said, was told the men had tried to crime, Mr Moss said: "Not really because we're still getting some handed down on May 21, break-in to one of the information, people are still assisting us, people in the communi- 2009. However, Ms Grant was apartments. ty are forwarding information to police. not awarded her original judg- A suspect was taken to “We have a number of persons who are calling, who are con- SEE page 10 SEE page three SEE page 12

NASSAU AND BAHAMA ISLANDS’ LEADING NEWSPAPER

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PAGE 2, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS ‘Communication problem’ halts inquest into teen’s cell death By ALISON LOWE East Street South police sta- around 10.45am yesterday, day a stenographer in place, despite November 24 that there is a “The only objective I have Tribune Staff Reporter tion where the boy was found two of the inquest, with con- Coroner William Campbell’s Supreme Court injunction pro- is that they are not interfered [email protected] hanging to see a girl who was cern being raised about the offer to take notes himself. hibiting police from interfer- with by a police officer. I have being held in the cell next to absence of a court stenograph- Mr Smith also asked the ing with the witnesses, and con- no objection to someone from THE inquest into the death him re-enact what she wit- er to record what is said during court to promise that three sequently had asked that some- the Attorney General’s office of a teenager in a police cell nessed that day. the inquest for the official tran- teenagers who he wished to tes- one other than a police officer interviewing them,” said Mr had to be adjourned yesterday Knowles died while in cus- script. tify on behalf of the deceased’s take their statements — a plea Smith. after a “communication prob- tody on May 31 of this year. After an hour and 15 minute estate, including a 15-year-old that was met with an assurance Mr Campbell told Mr Smith lem” meant that no court He had been picked up by adjournment to see if the boy who was allegedly arrested from Mr Campbell at that time yesterday that he “wants to reporter showed up to record police on suspicion of commit- stenographer could be located, with Knowles, would be “safe that he would personally take observe the injunction” and the day’s testimony. ting an offence. A police report Coroner William Campbell from interference.” their statements. stated that “to keep it simple When the inquest into the on his death suggested he had said a communication break- He said he wanted to get the “I am asking that people they can be interviewed by death of 15-year-old Michael committed suicide. down had meant that the court court’s assurance that an order understand that they are to be Archer, Higgins or myself.” Knowles resumes next month, Proceedings in Court num- official had thought she was handed down from the protected. I want to be Terry Archer and David jurors are expected to go to the ber seven, Victoria Gardens, not required to work at the Supreme Court in relation to absolutely sure that anyone Higgins appeared for the got off to a halting start at inquest that day. the witnesses “would be who comes to this court under- Attorney General’s office in Attorney for the deceased’s respected” during the inquest. stands that,” said the attorney the inquest. family, Keod Smith, objected Mr Smith had previously yesterday, again raising the The matter was adjourned to the court proceeding without informed the Coroner on matter. to December 14, at 10am. LET’S GET PHYSICAL: ZNS HEALTH FAIR

THE ZNS sixth annual health fair was held on Wednesday at the ZNS parking lot. The theme of the event was ‘Bridging the gap through love and unity’. PHOTOS: Felipé Major/Tribune staff

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS BDM criticises both parties for Tribune readers respond ‘dismal failure’ on crime rise to tourism industry threat THE Bahamian Democra- tic Movement yesterday slammed both the FNM and By MEGAN REYNOLDS 18 TOURISTS WERE robbed at the BASH Earth Village. Three the PLP governments for Tribune Staff Reporter cruise lines have since suspended tours to the site. their “dismal failure” to con- [email protected] trol the rise of crime, as the fledging party joined the A THREAT to the tourism chorus of calls for the resig- industry posed by the armed nation of the Minister of robbery of 18 cruise ship pas- National Security Tommy sengers in Nassau sparked an Turnquest. overwhelming response from “The FNM government Tribune readers in an on-line for the full period of its rule poll. has failed to carry out its Tourists vowed never to visit promise to control crime. the islands in view of the high Merely shuffling the cabinet rate of violent crime, while to install a new minister will Bahamians apologised for the have little or no effect on attacks and called for better Tuesday the crimes against ugly truth is the identity of these violent crime. The FNM security, harsher punishments tourists could be linked and two dangerous criminals are itself is a weak and an inept for criminals, and a greater Bahamians now fear criminals known by more than just the government,” the party said diversity of industries to coun- are driving out the country’s perpetrators. in its statement to the media. teract tourism’s inevitable fall. main source of income. “If I was the Minister of Explaining that both par- Three cruise lines have sus- Robbery victim Charlotte Tourism I would offer a reward ties have lacked the political pended tours of the Bahamas Ashfield, 62, from Northern Ire- leading to a conviction . . . I am will to send a strong signal Association for Social Health land and American Paul at a loss for words as to why a that criminality will not be (BASH)’s Earth Village since Coladonato, 50, told The Tri- reward is not the lead headline tolerated, the BDM said that the robbery of two groups of bune they are still traumatised in the local media every day if it were the government, cruise ship passengers as they after the event and will not until these scofflaws are appre- the control of crime would toured the park on Segways last return to Nassau. hended.” be of the “highest priority.” Friday, presenting an anticipat- Another blogger added: “It’s “Bahamians must feel free ed $50,000 loss for BASH and a national disgrace and the cul- to move about in their coun- Caribbean Segway Tours. Traumatic prits should be punished to the try at all times, and it is the And accounts of the traumat- fullest extent of the law. criminals who must fear the ic event, as well as the robbery Meanwhile, an anonymous “These crimes are the same state. of 11 tourists at the Queen’s Tribune website reader and rob- as robbery of the treasury “Murder in our country Staircase last month, and the bery victim questioned why the because of the implications.” has reached record levels shooting of two security guards cruise line took passengers to An armed robbery victim and murderers clearly do not in Atlantis’ Marina Village on Nassau. ‘Cruising Queen’ said: said: “What about the trauma fear the law. The BDM Halloween night, have spread “It was a most traumatic expe- from the attack, and the lasting would strike fear in their around the world on Internet rience, I feared for my life, espe- affects on the victim? This com- hearts since we would move travel blogs, international news cially when the gun was dis- pletely changes your life! swiftly to eliminate the time sites and leading video sharing charged close to my body. “I hope these criminals are consuming step of appeals to website YouTube, where Dutch “I certainly would not visit caught and an example is made the Privy Council (in Lon- robbery victim Ad Koens speaks Nassau again. I question why of them so the public can realise don).” out about his traumatic experi- the cruise company considered the seriousness of these The party said it would ence at the Earth Village and this a suitable tour destination. offences.” enact the necessary legisla- subsequent mishandling of the “In view of the fact that the And the clear threat to indus- tion to create a final court investigation by police. Bahamas are heavily reliant on try posed yet another issue. for criminal matters here in Tribune readers were asked the tourist industry, I consider ‘Nickie’ said: “It’s foolish for the Bahamas. how serious they think crime the Bahamian government owe any of us to think another tourist “This would ensure that has become and most said the a duty of care to the safety and won’t be harassed, robbed or all appeals would be speedily recent crime wave spells the protection of tourists. Sadly, put in danger again. dealt with and lawyers who beginning of the end for there was no evidence of that.” “We need to address the issue specialise in using the system Bahamian tourism. Bahamians apologising to the that we have nothing else to fall to delay justice would no Of 319 respondents to the visitors called for the govern- back on. longer be able to offer com- poll, 162 said this is the begin- ment to hang criminals, revamp “Let’s get crime down, but fort to murders. This legisla- ning of the end for tourism, the police force, provide greater look at other industries to devel- tion would be submitted for while 145 said the crime situa- resources for officers and ensure op.” the approval of the elec- tion is very serious and police a more visible police presence Dr Dexter Reno Johnson torate in a referendum. need to catch the perpetrators to enforce a zero tolerance pol- added: “The Bahamas is in the “Once our people have and judges need to lock them icy on crimes against tourists in early post touristic era: the peri- approved the Court of away. Just 12 readers said the particular. od when earnings from tourism Appeal as our final court, robberies and shootings were They said not enough is being will increasingly fall short of that and once all appeals here are isolated incidents. done to combat crime in the needed to pay for the cost of completed, we would hang Minister of National Security country. government. all murderers without any Tommy Turnquest hinted on ‘Yacht captain’ said: “The “This incident and the reces- delay. This would ensure sion are only accelerating the that all who choose that path trend begun earlier. would know their fate, and “We have failed to diversify those who have lost loved Intruder injured our economy to our detriment.” ones to murderers can have In a bid to soften the blow for closure. The values of our FROM page one attacked tourists, Bahamians put society, in particular the out heartfelt apologies to rob- right of every law-abiding hospital for treatment of injuries to his hand, while the second bery victims. citizen to life, would be man escaped in a green Toyota Yaris, registration number ‘Joe Blow’ said: “I am so sor- upheld,” the statement read. 131921. ry this was your experience in The BDM also pledged our country . . . We are collec- that they would move swiftly Two men, aged about 23 and 25, are being questioned by police in relation to the matter. tively sorry, embarrassed, dis- to curb armed robbery by gusted and scared.” imposing a 25-year hard Meanwhile investigators are still searching for the perpe- Tourism Director General labour sentence on anyone trators of armed robberies at Ian’s Bar and Lounge and a Vernice Walkine said in a press committing an offence with a phone card booth in Big Pond. conference called after Friday’s firearm. Three men armed with handguns stormed the bar and lounge robbery that incidents of this “Before such legislation at around 11.40pm on Wednesday, and demanded money from type make it harder for tourism becomes law, criminals the employee who handed over an undetermined amount of officials to promote the country would be given the opportu- cash. as a place to consider for a vaca- nity to turn their guns in to They then robbed patrons of cellular phones, jewellery, and tion. the church, police stations, cash before fleeing the bar. or destroy them. If criminals Earlier that day a gunman threatened and robbed the oper- use illegal fire arms in an ator of a phone card booth in Tucker Road, Big Pond, and stole offence or if they are found cash and phone cards from the frightened vendor. with an unlicensed firearm in The robber escaped along a track road near the booth, head- their possession, the manda- ing south, at around 3.30pm on Wednesday. tory sentence of 25 years Police are appealing for information to assist in investigations would be enforced without of all matters and urge anyone with any information to call reservations. “In the Bahamas Democ- police urgently on 919 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on ratic Movement, our over- 328-TIPS (8477). riding principle is that no person is above the law, and all are entitled to the full operation of the constitu- tion. However this does not mean that the grant of bail should be allowed to be abused. Our policy would be to encourage the courts to be extra careful in the exercise of the judicial discretion to grant bail in cases of vio- lence.” In particular, the BDM said, the granting of bail to a person accused of a gun offence must be exercised sparingly. The party added: “To fur- ther support our stern approach to crime, we would move swiftly to increase the level of police patrols in all vulnerable areas of the coun- try, as our citizens and our visitors alike must equally be protected from harm. The institution of regular police patrols on our beaches and at sites frequented by visitors would be a part of a more visible police presence nationwide. “This would restore the confidence of our people in the effectiveness of our police. We accept that the causes of crime are many and complex, and that each per- son must do a citizen’s part in the fight against crime. But it is the duty of govern- ment to lead the fight against crime instead of shifting that critical responsibility to oth- ers,” the statement read.

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PAGE 4, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

EDITORIAL/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Tribune Limited Zhivargo NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., Laing gets it (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991 EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. wrong again Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published Daily Monday to Saturday EDITOR, The Tribune. first place, these drastic mea- sures might not be necessary. Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas On November 23, 2009 The LETTERS Finally, government debt is Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama Tribune Business quoted Mr. debt, whether in US$ or B$ and Laing regarding the Bahamas [email protected] becomes the responsibility of Government’s recent debt issue every Bahamian so it really WEBSITE of a $300 million sovereign sector B$ borrowers. doesn't matter if The Bahamas www.tribune242.com – updated daily at 2pm bond. All these comments reflect is "unique" when compared to The Minister of Finance is omniscience of the anointed, "many (countries) in the devel- quoted as saying: but I suggest they are intended oping world." "Our level of foreign cur- to allay widespread concern With a national debt fast Questions for Bradley Roberts rency debt is less than 10 per that the government has lost its approaching $4 billion and over cent of our GDP." way where our fiscal policy is 50 per cent of GDP, a GDP PLP chairman Bradley Roberts is starting to ham government considered wasteful and an "There is no objective ana- concerned. Remember their that is shrinking in this eco- sound like a broken record, what with his unnecessary drain on the public purse. These lyst in the world who would Manifesto 2007 promised adop- nomic environment by the way, lamentations over the PLP’s Urban Renewal were in fact delayed for review. For example, regard this as problematic. The tion of a "Balanced Budget" cute statistics will do nothing programme and his contention that the FNM’s the $21 million straw market; the $2.8 million Bahamas stands as unique in yet two years on, extraordinary to help Bahamians that will be policy of “stop, review and cancel” of Salina Point, Acklins school for only 35 chil- that regard — that low level of debt offerings are now required burdened with either a higher investors’ contracts triggered the Bahamas’ dren; the road contract in Eleuthera, which foreign currency indebtedness. just to finance little more than tax rate, a devalued currency, present recession. after the review was actually expanded. Then Our indebtedness, as a ratio of government payroll. or both in the years ahead. Apparently the international economic col- there were the magistrate’s courts on Meeting debt-to-GDP, remains a far cry Now I know we are facing a And where will today's Par- lapse had little to do with tourists not being Street, which were found to have their own from many in the developing huge world wide recession and liamentarians (both PLP and able to afford to visit the Bahamas and construction deficiencies. There was also the world." I'm glad it's Mr. Laing and his FNM as they are equally cul- investors pulling back on their investments proposed new offices for the Registrar General "...Once this is done. [For- colleagues that have to face the pable) be? Collecting their pen- because of the tight money market. Seems, on Market Street — the old City Markets — eign currency debt] will be of economic problems the coun- sions from the public trough of in Mr Roberts’ Walter Mitty world, what real- where contracts were awarded and monies the order of $600 million." try faces and not me, but had course. ly started the downward trend was the fact spent by the Christie government, but work There was also the obliga- they not burdened the Bahami- that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s finger was never completed. A similar site was the tory comment that the govern- an people with such a vast gov- RICK LOWE pushed the administrative buttons, instead of CH Reeves Jr High School where a block of ment is borrowing in US$ so ernment bureaucracy in the Nassau, those of former prime minister Perry Christie. classrooms is yet to be completed. they don't crowd out private November 26, 2009. Bahamians can be thankful that if there were Mr Roberts is wrong when he says that the indeed buttons to be pushed, Prime Minister world recession started 15 months after the Ingraham was the one in charge. Had it been FNM was the government. He was also wrong Concern over up to Mr Christie he would probably still be that the Bahamas’ recession started before dithering over which button to push. It is pos- that of the United States. According to the The Kermit Ford story beach access sible that in the end he would have appointed US National Bureau of Economic Research one or two advisory committees … and then, the recession started in America in December, EDITOR, The Tribune. still reluctant, he would have hesitated. 2007 — seven months after the FNM was EDITOR, The Tribune. Early out on the campaign trail — the next returned to government. I am a citizen of the election is not before 2012 — Mr Roberts was Maybe Mr Roberts would now take time to It is about time that some credence and meaningful response Bahamas and I am con- in Freeport last week sowing seeds of doubt. answer these questions. There was no stop, be told on the Urban Renewal and the National Youth Services. cerned with the access we He said that the Ingraham government should review or cancel of Grand Bahamas’ Ginn Sometime during the late 1960’s, Dr Doris Johnson was able to have to beaches. not be allowed to get away with the excuse project, which the PLP promised would be get the PLP government to sponsor a project that was headed There is a growing trend, that the global recession — which has caused the next wonder of the Caribbean. So what by Mr Kermit Ford that caused the pioneer drum and bugle particularly in New Provi- colossal unemployment worldwide, particu- happened? The PLP also promised great corps to come into being. This was the largest band ever to be dence, where construction of larly in the United States — was the cause of things from the I-Group project in Mayagua- formed in the history of The Bahamas. buildings results in blocking job losses in the Bahamas. “They blame it on na. The FNM neither stopped nor reviewed This grouping had many sections; there was teaching, disci- access to beaches from the recession which did not happen until some this project. Why hasn’t it lived up to the pline, art, culture and developing of young minds, including giv- inland. 15 months after the May 2007 general elec- PLP’s projections? The PLP promised grand ing them a sense of pride. Beaches are the prime tions. They are all saying that they are waiting things and many jobs from the South Ocean Sir, this was one of the most successful and organised oper- venue for recreational activ- for Obama to turn around the US economy. Hotel. Where is this hotel and where are those ated Youth Movement in the history of these Bahama Isles. The ity for both Bahamians and “They went on to name some foreign jobs? South Ocean’s contract was never held sons and daughters of the inner City were beginning to see visitors. During the summer through the crust of suppression. investment properties which have stalled as a up by the FNM government, so, Mr Roberts, months particularly when result of what they say was the global reces- what is the story? Where is the PLP-promised Their human insight into music, dance, and art, displayed a sion. I wish to point out that the global finan- redevelopment of the distressed Royal Oasis way of life which would have shown one how to have compas- the atmospheric tempera- cial crisis that occurred was not in effect until in Freeport? Surely, Mr Roberts is not going to sion; had this group been allowed to continue and accomplish tures are high, most of us 15 months after the FNM became the Gov- claim that it is still on the FNM’s drawing the ideals they sort to have. I feel it would have been a part of resort to beaches for com- ernment in May 2007,” Mr Roberts told his board for review. the solutions the leaders of today are seeking for the many ills fort and enjoyment. In con- supporters. As for Rose Island, it was here that the of our society. trast, in some countries He said the record would further “show PLP announced that mansions for the rich, Sir, I was told by Mr Kermit Ford that petty politics by his where people are unable to that in 2007 the Bahamian economy slowed in-land marinas, and a boutique hotel would beloved PLP party cased this programme to be scrapped. receive comfort from the down ahead of the US economy rather than be built and would provide many Bahamian The Urban Renewal Centers can make an impact by assist- heat many of them die from the usual one quarter to two lag time. jobs. Well, where is this mirage? Did the ing schools in their area and by liaising with parents of school heat exhaustion. Also our “Do you know why this happened?” he FNM’s “stop review or cancel” policy inter- children with who are not attending school during school hours. beaches are a wonder asset asked. “This happened because the slow-down fere, or was it the world’s economic collapse I would like to see a national community coordinate scheme to our Bahamaland, which was artificially induced. Someone meddled that caused the developers to pull up anchor where religious, sporting, civic and cultural art discipline can be makes foreigners want to with the economy and facilitated a virtual stall and sail away? implemented; so as to help stimulate some minds in a positive visit the Bahamas. of the economy.” The Ingraham government did not stop, way. This undoubtedly will be an asset for New Providence - My plea to you is to seek In previous statements, he has named that review or cancel BahaMar’s Cable Beach pro- dividing into ten (10) sections. Remembering Trailblazers of the ways and means through someone as Prime Minister Ingraham. He has ject. However, the project is still locked in past; Hon Kendal G L Isaacs, Bishop Alvin Moss, Bishop legislation to ensure that all claimed that it was the stopping and reviewing uncertainty. This is a particularly interesting William Franks, Father Marcian Peters, Rev Talmadge Sands, beaches in the Bahamas of programmes that the PLP had approved example of dithering to which we shall return and Bishop William V Eneas, Dames Dr Doris Johnson, Mr must be accessible from Kermit Ford, Mr Sydney Wilson, Lavoin “boar” Stuart, Dr before it was voted out of office that resulted on Monday. In the meantime Mr Roberts inland to the public. in the economic slow down. can tell the nation what happened to all of Granville Bain and Charles Moss. This will mean a full and stiff We would — and so would the public — be these projects that the PLP proclaimed from schedule, but I am sure it can be accomplished with God’s grateful if Mr Roberts would list foreign the rooftops would bring an abundance of help. TIANA ROLLE investors’ contracts that were in fact stopped employment to Bahamians. Maybe he can say Geography for review by the FNM government. who meddled with these investments that DEREK College of the Bahamas So far we can only find government pro- “facilitated a virtual stall of the (Bahamian) ROKER Student grammes that on coming into power the Ingra- economy”? Nassau, Nassau, November 18, 2009. November, 2009

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS Ex-MP’s application for leave to appeal dismissed NOW AVAILABLE By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Staff Reporter [email protected] Bahamas Handbook THE Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed an application on behalf of former FNM MP Lester Turnquest for leave to appeal the freezing of his company’s assets. Attorney Stephen Turnquest of the firm 50th Anniversary Callenders and Co appeared on behalf of Mr Turnquest — the appellant — in rela- tion to an application for leave to appeal two decisions by Senior Justice John Lyons arising from a dispute between Turnquest Collector’s Edition and his former business partner and banker, Hywel Jones. The civil dispute over the own- ership of several companies and allegations against Turnquest by the Britannia Invest- ment Group Limited of misappropriation of funds remains before the Supreme Court. Although Senior Justice Lyons had denied $ 95 SPECIAL PRICE leave to appeal his decisions, Mr Turnquest IN THE BAHAMAS sought leave from the appellate court to 39 appeal an asset freezing injunction placed on Turnquest’s investment firm, Bonnycord Group Limited, and the Britannia Invest- ment Group. He also sought leave to appeal another order by the judge that essentially denied an application to set aside that order. ALL THE Court BAHAMAS Court of Appeal President Dame Joan IN ONE Sawyer noted, firstly, that the court was con- cerned with the procedural process, as Mr OK! Jones who was a principal protagonist in the LESTER TURNQUEST BO matter was now dead. Jones, 55, a UK citizen 38 pages! who had permanent residence in the the court. Dame Joan subsequently sug- 7 Bahamas, died in May after being shot in gested that Mr Turnquest withdraw the the head in late April outside his office near application and continue with the matter Gambier Village. So far no one has been currently in the Supreme Court. Mr Turn- charged with his killing. quest then sought leave to withdraw the Attorney Christopher Jenkins, who application which was dismissed by the appeared on behalf of the Britannia Invest- appellate court. President of the Court of Features • History • Culture • Family Islands ment Group, told the court that the appli- Appeal, Dame Joan Sawyer, with Justices cation by Mr Turnquest did not include an Hartman Longley and Stanley John heard Freeport • Business • Finance • Government application for an extension of time as he the matter. was out of time in relation to both appeals of Earlier this month, former MP Turnquest the orders dated September 21, 2007 and was arrested and questioned by police over Blue Pages Information Section February 18, 2008. allegations of forgery dating back to 2007. In light of this Dame Joan noted that Mr Turnquest maintains his innocence in there was no viable or proper appeal before the case. The perfect gift for Man’s convictions of sex everyone on your list! with young girls are upheld BAHAMAS HANDBOOK By NATARIO McKENZIE clarity. believe you me, God knows Tribune Staff Reporters Justice John further noted that too,” President of the PO Box N-7513, Nassau, The Bahamas [email protected] that the trial judge had Court of Appeal Dame Joan pointed out to the jury on said. Tel: (242) 323-5665 THE COURT of Appeal more than one occasion that Deputy director of Public yesterday upheld the con- there was no corroboration Prosecutions Cheryl Grant- victions and sentences of a between the medical evi- Bethel along with Stephanie 59-year-old man who was dence and the testimony of Pintard appeared for the AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES & NEWSSTANDS found guilty last October of the young girls. prosecution yesterday. BAHAMAS HANDBOOK, DUPUCH PUBLICATIONS and the “D” device are registered trademarks of Etienne Dupuch Jr Publications Limited. having sex with two young The medical evidence girls. included the fact that no Leonard Rolle, 59, of Fox semen was found on the vic- Hill was found guilty of hav- tims, however a doctor ing unlawful intercourse explained that semen would with the victims, ages nine not be present in all such and 11, on October 23, 2008 cases. following a trial before Act- Justice John noted that ing Justice Elliot Lockhart. under the law, only the He was sentenced to 14 slightest penetration is years imprisonment – two required for commission of consecutive seven year the offence in question. 25% Off terms. He also noted that the According to evidence prosecution’s case was that produced at the trial, on the incidents involving the November 26, 2004, Rolle two girls took place on the went to the home of the two same date and at the same New Arrivals girls while their mother was time and place. In light of at work and forcibly had sex this, the submission that the with them. judge had failed to treat the Fashion Under oath, Rolle admit- charges against the appel- On Ladies ted that he had been at the lant separately could not be house but denied entering successfully advanced, the Finds $10.00 the building and having sex justice said. Clothing with the girls. Rolle, who has always His legal counsel submit- denied committing the And up ted three grounds of appeal offences, told the court yes- related to the actions of the terday, “God knows I never Harbour Bay judge at the trial and the been in that house and rape directions he had given to them girls. My last child is as Extra 5% off for Privilege Cards & Corporate Partners the jury. It was argued that old as the last girl.” the judge had not given spe- “If you didn’t do it, cific directions to the jury on the issue of corroborating evidence; that the judge failed to warn the jury to take into consideration the ages of the girls when the incident occurred, not with- standing their ages when they gave sworn evidence at the trial; and that the judge had failed to treat the charges against Rolle sepa- rately. Announcing the decision of the appellate court yes- terday, Justice Stanley John said the court was of the view that the trial judge, while giving directions to the jury on the issue of corrob- orating evidence, had done so with the utmost care and

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PAGE 6, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS Mitchell attacks govt over ‘foolish decision’ to curb internet access Call for lifting of restriction at ministries OPPOSITION spokesman ers and the public for access on foreign affairs and the pub- to the government’s system. lic service Fred Mitchell is The answer then was for the calling on government to government to invest in revisit its “foolish decision” increasing capacity not to restrict internet access restricting use. That is still the across the board at all gov- likely answer,” Mr Mitchell ernment ministries. said. In a statement issued to the The former minister said media yesterday, Mr Mitchell the internet restriction policy said the decision reminded is typical of the actions of him of when upon being well-meaning but sometimes appointed minister in charge “insensitive” bureaucrats who of the Public Service under make decisions without ref- the last PLP government, he erence to those who actually arrived at his office to find work in the system. that internet access had been “This is the blunt instru- blocked on his own computer. FRED MITCHELL ment of restrictions instead “When I asked the perma- of investing in more capaci- nent secretary about this, she ty. informed me that the Ministry “Then they have ministers of Finance had arrogated unto “The government has it itself the authority to simply backwards. trot out senseless statements restrict access on grounds sim- about efficiency, when it has ilar to those espoused by the Experts nothing at all to do with effi- Minister (of State for Finance, ciency. Zhivargo Laing) in the unfor- “The experts who came to “Employees now have to tunate defence in today’s me when I was minister for go home to use the internet. press. the Public Service from the “Sometimes the govern- “Needless to say, I asked Inter American Development ment’s system is down for for it to be reversed forthwith. Bank on Public Sector hours at a time or takes min- I am therefore surprised that Reform told me that the utes to download simple this matter is being brought problem with the govern- material or government work- up again. ment’s system was not abuse ers cannot access their gov- “The minister argues that of the system, but the fact that ernment e-mail address. this makes the government the platform that they were “The fact is, e-government more efficient but there is no using did not have sufficient is a failure in the Bahamas empirical evidence to suggest capacity to meet the demands and the minister should revis- that it does. made by government work- it this matter because it will now make the government’s work more difficult to do, as one attorney in the Attorney /$6 7,(1'$6 General’s office has already &+5,670$66$/( indicated to The Nassau 1RY'LVFRXQW1RY'LVFRXQW Guardian. 'XULQJ'HFHPEHU'LVFRXQW'HFHPEHU “Other public servants are 0HQ·VJROGULQJVIURP /DGLHV·JROGULQJVIURP complaining about this and %DELHV·JROGULQJVIURP *ROGKDQGFKDLQVIURP their voices need to be heard. *ROGDQNOHWVIURP *ROGHDUULQJVIURP Instead of the government *ROGFKDUPVIURP *ROGFKDLQVIURP being bloody minded about :HDOVRFDUU\VLOYHUSHDUOVDQGVWDLQOHVVMHZHOU\ this, they ought to reverse ,17(51$7,21$/%$=$$5$5&$'(%$<67 course. “In the end, the public is 7(/ going to suffer,” he said.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS Ministry criticised for helping to launch British filmmakers’ careers ahead of Bahamians

By MEGAN REYNOLDS carpet event in March 2010. creating a documentary have done a disservice to Tribune Staff Reporter But the initiative has about the 14 Islands Film Bahamians; we didn’t even [email protected] insulted Bahamian film- Challenge from his per- have a chance. maker Celi Moss who would spective as a Bahamian “If the government are A BAHAMIAN filmmak- like to see aspiring Bahami- filmmaker with more than going to spend this kind of er has hit out at the Ministry an filmmakers given the 10 years experience. money to launch somebody’s of Tourism over its initiative same opportunity being career, we feel it should be to help launch the careers of offered to foreigners. Bahamians they are helping. amateur British filmmakers – Bahamas Film Festival Challenge “It’s shameful, it’s almost accusing the ministry of founder and director Mr treasonous, the mindset just overlooking Bahamian hope- Moss attributes the exclu- The documentary will has to change, it seems they fuls. sion of Bahamians from the challenge the government’s don’t see the big picture. The 14 Islands Film competition to a negative attitude towards Bahamian “But if they’re going to Challenge invites 14 British mindset towards locals. artists as the camera follows launch other people’s careers filmmakers to showcase 14 He said: “We are always Mr Moss and his supporters over ours we are going to use Bahamian islands in looking for other persons to on peaceful protests, and to the opportunity to our movies intended to pro- promote our country for us the BAFTAs for the British advantage.” mote the unique character rather than using Bahami- film premiere. Minister of Tourism Vin- of each island and illustrate an people. Mr Moss, whose repertoire cent Vanderpool-Wallace the diversity of the “We have a lot of talent of films includes My Old did not return calls for com- Bahamas. here, and we don’t expect Man, Survivor and Balls ment before press time yes- Alley, said: “In their haste to But Bahamians are only the government to finance terday. BAHAMIAN filmmaker Celi Moss invited to act as envoys in our films, but at the same promote the Bahamas they the islands, showing the film- time we don’t expect them makers hidden treasures of to launch other people’s each location and assisting careers. with production over 14 “Bahamians are being days. overlooked as part of our overall mindset, and that has to change. Winners “Movies are a multi-mil- lion dollar industry, and if Leading British director somebody had some sense Bharat Nalluri and deputy we could be creating our director general of the own Tyler Perrys, and more Bahamas Tourist Office in Sidney Poitiers. London Tommy Thompson “Rather than always will choose the winners of a looking for people to come £14,000 prize, state-of-the- in to promote us, we could art camera equipment and have global Bahamian an invitation to have their ambassadors across the film premiered at the British world.” Academy of Film and Tele- In response to the missed vision Arts (BAFTA) red opportunity, Mr Moss is

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PAGE 8, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS Women living with disability continue to fight for equality FIGHTING GENDER BIAS: Iris Adderley,

S consultant I B

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BAHAMIAN women have mal person’s body. We may been reminded that as they cel- have a limp or our hands may ebrate 47 years of having the not be formed properly and vote, they must not forget dis- those things make us not attrac- abled women and their ongoing tive to the public,” she fight for equality. explained. Iris Adderley, a consultant Meanwhile, the government with the government’s Disabil- says it is “working towards facil- ity Affairs Unit, said all women itating the needs of persons in the Bahamas continue to be with disabilities”. confronted with gender biases, In the 2010 census, the but disabled women face addi- Department of Statistics will tional problems as well – for the first time be asking including a higher likelihood of questions aimed at helping cre- becoming a victim of sexual ate support services and pro- assault or violence. grammes for persons with dis- “What is it that women with abilities. disabilities want? We want the The data will give the gov- freedom and the right to par- ernment a better picture of the ticipate fully and to be included prevalence of certain disabili- in every facet of our society’s ties and help answer certain economic, political, religious, questions such as: cultural and social life,” she • The average age range of said. “We want accessible and persons with disabilities affordable housing, we want the • Whether more men or proper support services for our women suffer from disabilities various disabilities, we want to • The types of disabilities be able to access the educa- men and women are more like- tional system, we want to be ly to have respectively able to be employed as well as The census should also help have a social life including the authorities establish the aver- right to enter into relation- age education level of persons ships.” with disabilities, their salaries, According to global statis- whether they are married, sin- tics, Ms Adderley said, girls liv- gle or divorced, and whether ing with a disability are twice they were born with a disability as likely to be sexually assault- or became disabled later in life. ed as other women, more like- Ms Adderley said: “The sta- ly to be victims of violence and tistics will stop us from guessing more likely to feel they must and it will also help us interna- keep silent about such attacks. tionally because there are In the Bahamas, women who things we will be able to be have a disability also must fight qualified for that we may not to be respected for their minds, be now, she said. she added. “A lot of times when you ask “A lot of women with dis- international organisations for abilities do not have ‘the look’. help the first thing they say is Our disabilities may have our what are your stats, and guess- bodies not shaped like a nor- ing does not work with them.”

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 9 LOCAL NEWS FILM TO BE SHOWN AT 7 PM AT THE HUB, ADMISSION $15 PER PERSON Saturday encore screening of Show

TOBY LUNN, one of the participating artists. In this file photo he stands Me Yours (Nassau) before one of his pieces.

The encore screening of call 322- 4333 or visit Show Me Yours (Nassau) Screening information www.thehubbahamas.org. will take place at 7pm on The Hub is a collabora- Saturday, November 28 at For more information tive space where ideas and The Hub. on the screening, e-mail, resources are shared across The film features original [email protected], disciplines, particularly but video footage with audio call 322- 4333 or visit not exclusively the arts. documentation of the live www.thehubbahamas.org. The collective includes performance. artists, performers, groups If you listen closely you and individuals concerned can even hear the audience with the environment and join in. those who support the cre- Admission to this screen- Artists ation of a greater sense of ing is $15 per person and community. includes a complimentary Some of the participating The Hub is home to a glass of wine. Space is limit- artists included: John Alfred range of activities and ed. Thompson, Margot Bethel, shows, including original art; Show Me Yours (Nassau) Toby Lunn, Obediah films; lectures, discussions was presented by The Hub Michael Smith, Kareem and demonstrations; work- and Popopstudios Centre Mortimer, Michael shops; dance; live music; the- for the Visual Arts. Edwards, Sue Bennett- atre; poetry readings; a Williams, Nadia Campbell, junkanoo shack; and serves Canadian John Cox and Nadine as a gathering place for Thomas-Brown. forming alliances and net- In March 2009, Canadian For more information on working with open- and like- video artist Christina Zei- the screening, e-mail, minded groups and individ- dler collaborated with 57 [email protected], uals. Bahamian artists in their “favourite” or “secret” spot in Nassau. Together they created one minute of video at each loca- tion. Ms Zeidler then edited the segments together to make a 57-minute video. The video was screened in Rawson Square, Nassau on March 27 as a part of the opening event for the fifth Transforming Spaces week- end. The screening featured a live band creating an impro- vised “soundscape” to the images. The band comprised of local professional musicians, who came together specifi- cally for this performance. Some of the artists joined their video on stage to add to the live performance.

Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.

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Share your news PAGE 10, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a College of the Bahamas good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 lecturers ‘back strike vote’ and share your story. FROM page one now coming to an end in December fighting for a pension plan and to and so imagine if it is taking us this keep their existing healthcare plan. long, how long it’s going to take The union is also fighting against: the strike while 19 voted against. them. Bad faith bargaining on the part of Union President Jennifer Isaacs- "The middle managers are in nego- COB; the required PhD for tenure; Dotson told the media that it was tiations with the college and they are that study leave will not be available difficult getting COB officials to the not getting anywhere either. to Bahamians on contract; non-fac- negotiating table in February and “So it appears that the college is ulty status for librarians, counselors even harder to agree on terms of deliberately stalling to sign any doc- and researchers; arbitrary promo- their contract — which expired in uments with any of the unions at the tions process; changing of the criteria June 30, 2008. college," Ms Dotson told a local dai- and qualifications for promotions; Earlier this month she outlined the ly. outstanding promotion exercises for union's dilemma to the media. The union has been in protracted 2007-2008 and 2008-2009; refusal to "We need to have our terms and negotiations with COB since Febru- fix the promotions process outside conditions signed. ary, 2009 and has filed a number of of a final document; and failure to “The administration of the college general trade disputes. pay the number of agreed upon just got its two-year contract signed. To date the union has signed only increments to those promoted and Why are you now putting the faculty one clause which covers union dues. returning home with advanced through this? The staff’s contract is Among other things, the union is degrees. Wilchcombe appointed leader of Opposition Business in the House

FROM page one ly undertaking a series of far-reaching administrative In a telephone interview and operational changes with The Tribune moments involving the assignment of after Mr Christie made the additional responsibilities, appointment official, Mr especially to its new Deputy Wilchcombe said that he Leader, Philip Davis who was honoured to lead the has already taken up the key PLP’s team in shaping the responsibility for the co- debate in the House of ordination of the party’s Assembly. preparations for the next “I think it is a significant General Elections. appointment,” Mr Wilch- Echoing these sentiments, combe said, “and I am hon- Mr Wilchcombe said he will oured to have been asked to be working to bring the best serve and I plan to do so, out of each member within respecting the traditions and the party. also building upon the work “I think it was what Mr Christie has demonstrated that has been done by my PERRY CHRISTIE DR BERNARD NOTTAGE predecessors, particularly Dr that the party has many Bernard Nottage who led us players and in order to form very effectively during the tage’s best efforts Mr Grant’s Town Dr Bernard a team and in order to win last two and a half years.” Christie was able to again Nottage who resigned the elections you must use all Speaking of Dr Nottage, win the leadership of the said post in October of this the players that you have. Mr Christie in his statement party in a convincing show- year. My job is to help in strength- released to the media, ing. “Now that Mr. Wilch- ening our unity. Yes, we thanked the former Leader “I have today informed combe has been appointed, I came out of a convention of Opposition Business for Alvin Smith, the Speaker of have every confidence that but I think for the most part his able and “diligent” work. the House of Assembly that the high standard set by his the example that I set was Dr Nottage resigned from I have appointed the Mem- predecessor will continue to listen, the convention is over the post last month and chal- ber for West End and Bimi- be met as the Opposition we are beyond that, now is lenged Mr Christie for the ni, Obie Wilchcombe, as the goes about its important the time to build and orga- leadership of the party at the new leader of opposition work in the House of nize our party for the next PLP’s 51st National Con- business in the House of Assembly,” Mr Christie said. election. vention in November. Assembly in place of the The PLP leader also not- “And that is what we are However, despite Dr Not- Member for Bain and ed that the party is present- going to do.” Court of Appeal FROM page one

ment of $483,271.17. The Appeal court reduced the award to $115,850. Justices Dame Joan Sawyer, Osadebay and Longley agreed that the appeal should be allowed in part, but the awards made by the Registrar for past loss of earnings and future loss of earnings be set aside. The award of $50,000 for exemplary damages was confirmed and accordingly the sum of $34,450 was substituted for past loss of earnings and $31,400 for future losses with a total award of $115,850. The Tribune apologises for Ms Grant’s statement that an appeal hearing in her case was still pending. Firefighters FROM page one is the contamination of the water that they are exposed to, and the level of rodents in the area in which they work. “There are also some salary issues that need to be addressed.” Mr Pinder added that some of the employees who were transferred from the Department of Civil Aviation to the Airport Authority are also frustrated that the gov- ernment is “trying to force them to pay into a contribu- tory pension plan when their terms and conditions said they’d have no lesser condi- tions than other civil ser- vants.” Mr Pinder said that the fire- fighters remain disgruntled about unresolved issues but are mindful that the airport is particularly busy at this time and they do not want to dis- rupt services there. “They thought they’d bet- ter do something to draw some attention to what was going on,” he explained.

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WEATHER TINGS TOUGH McDOUBLE FOR $3.79 ANY TIME...ANY PLACE, WE’RE #1 HIGH 84F The Tribune LOW 74F CLOUDS AND C M SUNSHINE BAHAMAS EDITION C M Y K www.tribune242.com Y K Volume: 106 No.1 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25) Dream trip to CARS FOR SALE, Dennis Darling S E E T D D eager for BAAA I I HELP WANTED AND R S Lucayan S

PAGE 12, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 O THE TRIBUNE N N election results P I I Harbour REAL ESTATE S LOCALSEE NEWS PAGE TWO BAHAMAS BIGGEST SEE PAGE NINE FROM page one Mrs Ashfield said she has no plans Womanto return left to The Bahamas. Man released Assistant Commissioner Raymond cerned about what happened and are ‘traumatised’ robbed at gunpoint. Gibson, who heads the Crime Divi- giving in information." sion, said he watched a portion of No one else has been arrested sub- Police said a Bahamian woman by long wait was gun-butted to the head during Mr Koens' video and called the crit- sequent to the person's release. Mr tourists in for icismjustice "unfair". the attack adding that no shots were Moss would not reveal why the per- He said: "It's totally unfair because fired during the incident. BY AVA TURNQUEST son was released from custody but all of the information he claimed that However, this was disputed by A WOMAN who was said police "hope to soon" make fur- allegedly brutally beaten many of the disgruntled victims, by policewe more thandidn't 20 get from him I can say ther arrests in the case. years ago says she is strug- whose stories spread like wildfire on gling to maintainwithout her sani- a doubt that the information On Wednesday, police confirmed ty as a date for the appeal Internet blogs. to her case,was which she wonobtained — phone contacts, that a person closely associated with in 2005, has yet to be set. Royal Caribbean International Beryl Grantemail told The contacts — we have all the Caribbean Segway Tours — the local shotgun terror Tribune of the daily trials she enduresinformation to secure basic we need. cruise line passenger Ad Koens, from necessities for her family, company who facilitated the tour for and of her desperation"I think for the investigating officers Holland, spoke out about the hor- closure to the struggle for the tourists — had been assisting justice thatdid has leftan her exceptional job. They carried ror he endured in a video posted to Minister mentally and physically them with their investigations. traumatised. the website You Tube. MAN FACES STRING OF RAPE CHARGES The formerout hairbraider their duties in a professional Around 12.15pm on Friday, a THE TRIBUNE reported on the story last Saturday. was involved in an alterca- He highlighed what he claimed tion with mannerpolice constable and I think the assertions group of cruise passengers were on a tells of Roy Cooper in January was the incompetence of the 1988, throughmade which it wasare totally unfair. Segway tour of BASH's Earth Vil- calm her anxiety from the attack. pointed the gun at me and told me toalleged that Ms Grant was assaulted and "Iwrongfully don't know why he felt like that Bahamian police in the aftermath of hTheis 62-year-old ‘grave retired public ser- get down b****. The gun was thenimprisoned. lage when two armed gunmen Ms Grantbut explained it that is normal practice to go the event and gave the RBPF a rat- vant from Northern Ireland first discharged in the ground beside myin the years since the approached. details ofthrough her case were investigations in a thorough ing of zero to one in terms of the thought the two bandits were actors body. I don't know if he was a poorannounced, and the pub- The men tied up the Bahamian concern’ lic made awaremanner. of how her We got the representatives active investigation. in a Bahamian pirate themed skit. shooter or just trying to scare me. case has languished in the tour guide with the first group and Bahamas legal system, she Charlotte Ashfield, another Royal has amassedfrom a huge the US Embassy, they were ordered the passengers to the ground However, reality set in when she was "I was, and still am, traumatised.amount of debt — the Caribbean passenger, told The Tri- amount steadilypresent climbing as well after the robbery, before robbing them of money, pass- dragged from her Segway, pushed The loss of material items are unim-as she awaits the appeal. Due toalso financial Ministrycon- of Tourism officials. bune the incident has left her scarred. into a ditch and cursed at by the portant when we realise there couldstraints, Ms Grant began ports, cell phones, credit cards and renting fromSo her it lawyer was a collective effort," he She sought medical care upon her shotgun-toting robbers, she claimed. so easily have been loss of life," sheunder special agreement personal items. A second group of that the rentadded. would be paid return home and is on medication to "I looked up at one stage and he said. once she was compensat- visitors approached and were also ed. Ms Grant said, though only a fraction of her accu- mulated debt, at the end of this year, she will have /HJDO1RWLFH /HJDO 1RWLFH SEE/HJDO1RWLFH page six

Tim Clarke/Tribune staff 127,&( GRAVE CONCERN: National Security Minister Man127,&( stabbed Tommy Turnquest at1 the press27,&( conference. BY TANEKA THOMPSON to death after 35(0,80(/,7(6,1& TWO men wielding shotguns robbed 18 1289($89(1785(6,1& tourists who were on an eco-tour yesterday. The7 brutal2 thugs5 also gun-butted5, 1a Bahami-*721 argument ,Q9ROXQWDU\/LTXLGDWLRQ an woman during the robbery, however her ,Q9ROXQWDU\/LTXLGDWLRQ injuries are not life-threatening. She was the only one hurt during the hold-up. By TANEKA The visitors, who were passengers on the THOMPSON 0$1Disney$ and* Royal( Caribbean0 cruise( lines,1 were7 /,0,7(' Tribune Staff Reporter part of two separate groups touring the [email protected] Bahamas Association for Social Health’s (BASH) Earth Village in the former Perpall A VIOLENT argument Tract Wellfield area when they were attacked between two men left one at about 1pm. dead from fatal stab 1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW WKH DERYHQDPHG The men tied up the Bahamian tour guide 1RWLFH LV KHUHE\wounds, JLYHQ say police. WKDW WKH DERYHQDPHG with the first group and ordered them to the Officers were informed 1RWLFH LV KHUHgroundE\ beforeJLY robbingHQ W themKD ofW money,LQ D pass-FFRUGDQFH ZLWK 6HFWLRQ  of the stabbing incident in &RPSDQ\LVLQGLVVROXWLRQZKLFKFRPPHQFHGRQ ports, cell phones, credit cards and personal &RPSDQ\LVLQGLVVROXWLRQZKLFKFRPPHQFHGRQGregory Town, Eleuthera, items. at around 11.22pm on During the robbery, a second group of visi- Thursday.  RI WKH ,QWtorsHU QapproachedDWLRQ andD Owere% alsoXV heldLQ up.H VV &RPSDQLHV $FW  WKH WKHWKGD\RI1RYHPEHUIt is alleged that two 7KH/LTXLGDWRU WKHWKGD\RI1RYHPEHU 7KH/LTXLGDWRU National Security Minister Tommy Turn- men got into an alterca- quest, flanked by Commissioner of Police Regi- PHOTO: Tim Clarke/Tribune staff tion, which resulted in one nald Ferguson, several senior police officers CHARGED: Bradley Ellis, 40, appeared in Magistrate Court yesterday chargedL withV a string$UJRVD&RUS,QF32%R[11DVVDX of rapes and other offences. of them being stabbed LV $UJRVD&RUS,QF32%R[11DVVDX GLVVROXWLRQ RIand 7Ministry25 of Tourism5,1 officials,*7 ordered21 an0$1$*(0(17 /,0 about the body. impromptu press conference at police head- By ALISON LOWE girls. The crimes are said to have Carolita Bethel remanded him to Police press officer quarters last night. Tribune Staff Reporter been committed on nine different prison and told him to return to Sergeant Chrislyn Skip- %DKDPDV Mr Turnquest told reporters the incident [email protected] days between October 16, 2009,%DKDPDVcourt on Monday, November 23, pings said: “The male died was one of grave concern. and last Tuesday, November 17. for a trial date. as a result of the injuries ,7(' KDV EHH“TheQ F lastR thingPS thatOH weW HwantG to Dhappen&H is UtoWLÀFA DMANWH appearedRI ' inL VcourtVR yes-OXWLROnQ oneK DnightV alone, Bradley Speaking up in his defence, Ellis, received. Police are inves- have our tourist destination marred by these terday charged with a string of Ellis, 40, was accused of raping and 40, of Hospital Lane, Nassau, tigating." thugs,” he said. rapes, the indecent assault of a robbing one woman of $13 before claimed police beat him while in The identity of the vic- The Minister said every available police unit child, and numerous armed rob- going on to rob three other women custody and that he was “forced to tim has not been released. EHHQ LVVXHG DwasQG beingWK utilisiedH & toR trackP SdownDQ the\ suspects.KDV WKberiesHU andHI burglaries.RUH EHHQ VWUXandF aN man.RII sign” certain things. Police are questioning a SEE page six In all but one of the 23 charges, After arraigning Ellis in court SEE page six man in his mid-twenties. WKH 5HJLVWHU the alleged victims were women or number eight yesterday, Magistrate NASSAU AND BAHAMA ISLANDS’ LEADING NEWSPAPER

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TRIBUNE SPORTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 13 Magic win in overtimeSPORTS thriller

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter [email protected]

WITH one of their leading scorers sidelined, the Magic have managed to string together consecutive wins, with yesterday's win an indi- cation of the their legit poten- tial as a playoff threat. The Magic overcame a 16-5 halftime deficit behind a relentless full-court trap and clutch baskets by Marcalene St Jean shocked the Cobras in an overtime thriller. St. Jean poured in a game high 21 points and accounted for 60 percent of her team's offensive output to lead the gutsy comeback effort. In the first half, the Magic f

relied on St. Jean to score four f a of their five points and had t s

trouble making plays in the e n half-court set. In an attempt u b i to keep pace with the Cobras r T / fastbreak, the Magic ended r o the half with several despera- j a

tion three pointers which fell M

short. é p i Cobras point guard Ter- St Jean drives to the basket. l MARCELENE e ranique Rodgers looked F unstoppable in the open floor and the Magic defence had no answer for her saavy ballhan- dling up the floor and pene- tration in the lane. The second half became a complete turnaround as GHS opened with a stifling fullcourt FELICIA Woodside moves around the defence. trap geared to take the ball out of Rodgers' hands and force the Cobras supporting cast to make plays. The trap forced a 12-2 run as the Cobras turned the ball over on several consecutive possessions trying to force the ball to Rodgers. St. Jean sparked the run when she made four of six free throws from the line and scored a pair of layups to get the Magic back into the game. Nakythra Gilcud's jumper brought the Magic within one, 18-17, before Paula Greene ended the run for the Cobras to keep them ahead. After a St. Jean free throw, Elizabeth Gar- diner tied the game at 20 on a rebound and putback with 9:03 left to play. Gardiner used her size to her full advantage inside and scored the go ahead basket on CC SWEETING Jaynell Cox holds on to the ball the ensuing possession. The final few minutes of the game featured several ties and lead changes as both teams fought for a late game advantage. Lashanae Green tied the game at 22 for the Cobras, before Gilcud again put the Magic ahead. Green again tied the game with a layup, however fouled out on the next play. The Cobras regained the lead on a basket by Rodgers with 1:36 remaining, and Paula Greene came up with a steal and breakaway layup to put her team ahead by four with under one minute left to play. Gardiner scored again for the Magic to bring them with two, 28-26 with 42 seconds remaining. After Greene missed a pair of free throws, GHS missed five shot oppor- tunities to tie the game before St. Jean tied the game with a driving layup with just five seconds left to play to force overtime. St. Jean scored the first basket of the extra period before Rodgers scored to tie the game early on. Lashanta Deveaux broke the 30 all tie with her steal and breakaway layup . Deveaux scored two plays later to give the Magic a 3 pt lead with 14 seconds left to play raining. Rodgers had an opportuni- ty to the tie the game as she was fouled on a successful dri- ve to the basket, but missed the free throw for a possible three point play. St. Jean was the lone Magic player in double figures while Gardiner finished with six and Deveaux added four. Rodgers led the Cobras with 12 while Jaynell Cox fin- ished with seven.

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PAGE 14, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 TRIBUNE SPORTS

SPORTS Sports notes cont’d New BAAA board will ‘take FROM page 15 onship series. The Electro Telecom Cybots, who went on to win the league championship last year, will track and field to the next level’ play their divisional arch-rivals Sunshine Auto Ruff Ryders in the feature contest. In the opener, the BG Stars will play the B Reddie. Wednesday night, the league played a double header with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force coming from behind to defeat the College of the Bahamas Caribs 88-87. Stephen Rolle led the Defence Force with 33 points shooting 13-for-17 from the field. Andre Newbold helpedo out with 23 points. In a losing effort, Garvin Lightbourne led COB with a game high 43 points, shoot- ing 17-26 from the field. The other game played was almost an upset as last year’s runners-up Commonwealth Bank Giants took a command- ing 22-point lead in the first quarter and had to hold on for their lives for a 96-95 nail-bit- ter. NEWLY elected officers of the By BRENT STUBBS they go through their three- helm after being ousted by Thompson and Foster The Giants needed a last BAAA met with Minister Ban- Senior Sports Reporter year tenure in office, Mike a vote of no confidence in Dorsett and Parents Associ- second field goal by Mark Han- nister yesterday. From left are na of an offensive rebound [email protected] Sands, elected for his third 2008, said they were told that ation founder Harrison Pet- from a missed free throw by statistician Bernard Newbold; term as president, said they the manifesto is only full of ty. Special Projects officer Linda Michael "Furley" Bain Jr to are all eager to get down to promises, but he said they In accepting the docu- seal the deal. Thompson; assistant treasurer LESS then one week after the task at hand. are satisfied that it is the road ments, Bannister congratu- Debbie Smith; secretary gen- they were returned to office, Bain scored a side high 24 “This team developed a map for their success. lated the executives for the point on 6-10 from the field to eral Timothy Munnings; Minis- the newly elected executive vision that we feel and is sat- Joining Sands were first deep commitment they have ter Bannister; BAAA’s presi- board of the Bahamas Asso- lead the winners, while Adon isfied will take track and field vice president Sherwin Stu- all demonstrated to the sport. Charlow led all scores with 28 dent Mike Sands; first vice ciation of Athletic Associa- to the next level,” Sands aid. art; secretary general Timo- He noted that his ministry president Sherwin Stuart; trea- points in a losing effort. tions paid a courtesy call on “We’re very enthused about thy Munnings, treasurer Lau- followed the elections very surer Laura Pratt-Charlton; Minister of Youth, Sports it and we’ve been meeting ra Pratt-Charlton; assistant closely and he was pleased public relations officer Alpheus and Culture, Desmond Ban- SOCCER ‘Hawk’ Finlayson; Parents on a regular basis and we will treasurer Debbie Smith; pub- to see the transpirent demon- nister. contnue to meet until we are lic relations officer Alpheus cracy in both the campaign COB TRYOUTS Association founder Harrison In presenting a manifesto Petty; Special Projects officer satisfied that the plan is ‘Hawk’ Finlayson, statistician and the actual elections. • The College of The that they campaigned on and met.” Bernard Newbold, Special But Bannister advised the Foster Dorsett and Deputy they hope to be guided by as Bahamas women’s soccer Permanent Secretary Eugene. Sands, who is back at the Projects Officers Linda new executives that they team is searching for new tal- must go through the healing ent to infuse into its pro- process by ensuring that they gramme for the 2010 season. extend an olive branch to the All high school female soccer  persons on the opposing side. NOV RD DEC ST players are invited to attend an /OFF “The real test of your open try out session for COB’s democracy in the association women’s soccer team on Sat- is how well you embrace the urday at 3 p.m. at COB’s soc- Sale side that lost, how well you cer field. Family Island females pull them into the fold of the who are interested but cannot organisation because they all attend the soccer session are mean well for the sport,” he invited to contact the Athlet- said. ics Department at 302-4349 “If you in the process lose or email [email protected] some individuals that’s understandable. But if you SOCCER can bring a number of those persons into track and field YOUTH SOCCER and keep them in track and LEAGUE field, it will be very impor- • The Bahamas Football tant for the sport.” Association’s Youth Soccer As a founder president of League kicked off this past the BAAA. Bannister fur- weekend under the lights at ther advised the executives the newly inaugurated Roscow that there are some wounds AL Davies Soccer Field at the that need to be healed and Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. they have to ensure that The decision by the execu- everybody remains interest- tive committee to play the ed in the sport. Under-17 boys games on Fri- As one of the leading day night was done to accom- sporting bodies in the coun- modate a hectic schedule with the U-14 boys, U-14 girls and Sales & Full Service Department try, Bannister said the ALL GE APPLIANCES. CASH SALES ONLY! BAAA have a rich legecy U-17 girls all contesting their Rosetta & Montgomery Streets and some vibrant executives matches on Saturday at the (Excludes already tagged net items) 322-2188/9 who paved the way. Baillou Hills Sporting complex. He said the country is The opening night saw looking for that trend to con- defending champions Baha tinue. Juniors FC and Dynamos FC And as the association play to a 2-2 draw. look ahead, Bannister said In the second match, FC his ministry will work hand Nassau held off Cavalier FC 1- in hand with the BAAA to 0 after both teams squandered help the Bahamas in its quest many chances to score. to regain its supermacy in the Divisional play will contin- region in junior track and ue tonight with two more field. matches. At 6:00 pm, Baha Juniors will take on FC Nas- And he noted that with the sau and at 7:30 pm Bears FC new stadium being built by will open their season with a the Chinese Government match against Dynamos FC. expected to be completed by Both matches are anticipat- June-July 2011, the new ed to be exciting encounters. mondo track surface laid On Saturday, six matches in down on the Grand Bahama three divisions were played at Sports Complex and the sur- the two soccer fields in the face at the Carl Oliver Track BFA National Centre for Foot- in Andros has been repaved. ball Development. Bannister said when all of Two games were played in this is done, track and field the U-17 girls division with will continue to move for- Baha Juniors FC defeating ward with more than enough United FC 8-0 and Cavalier FC venues for additional meets and Insurance Management to be staged throughout the Bears FC played to a 1-1 draw. country. The U-14 girls lone match As time goes on, Bannister saw United FC defeat Lyford said more and more track Cay FC 4-3 in an exciting end and field facilities will either to end contest. be improved upon and con- In the U-14 boys division, structed to make sure that three games were played with the sport continue to be as all being virtual blowouts. vibrant as it is now. In the opening match, Baha Juniors FC defeated United FC 6-0, followed by Western War- riors 5-1 victory over Dynamos Share FC. The final match saw Insur- ance Management Bears FC your defeat Cavalier FC 10-2. Matches will continue this news coming Saturday with the fol- lowing schedule: The Tribune wants to U-17 Girls - 9:00 a.m. Unit- hear from people who are ed FC vs. Cavalier FC; 11:40 making news in their a.m. Insurance Management neighbourhoods. Perhaps Bears FC vs. Baha Juniors FC. you are raising funds for U-14 Girls - 10:20 am Cavalier FC vs. United FC. a good cause, U-14 Boys - 9 a.m. campaigning for Dynamos FC vs. United FC; improvements in the area 10:20 a.m. Western Warriors or have won an award. vs. Cavalier FC; 11:40 a.m. If so, call us on 322-1986 Insurance Management Bears and share your story. FC vs. Baha Juniors FC.

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THE TRIBUNE PAGE 15

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 INSIDE • Magic beat Cobras in overtime

SPORTSNOTES BASKETBALL Knowles, Bhupathi lose to nemesis PRIMARY SCHOOLS FINALS By BRENT STUBBS to come up with big shots to eventu- Senior Sports Reporter ally pull even at 3-3. Then in the sec- • THE New Providence Primary [email protected] ond set tie-breaker, leading 6-2, they Schools Sports Association will com- had another opportunity to force a plete its 2009 basketball tournament HAVING already clinched their deciding match tie-breaker, leading today at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. berth into the semifinal, Mark 6-2. The tournament is now down to the Knowles and Mahesh Bhupathi could- Nestor and Zimonjic, the Wimble- final four teams in both the girls and n’t muster up enough energy to hold don champions, were able to gallant- boys divisions. They will play in the off nemesis Daniel Nestor and Nenad ly fight back for a 9-8 deficit and they semifinals to determine who will Zimonjic. went on to take the match at 10-9 with advance to the finals. In their final match of Group A an aggressive serve and volley game. In the girls division, Yellow Elder round robin play at the Barclays ATP However, Nestor and Zimonjic can and Oakes Field both finished with World Tour Finals, Knowles and Bhu- only watch the rest of the tournament identical 5-0 win-loss records, while pathi dropped a 6-4, 7-6 (9) decision to and hope that American identical twin Columbus were third at 4-1 and Cen- Nestor and Zimonjic. brothers doesn’t go all the way and treville were fourth at 4-2. “It was an interesting match,” said win the title and knock them out of Starting at 10 a.m. today, Yellow Knowles in an interview with The Tri- the top spot in the standings. Elder will play Centreville and Colum- bune yesterday. “Having already won Meanwhile, Knowles and Bhupathi, bus will face Oakes Field. The two win- our group, it was a meaningless match. who only won one tournament for the ners will advance to the final and the “We played a very good match, but year, but were runners-up at both the losers will play for the consolation. after they broke us in the first set, Australian and US Open, are look- On the boys side, Stephen Dillet, they went on to win. In the second ing forward to eventually making it Albury Sayle and Centreville all ended set, we went to the tie breaker. But to Sunday’s final. up 5-0 and Oakes Field were 4-0. they got an early lead and we were They will have to wait until tonight In today’s semis, Stephen Dillet bat- never able to get back into the to see who their opponents will be, tles Oakes Field and Albury Sayle goes match.” coming out of Group B that is headed up against Centreville. The two win- Knowles said Nestor and Zimon- by the Bryans. Group B will play their ners will meet in the final and the two jic, the defending champions, played final matches today. losers will play for the consolation third without any pressure as they knew The semifinals is set for Saturday. place. that they were already eliminated “The funny thing about a tourna- Association public relations officer from the playoffs, having failed to win ment like this is we don’t know who Frank Johnson said the past four days any of their previous two matches. are opponents will be just yet,” of competition was very competitive But he noted that “anytime you Knowles said. “They will play the sec- and they are looking forward to the play a match, you go out to win. We ond place finishers, but we won’t final showdown today. just didn’t play as well as we did in our know until the final match is played On the first two days, 15 girls played first matches and that showed in the tomorrow (tonight). in the elimination segment. The last final results.” “But we’ve done our job so far. We two days, some 15 teams played in Canadian Nestor, a former partner won our group and we’re into the the boys segment. of Knowles and Zimonjic of Serbia semifinal. We are off to a great start. were the number one team in the But we want to win our next match BASKETBALL world and the top seeds in the tour- and get into the final. We feel good nament, which showcases the top and we’re playing at a high level. We NPBA UPDATE eight teams and singles players in the just lost a close match, but we just world. have to keep our focus going and • THE New Providence Basketball hopefully get to challenge for the Association will continue its regular Knowles and Bhupathi, the No.3 seeds, were broken at 3-2 in the first final.” season action tonight at the CI Gib- Sang Tan/AP Photo This is just the second year that son Gymnasium with a rematch of the set. In the second set, the Bahamian- Indian duo had a golden opportunity Knowles and Bhupathi have played Vince Ferguson Divisional Champi- INDIA'S Mahesh Bhupathi, left, talks to partner Bahamas' Mark Knowles during together and after failing to advance their ATP World Tour Finals tennis match against Canada's Daniel Nestor and Ser- to return the favour in the sixth game. But Nestor and Zimonjic were able out of the round robin last year, SEE page 14 bia's Nenad Zimonjic at the O2 Arena in London, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. they’re in the semis this year.

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PAGE 16, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS Why the Kirtland’s Warbler remains elusive

Article and Photographs their nests and lustily singing Eleuthera suggested that the time to find the elusive bird has by LIONEL LEVINE to attract a female to share the territory of each bird might be dropped out of sight to the nest and the mating experience. as little as some 50 feet by 50 ground. THERE may never have The mating song of the male feet or 2,500 square feet pro- In 1974 BE Radabaugh, a been more Kirtland’s Warblers Kirtland's Warbler is strong vided it contained the mixture well-known birder involved in the Bahamas than this winter and distinctive and will carry of trees and bushes and other- with the species in Michigan, but they will remain as diffi- for up to a quarter of a mile. wise the habitat that the bird set out on an odyssey to find a cult to find as ever. Accordingly in June in Michi- thought could sustain it until Kirtland’s Warbler in the If you have seen Paul Dean gan at the height of this vocal the following April. Bahama archipelago. Over a or me in the few days you outbidding for mates they On that basis the Madeira period of two winters he put in might be forgiven for thinking count the number of the Road colony overall appeared 800 actual birding hours on 11 we were hovercraft floating singing males and roughly dou- to cover roughly an acre of Islands and his success was lim- above ground without means ble that number to arrive at the land that might have accom- ited to seeing one Kirtland’s of locomotion. number of adult Kirtland’s modated say some 15 individ- Warbler in the Turks and The reason is that last week Warblers. It seems they do not ual birds although we never Caicos. we made a further sighting of a allow for the juveniles too saw or heard that number. This Christmas I am spend- Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica young to mate and the males On that basis, if individual ing a day on my first visit to kirtlandii) here in New Provi- who do not find a mate. birds occupied individual ter- the Turks and Caicos and I will dence. The latest figure I have seen ritories of some 2,500 square attempt to find someone who The Bachman’s Warbler published is that there are now feet provided the habitat was remembers where the Kirt- (Vermivora bachmanii) has some 5,000 Kirtland’s War- acceptable the 5,000 Kirtland’s land’s Warbler was seen or long been assumed to be DIFFICULT TO FIND: the Kirtland’s Warbler blers. This it seems is double Warblers in the Bahamas might even if the doughty Mr Rad- extinct, and that leaves the Warbler, a male. He was Another problem was that the number of birds counted be making their habitat for the abaugh is remembered. Kirtland’s Warbler the rarest responsible for the subsequent Cowbirds were engaged in egg only some three or four years winter in territories which in The concept that all the Kirt- wood warbler in the United first sightings of three Kirt- predation – cuckoo style – lay- ago and a multiple of the num- aggregate might occupy only land’s Warblers in the States and in the Bahamas. land’s Warblers on Madeira ing their eggs in the Kirtland’s ber of birds before that. Ignor- some 285 acres of dense cop- Bahamas may be making their Rarity in birds can mean dif- Road, South Eleuthera on Warbler nests causing the loss ing the first year birds which pice. wintering habitat in no more ferent things. I wrote earlier in March 9, 2002 and the first of Warbler young from that migrate to the Bahamas with That would not be contigu- that what amounts in aggregate the year about the unique sighting of a Kirtland’s War- clutch. the adult birds and after allow- ous acreage. The colonies to under 300 acres of suitable sighting here of the Iceland bler in New Providence in this So the propagation of the ing for the birds that did not might be small consisting of land or even a multiple of that Gull. The Iceland Gull is not location on February 4, 2006. young Jack Pines had to be complete the migration or one or two warblers seemingly acreage now seems likely and it a rare bird in the North As a result of these sightings accompanied by a programme reach the Bahamas, this con- as in Abaco and New Provi- makes looking for a Kirtland’s Atlantic but it not known to and the investigations under- to trap the Cowbirds before jecturally suggests that at least dence or sizeable like the one Warbler in the Bahamas or have travelled this far south taken, a likely inference can be they could lay their eggs in the some 5,000 Kirtland’s Warblers in Madeira Road, Eleuthera. more strictly looking for a new before. In the Bahamas the gull made about the Kirtland’s Kirtland’s Warbler nests. are presently spending the cur- colony the equivalent of look- is well beyond its known range Warbler’s behaviour in its win- Just as the Kirtland’s War- rent winter season 2009/2010 Sightings ing for a needle in the and is called a “vagrant”. I dis- ter home, the Bahamas. bler has a very specific nesting in the Bahamas. haystack.. like that term because it has a If there are some 5,000 of It would certainly explain the Before I go into the bird’s location and habitat so its win- What now appears to be the pejorative connotation not behaviour in the Bahamas, let ter migration is equally defined the species here it might be inability to find additional birds deserved merely because we thought that it should not case from the Eleuthera and except in the exact location of me explain something about and takes the species almost New Providence sightings and first saw the Iceland Gull steal- the species generally. exclusively to the Bahamas and remain a rare event to find one previous sightings or very close ing conch from the Laughing of these birds occasionally in observations is that no matter by. no further for its wintering how small the colony, unless Gulls on Arawak Cay. quarters. Apart from a few the Bahamas on a day’s birding I do not have space in this A confirmed sighting of the in the canopy of trees or in the birds are sufficiently article to explain our previous Endangered sightings in the Turks and harassed or disturbed, a tradi- Kirtland’s Warbler in the Caicos and Hispaniola the bird bushes foraging say with the sightings and observations in Bahamas is a notable event. The Kirtland’s Warbler is an Prairie and Cape May War- tional colony will be occupied the last 10 years which bring is found only in the Islands of year after year. Human fallibility requires such endangered species and was, the Bahamas. blers. me to make the inferences I do a sighting to be confirmed by no doubt, also en route to But that assumes that the Established colonies from in the article. The programmes for refor- which the birds do not stray the presence of a second expe- extinction when expensive pro- estation of the Jack Pine and Kirtland’s Warbler behaves In the meantime, I submit rienced birder or by the evi- grammes were introduced to like those other migrating war- may be on islands and cays photographs of the bird seen control of the Cowbirds have with no or little human habi- dence of a photograph from reverse the low rate for suc- proved highly successful. The blers here. Our observations last week. All the features of which the bird can be identi- cessful nesting and egg incuba- show us that is not the case. tation provided the desirable the Kirtland’s Warbler can be decline of Kirtland’s’ Warbler habitat for the Kirtland’s War- fied. tion of the species in Lower numbers overall has been In reality it has always seen. The male has the blue However the sighting last Michigan which is the only proved and remains difficult to bler is present. grey head and back and vivid reversed and the bird has tech- In any event searching for week in New Providence rep- place where the Kirtland’s nically ceased to be an endan- find a Kirtland’s Warbler in the yellow throat and underside resents more than mere Warbler nested. Bahamas. the bird in its favoured habitat with the black streaking on the gered species. is difficult for the average bird- serendipity. It was foraging in The Kirtland’s Warbler is A word first about counting That is because our sightings and back and flanks. A field the exact area and on one of very particular about the habi- and observations give rise to er. In the Bahamas the bird identification feature is the top the number of extant Kirtland’s appears to spend its time either the same trees where it has tat in which it will nest. It must Warbler’s in existence. This the strong inference that the and bottom broken white eye- been seen since February 2006. nest on the ground provided Kirtland’s Warbler in the foraging on the floor or in ring. necessitates a pretty hit and dense understory where it is This month represents the by the low branches of young miss method when the bird Bahamas does not spread and This is one of the earliest tenth anniversary since the first Jack Pine trees of limited forage across the land areas invisible or then suddenly seen Kirtland’s Warbler pho- migrates back to its breeding flying up to perch on a branch of the recent sightings made height. In order to provide the areas. Our observations here available but lives in loose tographs I have taken. In mid near Hole in the Wall, Abaco young trees whole forests of colonies be they large or small, which may be half concealed November the bird will only might have suggested that the and would be no higher than in November 1999 by Paul older trees had to be burnt female birds migrated first in with each bird claiming its own have arrived some weeks Dean – certainly the most down by rotation and young territory which it will defend six or seven feet from the before. Appropriately, the bird April. However the males cer- ground. It is then the bird may experienced and knowledge- stands are constantly propa- tainly arrive back to Michigan against other warblers and is showing fall colours and the able birder in the Bahamas. gated to provide continuing even other Kirtland’s Warblers let out a short call or chirp, brown feathering has reap- in advance of the females and which if you are able to identi- After years of birding that was Jack Pine trees of the favoured on their return start building in the colony. peared amid the blue and his first sighting of a Kirtland’s maturity and size. Our observations in fy it, will take you to the spot in black.

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THE TRIBUNE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 SECTION B • [email protected] Shareholder battle at Colina General

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor * Majority investor: It was a fair offer ‘by any stretch of the imagination’ shareholder dispute has * Minority investor: I’m being squeezed out erupted at Colina Gen- eral Insurance Agency, with a 25 per cent Bahamas First chief and ex-Colina principal in A. F. Holdings, the Holdings itself, and Colina General, He is also demanding that the minorityA investor alleging the com- General president and chief execu- majority owner of Colina General, which have been filed with the court order Colina General to pro- pany’s majority shareholder is tive, has taken his “shareholder told Mr Walker that their proposed Supreme Court by their attorneys, vide audited financial statements for attempting to “squeeze me out” and oppression” complaint to the offers would see him earn a return Alexiou, Knowles & Co, show they its 2007 and 2008 fiscal years, and undervaluing his stake, and the latter Supreme Court, filing a summons in on investment of between 136.8 per all intend to defend the matter and that Colina General distribute “at countering that its offers represent- which he is urging the court to order cent and 771.2 per cent, depending that they deny Mr Walker’s claims. least 60 per cent of its net profits” for ed more than ‘fair value’ “by any that a “fair value” for his shares be on the calculation method used. In his summons, Mr Walker is ask- those years. stretch of the imagination”. determined. Notices of appearance on behalf ing for a Supreme Court order Letters exchanged between Mr Tribune Business can reveal that Yet in letters filed with the of Mr Alexiou, fellow A. F. Holdings requiring A. F. Holdings to purchase Anthony Walker, the former Supreme Court, Emanuel Alexiou, a principal Anthony Ferguson, A. F. his minority stake at “fair value”. SEE page 11B BISX chief ‘uneasy’ Contractor’s ‘implausible’ defence over $6m overdraft on regulator’s bank By NEIL HARTNELL age his affairs”, Appeal Jus- throughout the Bahamas”, of Then, on November 14, Tribune Business Editor tice Hartman Longley noted which Cotton Bay was the 2006, Sharon Wilson & Com- that this evidence did not largest. pany threatened to “terminate dividend proposals WELL-known contractor come from him, but his two His two children then con- the Cotton Bay contracts” if Edward Penn’s defence to children, who had signed tacted FirstCaribbean to Mr Penn did not attend a FirstCaribbean International cheques worth $250,000 on advise the bank of their meeting on November 17. His By NEIL HARTNELL Bank (Bahamas) demand that the account to keep his con- father’s illness and seek its company’s representatives Tribune Business Editor he pay a $6 million overdraft struction business going. permission to run his account promised they would attend. has been rejected as “implau- And, while Mr Penn had to meet his business’s finan- “The primary concern of THE Bahamas Internation- sible” by the Court of Appeal, denied authorising the pay- cial obligations. Permission the owners appears to have al Securities Exchange’s since it argued that his multi- ments made by his children, for this was ultimately grant- been that [Mr Penn] was not (BISX) chief executive yes- million dollar construction one of those cheques had ed, and from August 2006 to paying his employees and sub- terday said he was “uneasy” business’s daily expenses were been signed by himself, the January 2007, the children contractors,” Justice Longley about the Central Bank’s pro- paid from his personal court said. Some payments signed $250,000 in cheques on wrote. posals that it approve all divi- account without his knowl- were also made to settle a Mr Penn’s account. The dispute was settled in dend payments made by edge. $400,000 obligation to Bank Justice Longley noted that December 2006 by Mr Penn Bahamas-based banks, adding While noting that Mr Penn of the Bahamas International. it was never disputed that agreeing to hire a project that it had “raised red flags” had been taken ill for four Justice Longley said Mr those cheques were to cover management consultant to by seemingly taking regula- months from August 2006 and Penn did not provide evidence Mr Penn’s liabilities, no evi- oversee the Cotton Bay pro- tion into the Board room. was “allegedly unable to man- of when he recovered from dence was produced to say ject, in the shape of Bahamas- Keith Davies said that while his illness, and suggested that when he recovered from his based Veritas Consulting, and he planned to conduct more “he seems to have recovered illness or what this was, and a contract was agreed on research and analysis on the KEITH DAVIES upon receipt of the threat to that he did not mention the December 14. The latter sub- Central Bank’s proposal to terminate” his construction illness in his defence and mitted invoices for the Cot- approve the payments of bank contracts with the multi-mil- counterclaim, “even though ton Bay project to Mr Penn, dividends, through getting the Board room of publicly lion dollar Cotton Bay pro- he denies authorising the who was required to pay them licensees to justify their deci- traded companies, particular- ject in Eleuthera. The projec- cheques signed by his children upon receipt from the First- sions in this respect, he told ly when those companies are Tribune Business it was not owned, operated and con- t’s head developer is Bahami- during the period of the ill- Caribbean account. “potentially troubling” from trolled by the Government, an businessman Franklyn Wil- ness they alleged”. Ultimately, Mr Penn’s First- a capital markets perspective. son. The troubles really began Caribbean account went into “I become uneasy when a $4.2068 Recording the history of the when the law firm, Sharon a $6 million overdraft as a regulator begins to move into SEE page 11B dispute between Mr Penn and Wilson & Company, wrote to result of the payments made $4. the bank, Justice Longley$ Mr Penn on November 3, by his children and for the found that the contractor 2006, on behalf of Cotton Bay, Veritas invoices, leading the operated a current account in “complaining about his lack bank to issue a writ demand- his name and various trade of performance on the job site ing payment of that amount. Port’s licensee outreach $4.1351 names, all of which were sim- and pointing out that his Mr Penn’s defence was that $4. ilar to his Penn’s Construction employees were complaining he did not authorise those and Renovations Company about not being paid”. payments, but Justice Long- move is interrupted business. He beneficially David Lockyer, of Penn’s ley said the evidence showed $4.2569 owned the business 100 per Renovation and Construction, that “having regard to the By NEIL HARTNELL $4. cent. responded four days later, commercial realities of the Tribune Business Editor When taken ill in August arguing that subcontractors construction industry, if [Mr The information contained is from a third 2006, Mr Penn was “person- were not part of their staff and Penn] intended to comply party and The Tribune can not be held SIR JACK Hayward was forced to hold a meeting with responsible for errors and/or omission ally involved in several large seeking more specifics about Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees at his Fortune from the daily report. construction contracts the complaint. SEE page 4B Cay home on Tuesday night, Tribune Business can reveal, after he refused to tolerate the presence of the “uninvited” Fred Smith, the Bahamian attorney for the late Edward St George’s estate. This newspaper was informed by sources who attended the meeting, which was initially scheduled to be held at the GBPA’s Freeport headquarters, that Sir Jack asked Mr Smith to leave before it was due to start.

In response, Mr Smith is understood to have asserted that he Financial Strength Rating was both a GBPA licensee and attorney for the St George A estate, and therefore had every right to attend, especially since M BEST the meeting was being held at the offices of a company in A- Excellent which his clients were claiming a 50 per cent ownership stake. Tribune Business was told that the meeting then fell into an argument between Sir Jack and Mr Smith, with the former eventually telling all licensees present to come to his Fortune Cay home for the meeting, where the Callenders & Co QC and partner would not be present. This newspaper was informed that a second meeting was also held with GBPA licensees on Wednesday night at Sir Jack’s Fortune Cay home. Among those present were Hannes Babak, GBPA and Port Group Ltd chairman; Ian Rolle, their SEE page 11B Small ‘%’ IPOs find college ‘unwilling’ public buyers

By NEIL HARTNELL * BISX chief targeting two before you know it Tribune Business Editor more secondary listings BAHAMIAN ahamian before year-end investors will be “unwilling” invest in an annuity to buy into initial public offer- * Tells Tribune Business customized investment options ings (IPO) where a substantial market not reaching full portion of the stock remain guaranteed minimum interest rates with the controlling share- potential in absence of holder or shareholder group, other secondary listings flexible accumulation period the Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) all of the above chief executive said yesterday. available, and sold when they Keith Davies said he had are able,” Mr Davies told Tri- long argued that BISX-listed bune Business. “I said that companies, and any planning many years ago, and I hold to to float via a future IPO, that. should make a greater per- “I find it difficult to believe centage of their shares avail- that anyone going public now able to Bahamian institution- will find it easy to sell such a A SUBSIDIARY OF al and retail investors, foster- small percentage, as there is a ing greater wealth creation much more knowledgeable and a more diverse ownership investing public and they are of this nation’s economy. unwilling to accept such a call us today at 396-1355 “It is my view and opinion that a larger percentage of SALES OFFICES: NASSAU I FREEPORT I ABACO I ELEUTHERA I EXUMA I CORPORATE CENTRE: EAST BAY STREET I www.famguardbahamas.com companies should be made SEE page 11B

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PAGE 2B, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS Airport security checks removal approved by US

THE Nassau Airport Development Company Move to free up 7,000 sq ft of (NAD) yesterday said approval had been granted seating, retail space at the Lynden for it to remove the two sec- ondary security checkpoints on the US Departures Pindling International Airport’s lounge’s upper levels, freeing up more than 7,000 square US departures lounge feet for extra seating and retail options. The airport developer said the US Department of Home- announce that effective in a statement that the Trans- land Security, had approved immediately, passengers trav- portation Security Adminis- the checkpoints’ removal. elling to the United States tration (TSA), a division of “We are pleased to through our airport will no longer have to proceed through a secondary screen- ing," said Frank Watson, Chairman of NAD and the Airport Authority. "This is a significant mile- stone for us at the airport. It shows the confidence the TSA has in our ability to run a secured pre-clearance facil- ity. The move is a huge boost to customer service as we work to enhance the overall passenger experience at LPIA." NAD and the Airport Authority's security team, headed by M.J. Hutchinson, acting general manager, Osbourne Ferguson, director of security, and Andrew Bonaby, deputy director of security, worked with Steve Perris, a Vancouver Airport Services security consultant, in final preparation for a TSA evaluation that took place in the autumn. As a result of LPIA being in compliance with all regu- lations for passenger screen- ing, the TSA recommended that a secondary security screening checkpoint was no longer necessary at the facili- ties.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 3B AccountantsBUSINESS facing two-tier licensing

By CHESTER ROBARDS reviews by ACCA members understand that we are Business Reporter out of Europe, and will even- improving the standard with [email protected] tually undertake their own regard to quality of informa- reviews of their colleagues tion,” said Mr Chipman. THE BAHAMAS Institute throughout the region. “We hope that regulators, of Chartered Accountant Mr Chipman said all governments and the public at (BICA) may be forced to split Caribbean islands that are a large will take note of this ini- its licensees into two separate part of the Institute of Char- tiative and realize that only tiers, those who have under- tered Accountants of the through peer review and mon- gone the internationally man- Caribbean (ICAC) are man- itoring will they get the best dated peer review and moni- dated to undergo peer review service possible from their toring programme, and those except Jamaica - for the auditors. who have not, the institute’s moment - which is regulated “Therefore, selection of ser- president said yesterday. by a public accountant over- vices should be based on .LQJV 5HDOW\ LV H[SDQGLQJ RXU VXFFHVVIXO EXVLQHVV DQG LV ORRNLQJ IRU D QXPEHU RI Reece Chipman said that sight board. whether persons are not only KLJKO\ PRWLYDWHG IRFXVHG DQG HQHUJHWLF VDOHV DJHQWV WR MRLQ RXU \RXQJ YLEUDQW though the practice review According to Mr Chipman, licensed to perform the audit WHDP programme is now a global this programme will align function, but also whether they industry standard, some BICA Bahamian accountants with have gone through the neces- 7KH .LQJV 5HDOW\ 'LVWLQFWLRQ members in public practice changing global financial reg- sary peer review or practice will not be eligible to take part ulatory standards. monitoring, to be in a position in the review process. “Most importantly, the to effectively and efficiently Á %DVH VDODU\ DQG JHQHURXV FRPPLVVLRQ VWUXFWXUH According to Mr Chipman, world must see the Bahamas opine on financial statements Á ([FHOOHQW 0RQWKO\ ERQXVHV only 50 of 90 firms in public as a competent, industrious based on evidential matter. Á $ZHVRPH FDVK LQFHQWLYHV service will qualify for the jurisdiction that meets world “There are some larger practice review sessions super- standards in the business of firms that have internal Á )DQWDVWLF VDOHV DQG PDUNHWLQJ PDWHULDOV SURYLGHG vised by members of the Asso- audit and accounting services,” reviews. However, this will not Á 3HUVRQDO DWWHQWLRQ DQG VDOHV WUDLQLQJ ciation of Certified Chartered he said. exclude them from the Insti- Á &RDFKLQJ UROH SOD\LQJ DQG PDVWHULQJ FORVLQJ WHFKQLTXHV Accountants (ACCA). “This initiative will no doubt tute’s review process. It is Á ,PSUHVVLYH RԀFHV WR DGG LPSDFW WR \RXU FUHGLELOLW\ These firms will undergo improve the value of financial important, in order to create a services being offered from the level playing field for all Bahamas.” licensees engaged in audit in 5(48,5(0(176 The peer review program is the Bahamas, to be a part of slated to begin in July 2010, the process.” $FWLYH 5HDO (VWDWH /LFHQVH RU ZLOOLQJQHVV WR VLW WKH 5HDO (VWDWH 6DOHVPDQ H[DP LQ but BICA must first imple- BICA’s membership  ment a licensing body that will includes up to 250 licensees vet each firm for its eligibility and, on a global front, assists 6DOHV H[SHULHQFH DQG D VWURQJ GHVLUH WR VXFFHHG 5HDO (VWDWH VDOHV H[SHULHQFH in the peer review program. the World Bank and Interna- SUHIHUUHG EXW QRW UHTXLUHG  Mr Chipman said members of tional Monetary Fund (IMF) 0XVW EH FRPSXWHU DQG LQWHUQHW VDYY\ that body must come from as watchdog for the Bahamas’ &RPIRUWDEOH LQ D YHU\ IDVWSDFHG HYHU FKDQJLQJ HQYLURQPHQW outside BICA, and suggested accounting sector, developing that retired accountants chair reports and making sure this Share this board. country meets all standards on 27+(5 48$/,),&$7,216 “We want the public to those institutions’ checklists. your ([FHOOHQW ORFDO DUHD NQRZOHGJH RI 1DVVDX (QHUJHWLF LQGLYLGXDOV ZLWK RXWVWDQGLQJ SHRSOH VNLOOV news 6HOIPRWLYDWHG DQG RUJDQL]HG FRQVLVWHQWO\ VHWWLQJ DQG DFKLHYLQJ JRDOV The Tribune wants to hear 127,&( $ELOLW\ WR ZRUN LQ D UDSLGO\ H[SDQGLQJ EXVLQHVV HQYLURQPHQW from people who are 127,&( LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW %5,$1 7(/860$ RI 0$56+ 2XU FRPSDQ\ ERDVWV VHYHUDO JDWHG FRPPXQLWLHV LQ WKH :HVWHUQ DUHD D ODUJH making news in their +$5%285$%$&2LVDSSO\LQJWRWKH0LQLVWHUUHVSRQVLEOHIRU LQYHQWRU\ VWURQJ DQG LQQRYDWLYH PDUNHW SODFH SUHVHQFH DQG OHDGV JDORUH IURP neighbourhoods. Perhaps 1DWLRQDOLW\ DQG &LWL]HQVKLS IRU UHJLVWUDWLRQQDWXUDOL]DWLRQ DV D VHYHUDO LQWHUQDWLRQDO VRXUFHV you are raising funds for a FLWL]HQ RI 7KH %DKDPDV DQG WKDW DQ\ SHUVRQ ZKR NQRZV DQ\ good cause, campaigning for improvements in the UHDVRQ ZK\ UHJLVWUDWLRQQDWXUDOL]DWLRQ VKRXOG QRW EH JUDQWHG 2Q WDUJHW HDUQLQJV LQ \RXU ӾUVW \HDU ZLWK QR H[SHULHQFH LV LQ WKH UDQJH RI area or have won an VKRXOG VHQG D ZULWWHQ DQG VLJQHG VWDWHPHQW RI WKH IDFWV ZLWKLQ . SOXV award. WZHQW\HLJKWGD\VIURPWKHWKGD\ RI129(0%(5 WRWKH If so, call us on 322-1986 0LQLVWHUUHVSRQVLEOHIRUQDWLRQDOLW\DQG&LWL]HQVKLS32%R[1 $SSO\ ZLWK \RXU UHVXPH RU FRQWDFW and share your story. 1DVVDX%DKDPDV /LOOLWK %RVWZLFN DW   HPDLO OLOOLWK#NLQJVUHDOW\FRP

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PAGE 4B, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

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timeously with his Veritas part of a restructuring of [Mr “Taken to its logical con- by Mr Penn’s children, Justice contractual obligations to pay Penn’s] construction opera- clusion, the effect of [Mr Pen- Longley said: “One would 1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW WKH DERYHQDPHG the invoices upon receipt, and tion, so as to regain the confi- n’s] defence is that for a peri- have to be the proverbial &RPSDQ\LVLQGLVVROXWLRQZKLFKFRPPHQFHGRQ that he did not simply buy dence of Mr Wilson and save od stretching from August ostrich to think he did not time or appease the owners the Cotton Bay contracts.” 2006 to April 2007, the daily approve of, or ratify, their WKHWKGD\RI1RYHPEHU 7KH/LTXLGDWRU of the Cotton Bay contracts, Justice Longley said Mr and routine expenses of his action if he was sick, since not LV$UJRVD&RUS,QF32%R[11DVVDX he must in the circumstances Penn had not informed First- multi-million dollar construc- only did he not sue them, he be taken to have not only Caribbean or the Cotton Bay tion operation, totalling in has not made any allegation %DKDPDV authorised the arrangement developers that he was ill, excess of $6 million, were met of dishonesty against them whereby Veritas submitted something that was “particu- from his personal bank after inquiring about the invoices to [FirstCaribbean], larly significant” since it hap- account without his knowl- cheques signed by them, and which included their manage- pened at a time when he was edge or consent,” Justice Lon- what they did was undoubt- ment fees, but must have, in being accused of not doing his gley said. edly for his benefit.” the circumstances, authorised job. “That, to my mind, seems Both children worked in his [FirstCaribbean] to pay those The court found that it was so far-fetched on the evidence business, and Mr Penn bene- $5*26$ &253 ,1& invoices. “inescapable” that Mr Penn that it only has to be stated to fited from having his debt and /LTXLGDWRU “There can be no doubt had authorised the payments be rejected as implausible.” liabilities reduced. The appeal that the Veritas contract was to Veritas. As for the payments made was dismissed.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 5B BUSINESS

London Stock Exchange %.* $'9(57,6(0(17)257+(%$+$0$6 *29(510(17 75($685<%,//6 6HDOHGWHQGHUVIRU%RI'D\7UHDVXU\%LOOV halts trading for hours ZLOOEHUHFHLYHGE\WKH%DQNLQJ0DQDJHU7KH&HQWUDO%DQN RI7KH%DKDPDV)UHGHULFN6WUHHW1DVVDX XS WRSPRQ )ULGD\1RYHPEHU6XFFHVVIXOWHQGHUHUVZKRZLOOEH By JANE WARDELL nience that today’s disruption trading activity early in the stocks throughout the LSE AP Business Writer to trading has caused for our session — stock indexes in outage. DGYLVHGVKRXOGWDNHXSWKHLUELOOVDJDLQVWSD\PHQWRQ7XHVGD\ clients,” LSE CEO Xavier both Europe and Asia were Just over a year ago, the 'HFHPEHU7KHVHELOOVZLOOEHLQPLQLPXPPXOWLSOHVRI LONDON (AP) — The Rolet said in a statement. down sharply as investors LSE experienced its worst %7HQGHUVDUHWREHRQVSHFLDOIRUPVREWDLQDEOHIURP London Stock Exchange PLC “Having resolved the imme- fretted over debt problems at outage in almost a decade halted trading for three-and- diate issue, we are working Dubai World, a government when a software glitch was WKH&HQWUDO%DQNRI7KH%DKDPDVRU&RPPHUFLDO%DQNV a-half hours on Thursday hard to ensure this doesn’t investment company, and the blamed for a seven-hour shut- after a technical glitch pre- happen again ahead of switch- continued fall in the US dol- down that angered customers 7HQGHUV PXVW VWDWH WKH QHW SULFH SHUFHQW vented some customers from ing to MillenniumIT’s trading lar. Those factors were dri- on one of the busiest days of connecting to its systems. platform next year.” ving interest on a normally the year on world equity mar- LQ PXOWLSOHV RI RQH FHQW  DQG VKRXOG EH PDUNHG ´7HQGHUµ The LSE, Europe’s oldest quiet day — Wall Street is kets. 7KH&HQWUDO%DQNRIWKH%DKDPDVUHVHUYHVWKHULJKWWRUHMHFW independent exchange, said Buying closed for Thanksgiving Day. On that day in September DQ\RUDOOWHQGHUV taking trade offline was the The IG Index head of mar- 2008, the shutdown left many only way to ensure a fair and The LSE is buying Sri ket analysis, David Jones, said clients unable to cash in on a orderly market after cus- Lankan technology-services the failure of the LSE system worldwide stock market tomers reported the connec- company MillenniumIT for was likely to have a “psycho- boom that followed the US tivity problems in early trad- $30 million to overhaul its logical effect” on an already government bailout of mort- ing. technology as it loses market jittery day, making nervous gage giants Fannie Mae and The exchange is still look- share to multilateral trading investors more likely to head Freddie Mac. ing into the root cause of the facilities such as Chi-X and for the exit. embarrassing outage — the BATS since pan-European The FTSE 100 index, which second significant technical regulation opened the mar- was frozen at 5,264.97 — problem in just over a year ket to competition in 2007. down 99.84 points — when — and said it was too early It acknowledged this week trading was halted, fell even to judge the extent of the that increased competition further when trade resumed. effect on trade or lost busi- and lower trading were to The benchmark index closed ness. blame for a 40 per cent drop 170.68 points lower at Market players were able in first half net earnings to 5,194.13. to continue to place buy and 49.3 million pounds ($82.4 The LSE, which has 2,800 sell orders into the exchange’s million). Revenue was down companies listed on its order book after trading was nine per cent to 310.9 million boards, traded an average of taken offline at 10:33am (1033 pounds. five billion pounds worth of GMT), but those trades were LSE spokesman Alistair shares in October. not executed until trading was Fairbrother said there was no The Milan stock exchange, resumed at 2pm (1400 GMT). suggestion Thursday’s prob- owned by the LSE, remained “We regret the inconve- lems were related to heavy open for trade of London

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‡%HDJUDGXDWHZLWKD%DFKHORUV'HJUHHLQ0HFKDQLFDO(QJLQHHULQJ ‡+DYHSRVWJUDGXDWHVWXGLHVLQ0DQDJHPHQW ‡+DYH&DWHUSLOODUWUDLQLQJLQ+HDY\(TXLSPHQW0DFKLQHV ‡+DYH&DWHUSLOODUWUDLQLQJLQSRZHUJHQHUDWLRQ ‡+DYH\HDUVRUPRUHH[SHULHQFHZLWKZRUNLQJZLWKD&DWHUSLOODUGHDOHU RUDVLPLODU2UJDQL]DWLRQ ‡7KHFDQGLGDWHVKRXOGKDYHFHUWL¿FDWLRQDVDQ,62DXGLWRUDQG ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITHIN ‡7KHFDQGLGDWHVKRXOGKDYH6L[6LJPDWUDLQLQJ  D%ODFNEHOWLQ6LJPDLVSUHIHUUHG  THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS 7KLVFDQGLGDWHLVUHTXLUHGWREHDSURIHVVLRQDOZKRWKULYHVRQWKH FKDOOHQJHRIGHYHORSLQJRXWVWDQGLQJFXVWRPHUUHODWLRQVDQGVHUYLFH Preschools H[FHOOHQFH Primary Schools 6HQGFRPSOHWHUHVXPHZLWKHGXFDWLRQDQGZRUNH[SHULHQFHWR 0 (/LPLWHG Junior High Schools 32%R[1 1DVVDX%DKDPDV Senior High Schools $WWHQWLRQ6HUYLFH0DQDJHU RUHPDLO PH#PHOWGFRP  Secondary Schools

2QO\SHUVRQVEHLQJLQWHUYLHZHGIRUWKLVSRVLWLRQZLOOEHFRQWDFWHG All Age Schools Special Schools Post Secondary Institutions Tertiary Institutions

National Education Census Day Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 Forms may be collected from the Planning and Research Section of the Ministry of Education, District Education Offices or downloaded from www.bahamaseducation.com. If you have any questions regarding this exercise call 502-2721, 502-2722, 502-2774 or 502-8346.

FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27th, 2009.

Complete and submit your form before the deadline and prove that YOUR INSTITUTION COUNTS!!!

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 9B BUSINESS Dubai debt ‘standstill’ causes fallout in world markets

By BARBARA SURK Associated Press Writer

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Just a year after the global downturn INSIGHT derailed Dubai’s explosive growth, the city is now so For the stories swamped in debt that it’s ask- ing for a six-month reprieve behind the news, on paying its bills — causing a read Insight drop on world markets Thurs- day and raising questions on Mondays about Dubai’s reputation as a magnet for international investment. The fallout came swiftly after Wednesday statement RISING among high towers that Dubai's main develop- in Business Bay, Burj Dubai, ment engine, Dubai World, would ask creditors for a the world tallest tower, which “standstill” on paying back its is under construction, is $60 billion debt until at least scheduled to be open during May. January 2010 in Dubai... The company’s real estate (AP Photo) arm, Nakheel — whose pro- jects include the palm-shaped island in the Gulf — shoul- In February, it raised $10 ders the bulk of money due billion in a hastily arranged to banks, investment houses bond sale to the United Arab and outside development con- Emirates central bank, which tractors. is based in Abu Dhabi. In total, the state-backed The deal — seen by many networks nicknamed Dubai as Abu Dhabi’s bailout of Inc. are $80 billion in the red Dubai — was part of a $20 and the emirate needed a billion bond programme to bailout earlier this year from help Dubai meet its debt its oil-rich neighbour Abu obligations. Dhabi, the capital of the Unit- On Wednesday, the Dubai ed Arab Emirates. Finance Department Markets took the news bad- announced the emirate raised ly — with the Dubai woes and another $5 billion by selling the continued fall of the US bonds — all taken by two dollar giving investors twin banks controlled by Abu worries. Dhabi. In Europe, the FTSE 100, Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al Germany’s DAX and the Nahyan family has been more CAC-40 in France opened conservative with its spend- sharply lower. Earlier in Asia, ing, investing oil profits into the Shanghai index sank infrastructure, culture and 119.19 points, or 3.6 per cent, state institutions. During in the biggest one-day fall Dubai’s real estate bonanza, since August 31. Hong Kong’s the Nahyans saw their flashy Hang Seng shed 1.8 per cent neighbour race ahead with to 22,210.41. development plans and Wall Street was closed for tourism plans that had plenty the Thanksgiving holiday and of hype but few details on most markets in the Middle how they would be pulled off. East were silent because of a Some did materialize. The major Islamic feast. more than 2,600-foot (800- “Dubai's standstill meter) Burj Dubai is sched- announcement ... was vague uled to open in January as the and it remains difficult to dis- world’s tallest building. But cern whether the call for a many other projects, including standstill will be voluntary," a tower even taller than the said a statement from the Burj Dubai and satellite cities Eurasia Group, a Washing- in the desert, are still just ton-based research group that blueprints. assesses political and finan- cial risk for foreign investors interested in Dubai. “If it is not, Dubai World will be going into default and that will have more serious negative repercussions for Dubai’s sovereign debt, Dubai World and market con- fidence in the UAE in gener- al,” the statement added. Dubai became the Gulf's biggest credit crunch victim a year ago. But its ruler, Sheik $V D SULYDWHO\RZQHG PLGVL]HG %DKDPLDQ &RPSDQ\ Mohammed bin Rashid Al- Maktoum, had continually DQG WKH DXWKRUL]HG &DWHUSLOODU GHDOHU LQ WKH %DKDPDV dismissed concerns over the city-state’s liquidity and ZHDUHVHHNLQJ FDQGLGDWHVIRUWKHSRVLWLRQRI )LHOG claims it overreached during 6HUYLFH 7HFKQLFLDQVDQGFDQGLGDWHIRUWKHSRVLWLRQ the good times. When asked about the RI (OHFWULFDO 7HFKQLFLDQ 7KH LQGLYLGXDOV PXVW EH debt, he confidently assured reporters in a rare meeting DEOH WR VXSSRUW &DWHUSLOODU 7UDFWRUV ([FDYDWRUV two months ago that “we are all right” and “we are not :KHHO/RDGHUV%DFNKRH/RDGHUVDQGRWKHUPDFKLQHV worried,” leaving details of a recovery plan — if such a plan LQ WKH %DKDPDV $SSOLFDQWV PXVW KDYH SURYHQ exists — to everyone’s guess. Then, earlier this month, he H[SHULHQFH LQ GLDJQRVLQJ WURXEOHVKRRWLQJ UHSDLULQJ told Dubai’s critics to “shut up.” RI +\GUDXOLFV (QJLQHV DQG 9HKLFXODU (OHFWULFLW\ “He needs to produce a recovery plan that will be &RPSXWHU VNLOOV DUH DOVR UHTXLUHG IRU WKLV SRVLWLRQ respected by those who want to do business with Dubai,” $SSOLFDQWVZLWKIRUPDOHGXFDWLRQLQPHFKDQLFVDUH said Simon Henderson, a Gulf and energy specialist at the SUHIHUUHG Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “If he does not do it right, Dubai will be a sad 6HQGFRPSOHWHUHVXPHZLWKHGXFDWLRQDQGZRUN place.” H[SHULHQFHWR0 ( /LPLWHG32%R[1 After months of denial that the economic downturn even 1DVVDX%DKDPDV$WWHQWLRQ+XPDQ5HVRXUFHV touched the glitzy city-state, the Dubai government earlier 'HSDUWPHQWRUHPDLOPH#PHOWGFRP this year showed signs of try- ing to deal with the financial fallout that has halted dozens of projects and touched off 2QO\SHUVRQVEHLQJLQWHUYLHZHGIRUWKLVSRVLWLRQ an exodus of expatriate work- ers. ZLOOEHFRQWDFWHG

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 11B BUSINESS BISX chief ‘uneasy’ on regulator’s bank dividend proposals because it removes the decision-mak- national Bank (Bahamas) accounting the Bahamas, going for a second take a more informed position on than adequate, we are likely to. We ing and the responsibility for making for around 40 per cent of market round seems a little bit contrary to what the bank is proposing and what continue to put away reserves, so I the decision from the Board,” Mr capitalisation. Other publicly traded open market operations,” Mr Davies they are doing, but it has raised red anticipate paying a dividend, but no Davies told this newspaper, “and Bahamian banks are Commonwealth told Tribune Business. flags.” decision has been made.” that’s not the place of a regulator. Bank, Bank of the Bahamas Inter- Anwer Sunderji, Fidelity Bank Mr Sunderji said the Bahamian “If a bank has met its prudential national and Fidelity Bank Impact (Bahamas) chief executive, this week banking industry, especially the com- and capital requirements”, Mr (Bahamas). told Tribune Business that while the mercial sector, was being subjected to Davies said he found it difficult to If the Central Bank rejects the div- “I would have liked, when doing bank planned to pay a dividend to much greater oversight by the Cen- justify this level of regulatory over- idend payments proposed by these things that impact not just the bank- shareholders as a result of its 33 per tral Bank despite its capitalisation sight. “I find that, from a capital mar- Boards outright, or require that they ing companies, but publicly traded cent net income rise from $831,846 to levels and ratios, and other pruden- kets standpoint, potentially troubling, be reduced, hundreds of Bahamian companies and the capital markets, $1.113 million during the first nine tial requirements, being “more than if that is the case,” he said of the institutional and retail investors will that they be cognisant of the impact months of 2009, such a development adequate” to meet minimum regula- Central Bank’s proposal. potentially be impacted in their pock- on companies that cross-over into would depend on Board and Cen- tory thresholds. BISX is heavily weighted towards et books. “Once the company has different sectors of the economy. tral Bank approval. “I’m sure the The Central Bank, he added, want- banking and financial services sec- met its regulatory obligations, set “I intend to do more research and Board will be looking at it,” he said. ed “a lot of reporting on delinquent tor stocks, with FirstCaribbean Inter- beforehand by the Central Bank of analysis if what’s happening, so I can “With results better and capital more loans and restructured loans”.

COLINA, from 1B “We fully understand your wish at this stage to integrate Walker and Mr Alexiou, Colina General more fully Port’s which were included in a into the Colina group opera- Expo aims to give the batch of documents filed with tions (that has always been the Supreme Court, show the the ultimate intention), and licensee former approached A. F. we believe it is in our mutual Holdings to give it “right of interests for me to exit the outreach first refusal” to acquire his company at this stage, even Bahamas technology BYTE stake in late 2008, some 10 though we recognise that its months after he retired from value will continue to rise,” move is heading Colina General. Mr Walker said. THE Bahamas’s first Tech- learning opportunities for tech- In an October 21, 2008, let- “I have enjoyed working nology Expo will be held on nology professionals and ordi- ter, Mr Walker suggested with you to rescue a company December 4- 6, 2009, at the Sher- nary people who want to interrupted using “a formula based on a on the brink of financial dis- aton Nassau Beach Resort, fea- increase their knowledge of the multiple of net commission aster, and take some satisfac- turing workshops, presentations, field, and to give Expo sponsors earnings” to determine “fair tion in the transformation of exhibits and live demonstrations. and participants the opportunity president; and senior execu- value” for his stake, adding the business into a profitable To be opened by the minister to explore new lines of busi- tive Ginger Moxey. that this had been used to and growing enterprise. of state for finance, Zhivargo ness.” Tribune Business’s sources determine Colina General’s “We are simply looking for Laing, BYTE is a combination The Friday and Saturday con- said the meeting’s purpose share price several times. reasonable fair value, partic- of conference and exposition. ference segments comprise a was unclear, and that it “The last such valuation, in ularly in view of the role I Attendees can expect to see and, series of presentations and appeared to have no set agen- determining the value of played in getting the business in many cases, experience the lat- workshops, highlighted by the da, with Sir Jack and the shares to be issued to Ednol from where it was to where it est in high-tech gadgets - from Bahamas launch of Microsoft’s GBPA management team Farquharson, was $110 per now stands.” mobile phones, PDAs and gam- Window’s 7, with the participa- seemingly ‘fishing’ for ideas share, which valued [Colina Mr Alexiou replied on ing equipment to ‘smart home’ tion of the company’s regional on how to re-establish the General] at $5.5 million. October 30, 2008, pointing out security devices and green ener- manager, George Gobin. Port’s authority and presence There has been growth since that the $148,000 and gy technology. The full two-day educational following three years domi- then, and the current value $360,000 offers represented a Joan Albury, president of TCL programme has the support nated by fighting between the will be proportionately high- return on investment of 136.8 Group, said that BYTE is her KEITH DAVIES companies such as Hewlett Hayward family trust and the er,” Mr Walker wrote. per cent and 476 per cent company’s contribution to Packard, Transfer Solutions St George estate over its own- In his response two days respectively. putting a greater focus on tech- Providers, Corporation Educa- ership. later, Mr Alexiou said the for- The A. F. Holdings princi- nology as an essential for 21st century com- tion Solutions Bahamas & Caribbean, Info- The sources suggested that mula proposed by Mr Walker pal said that if $173,000 in petitiveness. Dynamics, BTC, Prometheus Systems, Net- the meetings appeared to be had not been used when A. salary, a $2,750 bonus and “First of all, we plan for people to have a work Bahamas and Lignum Technologies, an attempt to ‘reach out’ to F. Holdings twice sold equity directors fees worth $8,750 weekend of real fun and excitement at and features 11 major presentations and GBPA licensees and strength- in Colina General to Santon were included — a sum of BYTE. Attendees will have chances to win four professional development workshops. en/repair the relationship with Holdings, the latter’s compa- $184,500 — then Mr Walker laptop computers, iPhones and iPods and “As regards the subject matter for pre- them, in addition to seeking ny. would enjoy a return on other top-of-the-line gadgets, but there is a sentations, workshops, we are looking to out ideas for taking Freeport In his October 23, 2008, let- investment of 432 per cent very serious purpose for the Expo as well,” bring attendees the cutting edge - innovative forward. Licensee complaints ter, Mr Alexiou said that Mr and 771.2 per cent respec- she said. technologies, equipment and methods, to were also voiced during the Walker’s initial interest in tively. “In many ways, the Bahamas has lagged extend reach and boost efficiency and pro- meeting. Colina General was based on “By any stretch of the behind in technology-driven business and ductivity. Workshop subjects include e- total shareholder capital of imagination our offer repre- we truly need to speed up progress in this learning for HR professionals, Microsoft $250,000, a sum that had sents a more than fair value area. Global changes are bringing new, more training for IT professionals and licensing increased to $742,000 as at for this transaction by any aggressive and technology-enabled com- training for resellers. The presentations petitors to the industries that are this coun- promise to be dynamic with top profes- INSIGHT August 31, 2008. reasonable measure,” Mr And, with the issuance of a Alexiou said. try’s main sources of its revenue - tourism sionals speaking on technology as a vehicle and banking. We have to fight back through for social and national development, green 5 per cent share option to Mr The impasse, though, has For stories behind news, Farquharson, and a 15 per not been breached. knowledge and skills. technology and smart homes,” Mrs Albury cent option to Mr Walker’s Mr Walker’s reference to “Our main goals for BYTE are to bring said. read Insight Mondays replacement, Lynden Nairn, “financial disaster” relates to Mr Alexiou alleged that the Colina General — which was former Colina General presi- initially an insurance carri- dent’s stake had declined er/underwriter — losing what from 25 per cent to 20 per he alleged was $100,000 per Small ‘%’ IPOs find ‘unwilling’ public buyers cent. month, or a cumulative $2 Using the latter percentage, million, when he took over as FROM page 1B Mr Alexiou said that based its president and chief execu- hoped to add two more list- from investors interested in whether it’s the right valua- on Colina General’s total tive. large percentage of control.” ings to BISX’s secondary buying into and receiving tion. We’re not reaching our book value being $742,000, A. He added that under his Perhaps the most egregious issues market before year- information on unlisted pref- full potential.” F. Holdings “cannot justify” leadership, Colina General example of this in the end. Although he declined to erence share issues, for exam- Mr Davies said secondary paying more than $148,000 for became financially viable by Bahamian capital markets is name the companies involved, ple. issues had been among the Mr Walker’s stake. late 2003, but required $5 mil- FirstCaribbean International it is understood that one Such unlisted issues, he most widely traded securities In addition, Mr Alexiou lion in additional capitalisa- Bank (Bahamas), which is the potential listing is Cable added, were denying them- on BISX, with FOCOL’s said based on market value tion that A. F. Holdings (in largest stock on BISX by mar- Bahamas’ $40 million prefer- selves access to a wider mar- Class B preference shares the rent, Colina General should its former guise as the Colina ket capitalisation and ence share issue, which is only ket of some 70,000 Bahamians sixth most traded security in have been paying $80,000 Financial Group) did not accounts for over 40 per cent awaiting Federal Communi- who had invested in BISX- the nine months to end-Sep- more in rent than it currently want to provide. of the market, yet less than 5 cations Commission (FCC) listed stocks, either directly tember 2009. It accounted for was, while it was also not pay- The solution, Mr Walker per cent is in the hands of approval for completion. or through the likes of pen- some 6.4 per cent of the total ing ColinaImperial Insurance said, was the sale of Colina Bahamian public investors. “There are two issuers we sion funds/insurance compa- traded volume. Company for using its agent General’s complete insurance Other companies where are targeting,” Mr Davies told nies. That figure, he added, And Fidelity Bank database. A further issue was portfolio and liabilities to there is a large majority share- Tribune Business. “There’s accounted for 40 per cent of (Bahamas) medium term “the potential of an interest Bahamas First, with the for- holder, or controlling group one I’m communicating with the Bahamian workforce. bonds had the sixth highest charge by Bahamas First”, mer company acting as the of investors, are Bahamas with a view to getting a sec- “There’s a ready market for traded value, standing at which would “wipe out any latter’s agent, “thus allowing Supermarkets (78 per cent in ondary offering on the these securities,” Mr Davies $1.009 million for the first profit”. the retention of its most valu- the hands of BSL Holdings), exchange, hopefully before said. “People, if given the nine months, something “Further, it may shortly able asset — the customer and Fidelity Bank (Bahamas), the end of the year, failing opportunity, would consider described as “extraordinary” become necessary for A. F. base — and providing the with some 75 per cent in the which it will happen in the them. They [the issuers] are given that their total market Holdings to loan Colina Gen- foundation for an ongoing parent’s hands. Among those first quarter next year. I’m not taking care of the people capitalisation was only $25 eral $4 million to support the business free of insurance risk with a more diversified share- definitely looking at two invested in them. This is a gap million. company because of the large and therefore requiring mini- holder base are AML Foods, before year-end.” that we’re seeing that needs to Mr Davies praised FOCOL receivable it is presently car- mal capital. Commonwealth Bank and Mr Davies added that it be filled. This is a ready mar- for being “one of the more rying to Bahamas First, and “This was the perfect solu- Cable Bahamas (once Colum- was “frustrating” that more ket of 70,000 investors. progressive” and “model” in such event you will be invit- tion for Colina Financial bus Communications is existing secondary issues had “You have pension funds companies in how it used the ed to contribute $850,000,” Group — the ongoing losses bought out). not come forward to list on who want to value these secu- capital markets to raise capi- Mr Alexiou wrote. ceased immediately, and a Meanwhile, Mr Davies told BISX, as the exchange had rities and they’re unable to tal, list securities and comply “Should you fail to make new business opportunity was Tribune Business that he received multiple inquiries do so. They have to guess with regulatory obligations. the required contribution, the created with very little capi- directors may seek to convert tal.” the loan by A. F. Holdings to The portfolio transfer equity, which would substan- occurred several months tially dilute your shares.” before Hurricanes Frances The A. F. Holdings princi- and Jeanne hit the Bahamas, BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES AS OF: THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2009 pal also offered to purchase and Mr Walker said: “Colina BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,488.00 | CHG 6.07 | %CHG 0.41 | YTD -224.36 | YTD % -13.10 Mr Walker’s stake for General did not achieve prof- FINDEX: CLOSE 000.00 | YTD 00.00% | 2008 -12.31% WWW.BISXBAHAMAS.COM | TELEPHONE:242-323-2330 | FACSIMILE: 242-323-2320 $360,000 using another for- itability until 2007 because of 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Securit y Previous Close Today's Close Change Daily Vol. EPS $ Div $ P/E Yield 1.71 1.03 AML Foods Limited 1.17 1.17 0.00 0.127 0.000 9.2 0.00% mula, based on a three-year the small start-up portfolio of 11.80 9.90 Bahamas Property Fund 10.75 10.75 0.00 0.992 0.200 10.8 1.86% 9.30 5.90 Bank of Bahamas 5.90 5.90 0.00 0.244 0.260 24.2 4.41% multiple of net earnings, business. 0.89 0.63 Benchmark 0.63 0.63 0.00 -0.877 0.000 N/M 0.00% 3.49 3.15 Bahamas Waste 3.15 3.15 0.00 0.125 0.090 25.2 2.86% which totalled $1.8 million. “During the period of 2004- 2.37 2.14 Fidelity Bank 2.37 2.37 0.00 0.055 0.040 43.1 1.69% 14.20 9.92 Cable Bahamas 10.00 10.00 0.00 1.406 0.250 7.1 2.50% 2007, the portfolio grew from 2.88 2.72 Colina Holdings 2.72 2.72 0.00 1,018 0.249 0.040 10.9 1.47% And he warned: “Please 7.50 5.26 Commonwealth Bank (S1) 5.50 5.62 0.12 22,015 0.419 0.300 13.4 5.34% 3.85 1.27 Consolidated Water BDRs 2.63 2.63 0.00 0.111 0.052 23.7 1.98% further note that other share- about $3 million to over $8 2.85 1.32 Doctor's Hospital 2.55 2.55 0.00 0.625 0.080 4.1 3.14% 8.20 6.28 Famguard 6.50 6.50 0.00 0.420 0.240 15.5 3.69% holders (and directors) of the million.... Ultimately, Colina 12.50 8.80 Finco 9.29 9.29 0.00 0.322 0.520 28.9 5.60% 11.71 9.87 FirstCaribbean Bank 9.87 9.87 0.00 0.631 0.350 15.6 3.55% company are prepared to sell General stands in good stead 5.53 4.11 Focol (S) 4.75 4.75 0.00 0.326 0.150 14.6 3.16% 1.00 1.00 Focol Class B Preference 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 N/M 0.00% the entire business enterprise to make significant profits.” 0.45 0.27 Freeport Concrete 0.27 0.27 0.00 0.035 0.000 7.7 0.00% 9.02 5.49 ICD Utilities 5.59 5.59 0.00 0.407 0.500 13.7 8.94% presently carried out by Coli- This was born out by Mr 12.00 9.95 J. S. Johnson 9.95 9.95 0.00 0.952 0.640 10.5 6.43% 10.00 10.00 Premier Real Estate 10.00 10.00 0.00 0.156 0.000 64.1 0.00% na General to Colina Hold- Alexiou’s October 23, 2008, BISX LISTED DEBT SECURITIES - (Bonds trade on a Percentage Pricing b ases) 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Security Symbol Last Sale Change Daily Vol. Interest Maturity ings (Bahamas) for the sum letter, which divulged that 1000.00 1000.00 Fidelity Bank Note 17 (Series A) + FBB17 100.00 0.00 7% 19 October 2017 1000.00 1000.00 Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) + FBB22 100.00 0.00 Prime + 1.75% 19 October 2022 of $1.8 million. Colina General suffered net 1000.00 1000.00 Fidelity Bank Note 13 (Series C) + FBB13 100.00 0.00 7% 30 May 2013 1000.00 1000.00 Fidelity Bank Note 15 (Series D) + FBB15 100.00 0.00 Prime + 1.75% 29 May 2015 “It would be intended that losses of $3,697 and $248,974 Fidelity Over-The-Counter Securities 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Symbol Bid $ Ask $ Last Price Weekly Vol. EPS $ Div $ P/E Yield this sale take place no later in 2005 and 2006 respectively, 14.60 7.92 Bahamas Supermarkets 10.06 11.06 14.00 -2.246 0.000 N/M 0.00% 8.00 6.00 Caribbean Crossings (Pref) 2.00 6.25 4.00 0.000 0.480 N/M 7.80% than October 30, 2008, which on premiums of $7.203 mil- 0.54 0.20 RND Holdings 0.35 0.40 0.35 0.001 0.000 256.6 0.00% Colina Over-The-Counter Securities it is felt in the circumstances lion and $8.353 million. Net 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 0.45 0.55 0.55 0.002 0.000 261.90 0.00% would be a reasonable time. commissions for those years BISX Listed Mutual Funds 52wk-Hi 52wk-Low Fund Name NAV YTD% Last 12 Months Div $ Yield % NAV Date In the circumstances, we were $927,240 and $1.059 mil- 1.4160 1.3419 CFAL Bond Fund 1.4160 4.62 5.53 31-Oct-09 3.0350 2.8266 CFAL MSI Preferred Fund 2.8266 -3.86 -4.88 31-Oct-09 invite your resignation as a lion respectively. 1.5016 1.4258 CFAL Money Market Fund 1.5016 4.74 5.24 20-Nov-09 3.5399 2.9343 Fidelity Bahamas G & I Fund 2.9343 -13.33 -17.11 31-Oct-09 director with immediate Colina General entered the 13.2400 12.3870 Fidelity Prime Income Fund 13.2400 4.93 5.90 31-Oct-09 103.0956 100.0000 CFAL Global Bond Fund 103.0956 3.10 2.52 30-Sep-09 black in 2007, with net profit 100.0000 99.4177 CFAL Global Equity Fund 99.4177 3.12 2.76 30-Sep-09 effect.” 10.5884 9.4740 Fidelity International Investment Fund 9.4740 4.17 4.18 31-Oct-09 1.0804 1.0000 FG Financial Preferred Income Fund 1.0804 4.32 5.26 31-Oct-09 Mr Walker responded four of $343,350 based on premi- 1.0364 1.0000 FG Financial Growth Fund 1.0269 -0.59 -0.19 31-Oct-09 1.0742 1.0000 FG Financial Diversified Fund 1.0742 3.56 4.42 31-Oct-09 days later with an October 27, ums of $9.839 million and 10.6301 10.0000 Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund 10.6301 6.30 6.30 31-Oct-09 Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 2 2008, letter, arguing that commissions of $1.487 mil- 7.4613 4.8105 Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund 7.4613 35.40 29.64 31-Oct-09 MARKET TERMS $360,000 did not represent fair lion. For 2008, the projections 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 were net profit of $622,108, 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity value for his stake, and urging 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 that an independent valuation based on $2.196 in net com- 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 of Colina General’s worth be missions and $14.534 million 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. January 1, 1994 = 100 undertaken. in premiums. (S) - 4-for-1 Stock Split - Effective Date 8/8/2007 (S1) - 3-for-1 Stock Split - Effective Date 7/11/2007 TO TRADE CALL: COLINA 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | FG CAPITAL MARKETS 242-396-4000 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009, PAGE 13B BUSINESS GB Power appoints new boss

GRAND Bahama Power and, most recently, the instal- put Grand Bahama Power Company has appointed R. lation of an automated 69 KV Company “on a path to great- Alan Kelley as its new presi- transmission loop,” Mr Fer- ly improve the customer expe- dent and chief executive, with rell said in a statement. rience”. the new man set to take over He added that this had Mr Kelley joins Grand from Excell O. Ferrell next already resulted in far fewer Bahama Power Company month. power interruptions as a from Ameren, an Illinois and Mr Ferrell, who took over result of lightning during sum- Missouri-based energy com- the helm at Grand Bahama’s mer 2009, and said: “There pany, and has 35 years’ expe- electricity supply monopoly has also been extensive work rience in the power genera- in late 2007, said the island’s to improve the operation and tion industry. business and residential cus- reliability of the generation He most recently served as tomers “should see further units. Among those are the chairman, president and chief reliability improvements” as a addition of the position of executive of Ameren’s gen- result of initiatives undertak- vice-president of generation eration, marketing and trad- en during his watch. and technical services, and the ing subsidiary. “Much work has been done implementation of an aggres- He has also served as chair- to improve the reliability, sive, proactive maintenance man of the Association of including a complete engi- programme.” Edison Illuminating Compa- neering review of the trans- Mr Ferrell said the creation nies Generation Committee, mission system, adoption of of a customer service depart- and as a board member of the RETIRING chief executive Excell Ferrell (left) welcomes Alan Kelley to Grand Bahama. Kelley will a more aggressive transmis- ment, and appointment of a North American Electric become the new president and chief executive of Grand Bahama Power Company in December 2009... sion grounding programme customer service director, has Reliability Council. (Photo courtesy of Keen I Media)

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PAGE 14B, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

BUSINESS

SCOTIABANK (Bahamas) management team held a three-day retreat, involving branch and unit heads, to review 2009 and reaffirm 2010 objectives. They can be seen at the Atlantis resort on n

Paradise Island... a h i n e L

g i a r C y b

o t o h P Managers of Scotiabank attend three- day retreat

SCOTIABANK within our management (Bahamas) management team team.” has held a three-day retreat, Professional development involving branch and unit and leadership trainer, Clint heads, to review 2009 and Swindall, was the highlight of reaffirm 2010 objectives. the event. In a high-energy presenta- Director tion he urged Scotiabank (Bahamas) management team Barry Malcolm, Scotia- to embrace opportunities for bank’s managing director, change within a banking said: “2009 has been a year of organisation that employs 700 challenges, conditioning and staff. growth. “With this year’s growth, Workshops we have also seen much change in our leadership team The event began with a day and we welcome the addition of activities on Blue Lagoon of nine new hires and con- Island, followed by meetings We want you to offer useful and timely solutions on how to improve mobile gratulate 14 new promotions and workshops at Atlantis. safety in The Bahamas. BTC’s mobile safety efforts focus directly on: 1. Encouraging drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road when driving Dear wealth manager, are 2. Exercising courtesy when using cellular phones in public you motivated by budgets, 3. Safeguarding your privacy by using locks according to your phone model and setting passwords salestargetsanddiscre- We anticipate your fresh ideas and creativity! tionary bonuses? If so, EFG Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd ‡ )LUVW 3ODFH  DQG DQ $SSOH L3RG is probably not the wealth ‡ 6HFRQG 3ODFH  ‡ 7KLUG 3ODFH  manager for you.

The essence of wealth management is rela- tionships; we create the conditions for them to flourish. Our wealth managers serve clients as ‡ $OO LQWHUHVWHG SDUWLFLSDQWV DUH UHTXLUHG WR VXE- ‡ 2QO\ KLJK VFKRRO VWXGHQWV ZLOO EH HOLJLEOH WR they see fit, free from budgets, sales targets and mit a written paragraph explaining why they enter. arbitrary remuneration. Treated as professionals, should be chosen to participate in the speech ‡ &RQWHVWDQWV PXVW EULQJ YDOLG LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ competition. they are empowered to run a business and re- and must be accompanied by a parent or guard- warded on their profit contribution. Appealing? ‡ 7KH SDUDJUDSK Vhould be titled “Be-Smart LDQ 3DUHQWV DQG JXDUGLDQV ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR AtEFG,we’relookingforadifferentkindof Speech Competition” and should be emailed sign a consent form on the night of competi- wealth manager: a client-centred entrepreneur. to [email protected]. Participants can also tion. Fans of internal bureaucracy need not apply. send us a private message on the BTC facebook SDJH $OO HQWULHV PXVW EH UHFHLYHG E\ SP ‡ 7KH MXGJHV· GHFLVLRQ LV ÀQDO 7KHUH ZLOO EH QR appeal process. on December 7th. Practitioners of the craft of wealth management

‡ 2QO\  SHUVRns will be chosen to participate. The competition will take place on January The list of chosen contestants will be posted on WK DQG WK DW  SP DW WKH %ULWLVK &RORQLDO Hilton Hotel, #1 Bay Street. our Facebook page on December 11th.

If you are interested in joining a wealth manager unlike any other, please get in touch with Steve Mackey, CEO, EFG Caribbean s T 1 242 502 5400 s F 1 242 393 1161 s [email protected] EFG Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd is part of EFG International, which operates in 55 locations in over 30 countries s www.efginternational.com

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