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VOL. 29 - NO. 180 MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2017 75 CENTS Crime Spikes Mitchell Wants Govt to Fight Fox Hill Crime n Teen Murders in Fox Hill Concern Former MP BY LICEC BASTIAN BY LICEC BASTIAN Journal Staff Writer CARICOM TO SuPPORT Journal Staff Writer he country’s Former Fox Hill Member of Parliament murder count Senator Fred Mitchell weighed in on the climbed up a HuRRICAne ReCOveRy recent teen homicides in the area and called on notch, reaching the Free National Movement (FNM) govern- triple digits, ment to implement or put resources in place to according to curb shootings that occur in the area. T Through a Whatsapp video the former MP TThe Bahama Journal’s records, when a teen suc- sent a clear message to the office of the com- cumbed to his injuries in missioner of police, the minister of national hospital following a shoot- security and the FNM administration. ing in Fox Hill on Saturday g See FIGHT FOX HILL CRIME on PAGE 2... evening. According to police reports, shortly after 6 p.m. a 17-year-old male was walk- ing on Johnson Road, Fox Hill with another male when two males in a gray coloured vehicle approached and shot at them before speeding off. The victim, who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, later died while his mother watched him take his last breath, according to a close family 4 CARICOM Chairman and Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell (right) and Bahamian relative. Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (centre) addressed members of the media following Dr. 4 Former Fox Hill Member of Parliament Mitchell's return from Ragged Island where the CARICOM Chairman viewed the destruction Senator Fred Mitchell (Journal file photo) caused by Hurricane Irma. Dr. Mitchell was accompanied to Ragged Island by a team g See CRIME SPIKES / page 2... of senior Bahamian and Caribbean Community officials. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

BY LICEC BASTIAN arrival, Dr. Mitchell commented that he come to terms with the fact that this fami- Journal Staff Writer was happy to be in The Bahamas, but ly unity is so vital for us.” regretted the circumstance which prompt- Dr. Mitchell said in his years of witness- Acklins ed his visit. ing natural disasters, he has experienced CARICOM Chairman and Grenada Prime “I am happy to be here, but not neces- many Caribbean countries coming to the Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, during his visit sarily in these times when you are under aide of each other and at this time with to the capital on the weekend, to assess the weather, so to speak,” Dr. Mitchell said. such a catastrophic storm he and CARI- damage inflicted by the wrath of Hurricane “The Bahamas has good memories for COM felt compelled to bring some type of Residents Irma, told the minister of foreign affairs and me. This is where I spent my honeymoon, relief. the minister of labour, that he and his team so I don’t want to see anything [bad] hap- “Over the years we have witnessed a from the Caribbean Community were in the pen to The Bahamas. number of disasters and every single country to not only assess the damage in “But, let me say this on behalf of the country and people in those countries Return Home Ragged Island, but also to give support for CARICOM community that we are very have come to individual aide and support,” what the country faced in the aftermath of happy that we have the opportunity to be Dr. Mitchell said. the category five storm. here with you in this difficult time. Speaking with reporters upon his “The Caribbean family of nations have g See SUPPORT HURRICANE on PAGE 2... after Irma

BY ONIKE ARCHER Pindling International Journal Staff Writer Airport (LPIA) after evacuat- ing to New Providence prior Anxious to assess the con- to Hurricane Irma’s arrival. dition of their homes, Uncertain of the state of Acklins residents returned to her home, Salina Point resi- the storm stricken settle- dent Alicia Romer, shared ments, Salina Point and her sentiments with The Lovely Bay last Friday. Bahama Journal. Residents boarded their flight from the Lynden g See AFTER IRMA / page 3...

A L L T H E N E W S Y O U N E E D T O R E A D I N T H E M O R N I N G Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 2

The Bahama Journal A2 Monday - September 18th, 2017 NationalNEWS CARICOM TO SUPPORT HURRICANE RECOVERY g Continued from / PAGE 1... that you have and of course pital, which is where the pre- Dr. Mitchell further went different media houses ask- Bahamas,” he said. the reconstruction effort. miere is holding his office on to say that even now, ing how can they get some of Dr. Mitchell toured “Therefore, in your hour As CARICOM chair, Dr. “We were in Anguilla Grenadians are making the services to The Bahamas Ragged Island on Saturday of need, we feel compelled Mitchell said he and his team where a lot of destruction we preparations to assist family to the friends and family in with Prime Minister Dr. and very happy to respond to from the Caribbean commu- noticed [again] and also in and friends in the capital. The Bahamas because there Hubert Minnis and a team what has taken place here nity are too assessing dam- Barbuda where literally “The people home in is a lot of connection from both CARICOM and and to offer all the support age in other countries affect- there is nobody there except Grenada have been calling between Grenada and The the Bahamas government. CARICOM can give in this ed by Irma and that there is a when we went there we met difficult time. need to see small countries a few horses and a lot of “We are very happy to be be given more finances when mosquitos. here. The leadership of faced with challenging times “So, we know what these CARICOM, we know we such as the onset of natural things are all about. That’s have people on the ground, disasters. why we have been stressing but the leadership of CARI- “We just came from the that what we have to do in COM felt that we had to be Turks and Caicos and we every forum is to restate the here to demonstrate that at saw the damage there,” Dr. position which we have the highest possible level of Mitchell said. taken that to graduating CARICOM that we are here “We were in BVI [British countries because of so with you and that we are Virgin Islands] and it was called per capita, that formu- going to be there supporting completely destroyed with la is a farce. you in the immediate needs one major building the hos- “Because in one stroke of the pen, one three hour notice in Grenada for example and the same thing can happen here, where you can have so much disaster that can take you years to recover and especially in a country like The Bahamas, you have so many islands even if you have one that is spared so many other destruction can take place in so many of the islands that you have.” Speaking in his capacity as Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Mitchell remi- nisced on the time when his country was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan and the assistance that The Bahamas government rendered to his island. “Bahamas, when Grenada was destroyed in 2004, the people of The Bahamas not just the government, but the people of The Bahamas came forward with the family and friends and other people there and provided enormous support,” Dr. Mitchell said. “People took individual initiative and brought goods 4 Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, left, escorted CARICOM Chairman and services to our country. Dr. Keith Mitchell, prime minister of Grenada, right, from his plane upon Dr. “And so, we feel com- Mitchell's arrival in Nassau on Friday evening, September 15, 2017 for a CARICOM pelled to respond.” assessment of the impact of Hurricane Irma. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay) Crime Spikes in Fox Hill

g Continued from / PAGE 1... Fox Hill and Progressive Liberal Party multiple times and killed late Tuesday Senator Fred Mitchell in a video, circu- night while hanging out in the back of Police have not officially identified lated on Whatsapp, stated that some- his Fox Hill home. the body. However, reliable sources thing must be done to curb crime in the This latest homicide pushed the told The Bahama Journal that the 17- area. country’s murder count to 104, accord- year-old is Mitchell Munroe, the father Just four nights prior to this latest ing to The Bahama Journal’s records. of a two-year-old. incident 16-year-old Jeffery Wright was Police are searching for two male The other male victim was not shot and killed on Brice Street, Fox Hill. suspects who they believe are behind injured in the incident. The 11th grade student who attended the shooting incident of 17-year-old Former Member of Parliament for Government High School was shot Munroe. Mitchell Wants Govt to Fight Fox Hill Crime

g Continued from / PAGE 1... commissioner of police asking alluded to the fact that since the plus two shot, plus gunshots for additional resources to be FNM administration took office every night, that’s what’s going put in to Fox Hill to fight this nothing has been done to on here,” Mr. Mitchell said. Mr. Mitchell’s recent video crime epidemic and the gun upkeep the conditions of the “We must do something was in response to two shoot- shots that are being fired every park. about it and don’t tell me that I ings of teenage boys that took night and people having to “If you look even at the envi- was the MP and blah blah blah place in Fox Hill only days a crouch in their homes. ronment that we are on, this that has nothing to do with what part. “No response from the com- brand new park, that I put before is happening now. “Last night I got a call and I missioner of police, no response I left as member of parliament, “We need to put resources to could hear the screams of a more importantly from the minis- the grass isn’t even cut and the do something now. mother at the hospital because ter of national security who cam- environment isn’t kept properly; “When I was MP I did what her 17-year-old son had just paigned, beating up his gums that’s the legacy of this FNM was necessary to tap these been killed in the Adderley saying that oh yea, they had the government,” Mr. Mitchell said. issues down. I’m saying bring Street area, Adderley Street and solution to all of this and the sit- He further stated, “Now the resources FNM government Johnson Road,” Mr. Mitchell uation has gotten worse. enough is enough.” do something about it.” said in the video. “And the minister of national After lambasting the FNM Just four days apart, 16-year- “This is the second killing [in security is silent. Has nothing to administration, Mr. Mitchell said old Jeffery Wright and 17-year- as many weeks] in the Fox Hill say. He needs to step up to the something must be done, as he old Mitchell Munroe were shot in area. plate and the government needs did when he was the member of the Fox Hill area. “Somebody, who is a teenag- to put the resources in Fox Hill to parliament for the area to tap Wright died on the scene in er, that the kid before was 16- get this problem resolved.” down the issues the area is the backyard of his home, while years-old and he is dead, sup- Standing in Fox Hill Park, at plagued with. Munroe succumbed to his gun- posedly over a chain. the roundabout of Bernard and “The fact that you have now a shot wound hours later at the “Before that I’ve written the Fox Hill Roads, Mr. Mitchell 17-year-old got killed, in Fox Hill Princess Margaret Hospital. Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 3

The Bahama Journal NationalNEWS Monday - September 18th, 2017 A3 Baha Mar assists with hurricane relief

4 Baha Mar associates prepare care packages for persons affected by Hurricane Irma. (Photo/Baha Mar) Bahamian Boaters Rescued Near Bimini Several Bahamian boaters a second incident which were rescued by a joint effort occurred around 8:25 p.m., a by members of the Royal 19-feet skiff was being Acklins Residents Return Home after Irma Bahamas Defence Force towed by a 17-feet skiff in g Continued from / PAGE 1... travel back because she operates her Williams also travelled back to his (RBDF), Police Force and the area of Brown’s Boat business from her house. home last Friday. Operations Bahamas and Basin near the Poop Deck, “What are we going home to?” Ms. However, she is aware of the roof Travelling with his three sons, Mr. Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) East Bay Street. Romer said. “According to the damage her house sustained. Williams encountered unexpected and Bahamas Air Sea Rescue A 26-feet vessel named information coming from Salina Point, “A piece of the roof in the back challenges at the LPIA airport. (BASES - Freeport) in two ‘Raptor’ collided into the Acklins where I’m from, the settlement came off. I can’t live there,” she said. “It’s been a little frustrating getting separate incidents on tow rope, resulting in minor is nowhere for anybody to be at this Although not ecstatic about travel- back because they telling you one Saturday. damage to one of the vessels. time, especially for children.” ling back home to face the realities of thing to come, and when you reach According to RBDF offi- Officials said Defence Ms. Romer has a seven-year-old son wreckage wrought by Hurricane Irma, here your name is not on the list and cials, in the first incident Force Patrol craft P-115 who did not accompany her travelling she expressed her gratitude toward the that is really frustrating to me,” Mr. which occurred around 6 went and assisted the ves- back to Acklins. government’s unprecedented decision Williams said. p.m., OPBAT reported that a sels, which were all escorted “I’m not going to take him back until to evacuate persons from the south- “You don’t need that kind of stress 25-feet white Ranger vessel to the Defence Force’s I assess my damage,” she said. “I’m eastern islands and ensured accommo- right now after going through all of named ‘Whiplash’ experi- Harbour Patrol Unit. not going to take him to get sick until dations were provided for persons this with the hurricane. I didn’t want enced mechanical problems None of the occupants on they get Salina Point back on track.” needing shelter. to come, but I realized it was best and two miles south of Bimini. the vessels were injured. Ms. Romer further expanded on con- Ms. Romer said, “First of all, I want I just want to hurry up and get back to A vessel from the Police ditions she may meet once she returns. to say thanks to everybody who donat- see what’s going on.” Marine Division in Bimini “It’s filthy, and coffins are coming ed items like, food, clothes and the Although Mr. Williams admitted he was dispatched with a police GOT NEWS? out of the graves. There are dead dogs, shelter on Blake Road. I want to say knew he some minor damage, he was officer along with two Please call The Bahama dead goats and cesspits opening up to thanks to them because they made sure still concerned about his home. Defence Force marines on the public,” she explained. the persons who were there, were fed “Knowing the size of the storm, I board. The disabled vessel, Journal’s News TIP “Where in the heavens are we sup- and had a place to sleep.” just want to get back to see what’s along with a male occupant, LINE at 356-7254 posed to be go?” Forty-three-year-old Lovely Bay, going on and that’s my biggest fear,” was safely brought into north Ms. Romer added that she had to Acklins resident, Clarence Oneil he said. Bimini. and let us know! According to officials, in Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 4

The Bahama Journal A4 Monday - September 18th, 2017 NationalNEWS CARICOM TO FOCUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE BY LICEC BASTIAN Journal Staff Writer

Of the many pressing global issues, climate FOREIGN AFFAIRS HOSTS change is one that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) hopes that more emphasis can LUNCHEON FOR CARICOM CHAIRMAN be placed on, especially in countries where natural disasters occur as a result of change in atmosphere, CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque told reporters during his visit to the country on the weekend, adding that climate change affects all. Mr. LaRocque, who toured Ragged Island with CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Grenada Dr. Keith Mitchell said climate change is indeed here and the finances needed for restoration of natural disasters caused by climate change should not be based on per capita incomes. “Bahamas was hit by Matthew [last year] and we went and saw the destruction on two of the islands, Andros and Grand Bahama,” Mr. LaRocque said. “We saw total destruction again. It repeats itself and the previous year before that I think we had it. “So, this sort of destruction compounds itself and well climate change is here. These are climatic events that no doubt in our minds that we are living through the climate change and climate change as you know doesn’t pick per capita income or who’s rich and who’s poor.” Mr. LaRocque said based on their assessment of many of the Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Irma, most of the poorer 4 Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield (third right) hosted a small luncheon for CARICOM Chairman and Grenada neighborhoods were impacted. Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell (third left) on Saturday (September 16, 2017) following the delegation's return “When we drove through Provo from Ragged Island where they toured the devastation caused there by Hurricane Irma. Dr. Mitchell was accompanied by a [Providenciales Turks and Caicos] we saw in number of senior Caribbean Community officials, among them, CARICOM Secretary-General, His Excellency Ambassador some of the poorest neighborhoods that were Irwin LaRocque (far right). Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis also attended the luncheon. Pictured from most impacted,” Mr. LaRocque said. left: Minister of Labour Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes; Foreign Affairs Acting Permanent Secretary Donna Lowe; Dr. Mitchell; “We have consistently been seeing every- Minister Henfield; Director-General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Haylock; and Ambassador LaRocque. (Photo/BIS) where we go that the assistance that we get post hurricane and generally speaking under “I think therefore all of us collectively in the climate change and green climate change CARICOM, all our institutions the OACS fund must not be based on per capita secretariat, and all institutions must work income.” together. Dr. Mitchell, as CARICOM chair, said “In fact, with all of the disasters that have with the recent natural disasters that just occurred, it’s strengthened our hand and occurred, the argument of climate change and strengthened our case that the whole issue of the need for a better resolution has only climate change and special resources avail- strengthened their argument. able for small states like The Bahamas and “Right now CARICOM holds the chair of Grenada and other countries in the Caribbean small states forum and that is very significant must be given top priority.” because with a major aspect of small states In July of this year, CARICOM and the forum with a $10 billion program that we are United Nations (UN) held a meeting to now chairing there is enough for enormous strengthen cooperation between the two opportunities for us to place the issues of cli- organizations discussing several issues mate change and disasters as a key compo- including climate change. nent, as far as aide is concerned,” Dr. A conference is scheduled for October in Mitchell said. Washington. Man on Bail Found with Firearm BY LICEC BASTIAN in his possession. speeding off. Journal Staff Writer Police said shortly after 2 Investigation into these a.m. the special ops team, matters are ongoing. A man on bail for murder acting on information, con- With a busy weekend, was arrested over the week- ducted a search of the man’s police are also investigating end for an illegal handgun nightclub on East Street and an intentional hit and run that he had in his posses- Gibbs Corner. incident. sion. Upon search of the night- According to a police Consistent with club, police uncovered a report, shortly after 2:30 Commissioner’s Policing Smith and Wesson pistol a.m. on Sunday morning, Plan for 2017, the Selective and a pistol magazine with two women were involved Enforcement Team (SET) of 14 rounds of ammunition in an altercation in the park- the Royal Bahamas Police hidden in a toilet bowl. ing lot of a local bank on Force (RBPF) seized an ille- The owner was subse- Baillou Hill Road South that gal firearm from a man who quently taken into police led to one of the women is being monitored electron- custody in relation to the intentionally being struck by ically. discovery. a vehicle. According to police Police reports indicate The victim of the hit and reports, shortly after 1 a.m. that on Saturday shortly run was rushed to the hospi- yesterday morning, the offi- after 10 p.m. a man was on tal where she is listed in cers assigned to SET were in Dawson Street when three serious condition. the area of Apache Alley, off males in a gray Ford Police confirmed that Kemp Road, and noticed a Explorer approached him they are following signifi- man acting and behaving while he was in his Honda cant leads for the female suspiciously. Civic and robbed him of his suspect who struck the vic- The man was subsequent- cell phone, cash and his tim and fled the scene in an ly searched and was found vehicle before speeding off. unknown vehicle. with a .40 Glock pistol with In a separate incident, Investigations are also seven rounds of ammuni- shortly before 2 a.m. on ongoing in this incident. tion. Sunday, a woman, who had In an island wide opera- The man was then taken just arrived at her home in tion conducted over the into police custody for pos- Kennedy Subdivision, was weekend, police arrested 28 session. approached by three males persons for a number of An hour later, a Police in a red Honda Fit car. criminal offenses and out- Operation Team took a Armed with a handgun, standing court warrants. nightclub owner into cus- the men robbed the woman Additionally 386 drivers tody following the seizure of her silver Nissan Fuga, were ticketed for various of an illegal handgun he had license plate AF 3436 before traffic violations. Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 5

The Bahama Journal EditorialNEWS Monday - September 18th, 2017 A5

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

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Kimaley P. Jones Prime Minister Vice President/Operations We covered the start of this war with articles describing the battle E D I T O R I A L over easement rights, the mysteri- ous burning of a home, the blocks THE CLIFTON to rebuilding, and countless ques- tionable court filings. This series of articles asks the needed questions and presents the arguments in full. Why did the former Prime REVIEW Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas not ever speak out By P. J. Malone FINDING GOD against attacks on our democratic processes? The Clifton Review is a bi-weekly column that examines the It is a strange matter when a question of the Clifton project along with the evolution of the leader of a country remains silent war between two billionaires, the links to unsavory characters, the use of the courts for personal agendas, the involvement on issues that strike at the core of of the Government opposition party (the FNM), and that country’s constitutional the attacks on the Government of The Bahamas. democracy. IN THE STORM Yes, these are matters from our Bahamas say? Nothing! past—though, our recent past—but it can The residents of Ragged Island – they have been healthy in his or her spirituality with a degree of This is such an indictment. The question is so devastated. Their homes are unlivable. The superstition. However, that is quite different from never be too late to examine such issues, why? Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. Hubert Minnis saying that the Christian religion is superstition and issues that greatly impacted and continue to says that because of health and safety conditions, therefore we should leave it behind. Was the former Prime Minster of the impact the well-being of our nation. they should move to the capital or some other island It is said that prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, Commonwealth of The Bahamas so dense For example, the blight on our name still like Exuma. In Salina Point, Acklins there many peo- uttered or unexpressed; and the power of prayer in that he had no clue what was going on? No. ple who lost their homes as well. these things. Could a good and gracious God listen stands internationally: When the ‘Save The The Former Prime Minister is a very intelli- Many years ago after 9/11 – incident in the United to the prayers of the faithful and turn a hurricane Bays 5’ went to the international human gent man. States the Chaplain of Harvard University, Dr. Peter away? rights associations and filed false—as far as Gomes, in describing what took place in the United We see this witnessed in the sacred scriptures So what then? we are concerned—claims that their lives States on 9/11, when people questioned where was where the weather changes. We see this in one Some have claimed he was compromised: were in danger and condemned The Bahamas God, Gomes said the question is not where was God instance in the first chapters of Joshua. In Joshua what that compromise looks like is uncertain. in the midst of tragedy, but where were you? chapter ten when the sun stands still for a day in the process, did the former prime minister But here are some related facts: We have heard of thirty-six people being killed in because Joshua goes before God, and with faith say one word? the Caribbean as a result of Hurricane Irma. We had fueling is words and disposition says to God, we How could the former Prime Minister not no one killed in The Bahamas, despite the tremen- need you do to something here. The former Prime Minister has never speak out when our country was put on a list dous damage to property. The texts says that God responded. We also see spoken out against Louis Bacon and along side rogue nations who kidnap, torture, It is important for us to define was what faith is. this in the Gospels, where Jesus Christ is asleep and what Bacon has done through Save Faith would be that personal connection with God the storm comes, and the Son of God -- in the midst and kill its citizens? The Bays to harm the country. In fact, that is reflected in one’s ethics, reflected in one hav- of the storm with frightened disciples – He spoke to When Save The Bays’ financial informa- the former Prime Minister praised ing a certain meaning for life. Notwithstanding the the storm and some power was released and he tion was disclosed in the Parliament of The challenges that we have here as Bahamians, histor- rebuked the storm and there was calmness. What Bacon for his supposed efforts in the Bahamas revealing that millions were being ically and now, we are still informed by the Christian does that mean? It affirms that in creation, we have Clifton Cay fight thereby supporting passed through Save The Bays’ accounts faith as a populace. It is our point of reference for an all-powerful God who moves with divine freedom Bacon’s claim to have led the Clifton ethics. to do what God would want to do. That God and reportedly through their chief funder, hedge- Cay fight to protect the land that It is still our primary point of reference in terms of superintend and intervene as God selects, as God fund billionaire Louis Moore Bacon, and house the now Clifton Heritage spirituality – our connection with God. In terms of a chooses, and can cause the natural order of things pointing to attempts to illegitimatize the point of reference for our nation, the Christian faith to be apprehended, to be stopped. God is moved to Site—much to the chagrin of the real Government, the former Prime Minister was has been that point of reference. And by default, reli- do this – the Christian faith affirms, Judaism affirms defenders of the Clifton heritage site. silent. gion has been our point of reference for understand- this – all of the Abrahamic faiths affirm this. At differ- ing life and our ethics. ent times God is moved to do this. We see it in the How could a leader of a government pos- Louis Bacon has been a long-time We are all challenged to arrest crime, especially case of Jesus, we see it in the case of Joshua, we sibly be silent facing attempts to invalidate violent crime. Notwithstanding violent crime, if one see it in the case of Moses; and He continues to do client of Graham Thompson & his Government? were to remove the experience of healthy spirituality this. No this does not mean that there is a mechan- Associates law firm. When Save The Bays took hypocritical from The Bahamas, one would see that the situation ical, sequential process saying that whenever a per- action to thwart government functioning, tak- in our Commonwealth would get even worse. So son of faith prays, God responds in a certain way. One of Graham Thompson’s senior yes, we have faith as that primary point of reference, We do not turn God into a celestial robot. There ing the Government to court in attempts to partners is a long-serving advisor to the experience of God expressed in our ethics, and is mystery with God, even as God has that divine destroy Louis Bacon’s enemy, fashion mogul The Bahamas is better we have that understanding freedom. So yes, God can intervene in the natural the former Prime Minister. Peter Nygard, once again the former Prime of God, that experience of God, that experience of process, not only with weather, but with the human Minister was silent. ethics. Now those persons who turn away from God, body, with the human mind, with the human spirit. But, why? So the question remains, why would the who embrace ways that are not of the Christian faith What we have in the Christian faith is the under- – sadly we would have to include those who are standing that in the mundane, through the technolo- When Fred Smith, attorney for Save The former Prime Minister not speak out to protect our democratic processes, as was his engaged in violent acts in that category. gy of prayer, one becomes open to the supernatural. Bays and Louis Bacon, took members of the The human person reaches for a source beyond And the supernatural is God. We as Christians Parliament of The Bahamas to court, chal- sworn duty to do? themselves to get grounding. At times that is called understand that that God is expressed fully in Jesus lenging their right to parliamentary privilege What kind of leader would allow chal- superstition, but it is not fair or appropriate to say that Christ. The understanding is that that God owns all healthy spirituality – the Christian faith – is the same of creation and all of the processes; and that God over revealing Save The Bays’ financial lenges to our constitutional rights and democratic structures and not once speak out about thing as superstition. has an exclusive right to manage – that is why He is information—information deemed public by There is quite a bit of difference between super- call Sustainer – manage the processes in a natural the United States Treasury department’s rules it? stition and a conjunct religious system that has stood way and to intervene supernaturally when He choos- for 501(c)(3)s—causing a near constitutional What are we to make of this? the test of time. The Christian faith would fall into es because every part and particle of creation crisis in The Bahamas, what did the former Was the former Prime Minister compro- that category, as would the other world religions. So belongs to Him. The Earth is the Lord’s and the full- it is not unusual to find a sincere Christian who is ness thereof and those who dwell therein. Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The mised or extremely incompetent? Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 6

The Bahama Journal A6 Monday - September 18th, 2017 NationalNEWS

4 Last Thursday, protesters in Bimini gathered to send a clear message that they want all further development on the island to cease. (Photo/Sherard Campbell) Residents Protest to Stop Bimini’s Development

BY C. JILLIAN GRAY Leader of the group Save they believe that the current activist group, said she Journal Staff Writer Our Home Bimini Jenny development has destroyed thinks their protest was a Cook said the environmen- 450 acres of mangroves and success. Protesters in Bimini are tal impact of the develop- as she understands it, the “I think I did get my mes- calling for all further devel- ments on that island caused resort seems to have plans to sage across to the delegation opment on that island to the storm to affect the island rip out the whole of the here today, Dr. Minnis has cease. even more. north end of this island to definitely given us hope that Prime Minister Dr. “The resort has already develop more hotels, golf it is the people's time and we Hubert Minnis and his dele- destroyed 458 acres of man- courses and homes. have faith that some steps gation met a team of protest- groves, which is why we The prime minister are being taken now to right ers in Bimini on Thursday, had so much storm surge on allowed Cook to join him at some things on the island who was in no way con- top of the bay during the Resorts World Bimini where for the future.” cerned about hurricane hurricane,” Cook said. they had a brief impromptu Minister of Tourism assessments, but about envi- She said they don't want meeting with Rafael Reyes, Dioniso D’Aguliar said he ronmental protection. any further development as president of Rav Bahamas thinks the hotel is a beauti- development group, and ful property and that the Missy Lawrence president environmental issues are of Resorts World. something that can be sorted Reyes said he thinks that out. it is crucial to find a formu- “I completely understand la to rejuvenate the beach their concerns and I encour- and improve it as quickly as age people who don't possible. approve of economic devel- He said, “We’ve had a opment to state their con- special assessment that was cerns. They're very vocal about to be passed for the and vociferous on social home owners to fix that media and they are absolute- whole seawall and we can ly right. They keep us even implement a major focused on the environmen- rejuvenation system to it as tal issues,” D’Aguliar said. well.” He added that he doesn’t Lawrence said, “We want want economic development the environment to be right, to the point where it deterio- but we also want the econo- rates the environment. my of Bimini to be right, D’Agulair said, “North that is the only way that this Bimini has the wonderful island gets back on its feet.” mangroves and some say the The prime minister said development thus far may the government will facili- have caused degradation of tate everything within the those mangroves and signif- law to ensure that what icant environmental impact needs to be done gets done thus it's important that we and told them that he’s an balance it. People need jobs, environmental protector. but we must work within our Cook, leader of the environment.” Govt Issues Exigency Order

Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest, pursuant to the Tariff Act, has declared an Exigency Order for the tax exemption on goods imported for rebuilding purposes following the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. According to a statement issued by the National Emergency Management Agency, the exigency qualifies for the purposes of the urgent need for goods specified, which the minister of finance is satisfied are intended for the relief of residents in the affected islands and whose claims or application in respect of such goods are certified by NEMA’s director. Those islands are: Acklins, Bimini, Crooked Island, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Long Cay, Mayaguana, Ragged Island and South Andros. The goods are building materials, electrical fixtures and materials, plumbing fixtures and materials, household fur- niture, furnishing and appliances, bottled water and gener- ators. According to NEMA, the declaration covers a period of 180 days (except for bottled water) commencing September 11, 2017 and ending March 10, 2018, or for such period as the minister of finance may specify by notice. The declaration also covers the waiver of departure tax for non-commercial flights bringing in relief goods and customs processing fees on imports to the islands men- tioned for the same period. “Customs duty and VAT exemption will be granted on donations to registered charitable organizations and on acquisitions by individuals whose loss by Hurricane Irma has been verified by NEMA. All other authorized donations will be deemed a gift to the government and will be received and distributed by NEMA,” the statement read. “Any person who knowingly imports any goods, pursuant to this declaration, but for a purpose other than as specifically provided for under this declaration, commits an offence and is liable to penalty and forfeiture of goods in accordance with sections 268 and 292, respectively, of the Customs Management Act (No. 32 of 2011).” Section A_Section A Tues 9/18/2017 12:26 AM Page 7

The Bahama Journal NationalNEWS Monday - September 18th, 2017 A7 ALIV Assists in Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

4 Chief ALIV Media Champion Johnny Ingle on the ferry to Bimini with ALIV care pack- 4 More supplies going to the Southern Bahamas on September 13. (Photo/ALIV) ages which includes battery chargers and hurricane relief supplies. (Photo/ALIV)

ALIV, The Bahamas’ clear” was given to assess are in need. important to us and it is communities to recover and ing them with a care pack- newest mobile network, has the damage and see how best “We at ALIV stand for important for us to be there rebuild.” age upon their arrival to begun assisting those the company could assist. helping the people of The for them in their time of Blackburn along with New Providence. The pack- throughout the county Chief ALIV Officer Bahamas in their time of need. The restoration Chief ALIV Media age included a free smart- affected by Hurricane Irma. Damian Blackburn said the need,” Mr. Blackburn said. process throughout The Champion Johnny Ingle phone with a free phone Senior executives from the company remains commit- “We will stand alongside the Bahamas will take time, but travelled to Bimini on plan for a week among other telecommunications compa- ted to quickly delivering on government to assist where ALIV remains committed to Monday and assisted ALIV branded items. ny travelled to several of the its mandate to assist and however we can. The working with the govern- Biminites by immediately ALIV network and infra- affected islands once the “all Bahamians whenever they people of The Bahamas are ment, our customers and giving out care packages. structure assessments began Chief ALIV Innovator immediately upon the ‘all Dwayne Davis travelled to clear’ and to date, no dam- Ragged Island and Chief age has been found on any ALIV Business Developer ALIV-owned or operated Gravette Brown travelled to equipment. Assessments are Inagua, both making assess- ongoing. ments and assisting where Mr. Blackburn noted there was a need. however, that ALIV cus- “Senior executives will tomers experienced no serv- travel throughout the rest of ice interruptions. the week to ensure that ALIV currently has net- ALIV can accelerate its roll- work service in New out plan to the islands with Providence, Grand Bahama, greatest need for communi- Abaco Eleuthera and most cation and setup the neces- recently Bimini, and cur- sary ALIV infrastructure to rently a total of 142 live assist the residents in the towers throughout these south with communication,” islands. Mr. Blackburn said. “They Through national roam- will also assist with handing ing, ALIV subscribers can out hurricane relief items.” use their devices throughout Over the next few weeks, the entire Bahamas. ALIV has made additional ALIV is planning to plans to assist those most launch in all the major affected by Hurricane Irma. Family Islands by the end of Last week, ALIV began 2017 and throughout the assisting evacuees from the entire Bahamas by early southern islands by provid- 2018. Trade Unionist Idena Burrows Dies Former President of The Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) Idena Burrows died recently. Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes expressed his condolences to Mrs. Burrows’ family yesterday. Mrs. Burrows served as both president and vice president of the BCPOU. “She played a critical role in the fight for women’s 4 Former President of The rights in the trade union Bahamas Communications movement in The Bahamas and Public Officers Union and in the wider Caribbean,” (BCPOU) Idena Burrows Mr. Foulkes said. “She was a champion for young trade union leaders, the trade union movement investing heavily in educa- for which the National tion and training. She was Congress of Trade Unions an avid church-goer, a mem- (NCTU) honoured her dur- ber of Evangelistic Temple ing the 2015 Labour Day cel- and a family woman. Her ebrations. Mrs. Burrows role in developing young made a significant contribu- people in the church and tion to the BCPOU and to the trade union community was trade union movement in exemplary. The Bahamas. She served in “On behalf of the govern- many capacities in the movement of the Bahamas, and on ment. Her death is a loss to my own behalf, and that of the trade union movement the Ministry of Labour, I and to the NCTU. extend sincere condolences “Mrs. Burrows served as a to her husband Stanley, her consultant for the govern- children, grandchildren, ment of The Bahamas and on other family members and to a number of national boards the wider trade union com- as a trade unionist. She was munity. instrumental in developing “May she rest in peace.”