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Volume: 107 No.8 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25) A story of CARS FOR SALE,
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CHRISTIE: GOVT FOCUS ON CRIME ‘AFFECTED BY POLITICAL CLIMATE’ GOVERNMENT focus and action concerning the PM: police to target national crime issue is heavily affected by the political cli- mate, according to PLP leader Perry Christie. During his interview on a local radio talk show, the leader of the opposition said he was “tremendously disap- pointed” in Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who he holds responsible for the degeneration of social condi- tions in the country. Mr Christie explained that ‘specific’ criminals due to the prime minister’s SEE page 10
Ingraham expects ROADWORKS KEEP TRAFFIC IN LOW GEAR TIM CLARKE/TRIBUNE STAFF ‘greater’ success in crime fight
THERE will be a greater committed – especially those focus on “specific” perpe- that are related to murder. trators of violent crime with- Many of them are hit killers, in the country, Prime Minis- where people are contracted ter Hubert Ingraham vowed to do so, or where there are yesterday, noting that he turf wars between various expects the police will have persons. “greater” successes in the “Our system, to some coming weeks and months extent, is not quite func- in battling crime. tional whether it is a system Fielding questions on the for the police in apprehend- record-breaking 88 murders ing, prosecuting, and then for the year, Mr Ingraham having the courts dispose of said he was satisfied the the cases. police are doing a good job, “We have huge backlogs and commended them for of cases – not withstanding their work. the huge resources that have He said: “I am very been pumped into the sys- pleased with the job they are tem there are many things doing. I suspect that they that do not connect.” will have even a greater suc- Mr Ingraham pointed out cess in the coming weeks that when he was first elect- and coming months because ed to the House of Assem- I suspect they will be more bly in 1977 there were only focused on specific areas 14 or 15 murders that year – and persons who are pre- a stark difference to the IN THE SLOW LANE: Roadworks on Robinson Road are having a knock-on effect on traffic around New Providence. With the roads already sumed to be involved in sig- escalating numbers seen in busy due to the festive season, this could be a trying time for motorists. nificant activity. the last few years. “One of our biggest prob- “In 2001, the year before I lems in this country is drugs. left office the last time, there Drugs are influencing many of the crimes that are being SEE page 10 PM: AIRCAFT OPERATORS HAVE HARBOUR ISLAND RESIDENTS NO RIGHT TO IGNORE LAWS VOICE FEARS OVER BURGLARIES By NOELLE NICOLLS any outstanding customs By AVA TURNQUEST been reported in past weeks – Tribune Staff Reporter duties owed to the Govern- Tribune Staff Reporter maintain that there has been [email protected] ment. [email protected] no noted increase in reported “What does the Prime burglaries on the island. AIRCRAFT operators Minister of the Bahamas HARBOUR ISLAND Willard Cunningham, assis- have “no right to ignore the say to those people who residents, fearing irreparable tant commissioner of police laws of the Bahamas” said have brought stuff in that damage to visitor and resi- in charge of the Family Island Prime Minister Hubert required duty to be paid, dent confidence because of district, said: “There has not Ingraham in his first public who didn’t pay it, other the recent spate of burglar- been an increase in burglaries comments on the brewing than to say talk to Customs ies, have renewed their cries – there have been a few mat- feud between the Depart- and seek to make arrange- for greater focus on family ters that were reported in the ment of Customs and local ments. What else can he island crime. past couple weeks.” aviation companies. say? That it’s OK for you? The islanders claim repeat In a letter to The Tribune, incidents have left them frus- Charles Carey, a Harbour Mr Ingraham said it goes When I buy a boat, I have trated and vulnerable, how- Island resident and business- without saying that aircraft to pay duty. When you buy ever, police officials – who operators will have to pay SEE page 10 acknowledged matters have SEE page eight
NASSAU AND BAHAMA ISLANDS’ LEADING NEWSPAPER
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PAGE 2, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010 THE TRIBUNE
LOCAL NEWS Freeport Container Port complies with ‘majority’ of safety recommendations
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter [email protected]
FREEPORT – Following the deaths and injuries of workers as a result of a tor- nado in March, the Freeport Container Port (FCP) has complied with “a vast major- ity of the recommendations” made by an independent Occupational Health and Safety expert at the Interna- tional Labour Organisation (ILO), said Senator Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour. Mr Foulkes recently visit- ed the Container Port while VISIT: Dion Foulkes recently on Grand Bahama. visited the Container Port. While meeting with port CEO Gary Gilbert, Mr Foulkes said he was assured vast majority of the recom- that concerns regarding safe- mendations made by inde- ty conditions at the port have pendent investigator Jacques been addressed. Obadia were fully complied On March 29, a tornado with by management of the struck the facility causing container port,” the minis- severe damage to equip- ter said. ment. Three workers were Accompanying Mr killed and four others were Foulkes to Grand Bahama seriously injured. were Minister of State for Following the incident, Labour and Social Services concerns were raised by Loretta Butler-Turner, workers over safety condi- Director of Labour Harcourt tions at the port. Brown and senior Deputy The government hired Director of the Department ILO expert Jacques Obadia of Labour Tyrone Gibson. to conduct investigations at the port. According to a portion of the report’s findings, “the fact that terminal work dur- MINISTER OF ing relatively bad weather and fluctuating winds is a common occurrence may LABOUR TO have affected the time taken to assess the seriousness of MEET WITH the situation.” Mr Obadia also found sev- eral shortcomings in the ByRICK DENISE HAYWARD MAYCOCK port’s communication sys- Tribune Freeport tems, that its emergency Reporter response equipment was [email protected] partially deficient, and that all necessary safety training FREEPORT – Minister had not been carried out. of Labour Dion Foulkes He has not been able to said has scheduled a meet- conclusively determine if all ing with Rick Hayward of the FCP's cranes were regarding money owed to pinned down on the day of the businessman’s former the tornado, which would restaurant employees. have been in keeping with More than 70 workers prescribed safety procedures. lost their jobs when Mr Mr Obadia also noted in Hayward was evicted from his report the absence of an his three restaurants – East, on-site weather monitoring La Dolce Vita and the Pub system at the FCP during the at Port Lucaya – as a result tornado. of an ongoing rental dis- Cleveland Lowe, 49, pute with the landlord, Shawn Saunders, 25, Bourbon Street Limited Michael Young, 43, and and Port Group Ltd. Glen Bodie were inside The workers claim they Crane 10 carrying out main- are owed severance pay. tenance work when the tor- They have retained an nado hit. attorney to file legal action The crane collapsed to the against Mr Hayward. ground, killing all the work- “My office has been in ers except for Mr Bodie, contact with Mr Rick Hay- who was seriously injured. ward, who is out of the FCP CEO Mr Gilbert jurisdiction, and I have a showed Minister Foulkes fixed date to meet with and his delegation the efforts him, to discuss the resolu- being made to return the tion of the legal entitle- facility to normalcy and ments to his former pointed out the safety mea- employees,” Minister sures that have been imple- Foulkes said. mented. He noted that there are “I am pleased to say that a penalties which can be applied if an employer is deemed to have failed to conform with the provi- sions of the Employment Act. Mr Hayward is the son of Sir Jack Hayward, one of the principals of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
INDEX MAIN SECTION Local News...... P1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 Editorial/Letters...... P4 Advts...... P13,14 BUSINESS/WOMAN SECTION Business...... P1,2,3,4,5,6,8 Advt...... P7 Woman...... P9,10,11,12 SPORTS SECTION Sports...... P1,2,3,4,5,7,8 Comics...... P6
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THE TRIBUNE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010, PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS Two wanted men arrested by police, now in custody
FREEPORT – Two men wanted by sought for questioning in a rape case, police were arrested by authorities and and Errol Miller Jr, 29, who was being taken into custody over the weekend. sought for questioning in a housebreak- ASP Hector Delva reported that ing and stealing case, were arrested by Randy Albert Gibson, 50, who was being police.
ARMED ROBBERY SCENE: The BTC office was robbed on Friday. Man in court over BTC armed robbery
By NATARIO McKENZIE streets of Nassau. connection with the armed rob- Tribune Staff Reporter According to reports, the inci- bery reportedly collapsed and [email protected] dent began at around 9.30am died while in custody at the Cen- when two men, one carrying a tral Detective Unit (CDU). A MAN who is alleged to handgun, entered the office and Police say the man was sitting have been involved in the armed threatened a security officer on quietly in CDU waiting to be robbery of BTC’s Shirley Street duty. questioned when it was noticed office last Friday was arraigned The man armed with the gun that he was breathing heavily. in Magistrates Court yesterday. reportedly handcuffed the guard He then collapsed, police say. Godfrey Hepburn, 27, and bundled him to the cashier's (See story below) appeared before Deputy Chief cage before robbing the estab- Magistrate Carolita Bethel in lishment. Court 8, Bank Lane, charged Hepburn was remanded to with one count of armed rob- Her Majesty’s Prison. His case POLICE COMPLETE bery. was adjourned to December 13 It is alleged that on Friday when prosecutors will indicate AUTOPSY ON MAN WHO November 26, while being con- whether they will proceed with a DIED IN CUSTODY cerned with another and armed Voluntary Bill of Indictment POLICE announced the with a handgun, the St James (VBI) in his case, fast-tracking it autopsy on Owen Rolle, the Road resident robbed Janet to the Supreme Court, or by man who died while in police Cooper of $787.69 the property way of preliminary hearing in custody on Friday, has been of BTC in the Shirley Street the Magistrates Court. completed. Plaza. Hepburn’s attorney Bernard However, no details of the The daylight robbery of the Ferguson told the court that his report were made public. BTC office resulted in a high- client had been beaten by police. Rolle, 35, had been taken in speed police chase through the The other man arrested in for questioning in connection with the robbery of the BTC office on Shirley Street that morning. He died while at the the Cen- tral Detective Unit. Officers said they noticed he was breath- ing heavily, then he suddenly collapsed. An autopsy on Walden Mitchell, who was shot and killed by police in Coconut Grove on Monday, has also been completed. Mitchell, a former police offi- cer, was wanted in connection with several shootings, includ- ing an incident in which he allegedly shot a police officer in the face. The police issued a statement last night saying that as of 6.30pm last night, the files on both men had been passed on to the Coroner. Meanwhile, there has been no update on the case of Shar- moco Newbold, 19, who was shot and killed in Bain Town by a police officer on Satur- day. Police initially said he was killed in an exchange of gun- fire and promised to issue a detailed statement on the mat- ter on Tuesday. However, they then said any update would have to await the results of an autopsy on New- bold. There has been no further update on the status of this autopsy – despite the fact that Newbold was killed before either Rolle or Mitchell.
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PAGE 6, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010 THE TRIBUNE
LOCAL NEWS NIB’s long-serving employees honoured at Government House
WITH a smile on her face Now retired, Mrs Rolle plane. When we were pay- and a twinkle in her eye started out in NIB’s Inter- ing pensions we used to go Roselyn Rolle, former nal Audit Department in on a mail boat and do the senior manager of the 1983 before moving to the leg work and so I was one of National Insurance Board’s Accounts Department and those persons who were in New Providence office says then into management. the middle of all of that,” she has been fortunate to “It has been an awesome she said. THE National Insurance Board’s Annual Long Service Awards Ceremony was recently held at Gov- see the National Insurance experience because I was Mrs Rolle was one of a ernment House. Those honoured are pictured above with keynote speaker the Sir William Allen, Deputy Board evolve into a modern blessed enough to move us group of long-serving to the Governor General; Zhivargo Laing, Minister of State for Finance; Algernon Cargill, Director of and highly efficient organi- from paper to computerisa- employees and retirees who National Insurance, and other members of the executive management team of NIB. sation. tion; from a mail boat to a were recently honoured at Government House in NIB’s Annual Long Service be and commissioned to be la, clerical supervisor III, cer, Inspectorate; Elvera Awards Ceremony. in 1974. And thanks to the Purchasing, Stores and Aux- Newbold-Riley, senior clerk, The ceremony recognised extensive set of amendments iliary Services Department. Fresh Creek Local Office; employees who had that were made to National Lana Kelly, local office man- reached long service mile- Insurance contributions and 20 years: Gail Carey-Gay, ager, Spanish Wells and stones of 10, 20, 25 and 30 benefits regulations last July assistant manager to the Harbour Island Local years in 2010, as well as it is a safety net that vice-president of the Infor- Offices; Pleasant Hanna, retirees. Bahamians can safely expect mation Technology Office; senior clerk, Pension Verifi- Congratulating those hon- to be firmly in place when- Therese Farrington, senior cation; Bernadette Pratt, oured for a job well done, ever they retire,” Sir claims officer, Cat Island senior clerk, Nicholl’s Town Sir William Allen, Deputy William said. Local Office; Lucinda Coop- Local Office; and Erma to the Governor General, “To those who worked so er-Petsch, Local Office Stevens, operator, Purchas- said NIB has grown and diligently during the initial Manager, Gray’s Local Offi- ing, Stores and Auxiliary developed to the point and ensuing stages of cer, Long Island; Kevin Services. where its programmes now National Insurance you have Knowles, manager of the cover every contingency that built the programme and the Information Technology 30 years: Barbara Sey- could result in involuntary organisation into the nation- Department; Shellyn Ingra- mour-Fox, senior claims offi- loss of income including al success that it is today. ham, executive secretary, cer, Inagua Local Office; sickness, childbirth, on-the- Every accomplishment that National Prescription Drug Maxine Williams-Clarke, job injury, retirement, death I detailed and many more Plan; Ellouise Gibson, senior claims officer, NPLO and, most recently, unem- have been possible because senior clerk, Simm’s Local Claims Department; and ployment. of you,” he said. Office, Long Island; Heather Philip Smith, technician II, He also stated that NIB’s Zhivargo Laing, Minister Maynard, legal officer, Legal Facilities Department. surplus funds represent the of State for Finance, also Department; April Miller, most significant source of emphasised the importance senior inspector, Compli- Retirees: Janet Louise national savings and noted of NIB’s role to all Bahami- ance Department; Learlean Bowleg, senior assistant NIB’s contributions to the ans and commended the McIntosh-Cornish, Family manager, Freeport Local development of healthcare long-serving employees. Island Local Office supervi- office; Bernal Bullard, infrastructure around the Responding on behalf of sor, Cooper’s Town Local senior inspector, Inspec- country along with the those honoured, Lucinda Office, Abaco; Nadine torate Department; Adding- launch of the National Pre- Cooper-Petsch, local office Rolle, senior claims officer, ton Cambridge, senior assis- scription Drug Plan in Sep- manager, Gray’s Long Marsh Harbour Local tant manager, Compliance tember. Island, said NIB’s employ- Office, Abaco; Sheryl Rah- Special Unit; Brian Whit- “NIB has truly been the ees are tenacious and per- ming, assistant internal audi- field Knowles, senior clerk, safety net it was intended to severing because they tor, Audit Department; and Accounts Department; Dor- believe that they can suc- Whitney Patton, chief inter- rie Mae Oliver, janitress, ceed no matter what is nal auditor. Nicholls Town Local Office; placed before them. Roselyn Rolle, senior man- Among those honoured at 25 years: Julia Barry, ager responsible for the New the ceremony were: senior claims officer, Occu- Providence Local Office; pational Health and Safety; and Deirdre Rebecca 10 years: Kim Russell, Una Burrows, senior clerk, Thompson, senior clerical senior clerk, Freeport Local Pension Verification; Den- supervisor, Freeport Local Office; and William Scavel- nis Burrows, executive offi- Office.
JOB VACANCY Rotary Clubs on their marks Cable Bahamas Ltd is looking for for bed race for Polio vibrant and energetic Sales Executives for its Commercial Sales Segment
Job Objective: Responsible for all sales activities, from lead generation through close in an assigned territory.
Responsibilities: t 3FTQPOTJCMF GPS UIF TBMFT PG BMM $BCMF #BIBNBT$PNNFSDJBM O erings within assigned territory in New Providence . t %FNPOTUSBUFT UIF BCJMJUZ UP DBSSZ PO B CVTJOFTT DPOWFSTBUJPO XJUI business owners and decision makers. t 4FMMT DPOTVMUBUJWFMZ BOE NBLFT SFDPNNFOEBUJPOT UP QSPTQFDUT and clients of the various solutions the company o ers to their business issues. t .BJOUBJOT BDDVSBUF SFDPSET PG BMM TBMFT BOE QSPTQFDUJOH BDUJWJUJFT including sales calls, presentations, closed sales, and follow-up BDUJWJUJFT XJUIJO UIFJS BTTJHOFE UFSSJUPSZ JODMVEJOH UIF VTF PG $3. Tools to maintain accurate records to maximize territory PICTURED FROM LEFT: Lindsey Cancino, deputy assistant governor, Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas; potential. Adam Darville, Rotary Club of East Nassau; Dave Lakin, RCEN; Jeff Mitchell holding official logo, RCEN; Murray Forde, RCEN; Sheila Bethel, Rotary Club of Nassau; Robert Brown, RCEN. Job Specifications: ROTARY Clubs of the t ZFBST PG FYQFSJFODF JO TBMFT Bahamas have been meet- ing to organise their first t 4USPOH VOEFSTUBOEJOH PG DVTUPNFS BOE NBSLFU EZOBNJDT BOE Rotary Bed Race for Polio. ROTARY requirements. The Bed Race – which will involve teams of people t 1SPWFO BCJMJUZ UP TVSQBTT TBMFT RVPUBT pushing four-wheeled beds NEWS t 1SPöDJFODZ JO .JDSPTPGU 0óDF 4VJUF &YDFM 8PSE 1PXFS1PJOU with a passenger onboard – will take place on Saturday, headed by Rotary, the Outlook). January 22, 2011 at the Mall World Health Organisation, at Marathon and will raise cation UNICEF, and the US Cen- ters for Disease Control and Please e-mail your resume to [email protected] funds for polio eradication, a in 1985 with Rotary International initia- its initial pledge of $120 mil- Prevention. 0OMZ QFSTPOT XIP NFFU UIF RVBMJöDBUJPOT XJMM CF DPOUBDUFE tive. lion, the study “Economic Today, Rotary has con- A new study supports Analysis of the GPEI”, tributed nearly $1 billion Rotary’s initial investment recently released in Vaccines and countless volunteer Closing Date: 8FEOFTEBZ %FDFNCFS and continued commitment medical journal, validates hours toward polio eradica- to eradicating polio world- the humanitarian service tion — reducing the inci- wide, estimating that eight organisation’s 25 year com- dence of the disease by 99 million cases of life-long mitment to ending this dis- per cent. Rotary members paralysis will be prevented ease. worldwide are now raising Cable Bahamas Ltd. Nassau Bahamas at a savings of $40 to $50 bil- Rotary’s investment an additional $200 million Robinson Rd. at Marathon www.cablebahamas.com lion over the next 25 years. sparked the creation of the to match a $355 million As Rotary was the first to Global Polio Eradication grant from the Bill & Melin- invest in global polio eradi- Initiative in 1988, spear- da Gates Foundation.
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THE TRIBUNE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010, PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS ORLANDO-AREA Jewish community in Nassau WOMAN TREATED FOR CHOLERA ORLANDO, Fla.
AN ORLANDO- AREA woman who ready for Hanukkah celebration recently moved from Haiti was treated for cholera and has recovered, according All those marking ‘Festival to Associated Press. Orange County Health Department spokesman Dain of Lights’ invited to join Weister on Monday wouldn't say how old By CELESTE NIXON According to the Talmud, at the the woman is because Tribune Staff Reporter re-dedication of the Temple, when [email protected] of patient confiden- they sought to light its Menorah, tiality. But he says they found there was only enough she got sick shortly NASSAU’S Jewish community consecrated olive oil to fuel the after moving to the will come together this Wednes- eternal flame in the Temple for Orlando area last day to mark the Hanukkah holi- one day. Miraculously, the oil month. day and are inviting all persons burned for eight days. The woman was celebrating the "Festival of Lights" The lighting of the Menorah treated by a doctor to join. symbolises this. who gave her antibi- Rabbi Sholom Bluming, a visit- The holiday begins on December otics. None of her ing Chabad Rabbi from New York, 1 and continues to the 9. close contacts have said: “The message of Hanukkah is It includes the lighting of can- gotten sick. bringing light, warmth and festivi- dles each night; the singing of spe- There has been at ty into this world.” cial songs; recital of the Hallel least one other con- He described it as “a holiday of prayer; eating foods fried in oil firmed case in Florida courage, of redemption against such as latkes, which are described of the disease caused oppression and an ancient ritual as potato pancakes; playing the by a bacterial infec- that communicates hope.” dreidel game; and the giving of tion of the intestine. Hanukkah, also known as the money to children, called gelt, That Collier Coun- "Festival of Lights", is an eight- which is said to reinforce good ty case also has been day Jewish celebration commemo- behaviour and teach children linked to an outbreak rating the rededication of the holy about charity. in Haiti. temple in Jerusalem after its dese- Rabbi Sholom Bluming will be Doctors are trying cration by the King of Syria. in New Providence to join in the to determine whether The festival is observed by the Hanukkah festivities and encour- an American Airlines kindling of lights on a special nine- ages the community to come passenger who branched candelabra called a together and celebrate as a fam- became ill last Friday Menorah. ily. on a flight from the On each night of the festival, a He asked anyone seeking fur- Dominican Republic candle is lit on the Menorah, pro- ther information to contact him FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Hanukkah is marked by the kindling of lights on a spe- to Miami had gressing to the eighth on the final by emailing: cholera. night. [email protected]. cial nine-branched candelabra called a Menorah (above).
HUMANETODAY Mrs Kim SOCIET Aran- are Yborn,‘OVERFLOWING’ and our cattery them a good WITH home. CATSon Sunday, AND December DOGS 5th. ha, president of the is still,” said Mrs Aranha. “The Society does not “Please open up your Bahamas Humane Society, “However, we are over- want to have to put these hearts and give these guys wants The Tribune’s press- flowing with kittens and kitties and cats to sleep a chance, we simply cannot es stopped to let the public cats all of a sudden..Why? because they are too keep them,” said Mrs know that the Society’s What freak of nature has numerous, so please, Aranha. facility is overflowing with caused this? please, come down to the kittens and cats that need “There are just too many shelter during this week – good homes. to live in the area we have and the adoption fee will So anxious is the Society set aside for them at the be lifted. to find these homes that it Bahamas Humane Society “No charge,” said Mrs has waived the adoption shelter,” she said. Aranha, “as long as you fee up until Sunday, “So again we are appeal- are approved as a good December 5. ing to the general public to home. “Usually at this time of give these wonderful cats “This entire week the the year very few kittens a second chance and give cost will be waived, ending
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PAGE 8, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010 THE TRIBUNE Harbour IslandLOCAL NEWS residents voice fears over burglaries
attack. its reputation as a safe and only library – are now prepar- criminal and delinquent subsequently resulted in the FROM page one Mr Carey wrote: “The desirable tourist destination.” ing to leave the island this behaviour at a town meeting United States issuing a criminals are running free He added: “A number of week. On Monday, the day held by the Royal Bahamas Bahamas travel warning. man, explained the burglar- with no fear of consequences. homes, Bahamian and winter after the robbery, they put Police Force and Ministry of Suggestions offered by res- ies discouraged repeat visi- We are losing our long time residents alike, have been their house up for sale — a Tourism. idents in March towards crime tors, as many victims often cut repeat visitors and residents burgled, mostly in the early house that they had intended Then, residents said the prevention included: Regu- short their travel time and are in droves. And Harbour morning hours while the occu- to pass on to their son. meeting offered hope that the lated porters at the dock, reluctant to return after an Island is on the verge of losing pants are asleep. Cash, gold Mr Carey wrote: “This is a island was finally getting the mandatory identification jewellery and electronics, for great loss as they have dedi- attention it had been denied required for those entering the most part, seem to be cated their years on the island for so long, and showed deter- and leaving the island and what the thieves are after.” working to revive our public mination and solidarity in beach wardens. Residents claim the far- library and creating literacy their demands for greater At that time, residents also reaching negative impact of programmes for our youth. In police presence and improved acknowledged that the level repeated theft is evident in fact, they hosted a fund raiser infrastructure. of crime currently experi- the aftermath of a recent bur- for the library this past Sat- Speaking with The Tribune enced was not solely indica- glary to long-time winter res- urday and the cash proceeds yesterday about current con- tive of the number of police idents Don, 68, and Judy Sav- were among the items stolen cerns, Mr Cunningham said: on the island, but greater age, 69. from their home.” “We have had many initia- social ills, such as inconsistent The retired couple from Mrs Savage said their tives with detectives from infrastructure and an inun- Maryland first visited the break-ins started in April but New Providence which has dated social services pro- three-mile long island 15 the last few weeks have been led to many persons being put gramme. years ago, and are now in especially harrowing due to before the courts in connec- Mr Cunningham advised their tenth year in their retire- the frequency of attacks on tion with past incidents. any residents who suspect ment home on the island. other residents – in some cas- “I want to highlight the their matters are not being After they came under es only two days apart. work of the police depart- reported or processed to con- attack for the fourth time In March, more than 100 ments and officers in the tact Superintendent since April, the couple – who frustrated islanders met with Family Islands for the com- Theophilus Cunningham, offi- have been acknowledged for officials to address what was mendable job they are cer-in-charge of the Central their dedication to the island’s described as an increase in doing.” Bahamas District, which The officials flew into the includes the islands of 3.5 by 1.5-mile island in Eleuthera, Andros and the March after it came under Berry Islands. international scrutiny when He added: “After that, if an American tourist was you still feel that your con- severely wounded during an cerns are not being met, con- argument on the island, and tact me at 302-8381.”
AFGHAN POLICE OFFICER KILLS
KABUL,SIX Afghanistan US SERVICE MEMBERS
AN AFGHAN border policeman killed six American servicemen during a training mission Monday, underscor- ing one of the risks in a U.S.- led program to educate enough recruits to turn over the lead for security to Afghan forces by 2014, according to Associated Press. The shooting in a remote area near the Pakistani bor- der appeared to be the dead- liest attack of its kind in at least two years. Attacks on NATO troops by Afghan policemen or sol- diers, although still rare, have increased as the coalition has accelerated the program. Oth- er problems with the rapidly growing security forces include drug use, widespread illiteracy AFGHAN NATIONAL ARMY SOL- DIERS attached to First Battal- and high rates of attrition. ion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, A spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division walk Afghan Interior Ministry, after an Afghan National Army Zemeri Bashary, confirmed training program graduation in that the gunman in Monday's Panjwai district, Afghanistan's attack was a border police offi- Kandahar province, Monday, cer rather than an insurgent Nov. 29, 2010, with an Afghan who donned the uniform for national flag over them. (AP) a day. The Taliban claimed respon- sibility, saying the gunman joined the border police to kill foreign soldiers. "Today he found this opportunity and he killed six invaders," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement e- mailed to the media. The shooter opened fire on the NATO troops and then was killed in the shootout, NATO said, with- out providing additional details. Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that the six killed were American. He declined to provide their iden- tities or say which military branch they were from until next of kin could be notified. Bashary said the incident happened in the Pachir Wagam district of Nangarhar province, a volatile area near Pakistan. An investigation team has been sent to Pachir Wagam, said Gen. Aminullah Amerkhail, the regional border police com- mander for the east. But he said information was not coming back quickly. "The area is very remote," he said. "Even the telephones are not working there." NATO is still investigating an incident earlier this month in which two U.S. Marines were killed in southern Helmand province, allegedly at the hands of an Afghan soldier. After two deadly shootings in July, NATO officers said they were re-examining training practices to make sure that such attacks did not happen again. On July 20, an Afghan army sergeant got into an argument at a shooting range in northern Afghanistan and shot dead two American civilian trainers before being killed. Another Afghan soldier was killed in the crossfire. A week earlier, an Afghan soldier stationed in the south killed three British troopers, including the company com- mander, with gunfire and a rocket-propelled grenade in the middle of the night. In November 2009, an Afghan policeman killed five British soldiers at a checkpoint in Helmand. On Sept. 29, 2008, an Afghan police officer opened fire at a police station in eastern Paktia province, killing a U.S. soldier and wounding three before he was fatally shot. A NATO offi- cial expressed shock at the time that an Afghan officer would betray his NATO partners. At the time, Col. John "Pete" Johnson, a U.S. forces com- mander in eastern Afghanistan, predicted it would be "the first incident of its kind." The recent increase in such shootings suggests that the Afghan security forces may be suffering from growing pains. In the past year, the size of the Afghan police force grew 27 percent from about 95,000 officers to 120,500. The army increased 42 percent from 97,000 soldiers to about 138,200. There have been also been problems with retention, and even those who stay often are lacking the most basic skills. Only 11 percent of enlisted personnel and 35 percent of noncommissioned officers in Afghanistan's army and police are literate, according to NATO trainers.
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PAGE 10, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010 THE TRIBUNE
LOCAL NEWS Aircaft operators ‘have no right to ignore laws’
FROM page one into the retail price of a car. er been enforced, at least how much you pay, over Last week, the Comptrol- since the 1990s. what period of time, now ler of Customs issued a 14- “It was always, always, those are all matters that are a car, you have to pay duty. day directive to private air- the stated position that Cus- subject for discussion, but What is it about an aircraft craft operators to clear all toms was not going to do not say you are not going that says they do not have unpaid duties on imported enforce those rules and to pay at all because you to pay duty?” asked Mr planes or risk aircraft there was no evidence to have no such right to ignore Ingraham. seizures. show otherwise. the laws of the Bahamas.” At an emergency meeting PRIME MINISTER Hubert Ingraham The announcement by “Had there been any evi- Zhivargo Laing, Minister of the Bahamas Aviation Customs took the industry dence we would have of Finance, refused to com- Association last week, mem- by surprise. Members of the planned for that in our busi- ment on the matter, except bers argued that aircraft are association are seeking an ness plan and adjust accord- to say he is aware of the sit- “moveable assets” and exemption declaration from ingly. uation, and he is yet to should not be subject to cus- the Minister of Finance. “We hope they realise receive any written commu- toms duty because there is Written communications are that there is so much more nication or request for a “no expectation of dispos- said to be en route. to be made by us staying in meeting. ing of that asset in the Paul Harding, owner of business than to take us out Last week, the association Bahamas and recovering the Safari Seaplanes, said he one time,” said Mr Butler. claimed the Department of cost.” sent his letter to the minister A senior government offi- Civil Aviation refused to get In explaining the point, and copied the Comptroller cial told The Tribune that involved because they had Randy Butler, president of of Customs. even if the law was not to “stay neutral.” the association, said: “First “I respectfully request him enforced in past practice, the Over the weekend, Vin- of all, many airplanes are to hold off until the minister Comptroller of Customs has cent Vanderpool-Wallace, brought into the country on makes his decision on the the authority to review any Minister of Tourism and lease. When they are sold, application for exemption,” decision made regarding the Aviation, also said he would along with those aircraft that said Mr Harding. payment of customs within a not intervene. are purchased, there is no The operators do not three-year period of time. “We are facilitating a market for them in the deny there is a 10 per cent Glenn Gomez, Comptrol- whole variety of things that Bahamas. These airplanes tax on aircraft in the Tariff ler of Customs, took office we want to enable these have a certain value on the Act, and they acknowledge only one year ago. He was operators to continue to open market and there is no the latest amendments only not available for comment. deliver good quality of ser- possibility of including the legislate exemptions for air- His predecessor was Antho- vice to the Bahamas, but duty from a country in that craft parts. The tariff was ny Adderley. when it comes to taxes that cost, so you would lose increased from seven per The Prime Minister is between them and the whatever you pay in cus- cent to 10 in 2008. added: “If you didn’t pay, Department of Customs,” toms.” However, they say the law then you ought to make said Mr Vanderpool-Wal- Mr Butler said an aircraft is unspecified and it has nev- arrangements to pay. Now lace. is unlike an imported motor vehicle that is sold locally. In the domestic automobile market, Mr Butler said busi- ness owners are compensat- ed, because consumers have the reasonable expectation PM: Police to that duty will be factored target ‘specific’ criminals
FROM page one raised repeatedly. Speaking on this issue yesterday, Mr Ingraham said the Govern- were only 40 murders in the Bahamas, and I ment believes it can restrict the right to bail say ‘only’ but there was only 40 murders in by defining in law what a reasonable period the Bahamas. It is double that number nine of time is. years now. Much of this is due to drugs. “At the moment some judges are of the Much of this is to do with the same persons view that a reasonable period of time can be involved in the same crimes over and over anywhere from eight weeks to a year, but we again. believe that a reasonable period of time can “We are seeking to ensure that there is be anywhere from two to three years. We greater coordination between all of the agen- believe that there is law to support that and cies in dealing with this matter so we can we intend to bring such an amendment and become more effective. But at the moment have it tested so that it can be the law of the there is a degree of disfunctionality in rela- Bahamas,” he said. tion to the legal, judicial system and tackling The Prime Minister said the Government crime.” is taking advice to ensure the amendment is In tackling violent crime, the issue of peo- structured in such a way so as to minimise an ple charged with murder receiving bail and opportunity for a successful Constitutional committing other violent offences has been challenge. Christie: Govt focus on crime ‘affected by political climate’ FROM page one
intent to lead his party into the next election, their focus has been primarily on tak- ing credit for PLP initiatives and dismantling pro- grammes put in place by his party. Mr Christie said: “(Mr Ingraham) professes to be someone from the people, someone who understands what it is to come from a vulnerable grouping in our society and therefore to understand that the text- PLP LEADER Perry Christie book will not run the day in this.” increase in crime. He called find out what these con- He added: “We have to for the government to focus tributing factors are and put be innovative, we have to be more on community-based strategies in place to deal creative in addressing our- efforts instead of increased with it.” selves to the situation as it pressure on the police to He added: “The solution exists in our community.” relieve the crime issue. to our problems of bad Commenting on the Mr Christie said: “Chil- behaviour rests with the homicide count, which dren are in those communi- people themselves. broke records in 2007, 2009 ties, children are using the “There needs to be strat- and this year, Mr Christie same weapons of the chil- egy that reaches out to those claimed that although dren who are doing some of people and impresses upon greater funding and access the killing. Young people. them that they must be their to technology will prove “We have an obligation to best protectors – that is beneficial to police efforts be able to go behind and what Urban Renewal – it will not stem the underneath and dig deep to intended to do.” TO DISCUSS STORIES ON THIS PAGE LOG ON TO WWW.TRIBUNE242.COM C M C M Y K Y K
T H E T R I B U N E
T U E S D A Y, N O V E M B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 0 SECTION B • HEALTH: Body and mind
IMPORTANT EDUCATION It Could Happen To You addresses unhealthy rela- tionships, outlines red flag behaviors of potential abusers and offers helpful tips to prevent individ- uals from succumbing to domestic violence.
fighting for approval from her parents, she had anoth- A STORY OF er battle to fight. “Another guy came along and he was my knight in shining armor. He accepted me and my child and I fell in love with him. But shortly after getting married we would find ourselves constantly arguing. He wasn’t physically abusive in the beginning. But he was inse- cure, controlling and jealous,” she explained. Triumph Ms Stubbs said sometimes she would ask herself what she had gotten into. Her ex-husband, would humiliate her in the presence of friends, accuse her of infidelity, and disrespect her in the front of their chil- dren. Stubbs’ days were filled with guilt, shame and disap- By JEFFARAH GIBSON But the breaking point for her was when her ex- pointment. She had to live through the berating and Tribune Features Writer husband attacked her for coming home late. “He deal with the comparisons made to her twin sister. tried to attack me and I grabbed a knife to defend Feelings of worthlessness, and humiliation con- ER laughter comes from the stom- myself and he slammed my head into the wall and I sumed her and the only thing she found comfort in ach, she smiles genuinely, and she is collapsed. And after that incident I knew I had to get was crying. pretty content with her life right out. H “My pregnancy was a blow to my family. My father Today, Ms Stubbs is using her life experiences to now. disowned me and he told me that whoever the man is make a difference in the life of others. She is the Paulette Stubbs is no longer jaded by her past and that got me pregnant I better find him because he is author of the book “It Could Happen To You” and involuntary recurrent memories seldom trigger any not doing anything for me.” the founder of It Could Happen To You enterprises, harmful emotions. And for her, being able to enjoy a “It was so hard dealing with all of that. I could a network that seeks to enrich the lives of individuals. belly aching laugh is always an experience she trea- remember some days I would just come home and go She is also a volunteer at the Crisis Center. sures. to my room and just cry because I felt like I wasn’t “I am content and I am still growing and learning. However, cherishing the experience of sheer bliss worthy enough to even speak to my parents. It was so There are still some things from my past that I am was not always easy, simply because when you are embarrassing,” she said. about to become a sixteen year old mother, survival dealing with but I am learning trust again,” she said. over happiness is the equation. “I came from the average Bahamian family. They Motherhood were strict. But things like giving kisses or hugs or TIME WELL SPENT expressing love was something that my parents nev- Though motherhood was her reality, Ms Stubbs Paulette Stubbs has dedicated her time to er did. The affirmations of love that I needed, I nev- was determined to redeem herself. She continued helping others enrich their lives. er got. So this guy comes along and he is saying the attending H O Nash High School. But after the prog- nice things I wanted to hear and doing the things I esterone and estrogen’s began showing themselves wanted him to,” Ms Stubbs told Tribune Woman. she was asked to sit out until the birth of her child. “I ended up getting pregnant for this same guy There was this one teacher in school who picked up and at the time I was fifteen going on sixteen. And that something was wrong with me. And she told when I found out I was pregnant I did not know me that it wasn't safe for me to be in school because what to do. I was scared because in those days I could get hurt. My teacher called my parents in teenage pregnancy was the kiss of death.” and they told us of the student-mother program (PACE). And I was happy for the opportunity to finish school," she said. Home Remedies At PACE she met other young girls in a simi- lar situation and the camaraderie she developed All the bush medicine, Epson salt and other at with some of the young ladies helped her get home remedies did not work the miracle Ms Stubbs through her ordeal. "Being in the student moth- was hoping for. er program gave me hope. I got the math and “Ignorance is a serious thing. I didn’t know that I English courses I needed. They also taught us a would have gotten pregnant on my very first time. number of crafts trades. They taught us about And my partner knew he had a slip up so to speak. what to expect during our pregnancy and what He gave me all kinds of boil bush to drink. But after would happen to our bodies after we give birth,” she all of that nothing, happened I was still pregnant,” she said. said. However the challenge of rearing a child at a Young Paulette was now face with the task of very young age was the hardest thing she had ever breaking the news to her family. “I couldn’t tell my done. “My parents showed me tough love. I had to mother, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know take care of my baby on own. In the mornings I how they would react to it all. So I let him tell my had to take him to school, then get myself ready for mother while I stayed outside to listen. Growing up school. After school I had to pick him and drop my mother kept this cutlass next to her bed and when him home then go to work. But all of that made me he told her he wanted to talk to her she said to him a stronger person,” she said. “will I have to chop you,” Ms Stubbs said jokingly. Ms Stubbs’ struggles did not end there. Besides After her parents found out she was pregnant, Ms