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WEATHER FRI. NOV. 20 McHAPPY DAY HIGH 82F ANY TIME...ANY PLACE, WE’RE #1 LOW 71F The Tribune CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE BAHAMAS EDITION www.tribune242.com Volume: 105 No.300 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 PRICE – 75¢ (Abaco and Grand Bahama $1.25) C M Y K

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9 0, 200 BER 2 OVEM t AY, N dia.ne FRID ibuneme siness@tr ON B • bu rocess SECTI pproval p ky’ a ent South Ocean mur of Agreem CARS FOR SALE, rify Heads o cla s whether ess ity t d to addres ment proc ortun ruling faile as’ develop pp uncil aham e pro- o y Co to B oned th st Priv ainty aband S o le’ rt and ble ‘L ttab g ce ations ld be a regre brin oblig nt “wou says ‘ er, and hether a Governme provi- torney ch oth is, and w ject, the orce these ELL At sue ea greement ding and em to enf L HARTN could of A ment is bin to sue th By NEI Editor arties of Agree sion [of ot”. ded: Business p Heads ic expres sions or n d QC ad Tribune l - a publ g docu- wly-name eme ppo- igh- lawfu a bindin The ne the Supr Boxers enter g o “h han at epresentin oject had nt] more t tunately, nd the attorney r na Cay n Club pr for the inte “Unfor f Appeal a THE illion Gua & Ocea the need t. Council he Court o a lost S e $500 m yes- focused his men he Privy Court, t e was nents of th elopment ighted and gislate t rettably, t hether ncil, ther to ort dev l ” to le “Reg ue of w y Cou clarity S ed-use res table” that ernment pprovals fied the iss rn- Priv r bringing mix as “regret Gov opment a as not clari the Gove rtunity fo ss in the y said it w etermine n’s devel to both h could sue e- oppo nt proce terda il did not d natio ing clarity developer s of Agre evelopme without Counc s and , bring resi- a a Head the d as it is, E the Privy developer processes f affected o enforce as murky -by- g whether oth- e rights o ment t .” Bahamas, ins a step in its rulin d sue each his and th vice versa er, for that expla ment coul nt, t il’s ment or ned wheth egislation he Govern Agreeme ents. ivy Counc ith questio ment l ch.” t Heads of r- d g to the Pr ts Mr Sm s of Agree ep approa E nder a ost oppo spondin is clien a Head p- st er u ase as “a l Re revented h stance, if r a develo c n o T ribing the the murky g, which p and Com- i rovisions f tal desc clarity to rulin iscovery L ontained p vironmen page 4B ty to bring in the blocking D grounds c up any en ir SEE tuni process from ent on the to clear o meet the lopment s developm f Agree- er ey failed t deve pany’ s Heads o mage if th . rs & roject’ per, da D Bahamas” e Callende that the p ’ or impro ith QC, th the ultra vires the HELP WANTED m id s ‘ , foreclosure Fred S tner, sa ent wa rettably SMITH y and par his m aid: “Reg ds FRED o attorne waged by r Smith s hat a Hea C gal battle ci- M t analyse w N year le y Asso oes no four- ana Ca case d I Gu o R ave lf t e S Go th ay t ients, r’s B e cl ake s e B t th t ains s , ag r ion i at as F I m cean Baha rm O an fi S outh e Caym O S old r t i as u ess w usin S q B c une 8 a Trib s 200 o it e Cayman cording t stake in th that ac r General e holds its ly-owned ls, Sagico r its whol nancia (Cay- u TNELL through f the fi ompany s IL HAR firm r Life o ance C of o By NE s Editor ry, Sagico Insur million s a l ine sidi $46 N c ne Bus sub . ) wrote ar, e Tribu Islands man that ye an o s r aym is als ium P , the C ase price oss prem which Hall of Fame o r f First purch e g nt of AS The ranc r ce BAHAM rer, is hough insu me 31 pe neral insu known, alt ssed so remiums. U ian ge e un expre ealth p s Baham into th sources were h try source I to expand industry Bahamas nce indus d poised the acqui- to whether Insura irst, which e through oubt as value - hamas F t bean al d book e Ba ill a Carib Gener uld pay believ nsurer, w agicor irst wo llion in eneral i AND REAL ESTATE e S F f n of y- 15 mi ely a g the e sitio any (Ca h the $ is sol in-off omp matc that r sp bid defeated C or ity ll o d e u e S ranc can r eq er s at it d Insu usiness areholde ce eith given th i une B et sh uran tfolio b older’s an), Trib to be n eral Ins ealth por mod- n s ortgage h m deal likely gicor Ge had h its busines st $85m m eal, in a Sa Cayman) es not fit $31.74 ules again al Bank rev minently. mpany ( -end do er cent, or B urt r entr d im Co year 69 p preme Co ot have C confirme y sources to its 2008 el. Some ms, were * Su esort did n ce industr according fact that its premiu ARTNELL because r n Insuran wspaper due to the million of n 2008. y NEIL H ditor plication repay loa to this ne accounts - formed eral side i B siness E ap mission to es say onfirmed tter of y had per on the gen n insur- ribune Bu ontrol per hip, sourc c that a Le he compan recent Bahamia T xchange c receivers esterday First’s t oorly in Still, the en this eiver- e six-month on y ahamas latively p prof- try has be onth rec ischarges e remains tent for B anian re t been very nce indus essive THE six-m 7 mil- udgment d ort’s futur In the Caym ars and no a most aggr isputed $86 * J idence res s rchase of gned, ye conomy’s over- ip for the d elop- New Prov k in hand pu d been si ble. stions e it comes to sh cean redev Southwest l now bac mpany ha ld be ita also que ctor when amas n South O y the * as contro ds co deal cou here were irst se n, and Bah lio charged b uncertain, more fun that the day. T ahamas F s expansio eral t was dis this hold and g to invest and early as to o why B ay- sea s just sev men rt earlier ot wantin unced as es- as t nter the C st follow bal reme Cou can g parties n anno onfirmed y d seek to e ar- Fir BAF Glo Sup Business of warrin at was unc n- woul surance m ks behind , Tribune r a in- Th . When co general in nd wee week veal, afte e fund Pla y, though in man roperty a p. n- sively re by ased hedg nd terda Business ven that p e Grou ican Fina exclu n attempt h cut-b agement a by Tribune s ket, gi rates, wer ish Amer ts dismissed a rs rces wit sset Man nt tacted , Bahama , plus auto Brit veiled i judge ty’s investo iple sou - field A s investme Ian Fair casualty parent un - the proper Mult atter con ide Height - Miami, plied: “It’s cial’s ish Ameri one of losure. ge of the m its Seas lds the sec airman, re falling. with the ion of Brit it in forec - knowled e Supreme , which ho r First’s ch make any as coupled acquisit ompany to place Isaacs dis vents in th vehicle enture ove e for us to This w iewed as urance C e Stephen firmed e eek, after rtgage/deb - prematur an was v can Ins receivers Justic sure action rlier this w ond mo ew Provi ” fact Caym isk pro- ) from the he foreclo Court ea Propco - thwest N comment. whether highest r (Cayman missed t an invest- - through the sou state. That o unclear having the , given month. y Propco, CCWIPP se on the ort’s real e It was als quiring Caribbean earlier this 4.2 per brought b d by the to foreclo dence res for a sum rst was ac le in the raphy ile, some 2 icle owne attempted first ood to be ahamas Fi Gen- fi flat geog Meanwh agicor ment veh al Work- illion is underst millions B of Sagicor relatively ) and emaining S ommerci 85 m t holds igh” $50 0 per cent pany its exposure nt of the r Canadian C n Plan $ ebenture i n the “h 10 ce Com rm surge evel- ce SEE PAGE 11 sio e/d i ran (sto f d SEE BUSINESS FRONT stry Pen mortgag h Ocean al Insu al, or tration o BAHAMAS BIGGEST u t er it n ers Ind e grounds 5-acre Sou range. infield’s share cap igh conce k) in a 5B P), on th on the 37 t was Pla Cayman) e held h eaning ris E page (CCWIP mediate And i oree QC, ( r cent stak ment (m SE resort’s im property. closure Brian M st the 75 pe Sagi- op that the ew South P’s fore attorney, cKinney, ju te parent, all area. mpany, N CCWIP opposed rtner at M its ultima latter sm holding co Compa- ough, was senior pa by aica. The velopment ttempt, th Ocean Life Jam Ocean De ral Bank a w South cor have Cent y the Ne pany’s 4B ny, did not oval - as b ent Com EE page amas appr evelopm nnecti- S of the Bah tity - to D artner, Co owned en inancing p a foreign- Propco. f an debt to repay its lo ed 11th ahamas rank B ctiveness of 12 in ‘attra out rvey to wealthy’ su ), Mr x (MWRI ency Inde 1 juris- d cused on 1 ARTNELL all said, fo hamas y NEIL H itor W had the Ba h B ss Ed s, but e c usine diction ld hav r une B it wou a Trib uded e n incl ank- s ee , r ve b of 12 r uld ha th out u as wo ed 11 sey. o Baham plac Guern y THE 2 major head of out of 1 ing only a e among ranked 11 l centres rated wer al financia The others mpeti- nternation n a sur- ’s chief co i included i his nation apore, en t ng . d it be e the n, Si e ha easur ayma r d to m rs: C Hong e esigne ns to ubai, h d tio D vey ese na land, s s of th itzer ersey, d ivenes h Sw an, J n attract wort of M e h net , Isle d obile’ hig Kong York, an to ‘m on, New duals. of Lond e indivi , director co. ’s ranc hen Wall n Mona witzerland Insu Step nership, a all said S Life rpio Part - Mr W had placed the Sco th manage nd appeal’ ional weal ‘all-rou ven though ance internat presented ber one, e Insur nsultancy, it at num y fifth for alth ment co ference a anked onl He assau Con it was r ts “multi- to the N d the fac- al, since i fits at analyse tax appe s were ene survey th igh net qualitie yee B uencing h faceted” ange of mplo tors infl when it g a wide r E ividuals “attractin zerland, worth ind ch juris- lthy”. Swit ciding whi mobile wea top for came to de lves in. ked at the ities ase themse e said, ran l stabil- Annu iction to b Resi- h nd politica d ile Wealth conomic a , prox- The Mob e siderations , legal con , edu- es ity nvenience rtgag ity and co cul- Mo im ildren and ion for ch cat cture. s re/infrastru amas ment tu t, the Bah vest n contras of 12 In I ottom out ranked b en it was Index wh he MWRI liti- by t mic and po e to econo loy- cam , and emp l stability ities. ca s opportun nt/busines for me laced 11th 17 was also p 10th $4. It ations and ARY OF al consider r SUBSIDI leg o A f re/infra- tion/cultu sophistica ture. the s.com struc Wall said ardbahama wever, Mr ng ww.famgu $4.32 Ho yed “stro REET I w mas enjo s T BAY ST Baha reas such a 55 NTRE: EAS ing” in a -13 RATE CE position n, where at 396 I CORPO migratio ay EXUMA and im y of od HERA I tax ilabilit s t ELEUT rd; ava l u ACO I 5 was thi it was cal RT I AB $4.2 it ing, where I FREEPO ality hous it was NASSAU qu ity, where OFFICES: Five armed cur ES second; se for chil- SAL education third; and th. e it was fif dren, wher robberies in one day By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune Staff Reporter Mum’s fight over [email protected] POLICE intend to step up their patrols nationwide in an effort to thwart would-be armed robbers. The move comes in the wake of five armed robberies — all of which occurred on Wednesday — added to the recent spate of attacks on businesses throughout New Providence. A pedestrian and a string of businesses — including a clothing store, a wash house and a conve- nience store — were targeted on ‘vacuumed’ baby Wednesday. Police suspect the crimes are related to the approaching holiday Claim that hospital procedure season. With the trend expected left her child disabled CARNIVAL DREAM WELCOMED SEE page eight By MEGAN REYNOLDS THE CARNIVAL DREAM cruise ship is Tribune Staff Reporter welcomed to the Bahamas yesterday [email protected] on its inaugural voyage. Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace A MOTHER who cried out said, according to a ‘rule-of-thumb’ for help in childbirth at Princess estimate, the ship and its 3,800 Margaret Hospital had her passengers brought in more than baby sucked out of her with a $380,000. vacuum in seconds leaving him disabled, she claims. • SEE PAGE TWO and Elaine Wright, 41, told The BUSINESS SECTION Tribune how she endured a nine-hour labour while, she claimed, the ward nurse slept in her chair until a doctor arrived, tired and angry. The mother-of-two had a for- ceps delivery with her first child in Jamaica and knew she would ELAINE WRIGHT and her son not be able to birth her second Kenneil baby on her own. Her medical history had been device without her consent to recorded at PMH and given her extract the baby. age and high blood pressure she The baby was born in sec- believes she required a Caesar- onds with a “an awful whoosh- ian section, but said the doctor went ahead and used a suction SEE page nine BUT president’s suspension is declared ‘null and void’ Felipé Major/Tribune staff THE suspension of Bahamas Union of Teacher’s (BUT) Police investigate President Belinda Wilson has been declared “null and void” by AG’s Office ‘did not Man charged with church the union’s executive committee. man’s suspicious The ruling was announced yesterday at a special call meeting act improperly’ building site stabbing death at BUT headquarters. The committee also stated that there are By NATARIO McKENZIE Police have charged Phanuel disappearance no missing or misappropriated union funds as reported. Mrs over suspected Tribune Staff Reporter Charles of Burial Ground Cor- Wilson had appealed a decision to suspend her for two weeks, [email protected] By ALISON LOWE ner with the murder of Leonard Tribune Staff Reporter drug proceeds Lionel Johnson. Johnson, 21, of [email protected] SEE page nine A 26-YEAR-OLD man, Misty Gardens was fatally THE Attorney General's charged with stabbing another stabbed around 3pm during a Office said it "did not act man to death during a fight on fight with another construction POLICE investigators improperly" when it made the building site of a local worker on the building site of were in Long Island yester- an application before Mag- church, was arraigned in Magis- day investigating the suspi- istrate Carolita Bethel to trate’s Court yesterday. SEE page eight cious disappearance of a detain more than $850,000 man from Lower Deadman’s of suspected drug proceeds Cay. from Keva Major. New administrative director at Central Detective Unit In a notice published in a officers travelled to the fam- local daily yesterday, the Lands and Surveys department ily island to follow up on the AG's office provided what it case of Emerson McHardy, termed "the factual basis" IN A move hoped to bring synergy and stability to the embat- Assistant Commissioner in around media reports that tled Lands and Surveys department, a new administrative direc- charge of crime, Raymond Magistrate Linda Virgill hit tor has been appointed in the person of Mr Alexander Flowers. Gibson, confirmed. out at fellow magistrate As a former Family Island administrator, Mr Flowers is said Mr McHardy, a labourer Carolita Bethel for issuing to be bringing in his administrative abilities at a time when the who is understood to be in an order to seize the funds. department is desperately seeking to turn around its image. his late thirties or early for- Said the AG's notice, in Following the resignation of the former Lands and Surveys ties, disappeared five weeks part: "The Office of the Director Tex Turnquest, the House of Assembly has ordered a Attorney-General on Sep- ago yesterday. Select Committee to investigate all matters relating to the dis- While details were sketchy SEE page eight SEE page eight SEE page eight

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PAGE 2, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS Carnival CRUISE SHIP VISITS BAHAMAS Dream ON ITS INAUGURAL VOYAGE f f a t s

e n u b i r T / r o j a M

é p i l e F SCENES from the arrival of the Carnival Dream cruise ship yesterday, including a musical welcome (above right); a performance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band (left), a view of the pool area (above left) and the casino (below). At the bottom of the page is a golfing treat for passengers aboard the company’s largest ship. • SEE BUSINESS SECTION FOR FULL STORY

INDEX MAIN/SPORTS SECTION Local News...... P1,2,3,5,6,8,9,12 Editorial/Letters...... P4 Advt...... P7 Sports...... P10,11 BUSINESS SECTION Business...... P1,2,3,4,5,8,9,11,12 Advts...... P6,7 Comics...... P10

CLASSIFIED SECTION 32 PAGES

INSERTS - MALL AT MARATHON

USA TODAY MAIN SECTION 12 PAGES

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS In brief CHILDREN BEING PULLED FROM PRIVATE SYSTEM BY STRUGGLING PARENTS Jamaican Government to hire 45 new teachers court jails Bahamian on for growing public school classes ammunition, By ALISON LOWE gramme. The aides will have to two supplementary appropria- teachers with other permanent jects, agriculture, science and Tribune Staff Reporter hold BJC education certificates tion or spending Bills. employees for “specific urgent English, the Prime Minister [email protected] in mathematics and English. Having received a large and needs” in the areas of civil avi- warned that in the future Gov- gun charges Those who are placed in New unexpected one-off payment to ation, finance, treasury, busi- ernment “will not be able to GOVERNMENT will soon Providence will be required to the public treasury in October, ness licence, real property tax, continue to hire large numbers A Jamaican court sen- hire 45 new teachers to cope have achieved a “C” or above the Government is seeking Par- physical planning, public works of general” non-subject specif- tenced a Bahamian man to with public school classes that in those exams, while those to liamentary approval to spend and lands and surveys, health, ic teachers into the public 10 years in prison on gun have grown as children are be stationed in the Family $26.5 million of the money labour and social services. school system. “An argument and ammunition possession pulled out of the private sys- Islands can be recruited with a received on a temporary jobs About $14 million is to be could be made that we have a charges on Wednesday. tem by struggling parents. “D”. programme, hiring a number spent on the temporary jobs sufficient number of teachers Glenroy Russell had Also joining the public New Providence will receive of people to new permanent programme, under which the today, in terms of bodies. (The school system in New Provi- pleaded guilty to the charges 96 aides, Grand Bahama, 37, public sector posts, doing literacy and numeracy aides will problem is that) we don’t have dence and the Family Islands while the rest will be stationed numerous small infrastructur- be hired. While speaking on the enough in specific areas,” said on November 12 before at the primary level will be 250 throughout the Family Islands. al projects and meeting finan- matter of the new teachers, who Mr Ingraham. There needs to being sentenced in the St literacy and numeracy aides The Prime Minister outlined cial obligations to unionised he noted would include 19 Col- be some rationalisation. We Ann’s Bay Circuit Court. who will come on stream for these additions to the educa- teachers, nurses and doctors. lege of the Bahamas graduates can’t just continue to increase A joint police-military six months as part of the Gov- tion system yesterday in Par- A total of $2 million will be as well as other subject teachers the numbers without regard to operation caught Russell ernment’s temporary work pro- liament as he led off debate on spent this year on hiring the in technical and vocational sub- what the needs are.” with another Bahamian, Desmond Hepburn, aboard a go-fast boat on the Rio Bueno Coast off Trelawney, Jamaica, on July 18, 2009. THIRD HIV TESTING DAY AT COB A search of the vessel resulted in the seizure of an intra tech submachine gun and an M14 rifle with ammunition. Spokesman for Operation Kingfish, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn said he believed Russell and another Bahamian, Desmond Hep- burn, were involved in the guns for drugs trade. Hepburn was also charged in connection with the seizures. Encouragement drawn from progress of the Professional Engineer’s Board

BY AVA TURNQUEST

AN ENGINEERING society was encouraged by the progress of the govern- (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna) ment-appointed Profession- MINISTER OF HEALTH Hubert A. Minnis chats with students attending the third HIV Testing Day which was held al Engineer's Board after at The College of The Bahamas, Thursday, November 19, 2009. The event was organised by students of the Soci- hearing from its chairman at ology of Human Sexual Behaviour and Social Dimensions of HIV/AIDS Classes at The College of The Bahamas. a luncheon meeting yester- Two hundred persons tested negative for HIV/AIDS during the 2008 event. Organizers were anticipating that many day. more persons would take up the challenge and be tested this year. PEB chairman Michael Moss told the Bahamas Young people between event for encouraging diseases in that it spreads Society of Engineers of the the ages of 10-25 years of Bahamian students to get very quickly; primarily steps taken to secure timely age represent 50 per cent of tested. affects young people registration of professional the persons who become He said too many persons between the ages of 15-49 engineers. He also gave a infected with HIV/AIDS in who should be tested for and that persons who con- brief synopsis of the amend- the English-speaking HIV/AIDS are not coming tract HIV may remain infec- ed Profession Engineers Caribbean, Minister of forward to be tested for fear tious for many years with- Act, explaining require- Health Hubert Minnis said of discrimination. out knowledge of having the ments for the various regis- on Thursday. “Events such as this gal- virus or showing any symp- tration categories. Addressing the opening of vanize students to come for- toms, which further increas- Engineers present voiced the third HIV Testing Day ward and get tested,” Dr. es the chances for spreading concerns about the time lim- at The College of The Minnis said. the disease. its on certain clauses, such as Bahamas, Dr Minnis said The event was organised The disease also reduces registration by virtue of cor- AIDS is the leading cause by students in the Sociology life expectancy, which is porate membership in the of death among young men of Human Sexual Behaviour related to productivity and Bahamas Institution of Pro- between the ages of 15-44. and Social Dimensions of education; breaks down fessional Engineers. “Therefore, getting the HIV/AIDS Classes at the social cohesion while chal- As the time is counted from the date the act education and awareness College of The Bahamas. lenging value systems and received its assent, because message out to young peo- results in prolonged illness, registration is still unavail- ple in these age-group cate- Negative resulting in greater, extend- able, engineers speculated gories is a key element in ed costs on public health- whether this time limit is the prevention of the spread Organisers say more than care services, individuals and realistic. of HIV/AIDS in The 200 persons tested negative their families. Mr Moss acknowledged Bahamas,” Dr. Minnis said. for HIV/AIDS during a sim- that although the time allo- “Young people need to ilar exercise in 2008. cated has already started to have the motivation, under- “It is hoped that many run, his board will act with standing, skills and tools that more would take up the the necessary urgency to will help protect them from challenge this year,” they register all engineers under HIV infection and AIDS,” said. this clause within the given Dr Minnis added. Health officials say constraints. The Health Minister laud- HIV/AIDS is unique among ed the organisers of the Registration Former board member Lelawattee Manoo-Rah- ming said she is confident in the current board's ability to bring timely registration to the engineering community. "I am very hopeful mov- ing forward," said Mrs Manoo-Rahming, "it feels as though we are finally getting sorted and progressing towards developing a national standard for our profession." While the support for the board and confidence in its counsel was resolute, engi- neers also voiced concerns that perhaps the registration process and requirements could be tailored to the Bahamian context. “Look at our counter- parts in Trinidad and Toba- go,” said one engineer. “They have an exam estab- lished by their government that is tailored to their com- munity. Why not in the Bahamas?” Another engineer added: “The benefits of registration are undeniable. I think this is wonderful for us to have now. This accreditation will provide security and oppor- tunity for a lot of Bahamian engineers who were before unable to attain internation- al accreditation with foreign institutions.”

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PAGE 4, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 punishment and a

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt . rising murder rate Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991 EDITOR, The Tribune. elements that must decide EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. whether we take the lives of As the number of people LETTERS murderers as payment to soci- Publisher/Editor 1972- killed in our community esca- [email protected] ety or pursue the same lates groups are rallying in options leaving them to serve Published Daily Monday to Saturday support of the one penalty lengthy sentences. And beside they hope can halt the recur- Bahamians living by strict reli- each headline covering the Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas ring “senseless and violent gious and moral codes have loss of human lives at the acts.” These people represent hands of these killers are sto- Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama not studied the criminal the families, friends and con- process near enough, there- ries that should leave every cerned neighbours of the vic- fore ceding a prison inmates’ soul greatly disturbed. WEBSITE tims of these street killings. right to life. It is their thought What is either read or www.tribune242.com – updated daily at 2pm Each day I find out about that hanging would be their heard are extensive reporting some tragic incident leaving elixir for our high murder on financial and real estate persons in anguish when their rate. Yet this is not the way to fraud; child molestation loved ones are murdered display our love for these vic- amongst the educators and CCTV cameras show worth in crime solving whom they or others depend- tims. law enforcement officers; ed on as providers. Thus the A homicide can fall into extortion; drug trafficking; harsh call of the organisation five categories: a felony mur- road traffic injuries and traffic NATIONAL Security Minister Tommy ishly with a long crowbar to pry off the store to resume capital punishment der; a suspected felony mur- related fatalities of the most Turnquest, speaking at the recent FNM con- front’s metal shutters. Sitting in the corner is should be melted with sym- gruesome sort; medical mal- vention, talked about the Closed Circuit his young lookout man, well covered in a der; an argument — motivat- pathy even from the aboli- ed murder; non-felony, non practice suits or unaffordable Television (CCTV) programme that is being hooded jacket, baggy trousers, white socks tionist like me who denounce health care. launched in the downtown area and in the and thonged sandals. He seems very ner- argument related killings and South-Eastern New Providence Division. vous as he peeps from beneath his hood, any law that allows criminals lastly those with unknown Union grievances are “As we advance this initiative, we say to keeping his head well down, squatting, stand- to be hanged. motives. The first three seem chronic handicaps to hopes of criminals, lawbreakers and those that aid ing up, looking around a corner of the build- The relatives, sufferers of to be the most common in our peaceful interaction between and abet them, ‘Smile, you may well be on ing, folding his arms and squatting again. post traumatic stress syn- land which has adopted the professional occupations and CCTV. We will tape you, and we will appre- He acts almost as if he is aware of a camera. drome are to have their con- English legal system in the energy plagues everyone hend you,’” said Mr Turnquest. But not so our main man. He appears to be cerns addressed in a swift and administering of justice. The without exception. For many In reply, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts a pro, without fear, determined to get the jurisprudential manner in con- fourth has motives which are years we occasionally saw seemed dismissive of this idea, which includ- shutters down and complete his mission of veyance of the fact that their identifiable. Generally the solutions to these problems, ed government going ahead with electronic raiding the store of as many cell phones as he relatives unnecessarily had fourth type has motives but they were ignored. monitoring of lawbreakers and an expanded can carry off. their lives extinguished. For revealed only to the affected The hope of our islands lies forensic police lab. From his comments it Although, no arrests have been made as those who are not proponents parties, i.e. relatives and not in the taking of previous was not clear whether Mr Roberts was dis- yet, the young man looking into the cam- of capital punishment, God’s friends of the victims and the human lives, but in God, the missive because he did not consider these era and exerting so much muscle on his love should be present in accused which the public may Father Almighty who is the methods effective in fighting crime, or important enterprise, has been identified. every endeavour of resistance never discover unless demon- creator of heaven and earth. whether it was because they were “either Police confirm that they have had many calls to the affected individuals of strators take to the streets to Only with him can one have started or took root under the PLP govern- from persons who know him. He is also well homicides. It is the moral duty protest a killing. (S Mactire lasting, long term and lasting ment of Perry Christie.” In other words, the known to several police officers. We were of every citizen of this small peace. FNM was stealing PLP ideas. As if it mat- told that he is in the RBPF’s system and is 1995 c.) tered whose ideas they were as long as they wanted for questioning in about 50 other nation to serve and protect Two political conventions worked and helped in getting criminals off matters. each other from the hands of only recently show the con- TROY DRUMMOND the streets. Mr Hosey, who posted his CCTV footage lawbreakers. trasting ideals of the political Nassau, Whatever Mr Roberts’ thoughts on the on YouTube asking for anyone who knows It is possible that even November, 2009. subject, the police certainly think that CCTV these two criminals to call the police, is well cameras have greatly assisted them in their pleased with his cameras. Not only are they investigative work. of help in identification, he said, but police Islands “It has assisted us greatly in identifying do not have to dust the whole premises for An open letter to persons. Quite a number of businesses and fingerprints. “The cameras will show them residences are now using these cameras, and exactly where the person touched — what he it is helping us,” said one officer. picked up, where he picked it up from— Phenton Neymour of the Sun Another police officer thought the cam- and they can concentrate on that spot,” said eras an excellent idea, particularly if used in Mr Hosey. EDITOR, The Tribune. EDITOR, The Tribune. business areas and school zones. “Also where the image of the person on “These cameras play a double role,” he camera might not be clear, the police can Everyone seems to want to produce energy by the most said. “By being able to play the footage follow the places he has been and pick up his Further to my earlier letter expensive means, nuclear, difficult, salt water, tidal, mirrors, of today’s date, I am moved back, it allows us to revisit an area and iden- fingerprints. Even if his image is not clear on excessive space, ecologically destructive, and wind turbines tify something that we might have missed camera, he can’t deny that he was there, kill birds, etc, when we have had a simple, cheap solution star- to write again – in high praise before. because he has left his fingerprint behind. If ing us in the face for years, it may be in use, but I have never and commendation of the “We have been able to deal with a num- he was not there, how did his fingerprint heard of it. When my sister and I were young back in the 1930’s newly launched book ‘Islands ber of matters with these cameras,” he said, get there?” we often used to play with a magnifying glass, either surrepti- of the Sun’ by John A adding that they have shown their worth in The film of the break-in at Mr Hosey’s tiously on each other, or to burn wood, etc, either way it was Thompson and Nikita Shiel- public disturbances. store is of such high quality that if nothing very hot. I am not an electrician or engineer, but I am sure the “In these incidents, when we review the else these cameras should act as a deterrent Rolle. concept could be used, with the right engineering, to produce This lovely tribute to the footage later we can identify persons par- to even the boldest of criminals. It must ample steam to run turbines. ticipating and persons nearby who we can have shaken this young man, who still looks With large, sun directed magnifying glasses set over a boiler, northern Exuma Cays is a call as witnesses.” a teenager, to see his face staring back at our climate of 350 days of sun a year, 351 in a leap year, would complete delight: stunning So the cameras certainly have the backing him from the web site. The camera does not supply enough steam to power each island at a fraction of the photography, accompanied by of the police as another weapon in their lie. This is once that a young man can run, cost we do now, with no ecological damage. extremely well-written and arsenal against the criminal, and in their but he certainly cannot hide for long. He is After all, steam was a driving force of the Industrial Revo- exceptionally informative nar- efforts to make our homes, businesses and now on camera. lution. You may need a back up for any extended period of streets safer. “Do you believe that your cameras will rative. cloud, but as batteries improve the problem is not insur- Congratulations to these Mr Tony Hosey, proprietor of Mobile help you and the police?” Mr Hosey was mountable. The water used would either recycle or be dis- Cell Phones on Village Road, who had the asked. “Absolutely!” was his reply. tilled. What more could you want, and we would be sticking to two young people and well bright idea of putting the break-in at his So it does not matter who first had the those nasty people who have been holding the world to ransom done to the many persons and store at 2am on November 8 on YouTube, idea — seems the idea was launch several for years? institutions who supported, where up to last night it had had 11,535 view- years ago in this very column, but rejected by I won’t bother to patent the idea as I want the world to ben- nurtured and mentored them ers, certainly believes in the worth of the many because of the belief that Bahamians’ efit! during the course of their CCTV camera. privacy would be invaded. “No Big Brother three-year odyssey. The culprit breaking into his store, for us!” was the cry. W GRATTAN dressed in a baggy, long sleeved t-shirt, looks Maybe, now is the time that “Big Broth- Nassau, M JACKSON (Ms) straight into the camera as he works fever- er” could be put to good use. November, 2009. Nassau, November 16, 2009.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS Carpooling pilot project initiative THE BAHAMAS DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT PUTS PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT to reduce traffic congestion Call for action to protect health of Grand Bahamians near Vopak plant

BY AVA TURNQUEST

THE Bahamas Democratic BDM drive to help ‘emaciated’ GB residents Movement is demanding imme- diate Government action to BY AVA TURNQUEST that this inspired the party’s $100,000 food secure the health of Grand drive, which they plan to distribute to resi- Bahamians living near the THE Bahamas Democratic Movement has dents of Grand Bahama. Vopak plant. started collecting non perishable goods to “In times like this talk is cheap,” said Mr Party chiefs claim emissions send to the “emaciated” people of Grand Stuart. “People need action.” are poisoning people at Lewis MARC INGRAHAM, economist in the Ministry of Transport, Policy Bahama. and Planning Unit of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Yard and Pinder’s Point, and they called for an immediate BDM Leader Cassius Stuart said that dur- Awareness By Kathryn Campbell independent commission to ing recent trips to the island, his team encoun- Bahamas Information Services investigate all allegations. tered numerous individuals living without The party has already collected and is plan- The BDM spent three days bare necessities, overwhelmed by mortgage ning a canvas of local supermarkets to raise A carpooling initiative implemented by Government is aimed at in Grand Bahama at the and utility bills. awareness of their drive. alleviating traffic congestion in New Providence. request of residents who claim “The Department of Social Services is giv- “Politics have to be practical. We need to A survey for the pilot project is presently being conducted with they have been “abandoned, ing out $250,000 per month to assist resi- come to the aid of these people, the chil- 500 parents of students who attend Aquinas College to deter- and forgotten by successive dents on the island with mortgage and utility dren, as citizens not politicians. Lending a mine how many of them carpool. PLP and FNM governments.” payments,” said Mr Stuart. hand to our fellow Bahamians is the least “If we can get 10,000 cars off the streets in the early morning and After touring the settlements “What we found was that after these oblig- we can do for the country. When one part afternoon hours we can reduce congestion by two or three per and seeing their proximity to cent,” said Marc Ingraham, Economist in the Transport, Policy and ations are met, people are still struggling to hurts, all parts hurt, and Grand Bahama has such industrial equipment as oil secure basic needs like food.” Mr Stuart said been hurting.” Planning Unit of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. tankers, the party charged that “People in New Providence car pool, we just don’t know how it cannot tolerate double stan- many,” said Mr Ingraham. “As a measure to reduce congestion we dards in environmental policy ernment’s failure to monitor and be tough on legislation. environmental standards. How- must take all of the economic alternatives for transport seriously. while the people of Lewis Yard the toxic emissions from the “Companies will factor these ever, if we are lax and depend The number of vehicles registered is approximately 12 per day so and Pinder’s Point are suffering industrial park. things into their budgets, its not on self-governance, why would the number of vehicles on the streets is growing.” in third world conditions. “The people of Lewis Yard unaffordable to comply with they make the expense?” Advanced Logistics Group, a contracted transport research and Pinder’s Point are tired of group from Spain that conducted an urban transportation con- the delay and double talk of gestion reduction study and strategic plan for The Bahamas rec- Ignored Vopak authorities, and the ommended the pilot project in 2006. Health spokesman Dr Dex- shifting of blame by the Grand “Car pooling was one of the initiatives recommended as an Bahama Port Authority.” economic alternative,” said Mr Ingraham. “We decided that we ter Johnson said: “This prob- lem has been ignored for Dr Johnson estimated that a would start with the schools because many of the parents who civil suit against the corpora- drive their children to school live in the same neighbourhoods. decades and even today you (government) are slow to do tion would be futile due to a “The road improvement projects would facilitate 30 per cent of slow judicial system and finan- the congestion problem, the other 70 per cent would have to come what you ought to consider it your pressing duty to do— pro- cial constraints of those affect- from economic measures for alternative transport use.” ed. He charged that Govern- To date one hundred questionnaires have been returned and one tect the health and well being of our people first and foremost. ment will always have the ulti- week remains before the deadline. Other schools included in the mate power and the ability to survey are Woodcock Primary and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary “Why is the Government intent on preserving the life of effectively mandate a timely School. Mr Ingraham said they have received “valuable” infor- resolution. mation from the questionnaires returned. “We’ve found that about every single turtle by an absolute ban on turtle fishing, “What worries me is,” Dr 60 per cent of the people surveyed average about five miles on a Johnson added, “as we start to one way trip to the school. We do not know if it is because Aquinas and not at least as equally con- cerned with guaranteeing the increase development in Aba- has moved. We also found that about 60 per cent of the people sur- co, these policies and standards veyed live within a 10-mile radius of the school.” life of Bahamians by ensuring that all of us have clean air to need to be solidly enforced. We Survey results from parents have also revealed that the main fac- can gather these experiences tors in selecting means of transportation are travel time, conve- breathe? nience, flexibility, comfort and safety. Almost 60 per cent of those “Why have industrial pollu- surveyed said that what prevents them from using a commute tants from this source been alternative is they prefer to drive their own vehicle. Survey par- allowed to poison the air and ticipants said incentives to carpooling include flexibility of work ground water for decade after schedule, financial subsidies, guaranteed ride home in case of an decade?” emergency and assistance in locating a carpool partner. Dr Johnson maintained that Carpooling advocate Elva Laing-Carey has been carpooling the problem has now reached a with two families for more than a year. “It really works,” she said. critical point, referring to the “Friendships, more time for household chores, stress reliever, closure of Lewis Yard Primary saves time and money, networking opportunity for children and School as an indicator of gov- parents and reduces congestion on the roads.”

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PAGE 6, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS Govt in bid to collect The Bahamas signs Tax Information outstanding taxes Exchange Agreement with New Zealand

By LINDSAY THOMPSON paying real property taxes is By KHYLE QUINCY PARKER r e k

Bahamas Information that most persons do not cor- Press Attaché r a

Services relate the payment of prop- Embassy of the Bahamas P y

erty taxes with services c n THE Government is mov- received, he said. i THE Bahamas has signed a Tax u ing to enforce provisions Therefore property owners Information Exchange Agreement Q under the Real Property Tax have to be educated to know (TIEA) with New Zealand, conclud- K Act to collect outstanding tax- that collections from real ing a negotiation process aimed at es. property taxes are used to developing a legal instrument that For a number of years only fund education, libraries, could be used to establish effective approximately 62 per cent of police, hospital and other ser- exchange of tax information. the billed amount has been vices, Mr Mullings said. The TIEA is an instrument devel- collected each year, thus leav- “Persons who live in coun- ing 38 per cent outstanding, tries which have a taxation oped by a Working Group of the said Joseph Nathaniel system, understands this cor- Organization for Economic Cooper- Mullings, Chief Revenue relation quite well,” he said. ation and Development (OECD), Compliance Officer at the “The Bahamian public at and represents the standard of effec- Business Licence and Valua- large demand these services tive exchange of information for the tion Unit of the Ministry of which cost hundreds of mil- purposes of the OECD’s initiative on Finance. lions of dollars, but they are harmful tax practices. On July 13, Government delinquent in paying their tax- New Zealand Ambassador to the amended the Real Property es.” US Roy Ferguson said his country’s Tax Act to allow owner-occu- “It is therefore prudent for government was “delighted” to sign BAHAMAS AMBASSADOR CA Smith (l) and New Zealand Ambassador Roy Ferguson pied, commercial and other property owners to pay their the TIEA with The Bahamas. Mr exchange copies of the newly signed Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) inked on property owners relief from taxes on an annual basis.” Ferguson offered congratulations on Wednesday. The signing marked the fifth such Agreement signed by The Bahamas. real property taxes. Persons are encouraged to what he said his government saw as The amendment states that take advantage of the exist- the “forward-looking steps” being owner-occupied properties ing arrangements and settle taken by The Bahamas with respect to a productive and cooperative rela- tion would be contrary to national with a market value of up to their taxes before December to tax information exchange matters. tionship with New Zealand in this security or public policy. $250,000 shall be exempt from 31, 2009. He also noted that New Zealand and other areas.” Article Nine of the agreement pro- the payment of real property All property taxes out- pledged continued cooperation with The first TIEA signed by The tects citizens in both countries from tax. standing must be paid before The Bahamas on tax matters. Bahamas was with the United States “prejudicial or restrictive measures The surcharge on owner- the property is sold, he said. in 2002, and since then the country based on harmful tax practices.” occupied properties that Property cannot be trans- has concluded TIEAs with the UK, exceed a value of $250,000 ferred if outstanding property Negotiations Monaco, San Marino and now New shall also be waived if the out- taxes exist. Zealand. Measures standing real property tax is Each year that owners do Bahamas Ambassador Cornelius There are 15 articles in the TIEA, paid on or before December not pay taxes, they are losing Prejudicial or restrictive measures A Smith thanked the New Zealand covering areas such as definitions, 31, 2009. ownership in their properties, are defined in the TIEA as measures ambassador for the speed with which which taxes are covered by the agree- Other properties shall have he warned. applied by one Contracting Party to the negotiations for the TIEA had ment, and the possibility of declin- the surcharge waived by 50 When property taxes out- residents, nationals or transactions been concluded. ing a request for tax information. per cent if the outstanding standing become excessive, of either Contracting Party on the “The signing of this agreement Under Article Seven of the TIEA, real property tax is paid the property can be sold to basis that the other Contracting Par- between the Commonwealth of The for example, the parties agree that before December 31, 2009. satisfy real property tax debt, ty does not engage in effective Bahamas and New Zealand for the the Requested Party not be required However, if after Decem- he said. exchange of information and/or exchange of Information with respect to obtain or provide information that ber 31, 2009 any real property During the life of a mort- because it lacks transparency in the tax remains outstanding in to taxes bears witness to the Gov- the Applicant Party would not be gage, the lender owns the operation of its laws, regulations or respect of owner-occupied property. After the borrower ernment of The Bahamas’ commit- able to obtain under its own laws for administrative practices, or on the properties with a market val- has made the last mortgage ment to implement the evolving inter- purposes of the administration or basis of no or nominal taxes and one ue of up to $250,000; owner- payment, title cannot be national standards of transparency enforcement of its own tax laws. of the preceding criteria. occupied properties exceed- transferred to the borrower, if and effective information exchange “The competent authority of the The OECD created the Agreement ing $250,000; and other prop- there are outstanding prop- in tax matters,” Ambassador Smith Requested Party may decline to assist on Exchange of Information on Tax erties, the owners of such erty taxes. said. where the request is not made in con- Matters to address harmful tax prac- properties shall be liable to Individuals should be aware “It is the fifth tax information formity with this Agreement,” the tices. pay a new surcharge of five that they could enter into an exchange agreement concluded by article says. A 2008 OECD report titled, per cent per annum on the arrangement with the Real the Government of The Bahamas and Article Seven also imposes protec- “Harmful Tax Competition: An outstanding tax. Property Tax Office to pay the third it has concluded with an tions on trade, business, industrial, Mr Mullings confirmed that the outstanding tax by instal- Emerging Global Issue”, identified OECD country.” commercial or professional secret or as of October 28, there was a ments. The public should be “the lack of effective exchange of “As The Bahamas and New trade processes, and allows the par- substantial number in uncol- reminded that credit cards are information” as one of the key cri- Zealand adjust to the ever-changing ties to decline a request for informa- lected real property taxes. acceptable for the payment of teria in determining harmful tax prac- global financial and economic land- tion if the disclosure of the informa- The main reason for not real property tax. scape,” he added, “we look forward tices.

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PAGE 8, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS FROM page one Armed robbery FROM page one to continue into December, Man charged police yesterday intend to A few hours earlier, around Evangelistic Temple on Collins Avenue on Mon- day. He is the 76th person to be murdered in the ical treatment on the day of the murder but still increase patrols to deter crimi- 6.55pm, a man brandishing a suffered from pain and needed further medical nals. handgun burst into Muck-a- Bahamas this year. Mr Johnson was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital in a private vehicle, but attention. The magistrate ordered that he receive "We have Christmas coming Mucks clothing store on East further medical attention. Charles’s attorney also up and I know the police force Street. The suspect — who wore died of his injuries within two hours. Charles was not required to enter a plea to the indicated that while he had been in police cus- will be beefing up our patrols in a white shirt and blue jeans — tody, he was threatened by police officers. Magis- an effort to cause a decrease in demanded cash and was given murder charge during his arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethel in Court trate Bethel said that his complaints would have to the armed robberies. We are an undetermined amount from be directed to Complaints and Corruption’s Unit going to be very vigilant," said the cash register. The man then 8, Bank Lane. His attorney Crystal Rutherford- Ferguson told the court that she had been instruct- of the police force. police spokeswoman Sergeant ran off. Charles was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison. Chrislyn Skippings. Around 2.10pm police ed by her client that he was suffering from injuries to his lower hip and left shoulder. She said that His case was adjourned to December 8 and trans- This week, Chamber of Com- received information of an PHANUEL CHARLES ferred to Court 10, Nassau Street for a trial date. merce President Khaalis Rolle armed robbery at Johnson’s Charles also indicated that he had received med- told Tribune Business that crime Convenience Store on Malcolm is a serious concern for busi- Road. A store employee told nesses in the Bahamas. officers they were attacked by FROM page one Man’s suspicious disappearance “It is something that has to be two men, one of them posing as Lands and Surveys addressed and the solution isn’t a customer. position of Crown land dating FROM page one an easy one,” he said. Clad in a pair of denim shorts, back to the early 1950’s up until that Mr Turnquest was forced to He added that he is not con- an orange and yellow shirt, with this present date. resign from his post by Prime Min- up to press time, some reports were that two men who vinced that the typical alarm sys- plaits at the back of his head, With Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell ister Hubert Ingraham after he were “drinking buddies” of Mr McHardy were assist- tem provides the adequate secu- the “customer” entered the leading the delegation of MPs, failed to give a satisfactory answer ing police with their investigations and may have rity that most businesses need, store and purchased an item. As which includes PLP deputy leader for why numerous beach front lots been brought back to New Providence for further but said they are not to be dis- he was about to leave, a man, Philip “Brave” Davis, FNM MP’s were awarded to members of his questioning, although police could not confirm this. counted as an immediate deter- also wearing denim shorts, a grey Branville McCartney and Keny- family and fast-tracked through Mr Gibson said that police travelled to the island rent. shirt and a stocking mask over atta Gibson amongst others, pub- the backlogged system. after receiving information that led them to believe According to him, the criminal his face entered the store armed lic hearings have been held peri- Mr Turnquest also could not that the case might have more to it than they first sus- mind is often just as sharp as the with a handgun and demanded odically at the Paul Farquharson reasonably explain to the Prime pected. One Deadman’s Cay local said: “When mind that dreamt up the securi- cash. The armed man fled the Conference Room at Police Head- Minister, who is the minister with (McHardy) first went missing there was a lot of talk, ty system, which is its major flaw. store with his accomplice along quarters. responsibility for lands, why the people were trying to track him down. They were The latest incident happened with an undetermined amount Amongst many of the revela- applicants in question all used the wondering, was he in Nassau? Did he hop on a mail- around 9.16pm Wednesday at of cash from the register and a tions that this committee has made same lawyer and realtor for the boat? As time passed, people started to think that Select Wash House on Provi- pack of cigars. They fled in a during its work this far is the fact transactions. maybe something might’ve happened.” dence Avenue and Farrington grey coloured Honda car, license Road. Police were called to the plate 87071. scene and were told that two The first incident involved a FROM page one she hit out at Magistrate Bethel for issuing men, of brown complexion, male student of BTVI who told AG’s Office the order to seize the funds. "You can't condemn her from that, every entered the wash house and held police he was robbed by three tember 22, 2009 made an application before court has a duty to protect its process from it up. men around 7.50am Wednesday. the Learned Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs said the notice. abuse. The only people to blame are the They escaped with an unde- The student claimed that as he Carolita Bethel for a detention order for Magistrate Virgill ordered that the mon- Crown. The Crown put them in this posi- termined amount of cash and walked in the area of Old Trail the subject funds contained in (Ms Major's) ey be returned to Keva Major after the tion," Mr Kemp said in a previous inter- tokens. About an hour earlier, and Soldier Road — near the case of 2002. prosecution entered a nolle prosequi (no view. around 8.20pm, two men armed school — three men riding bicy- "The Learned Deputy Chief Magistrate prosecution) which was dated September "I think the Crown has placed the judi- with handguns entered cles approached him. Bethel granted an order dated September 23. ciary in a very compromising position." Munnings Supplies on Farring- Armed with a knife, the 22 to detain for a period of three months The prosecution, however, also present- Mrs Major was tried in 2002 before Mag- ton Road. Both wearing dark thieves demanded cash but only the sum of $805,505 seized from Mrs ed an order issued by Magistrate Carolita istrate Linda Virgill on charges of posses- clothing, they demanded cash escaped with the victim's jew- Major." Bethel dated September 22. sion of the proceeds of drug trafficking and and terrorised the store when ellery. The notice said that due to a a nolle pros- This was the date the matter was last assisting another to conceal proceeds of they were refused. Police said two youths, aged equi (no prosecution) order from the Attor- heard before Magistrate Virgill, and stated drug trafficking. "Their request was denied, 17 and 18, are being questioned. ney General issued on September, 23 the that the $850,000 be held when the matter The proceeds of crime case was still and as a result, the men caused Sgt Skippings said: "If you proceedings of the case in question were was withdrawn. Magistrate Virgill, howev- pending against Keva Major, 40, when she damage to items before leaving have noticed a vehicle circling discontinued. er, questioned how her fellow magistrate was extradited to face drug charges in the the store. On leaving, a male the area twice or is hanging "The Office of the Attorney General in knew that the matter was going to be with- United States last April. who was entering the establish- around, notify police so they can making the application before…Magistrate drawn and said she would disregard the She pleaded guilty to the charges against ment was also robbed by these check it out. Also try not to keep Bethel did not act improperly. It is the order as they both have equal jurisdiction. her in August 2008 and was placed on three persons," said Sgt Skippings. plenty of cash on you and do not Attorney General's unfettered prerogative Last week, Mrs Major's attorney Michael years probation meaning she cannot leave The suspects fled in a gold make frequent deposits during to enter a nolle prosequi in any matter," Kemp said Magistrate Virgill was simply coloured Honda car. the day." protecting the process of her court when the United States during that period.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, PAGE 9

LOCAL NEWS BUT president’s suspension is declared ‘null and void’ FROM page one Mrs Wilson was ordered to pay $1 to the union’s strike funds for operating union funds effective November 1st, for unauthorized use in excess of the amount allowed. of money from the union’s pension fund. Mrs Wilson told The Tribune: “This is a “The enacted suspension against the office great day for the Bahamas Union of Teachers of the President is null and void as it breached because it shows how our internal mechanism the disciplinary procedure and asserted an works. The facts have been made clear. The incorrect breach on behalf of the concerned appeals committee has made the decision null officer,” the committee’s ruling stated. and void and I just want to thank the hun- The committee found that, “The funds were dreds and thousands of teachers, retirees and never missing and were transferred from one the public who, during these couple of weeks, account to the next and all executive mem- have been giving me support. I just want to bers were informed, but only one respond- work even harder now for the protection and ed.” welfare of our members.” FROM page one Mum’s fight over ing sound” and rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ‘vacuumed’ baby where he breathed with the aid of a ventilator for his first week pain after the birth she was tor in Jamaica who said she of life and then remained in unable to walk, and her blood should have had a Caesarian hospital care for a further two pressure was “sky-high”, but section right away, given her weeks before he could return hospital staff discharged her high blood pressure, her age home. that day without providing her and her history. Kenneil Wright is now 14 with a wheelchair, she said. The And if the vacuum had to be months old and unable to roll new mother walked slowly to used it should have been done over, sit up, or hold his head the car supported by her friend slowly and gently to avoid up as a healthy child of his age and her sister to be taken home harming the baby, Miss Wright should. without a healthy child. said. He also suffers from seizures, After spending two weeks in She said: “The doctor didn’t for which he takes medication, the Infant Critical Care Unit ask me if she could use it and if and is unable to focus his eyes and a further five days in the I knew anything about that vac- or see properly. Infant Intensive Care Unit, uum she could never have used Miss Wright puts his slow Kenneil was taken home three it on me. The vacuum caused development down to his trau- weeks later. He did not cry, nor all of this. matic birth. did he take her breast to feed. “It hurts me every day I look She said: “It hurts my heart He has a scar on his head, at my child because while I was to know I go there for help and which is lopsided, with one side pregnant I did everything right. then I get this treatment. large while the other is flat, and “I went for my check-ups, “I’m so vex, I’m so cut up, he is now unable to hold his and then when I went to get I’m so hurt because when I head up, sit, roll over or crawl help they did this to me, and went there to have my baby it as he should. it’s not fair. was as if I had a dog puppy Miss Wright claims doctors “I don’t have the money to because they mind nothing in the Infant Critical Care Unit go to a lawyer because I’m about it.” told her that her son would not doing domestic work, and after Miss Wright had gone to the live because of what he had 14 months I can’t get a report hospital 4.5cm dilated just endured during the birth, from the doctor about what before 10am on October 12 last including oxygen deprivation. happened. That’s not right. year, and waited until 9 o’clock She believes the delivery was “They fold their hands and that evening to be taken to a a “botched job” conducted by a they drag their feet. They say hospital bed. She described physician who, she said, gave they don’t have the file, and how she cried out for help until her the impression that she did they cover up, and cover up.” the nurse woke up and told her not care about the best inter- Miss Wright sent a letter to to push, and the doctor arrived ests of the mother or child. Dr Minnis detailing her plight at 4.45am. In the months since Kenneil’s in December 2008. She asked “I was crying out for mercy birth Miss Wright has been him to investigate the matter because there was no way the fighting to retrieve her medical so that no more women would baby was coming, it would not records without success. A let- suffer as she claims she and her move,” she said. ter of request sent in December son have. “When the doctor came she last year was replied to in July, Yesterday Dr Minnis said he said ‘Come on Elaine, push — and Miss Wright was told she recalled received Miss Wright’s I’m tired and hungry!’” should have the records by letter but did not get personal- “Then the baby came out so August or September, but has ly involved, forwarding the mat- fast, it happened in a second, received nothing. It took 10 ter to the hospital. He said he and they rushed the baby out so months to be told the name of did not keep up with the out- I knew there was something the doctor who delivered her come of the matter, but added wrong.” child, Miss Wright said. that “all complaints are inves- Miss Wright was in so much She has also visited her doc- tigated.”

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PAGE 10, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 TRIBUNE SPORTS

SPORTS Bannister: ‘McPhee Knights, Lions has exhausted his contractual period’ dominate early

By DENISE MAYCOCK Minister Bannister about the Tribune Freeport Reporter situation concerning Coach [email protected] McPhee. In a faxed press statement in the season FREEPORT – Minister of to The Tribune Office, the minister noted that Coach By RENALDO DORSETT 19-0 lead with 8:34 left to Hanna finished with 12. Youth, Sports and Culture Sports Reporter play in the half. A late lay-up by Theodo- Desmond Bannister said McPhee was first appointed [email protected] A third player in on the ra Bain gave the Knights a Coach Gladstone “Moon” on contract under the FNM McPhee’s contract had administration for a period team didn’t score until 28-6 heading into the half. expired and could not be of three years with effect DEFENDING champions Nigea Rolle scored a fast In the second half, the renewed as he had already from October 1, 1996. in both girls divisions con- break lay-up for a 21-0 lead. Knights full court trap exhausted his contractual A second three-year con- tinue to dominate early in Rolle made one of two forced a series of turnovers, period. tract was granted under the the season on the long road free throws at the line with leading to easy baskets on Mr Bannister stated that FNM administration on to a successful Government no time remaining to make the offensive end. Coach McPhee was not fired. October 1, 1999. McPhee’s Secondary Schools Sports the score 26-0 at the half. Toniquea Martin’s three He indicated that further contract was once again Association title defense. Cyntese Cooper finally pointer from the right wing renewal of his contract renewed for a period of put the Raptors on the gave the Knights a 37-6 would violate government three years with effect from H.O NASH LIONS – 35 scoreboard early in the lead, giving them their first policy. October 1, 2002. That third C.H REEVES RAPTORS – 2 beginning of the second half 30 point lead of the game. Under the current policy contract expired on Septem- • With just one returning with a running lay-up to After a basket by Tawan- one is only allowed to serve ber 30, 2005. player from last season and make the score, 27-2. na Prosper on the next trip at a maximum of nine years Mr Bannister noted that Bannister a completely new cast of the The lead reached 30 for up court for the Stingrays, on contractual terms. before the expiry of Coach characters, the perennial the first time on a lay-up by the Knights went on a game McPhee’s third contact, and Coach McPhee served as his contractual period. champions of the junior girls Simmons which gave her changing 21-0 run. several months before he Regional Sports Coordina- Minister Bannister said division still managed to team a 33-2 advantage with Bethel scored eight con- had completed nine years of tor for Grand Bahama and Cabinet considered the mat- produce a result in typical 10:23 left to play. secutive points to spark the service, the condition of ser- the Northern Bahamas since ter in April 2006, after Coach fashion. The Lions closed out the run and capped the scoring vice for contractual officers 1996. He was requested to McPhee had worked without Kaylicia Laing, the lone second half on an 8-0 run. slurry flurry with a lay-up in the public service were demit office on November 2. a contract for close to seven experienced player on the Laing led all scorers with to give the Knights a 50 amended on January 20, Former educator Joseph months. Cabinet approved Lions squad moved to the 13 points, while Simmons point advantage, 58-8. 2005. Darville expressed strong the appointment on April 19, forefront to lead her team. added 12 and Rolle finished With time left on the He said the Department disappointment over the 2006, but specified no salary. Laing scored the first six with 10. clock she ended a standout of Public Service advised all decision taken by the Min- “Under the former admin- performance with two ministries in writing that the points of the game and nine istry of Sports concerning istration, the then Minister C.R WALKER KNIGHTS – 65 scores from the charity new policy was that con- of her team’s first 11 points. Coach McPhee. of Youth, Sports, and Cul- C.V BETHEL STINGRAYS – 12 stripe to finalize the lop- tracted officers would be Effortlessly coming up “This is a bitter, much too ture, again applied to Cabi- entitled to receive a maxi- with steals and weaving • The Knights have yet to sided win. bitter pill for this nation, and net on April 24, 2007 for a mum number of nine years through the Raptors defense be challenged as they domi- Bain chipped in with nine especially the Grand renewal of Coach McPhee’s on continual contractual ser- Laing began distributing the nated their way to a second for the Knights, while Bahama community to swal- contract, even though his vice. ball to her teammates. untested win of the season. Leasha Grant, Martin and low,” he said. ministry had already been “I am advised that this pol- Kevanique Simmons used Seniors Pamela Bethel her twin sister Tameka Mar- Mr Darville said “there is advised in writing by the icy determination came her size inside to finish at and Keedra Hanna once tin each finished with four no individual in the country Department of the Public about because under the for- the basket at the tail end of again established themselves points apiece. with greater passion and Service that a fourth contract mer administration a gov- a series of assists from early and set the tone for Prosper led the Stingrays sense of dedication to sports could not be issued. ernment ministry wrongly Laing. the Knights both in the paint with six points. in the country, and specifi- Minister Bannister said issued a fourth contract to The two players combined and from the perimeter. The Knights improved to cally in Grand Bahama than just days before the general contractual officer, and that to score each of the team’s Bethel finished with a 2-0 while the Stingrays fell Coach McPhee. elections, Cabinet approved there was a great concern points as they raced out to a game high 24 points while to 0-2. He said it is a “shame” a fourth contract for Coach that this erroneous action that persons would concoct McPhee for a further period would cause confusion in the such a despicable course of of three years. The contract, application of government action. he said was made retroactive policy so that other contrac- “When Gladstone (Moon) with effect from October 1, tual officers would have had McPhee intimated to me a 2006 to September 30, 2009. the opportunity to claim few days ago that he was Mr Bannister said as of Sep- some entitlement to a fourth being unceremoniously dis- tember 30, 2009, it would contract,” Mr Bannister said. missed…I told him that in mean that Coach McPhee Mr Bannister said the then no way, shape or form would would have served a total of 13 Minister of Youth, Sports, I believe such an atrocity years in the public service, 12 and Culture, under the for- until I saw it in writing. of them under four contracts. mer PLP administration “It is, therefore, almost “Regrettably, there is no attempted to have Coach impossible for me now, hav- basis upon which he can be McPhee’s contract renewed, ing heard the dictum, to pen appointed under contract even though he had already the words necessary to unless Cabinet again seeks served nine continuous years express my total surprise, to defy the very same policy under contract. disgust and disappointment directives which it has put in “This was in clear viola- at such a reprehensible and place for the public service. tion of government policy,” evil act,” said Mr Darville. “Coach McPhee was not he said.. “I, therefore, beg our fired. He has been issued He stated that on Novem- Prime Minister to rescind with four contracts contrary ber 22, 2005, the Department this unfortunate and grim to established government PICTURED from left are commissioner Paul Moxey, secretary Fred Sturrup, commissioner Dr. Munir of Public Service wrote to decision and thus restore the policy, and his fourth con- Rashad, commission chairman Pat' the Centreville Assasin' Strachan, Gomeo Brennan's grandson the Permanent Secretary of respect and honour due this tract has now expired. Gov- Andre Brennan, his mother and Brennan's daughter Annette Baham and commissioner James 'Kid the Ministry of Youth, Sports sports icon, noble citizen and ernment has no lawful Freeport' Tynes. and Culture, advising that it compassionate human avenue for the issuance of a was against the current poli- being,” said Mr Darville. fifth contract,” he said. The Tribune contacted cy as McPhee had exhausted Bahamian boxers inducted into the Hall of Fame FROM page 11 the organisers. A football player in his an impressive 76-14-3 win- sophomore year at Miami loss-draw record with 25 Dade, the younger Brennan knockouts in a career that said the older Brennen has started at the age of 21 in 1954 brought a lot of pride to their and ended at 34 in 1967. family and the Bahamas and His daughter Penny Butler, they are elated that he's get- who came from Bimini to ting some national recogni- accept his plaque, said it was a tion for it. wonderful gesture by the The last, but not the least, commission and her only to be inducted was Elisha regret was that he wasn't alive Obed, who was the first to receive it himself. Bahamian to win a world title "He fought before my time, when he beat Miguel de but I've seen a lot of pictures Oliveira in Paris, France for from his fight," she said. "I the WBC light middleweight think he has done a lot for the title on November 13, 1975 Bahamas, putting the before he relinquished it to Bahamas on the map. So I'm Echard Dagge in Berlin, Ger- really proud that he is being many on June 18, 1976. recognised for his achieve- Obed, who posted a 88-20- ment." 4 record with 20 knockouts Brennan, another Biminite from 1973-1988, was repre- who also fought the majority sented by his sister, Nomi of his fights in the United McKenzie, who had mixed States, posted a 82-21-7 reactions as she indicated that record with just one knock- her brother was not feeling out in his career from 1958 to well at all. 1972. "We're proud and grateful His grandson Andre Bren- and the family do appreciate nan, who came from Miami it this and we would like to with his mother – Brennan's say thank you," said McKen- daughter, Annette Baham – zie, who tried to hold back said their family have a rich the tears of emotions. legacy. Among those in attendance "I feel it's a good thing and was Al Hamilton, the founder I'm glad that they put this of the CASI Awards; together to recognise all of Bahamas Olympic Associa- his accomplishments," said tion president Wellington Brennan, who noted that his Miller and Bahamas Basket- grandfather was unable to ball Federation's president attend, but sent his regards to Lawrence Hepburn. INSIGHT For the stories behind the news, read Insight on Mondays

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THE TRIBUNE PAGE 11

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 INSIDE • Local sports news

sportsNOTES • SOFTBALL Three legendary Bahamian boxers WEECH RETURNED AS MASTERSTHE Masters PRESIDENT Softball League held its annual general meeting and election of officers on November 10. At that time, Anthony ‘Boots’ Weech was returned as president. inducted into the Hall of Fame All of his executive team were also re-elected. However, there By BRENT STUBBS Bahamas, said the Commis- was one addition with Ken sion is in the process of hon- O’Brien coming on as the bew Senior Sports Reporter [email protected] ouring a long list of Bahamian assistant secretary. The league, now into its sev- boxers who have made their enth season, will commence play BAHAMAS Boxing Com- mark in the sport. on Saturday, november 28 at the mission chairman Pat 'the They included Baby Boy Archdeacon William Thompson Centreville Assassin' Strachan Rolle, Ernie Barr, Ray minus softball Park at the Southern said they couldn't find three Sr, Ray Minus Jr., Stevie 'the Recreation Grounds. more talented Bahamians to Heat' Larrimore, the late induct in the first class of the Renny Pinder, the late Bert Perry, Sammy 'Kid' Barr, Al • BASKETBALL Hall of Fame. Although none of them Moss and Arthur Clarke. NPBA OPENING THE New Providence Basket- were present, the Commis- "I believe it is imperative ball Association will have a ‘soft sion inducted the late William that we recognise those box- opening’ tonight at the CI gib- 'Yama Bahama' Butler, the ers for the part that they did son Gymnasium starting at 7 ailing Oswald 'Elisha Obed' in the sport of boxing," Stra- p.m. with a double header on Ferguson and Gomeo Bren- chan stressed. tap. nan on Wednesday night at Strachan thanked former A total of 14 teams have reg- the SuperClubs Breezes. Minister of Sports, Byron istered to compete this year, Strachan said all three box- Woodside for giving them an PICTURED from left are boxing commissioner Paul Moxey, secretary Fred Sturrup, commissioner Dr. bringing the total up from 10 last ers have left an indelible mark lending ear and current Min- Munir Rashad, commission chairman Pt 'the Centreville Assassin' Strachan, Elisha Obed's sister Nao- year. The new teams are the Real on the sport and this is just ister of Sports Desmond Ban- mi McKenzie and commissioners James 'Kid Freeport' Tynes and Fernley Palmer. Deal Shockers, the College of the the beginning of the recogni- nister for the grant he has Bahamas Caribs, the B-Reddie tion that they hope to heap promised to give to the com- Reddies, the Stars and the Roy- on each of them. mission in January. al Bahamas Defense Force "In my opinion, Elisha The commission's induction Mariners. Obed deserves a statue. We was held as a part of the They will join retunring teams: will work tirelessly towards CASI Awards week that will Electro Telecom Cybots, Com- making that become a reali- climax with a banquet tonight monwealth Giants, Y-Care ty," Strachan said. when the most outstanding Wreckers, Sunshine Auto Ruff- "Plans are afoot for a gym athletes in the Caribbean will Riders, Coke Explorers, the be honored. Jumpers, Ultimate Stars, Police to be built in Bimini to hon- our the great Yama Bahama. One by one, Dr. Rashad Crime-Stoppers and the Outdoor read a profile of all three Lighting Falcons. Additionally plans are in inductees before Strachan The official opening will be place for Gomeo Brennan to held on Saturday, December 5 receive further recognition." presented their representa- at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasi- "This is the first time in the tives with a plaque. um. The season will be dedicated history of our commission The first inductee was mid- to the memory of the life and that we've had a shot at a dleweight Yama Bahama legacy of the late Vincent L. Fer- British Commonwealth title Butler, a native from Bimini, PICTURED from left are commissioner Paul Moxey, secretary Fred Sturrup, commissioners Dr. Munir guson, the architect of modern or a world title," said Stra- who fought the majority of Rashad and Fernley Palmer, Yama Bahama's daughter Penny Butler, commission chairman Pat 'the basketball in the Bahamas. chan mentioning boxers such his fights in the United States. Centreville Assasin' Strachan and commissioner James 'Kid Freeport Tynes. “We will presenting a plaque to as Sherman 'the Tank' Butler, who passed away on his family to accentuate his work Williams and Meacher 'Pain' June 29 in Miami, Florida as a and contributions to basketball Major. result of cancer, had amassed and a floating trophy will be Strachan, a former cruiser- unveiled which will be awarded to weight champion of the the champions of the NPBA at SEE page 10 the culmination of the seasons,” league president Kweith ‘Belzee’ Smith revealed. Smith also released the fol- lowing stats from the past sea- son: Pennant winners – Giants and Cybots. Champions – Electro Telecom Cybots. Runners-up – Commonwealth Bank Giants. MVP-Season – Michael ‘Fer- ley’ Bain – Giants. MVP-Championship – Brian 'Tucker' Bain – Cybots. Coach-of-the Year – Courtney Stubbs – Jumpers. Sponsor-of-the-Year – Deanz- er 'Sonny’ Cox. 2009 Sportsman – Breston 'Horsey' Rolle – Wreckers. Long Service Awards: Leo Carey – Y-Care Fashion Centre. Nat Adams – Caribbean Bot- PICTURED seated from left are Miguel Cuello, Trinity Christian tling Co. ( Bahamas ) Ltd. Academy’s head baseball coach; Brandon Murray and Cindy Nassau: Royal Bahamas Police Force. Ansell, Trinity Christian Academy’s Principal. Standing is Fred Commonwealth Bank. Erdman, Trinity Christian Academy’s Athletic Director. Grand Tasting & Cognac Lounge Friday November 20th, 7pm • Sheraton Ballroom • CHESS

NATIONALThe Bahamas CHAMPIONSHIPS Chess Nation- als is taking place from 3rd to 21st November. The Nationals is Murray set Freeport: a ten player round robin tourna- Grand Tasting & Tattinger Champagne Lounge ment with a time control of 40 moves in 75 minutes then 15 Friday November 27th, 7pm • Our Lucaya Grand Ballroom minutes to make all remaining to head to moves (40/75 then G15). The first eight rounds took place at the CC Sweeting Sr. High, Oakes Field and the final Charleston round will take place at the Audi- Grand Tasting (Nassau & Freeport): $25 ($30 at the door) torium of CW Sawyer Primary CRAIG ‘Salty’ Kemp, pres- Christian Academy and for School. ident of the Bahamas Base- the last three seasons, the Cognac Lounge (Nassau Only): $50 ($60 at the door) At the start of Round 7 four (4) ball Federation and his exec- Palm Beach Post has recog- players were sharing the lead. utives extended congratula- nised Murray as a first team Tattinger Lounge (Freeport Only): $45 ($60 at the door) Among those leaders only tions to Brandon Murray as All-Country member. defending champion Ken Gibson he prepares to take another Dan Roszel, head coach of and Yan Lyansky won last giant step in his life. the Charleston Cougars not- evening. Murray, a former member ed: “I am very excited Bran- Tickets are available at the following Round 7 results: of the BBF, signed the nation- don will be joining the Butler & Sands locations: Ken Gibson won over Leroy al letter of intent to attend Cougars this fall.” McLean; Yan Lyansky defeated the College of Charleston in Murray recently represent- Joseph Ferguson; Byron Small NASSAU: and Kean Smith played to a the fall of 2010. ed the Bahamas in July at the strong draw; Elton Josepoh won Murray is one of the Little League 16-18 Latin Butler & Sands JFK against Chappel Whyms and Bahamas future bright stars American Qualifying Tour- Bahamas Wines Shirley Street Wilshire Major beat Umar Newry. in the sport of baseball and nament in Maracaibo, & Caves Village. The current standings are now Kemp said the BBF is Venezuela. as follows: extremely proud of him and He played local baseball for his accomplishments. Junior Baseball Lague of Nas- 1. Ken Gibson and Yan Lyan- FREEPORT: sky – 6 points each. “Congratulations to his sau. This is another proud 3. Kean Smith – 5. proud parents Bertram and moment for the league exec- Butler & Sands in RND Plaza 4. Chappel Whyms – 5. Michelle Murray as their son utives as they witness one )\YUZ/V\ZL/LHK6MÄJLVU8\LLU»Z/PNO^H` 5. Joseph Ferguson – 4. is excelling on and off the more of their young stars con- 6. Elton Joseph – 3. baseball diamond,” said tinue on this very promising /V\ZLVM9\T7VY[3\JH`H 7. Umar Newry – 2. Kemp, through a press release journey. 8. Byron Small – 1. issued by the federation. “We pray for God's contin- 9. Leroy McLean and Wilshire Murray has been a straight ued blessings in young Bran- Major – 1 each. ‘A’ student and is in the Hon- don Murray's future,” the fed- ors programme at Trinity eration stated in its release.

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PAGE 12, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS MISS BAHAMAS WORLD AND FELLOW CONTESTANTS VISIT ABU DHABI IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Joanna Brown’s Miss World quest continues

MISS Bahamas World Joanna Brown's quest for the Miss World title continues as she and her fellow contestants visit Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. More than 100 Miss World con- testants have descended on Abu Dhabi for a stopover on their way to the final competition in South Africa. The contestants are there for the official opening of the prestigious five-star Yas Hotel. They were the special guests at a gala dinner at the hotel with more than 300 people upon their arrival, and participated in a fashion event. The 110 beauty queens, who will battle for the Miss World crown in Johannesburg next month, strut- ted down a catwalk on the grounds of the newly constructed Yas Hotel, showcasing gowns by South African designers. The fashion show featured the work of seven designers, including ABOVE JJ Schoeman, Haroun Hansrot and MISS WORLD contestants with the South Diamond Face Couture. Earlier in African designers of their Abu Dhabi fash- the day the competitors were given ion show gowns. a sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi, RIGHT including a visit to Sheikh Zayed CARIBBEAN QUEENS attend a dinner ban- Mosque. Joanna continues to make quet in Abu Dhabi. From L-R: Miss her presence felt — she is one of Jamaica Kerrie Baylis, Miss Barbados Leah the most stylish contestants at the JOANNA, pictured with Miss Barbados, was a Marville, and Miss Bahamas Joanna pageant. knockout at the Miss World Travel awards banquet. Brown.

Nautilus Water presents cheque to Cancer Society DURING a spectacular businesses, retailers, home evening of classical music, delivery recipients - anyone, Nautilus Water presented the really, who purchased at least Cancer Society of the one of our pink bottles. Bahamas with a cheque for “We are greatly apprecia- $4,335 raised through its In tive of the patronage and sup- The Pink Breast Cancer port we have received from Awareness Campaign in the community, and look for- October. ward to their continued sup- Nautilus Water sponsored port as we lend a hand in cre- the concert, “A Pristine ating a healthier Bahamas, Affair”, along with the Cancer one step at a time,” said a Society in an effort to raise Nautilus Water spokesperson. funds for the organisation and Performing at Thursday’s cancer victims. concert were baritone vocalist The funds presented to the Dr Cleveland Williams, sopra- society during the event were no, Nikita Wells-Thompson raised during the month of and pianist Audrey Dean- October through sales of spe- Wright. cial pink bottles of water pro- “With a blend of operatic duced by Nautilus Water. performances, among which “Five cents for every bottle highlighted excerpts from sold was donated to assist can- George Gershwin’s Porgy & cer victims and also to Bess, the evening was truly improve the patient facilities spectacular,” Nautilus Water at The Cancer Society build- said. ing. Marking the beginning of “This was our second year the partnership between The with the campaign, and we Cancer Society and the water were able to raise $4,335.60 manufacturing company, the for 2009. event was of “significant “It is our customers who importance to both organisa- made this such a success – tions,” the company added. Treat for reggae fans at Wyndham Nassau Resort By REUBEN SHEARER Tribune Features Reporter [email protected]

REGGAE lovers are looking forward to the weekend’s most talked about event, A Night of Love in the Crystal Palace ballroom at the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Saturday evening. At 9pm, host comedian Damon Williams will bring on Gram- my-nominated artists Beres Hammond who is the featured artist peforming for a last time, before taking a short break from the music scene. The highly-anticipated show will showcase a star-studded line-up of special guest artists, including Buju Banton, Taurrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Sammi Star and Jaheim. More than 1,600 people are expected to fly in from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the family islands, and New York, for the concert which will top off 25 years of Above the Rim produc- tions company. A production company spokesman said the audience can “expect a great show”. “Beres is not going to do A Night of Love next year,” he said. “Next year we’ve decided to bring in some R&B groups. We would’ve done him two months back to back, but he needs a break.” Rumour had it that Hammond, 54, would be taking a break before preparing to record his last album. “By Friday, we expect tickets to be sold out,” he said.

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THE TRIBUNE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 SECTION B • [email protected] ‘Lost opportunity to clarify murky’ approval process

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Attorney says ‘regrettable’ Privy Council ruling failed to address whether Heads of Agreement parties could sue each other, and bring certainty to Bahamas’ development process THE attorney representing oppo- nents of the $500 million Guana Cay mixed-use resort development yes- & Ocean Club project had “high- of Agreement is, and whether a obligations and abandoned the pro- terday said it was “regrettable” that lighted and focused the need for the Heads of Agreement is binding and ject, the Government “would be able the Privy Council did not determine Government” to legislate this lawful - a public expression [of to sue them to enforce these provi- in its ruling whether developers and nation’s development approvals intent] more than a binding docu- sions or not”. the Government could sue each oth- processes, bringing clarity to both ment. The newly-named QC added: er under a Heads of Agreement, this and the rights of affected resi- “Regrettably, the Privy Council “Unfortunately, at the Supreme describing the case as “a lost oppor- dents. has not clarified the issue of whether Court, the Court of Appeal and the tunity to bring clarity to the murky Responding to the Privy Council’s a developer could sue the Govern- Privy Council, there was a lost development process in the ruling, which prevented his clients ment to enforce a Heads of Agree- opportunity for bringing clarity to Bahamas”. from blocking Discovery Land Com- ment or vice versa.” the development process in the Fred Smith QC, the Callenders & pany’s development on the grounds Mr Smith questioned whether, for Bahamas, as murky as it is, without Co attorney and partner, said the that the project’s Heads of Agree- instance, if a Heads of Agreement legislation that explains a step-by- four-year legal battle waged by his ment was ‘ultra vires’ or improper, contained provisions for a develop- step approach.” clients, the Save Guana Cay Associ- Mr Smith said: “Regrettably, the er to clear up any environmental ation, against the Baker’s Bay Golf case does not analyse what a Heads FRED SMITH damage if they failed to meet their SEE page 4B South Ocean Bahamas First set to foreclosure acquire Cayman firm

By NEIL HARTNELL holds its stake in the Cayman Tribune Business was told Tribune Business Editor firm through its wholly-owned that according to its 2008 subsidiary, Sagicor Life of the financials, Sagicor General BAHAMAS First, the Cayman Islands. Insurance Company (Cay- bid defeated Bahamian general insurer, is The purchase price is also man) wrote $46 million of poised to expand into the unknown, although insurance gross premiums that year, Caribbean through the acqui- industry sources expressed some 31 per cent of which sition of Sagicor General doubt as to whether Bahamas were health premiums. By NEIL HARTNELL * Supreme Court rules against $85m mortgage holder’s Insurance Company (Cay- First would pay book value - Insurance industry sources Tribune Business Editor man), Tribune Business can or match the $15 million in believe Bahamas First, which application because resort did not have Central Bank reveal, in a deal likely to be net shareholder equity that is solely a general insurer, will THE six-month receiver- exchange control permission to repay loan confirmed imminently. Sagicor General Insurance either sell or spin-off the ship for the disputed $867 mil- * Judgment discharges six-month receivership, sources say Insurance industry sources Company (Cayman) had health portfolio given that it lion South Ocean redevelop- confirmed to this newspaper according to its 2008 year-end does not fit its business mod- ment was discharged by the * Southwest New Providence resort’s future remains on yesterday that a Letter of accounts - due to the fact that el. Some 69 per cent, or $31.74 Supreme Court earlier this hold and uncertain, as control now back in hands Intent for Bahamas First’s the company had performed million of its premiums, were week, Tribune Business can purchase of the Caymanian relatively poorly in recent on the general side in 2008. exclusively reveal, after a of warring parties not wanting to invest more funds company had been signed, years and not been very prof- Still, the Bahamian insur- judge dismissed an attempt by and that the deal could be itable. ance industry has been this one of the property’s investors announced as early as today. There were also questions economy’s most aggressive to place it in foreclosure. Multiple sources with cut-based hedge fund Plain- That was unconfirmed yes- as to why Bahamas First sector when it comes to over- Justice Stephen Isaacs dis- knowledge of the matter con- field Asset Management and terday, though. When con- would seek to enter the Cay- seas expansion, and Bahamas missed the foreclosure action firmed events in the Supreme its Seaside Heights investment tacted by Tribune Business in man general insurance mar- First follows just several brought by Propco, an invest- Court earlier this week, after vehicle, which holds the sec- Miami, Ian Fair, Bahamas ket, given that property and weeks behind BAF Global ment vehicle owned by the CCWIPP - through Propco - ond mortgage/debenture over First’s chairman, replied: “It’s casualty, plus auto rates, were Group. Canadian Commercial Work- attempted to foreclose on the the southwest New Provi- premature for us to make any falling. British American Finan- ers Industry Pension Plan $85 million first dence resort’s real estate. That comment.” This was coupled with the cial’s parent unveiled its (CCWIPP), on the grounds mortgage/debenture it holds is understood to be for a sum It was also unclear whether fact Cayman was viewed as acquisition of British Ameri- that the resort’s immediate on the 375-acre South Ocean in the “high” $50 millions Bahamas First was acquiring having the highest risk pro- can Insurance Company holding company, New South property. range. 100 per cent of Sagicor Gen- file in the Caribbean, given (Cayman) from the receivers Ocean Development Compa- CCWIPP’s foreclosure And it was Plainfield’s eral Insurance Company its relatively flat geography earlier this month. ny, did not have Central Bank attempt, though, was opposed attorney, Brian Moree QC, (Cayman) share capital, or (storm surge exposure) and Meanwhile, some 24.2 per of the Bahamas approval - as by the New South Ocean senior partner at McKinney, just the 75 per cent stake held high concentration of devel- cent of the remaining Sagicor a foreign-owned entity - to Development Company’s by its ultimate parent, Sagi- opment (meaning risk) in a repay its loan debt to Propco. financing partner, Connecti- SEE page 4B cor Life Jamaica. The latter small area. SEE page 5B

Bahamas ranked 11th ial Strength R Financ ating A M BEST

out of 12 in ‘attractiveness A- Excellent to wealthy’ survey

By NEIL HARTNELL dency Index (MWRI), Mr Tribune Business Editor Wall said, focused on 11 juris- dictions, but had the Bahamas THE Bahamas would have been included it would have ranked 11 out of 12 major placed 11th out of 12, rank- international financial centres ing only ahead of Guernsey. had it been included in a sur- The others rated were among vey designed to measure the this nation’s chief competi- attractiveness of these nations tors: Cayman, Singapore, to ‘mobile’ high net worth Switzerland, Dubai, Hong your search individuals. Kong, Isle of Man, Jersey, Stephen Wall, director of London, New York, and the Scorpio Partnership, an Monaco. international wealth manage- Mr Wall said Switzerland’s ment consultancy, presented ‘all-round appeal’ had placed ends here. to the Nassau Conference a it at number one, even though survey that analysed the fac- it was ranked only fifth for tors influencing high net tax appeal, since its “multi- worth individuals when it faceted” qualities were Life Insurance came to deciding which juris- “attracting a wide range of diction to base themselves in. mobile wealthy”. Switzerland, The Mobile Wealth Resi- he said, ranked at the top for Health Insurance economic and political stabil- ity, legal considerations, prox- imity and convenience, edu- Employee Benefits cation for children and cul- ture/infrastructure. Annuities In contrast, the Bahamas was ranked bottom out of 12 by the MWRI Index when it Mortgages came to economic and politi- cal stability, and employ- $4.1768 ment/business opportunities. Investments It was also placed 11th for $4. legal considerations and$4.29 10th for sophistication/culture/infra- The information structure. contained is from a $4.3251 third party and The However, Mr Wall said$4.29 the Tribune can not be $4. Bahamas enjoyed “strong held responsible for errors and/or A SUBSIDIARY OF positioning” in areas such as omission from the $4.25 tax and immigration, where$4.29 daily report. 69 it was third; availability of $4. quality housing, where it was call us today at 396-1355 second; security, where it was The information contained is from a third party and The Tribune can not be held third; and education for chil- SALES OFFICES: NASSAU I FREEPORT I ABACO I ELEUTHERA I EXUMA I CORPORATE CENTRE: EAST BAY STREET I www.famguardbahamas.com responsible for errors and/or omission dren, where it was fifth. from the daily report.

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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, PAGE 3B BUSINESS To advertise in The Tribune - ‘Don’t ignore the #1 newspaper in circulation, the lifeblood just call 502-2371 today! 127,&( 1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ RI WKH ORVV RI %DKDPDV *RYHUQPHQW 5HJLVWHUHG 6WRFN &HUWLÀFDWH DV IROORZV of a business’ 6WRFN ,QWUHVW 5DWH &HUWLÀFDWH 1R 0DWXULW\ 'DWH $PRXQW     6HSWHPEHU   

By CHESTER ROBARDS merce, Mr Tate went through ‘I’ve heard this before’. should have niche markets and , LQWHQG WR UHTXHVW 7KH 5HJLVWUDU WR LVVXH D UHSODFHPHQW FHUWLÀFDWH ,I WKLV FHUWLÀ Business Reporter several workshops and semi- “But there is a difference aim to be atop their sector by [email protected] nars with a packed room, and between having heard it initiating strategies construct- FDWH LV IRXQG SOHDVH ZULWH WR 32 %R[ 1 1DVVDX %DKDPDV encouraged networking in sev- before and having done it ed around the Guerrilla Mar- A CERTIFIED coach in eral breakout sessions. before, and what research keting model. Guerrilla Marketing said yes- He said the participants in shows is people may have “Marketing is the lifeblood terday that marketing was yesterday’s seminar were heard something, but they’ve of a business. Especially dur- something companies should some of the most enthusiastic never done anything about it. ing these turbulent times, one not overlook during times of and eager business owners he My sense here is that these of the biggest mistakes a busi- HELP WANTED financial crisis. has worked with, adding that people are hungry and they ness could make is to cut Ed Tate, who is also a world Americans are often sceptical want fresh ideas.” expenses and to cut market- champion in public speaking, about hearing the same old Mr Tate said there were ing,” said Mr Tate. SALES MANAGER & SERVICE MANAGER told Bahamian business own- marketing schemes. many free to inexpensive mar- He said for most small busi- ers not to overlook marketing “The thing I love is the keting concepts that can be nesses, if people don’t know ALSO SALES PERSON NEEDED. as a key business strategy and enthusiasm, the energy. The used to drive business, but about it they will not visit the place it on the back burner people here are completely argued that individuals have business. He suggested people during tough economic times. engaged,” said Mr Tate. “In to be creating and imaginative pick up a copy of J Conrad Must Have Marine Knowledge. In a crash Guerrilla Mar- the United States we have a in order to adapt them to their Levinson’s ‘Guerrilla Market- keting course put on by the lot of people who are cynical own businesses. ing Attack’ in order to change Please Fax Resume To 394-3885 Bahamas Chamber of Com- and they have this attitude like He added that businesses that dynamic. Home & Motor Insurance SAVE $$$! Call NIBA on 677-6422 Why pay more for your insurance?

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PAGE 4B, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE BUSINESS are locked in an intense arbitration battle Informed observers believe Plainfield SOUTH OCEAN, from 1B currently under way this week in New opposed the foreclosure, and is seeking York. control, because it wants to hang on to 127,&( Bancroft & Hughes, who successfully Plainfield is engaged in an acrimonious South Ocean until the credit and real argued that CCWIPP was unable to place battle with its South Ocean developer estate markets improve. That, in turn, ,1 7+( (67$7( RI *867$9286 %(5./(< the resort into foreclosure because New partner, Roger Stein and his RHS Ven- would improve the property’s value, and South Ocean Development Company did tures company, over ownership and con- the hedge fund would likely then seek a 52//( ODWH RI WKH (DVWHUQ 'LVWULFW RI WKH ,VODQG not have a letter from the Central Bank trol of the project. Now, the Supreme new development partner or sell the RI 1HZ 3URYLGHQFH RQH RI WKH ,VODQGV RI 7KH giving it permission to repay the loan to Court’s ruling means that the entity in resort. &RPPRQZHDOWKRI7KH%DKDPDVGHFHDVHG Propco. which they both have an ownership stake Mr Stein and Plainfield are understood Under exchange control regulations, is back in charge of the Bahamian resort. to have ‘locked horns’ in the hearing In documents filed with the New York forum provided by the American Arbi- 1RWLFHLVKHUHE\JLYHQWKDWDOOSHUVRQVKDYLQJDQ\FODLPRU the judge found that CCWIPP/Propco and New South Ocean Development Supreme Court, Mr Stein and RHS Ven- tration Association this week, and with GHPDQGDJDLQVWWKHDERYH(VWDWHDUHUHTXLUHGWRVHQGWKHLU Company needed to have this Central tures had alleged that Plainfield was both parties understood to be reluctant to QDPHV DGGUHVVHV DQG SDUWLFXODUV RI WKH VDPH FHUWL¿HG Bank permission to repay the loan. Any attempting to use its position as financing finance the project until their dispute is LQ ZULWLQJ WR WKH XQGHUVLJQHG RQ RU EHIRUH WKH WK GD\ loan arrangement in this nation that partner to squeeze them out. settled, South Ocean’s short-term future 'HFHPEHU$'DQGLIUHTXLUHGSURYHVXFKGHEWV involves either a foreign-owned mort- The New South Ocean Development looks bleak. gagor or mortgagee requires Investments Company is controlled by a Cayman- Propco is understood to have been pay- RUFODLPVRULQGHIDXOWEHH[FOXGHGIURPDQ\GLVWULEXWLRQ Board and Central Bank approval. based partnership, which is owned 51 per ing staffing costs, and financing the prop- DIWHUWKHDERYHGDWHWKHDVVHWVZLOOEHGLVWULEXWHGKDYLQJ Sources told Tribune Business that cent by Plainfield’s Seaside Heights, giv- erty’s upkeep, infrastructure and utilities UHJDUG RQO\ WR WKH SURYHG GHEWV RU FODLPV RI ZKLFK WKH while Propco had received Central Bank ing it majority control, 1 per cent by RHS while the battle rages, but this week’s $GPLQLVWUDWRUVKDOOKDYHKDG1RWLFH permission to make the loan, and New Ventures and 48 per cent by one of the ruling likely puts a stop to that. Effec- South Ocean Development Company had latter’s affiliates, RHS Holdings. tively, South Ocean’s redevelopment has been authorised to execute a promissory Yet Mr Stein was alleging that through been placed even further on to the back $QG1RWLFHLVKHUHE\JLYHQWKDWDOOSHUVRQVLQGHEWHGWRWKH note for the loan’s repayment, the third designing its financing participation in the burner, with the resort firmly mired in VDLG (VWDWH DUH UHTXHVWHG WR PDNH IXOO VHWWOHPHQW RQ RU piece of documentation was lacking. South Ocean project with loans, rather ‘limbo’. EHIRUHWKHDIRUHPHQWLRQHGGDWH It is understood that Propco’s attor- than equity, Plainfield had positioned Some sources suggested that this ney, PLP MP and former Cabinet minis- itself as New South Ocean Development week’s ruling could cause problems for all 0,&+$(/ $'($1 &2 ter, Alfred Sears, argued that permission Company’s lead creditor - and could lending arrangements in this nation for New South Ocean Development squeeze him out at any time by calling in involving non-Bahamian residents or enti- $WWRUQH\VIRUWKH([HFXWUL[ Company to repay, and for Propco to those loans. ties, as they would now be required to $OYHUQLD&RXUW'RZGHVZHOO6WUHHW receive the payments, was contained in Mr Stein’s court and arbitration filings get Central Bank permission every time 32%R[1 the existing documentation, but Justice alleged that he had financed his partici- they had to re-pay or receive loan monies. 1DVVDX7KH%DKDPDV Isaacs disagreed. pation with 100 per cent equity, playing That, though, could not be confirmed. In dismissing the foreclosure action, $7.56 million for land acquisitions and The South Ocean redevelopment was Justice Isaacs also discharged South other pre-development costs. Plainfield, originally scheduled to include a 140- Ocean’s receiver, Anthony Kikivarakis, on the other hand, through Seaside room five-star resort; 400-room four-star the Deloitte & Touche (Bahamas) part- Heights had lent $75 million and injected resort; a 40,000 square foot casino; frac- ner, who took control of the resort in a further $42.7 million as equity, taking its tional villas; 180 timeshare units; second May 2009. total participation to almost $100 million. homes; a convention centre; marina; ten- The Supreme Court ruling also creates In return, Plainfield has alleged that nis facilities and spa. COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS 2009 further uncertainty over South Ocean’s RHS Ventures did not properly use the The draft economic impact study for IN THE SUPREME COURT No. CLE/QUI/01509 future, especially in the short-term, as it financing it advanced for the South Ocean the South Ocean project projected that it Equity Side hands control back to New South Ocean project, and failed to provide it with would create 1,358 full-time jobs when Development Company, whose investors audited financial information. fully open, plus 1,200 construction jobs. N O T I C E GUANA, from 1B Sawyer, who noted that the work for the planning and Privy Council found. The Association’s four-year Bahamas had “no compre- decision-making that would “The proposed develop- IN THE MATTER OF THE QUIETING TITLES fight, Mr Smith said, had been hensive legislation for envi- guide the development going ment was on any view a major “highlighting and focusing the ronmental protection, or pub- forward. development with far-reach- ACT 1959 need for the Government to lic consultation on the dispo- “It is common ground that ing economic, social and envi- legislate process and rights in sition of public land”. the provisions as to the grant- ronmental consequences. It AND regard to all development ini- In other words, major ing of leases were too uncer- involved an investment of the tiatives. It’s not going to away. chunks of the Bahamas’ tain to be legally enforceable. order of $500 million. It They’re repeating it with the development approval Other provisions of the Heads involved large-scale infra- IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF BEC Abaco power plant. process, especially as it relates did probably create legally structure projects, both on “It’s sad that three levels of to major mixed-use resort enforceable obligations. But land and in the sea. The pop- LENNARD MAURICE ASHWORTH GULSON the judiciary did not take a projects, is not contained ‘in it is unnecessary to form a ulation of the Cay was going more proactive approach in stone’ via statute legislation. final view on that, since on to increase greatly, and the helping to guide the develop- Rather, it is in policy, which any view the Heads constitut- pattern of its economic life TO ment process in the can be changed at a stroke by ed a considered political com- was going to be transformed. Bahamas.” public officials. mitment on the part of the “Any complex project of In its ruling, the Privy The Privy Council, in its Government of the Bahamas, that sort requires a strategic ALL THAT piece parcel or tract of land situate Council acknowledged previ- judgment, found the Guana matched by the Developers' framework of planning and at Split Rocks about Four (4) miles Southeast of ous findings by Court of Cay Heads of Agreement was financial commitment to decision at the outset, fol- the Treasure Cay Airport and about Two (2) miles Appeal president, Dame Joan intended to provide a frame- investment in the project,” the lowed by detailed planning Northwest of Treasure Cay on Great Abaco Island and detailed decisions on par- in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas containing ticular matters as it goes for- ward. In such a situation there Fifteen and Thirty-four thousandths (15.034) acres is no fettering of official dis- or thereabouts cretion in starting with a care- fully-formulated general pol- ALL that piece parcel or tract of land comprising of icy. Indeed, to start without Fifteen and Thirtyfour thousandths (15.034) acres a carefully-formulated gener- al policy would be a recipe or thereabouts situate in the vicinity of Split Rocks for bad administration.” on Great Abaco Island in the Commonwealth of The Mr Smith yesterday told Bahamas and which is bounded on the North by the Tribune Business that the high water mark of the Sea and running thereon Six Association wanted the Gov- hundred and Thirty-one and Eighty-two hundredths ernment to pass a Freedom of Information Act and Envi- (631.82) feet more or less on the East by land the ronmental Protection Act, property of Sugar Plantation Limited and running especially since there were no thereon One thousand and Fifty-nine and Forty-three statutory provisions requiring hundredths (1,059.43) feet more or less on the South an Environmental Impact by the road known as the Great Abaco Highway Assessment (EIA) to be pub- lished prior to a major devel- and running thereon Six hundred and Fifty-one and opment being approved. Eighty-eight hundredths (651.88) feet and on the And the Association’s legal West by land formerly the property of Home and battle is not over yet, Mr Auto Supplies Limited but now the property of Smith telling Tribune Busi- John Wayne Darville and running thereon One ness they were awaiting a hearing date from the Court thousand One hundred and Thirty-four and of Appeal for their second bid Fifty-one hundredths (1,134.51) feet more or less to block the Guana Cay pro- ject, which is directly chal- Lennard Maurice Ashworth Gulson claims to be lenging the permits, approvals the owner in fee simple in possession of the parcel and licences given to the developers. of land hereinbefore described and the Petitioner Warning that the project’s has made application to the Supreme Court of the opponents were “not going to Commonwealth of The Bahamas under Sec- disappear into thin air”, Mr tion 3 of The Quieting Titles Act, 1959 to Smith pledged that the devel- have his title to the said land investigated. opers would still be subjected “to an awful lot of scrutiny” as they moved forward with Copies of the filed plan may be inspected during what he described as a “10- normal business hours at:- year project”. Asked to recall what the (a) The Registry of the Supreme Court Association had achieved so far, Mr Smith said the Gov- (b) The Commissioner’s Office at Coopers ernment’s Planning and Sub- Town, Abaco divisions Bill appeared to be (c) The Chambers of the undersigned. attempting to codify and leg- islate, via statute, a much NOTICE is hereby given that any person clearer development process. The Bill, he added, dealt with having dower or right to dower or an adverse claim issues such as EIA publica- or a claim not recognized in the Petition shall tion, town planning input and before the 11 day of January, A.D. 2010 file in public consultation. the Supreme Court and serve the Petitioner or the “The success that we have undersigned a statement of his claim in the had so far is that there has been a substantial revamping prescribed form verified by an Affidavit to be filed of the EIA, a substantial therewith. Failure of any such person to file and serve revamping of the EMP,” he a statement of his claim on or before the 11th day of said. “There has been a lot of January, A.D. 2010 will operate as a bar to such claim. scrutiny and focus on envi- ronmental issues by the devel- opers and the Government. E. DAWSON ROBERTS & COMPANY “The case has also caused Attorneys for the Petitioner, the Government to imple- Magna Carta Court, ment a lot of the provisions in its Planning and Subdivi- Parliament & Shirley Streets, sions Bill. The Government, Nassau, Bahamas. through this Bill, is going away from this overarching Heads of Agreement and is going back to more localised input and statute.” In the meantime, the Asso- ciation was going to monitor the developers to ensure they To advertise in The Tribune - the #1 newspaper complied with local and local government rights, plus envi- in circulation, just call 502-2371 today! ronmental laws, and assess their compliance with other obligations. 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THE TRIBUNE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, PAGE 5B Cruise ship’sBUSINESS $380k visitor spend impact

f By CHESTER ROBARDS of call. Three Carnival ships f a

t Business Reporter were moored at the Prince s [email protected] e George Dock for the Dream’s n

u first visit to the Bahamas. b i

r THE CARNIVAL Dream, Captain of the Carnival T /

r the company’s largest ship, Dream, Carlo Queirolo, said o j called on the port of Nassau Nassau was one of the most a

M with more than 3,800 visitors beautiful ports of call he has

é on its inaugural voyage, bring- sailed to and touted the dredg- p i l ing in more than $380,000 yes- ing efforts to increase the turn- e

F terday, according to a “rule- ing basin in the Harbour.

y of-thumb” estimate by the “It is easier, especially when b

s Minister of Tourism. the weather is not so good [to o t

o Vincent Vanderpool-Wal- be able to pivot the ship in the CARLO QUEIROLO (centre) presents a plaque to Brent Symonette, the h

P lace said cruise ship passen- harbour],” said Captain deputy prime minister, as Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (left) looks on... gers spend on average $100 Queirolo. “It is very impor- A VIEW of the Carnival Dream in Nassau harbour... per passenger at various ports tant for us. We could do it, but we would have to pay a lot ger. currently only one. more attention.” “What is most important is As the largest purveyor of He added that the dredging to make sure we have suffi- passengers, Carnival is a major of the Harbour and the addi- cient attractions in Downtown player in this country’s tourism Bahamas First set to acquire Cayman firm tion of two mooring dolphins, Nassau, so that the maximum industry. However, they have built for the arrival of Royal number of people leave the recently been at loggerheads FROM page 1B Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas ship and we see that that with local tour operators, who bune Business that Bahamas before. "We will have a much next month, will make it much expenditure goes up in terms feel too much business is being First General Insurance Com- more superior balance sheet easier and be a “much better of the total volume,” he said. sent to Atlantis. General Insurance Company pany will pass the "important capital position that we had arrangement in the harbour”. “We have two tasks: To The Dream’s itinerary takes (Cayman) share capital is milestone" of $50 million in the year before. That's an Mr Vanderpool-Wallace increase the number of visi- it on alternating week-long understood to be owned by capital by year-end. important milestone for us to said the visit of mega cruise tors coming but also to cruises to the Eastern the Caymanian government, have, $50 million in capital. ships, such as the Carnival increase the expenditure per Caribbean, and it will call at which effectively took over General "We have followed a strat- Dream and the Oasis of the visitor, and that’s part of the Nassau, St Thomas/St john, the firm in its previous guise, egy in the last two to three Seas, shows need to redevelop whole purpose of the redevel- USVI, and St Maarten and Cayman General, when the He added that Bahamas years of increasing Bahamas the city. opment of downtown.” Netherlands Antilles, while its firm hit financial trouble as a First General Insurance Com- First General Insurance Com- He added that once the city The Carnival Dream is a western itinerary will take it result of enormous Hurricane pany, the main subsidiary of pany's capital by not sending was up to the standard of 130,000 tonne ship that to Cozumel, Belize, Costa Ivan-related payouts. Bahamas First Holdings, was any monies to the parent via many competing cruise ports, debuted last September, Maya and Nassau. Tribune Business was told "tracking better than 2008" dividends. That, with good there was a potential for even dwarfed only by the Genesis With unique facilities, the yesterday that it was widely when it came to its bottom results, has allowed us to build greater revenue per passen- Class ship, of which there is Dream brings a different cruis- understood that the Cayman line net income for 2009, up the capital of Bahamas ing experience. New attrac- government accepted a lower although the swing in the First General to the level we tions include four scenic claims payout from Cayman unrealised value of its invest- enjoy today." whirlpools, an open deck with General, $70 million instead ment portfolio remained a And Mr Ward said the a tropical, resort-style pool and of $140 million, in return for concern largely due to its sub- company's financial perfor- a seaside theatre (LED taking over effective control stantial holdings of Com- mance for year-to-date was screen). and its equity stake. Sagicor monwealth Bank stock. ahead of 2008, when Bahamas “Sure to be a hit with guests Life of the Cayman Islands Mr Ward said: "By the end First General Insurance Com- will be Carnival WaterWorks, then entered the picture two of 2009, the capital of pany sustained an 86.4 per an expansive aqua park offer- months after Ivan had passed, Bahamas First General Insur- cent decline in net income to ing exhilarating water slides taking an initial 51 per cent ance Company will be in $1.656 million, almost entire- and various water spray appa- stake in November 2005. excess of $50 million, and the ly due to a $12 million swing ratus. Carnival Dream will also Patrick Ward, Bahamas risk profile we have on the into the red on the unrealised be the first ‘Fun Ship’ to fea- First’s president and chief books will not be significantly losses suffered on its equity ture a two-level miniature golf executive, recently told Tri- different from the year portfolio. course,” said a release from A VIEW from the Carnival Dream... Carnival.

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PAGE 12B, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THE TRIBUNE

BUSINESS To advertise in The Tribune - the #1 newspaper in circulation, just call 502-2371 today! Auditor ‘wages’ salary increases driving inflation

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor Says 70% of Bahamian firms unable to pay NIB INFLATION in the contributions and BEC bills on timely basis Bahamas has been driven by salary increases rather than business profits, a senior give their workforces 2-5 per on a cumulative basis has not accountant told Tribune Busi- cent annual salary increases gone to profits, but gone to ness yesterday, as companies despite the increasing pres- salaries. If one was to analyse move to retain valued employ- sures they were facing. cumulative annual salaries as a ees through wage rises despite The Deloitte & Touche percentage of revenues, the the recession’s impact on their (Bahamas) managing partner figure would be higher than it top and bottom lines. told Tribune Business: “There was yesterday.” Disputing assertions by for- is no evidence in the current Mr Winder said many mer minister of state for environment that would lead Bahamian companies, viewing finance, James Smith, that me to believe that there are a lay-offs as a last resort in the some Bahamian companies number of companies making current recession, had moved had engaged in “profiteering” huge profits. In fact, the cumu- to increase salaries as an incen- by raising prices to compen- lative profits of companies in tive for their best staff to stay RAYMOND WINDER sate for declining consumer the Bahamas have declined. with them, creating what is demand and sales revenues, “What has happened is that known as ‘cost-push’ inflation. businesses can take if revenue Raymond Winder said some even if a company has raised As for the inflation issue, he falls. Lay-offs, shift rotations companies had gone as far to its prices, the increase in prices added: “It will be due primar- and closure, with the latter ily to the fact that businesses being opted for far more fre- have tried their best to retain quently by challenged hotels, their employees in the face of businesses and even govern- declining revenues. ment itself. “Even though businesses “Also, in tying profit motive are not doing well, because into overcoming revenue many Bahamians are used to decreases, he is being entirely annual pay rises, some busi- disingenuous. While profit nesses have been giving 2-5 does indeed come from the per cent increases in salary prices charged for goods and even in the face of declining services, profit also covers profits. If anything, there’s repairs and renewals, and been a reduction in the con- inward business re-investment. tribution the amount of profit “Profit does not equate has made to the inflation directly to ‘pocketing’ Profit index.” is the last reality for most, even Mr Winder said the well run, Bahamian companies Bahamian private sector’s these days, We are all preoc- weakness had been highlight- cupied with survival in spite ed by the fact that “more busi- of Government policies.” nesses have closed their Mr Lowe said that when doors”, with 70 per cent of faced by declining revenue companies unable to pay their streams and a fixed cost base National Insurance Board that stays the same, businesses (NIB) contributions and had three options - to lower Bahamas Electricity Corpora- operating costs, increasing tion (BEC) bills in a timely margins or going out of busi- manner. ness. He also pointed out that In addition, reduced cash Bahamian commercial banks flow resulted in lower inven- had “gone to great lengths” to tory purchasing power, some- avoid a “fire sale” of fore- thing that worked against a closed commercial and resi- company’s solvency and dential properties, instead pre- forced it to rely on previously ferring to work out restruc- earned profits. tured loans and payment Mr Lowe also accused Mr arrangements with borrowers. Smith of placing too much Mr Winder said that plac- emphasis on the Bahamas’ ing a “mass” of foreclosed import ties to the US, arguing properties on the real estate that prices in our northern market at once would have neighbour bore no relation to created “a mass drop in those charged in the Bahamas prices”, depressing the entire due to increased shipping and market. utility costs in this nation, its Salary-driven inflation was lower productivity and staff also being fuelled by the rela- education levels, increasing tive lack of worker productiv- internal and external theft, ity in the Bahamas, Mr increased staff benefits costs Winder told Tribune Business, and “ever increasing interfer- as companies were forced to ence in trade by government”. carry excess workers to per- “Perhaps when all US citi- form tasks that should be car- zens receive their national ried out by a smaller number health insurance coverage, of personnel. there will be no effect on the “There’s a lack of produc- Bahamas? Bollocks,” Mr tivity, which is continually Lowe said. declining, and which weighs “It will be passed directly you down and results in busi- on to the consumer, both nesses carrying additional per- domestic and foreign. Every sons to carry out the same US business will have added work,” he explained. “Once to their costs of doing business you’ve had to hire additional medical insurance cover for persons, that also has an their employees. What of our impact on the inflation index.” own governments increase in Mr Winder’s analysis was NIB contributions?” backed by Christopher Lowe, Meanwhile, Mr Winder a former Grand Bahama said: “I do agree that we have Chamber of Commerce presi- had inflation, and that is due dent, who branded Mr Smith’s to salary increases, and not analysis as “incomplete and due to an increase in profits. misleading”. To the extent that we have Mr Lowe, who is Kelly’s inflation in the Bahamas, the (Freeport) operations manag- majority of it goes to salaries er, told Tribune Business: “His and not profit. main, if overly simplified syn- “And while I do agree we opsis, is that businesses are do not have enough informa- compensating for a drop in tion to do a proper analysis, revenue or sales by increasing what is clear is that revenues prices, and for the ignoble pur- have dropped and salaries pose of keeping profits high. have not decreased by the “The worst travesty is that same proportion, while profits he omits the other action that have also dropped.”

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