197 people shot in 2013

The Nassau Guardian

197 people shot in 2013

One hundred and ninety-seven people were shot in The Bahamas last year, police reported.

In total, there were 160 shooting incidents, according to police.

Police also said they seized 438 illegal firearms and 6,853 rounds of ammunition in 2013.

Police seized 245 pistols, 52 revolvers, 85 shotguns, 23 rifles, seven prohibited weapons and 26 imitation firearms, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Greenslade said police seized 232 illegal weapons through intelligence and 121 through road checks.

Most of the firearms were found in New Providence, he said.

Greenslade said police are committed to clamping down on gun crimes.

“An invigorated team of detectives at the Firearms Tracing and Investigations Unit (FTIU) performed exceptionally well in 2013 by executing search warrants and conducting directed operations against firearm traffickers and persons suspected of being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition,” he said.

The 2013 statistics show that murders rose seven percent last year over 2012, but overall crime went down by eight percent.

The numbers show that crimes against the person fell four percent in 2013.

However, incidents of rape, attempted rape and unlawful sexual intercourse increased.

Of last year’s 119 murders, 112 happened in New Providence, five in Grand Bahama and two in Andros, according to police.

Illegal firearms, mostly handguns, were used in 98 of the murders while knives were used in 10.

The majority of last year’s murder victims, 102, were men.

The highest concentration of murders were in the northeastern division of New Providence, 25, followed by 17 in the central division, 16 in the southeastern division and 14 in the southern division.

Greenslade also revealed that police investigated 17 new proceeds of crime cases with a cash value of $1,860,437.

He said eight proceeds of crime cases were put before the courts with a cash value of $710,485.

He said $1,326,979 was forfeited to the Crown by the courts as proceeds of crime and attempted export of cash.

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PM reaffirms support for BOB

The Nassau Guardian

PM reaffirms support for BOB

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday reaffirmed the government’s support for Bank of The Bahamas.

“As the 65 percent majority shareholder of Bank of The Bahamas, the government of The Bahamas reaffirms its robust support for the bank,” Christie said in a statement.

“There need be no fear or concern on that score. The bank's capital position and other fundamentals remain strong.

“Moreover, the government is satisfied that all necessary steps have already been taken, and will continue to be taken, to ensure that the bank remains in full compliance with all regulatory requirements and prudential banking standards.”

In a statement issued last week, the bank noted that it recorded its first loss last year, a loss of $3.5 million, after 20 consecutive years of profitability.

The bank said it has achieved tremendous success over the years and is well poised for a return to profitability.

The statement said, “The bank is robustly capitalized, exceeding Central Bank requirements and international banking norms. Through a combination of profit retention and preference share issuances, the bank grew its total equity from $17 million to its present level of $140 million.”

Shadow Minister for Finance Peter Turnquest last week expressed concerns over the financial condition of the bank.

BOB also asserted that media reports suggesting political favoritism or political involvement in the granting of loans at the bank are “simply untrue”.

BOB was responding to The Punch, which claimed to list several political figures’ loan information at the bank.

The bank said the loans made were not personal but commercial loans “in which certain political figures may have been interested as investors or shareholders”.

BOB said an investigation is ongoing into the source of the leaked confidential information. It said that internal steps have been taken to prevent future breaches.

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Roberts calls Minnis ‘unpatriotic’

The Nassau Guardian

Roberts calls Minnis ‘unpatriotic’

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday called Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis “unpatriotic” over his comments about the government’s announcement regarding the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

Minnis said Prime Minister Perry Christie’s announcement that Cable and Wireless Communications will transfer 5,093,200 of its shares to the government to be held in trust for the Bahamian people does not result in a change of ownership.

He said the deal is nothing less than a “shameful” failure of the PLP’s campaign pledge to regain the majority ownership of BTC after the Ingraham administration sold majority shares to CWC in 2011.

However, Roberts said no reasonable Bahamian would object to the government striking a win-win deal, which provides the Bahamian people with majority ownership.

He said what is good for the Bahamian people does not appear to satisfy the “selfish interests of the FNM”.

“To our detractors, gainsayers and critics, I invite you to eat crow; to do so liberally and to choke on it,” said Roberts at a press conference at PLP headquarters.

“In the end, this pursuit was not a fool’s errand. It was not a waste of time nor was it a chase after an elusive rainbow as some have gloated.

“There was indeed a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow payable to the Bahamian people in perpetuity.  The value and national developmental benefits for our youth are incalculable.”

The trust will be managed by the BTC Foundation, which will be created as part of the deal.

The shares, which are non-voting shares, represent just under two percent of CWC’s total share equity in BTC.

The Foundation will also hold all of the dividends and income from the shares, which will be used to develop and expand closed-circuit television to assist in crime fighting, the telecommunications sector, sporting activities and other civic projects.

Roberts said the government and its negotiation team should be commended for what has been achieved.

He said as the government’s political enemies “spin, split hairs, brood and complain” the government will focus on its next mandate — to liberalize the telecommunications sector.

BTC’s exclusivity deal will end in April.

 

PULL OUT QUOTES

 

“To our detractors, gainsayers and critics, I invite you to eat crow; to do so liberally and to choke on it.”

—BRADLEY ROBERTS

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Assault is top complaint against police

The Nassau Guardian

Assault is top complaint against police

Assault remains the top complaint made against police officers, according to recently released crime statistics.

In 2013, there were 134 reports of assault made to the Complaints and Corruption Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, compared to 128 in 2012; 146 in 2011 and 201 in 2010.

“Police officers are not above the law and they are expected to do more than the average citizen in maintaining civility and upholding the laws of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said yesterday during a press conference at Police Headquarters.

Overall, there were 285 official complaints made against police officers. This is a 19 percent increase over the complaints in 2012, when there were 240.

Of the 19 categories of complaints made in 2013, 17 categories recorded increases compared to 2012.

Those categories included assault with a dangerous instrument; causing harm; damage; forgery; harassment; indecent assault; missing property; neglect of duty; threats; threats of death; threats of harm; trespassing; unethical behavior; unlawful search and entry; using unnecessary violence and wrongful arrest.

“There are some persons among us who have let us down,” Greenslade said.

“Where they have been found wanting, I have been very decisive as the commissioner.  We have been very decisive as an executive team.

“We have not tolerated any adverse behavior or criminal conduct once it was properly brought to our attention.”

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Greg Moss blasts govt

The Nassau Guardian

Greg Moss blasts govt

Marco City MP Gregory Moss yesterday chastised members of Parliament, including his colleagues on the governing side, for debating “nonsense” in the House of Assembly instead of tackling the pressing issues of crime, taxation and gaming.

Moss also hit out at the government for not yet bringing the proposed legislation for value-added tax (VAT) for debate.

He said the draft bill is flawed and he will vote against it in the House.

He called on the government to deal with illegal immigration and to introduce an income tax law that would offset the tax burden on the poor.

Moss said the country is in a “crime crisis” and highlighted the 120 murders that were recorded in 2013 and the spate of violent crimes that have happened since the start of the new year.

 

“What we have going on in this country now is rampant tit for tat,” he said.

 

“I shoot you, you shoot me back. I’m going to court, you’re the witness and I’m going to knock you off. We know it’s happening and why are we not outraged by it?”

Moss spoke during debate on The Bahamas Spatial Data Infrastructure Bill.

The legislation would improve the coordination and use of spatial technologies and data. It would also regulate the distribution of geospatial data for national and international stakeholders.

Moss suggested the proposed legislation was trivial in light of important national issues.

He also challenged the government to enforce the death penalty law instead of using excuses such as opposition from the London-based Privy Council, the highest court of appeal, for why it cannot be carried out.

“We legislate, we define the definitions; if we do not like the way in which our laws are being interpreted we can redefine those definitions and the courts comport to the definitions we define,” he said.

Moss said he was tired of “playing politics” and said he was speaking frankly as a Bahamian.

He added: “At the end of the day this polite approach that we are taking to law enforcement where we are blaming the police, blaming the courts and failing to blame ourselves for [not] passing the proper laws and putting in place prescriptions that need to be put in place to avoid all of these delays, all of these excuses, and to deal definitively with crime, stops here.”

Several times during his contribution, Moss argued with a few seated members of his own party who disagreed with some of his statements.

His statements drew support from opposition MPs.  However, Moss quickly rebuked them and accused the Ingraham administration of doing little while crime escalated from 2007 to 2012.

Moss also challenged the government to quickly bring VAT legislation to the House and other laws for tax reform. VAT is expected to take effect on July 1.

“Bring the VAT debate to this House and let’s talk about that,” he said.

“I made it very clear that I’m going to vote against it. I’m not going to absent myself from the House. I’m going to stand here and vote against it because it’s a bad law in the way it’s presently framed.”

He also urged the government to debate the Gaming Bill, which was tabled in October.

The bill faced criticism for the provisions which discriminate against Bahamians and allow the status quo on gambling to remain.

Moss has previously said he will not support any legislation that discriminates against Bahamians.

Prime Minister Perry Christie was absent from the floor of the House of Assembly when Moss gave his speech.

When asked by The Nassau Guardian to respond to the critique, he said Moss had the right to speak his mind.

He stressed that crime was top on the government’s agenda, but said the bill that was debated yesterday morning was important to nation building.

“I’m one of those who encourage members of Parliament to speak and to speak strongly,” Christie said.

“If I disagree with what they say you can trust on the occasion of the debate I will tell them so they can hear me say it.”

He also suggested that he was not too concerned with Moss’ plan to vote against the VAT bill.

“Whatever he decides to do, I am sure because he is a highly intelligent man, that he would have thought about it very carefully,” Moss said.

“So if he decides to do that then we wait until it happens and see what happens after that.”

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Four reported violent incidents for school year

The Nassau Guardian

Four reported violent incidents for school year

Calling the attack on a teacher at Anatol Rodgers High School on Wednesday afternoon an isolated incident, Director of Education Lionel Sands said yesterday that four incidents of violence have been recorded on school campuses on New Providence since the beginning of the school year.

A fifth incident occurred on Grand Bahama in September.

According to Sands, three of the incidents on New Providence were fights among students on campus, one of which resulted in a student being stabbed with a blunt object, but his injuries were not severe.

In Wednesday’s incident, an eighth grade student attacked a teacher in a classroom, according to education officials who said the teacher had to seek medical attention.

Sands said as the teacher attempted to discipline the student for misbehaving, the boy attacked her.

An education official, who did not wish to be named, said the 13-year-old boy choked the female teacher.

Sands said the student has been suspended and will be enrolled in Program SURE, which caters to students between 12 and 16 who display problematic behavior.

“The student will not return to the normal school setting until we are satisfied the intervention that we provide has had an impact and he is ready to go back to a normal school setting,” he said.

In October, a mother of a special needs student at Anatol Rodgers was arrested at the school for allegedly assaulting a teacher in a classroom.

The teacher reportedly suffered a shoulder injury. The mother was charged with assault.

The ministry determined that the student, a 17-year-old non-verbal autistic boy, would be best suited to another school.

Just two weeks before that incident, the mother of a student at Jack Hayward High School in Grand Bahama was sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting the school’s principal.

While the principal was not severely harmed, the incident prompted the ministry to request increased security presence, and better screening of visitors.

Although police were stationed at Anatol Rodgers on Wednesday, Sands said the officers could not have prevented the attack.

“We do not have police presence in every classroom and in every corridor and because of that, the police won’t necessarily be around if something were to happen in a classroom,” he said.

“Obviously, if the police are patrolling they can prevent things from happening in the yard.

“But when we are talking about in any school with a 1,000 or more students, and you have two to three officers you cannot prevent everything.”

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Minnis: BTC deal changes nothing

The Nassau Guardian

Minnis: BTC deal changes nothing

The government’s deal to reacquire majority shares in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is a “shameful and cynical betrayal” of Prime Minister Perry Christie’s campaign promise, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

But Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts responded, inviting the detractors of the government to “eat crow, to do so liberally and to choke on it”.

At a press conference at       FNM headquarters, Minnis said, “Last night’s press conference was nothing short of a national embarrassment.

“After promising on the campaign trail to regain the majority of the shares in BTC, the prime minister tried to create the illusion that he has delivered a new deal.

“We have gotten nothing new out of this arrangement.”

At a press conference on Wednesday night, Christie said his government negotiated a deal with Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) to give up two percent of its shares in BTC at no cost to the government or the Bahamian people.

Christie and CWC CEO Phil Bentley signed off on what the prime minister called an “historic” agreement.

Under the terms of the deal, CWC will transfer 5,093,200 of its shares to the government to be held in a trust for the Bahamian people.

The shares will be non-voting shares and the share transfer will not involve any change in BTC’s existing arrangement, Christie said. The deal will not change BTC’s management structure, he said, adding that BTC’s executive control will remain in the hands of CWC. Christie said the deal is a “win, win” for the government and the country and hit out at critics.

In a statement, CWC said, “When all transfers are completed, CWC will hold a marginally larger number of BTC shares than the government.”

Roberts praised the government for regaining majority shares in BTC.

“In the end, this pursuit was not a fool’s errand; it was not a waste of time, nor was it a chase after an elusive rainbow as some have gloated,” he said in a statement.

“There was indeed a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow payable to the Bahamian people in perpetuity.  The value and national developmental benefits for our youth are incalculable.“

 

 

THE BAD DEAL

 

Minnis also hit out at Senator Frank Smith who had said that CWC was “raping” Bahamians with its cell fees.

On June, 20, 2012, Smith said in the Senate that he had no confidence in CWC.

“The lead negotiator, Franklyn Wilson, also claimed that there was evidence that the FNM made a bad deal,” Minnis said.

“If the FNM made a bad deal, Christie has now made an even worse deal.

“Now, for the PLP, there has been a change of heart and CWC [is] now trustworthy.  What they did not admit was that the FNM got it right in the first place. Their so-called new deal is nothing less than full confirmation of the integrity of the FNM’s position.”

During the press conference on Wednesday night, Wilson said he has developed “trust” in CWC.

Wilson said his previous statements were not meant to implicate CWC in any wrongdoing.

 

PULL-OUT QUOTE

“After promising on the campaign trail to regain the majority of the shares in BTC, the prime minister tried to create the illusion that he has delivered a new deal.  We have gotten nothing new out of this arrangement.”

—    HUBERT MINNIS

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Minnis to bring death penalty bill

The Nassau Guardian

Minnis to bring death penalty bill

Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said last night he intends to table a bill in the House of Assembly today that would remove the impediments to capital punishment.

“We acknowledge the preponderance of modern research which asserts that it cannot be shown that the death penalty has a deterrent effect upon the mind of the would-be murderer,” said Minnis in a new year’s address televised on Cable 12.

“That may be so, but what is also clear in our Bahamas is that today there is a hardened criminal element who have nothing but contempt for law, order, or human suffering, and for whom there is no respect for human life, even the lives of innocent by-standers and children.

“At the very least there should be the certainty of sure punishment, and punishment which is appropriate to the crimes committed.”

Minnis said the bill would address several weaknesses in the laws that have caused the Privy Council to overturn capital sentences for convicted murderers.

He said the bill would mandate that an appeal against the death penalty can only be made to The Bahamas’ Court of Appeal and nowhere else; and if a delay between the conviction of the murderer and the proposed date of hanging is caused then the five-year limit imposed by the Privy Council would not apply.

Minnis said the bill would also mandate that the governor general prescribe time limits for the lodging and conclusion of all appeals against conviction, or constitutional appeals, and if the same are not concluded within such time limits, the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy would be able to advise that the law should be brought into execution.

He said the bill would also seek to remove the constitutional right to trial by jury in cases of murder, manslaughter, or crimes involving the use of firearms to inflict harm or death, and particularly in instances where there is a likelihood of jury or witness tampering or intimidation.

He said in such instances the case would be heard by a panel of two Supreme Court judges along with a qualified non-judicial attorney called an assessor.

He noted that as the bill seeks to affect fundamental rights and freedoms, which are enshrined in the constitution, it would require a national constitutional referendum.

“My fellow Bahamians, it will be up to each and every one of you to decide whether these proposals become law by way of an amendment of our constitution,” he said.

The last hanging in The Bahamas was carried out on January 6, 2000 when David Mitchell was executed for murdering a German couple.

There are three men in the country who are under the sentence of death: Kofhe Goodman, Anthony Clarke Jr. and Mario Flowers.

Chairman of the Constitutional Commission Sean McWeeney noted on Monday that capital punishment is unlikely as long as the Privy Council is the final court of appeal for the country.

The Constitutional Commission last year recommended the retention of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal, but called for the government to amend the law to increase the likelihood that the death penalty would be carried out.

It said Parliament should amend the law to “tie the hands” of the Privy Council.

In March 2006, the Privy Council ruled that the mandatory death sentence in The Bahamas was unconstitutional. Following that ruling, several men who were sentenced to death were resentenced to life in prison.

In 2011, Parliament passed a law outlining the categories of murder which would attract the death penalty.

Prime Minister Perry Christie recently told The Guardian that the government is "seriously considering" strengthening those laws.

The Bahamas hanged 50 men since 1929, according to records at Her Majesty's Prisons.

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Two shot dead in Abaco

The Nassau Guardian

Two shot dead in Abaco

Two men were shot to death in Abaco over the weekend, according to police.

Superintendent Noel Curry, officer-in-charge of the Northern Bahamas, said yesterday that police were trying to determine if the murders are connected.

The first victim was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said the man was found slumped in the passenger side of a Nissan Maxima, which was parked on a dirt road, off S. C. Bootle Highway, around 3 a.m. Saturday.

An emergency medical official pronounced the man dead.

Police said they had not determined a motive for the shooting.

The second murder victim was found six hours later.

Police said he was lying on Bahama Coral Avenue.

A local doctor pronounced him dead on the scene, police said.

Curry said six men have been taken into custody in connection with the murders.

Police had not yet determined if any of the suspects will be charged.

Officers from the Central Detective Unit (CDU) in Grand Bahama were in Abaco assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Before Saturday, there had not been a murder in Abaco since late 2012.

The Abaco murders brought the national murder count up to six for the year.

This same time last year there were also six murders.

Last year ended with 119 murders, according to police.

DRUGS

In other crime news, police arrested an additional four people, including a woman, in connection with a $2 million drug bust in Grand Bahama last Wednesday.

Police said the suspects include two residents of Nicholl’s Town, Andros, and two residents of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

According to police, officers were monitoring a 42-foot speedboat between 9:30 p.m. and

11 p.m.

The boat eventually pulled up on a beach in Holmes Rock and a group of men began unloading several bales into nearby bushes.

Officers retrieved the stashed drugs and discovered another 41 bales of marijuana aboard the boat, police said.

The drugs weighed more than 2,000 pounds.

Police said charges could be brought against the suspects this week.

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Urban Renewal plans to visit every New Prov. home

The Nassau Guardian

Urban Renewal plans to visit every New Prov. home

Urban Renewal officials  will begin canvassing inner-city communities next week to obtain a profile of  households, the program’s Co-Chair Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt said yesterday.

Pratt said the canvassing will begin in areas that have Urban Renewal centers and then expand to other communities throughout New Providence. There are Urban Renewal centers in nine constituencies on the island.

Pratt anticipates the process will be completed in a few months.

On Friday, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the government had instructed officials of Urban Renewal to launch the data collection program.

Pratt said officials will get information on the needs of people throughout the island, particularly those from poor backgrounds, and examine how their circumstances connect to crime.

“We are hoping that we will be able to collectively take it door to door and have enough persons to get this information and try to see if we can understand some of the challenges people are facing and also to know who is in the house, things that need to be addressed,” Pratt told The Nassau Guardian.

“We will know right off the top if something should happen in the area, who needs what.

“This is the only way you’re going to gather information and then you will be able to address some of the challenges, and in that way we will be able to address the crime. That is what we did in the first Urban Renewal [program].”

Urban Renewal was launched by the first Christie administration.

“We will be properly organized so we won’t be duplicating anything and we will co-ordinate it with social workers,” Pratt continued. “The members of Parliament also will assist because they had to campaign and they are likely to know where a lot of people live, and so that will cut down on the foot work.

“We don’t know where the problems are so it must be the whole island, but it will take time, but we will deal with those inner-city [areas] first.”

Pratt, who served as minister of national security in the first Christie administration, said Urban Renewal is not a panacea for crime, but is an instrumental part of the government’s crime-fighting strategies.

Pratt said the prime minister has assured that the new campaign will get additional funding, but she said she does not know the exact amount.

In the 2012/2013 budget, the government allocated $15 million to introduce initiatives like Urban Renewal 2.0 and facilitate home repairs and community improvement in the inner-city.

The government allocated $10 million to Urban Renewal in the 2013/2014 budget.

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Outpouring of support for KFC Nassau’s World Hunger Relief campaign

The Nassau Guardian

Outpouring of support for KFC Nassau’s World Hunger Relief campaign

KFC consumers demonstrated an outpouring of support and generosity as they took part in KFC Nassau’s fifth annual World Hunger Relief campaign, in an effort to help alleviate one of our planet’s greatest epidemics – world hunger.  The response to the six-week philanthropic endeavor was phenomenal, as those who joined the brand’s fight against hunger through generous in-store donations assisted in raising over $20,000. More than $10,000 was allocated to local hunger relief and food rescue agency Hands for Hunger.  The remaining half will go directly to Yum! Brand’s World Hunger Relief campaign, which benefits the United Nations World Food Programme.

“The overwhelming success of the World Hunger Relief campaign is a direct response from our consumers and the Bahamian community, and we can’t thank them enough for their generous support which has allowed us to make an even greater impact this year in helping Hands for Hunger provide over 10,000 meals to Bahamians affected by hunger,” said Eldira Backford, ambassador for KFC Nassau’s World Hunger Relief campaign.”

The effort to combat hunger started through the KFC parent company Yum! Brands’ annual World Hunger Relief (WHR) Campaign, which raises awareness of the epidemic and provides funding and much-needed food resources to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger.  Half of the funds raised through the campaign support local hunger relief initiatives.  KFC Nassau chose to support local hunger relief agency Hands for Hunger, which assists over 14 social service recipient agencies fighting hunger.

“The cause is so compelling, and we are honored to have partnered with Hands for Hunger to assist with their tremendous impact on so many lives in the community. We look forward to supporting their continued efforts to alleviate hunger in the Bahamas,” Backford concluded.

KFC Nassau is part of the Yum! global group of brands and is operated by Restaurants (Bahamas) Limited throughout New Providence.  More information on KFC Nassau can be found on its website, www.kfcnassau.com, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/kfcnassau. Information on Hands for Hunger can be found at www.handsforhunger.org.

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FNM deputy concerned over Urban Renewal home survey

The Nassau Guardian

FNM deputy concerned over Urban Renewal home survey

Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday expressed concern over Urban Renewal’s proposed canvassing of New Providence communities.

Urban Renewal Co-Chair Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt said the canvassing will begin in areas that have Urban Renewal centers and then expand to other communities throughout New Providence.

But Butler-Turner said the initiative seems to be poorly planned.

“I don’t know these people,” she said.

“When I say know them, obviously where I live I don’t know of any urban centers around here. I will not be welcoming any strangers into my home.”

She said, “I think it’s an ill thought out plan.

“I think the government is truly grasping at straws. I noted in the prime minister’s crime platform that, that was the last bullet point in his crime fight, clearly demonstrating to me that he is not confident in Urban Renewal 2.0 because that was supposed to be their panacea for crime.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the government has instructed officials of Urban Renewal to launch the data collection program.

Pratt said officials will get information on the needs of people throughout the island, particularly those from poor backgrounds, and examine how their circumstances connect to crime.

The initiative was set to begin on Monday, according to Pratt.

Superintendent Stephen Dean, officer-in-charge of Urban Renewal, said yesterday the exercise is expected to officially launch later this week.

“It would help the police and it would help advise public policy,” he noted.

“We would be able to say more definitively what is going on in some of these communities.”

Dean said police officers along with staff from the Department of Social Services and other departments will conduct the canvassing.

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Some released, more arrested in Fox Hill murder investigation

The Nassau Guardian

Some released, more arrested in Fox Hill murder investigation

Police yesterday released several people who were being held for questioning in connection with a shooting in Fox Hill on Friday night, which left four people dead and seven others injured, The Nassau Guardian understands.

Police said over the weekend that 60 people were in custody in connection with the incident.

According to a source close to the investigation, police have released a significant number of those people.

However, the source said police have arrested several more people in the last few days, making the total number of people still in custody in connection with the shooting unclear.

When contacted yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said he was not aware how many people were still being questioned.

He said Superintendent Paul Rolle, head of the Central Detective Unit, would be in a better position to provide those details.

Calls placed to Rolle were not returned up to press time.

Superintendent Stephen Dean, who was contacted for comment, acknowledged some people had been released, but he, too, could not provide specifics.

Just after 6 p.m. occupants of a dark gray Honda drove to the Fox Hill roundabout and shot into a crowd, according to police.

The group was gathered near the Fox Hill Congos Junkanoo shack waiting for the Junkanoo results for the B group category, The Nassau Guardian understands.

Shequille Demeritte, 19; Eric Morrison, 49; Claudzeno Davis, 37, and Sheniqua Sands, 30 were shot and killed in that incident.

Demeritte, who was reportedly playing basketball at the time of the shooting, was shot in the head, according to eyewitnesses.

The Nassau Guardian understands that he died while being transported to hospital.

The assailants used a variety of weapons to carry out their crimes, according to Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade.

Meanwhile, the two men police issued wanted bulletins for in connection with Friday’s incident turned themselves in on Sunday, police said.

Dean said police believe Amal ‘Bow’ Hunter, 27, of Williams Lane, off Kemp Road, and Carlos ‘Skuller’ Colebrooke, 25, of Williams Street, Nassau Village are “prime suspects”.

He could not say if or when charges would be brought against the men.

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The Bahamas promoted during Miami Dolphins game

The Nassau Guardian

The Bahamas promoted during Miami Dolphins game

MIAMI, Florida --The Bahamas took center field on Sunday before tens of thousands of football fans during a tourism promotion at Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, during a regular season game.

The promotion, part of the Ministry of Tourism's campaign targeted at sports enthusiasts, featured Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who presented two lucky winners with a seven-day, all expenses paid trip to Grand Bahama.

The presentation was made during halftime of the highly anticipated match-up between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.  The trip to The Bahamas was the top prize of six, including a trip to the Cayman Islands and a two-day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line.

As a feature of the Bahamas campaign, the Ministry of Tourism secured a 9,000-square-foot section of the stadium, which it dubbed the 'Bahamas Bash'.  The area was outfitted with Bahamas paraphernalia including posters derived from the Bahamas ad which was featured during the 2012 Super Bowl.  A Bahamian Junkanoo dancer along with a Bahamian deejay provided entertainment.

The Bahamas has a three-year contractual partnership with the Miami Dolphins.

According to Wilchcombe, the Ministry of Tourism spent just under $300,000 on the campaign.

In order to be eligible for the prize, people attending the game had to visit the Bahamas Bash section and sign up with Ministry of Tourism officials who were stationed there.

"Tourism is now on the rebound," Wilchcombe said just before the game kicked off.

"What we have to do now is to be consistent.  And the connections with sporting bodies like the Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins [are beneficial].  There's a captive audience here today, about 60,000 to 70,000 fans.”

Wilchcombe said the Ministry of Tourism is also trying to extend the campaign and to get people talking about The Bahamas.

"What you get from it is so tremendous," he said referring to the campaign.

"We get radio ads.  We get television mention.  We have the domination here, all of that is a part of it."

A Bahamas ad played during the game.  The Bahamas tourism logo was also featured on the screen at the stadium multiple times.

Jason Miller, director of corporate partnerships for the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium, said the partnership between the Dolphins and the Ministry of Tourism will be mutually beneficial.

“Our goal is to get people to come here for each home game and kind of experience the imaging and island experience.  That is why you see some of the furniture that we brought in and some of the music that we play here.  It also allows The Bahamas to do some data capture with some of our fans, so we feel that it benefits both programs.”

Miller noted that the Bahamas Bash section will be seen by more than just Dolphins fans.

“Not only will it look like this for Dolphin games but with other things that happen at Sun Life Stadium.  So the BCS Orange Bowl with Ohio State and Clemson which is happening January 3, any Miami Hurricanes games, if we are fortunate enough to have any Super Bowls, the Bahamas Bash area will be here for any event that happens at Sun Life, so it gives The Bahamas a great diverse exposure, not only to Dolphin fans, but people attending other events like concerts and what not.”

Sunday’s presentation was the culmination of weeks of giveaways, according to tourism officials.

In previous weeks, five people won three-day trips to the nation's second city.  However, those prizes were not given away on the field.

The winners will get to stay at the Grand Lucayan Resort, and will receive round trip tickets from Bahamasair.

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CJ fires back on bail issue

The Nassau Guardian

CJ fires back on bail issue

Chief Justice Sir Michael   Barnett warned yesterday that judges and magistrates will “resist emphatically” any attempt to curtail their ability to uphold the rights guaranteed by the constitution.

Sir Michael indicated that judges will not be dictated to by the executive branch of government.

“As we seek to find solutions to this vexing problem of crime, we cannot compromise on our national commitment to an abiding respect for Christian values and the rule of law,” he said during a special court sitting to mark the opening of the legal year.

Sir Michael was responding to recurring criticisms of judges and magistrates over the grant of bail to people suspected of violent crimes.

Politicians and police have complained about the hundreds of people on bail accused of murder and other serious crimes, who they say are responsible for other crimes while awaiting trial.

After an emergency Cabinet meeting last week, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government is prepared to introduce legislation that will restrict judges’ ability to grant bail for those charged with violent crimes or gun charges.

But the chief justice yesterday urged members of the executive “that in their language they must not appear to be dictating to the courts how they ought to be run”.

He said, “Whilst I am satisfied that this is not their intent, it is imperative that they do not undermine public confidence in the judiciary by language and statements that leave this impression.

“The fight to protect the community from the scourge of crime is a collective effort.  We must work together.  The police, the Crown, the defense counsel, the public, as well as the courts.”

Speaking further on the controversy surrounding the grant of bail, Sir Michael said, “I am aware of the criticism that judges have received on their decision to grant or refuse bail.

“We are aware that the suggestion has been made at the highest levels to further curtail the discretion of justices to grant bail.  This is healthy.  We are not immune from criticism.

“But I believe it is important to remind persons of the principles relating to bail and to the fact that justices do not arbitrarily or capriciously grant bail without regard to these principles.”

He noted that these principles have been set out in numerous decisions by the courts, including the Privy Council by which decisions the judges of the Supreme Court are obliged to follow.

Among other principles, he pointed to the principle that “an independent judiciary free from interference by the legislature and the executive is an essential characteristic of democracy and an underlying aspect of the constitution”.

The chief justice pointed to another principle that states: “Any legislative action that diminishes the independence of the judiciary or impedes the judiciary in its function of safeguarding the constitutional right of the individual will be struck down unless such legislation is enacted in accordance with the rules for constitutional amendments.”

Sir Michael said, “It is with these well established principles in mind that judges are obliged to approach any application for bail.”

He added, “Where there is a reasonable apprehension that a particular individual is likely to interfere with the course of justice, interfere with witnesses or commit a crime whilst on bail, then justices will undoubtedly act on that information properly presented to the court.

“Judges act on evidence or information adduced in a proper manner.”

 

ROLE

Speaking of the role the courts play in the fight against crime, Sir Michael said, “Justices do not live in ivory towers”.

“We read the newspapers and we are equally appalled at the events in Fox Hill as well as the other areas of New Providence,” said the chief justice, referring to a recent shooting in Fox Hill that left four people dead and seven injured.

“We are painfully aware that the outcome could have been much worse.  We are aware that some people whilst on bail commit serious offenses and intimidate witnesses for the prosecution.

“We do not condone or sympathize with criminal behavior and recognize that dangerous persons must be kept off the streets.  Yes, ‘the safety of the people is the highest law’.”

He added, “We, at the same time, take seriously our judicial oath that we will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of The Bahamas without fear or favor, affection or ill will.”

Sir Michael said judges made decisions based on the evidence before them and they were not responsible for investigations or prosecutions.

“We simply preside over the trials to ensure fairness,” he said.

“Yes, we must aggressively manage cases and ensure that the law is observed, but our primary duty is to be fair.  Our duty is also to be available to adjudicate on trial.

“It is not our desire to be idle.  Many judges have not taken the five weeks vacation time available to us.  In addition, all judges on the criminal side of the Supreme Court now have criminal matters scheduled well into 2015 and in some instances into 2016.”

He noted that three trials are usually scheduled for the same date to increase efficiency. However, if the main trial proceeded the back-up cases would have to be further delayed.

Sir Michael said judges had to weigh the rights of the defendant to his liberty and the rights of the public to security and whether the suspect would frustrate the course of justice by absconding or interfering with witnesses.

He said defendants risk revocation of bail if they breach the conditions of their release such as curfew if the violations were brought to the attention of the court.

Last week, the prime minister told reporters, the Ministry of Works has been given instructions to “work around the clock” to complete the refurbishment of additional criminal courts so that 10 facilities will be able to operate simultaneously.

He said this should expedite criminal cases and reduce the number of people granted bail for serious offenses.

Sir Barnett noted yesterday that any increase in the number of criminal courts will require more people to serve a jurors and potential jurors will find that justices will be less inclined to excuse people from jury duty than they have been in the past.

“In this regard, we look forward to the proposed amendments to the Juries Act which will increase the jury pool,” the chief justice said.

 

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Two die in fire

The Nassau Guardian

Two die in fire

A woman and a child were killed in a fire that swept through an Abaco shantytown late Tuesday, destroying at least 90 structures and leaving hundreds homeless, according to government officials.

Authorities discovered the charred bodies of the woman and the boy among the debris at Pigeon Pea.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour said police were fairly certain of the identities of the victims, but did not want to release their names until a DNA analysis is completed.

Seymour said he was saddened by the deaths.  He said the fire caused “total devastation”.

The fire, which raged over six hours, began around 9:30 p.m., according to authorities.

“Property of course we can always replace, but the loss of lives... is something that we have to come to grips with and see how best we can bring some resolve,” Seymour said.

The cause of the fire was unknown.

When asked if an electrical shortage — a common cause of fires in shantytown communities — was likely to have caused the blaze, Seymour said he did not want to speculate.

When The Nassau Guardian visited the community yesterday morning, some residents were sifting through the smoldering rubble in an attempt to salvage what they could.

One resident, who claimed he frequents the community, said hundreds of people lost everything and are now in desperate need of assistance.

The man, who did wan to be named, said residents want proper housing with running water and electricity, but are simply too poor to afford it.

“If we had water last night this would not have happened,” he said.

“We had water before when [some] houses caught on fire and we tried to do our best. Some people got buckets of water to throw it over the fire. I don’t live here, but I am always here.

“...I could pay for an apartment. I could pay the rent, but many people can’t pay. They can’t afford that.”

ASSISTANCE

Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and other officials traveled to Abaco yesterday to conduct an initial assessment.

Davis said the government sympathizes with residents and their loss.

He said the government will assist, and will also ensure residents “help themselves” by preventing them from rebuilding unsafe structures with improper electrical set ups, which he called a “trap”.

“For them, they are crying for our help and we intend to help," he said.

"That is why the prime minister immediately dispatched me here this morning to see first hand what is going on.

“We understand and we empathize with the residents here, but I cry out to the residents that they need to help themselves.

"We are going to do our part [to ensure] that they live in safe, sanitary surroundings.”

Davis said a Ministry of Works official has been appointed to monitor the shantytowns on the island to assist in preventing any further structures from being built contrary to proper regulations.

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Govt withdraws two bills from Senate

The Nassau Guardian

Govt withdraws two bills from Senate

The government has decided to further review amendments to the Firearms Act and the Penal Code to bring more clarity to them, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday.

The amendment bills were before the Senate last week and were passed in the House of Assembly two weeks ago.

The decision to review the bills came about after Opposition Senators Carl Bethel and John Bostwick raised technical issues regarding the wording of certain clauses and the need for more clarity, Maynard-Gibson said.

The Senate adjourned sine die on Thursday.

“Mr. Bethel and I discussed several matters,” the attorney general said.

“He is a former attorney general.  Obviously when he raises his points of drafting I listen to him.

“I feel that on these criminal matters, in particular [with] crime being of concern in our country, that as a former attorney general he is someone worthy of being listened to.

“I have always found him to be helpful and it is in that spirit that we looked at certain drafting.

“There was nothing fundamental in the matters that were discussed.”

Among the opposition’s main concerns are the wording of the bill to amend the Penal Code regarding gang association; the “excessive” penalties for unlawful gang members, and the need to expand the list of weapons included in the bill to amend the Firearms Act.

Bethel, who was contacted for comment, said, “One of the questions raised was this idea of association, and if you happen to be someone who frequents an area where a gang is, is that a sufficient association?” he asked.

“If you live in the house where two members of a gang live, is that association, because then you could arrest the cousin, the mother or the granny and charge them with being associated with gang members”.

According to the bill, anyone who is convicted of being in an unlawful gang or participates in or contributes to the activities of an unlawful gang would be liable to a fine of $500,000, and imprisonment for 20 years, subject to a minimum term of 15 years.

“At the end of the day anyone who is going to go through the time and effort of legislation wants to get it right,” Bethel said.

“When they are shown that there are sufficiently strong reasons why the bill should not be passed in its form then a responsible government has a duty to review those concerns and address them, usually by correcting the amendments.”

Amendments to the Firearms Act would increase the range of sentencing for people found in possession of illegal firearms, and create a new offense of possession of a prohibited high-powered firearm, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life upon conviction.

The bill describes a high-powered firearm as “any rifle designed or chambered to discharge any rifle cartridge of a .22 caliber or greater with a muzzle energy of 900 feet/pounds higher”.

As it relates to the bill to amend the Firearms Act, Maynard-Gibson said the necessary amendments that she expects to be made are more grammatical.

“And that brings clarity in the sense that it has to make sense; you can’t have singular and plural mixed up in the same sentence,” she said.

Asked when the bills could be amended, Maynard-Gibson said, “I am not sure, but I would imagine it would be early in the New Year”.

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Another suspect arrested in DPM robbery

The Nassau Guardian

Another suspect arrested in DPM robbery

Nearly three weeks after Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis was robbed at gun point in his home, police in Abaco yesterday arrested a suspect in connection with that armed robbery.

The suspect, a 27-year-old resident of Kemp Road, New Providence, was taken into custody around 7:25 a.m., police said.

According to police, the suspect was transported to New Providence and taken to the Central Detective Unit (CDU).

He is expected to be charged in connection with the matter. However, police did not say when.

Two men who allegedly took over $100,000 in jewelery in that robbery have already been charged.

Tyrone Knowles Jr., 25, of Black Point, Exuma and Yellow Elder Gardens, and Marc McCartney, 21, of Turnquest Avenue, are on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Three masked gunmen robbed Davis on December 9 at his West Ridge home.

According to police, the gunman pulled into Davis' yard though the front gate.

They robbed his chauffeur and demanded that he take them into the house.

After searching several rooms, the men came to where Davis and his wife Anne Marie were. Police said the gunmen then robbed Davis, who was the acting prime minister at the time.

The chauffeur was gun-butted during the robbery. However, he only received minor bruises, police said.

None of Davis’ police aides was at his home at the time of the robbery.

Security at Davis’ residence has reportedly been upgraded.

 

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PM: BTC announcement could come Tuesday

The Nassau Guardian

PM: BTC announcement could come Tuesday

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said the government could make a “significant” announcement regarding the future of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) next Tuesday, following a face-to-face meeting with executives from Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC).

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, Christie said he will miss a portion of the weekly Cabinet meeting to meet with the newly appointed CWC CEO Philip Bentley and another executive.

Christie said he plans to settle all of the government’s arrangements with the company during that meeting before he makes the announcement.

But he said both sides have already arrived at a final position, which was expressed to Cabinet last week.

When asked whether the government has successfully regained the two percent of BTC’s shares it takes to become the majority shareholder, Christie said, “It is not as straightforward as that.”

“I think I would want to be able to explain and have with me the negotiation committee so that we can explain the entire agreement that we have arrived at,” he said.

“And it is even more significant than just BTC shares.”

Christie previously planned to make an announcement regarding BTC around the end of 2013.

The announcement was delayed following the mass shooting in Fox Hill on December 27 where four people were killed and another seven injured.

Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis again expressed doubts last month about the Christie administration’s ability to take back BTC.

Minnis called on the government to abandon those efforts.

Christie said yesterday that he looks forward to proving people who shared those sentiments wrong.

“Firstly, [they said] that I could not do it and secondly, that I was wasting my time,” he said.

“All of that now will be answered and we will be able to show the Bahamian people exactly what it is we arrived at.”

However, Christie added that he would only make an announcement on Tuesday if CWC executives are prepared for that.

In a controversial move, the Ingraham administration sold 51 percent of BTC to CWC in April 2011.

Ongoing BTC share take back talks were stalled in late October when then CEO Tony Rice decided to step down from his post.

While in opposition, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) pledged to regain majority control of the company if elected to office.

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PM outlines crime plan

The Nassau Guardian

PM outlines crime plan

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday revealed more than 20 initiatives Cabinet has agreed to as part of the government’s effort to “escalate” the war on crime.

However, many of the ideas are already in place or are plans the government previously promised to implement.

At a press conference at the Cabinet Office yesterday afternoon, the prime minister read a statement but did not take questions to explain the crime plan.

Chief among the initiatives are plans to increase police saturation patrols in crime hot spots and possibly reinstating the 12-hour shift for police officers, Christie said yesterday.

The government announced the 12-hour shift in September but it was soon met with resistance from the Police Staff Association.

“Reinstatement of the 12-hour policing shift, possibly on new terms, is now the subject of intense study and discussion,” said Christie, who was flanked by members of his Cabinet.

“A further announcement on this subject can be expected once the necessary consultations within law enforcement have been completed.”

Christie spoke to reporters not long after concluding a special Cabinet meeting on crime.

The meeting came in response to a “heinous” drive-by shooting at a park in Fox Hill on Friday that killed four people and injured seven others.

Christie said the government is satisfied that those responsible will soon be brought to justice.

As part of the government’s plan, Christie said police will also target prolific offenders, especially those on bail, and establish a gang unit.

He said his administration is concerned about the number of people who are charged with serious crimes and granted bail.

“This is a major problem in the war against crime,” he said.

To counteract this, Christie said the government is prepared to introduce legislation that will restrict judges’ ability to grant bail for those charged with violent crimes or gun charges.

Christie said the Ministry of Works has been given instructions to “work around the clock” to complete the refurbishment of additional criminal courts so that 10 facilities will be able to operate simultaneously.

He said this should expedite criminal cases and reduce the number of people granted bail for serious offenses.

“The courts will be properly resourced in additional ways so as to eliminate delays and postponements,” said Christie.  However, he did not elaborate on this pledge.

Christie said Operation Ceasefire will mount “aggressive” initiatives which include the expansion of the capabilities of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Situation Room to collect and analyze data; outsourcing the repair and maintenance of police cars so the entire RBPF fleet is operational; improving the EMT program; appointing new judges and public defenders and improving intelligence gathering capabilities.

The government will also expand New Providence’s CCTV coverage; expand the use of reserve officers; accelerate the training of police recruits; expand the use of plainclothes officers and adopt a “strike force” strategy.

Other plans include the introduction of legislation aimed at career criminals with stiffer penalties for gun crimes and trafficking, witness intimidation and other serious crimes.

The government is also considering a gun amnesty; buy back, exchange or bounty and a special court for firearm cases, Christie said.

The Ingraham administration set up a dedicated gun court in January 2011.

Christie said the Ministry of Works, through Urban Renewal, will clean vacant lots to remove the spaces where criminals hide weapons.

The country has recorded 118 murders for the year and there are widespread worries about other serious crimes as well.

Christie said the government will be relentless in its crime fight.

“The government of The Bahamas will not compromise itself in its efforts to relentlessly fight this scourge of crime,” he said.

“...So we expect therefore on a continued basis to enlarge our reach, both from the point of view of policing and from the point of view of addressing the environmental challenges that possibly act as an incubator for crimes of anger.”

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FNM: PM showed lack of confidence in Greenslade

The Nassau Guardian

FNM: PM showed lack of confidence in Greenslade

Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash said yesterday that Prime Minister Perry Christie threw Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade under the bus when he told a crowd that his legacy would not be tied to a reliance on the police and its leadership.

Cash also said it is time for National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage and Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell to be fired for the

“grossly and shamefully negligent manner in which they have handled crime and other issues concerning national security”.

When contacted for comment yesterday, Bell dismissed the call and said the FNM can either work with the government or stay quiet.

Cash said, “At a time when Bahamians are concerned about their personal safety and that of their family, the number one thing on the prime minister’s mind is his legacy,” Cash said in a statement.

“He was unusually honest when he proclaimed that he did not want his government’s current failures on crime to make him look bad.

“Consequently, the only thing he could do was point the finger of blame at the commissioner of police and the police force.  How very sad. The PM’s comments came across as small and self-serving.”

At an Urban Renewal luncheon at Montagu Gardens last Friday, Christie said his administration will not compromise in its crime fight as it seeks to prevent a “culture of killing” in The Bahamas.

“There is no compromise in me in that, and as I’ve told the minister for national security, I am not prepared to have my own legacy, my own reputation, tied to a total reliance on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the leadership of that force,” he said.

“To the extent that I am leader of the country, I am going to be intrusive in ensuring that the system that we are operating under is accountable to the people of this country, and I have the position where I have to require them to be accountable to the people of this country.”

In recent years, crime has remained a major national concern.

There were 120 murders in 2013 and at least four recorded for the new year so far.

On December 27, seven people were injured and four killed during a drive-by shooting in Fox Hill.

In response to the increase in murders, Christie announced more than 20 initiatives Cabinet has agreed to as part of the government’s effort to “escalate” the war on crime.

Chief among the initiatives are plans to increase police saturation patrols in crime hot spots and possibly reinstate the 12-hour shift for police officers.

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Fox Hill court charges today

The Nassau Guardian

Fox Hill court charges today

The men who police believe are behind the murders of four people in Fox Hill on December 27 will be arraigned in a magistrate's court today, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson.

Police said two men will be charged at 2 p.m.

More than 60 people were arrested in connection with the case. However, police said most of them were released.

According to police, just after 6 p.m. on December 27, occupants of a dark gray Honda drove to the Fox Hill roundabout and shot into a crowd.

The group was gathered near the Fox Hill Original Congos Junkanoo shack waiting for the Boxing Day Junkanoo results for the B group category.

Shequille Demeritte, 19; Eric Morrison, 49; Claudzeno Davis, 37, and Sheniqua Sands, 30, were shot and killed.

Seven others were injured.

Demeritte, who was reportedly playing basketball at the time of the shooting, was shot in the head, according to eyewitnesses.

The Nassau Guardian understands that he died while being transported to hospital.

The assailants used a variety of weapons to carry out their crimes, according to Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade.

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Mitchell defends deportation procedure

The Nassau Guardian

Mitchell defends deportation procedure

Amid criticism that The Bahamas’ deportation process allows trafficking victims and political refugees to fall through the gaps, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday the government is engaged in a “careful balancing act”, but it simply cannot afford to detain large numbers of migrants for long periods of time.

Last week, a United Nations (UN) independent expert on human trafficking criticized the government for not having a standard national policy for the identification of trafficking victims, and political refugees.

United Nations Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo encouraged the government to implement a national action plan to combat human trafficking given the high rate of migration to The Bahamas.

The United Nations made the same criticisms earlier this year.

However, Mitchell said given the country’s limited resources, including the limitations of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, holding onto hundreds of migrants is “simply untenable”.

“The humane thing to do given the circumstances is a quick turnaround of any migrant who comes here, who does not belong here,” he said at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Once the initial procedures indicate that there are not issues relating to trafficking or to political asylum they should return home as quickly as possible.”

Up to yesterday, there were 323 people detained in the detention center.

Two-hundred and twenty-one of those detainees are Haitian nationals, while the others are Cubans and Dominicans, Mitchell said.

He said that mix of people in such large numbers is “unsustainable” over the long term and The Bahamas must continue its quick turnaround procedure.

“They simply need to go home because you just can’t sustain that number of people in that facility over the longer term,” he said.

“It is a delicate balancing act and I think all of our partners including the UN need to understand the nature of that balancing act and appreciate the work that we are doing in those areas.”

Mitchell admitted that the government will not always get it right, but said the country is committed to fighting human trafficking, and other transnational crimes, including illegal migration.

He added that the relevant government agencies, particularly the Department of Immigration, could do much more on those matter if the resources were available.

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Sentencing in double murder trial delayed

The Nassau Guardian

Sentencing in double murder trial delayed

The penalty phase of a Jamaican man’s murder trial has been postponed until January 31.

Serrano Adderley was unanimously convicted by a Supreme Court jury for the murder of two men on July 11, 2011.  The jury accepted evidence that Adderley fatally shot 40-year-old Kevin Forbes and 28-year-old Jamaican Alwayne Leslie at a Haitian shantytown near Montgomery Avenue.  Adderley has denied that he was at the scene of the crime, however the main witness for the prosecution, Shawn Knowles, positively identified the Jamaican as being present at the scene.  Knowles, who is out on bail, is also accused along with another suspect of killing Adderley’s girlfriend, who was eight month’s pregnant, on July 30, 2011.

Justice Indra Charles was forced to delay the sentencing hearing because the probation report was not ready.

 

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Backbenchers said to be giving input on gaming bill

The Nassau Guardian

Backbenchers said to be giving input on gaming bill

The Christie administration is giving its Parliament backbenchers the opportunity to air their concerns internally over the controversial Gaming Bill, The Nassau Guardian understands.

It is unclear if this will lead to changes in the legislation.

The bill was tabled in the House of Assembly in October and representatives from the hotel industry expected it to be debated and passed quickly.

However, after the bill was tabled it received criticism from some in the private sector, a member of the opposition and several Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) backbenchers.

Last month, Dr. Bernard Nottage, leader of government business in the House, said debate on the legislation would likely begin next year.

“The Cabinet is giving backbenchers and non-executive branch members an opportunity to engage in internal dialogue so that we can hash things out more thoroughly than may have occurred prior to now,” said a PLP source, who did not want to be named.

“People who have more influence in the decision making process may have an opportunity to change their mind about certain things that could cause for the bill itself to take on somewhat of a different appearance.”

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who has ministerial oversight for gaming, has said the debate has been delayed because there are other bills on the House of Assembly’s agenda that have to be debated before the Gaming Bill.

Baha Mar Senior Vice President of Administration and External Affairs Robert Sands yesterday said resort officials are disappointed in the delay.

“We were very hopeful that it would have been debated before the end of the year,” Sands said. “We have not been informed as to when it will be. And we are still very hopeful that it could be done as quickly as possible.

“We believe that the bill as presented should be passed in its current form.”

Industry stakeholders have said the bill will modernize the country’s casino industry and make it more competitive.

The bill has been criticized for the elements that discriminate against Bahamians.

The bill that was tabled in the House prohibits gaming for any person who is ordinarily resident in The Bahamas; is the holder of a permanent residence certificate; a work permit holder or the spouse of any of these people.

The bill would also allow casino operators to conduct mobile gaming in any area of their resort. They would also be allowed to offer internet gaming — something web shop owners currently engage in but are fighting a legal battle with the government over.

The bill also triggered backlash from several PLP backbenchers and lawyer Wayne Munroe, who represents a group of web shop owners.

Gaming Board Chairman Dr. Andre Rollins, who was the first government MP to speak out against the proposed legislation, has said he hoped to persuade the government to amend the discriminatory elements.

Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells and Mount Moriah MP Arnold Forbes have also said they have concerns about a bill that discriminates against Bahamians.

Marco City MP Greg Moss and MICAL MP V. Alfred Gray also told The Nassau Guardian last month that they do not support foreigners being able to do something in The Bahamas that Bahamians can not.

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Web shop employee shot dead

The Nassau Guardian

Web shop employee shot dead

A web shop employee was shot in the face and killed during a robbery by a man disguised as a woman early yesterday, police said.

Police said the victim was about to make a deposit when he was accosted outside a business near the old Paradise Island bridge on East Bay Street.

The Nassau Guardian understands that the building is the Asue Draw corporate office, where the victim was employed.

According to Superintendent Paul Rolle, head of the Central Detective Unit (CDU), the man was sitting in his truck when three men riding in a green Honda Civic approached.

One of the men jumped out of the car and shot him in the face right before he pulled the money bag from the truck, police said.

"The suspect was wearing a red wig to give the appearance of a female," Rolle said on the scene.

“We know it was not a female, but that was the disguise that he used."

Rolle later confirmed that the suspect was also wearing women’s clothing.

He said police later discovered a green Honda that they believe was used during the murder. The vehicle was discovered in the area of Okra Hill, off East Bay Street.

However, no suspects were taken into custody.

Police are appealing to anyone with information on the murder to contact them at 919, 911, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS or the CDU at 502-9991.

The murder follows two weekend murders.

According to police, a woman was stabbed to death at an apartment complex off West Bay Street Sunday morning, and a man was shot to death in front of his house in Elizabeth Estates on Friday night.

Rolle said the other residents of the apartment reported that they left the woman home alone, and discovered her in a pool of blood when they returned.

Regarding the Friday incident, police said a man approached the victim who was standing outside his house on Malaysia Way and St. Vincent Avenue around 11:50 p.m. and shot him.

The man was pronounced dead on scene.

No one was arrested in either case.

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60 in custody

The Nassau Guardian

60 in custody

Police said over the weekend they had 60 people in custody in connection with a shooting in Fox Hill on Friday night, which left four people dead and seven others injured.

Police have yet to release the identities of the murder victims, but community leaders and residents identified them as Shequille Demeritte, 19; Eric Morrison, 49; Claudzeno Davis, 37, and Sheniqua Sands, 30.

Demeritte, who was playing basketball at the time of the shooting, was shot in the head according to eyewitnesses.

The Nassau Guardian understands that he died while being transported to hospital.

The shooting shocked

residents of the close-knit community in eastern New Providence and many others across the country, and prompted Prime Minister Perry Christie to renew his pledge to “beat back” the crime scourge.

Police have since recovered the Honda used in the shooting, according to Superintendent Paul Rolle, head of the Central Detective Unit.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said police were still questioning the 60 people yesterday.

Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said that just after 6 p.m. occupants of a dark gray Honda drove to the Fox Hill roundabout and shot into a crowd.

The group was gathered near the Fox Hill Congos Junkanoo shack waiting for the Junkanoo results for the B group category, The Nassau Guardian understands.

Police said yesterday they were searching for two other men in relation to the mass shooting.

Police issued wanted bulletins for Amal ‘Bow’ Hunter, 27, whose last known address is Williams Lane, off Kemp Road, and Carlos ‘Skuller’ Colebrooke, 25, whose last known address is Williams Street, Nassau Village.

Police said Hunter and Colebrooke turned themselves into custody yesterday.

Superintendent Stephen Dean said Hunter is five feet, 10 inches tall and of brown complexion and slim build.

He said Colebrooke is five feet, 10 inches tall and of brown complexion and medium build.

According to the police commissioner, the assailants used a variety of weapons to carry out their crimes.

He said one man died at the scene and two men and a woman died in hospital.

Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage said in a statement on Saturday that he was outraged and saddened by the horrific tragedy.

He offered condolences and his deepest sympathy to the families of those who died and those who were injured.

Nottage said no stone would be left unturned in locating the people responsible for the “atrocious act”.

“I wish to reassure members of the public that the police are utilizing all resources at their disposal to ensure that these brazen and heartless criminals are arrested, prosecuted and punished,” he said.

“However, the police cannot do it on their own.

“I urge you, the members of the public, who may have relevant information surrounding this senseless shooting to immediately come forward and share the information with the police.”

Nottage said the government has heard the public’s outcry and will ensure all available public resources are used to curb the “escalating, unacceptable criminal behavior”.

Ferguson also urged the community to assist the police in bringing all of the people responsible for the brutal attack to justice.

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