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fMRWT&N! f f HIGH 9OF LOW 79F BLEND OF SUN AND CLOUDS The Tribune Rap artist fails to appear at highly publicised event 41 ByALISON LOWE , Tribune Staff Reporter alowe@ tribunemedia.net. r t A HIGHLY j, )ublicised con- "ert for which * nany show- goers had paid hundreds and even thousands 3f dollars for entry ended with a hail of drinks being thrown onstage after the main act mul- ti-million selling rap artist Lil' Wayne was a no-shbw. Some angry ticket holders, who in some cases had travelled from outside of Nassau to see the act over the weekend, eventually had .o be dispersed by police and yes- terday complained they had been "duped" by promoters. "People were disgusted," said one ticket-holder. "No one actu- ally came on stage and officially said anything. You know no one's gonna do that because they know people are going to be like, 'I came here to see Lil Wayne, I want my money back'." The Tribune understands that :he non-appearance by the Amer- ,can artist was related to "money issues." The outcome did not chime well with the hype on the SEE page 13 MRS. OLIVE GREEN, a native of Cat Island who now resides in Harlem, New York, pays tribute and makes a special presentation to Prime Minister Hubert Ingra- ham during a reception in Mr. Ingraham's honnnir hpld at thP Bahamas Mission, New York on Friday, September 26, 2008. I, Bahamas to provide $500,000 sums to storm ravaged Haiti and Turks and Caicos THE Bahamas will provide half a million dollars in financial assistance to storm ravaged Haiti, in addition to a similar sum to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has announced. according to Sharon Turner of Bahamas Information Services.. Speaking in New York, Mr Ingra- ham called the sum for Haiti "sub- stantial", adding that it would "prob- ably (be provided) through Cari- com." Referring to Haiti's recent storm damage, Mr Ingraham also noted that regular apprehension exercises carried out by the Department of Immigration in The Bahamas would have to be "tempered" in view of Haiti's current infrastructural chal- lenges. "Haiti," said Mr Ingraham, "has been devastated as a result of the hurricanes, which produces sub- stantial challenges for The Bahamas. For instance, the apprehension exer- cises which the Immigration Depart- ment conducts with some regularity will have to be tempered against the SEE page 13 More Meat.... More Flavour '4 aI Incumbent BPSU president 'will act on criticism he has heard' 0 By ALISON LOWE Tribune Staff Reporter alowe@tribunemedia.net UNOFFICIALLY re-elected Bahamas Public Service Union President John Pinder said yes- ,.:rJ.i', ti.ii he has taken into con- sideration criticism he heard of his administration during the union's election campaigns and will act accordingly. "Certainly during the cam- paign I realized a lot of deficien- cies in the last administration. Mostly a lack of communication. We need to improve that so that members can know what is hap- pening," said Mr Pinder. Incumbent two-term president Mr Pinder and his whole "We Care" team have been announced the unofficial win- ners of the Bahamas Public Ser- vice Union election, after about 2,000 government workers voted on Friday. SEE page 14 Luiznos'SuB -Cm MH..,TOASTY! e Man shot through bedroom o window * By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT A 33-year-old. Grand Bahama man is recov- ering in hospital following a shooting in the Lewis Yard area, early Sunday morning. Chief Superintendent Basil Rahming reported that Bene- dict Russell was asleep at home when an unknown gunman fired several shot through his bedroom window. Russell, who was shot in his left thigh, is detained in stable condition at Rand Memorial Hospital. According to reports, police received a report around 5.20am Sunday of a shooting in Lewis Yard. The caller told offi- cers that a man had just been shot in his home. Several'uniformed and plain- clothes units and EMS person- nel were dispatched to the scene to investigate. Officers discovered the vic- tim, Benedict Russell, lying on the bedroom floor, bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh. He told officers that he was in his bed asleep when some unknown person fired shots through the bedroom window. Russell was taken to the Trauma Section at Rand Memorial Hospital, where he received emergency medical treatment. Detectives are investigating the incident. Prison conditions 'are improving' * By CHESTER ROBARDS * Tribune Staff Reporter' CONDITIONS at Her Majesty's Prisons have been improving, according to Prison Superin- tendent Dr Elliston Rahming. Speaking on a local radio talk show yesterday Dr Rahming said that incidences of escape and insurrection are down. "By any objective standard we're making progress," he said. He touted Her Majesty's Prison (HMP), Fox Hill, as being one of the best in the English speaking Caribbean. SEE page 14 ARMED ROBBERS TARGET MONEY TRANSFER STORE PAGE 3 SS 'MUST BECOME U I NERGY E SOCIETY' PAGE 5 ENJOY A Regular Sub For only Cino FisM: ii ... :M TURKEY TUNA SALAMI & CHEESE HAM & CHEESE W wlmt.limiiiu, I II. ii ill *.~. ii, I, *^ '. '"^A' ANY TIME...ANY PLACE, WE'RE #1 BAHAMAS EDITION once t no-show A' f~ I, PAtr: 9 MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 29. 2008 THE TRIBUNE LOALEW Many who breed dogs 'in the market for the money, don't have experience' * By LLOYD L ALLEN Tribune Staff Reporter OFFICIALS say that the unregulated market for specialty dog breeding is fueled by its eco- nomic opportunity, and has con- tributed negatively to increasing the "pot-cake" population in New Providence. Accordingto Steven Turnquest, executive director of the Bahamas Humane Society, many of those who breed dogs are "in the mar- ket for the money." "They don't have the experi- encel What they do is get two dogs, put them in a yard, and hope that they breed." Mr Turnquest says that a com- mon occurrence is where amateur breeders intentionally encourage dogs from the same gene pool - dogs that are related or from the same kettle to mate, resulting in inbred puppies. Epilepsy He explains in many cases these animals are born with physical abnormalities or suffer from epilepsy. According to Mr Turn- quest these breeders "don't realize the responsibility that comes behind breeding." Mr Turnquest said the intended result is for the female to produce as many puppies for resale. Because of the absence of reg- ulations, Mr Turnquest explains that many of the owners keep their dogs in unsecured environ- ments like their backyards - which may cause the animal to escape or allow entry for other dogs. "You have other dogs coming in, like pot-cakes jumping the Pitt- bull, and then you end up with half breed dogs, which they can't -get much for so they open the gate and let the dog go, and that's what is adding to the stray dog population," Mr Turnquest said. According to William J Field- ing, animal activist and research lecturer at the Cqllege of the Bahamas, most of the roaming dogs seen in many neighbour- hoods are not strays. They do in fact have homes. "Because many owners don't confine their dogs properly, they permit the dog to roam," which, Mr Fielding said, adds to the canine crisis. For example, he said, in Bermu- da laws heavily regulate dog breeding. According to the laws there, he said, dog owners must first acquire a breeding licence before allowing their dogs to breed. Should the authorities discover that an own- er did not get a licence, the pup- pies would be confiscated and the owner fined. Mr Fielding said the success of Bermuda's regulations on breed- ing has resulted in a zero roaming rate on the island. Currently three drafts are being reviewed by the Minister of Agriculture, which are expected to regulate dog breeding and the protection of dogs in the Bahamas. SINCE Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Hanna's delas- tation to Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands,. the Bahamas Conference of the MNlethodist Church (BCNIMCi hs started relief efforts to reach out to those islands in need of assistance. Through its ministry, Bahamas Methodist Habitat that dates back to 1992, the BCMC has offered its services in many different ways to the people of those islands through volunteer work and partner- ships with Government through NEMA and the Department of Social Services, along with the United Methodist Church in the United States. Responding to disasters, especially those brought about by hurricanes, is the main drive of Bahamas Methodist Habitat. This drive helped the ministry to extend its borders beyond Inagua and offer assistance to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti. President of the Conference, Rev William Higgs, Vice Presi- dent Elmena Bethell, and Mr Abe McIntyre, travelled to the Turks and Caicos Islands to meet with the Turks and'Caicos Government to offer the assis- tance of Bahamas Methodist Habitat. Mrs Bethell said the BCMC Ductless Air Coitioner Systems Availoble at team was met with open arms last Monday as the Government on Turks and Caicos urged the Methodist leaders to respond immediately to the needs of the islands for help with repairs and will partner with volunteer teams in the Bahamas and the United States to begin planning relief work to Grand Turk and South Caicos. "As we know the Turks and Caicos Islands were really hit hard by Hanna firstly with the flooding, and IKE with the amount of wind that damaged 80 per cent of the roofs of the homes there as well as the gov- ernment buildings such as the schools and hospitals," Mrs Bethell said. Response Vice President Bethell said the BCMCs' response in terms of assisting outside of the Bahamas, has just come on stream and they feel as though it. would be a great help to assist neighboring countries. "When we got the opportu- nity to travel to Grand Turk and meet persons throughout the community, we found that their needs are great, especially in Grand Turk. I was,not prepared for that having been born there and seeing all of the areas that I know existed. It was just heart- breaking to see the loss and damage they have received," Mrs Bethell said. By far the most overwhelm- ing need however, according to the BCMC's leaders, lies in the Republic of Haiti. Hundreds of Bahamians and people of all nationalities have responded to the BCMC 's appeal to doniale food, clothing, bedding and tow. els to the people of Haiti. This appeal was launched in conjunction with Queen's Col- lege as the staff and students of that school led the way in over- seeing the project. General Secretary of the BCMC, Henry Knowles, said many people and organizations have contributed to this large scale drive as approximately 1,000 packed, itemized boxes of shoes, clothing, towels and dry food have been collected to be shipped to the people of Haiti. "Mailboats, trucking compa- nies, shops, banks, civic organi- zations and individuals have all contributed to this massive relief effort to offer help to the people of Haiti who have suf- fered severely. We are espe- cially grateful to Martin's Trucking Services for its over- whelming kindness throughout this drive. We have been blessed with donations ranging from $5,000 to a young girl who gave ten dollars," Mr Knowles said. The BCMC is now in the process of shipping the supplies to Haiti as the Methodist Habi- tat is working with Reverend Jean Seme Joseph, Ministerial Moderator for the BCMC in the Eastern Abaco region. They will travel with the supplies to ensure proper distribution as it is anticipated that it will cost thousands of dollars to arrange the safe transportation of the goods to those who. have suf- fered from the hurricanes. "'We have a good record of doing rather than talking and we are committed to account- ability. When the lights die and the now responsive hearts turn elsewhere, you will find us still in place, ready and able to assist people of every denomination who are in need," Mr Knowles said. -L- I UvMI Nassa Limited Time Offer. Visuals shown are representational only. * Minimum purchase of any Combo or Large Pack Only one per order Conditions apply. Resario West Condominiums Under Construction NEW CONDOS FOR SALE 2 Bedroom, 2 12 Bathroom 3 storey Townhouses. Gated property includes pool, well appointed interiors, modem kitchens, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, large bedrooms wi private baths.'hurricane impact windows From $229,000 wuh only $5,000 reservation deposit required PH. 325-1325 No Agents Please ..,...= ._ THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 3 0 In brief Student, 16, charged over campus fight * By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT A 16-year-old St Georges High School student was charged by police in connec- tion with a recent fight in which another student was seriously injured on the school campus. Chief Superintendent of Police Basil Rahming said the injured student, Domicko Sawyer, 16, was struck in the head and seriously injured when an aluminum window louver was thrown through a classroom window by a fellow student. The incident occurred around 2.05pm on Tuesday. Sawyer was taken to Rand Memorial Hospi- tal and later airlifted to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where he is presently listed in stable condition. The 16-year-old juvenile charged with injuring Sawyer was given bail, and is expected to appear before the next sitting of the Juvenile Panel in Freeport. Police discover pistol in vehicle search Police, acting on information, went to the South Bahamia area around 3pm on Friday and inter- cepted a blue 1999 Jeep Chero- kee r/n SD 958 at the intersec- tion of Aberdeen Drive and Prince Mack Way. Chief Supt. Basil Rahming said the two male occupants in the vehicle immediately jumped out and fled on foot into nearby bushes. Police, however, were able to apprehend the driver. While searching the vehicle, officers discovered a black .9mm Jiminez semi-automatic pistol with seven live rounds of .9mm ammunition. As a result, a 40-year- old res- ident of Lewis Yard was arrest- ed and taken into custody at the "Central Detective Unit for fur- ther investigation. A second man was also arrested some time later, and is also assisting the police with their investigation into the mat- ter. Bimini police arrest husband and wife BIMINI police arrested a husband and wife after they were discovered with various firearm ammunition at a resi- dence in Bailey Town, Bimini, on Saturday evening. A team of officers received information and went to a home around 10.15pm on Saturday where they executed a search warrant to search for firearms and/or dangerous drugs. During a search of the house, officers discovered and seized ten .9mm hollow point bullets, two .40 calibre hollow point bul- lets, two Glock .9mm magazines, one silver .40 calibre magazine, along with one imitation hand grenade. The couple was unable to produce any documents to show that they held permits for these items. As a result, a 31-year-old man and his 25-year-old wife were arrested and taken into custody at the Alice Town Police Station. The husband and wife were flown to Grand Bahama, where they are expected to be arraigned in the Freeport Magis- trate Court Tuesday morning. Armed man robs NAPA Auto Parts NAPA Auto Parts on Blue Hill Road was robbed on Sat- urday around 4 pm by an armed man. According to Police, the man, who was five feet two inches tall and dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, brandished a silver coloured handgun and robbed the store of a large sum of cash. He escaped ini a champagne coloured vehicle, registration number 4160. In another incident a 24- year-old man was taken to hospital with a back injury around 8 pm Friday. Police said they are not clear how the man was stabbed, however, they are conducting an intensive investigation. ' He is listed in serious con- dition. Fetlze *iliie Het!'...~w Armed robbers s_ target money transfer store Crooks make off with cash By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT Grand .Bahama Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in broad day light on Friday at a money transfer store in down- town Freeport. According to reports, three armed men entered the Omni Money Transfer Store in the Town Centre Mall around 10.20am and robbed it of an undetermined amount of cash. Chief Supt Basil Rahming said the manager reported that two of the suspects were armed with handguns. After robbing the store of cash, the trio fled on foot. The police were told that the first suspect appeared to be a genuine customer who was 'buzzed into the store. The man then held the door open and allowed the other two armed men to enter. The first suspect was described Sas 5' 6" tall, medium build with brown complexion. The second suspect was about 6' tall, thick build and spoke with a Haitian-American accent, and the third suspect was about 5' 7" tall, slim build. He too spoke with a Haitian- American accent. Central Detective Unit offi- cers are investigating this matter. Special police operation POLICE conducted a special operation Friday evening result- ing in 19 arrests. According to police officials, Operation Maximum Impact, led by Grove Division Officers, and assisted by officers from CDU, ISD, and DEU, led to the arrest of two individuals with outstand- ing warrants, two for possessing dangerous drugs, one for unlaw- fully carrying a knife, one for stealing and 12 for gambling. A 58-year-old man was also arrested during the operation after police while executing a search warrant, found a .9 mm handgun with 10 live rounds of ammunition in his efficiency apartment on Balfour Avenue. He could appear in court as early as today. Police also arrested a 25-year- old resident of Ilospital Lane yes- terday. He \'as accused of possessing a firearm. According to police, while on patrol in the Frederick Street area around 3 am, CDU officers searched a suspicious looking man and discovered a .85 mm Ruger I Handgun with 10 live rounds of ammunition. El.T -IR PHOTO: Sharon Turner/BIS PRIME MINISTER HUBERT INGRAHAM is pictured with Bahamian students attending SUNY Maritime Col- lege, New York at a reception at the Bahamas Mission held in Mr. Ingraham's honour on Friday, September 26, 2008. INSGH Fo the s" -''-q'torie CARPET, FURNITURE, MARBLE & TILE CARE 'IH' \ r ;iI'lloro i R-SAoR,\IION & CIE.ANING EVER, OR THE JOB is FREE! NA.s-s'S t ONay I' Y IrTSSIoNAL. CERTInFED STONE CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CARE SYSTEMS. ('amti I ..h'tii Stone and Marble Cleaning & R ,* o..h .aisystems.li removes. Deep & Heavy Still. 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P15,16,21,23,24 BUSINESS SECTION Business ...........................P1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 INSIGHT SECTION Insight ...............................................P1 ,2,3,4 A dvts................................................... P5,7,8 C om ics............................................. ......P6 CLASSIFIED SECTION 40 PAGES REAL ESTATE GUIDE 24 PAGES USA TODAY MAIN SECTION 12 PAGES ' SPORTS SECTION Local Sports .... ........................ P1,2,14,16 , TSAJo ay Sports ........................ ,.P3 -13 W eather.........."......... .:.-...... ."t.-- TEL 38 mFIHx.,. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 3 THE TRIBUNE 0, PAGE4,M ASEPTM BER29,2008TTHETRTIBUTNETHEEDITOR The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publ her/Editor 1903-1914 SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt. Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991 EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972- Published Daily Monday to Saturday Shirley Street, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas Insurance Management Building., P.O. F-485, Freeport, Grand Bahama TELEPHONES Switchboard (News, Circulation and Advertising) 322-1986 Advertising Manager (242) 502-2352 Circulation Department (242) 502-2387 Nassau Fax: (242) 328-2398 Freeport, Grand Bahama: 1-(242)-352-6608 Freeport fax: (242) 352-9348 Bailout with green economy MANY things make me weep about the cur- rent economic crisis, but none more than this brief economic history: In the 19th century, America had a railroad boom, bubble and bust. Some people made money; many lost money. But even when that bubble burst, it left Amer- ica with an infrastructure of railroads that made transcontinental travel and shipping dramati- cally easier and cheaper. The late 20th century saw an Internet boom, bubble and bust. Some people made money; many people lost money, but that dot-corn bub- ble left us with an Internet highway system that helped Microsoft, IBM and Google to spear- head the IT revolution. The early 21st century saw a boom, bubble and now a bust around financial services. But I fear all it will leave behind are a bunch of emp- ty Florida condos that never should have been built, used private jets that the wealthy can no longer afford and dead derivative contracts that no one can understand. Worse, we borrowed the money for this bub- ble from China, and now we have to pay it back - with interest and without any lasting benefit. Yes, this bailout is necessary. This is a credit crisis, and credit crises involve a breakdown in confidence that leads to no one lending to any- one. You don't fool around with a credit crisis. You have to overwhelm it with capital. Unfor- tunately, some people who don't deserve it will be rescued. But, more importantly, those who had nothing to do with it will be spared devas- tation. You have to save the system. But that is not the point of this column. The point is, we don't just need a bailout. We need a buildup. We need to get back to making stuff, based on real engineering not just financial engineer- ing. We need to get back to a world where peo- ple are able to realize the American Dream - a house with a yard because they have built something with their hands, not because they got a "liar loan" from an underregulated bank with no money down and nothing to pay for two years. The American Dream is an aspira- tion, not an entitlement. When I need reminding of the real founda- tions of the American Dream, I talk to my Indi- an-American immigrant friends who have come here to start new companies friends like K.R. Sridhar, the founder of Bloom Energy. He e-mailed me a pep talk in the midst of this financial crisis a note about the difference between surviving and thriving. "Infants and the elderly who are disabled obsess about survival," said Sridhar. . "As a nation, if we just focus on survival, the demise of our leadership is imminent. We are thrivers. Thrivers are constantly looking for new opportunities to seize and lead and be No. 1." That is what America is about. But we have lost focus on that. Our economy is like a car, added Sridhar, and the financial institutions are the transmission system that keeps the wheels turning and the car moving forward. Real production of goods that create absolute value and jobs,-though, are the engine. "I cannot help but ponder about how quick- ly we are ready to act on fixing the transmission, by pumping in almost one trillion dollars in a fortnight," said Sridhar. "On the other hand, the engine, which is slowly dying, is not even getting an oil change or a tuneup with the same urgency, let alone a trillion dollars to get ourselves a new engine. Just imagine what a trillion-dollar investment would return to the economy, including the 'transmission,' if we committed at that level to green jobs and technologies." Indeed, when this bailout is over, we need the next president this one is wasted to launch an ET, energy technology, revolution with the same urgency as this bailout. Otherwise, all we will have done is bought ourselves a respite, but not a future. The exciting thing about the energy technol- ogy revolution is that it spans the whole econ- omy from green-collar construction jobs to hi, tech solar panel designing jobs. It could lift so many boats. In a green economy, we would rely less on credit from foreigners "and more on creativity from Americans," argued Van Jones, president of Green for All, and author of the forthcoming "The Green Collar Economy." "It's time to stop borrowing and start building. America's No. 1 resource is not oil or mortgages. Our No. 1 resource is our people. Let's put people back to work retrofitting and repowering Ameri- ca.... You can't base a national economy on credit cards. But you can base it on solar panels, wind turbines, smart biofuels and a massive programme to weatherize every building and home in America." The Bush team says that if this bailout is done right, it should make the government mon- ey. Great. Let's hope so, and let's commit right now that any bailout profits will be invested in infrastructure smart transmission grids or mass transit for a green revolution. Let's "green the bailout," as Jones says, and help ens" re that the American Dream doesn't ever shr..k back to just that a dream. (This column was written by Thomas L Fried- man, author of "The World is Flat", -c.2008 New York Times News Service). Not all missing money means an employee has stolen it EDITOR, The Tribune. STEALING or pilfering is wrong and is found in every aspect of our society. The Bahamas Financial Ser- vices Union can represent all employees who work in the financial sector that is: real estate firms, law offices, banks, trust companies, credit unions and the like. We do not endorse or sup- port wrong doing but must remind the public that not all missing money means an employee has stolen it. This union's philosophy is what you do on the job reflects on you and your good name: You do nothing, fear nothing. We do not uphold wrongdo- ing, but must represent all per- sons as it is their right. And guilt should be proven just as in the court system - guilty or innocent you are enti- tled to representation. It is not always the employee, but the employer who invests in systems, provides inadequate training and expects an employ- ee who is without knowledge to adjust and make no errors. Take a look around at the banking sector the young peo- ple are hired effecting cheap labour and expected to per- form following a few days train- ing at the speed of a seasoned person who has been on the job two years plus. Then add to that the cus- tomers who walk in some with little patience who want quick service. Many of the employees in financial services have unrea- sonable targets placed on them and if not met then their appraisals reflect the failed achievement, along with any hope of salary increases or bonus payments. Too many in the sector hire contractual workers providing no benefits adding to employees already feeling as outsiders. Gone are the days when we had experienced and knowl- edgeable persons on the front line to serve clients or in the system to provide guidance. Whilst these are by no means excuses for stealing, the undue pressure and stress placed on employees does not leave room for second chances. The job must get done in the shortest time and if a step is for- gotten or the wrong button pushed then there are errors that lead to missing funds who is stealing when there is an error. Once the Bank's reputation is at risk, the employee is ter- minated. The.public automatically assumes once you are terminat- ed it is for stealing. Not so. Many times we find in the sector, our people are made to be "scapegoats" or "fall guys" for what they cannot .prove to not be an issue of stealing. Many of us label employees in the financial sector who are terminated or made redundant as thieves, at times. This is sim- ply not true. Does that employee still not have the right to seek employ- ment elsewhere? Yes. Banks can take up legal pro- ceedings against employees found doing/committing major infractions such as stealing but the public must recognize when they don't; it may mean the case is not so straightforward a mat- ter. All employees are not thieves. LaSHON SAWYER Secretary General .BFSU Nassau, September 25, 2008. The PLP and internal warfare EDITOR, The Tribune. I have two issues that I would like to address at this time, the first being the inter- nal warfare facing the PLP. Firstly, prior to the general election 2002 there was a group of persons who called themselves "New PLP". Let me clear the air, I have never, and will never support such Marxist style of governing. However, I am in congru- ence with the existing chair- man's style of governing done within the PLP party. I am of the firm belief that this is the way a party should run. The PLP party has a lot of professionals who are two, three, and fourth generation PLP. The current chairman is try- ing to reform the PLP and is against doing business in slam- bam political style that has become a common factor in political factions to date. If the PLP have .any desire to continue in politics, it is imperative that they bring the young two, three and fourth generation party members to the forefront as leaders under the guidance of senior party members. Secondly, credit must be given where it is due. I applaud the Prime Minister for assisting the Bahamian people with their electricity plight. However, a band aid cannot and will not hold such a gaping wound at bay. When oil was $150 a barrel the fuel surcharge was high. However Bahamians have always been an intelligent. people. We can understand prices being high then. How- ever when oil was $128 a bar- rel it went higher still. Now that oil is $100 a barrel the fuel surcharge is creeping higher still. What kind of eco- nomics is this? What sense does it make, and also how does BEG think they are going to walk this by Bahami- an people and it will be okay? BEC needs to bring back Bradley Roberts, and BaTel- Co said that they let Leon Williams go because he could not get GSM sorted out. Yet, Leon Williams is not there and" I still don't get the type of service that BaTelCo adver- tises that it provides. If Williams was nothing, he was productive, so maybe BaTel- Co needs to bring Willie back. So like they say "You get swing..." AUDLEY D HANNA Sr Nassau, September, 2008. !,Parts Sale J. 5 J, All Parts in Stock For Listed O FF Models During SF September Only VOLVO PEUGEOT HYUNDAI PONY HYUNDAI EXCEL HYUNDAI STELLAR O UQALITY I ,i ALITO DF.,tEP' IN lf4E BP..HAMAS EAST SHIRLEY STREET 322-3775 325-3079 V O.JIl .I'ow',,'r or Owliy t l So I F'! ii$ ( ll f,(r sinic! ( 1.1! r f S I' -'o 1. o,) or ,'S itO Mot~i Mtl Mdl l oI u I ',, u yiUd ,'/.'.I F -I, For the best deal in town on pre-owned cars, with warranty! IN STOCK NOW! 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PAGE 4, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 5 THE TRIBUNE LOA0 NW Bahamas 'must become clean energy society' * By GLADSTONE THURSTON Bahamas Information Services THE Bahamas "must become a clean energy society" to ensure the healthy state of its environment, Environment Minister Earl Deveaux told Thursday's Abaco Business Outlook. "My vision for management of the Bahamas' natural resource envi- ronment," said Dr Deveaux, "is based on the sustainable use of our nat- ural endowments to produce lasting employment and prosperity...in an environmentally friendly, democratically sustainable, dynamic couritry not afraid of the future and the opportunities it represents." His Ministry has already started to address measures designed to facilitate public and community engagement, boost investor confi- dence, and provide the necessary economic linkages, educational pro- grammes, policies and incentives to affect fundamental change and become more environmentally sustainable, he said. In addition to a wetland and a marina policy, the Ministry is drafting a national energy policy that would pave the way for research on existing technology, and recommend an appropriate energy mix, he said. The policy is to also provide options for sustainable transport, facilitate growth and capacity building in the renewable energy sector, and establish regulatory measures that encourage and accommodate changes in energy use, Mr Deveaux said. The Ministry of the Environment will also adopt strategies to nurture incorporation of sustainable design standards by architects and engi- neers to achieve maximum ventilation, air flow, and efficiency in building technology. A forestry policy is also being drafted which would outline a high- ly developed system of best management practices and a programme to rehabilitate and restore the forests to health, train managers, and ensure long term management of timber and coppice resources, said Mr Deveaux. The Town Planning Act is being modernized to facilitate sus- tainable community development, he added. The updated Act will include implementation of new building stan- dards which take into consideration drainage, flood plains, elevation, and impact on mangroves and wetlands. A transparent, efficient and streamlined environmental impact assessment and environmental management process is being crafted, he said. It will guide decisions on development, whether that devel- opment involves expansion of an existing structure, creation of a new subdivision or mixed use resort, or a foreign direct investment project, Mr Deveaux said. Efforts to replace oil and oil-based chemicals with renewable resources are gaining momentum, he said pointing to the Schooner Bay development, "a model for" Bahamian communities. Up to 20 per cent of its energy will be from renewable, there will be no cars within the development, and 60 per cent is left intact as green space. It will have a school, farms, businesses, and a marina, and each res- ident will have equal access to the beach and marina, Mr Deveaux explained. "The Bahamas is richly blessed with an abundance of natural resources in its environment," Mr Deveaux observed. "Outstanding among them are the vast world class fishing flats, the unparalleled marine environment, the Tongue of the Ocean, the Marls of Aba- co...and the Great Barrier Reef of Andros. They are uniquely Bahami- an. The Bahamas has succeeded by virtue of exploiting these resources and its geographical proximity to the richest and most diverse nation on earth. The unique ecological system of the Bahamian archipelago must underpin the scope of national development. " 0 SHOES A. I ' OFF JO H C/ PICTURED From left, Agriculture and Marine Resources permanent secretary Cresswell Sturrup, North Andros and the Berry Islands , representative Vincent Peet, Lucayan Tropical's Tim Hauber, and Deputy Director of Agriculture Stan Smith discuss farming in Andros. * By Gladstone Thurston Bahamas Information Services THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources delivered three farm tractors to farmers in North Andros over the weekend as government presses its food security initiative. And new stocks of pineapple slips, cassava sticks and banana and plantain suckers, have been ordered for free distribution throughout the islands, farmers were told. Funds also will be provided for tractor accessories and con- struction of a storage facility. "We owe it to ourselves to move agriculture to another lev- el and these tractors will help us to do just that," said North Andros Farmers Association president Cecil Gaitor. "We are determined to make North Andros the agriculture capital of the Bahamas." Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Lawrence S 'Larry' Cartwright led a delega- tion to North Andros for the commissioning ceremony. Included were Bahamas Agri- cultural and Industrial Corpora- tion (BAIC) executive chairman Edison M Key and his team, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture rep- resentative Marikis N Alvarez, Department of Cooperatives director Nathaniel Adderley, and buyers Don Carnine (Bahamas Food Services) and Tim Hauber (Lucayan Tropical). They were welcomed by North Andros and the Berry Islands Member of Parliament Vincent .:" 't : "- 5',:,-A^ STORE J L '~ ON AND ACCESSORIES .,' *./. ALL SALES ARE FrIINAL. NO RETURNS, NO EXCHANGE, "OR REFUNDS. NO LAY-AWAYS DURING SALE 1 ~ / 1. 4 SHOES AND ACCESSORIES ROSETTA ST. TEL: 325-4944 Peet, Senior Deputy Adminis- trator Dr Huntley Christie, and central and local government officials. Mr Cartwright spoke about government's thrust to "reposition agriculture and to expand and deepen our partner- ship with our farmers." He confirmed that the Andros Agricultural'Research Training and Demonstration Unit is to be established. "This unit will offer an accel- erated programme permitting students and seasoned farmers to view and participate in the production of crops and livestock species at all stages," said Mr Cartwright. He encouraged members of the North Andros Farmers Asso- ciation to "remain united and constant in the pursuit of benefits that can accrue from your mutu- al efforts." Mr Cartwright commended the agriculture programme at the North Andros High School. "I am happy to note its suc- cess and to express my hope that it will be modeled in schools ca- ,.. . S .- ..- BAIC EXECUTIVE chairman Edison Key inspects equipment at gov- ernment's North Andros packing house. Pictured from left are Arnold Dorsett (BAIC), Mr Key, North Andros and the Berry Islands representative Vincent Peet, Don Carnine (Bahamas Food Ser- vices), Ben Rahming (BAIC) and Alphonso Smith (BAIC). throughout the Bahamas," said Mr Cartwright. "We will continue our part- nership with the Ministry of Edu- cation in promoting agriculture in schools. The infusion of young farmers into your industry is most important when viewed against the background of an aging farming community, rising food prices, and the prospects of reduced food supplies. "It is my earnest hope that agricultural production within the North Andros region will increase to such an extent that it becomes the breadbasket of the Bahamas." AIR-CONDITIONERS! AIR-CONDITIONERSI AIR-CONDITIONERS! AIR-CONDITIONERS! AIR-CONDITIONERS! AIR-CONDITIONERS! STAY COOL ALL YEAR --- - --- - ----- -- J . 6000 BTU $226.00 8000 BTU $285.00 12000 BTU,. $399.0q-,&A .. ibl t&EMp*1"w" Three tractors for Andros farmers U W h e n t c o m s .to q u li y eSon C m p r R O M WE CCET AL MJORCREIT ARD EwNIN 3 32-7 - Buy I or buy 1,000 we got you covered. Unfoms*Emrodey* SceenPrntig 6 Prmoionl rodct Carer& asul ea SEPTEMBER 25 SEPTEMBER 30 ; MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 MY TEN FAVOURITE PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH QUOTES ,sh cracks, u 1 ,0 "NAUGHTY" ;c'\ZELAYA IM\\ thls a1111\ Seem ai C01 o1ll1n11 is dedi- ',', cut c oro'ii i \V 11\ atll this inonlent l i\ c turned years keep read- .-Whit c ie out. I promise at wake of this week's 'Smile' the tl 1r rnninlg again. "Who( i, stand point, did so ,, has ,been a ver- White *i opia oa f material. In t -c1s0. for the last eight for Al 0tf I haven't had to write a e House" joke. I just up, turn on CNN and by rhird bowl of cereal, ot, there it is!" Somebody niething stupid in the House. the course of his search - Qaeda and W.M.D.'s, Want to know the secret to finding the perfect color? Over 2,000 Vibrant Colors Contractors & Interior Designers Welcome We ve Got All The Tools & Products For Your Next Paint Project at... SHERWIN WILLIAMS. r Neighborhood SHERWIN WILLIAMS Paint Store Today! X CarleDiv 3476Z (Ol Cit Maret-uilin):27-86 his extended vacations on the ranch, the misadventures of his daughters, "Jen and Juice," the complete destruction of the word "nuclear" and the perpet- ual who farted look he sports whenever he does a press con- ference, he has been a golden nugget to stand up comics worldwide: A living, breathing monumenterected in honour of the unintelligible. I could write forever on his tales of "genius." (And no, I don't have a favourite one!) I love all his moments of "can- dour" in its own special way. He has left a cache of quotes behind that will last forever and bring a smile to even the most hardened stone-face. 1 scoured the internet and made a list of some of my favourites. (You'll notice he has been a verbal powerhouse since his days as governor of the great state of Texas!) It seems he has always possessed these gaffe- prone verbal skills even before he hit the Oval Office. So in honour of the last 40 days of 'Dubya,' here is a list of my ten favourite President George W. Bush quotes and profound statements that have impacted us over the last eight years: "I admit it, I am not one of the great linguists." -President George W. Bush, January 2001 "I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them." -President George W. Bush, r, ,uent George W. Bush "I know the human being and fish can co-exist peacefully." -President George W. Bush "Mars is essentially in the PRESIDENT BUSH waves after he arrived on the South Lawn of the White House Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, in Washington. The President was returning from Oklahoma after participating in a roundtable discussion on health savings accounts and a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona. same orbit...Mars is somewhat the same distance from the Sun, which is very important. We have seen pictures where there are canals, we believe, and water. If there is water, that means there is oxygen. If oxy- gen, that means we can breathe." -Governor George W. Bush, August 11, 1994 "We're going to have the best educated American people in the world." -Governor George W. Bush, September 21, 1997 "Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things." -Governor George W. Bush, November 30, 1996 "When I have been asked who caused the riots and the killing in LA, my answer has been direct and simple: Who is to blame for the riots? The riot- ers are to blame. Who is to blame for the killings? The killers are to blame." -Governor George W. Bush "Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children." -Governor George W. Bush, September 18, 1995 "It isn't pollution that's harm- ing the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." -George W. Bush "4 stand by all the misstate- ments that I've made." -Governor George W. Bush to Sam Donaldson, August 17, 1993 In closing, another famous quote comes to mind from For- rest Gump (no, not that one!). It's the one that goes, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get!" :yal Bank of Canada's Main Branch was built in 1917 iea -in November- RBC Royal (o Canada will celebrate 100 years ration in The Bahamas, Our -d success would not have x i. e *i .r,:. the loyal support customers. '* n ionour some,of our "oldest" we are Atf-riuij special gifts earliestt Royal Bank photos, anecdotes and records-an old .rok. correspondence, statement, cheque, old photos, etc. If you're a veteran Royal Bank client, or if any of your family members were, we'd love to hear from you. And we'd especially like to see your old Royal Bank records. As we observe our 100th year as the premier financial institution in The Bahamas, we want to express our appreciation to all our customers. Without you we could not have come this far. Thank you. If you think you qualify, ;-ase mail a copy of your record to Jan Knowles at ,. Box N-7549, East Hill Street, Nassau, Bahamas by September 30. Please include your name, telephone number and email address with all submissions. '., ,. ,* v'w I '. ***1 ',i.1 ., W. . 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We are not a Ctake-out 'Sretaiaiit or catering com/pant. * Our dishes are preparCedto order. * .41 you need to do is heat m1d eat. * t'"\in,; th lic'rces/ t inrtrcfdicnts you canr ec4/o' dinneCrr for wo or Scv a(nll dish ias ( a course at a iiiinmt /ritr v I or all enquiries and ltull menu selection go to: w w. 1 Llecavial'r.COll or call 322-2898 THE TRIBUNE e * A.In exciting c'ls h.' .r young) hct.fs 3 t,.) S \'irs old. * Kidcik ( -,. 's work one c- o(-,/one aillOu., wilthl 'heir U1nrrmV(V or tidaddi randlpartrntof or naimi * The thenc."S 'Car and the .iLs ifo l okin t'i; rccriu'is a dashi/iol frhl. la/Ctd "srnis * N', f iy it: iri <', ) ill? while th fir r lv '' winiii H i lh!: o "v o)l ic?,okini/ri l -iiniuriS Oird ,A'! iou.li o ,'/, '/) w 'ih Y ro m chi. * Gourmet Baby Food * We make real food for babies, not baby food. This means we're different from jars and packets of baby food because our meals are made from the freshest ingredients * Here are a few samples: Chicken Breast. Butcrtert Squash. Carrot Iam. Peas. Onions, Carrot. Apple. A pplce d in.rla BeatI .. .I.. .. . .. . . I- RNI 15, 14'T IVIUIL)AY,.or-- I -VlDl- -UUO, r'MU-.., L N World financial crisis will hurt the Caribbean E By Sir Ronald Sanders EVENTS in the financial mar- kets in the last few weeks por- tend a world of great uncer- tainty and instability that will have an adverse impact on the economies of developing countries, including those in the Caribbean. The managing-director of the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn has estimated the overall cost of the global financial crisis at $1.3 trillion. The pillars of capitalism have been rocked in the Unit- ed States with the collapse of major investment banks and a proposal that the US tax- payers fork out $700 billion to rescue the battered financial system. But that doesn't count the cost of the recent bailouts of two.other US government organizations with the aston- ishing names, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, that were creat- ed to provide funds to private mortgage lenders. Bailing them out cost another $200 billion. The language of the US Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson, says it all: "The US economy is in imminent peril if Congress delays approving a 700-billion-dollar rescue." The reality is that the US economy is already in reces- sion and likely to remain there for the foreseeable future. It is particularly troubling that this cataclysmic event is taking place while the US gov- ernment is on the brink of change. The people in charge and who have to make hard deci- sions now will not be there in three months time, and the Presidency of the US after November is still an open question. This situation adds to the uncertainty. The plans for America that the two Presidential candi- dates, Barack Obama and John McCain, have each been proclaiming, have now reced- ed deep into the realm of pos- sibilities only. For if $900 billion of gov- ernment money is poured into propping up the financial sys- tem, there won't be much room for Obama's ambitious plans for health care, educa- tion and energy. Out the win- dow too will go McCain's plans to cut taxes. The good news for Obama is that, at the time of writing, the most recent ABC News/Washington Post Pub- lic Opinion Poll shows that he leads McCain by 52 per cent to 43 per cent, with only 5 per cent undecided. It is the first time that Obama has sur- passed the 50 per cent mark. On the question of which of the two understands the American economic problem better, Obarra has a 24 per cent lead over McCain. Europe is not immune from events in the US, and finan- cial markets are jittery. Uncer- tainty has cast a pall of gloom across European capitals. In Britaini the Prime Minis- ter, Gordon Brown, is fight- ing for his political life both froni within his own Party and from the opposition Conser- vative Party. Elements within his own party regardhim as a liability and are keen to dump him before the next election. As his Labour Party held its annual conference, it was 30 per cent behind the Con- servatives who have a new spring in their step. Amid all this, Brown, who had been Chancellor of Britain for 10 years, before he pushed Tony Blair out of the premiership, has been trying to show that his is a safe pair of hands, but he is doing so in a time of a severe economic downturn in which property L 1! ::; ins sRLVighEt WORLD VIEW- 8 prices are dropping dramati- cally, mortgage rates are ris- ing, and unemployment is increasing. The Confederation of British Industries has reported that retail sales fell for a sixth month in a row this Septem- ber although there was a slight improvement on the devasta- tion felt in August. It came as business confi- dence crashed in the euro- zone's three largest economies -Germany, France and Italy - leaving the region on the brink of recession. What all this means for the Caribbean is that there will be a slump in tourism in the com- ing winter and into the next year. As job losses increase in the US, UK and parts of Europe, and oil prices contin- ue to remain high at over $100 a barrel, people, apart from the very wealthy, will cut back oh travel. "It is particularly troubling that this cataclysmic event is taking place while the US government is on the brink of change." Aid programmes are also likely to slow down as gov- ernments of European nations, the US, and Japan divert much needed funds away from anything but humanitarian aid, to domes- tic projects which help to keep them in office. We can be sure that com- mitments made by the G8 nations to Africa under the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) which have already begun to slip will slide even more. At their 2005 summit in the Scot- tish town of Gleneagles, G8 countries the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Russia undertook to increase aid to Africa with an extra 25 billion dollars per year by 2010. Since then, sev- eral revisions have lowered the figure to 21.8 billion dol- lars, and according to the UN, ipods iTunes iPhones A,9 development aid has only increased by about a quarter of that amount. And, those in the Caribbean who place their faith in the European Union (EU) coughing up money as a sweetener for signing-on to the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) should not hold their breath. It is unclear how much of the foreign reserves of Caribbean governments are held in US dollars or what portion of those funds were invested, through US invest- ment banks, in the property market or other instruments that may now be unstable. It has to be hoped that it is very little if any at all. The same observation is relevant to financial institu- tions, such as banks and insur- ance companies, in the Caribbean which may also be exposed to the crisis in the US through their own investments of Caribbean savings, pension funds and other securities. Whatever-the situation, the Caribbean should not expect to come out unscathed from this crisis. Responses to: ronald- sanders29@hotmail.com (The writer is a business con- sultant and former Caribbean diplomat) 3 Year Manufacturers Warranty 4 " _______ ""iwlIlIlI' Features 4cyl 1.6liter Automatic Transmission Power Windows Locks Cd- Radio Player - Mirrors Steering Drivers Air Bag Air Condition Keyless Entry w/Security System Black or Tan Interior. ALMEIRA 'a' ON THE SPOT FINANCING WITH Thompson Blvd., Oakes Field COMMONWEALTH BANK SANPIN MOTORS LIMITED t.242.326.6377*f.242.326.6315 INSURANCE AVAILABLE WITH e. sanpin(o@coralwave.com ADVANTAGE INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS LTD, iMacs iBooks Mac OSX networking accessories Apple Authorized Dealer & Service Center] - COMPUTERS LIMITED a nniversaryislnraesbi ld ing, est by steet f396.100 39 6.10 w o cmptr~ss I I ions Isto co puer 1 HIt I hII'i-UIN -Quote o 0the Betty Taylor week- Journalist / Entrepreneur "You may be in an uncertain situation today, 'please don't worry because a new dawn will arise with good expectations. mypersonalquote@live.com Executive Motors Ltd. PARTS DEPARTMENT At the Auto Mall, Shirley Street Will be CLOSED for STOCKTAKING OCTOBER 1 to OCTOBER 4. (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) We will re-open for business on Monday, October 6, We apologise to our valued customers and regret any inconvenience this may cause. All other departments will be open for business as usual. 'EX EC U' ,Auto Mall, Shirley Street ,,pp.st. Ma hsclo.C, Open Mn to Fri 8am 5:30pmr Sat 8am 12noon MOTORS LTD Tel 397-1700 E-mail: xecmotor@barelnet.bs AUl HORINED TOI OFA DE %L ER Parts and service guaranteed Available In Grand Bahama at Quality Auto Sales (Freeport) Queens Hwy, 352-6122 Abaco Motor Mall, Don MacKay Blvd, 367-29 16 r- ----I WMAMPOWNW, FOR PEST PROBLEMS PHONE: 322-2157 1 I PAGE MONAY, SPTEMER 29 2008THE TNEWS WE MUST FIND A WAY TO GET * By ADRIAN GIBSON ajbahaima@hotmail.com should be in place to remove elected legisla- tive members who are at times found to be inept benchwarmers. After a general election, a majority of locally elected politi- cians have been known to adopt an air of master-like superiority, suddenly becoming scarce and indifferent or poorly representing the interests of their constituents while seemingly disregarding the notion that they are servants/agents of the people. The Bahamas is a cash-driven, materialistic society in which cer- tain politicians fancy themselves as being among an unaccount- able elite. Corruption seems to be a mainstay of Bahamian poli- YOUNG MAN'S VIEW ADR I A N tics where over many years more than a handful of politicians have mishandled money or solicited bribes to maintain lavish lifestyles and/or doled out contracts to reward cronies and seek patron- age. Here, corruption among a few politicians and public offi- cials vary, but can include bribery, embezzlement, graft, nepotism, patronage, extortion, cronyism, kickbacks and bid-rig- ging. A process must be put in place to make politicians direct- ly answerable to, their con- stituents even before a general G I BSON election is called, rather than the current setup where a lousy MP could "live fat off the hog" for five years. An electoral recall is a political device that would undoubtedly be a valuable check on the power of venal, self-serv- ing public office holders, from the local administrative units to the central government. It would perhaps eliminate the notion of a safe constituency/scat, increase an MP's accountability and empower Bahamians to rid their constituencies of certain politi- cians who appear to be nothing more than self-serving hypocrites. GRAY DAVIS, left, talking with ArnoldS ifornians elected movie/body building ( ger over 134 candidates to replace Dav Any politician who displays a lack of fitness, engages in an act of malfeasance or misconduct while in office, violates their oath of office, neglects his/her duties, wilfully misuses, misappropriates or converts public funds or prop- erty associated with their elect- ed/appointed office, is convicted *FNf lCnflG AURIIABLE* fE tLAY-A-WAY*l wEXORTTO AltlILflDS*3 month agnaw Available Ig a i i II Il4 I in | I I| I I I I~ i 3 3 Sb, * U -:3 7, C.- CL Schwarzenegger in 2003. Cal- celebrity Arnold Schwarzeneg- /is as governor. of a felony and/or is corrupt or incompetent, should face the electorate in an emergency, US-,. style recall election. In our dying political system, there are numer- ous oafish legislators who are ill- equipped for public office and even unprepared for parliamen- tary debates. In about 36 US states (eg, Cal- ifornia, Georgia, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, New Jersey, etc) recall elections are held at the state and/or local adminis- trative levels-from city councils and school boards to state gov- ernors. Accountable When petitioning for a recall election, at least 25 per cent of the eligible voters casting ballots in a constituency during the last election for office should be accounted for. Frankly, local appellate judges should also be elected from a pool of perspec- tive adjudicators so that they could also be held accountable by a more discerning public. The signature requirement for the recall of district officers such as chief councilors and local gov- ernment representatives on the Family Islands should be 10 to 15 per cent of the residents in the settlement they represent. Once a recall petition is certified, a spe-. cial by-election should immedi- ately be called, with a ballot of new candidates-and possibly the incumbent-seeking election to the newly vacant post. California voters have attempted to have 32 guberna- torial recalls since 1911, with only the much-publicized 2003 recall of former Governor Gray Davis actually reaching the ballot. According to CNN, in a nitost "surreal" campaign Califorhifis elected movie/body building celebrity Arnold Schwarzeneg- ger over 134 candidates to replace Davis as governor. Mr Davis had been recalled after he was seen to have mismanaged the state budget. In 1921, former North Dako- ta governor Lynn J. Frazier, with his attorney general and com- missioner of agriculture, was removed from office. In Michi- gan and Oregon, state legislators were recalled in 1983 and 1988, respectively. Arizona voters also attempted to recall former Gov- ernor Evan Mecham in 1988, but he was impeached by the House of Representatives before the election date. GRAB ULFE BY THE HORNS 2008 DODGE DURANGO 7 PASSENGER. = -L -y $35,900.00 RU6ED, YET SO REFINED Bahma Bs TucgC. td Also join us for Sunday and Monday Nite Football Sunday Brunch IOAM-3PM $24.95 Adults $12.95 Kids West Bay Street- Reservations 327-4510 While opponents of recalls may claim that they may prohib- it unpopular decisions from being made, the notion of majoritism that works for our five-year elec- tion cycles should also apply for a system of recall. In bolstering their democratic ideals, the New Jersey Constitu- tion addresses recall by stating: "The people reserve unto themselves the power to recall, after at least one year of service, any elected official in this State or representing this 'State in the United States Congress. The Leg- islature shall enact laws to pro- vide for such recall elections. Any such laws shall include a provi- sion that a recall election shall be held upon petition of at least 25 per cent of the registered vot- ers in the electoral district of the official sought to be recalled." Article 72 of the 1999 Consti- tution of Venezuela allows for the recall of elected representa- tives-inclusive of the President. In 2004, a recall referendum was undertaken to recall President Hugo Chavez. The referendum did not recall Mr Chavez. Amending the Constitution to include an article on electoral recall would be demonstrative of the ideal of direct democracy where Bahamians would have a greater sense of choice and trust in our democratic institutions, and where local politicians would be more accountable, knowing that their election to public office is subject to revocation. It should be that if such an amendment did materialize, any MP being targeted for recall ought to be allowed to respond after which the Speaker of the House of Assembly should pub- licly declare the petition and fore- cast an impending by-election. Nick Clegg, leader of the British political party .the Liberal Democrats, has severely criti- cized the "gentlemen's club" world of Westminster politics. In the Bahamas, there is a "gentle- men's club" as certain unac- countable MPs/politicians are suspected of having a conflict of interest while misusing public funds or making politically and financially expedient decisions. There is no prosecution or impeachment of elected, central government representatives, par- ticularly as both sides seem to have adopted a misguided policy of protecting each'other. Locally, although certain politi- cians seem to have more skele- tons in their closets than one would care to know about, it is nearly impossible to give them the heave-ho before the end of their five year term. Elected politicians should also be sub- jected to impeachment proceed- ings, which is a legal process whereby the House can bring charges against an MP with the Senate serving as jury. Howev- er, with the current good ole boys network, hell would probably freeze over before this or a recall mechanism is adopted. SEE page 9 PAGE 8, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNE RID OF INEPT BENCHWARMERS FROM page 8 A truly representative democ- racy should be inclusive of pri- maries to decide who should be the banner bearer for a party in each constituency, as well as ref- erendums, electoral debates, a recall system and impeachment aspects. Real representative gov- ernment is that where politicians elected by the people truly rep- resent their constituents, moni- tor spending of public funds, vig- orously debate issues rather than the foolishness about who is gay br has sweethearts, make deci- sions that in the best interest of the nation and monitor the actions of government. The public is disenchanted with politicians who show up every election cycle, begging for support only to disappear once elected. Kudos must be given to MPs such as Brian McCartney, Shane Gibson, Hubert Minnis, Obie Wilchcombe, Earl Deveaux, and one or two others, who are constantly in their con- stituencies, listening to the con- cerns of residents while main- taining communications and con- stituency offices. This is quite unlike several others whose con- stituency offices are either closed or who, once appointed a minis- ter, perceive themselves high and mighty. CONDITION SC McPHERS E arly in Septemb ister of Educat Bethel made remarks public school students st allowed to attend school fees were not paid. He all principals/administr accept, register and enro dents who are entitled t their school and prone enforce this directive. While I share the 'se that all students shou equal access to a free ed Mr Bethel's kneejerk re; the school fees issue ap have been an attempt t cally pander to a large bloc-parents with sch children. Although scho as SC McPherson and St (Grand Bahama) have e: their capacity to accom students while still pr them with a first-rate ed the minister's statements ened parents to dema their child be enrolled- Sunbound Bahamas would like for the following pers contact their main office as soon as possible. We appreciate the public's assistance in this mati I... %^jMBiU.- Andre Culmer Kevin Fisher Gabriella Sa Crystal Demeritte Kent Major Travis Do Cory Bethel Marcian Clarke Coper Knc Dion Stuart Dellarese Morrison Howard Archer Keith Culmer * Philippa Knowles Robyn Tilerain Tanya Thompson Tristan Sands tit io ' Joyce Bre Keilli Ge Julian Lightl Keith M to be too S AT 3ON ber, Min- ion Carl that all should be A 1, even if without fee payments-in already directed jam-packed institutions. Surely, *ators to with an economy that's on a ol all stu- downward spiral, the minister-- o attend who seems to have an over-inflat- nised to ed sense of his own greatness- should have known that, many .ntiment parents would withdraw their ld have children from private schools and location, enrol them in public schools. action to Before sounding-off on the pears to school fees issue, Minister Bethel o politi- should have done research, e voting where he would have found that lool age these fees-rather than entirely :ols such being registration fees- were Georges needed by schools to purchase exhausted students' neckties, crests, physical imodate education kits, workbooks, lab oviding fees, identification cards and location, medical insurance. embold- According to President of the nd that Bahamas Union of Teachers -with or (BUT) Belinda Wilson: "The minister's public announcement was uLnuecessary sons to at this time with the existing chaos surrounding the opening of schools for thile 2t)008/2t)009 ter. school year. A waiting period to determine the extent to which this action has disfranchised any student and an accurate count of .; the number of students affected would have revealed the accu- rate figures. These figures in turn could have been used to verify iunders the reasons given, provide a reflection on the number of stu- uglas dents affected and facilitate an owles orderly resolution to anv out- standing issues thatI may havC nnen also affected registration of stu- dents.' odet Furthermore. President of bourne The Primary Principals' Associa- tion, Wenlv Fowlecr, and Presi- tiller dent of The Secondary Princi- pals' Association, Abraham Stubbs, speaking on the issue,said: "Recent reports in the media i may have given the impression that public schools have become More concerned with finances rather than siludLents' education. This is not the case. It never was and never will be. "The fact is many administra- tors and teachers make frequent and personal sacrifices to ensure that children have the resources to function in the classroom. There are many children who attend school without lunch, and other basic needs/materials that will enable them to function dur- ing the school day. Administra- tors and teachers often and without fanfare put their hands in their usually shallow pockets to assist these students." Mr Bethel should also spend time focusing on encouraging parents to partner with schools and participate in their child's school affairs, rather than making statements that could lead to divi- siveness between parents and schools or impugn the reputation of school officials. With an already chaotic school opening, the minister's reckless statement could only overshadow and exac- erbate problems faced by the educational system. Overcrowding SC McPherson, for example, is faced by serious overcrowding problems, even after the con- struction of a new Junior High on Faith Avenue. Anyone with half a brain cell could see that at SC, there is a lack of adequate accommodation as there's a lack of rooms,.desks/chairs and a shortage of teachers. At this hemorrhaging school, which is bursting at the seams, teachers, such as myself, are made to mer- cilessly float (move around) about a nearly half mile wide campus while lugging around heavy book bags and subject- related paraphernalia with near- lv 40 students in tow. Educational officials should make unannounced school cheeks to get a realistic view of the situation at ground zero, where teachers (such as myself) lack stability and laboriously dart about the compound in search of a classroom while having bloated timetables of IS to 20 teaching periods: the inhumane ratio of students to teacher is anywhere from 37 or 40 to one: there is no permanent nurse as she's split between two or three schools per week. This shows the Ministry of Education's flippant approach to dealing with the health concerns of students/teachers. Depart- ments such as social studies and science have teacher shortages; there is no ventilation in the school's hot auditorium, where assemblies are crazily held; and teachers are ridiculously limited to 20 copies to accommodate a class of 40 pupils. Frankly, for me this is all demoralizing and conditions such as this contributes to the low morale on school campuses throughout New Providence. Is there any wonder why so many teachers leave I le profession? SC McPherson, a top perlorm- ing school, now has a population of nearing 1,400 and has evolved into one of the largest schools in the Bahamas. With these class sizes, could there possibly be any wonder why the quality of edu- cation is decreasing'' Even more, it is becoming ever more appar- ent that our worsening educa- tional system is obviously pro- ducing some of the country's worst leaders- at all levels. "Empowering Men to Recover, Rebuild and Restore Our Nation" INTERNATIONAL 44. ^^ kV1"" -POWER CONFERENCE October 9TH-11 TH, 2008 The Diplomat Centre, Nassau, Bahamas Featured Speakers Dr. Myles Munroe, \ 3 Conference Host a! & Bishop George IBloomer SPEAKERS Dr. Richard Pinder Pas. Billy Thompson Apos. Raymond Wells Mr. Ken Tucker Pas. Mark Bethel ( / Mr. Carl Albury REGISTRATION FEE $6500 perperson Tel: 242-461-6445/2 Fax:, 24273,41-6936 Website:www.bfmmm.com Email: info@bfmmm.com The Mercedes M-Class. Beauty, brains and brawn. When you think of the average SUV on With its superior German styling utilising the road today, you think of road- only high-grade materials, its robust hogging, air-polluting gas guzzlers that wouldn't know the meaning of high precision and fuel efficiency if it were emblazoned on their windshields. But there is an alternative. The refined M-Class from Mercedes-Benz. engine power delivering exemplary turn-on-a-dime performance whilst still being frugal on-fuel and its handling of pot-holed roads and 1.5 ft. flooded streets, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is 'clearly the best choice in SUVs. Mercedes-Benz ":. ''. ; ,, ., '. , "...'" '" "'.'W ," *." *' . .... '* .' ^i :.s^ S L*r ':,,,r *' .,.,.,', ''^ S S ^~ .: M 'a TYREFLEX STAR MOTORS Call us today for your new Mercedes-Benz M-Class at 325.4961 Wulff Road, P. 0. Box N 9123, Nassau, The Bahamas Fax: 323.4667 ..fI Lt- LA .CASiTA 7' h A r t, f / I a /I (I s L i v 1; 11 2$ S e0 iW4r MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 9 THE TRIBUNE PAGE 10, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNAL SmartChnicre If you have an OLD CLUNKER and want to get rid of it! WE WANT IT WE WILL TRADEE IT GUARANTEED * Now is the time to get that Ford you have always dreamed about owning, we have available 2008 1 I Focus, Taurus, Taurus X, Escape, Everest, Explorer, I Edge, Ranger, F-150 and the diesel Crew Cab Ranger L --- EXTRA SPECII A $10000 AGAINST 2007 FREESTYLE 6 Passenger with Leather Interior 4 available FRIENDLY MOTSEECLS Opportunity in any market! KEMP'S FUNERAL HOME LIMITED 22 Palmdale Avenue, Palmdale Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas CAPTAIN JOHN :1 E. WHITEHEAD ah of Camperdown Heights, Nassau, N.P., Bahamas died at 6:45 p.m. 24th AM. September, 2008 at his home. He m died peacefully with his loving wife beside him. A funeral service will, be held at / ,Sacred Heart Roman Catholic SChurch, East Shirley Street, Nassau, 2nd October, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Father Glen Nixon will officiate. Capt. Whitehead was born in Neu o Aigen, Nieder Oesterreich, Austria on Sept. 4, 1921, was educated and lived near Graz, Austria before moving to England in 1939. He o. attended Leeds University before joining the Royal Air Force. He served the British war effort as a .Mosquito Pilot until 1945. He married Lori Wallner on Oct 15 1947 in Salzburg Austria. He lived in England for one year where he flew for British South American Airways servicing routes from London throughout South America. His route would take him through Rio De Janeiro ,Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima and then through the Bahamas back to the UK. These flights took up to three weeks to complete. He moved to the Bahamas in 1948 and lived here the past 60 years. He will be remembered as a pilot in the emerging airlines after the Second World War, flying, the original Flying boats like the 'Goose', 'Widgeon', as well as the Catalina, DC-3 and Heron. He founded Nassau Plastics Co. in the late 1950's, and then spent the last thirty years of his working career with 'Gunite Pools of Nassau'. He was predeceased by his father, Frank and mother, Agathe, and is survived by his wife, Lori, two sons, Peter & Thomas, two daughters in law, Judy & Analia, seven grandchildren, Sandra, Rory, Peter, Alannah, Tessa, Felipe & Sophia and the greatest joy Maria Exuma their great-grand daughter and a grandson-in-law, Diego Terra. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ranfurly Home for Children, P.O.Box N.1413, Nassau, in memory of Capt. John Whitehead. Arrangements by Kemp's Funeral Home Limited, 22 Palmdale Avenue, Nassau, N.P.. The Bahamas. WHETHER the market is up or down (and particularly if it's down), buying a "fixer-upper" and updating it can prove to be a profitable venture. As with any real estate investment, however, it's wise to enter with eyes wide open. Knowledge and caution will help you avoid common pitfalls. The ideal candidate for such a purchase would be priced rough- ly 30 per cent below the value of nearby homes, and located in a clean neighbourhood. The only thing you can't repair or improve is a poor location. And just because you can improve almost anything doesn't mean that you should! Avoid homes in need of truly major (and unprofitable) repairs such as the foundation, structural plumbing, or complete kitchen and bath ren- ovatiops. Because these features it within a short disancc, because you'll %%ant (and needI 0, check in regularlI, probably\ daily whilee :ouri rLpirs and reno ato.ns are in pr-_re- ThL cosI t 1 luel is high enough these days that you don't want to blow your profits on your gas tank! There are many fine homes being offered at lower prices by motivated sellers. Don't overlook the opportunity these properties present! GB medical school seeking potential landlords for students GRAND Bahama's medical school, Ross University Bahamas, will hold a town meeting this evening for people with accom- modation they would be interest- ed in renting to its incoming stu- dents. The meeting will be held at the Foster B. Pestaina Centre (Pro- Cathedral of Christ the King), starting at 6.30 pm. By identifying potential land- lords and homeowners who have available accommodation, which the university will inspect for quality, Ross University hopes to save its students time and money. It is a service that Ross Uni- versity currently provides at its Dominica, St Kitts and Miami campuses and one which it says has been very effective both for landlords and tenants. The uni- versity also plans to operate a Housing Office that will assist landlords in locating tenants. "Most Ross students cannot take the time away from their studies to travel to a new place and search for housing. By using the university's housing referral service they are able to obtain trustworthy information and to arrange their housing conve- niently," said a statement from the university. "Ross University operates a small number of housing at each of its campuses, but does not rent units from local landlords on behalf of its students. The Uni- versity does not want to become a large landlord. Ross students are mature graduate students and they've held a good track record of being good tenants," it added. According to the university, landlords that provide quality affordable housing are generally able to sustain continuous occu- pancy because of the steady influx of new students. Most Ross students will stay in Grand Bahama for about eight months, however every four months some will leave as others arrive. According to Leslie Musgrove, Ross University Off-Site Hous- ing Coordinator, about 100 local landlords have already inquired. Ross is in the process of gathering information and preparing its Bahamas Housing Referral website, which is expect- ed to be functional by mid-Octo- ber. The university welcomes to tonight's meeting all landlords, realtors, and hotel owners who wish to make housing available to Ross students, faculty, or staff. Approved by: .' -- . S-ree GLUCOSE TESTING ALL TIMES: 10 am to 1 pm FreeStyle Accuracy and simplicity with no coding required CLDING REQUIRED I are simply expected by buyers, they won't necessarily add any value to your offering. Another aspect that is often overlooked is your fixer-upper's proximity to where you live. Keep NOTICE MAINS RENEWALS Sans Souci to Fox Hill Road The Water and Sewerage Corporation advises its customers and the general public that the Corporation has begun mains renewal work on the Eastern Road from Fox Hill Road to San Souci for a period of eight (8) weeks. Motorists are asked to avoid the area as much as possible. The Corporation apologizes for the inconvenience caused and reminds its customers this is an effort to improve their water supply. Wednesday October 1 Island Pharmacy Madeira Shopping Plaza Monday October 6 Prescription Centre Pharmacy Freedom Lite I I t THE TRIBUNE PAGE 10, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TIBUNEMONDA, SEPEMBER29,O208, PGEW1 CONSUMERS who are angry, confused and concerned about the rapid increase in their electricity bills will finally have the chance to ask questions and get answers from BEC's man- in-charge. Speaking on the high cost of fuel and tips on how to conserve energy, Kevin Basden, General Manager of the Bahamas Elec- tricity Corporation, will also address concerns by the public on the recent astronomical rise in BEC surcharge rates at the Halsbury Chambers' fourth annual Free Legal Clinic, "Information You Need for the Life You Want," October 4 at the New Providence Communi- tv Centre on Blake Road. "We know that the high cost of energy is on everyone's minds," says Nerissa A. Greene, partner at Halsbury Chambers, which started the clinics in 2005 as a community service to pro- vide free legal consultation and help bridge the perceived gap between the legal fraternityand the general public. "We commend BEC's com- mitment to the Bahamian peo- ple and their willingness to In Just One Day! Our DuraBath SSP Bathtubs & Wall Systems are custom made to cover worn-out bathtubs and out-of-date wall tiles... IL,&No Mess. No Stress. o I No Inconvenience. RE*BATH BAHAMAS (Manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty). Telephone (242) 393-8501 AuthorizedDealer" Royal Bahamian Resort & Offshore Island Invites application for the position of: CHIEF ENGINEER Applicants should satisfy the following minimum requirements: Have a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized College /University At least a minimum 5 years experience in a similar or closely related field Must be computer literate Be proactive, self motivated and be ready to work long hours Be able to lead a team of Engineers and Technicians with varied trades MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES The successful applicant will be responsible for Engineering/Maintenance Operations of a Caribbean Hotel. This include:- Budget preparations and stock controls HVAC & Refrigeration Systems Sludge activated waste water treatment plant Reverse osmosis water plants Standby generators up to 3.0MVA Commercial Kitchen equipment Laundry Machines Environmental and computerized energy management systems and preventive Maintenance. Applications should be email to: Cmajor@grp.sandals.com KIZ CItfY END OF MONTH STOREWIDE SALE! 15% OFF STOREWIDE 10% OFF CREDIT CARDS Friday September 26th to Saturday October 9th Montrose Avenue and Oxford Street (2 doors North of Multi-Discount) P.O. Box N-1552 Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 323-3460 Monday Saturday 9:30 AM 5:30 PM m1 ; ,.. . address concerns at this year's clinic." Mr. Basden will also appear as a guest on Island FM October 1 at 8.15 am to address the clinic, energy costs and sav- ings tips. The issue of fuel surcharges, which have increased by as much as 120 per cent from the same period two years ago, has recently made headlines. Many Bahamians are struggling to make ends meet in a tight econ- omy and the increase in power bills has left some households in the dark. This year other speakers will touch on timely topics, including surviving divorce or husband's death: Who gets what?; build- ing or renovating: Safeguarding your investment; Real Estate: What's your home worth; pro- tect.your family: Gang-proofing your children; work permits, permanent residency, right to work: Making the system work LLOYD'S LLYD'S4ye for you and better banking through the Bahamas' Auto- mated Clearing House. Those attending will be able to meet with a Halsbury Cham- bers attorney without charge. Co-sponsors include Bamboo Shack, Bank of The Bahamas International, BEC, CFAL, Chelsea's Choice, CLICO, Pep- si, Stardust, Wilmac's Pharmacy and the Zonta Club of New Providence. Bahamas Ferries and Custom Computers are pro- viding door prizes. STAR General 393-5529 4 ." - 0 0 0 at quetin or onIm'r Used Cars IN STOCK COME CHECK US OUT New Shipments Arrived Hurry, Hurry, Hurry and Get Your First Choice For Easy Financing Bank And Insurance On Premises Check Our Prices Before buying CuiL 322m112 Cyril Peet Tamara Rovd Mark Rovnolds GSM upgrades for Abaco and Grand Bahama AS A part of its continuing GSM enhancement project, The Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited will carry out upgrades in Abaco and Grand Bahama, starting today and continuing until October 31. During this period, TDMA customers in Abaco and Grand Bahama will experience degradation in service. Customers in these islands may not be able to make or receive calls. "These upgrades are necessary to ensure that the quality of our GSM service is up to acceptable standards. At the end of October, we hope to turn off our TDMA network and to have all of our customers migrated to the GSM platform," said BTC's Marlon Johnson, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Business Development. BTC is urging its TDMA customers to make the switch to GSM immediately to avoid any inconvenience. Customers in Abaco and Grand Bahama can visit their nearest BTC location to make the switch. The process is free of charge and takes approximately 15 minutes. In addition, TDMA customers will be extended 60 per cent off on select- ed GSM phones when they go in to make the switch. BTC began its GSM improvement project last year, and has invest- ed millions to deploy GSM services in the Family Islands and to enhance services in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco. Bahamas Bus & Truck Co., Ltd. Montrose Avenue Phone:322-1722- Fax: 326-7452 E LaXTRA, EXTRA, -\ _*Large Shipment THE NORWEGIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS is pleased to announce the appointment of John Moyell as the Royal Norwegian Honorary Consul to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas as of 29 August, 2008 The address of the consulate: Royal Norwegian Consulate Dockendale House, 2nd floor West Bay Street P.O. Box CB-13048 Nassau, Bahamas 1 242 322 4270 fax 1 242 322 4280 eMail: Norwegianconsulate@moyell.com I L Whether you are over 65, 70 or even 80 years of age, we have a policy for you! LLOYD'S OF LH)N\ , IN NATIONAL HEALTH INS N'. AN 1' ~I fl"4b *i'('C 111 1 i MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 11 THE TRIBUNE S ,65") THE TRIBUNE AP GE 12 MONDAY SEPTEMB 2008 -. THE SUPREME COURT: Petitions submitted PICTURED (From right to left): Kendal Nottage, Ellice Lockhart, Samantha Meadows, Andrew Rolle, Lenise Flowers, Wynsome Carey, Acting Justice Elliot Lockhart, Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall, Madam Justice Ruble Nottage, Ashley Sands, Alivia Forbes, Ja'ann Major, Hyacinth Smith, Newton McDonald, Simone Smith, Bianca Beneby, Edmund Russell, Lisa Thompson, Raquel Huyler. Sixteen new lawyers called to the Bar Sixteen new lawyers were called to the Bahamas Bar in the Supreme Court on Friday. Petitions were submitted for four men and 12 women, who were received by Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall. After taking the oath, in a time hon- oured tradition, all the newly inducted lawyers were helped on with their wigs and gowns by their sponsors. The court room was packed to capac- ity. Individuals waiting outside to see the induction were allowed into the Supreme Court only after others had vacated their seats. Attorney General Michael Barnett, who sponsored lawyer Andrew Rolle, said the skills of a well trained lawyer are still necessary in the Bahamas. ratulations to: Dwight Kimberely Mckenzie \n-their 1st Anniversary. From their kids, parents and the rest of the family ELITE MOTORS LTD. 289 Wuliff Road-East (just before the Village Road Round-about) Tel: (242) 394-4442 Fax: (242)393-8238 E-mail: elite-motors@hotmail.com Hours: 8:00 am 5:30pm / Mon. Fri. 8:00am- 12 noon/,Sat Oils/Chemials: Cooper Tires Kendall Daytona Fan Belts Motorcraftyton Castrol Daytona Timing Belts Lucas Products Welbls Ignition Parts -GunkProducts Moog Suspension parts Batteries *Motorcraft -Rocket Spark Plugs -Motorcraft Champion -NGK *A/C Carter Fuel Pumps Eastern Water Pumps Rain-X Wiper Blades Sealed Power .Piston rings Con-Rod Bearings Main Bearings A - -- -. a,,: F ^ -.. ,: .. ..< ^ ' -> ,I N -', ' l, o ' A CA :.4 0 Als...we carry a selection of: Oil, Air & Fuel Filters Brake Pads & Shoes Trans. Filter Kits Hannonic Balancers Belt Tensioners/Pulleys C.V. Joints/U. Joints Brake Rotors Wheel Bearings Wheel Cylinders Brake Master Cylinders Fan Motors Gaskets Sets Shock Absorbers Engine Mounts Tools & Accessories Var. Bulbs/Sealed beams f HALSBURY CHAMBERS Counsel and Attorneys-at-Law Notaries Public 4th Annual Free Legal Clinic 'Information You Need For the Life You Want' Saturday, October 4, 2008 New Providence Community Centre, Blake Road Registration 8:45am Topic Time Real Estate: What's Your Home Worth? 9:15am Building or Renovating: 9:45am Safeguarding Your Investment The High Cost of Energy & How to Save 10:15am BEC Explains Fuel Surcharge & Energy-saving Tips Customs: Changes in Duty Rates 10:45am EPA & Trade Agreements: 11:15am Job Threat or New Opportunities Refreshment Break Better Banking Through BACH 12:10pm Surviving Divorce or Husband's Death: 12:30pm Who 'Gets What? Work Permits, Permanent Residency, 1:00pm Right to Work: Making the system work for you Protect Your Family: 1:30pm Gang-proofing your Children Speaker Rachel Pinder Island Living Real Estate Stephen Wrinkle, President Bahamian Contractors Association Kevin Basden, General Manager BEC Berchenal Bethel, Dep. Comptroller Charles Turner, Superintendent Department of Customs Simon Wilson Director of Economic Planning Ministry of Finance Brian Smith, Business Manager Bahamas Automated Clearing House Nerissa A. Greene, Partner Halsbury Chambers Lambert Campbell, Dep. Dir. Department of Immigration ACP Hulan Hanna Royal Bahamas Police Force Group presentations, individual discussion, a rare opportunity Lawyers available until 3 pm for free consultation Call 393-4551 to reserve your seat. A community service event brought to you by Halsbury Chambers and sponsors: Bamboo Shack Bank of The Bahamas International BEC Chelsea's Choice CFAL CLICO Pepsi Stardust *Wilmac's Pharmacy Zonta Club of New Providence Co~ , 4L 43 - 1 - low -Xuld=M- MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 13 THE TRIBUNE LOCAL NEWS FROM page one official website promoting the show, which warned attendees to expect a "legendary...once in a lifetime concert" from the rap- per. Yesterday 7he Tribune was informed that the show's pro- moters were meeting with their lawyers "so that they can come to terms with what happened and move forward." A spokesperson for the pro- motion team told The Tribune to stay tuned, as "there is a sto- ry to be told." It was said that a full statement would be forth- coming on the matter, although up to press time none was received. The "Poppin' Bottles" con- cert at the Bristol Wine and Spirits grounds on Gladstone road, organised by Red City Entertainment, had already been delayed by a day when it took place on Saturday evening. Slated to perform was top- billed act, Lil Wayne, along with reggae star Buju Banton and a host of Bahamian stars. Turning up to the show grounds on the evening on which the concert was original- ly scheduled to take place, Fri- day night, one event-goer told Lil' Wayne no-show The Tribune that he was informed that the company hired to provide the stage and other equipment were taking it down as they had allegedly not received the money they were expecting for their work. Advised to return on Satur- day, also Lil Wayne's birthday, thousands of show-goers stood through periodic rain storms waiting to see the much-hyped American rap star but after 3am the artist had yet to come on stage and ticket-holders knew that something was wrong. "It was raining on and off all night bul no one was leaving because they wanted to see Lil Wayne. People kept coming all night," said one person who was in the VIP area. A show-goer who travelled with ten friends from Freeport to see the concert told The Tri- bune the group had to extend their stay at the Sheraton because of the initial one-day setback. However, around half an hour after Buju Banton finished his performance on Saturday, Bahamian MC DJ Pencil came on stage and told those in atten- Local Media House is accepting applications for Broadcast Journalist / News Rej The successful candidate should posses following qualifications: * Minimum of 2 years experience * Must have a good understanding of News Gathering & Production * An awareness of current affairs both locally and globally * Must be an enthusiastic self-starter * The ability and willingness to learn * Own transportation Please submit resumes to: Patty Roker. Director of News Island 102.9 FM Edmark House Dowdeswell Street P. 0. Box N-1807 Nassau, Bahamas Email: reporter@islandfmonline.comr Fax (242) 356-4515 dance that Lil Wayne would not be appearing. A VIP ticket-holder said: "People started throwing their cups and bottles on stage...I don't think anyone got hurt, but you could tell people were leav- ing and were like 'I can't believe I spent my money on this'." "We enjoyed ourselves for the moment, but then when we see there's no (Lil Wayne) instead of being drunk I got sober, sober, sober," said the Freeport visitor. "I don't think this man (Lil Wayne) is in Nassau. I don't think he's in the Bahamas. I think they were just using the name so that they could get the turn out," he complained. Tickets were sold at a cost of $45 for general admission, $80 for VIP, and $200 for "plat- inum", which included free drinks and food. Also available were several $20,000 "sky boxes" from which to view the event, which could fit 20 people and offered other F recial treatment. "People paid an arm and a leg for this thing," said a Nassau VIP ticket-holder. "People were spending money because they wanted Lil Wayne to come there. And not only that peo- ple were supposed to come on Friday, but it didn't happen, and they came back on Saturday. They stood in line, they waited for I don't know how long." Only on Friday had promoter Lisa "Red" Tottle told another local daily that the event would be "the bomb" and stepped for- ward to dispel "rumours going around that Lil Wayne is not coming to town." She is reported in The Nas- sau Guardian as saying, "I want it to be public knowledge that I do have a valid contract with Lil Wayne, Buju Banton and Bird- man....Now I know people don't want to believe that he's coming because many people have promised this and (the artists) didn't (show), but guess what - we're delivering the goods." Ms Tottle said that she had "built a relationship" with "Lil Wayne and his people" and so organising the event "wasn't hard to do." She also told the newspaper that out of six $20,000 "sky box- es" available, four had already been booked. The event was advertised as having highpowered sponsors, including Bristol Wines and Spirits, BTC and Bacardi. $500,000 nomic conditions in Haiti will soon eventuate. Above all else, Haiti requires tfie establishment and main- tenance of peace and security," he told the world body. "As the current Chair of the Caribbean disaster r Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), I am pleased that the Caribbean Comrn- contribute to the relief effort's in Haiti, but its needs remain al proportions that can only be addressed by the international com- munity." The Prime Minister meantime emphasised during his interview the "critical importance" of stability, security, economic activity and sup- port for education and healthcare in Haiti. FROM page one reality that in Haiti it is not possible for the Haitian Government to pro- vide transportation for persons who arc sent hack from The Bahamas to places where they live." Expounding on this point, Mr Ingraham pointed to the current dif- ficulty in Haiti of getting food and medicine to many of its communities and its people because of damaged and destroyed roadways and bridges. "And so that is a particular sen- sitivity that we have to balance," he explained. "On the one hand (is) our desire and need to ensure that persons are not in The'Bahamas ille- gally and also the reality and the sen- sitivity of being able to dump people at an airport in Haiti who have no means of getting back to their homes. "And, of course, we cannot take them to Haiti without the Haitian Government's permission and so if the Haitian Government is putting forward points of view about their difficulties and we are insensitive to it, I think you would end up with a situation that is a stalemate." Mr Ingraham said Haiti accepted 83 illegal immigrants who were inter- cepted near the southern Bahamas island of Inagua last week, adding that the United States Government was kind enough to transport the Haitians back to Haiti by its Coast Guard. "We did not have a ship that could do so and, of course, the Hait- ian Government was understanding enough to accept them," the Prime Minister said. "So clearly from the point of view of interceptions - those who are coming in, our policy will continue; that we would want to return them immediately. "But insofar as the regular appre- hensions, we'll have to take that into account, (that is) the reality in Haiti for the time being." During his address to the 63rd United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Ingraham highlighted the impact of this year's hurricane season in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba and Haiti, indicating that the condition of Haiti "leaves much to be tfesired" because of its continuing political, economic and social problems. "Therefore, The Bahamas is especially pleased that the United Nations has remained actively engaged in Haiti and hopes that the much-desired improvement of eco- Adria McCardy 1st Place Michael Worrell 2nd Place .lb Leshae Knowles 3rd Place for "our entries inspired by a Psalm www.preownedbahamas.com Internet Truck Specials Now is The Time Ten Dodge Ram 1500's....,;... ..2001-2007 Six Chevy Silverado's...............2003-2006 Two GMC Sierra's............... 2005-2006 Four Ford F-150's......... ........2003-2006 Five Dodge Dakota's..............2002-2006 One Chevy S- 10.......................2000 One GMC Sanoma ....................1995 One Ford Ranger.. ...............2004 One Nissan Altas (flat bed).......2000 Log on to our website for Special Discount Pricing, Print the page and Bring it in to get that Special Truck you have been waiting for!!!! A Division of: Sanpin Motors Ltd. Pre-owned Dept. Thompson Blvd Ph.325-0881 Fax: 325-0883 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, British American Financial continues to be at the forefront of promoting Healthy Lifestyles throughout the islands of The Bahamas through various initiatives; AND WHEREAS, British American Financial continues to commit substantial resources in the form of human resources and materials to heighten awareness of the need for early detection, diagnosis and tr, ttment of breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women throughout the world; AND WHEREAS, during the month of October 2008, British American Financial will participate in a worldwide crusade in support of initiatives to encourage the early detection of and cure for Breast Cancer, with one of the highlights of the local observances, Lee Denim Day, being held on Friday, 3rd October, the day on which corporate entities and schools are asked to allow staff and students to wear jeans, a pin or a t-shirt with an imprint of the Breast Cancer Awareness symbol; AND WHEREAS, persons participating in the Lee Denim Day schedule of activities are being asked to make financial contributions toward the National Breast Cancer Initiative Fund, proceeds from which will go to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and the Sister Sister Cancer Support Group to be used in their respective Breast Cancer education and awareness programmes; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, do hereby proclaim the month of October, 2008, as "BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH." IN Wii'NESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 12th day of September, 2008. Hubert A. Ingrahat n Prime Minister I mrnitlt (1 'ric'nr has been able to Exalted Word Competition 2008 Winners PAGE 4, MODAY, EPTEMER 29 2008THE TIBUN FROM page one Expected to enter his third three- year term as BPSt J leader after beat- ing off challenges for his post from four others, Mr Pinder said he would like to see better communication between the union team and its members and that shop-stewards are "better trained" and organised to "sell the union more" so that mem- bers know they ate working in their interests. "We recognized that there are a number of things we have completed that members were not even aware of," said Mr Pindcr. Mr Pinder said getting the Gov- ernmennt to comply with article 20.4 and 40.4 of member's industrial agreement will be a key. These arti- cles refer to tuition reimbursement and persons receiving their incre- BPSU ments in the form of a lump sum payment under certain conditions. He also said that something will have to be done to improve the effi- ciency of promotions, as currently people are not being appraised on a regular basis. This, he said, hinders their advancement. Official results for the election are expected to be announced by the Department of Labour on Tuesday. A total of 41 people ran for office. Yesterday a statement from the "Pen" team, led by presidential can- didate Kenneth Christie, questioned the role of the Department of Labour on election day. "Was the election of the Bahamas Public Service Union officers kid- - --. -- n- 4 .- ", A i < U 'iiii~inlKI-^ i , www.preowned f Locted- -g ho napped or abducted by those respon- sible for ensuring this would not hap- pen?" he asked. "There were all kinds of discrep- ancies that were allowed by some officers of the Department of Labour and other persons that presided and assisted at some of the polling stations," he claimed in his statement. Among these, the team suggested, was the fact that the place where the early poll took place was not listed as an official polling station by the BPSU in advertisements announcing the election earlier in the week. "It seems to have been declared by the BPSU secretary-general," said the team, adding: "This situation is ripe for discrepancies and mass con- fusion (and) this kind of activity is supposed to be supervised by the in Motors Ltd, Used Car o Insurance u"ncI'd, Throun gh Advantage 'No iUions pHly r S.| Honda HINSPIRE'S/SABER'S J Starting at $5,695oo 0+up !12 Come make an offer on our local trade ins bahamas.com ,ipson Blv Department of Labour as their man- date by law states to ensure the appearance of accountability and transparency." The statement also claimed many ballots were not signed by the Pre- siding Officers before they were cast, and offered what it said was a scanned copy of one such ballot as alleged evidence of this. "Proper accountability of how many ballots were used would be a mystery seeing that ballots were nev- er validated and signed," said the statement. But Mr Pinder yesterday said he saw "no discrepancies". He said members of all teams were present to observe the early morning ballot and denied there was any last minute change of venue. The outcome as it stands means that the executive team leading the country's largest union will remain the same, except for a change of vice president and assistant secretary gen- eral. Those posts were open to the new members of Mr Pinder's team, Stephen Douglas and Joy Tucker, after the two who previously held the posts, Godfrey Burnside and Frederick Hamilton, went on to lead opposing teams in the election, unsuccessfully offering themselves as new potential presidents. The rest of the team is made up of Katrina Marche, executive vice pres- ident, vice president for the northern region Dawn Curtis, secretary gen- eral S.J. Miller, Philip Greenslade is treasurer, and trustees include Prescott Cox, Kimley Ferguson and Verna Bonamy. Mr Pinder, like other candidates, said turnout was poor. At around 2,000 it was less than half of the num- ber officially registered to vote. While some of his opponents put this down to apathy inspired by dis- contentment with his administration and a drop off in membership, Mr Pinder pointed to more practical considerations. "A number of persons were unable to vote because they couldn't find parking at the Port Department, or because they didn't have an iden- tification card. Next time we will have to consider putting that polling station elsewhere," he said. Prison conditions FROM page one "Having been in 37 prisons in sev- en countries I believe I have a per- spective of what prisons look like and Her Majesty's Prisons, for all its faults, is ahead of every prison in the English speaking Caribbean with regard to infrastructure," said Dr Rahming. The prison on several occasions has been criticized by Amnesty International for having poor health care facilities, detaining prisoners awaiting trial for excessively long periods and squalid conditions, including the practice of the use of slop buckets instead of toilets However, Dr Rahming saih con- ditions, especially the way in which prisoners in maximum security dis- pose of bodily waste products, are going to change. He said the prison has spent almost $300,000 to purchase com- post toilets for the maximum securi- ty section. "By Christmas each cell in maximum security will have its own toilet," he said. Complaints of overcrowding are unwarranted, according to Dr Rah- ming. "There are a number of cells with one person, but typically there are three to four people per cell in max- imum security," he said. "It is a chal- lenge and we would like it to be depopulated." He also explained that the prison has four primary functions. The first function is to punish, the second is to incapacitate, the third is to rehabili- tate and the fourth is to deter. He said that HMP is actually six prisons in one. "There are six prisons at HMP. Minimum security is a modem dor- mitory, Medium security, the remand centre, central intake, the female prison, and maximum secu- rity," he explained. Dr Rahming said that Minister of National Security Tommy Tumquest is doing a tremendous job with advancing the prison system. He said the individuals who occu- py the prison come there as punish- meqt arid riot for punishment. BED BATH & HOME )It)w"a 0-- a^*L^ RUGS ( Ott'OIVI SHEE F SETS // TAHLICI OTHS TIHROW' PILIOWVS COMiFOPTER SETS / /, SHOlI'EI CURTAINS __ BATHROOM ACCESSORIES IllENDFRS LAKE\\'.\RES ItILL1 ClOCKS 'V,.I. PICTURES PICTrURE FRAMES FLATIV''ARE SETS COOKIWIARE SETS GIASS\I'ARE SETS DINNERIV'ARE SETS SALE STARTS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29th SATURDAY OCTOBER 4th Located: Harbour Bay Shopping Center Ph: 393-4440 or 393-4448 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PASSPORT OFFICE REQUIREMENTS for First Time Applicants for Electronic Passports CHILDREN 0-17 YEARS PERSONS APPLYING WITH AN * One(1)completed applcationform(countersigned) AFFIDAVIT IN PLACE OF A BIRTH * Three (3) passport size photographs (one must be countersigned along with application form) CERTIFICATE * National Insurance Card Search Card * Child's Birth Certificate or Registered Affidavit of Hospital Records Birth Certificate Baptismal Certificate * Child's Immunization Card (If requested) $4.00 Stamp on the Affidavit * Mother's Birth Certificate, and Passport or Proof of Citizenship (if requested) Mother's Birth Certificate along with documents * Primary School Records (if requested) requested in your age group * An Interview Parent or legal guardian must be present with AUTHENTICATION OF applicant. * When using Father's documents, the Father's APPLICATION Birth Certificate, parents registered Marriage The application must be authenticated and Certificate and Father's Passport. countersigned by one of the following persons who has been personally acquainted with the applicant ADULTS: 18 YEARS AND OVER for at least two (2) years: * One (1) completed application form * Three (3) passport-sized photographs (one must A Marriage Officer be countersigned along with Application form) Medical Practitioner National Insurance Card Counsel and Attorney of the Supreme Court Certificate of Citizenship or Registration O officer of or above the rank of Assistant Head of Certificate of Naturalization Birth Certificate or Registered Affidavit of.Birth overnmen ep and Baptismal Certificate A Bank Officer Mother's Birth Certificate and Passport (except If Magistrate applicant was born after 9th July, 1973) Justice of Peace. Registered Marriage Certificate (if a married woman) Members of the applicant's immediate family are An Interview not authorized to countersign the application, FOR MORE INFORMATION Pick up a brochure and an application forn Irom the Passport Offices in N'assauO aL ]hompsor Bilvd and Freeport at National Insurance Building, East Mall, Explorer Drive; also from Island Adminsrialotr oirtces II The 1lrmiily Islands. Public Information line: 242-322-PASS (7277) o, 242-323-2528 fax 242-325-4832 Emall: passportofflce@bahamas.gov.bs THE TRIBUNE PAGE 14, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 \i JON THE TRIBUNE - - Baha Mar Resorts Hosts, 'Welcome Back'.Reception Seated (L-.RMndrea Myers, First Caribbean; Peter Goudie, Bahamas Supermarkets; Robert D.L. Sands, Baha Mar; Lottis Shearer, C.O.B.; Richard English, Baha Mar; Leah R. Davis, Baha Mar; Yvette Ingraham, J.S. Johnson Insurance. Standing (L-R)Jacqueline King, FirstCaribbean; Delia Ferguson; Crystal McCoy; Amina Sarr; Lanadia Davis; Deangelo Ferguson; Lc..,-ell Edgecombe; Vaughn Roberts, Baha Mar; LaKeisha Moncur; Neucasha Greene; Maureen French, Lyford Cay Foundation; Latoya Moncur. Vaughn Roberts, Baha Mar VP of Finance; | Monique Toppin, COB Professor and PSP Felicity Humblestone, COB Director of Selection Committee; Lottis Shearer, COB Development; Maureen French, Lyford Cay Director of Student Leadership; Peter Goudie, Scholarship Foundation Bahamas Supermarkets Limited BA HA M A PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS P R () G R A NI M E A Special Event for the Scholars of The College of the Bahamas' President's Scholars Programme Baha Mar Resorts Ltd. treated Scholars of the College of the Bahamas' prestigious President's Scholars Programme to a 'Welcome Back' reception to officially start the 2008-9 academic year. The President's Scholars Programme Robert Sands, SVP Administration and External Affairs, Baha Mar Resorts; Richard English, SVP Sales & Marketing, Baha Mar Resorts Leah R. Davis, Director of Community Relations, Baha Mar Resorts; Crystal McCoy, Baha Mar's PSP Scholar; Robert Sands; Lottis Shearer C.O.B. Ladies: Monique Toppin; Yolanda Dar.dlle, COB, Development Associate; | Felicity Humblestone; Lottis Shearer is a four-year scholarship and personal development programme designed to identify a limited number of outstanding students in order to foster their intellectual growth, refine the leadership skills and enhance their relationship with The College of the Bahamas. The Programme which began in 2006.* ,Baha Mar Resorts Ltd, a patron of the President's Scholars Programme also- joined hands with other patrons including J.S. Johnson Insurance, FirstCaribbean Bank and Bahamas Supermarkets in congratulatingthestudents on their outstanding accomplishments to date and encouraging them in their pursuit of academic excellence. Baha Mar's Leah Davis and Robert Sands chat with C.O.B.'s President's Scholars Robert Sands, SVP Administration and External Affairs, Baha Mar Resorts, shares a few words of encouragement with the Scholars Recognizing the males participating C.O.B.'s President's Scholars Andrea Myers, PSP Donor, in the PSP Programme (Standing L-R) FirstCaribbean; Monique Toppin; Peter Goudie; Robert Sands; Vicente Roberts; Lottis Shearer Rick English; Vaughn Roberts, Vicente Roberts (Sitting L-R) PSP Scholars: Justin McFall, Matthew Strachan and DeAngelo Ferguson (missing Valentino Rahming) 1, ,:, * $, ~j. 1 L-I_ 1 M ll l m "~' w____________i ***-*- * "" *** i MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 15 P 2THE TRIBUNE SUBSCRIBERS BTC's Wireless Department 9:00am 8:00pm Cyber World 8:00am 8:00pm Monday Saturday ) J "it/ it 1 '" CALL BTC 225-5282 www.btcbahamas.com I JN( t C~N rc~ PIr WO~'.~p PAGE 16, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNE s MON D)AY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 x.. US : Developer funds project 'out of my own pocket' ColinaImperial Confidence Foagr Lift 'Vt * By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor ABahamas-based mixed- use resort developer has been paying staff wages and other project costs from his own personal funds for the past seven to eight months, but pledged that after investing $32 mil- lion to date: "I'm not going anywhere." * John Mittens, chairman of Montana Holdings, developer of the proposed $700 million Rum Cay Resort Marina, told Tribune Business that he was just like most other Bahamas-based devel- opers who had been impacted by the global credit/liquidity crunch and were progressing with their developments "more cautiously". "I have been funding this out of my * Rum Cay principal financing $700m development, including staff wages, from own assets for past eight months * Pledges: 'I'm not going anywhere' after investing $32m to date * Confident new financing will come, after project hit by credit crunch and real estate sales dry-up * Still progressing, but 'bloody painful' own monies for eight-ish months," Mr Mittens told Tribune Business. "Every penny that has gone out to the 20-odd staff has come from me. I have exactly the same problems as everyone else. It's because of the market, nothing else." As with other Bahamas-based real estate and resort developments, Mon- tana's Rum Cay Resort Marina project has been hit hard by the global credit/liq- uidity crisis in the financial system. The unwillingness of banks to lend to each other never mind other borrowers - has made it extremely difficult for devel- opers in this nation to either obtain debt financing at all, or at the right interest rate. And the economic uncertainty, exac- erbated by the latest round of Wall SEE page 4B Private sector at 'wits end' on court problems Resort chain keen on two hotels in one Family Island Chamber chief * By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor A MAJOR resort chain is keen on constructing two hotel properties on the same Family Island, the project developer has told Tribune Business, as it moves to obtain the last out- standing government approvals for the acquisition of a Rum Cay-based marina. John Mittens, chairman of Montana Holdings, said the company's resort partner, Rock Resorts, was interested in estab- lishing a boutique hotel at its Sumner Point Marina, as well as at the itain 897-acre site for the $700 million Rum Cay Resort Marina. Mr Mittens told Tribune Business that all the land plan- ning and home designs for the Sumner Point Marina had been completed, and added: "Rock also said they were keen to build an 80-key hotel at Sumn- er Point. That will be done. It will create two resorts either side of Port Nelson." Although Montana Holdings' plans, like many others, have been impacted by the global credit/liquidity crunch in the finanicial;system and economic downturn, Mr Mittens said the developer ultimately planned to have 93 rooms at Sumner Point. That figure includes the pro- posed Rock Resorts hotel, whose cottages will be sold-on to buyers and placed into the hotel pool when the owners are not in town. Mr Mittens said Montana Holdings ultimately planned to expand the Sumner Point Mari- na, which it is acquiring from American owner, Bobby Little, to about 43 slips from the exist- ing "20-ish". Montana also plans to "beef up" the site's util- ities, plus the restaurant, shops and service offerings. Mr Mittens said his compa- ny was already operating the marina and its restaurant, and had dredged out the marina basin. He added that closing the Sumner Point Marina's pur- chase with Mr Little was still "subject to government approvals and associated land options, which we are plodding through. We have a contract and are almost done, but are already running the marina. "We did dredge out the Sum- ner Point Marina. We've cleared and marked out the main beach area over at the main resort site, survey stakes are in place to map out the lots, and we've set up a couple of viewing platforms." Montana Holdings' main pro- ject is the Rum Cay Resort Marina, upon which progress has slowed as a result of the dif- ficulties real estate developers the world over are having in accessing debt financing. The developer had been attempting to kick-start real estate and lot sales for the Rum Cay Resort Marina through a SEE page 8B criticises attorneys for always opposing reforms * By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce's president has hit out at attorneys for always looking for reasons why much-needed judicial reform cannot happen, telling Tri- bune Business that the busi- ness community had "no con- SEE page 7B 2009 could be a 'real challenge' for Bahamas * By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor NEXT year could be "the real challenge" for the Bahami- an economy as the fallout from Wall Street's collapse and the US economic downturn ripples across the globe, with econo- mists and investment advisers questioning how "well- equipped" tnis nation's compa- nies and consumers are to with- stand the forthcoming pain. With the Bush administra- tion's trillion-dollar rescue pack- age for the US financial system likely to win approval this week, Kenwood Kerr, Providence Advisors' chief executive, said the US economic travails were unlikely to "go beyond another six-nine months, 12 months at the outside". As a result, the US economy was likely to start recovering in late 2009, but the six-month time lag between developments there and in the Bahamas is likely to mean this nation's economy will not see rebound signs until very late next year - or even possibly 2010. "It's the next year we have to worry about," Mr Kerr said. "The next year will be the real challenge for us. Tourists have already booked and spent their money [for this year]." The relatively low level of savings and investments among Bahamian consumers and com- panies could pose a major prob- lem in this scenario. On the con- - SEE page 6B Customs reform 'most critical' EPA issue * By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor REFORMING the Customs administration process will be "the most critical aspect" for the Bahamas in. fulfilling its commitments under the Eco- nomic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the minister of state for finance has said. Responding to Bahamas Chamber of Commerce con- cerns over this nation's ability to Imagine reality... it takes confidence SEE page 3B Cbf o. ft lo Wm'i TOSHI We have a large selection of laptops at unbeatable prices. k www.micronet.bs Icronet B" 223 TECHNOLOGY __.__._____-Pak_____ 242-32843040 MAT. ... 1 1:1..;:. J.... ., Stop shopping blame for City Markets woes THE whiff of confusion aris- ing from Bahamas Supermar- kets seems to have its roots in high-level mistakes. The painful statements made by chairman Basil Stands at the recent AGM in releasing the company's fiscal 2007 audited reports (nine months late) raise serious ques- tions of corporate governance in a famous retailer patronised by nearly every Bahamian. What we see now is a public company: whose directors for two years had no clear idea of its earnings (which turned out to be losses that could reach $10 million for financial year 2008) and yet declared millions in div- idends. that has never divulged the beneficial owners of the secre- tive holding company that owns 78 per cent of its shares. that is effectively controlled by a foreign concern that holds the largest equity interest. that by refusing to list on BISX, has stifled corporate dis- closure and paralysed share trading by the 2,000 Bahamian shareholders who own 22 per cent of the company. It's not the hard-working check-out ladies, stock clerks, or sales tabulators who have done anything wrong. Any fault lies with the directors, who operate in the glaring absence of any Bahamian laws enforcing corporate transparency or bestowing rights on minority shareholders. The news at the AGM was long anticipated but still shock- ing when announced. For months it was known that the KPMG audit for the year ended June 2007 was delayed because the company could not produce valid figures. for the auditor's review. Finally, a few months ago the company hired a sepa- rate team of accountants that worked tirelessly (and, of course, expensively) to help KPMG complete the task. At the last moment, the audit was produced, dated July 28, 2008, just meeting the legal deadline. Compared to the $8 million profit in 2006, the audit showed a small loss for 2007, while the directors had earlier been expecting a profit of some $4.7 million. Surprise, surprise! And worse, the chairman had to warn of probable major losses, around $10 million, for the lat- est fiscal year just ended this June to say nothing of the cur- rent year forecast. The seeds of this shambles were sown over two years ago. Until that time, the company had been controlled by Flori- da's Winn-Dixie and had jogged along pretty comfortably, with the 22 per cent Bahamian minority getting monthly divi- dends. But with the bankruptcy of Winn-Dixie, Bahamas Super- markets suddenly was "in play", and two groups entered com- peting bids. The initial front- runner was backed by two local businessmen, Jerome Fitzger- ald and Mark Finlayson, but was pipped by a higher offer from a new special-purpose company, BSL Holdings, who had to come up with $54 mil- lion in cash for 78 per cent of the 4,560,000 shares outstand- ing, or about $16 per share. Of course, this offer was not made to the local Bahamian share- holders! The composition of BSL, and the source of its funds, were then and remain to this day something of a mystery. Royal Bank provided a hefty acquisi- tion loan, and at first it was rumored that Abaco Markets was the main equity backer, but this was officially denied and the company later sold its stake anyway. It appears that one of Abaco Markets' major share- holders, Franklyn Butler, took a piece, since he remains a Bahamas Supermarkets direc- tor. It can be guessed that the Fidelity Group or its clients were involved, since Fidelity chairman and chief executive, Anwer Sunderji, sits on the Board and is credited with being the creative mind behind the deal. The foreign Barbados Shipping & Trading wanted to invest, but under our Govern- ment policy could not take direct equity and instead pro- vided a $10 million convertible loan in return for a couple of directorships. After the buy-out was com- pleted in mid-2006, the first seri- ous mis-step was taken in early 2007 when Bahamas Super- markets abruptly terminated the one-year Transition Services Agreement with Winn-Dixie. According to Bryan Knowles, the Bahamas Supermarkets chief financial officer who resigned last May, this decision by the directors was opposed by management because the necessary back-office support systems had not yet been replaced. This led to a break- down of the company's report- ing and accounting controls, and the resultant failure to com- plete a timely audit. Mr Sands told the AGM that the previous (and %wrong) esti- mate of $4.7 million profit in 2007 was based on bad infor- mation given to him by Mr Knowles and Bahamas Super- markets management. To pro- tect his professional reputation, Mr Knowles has fired back with a press statement that he should not be blamed since he repeat- edly warned the directors of the accounting issues and doubts about earnings. It's pretty rare to see a dispute on internal cor- porate issues so publicly aired.. Whoever is right, it shows a break- down between manage- ment and Board, for which the directors must ultimately bear the responsibility. Indeed, Mr Sands made the remarkable admission that the directors could have "acted with greater speed and questioned manage- ment more aggressively" - almost a flat condemnation of himself and fellow directors in their oversight function.. It was during this fiscal year ended June 2007, when earn- ings were highly uncertain and eventually a loss of $189,000 was recorded, that Bahamas Supermarkets paid dividends totalling more than $5 million. Early in the following fiscal year, the directors approved two more dividends totaling $2.736 million this being a year when Mr Sands now says a loss of $10 million may be expected. These whopping "dividends from losses" were paid to meet one need: BSL Holdings had to be reimbursed for the $54 mil- lion cost of its ambitious acqui- sition, which includes servicing the $24 million loan from Roy- al. The dividends and operat- ing problems have starved Supermarkets' cash flow and, as forecast by Mr Sands, will destroy earnings for at least another year. , In this state of affairs a "white knight" has appeared from beyond our shores. Barbados Shipping & Trading, the origi- nal lender to BSL Holdings, has been acquired by Neal & Massy, a Trinidad-based con- glomerate, and persuaded Gov- ernment to permit conversion of the loaitto equity, giving the foreign group the largest single equity stake in BSL Holdings and thus becoming the control- ling shareholder of Bahamas Supermarkets. This control is clearly for real, since the new Bahamas Supermarkets spokesman on all significant matters is seemingly Anthony King, chief executive of Barba- dos Shipping, which has had to sink another $5 million into the Nassau companies. The audit report reveals even more levels of foreign control. as Bahamas Supermarkets was party to three separate agree- ments with companies from Trinidad and St. Lucia. under which it paid for 'Manaigement Oversight', 'Store Management Suite Services', and 'Technical Support Services'. Bahamians will certainly be surprised to learn that this expertise could not be found locally. One won- ders how Government regards this gaping hole in its policy of "retail is for Bahamians". One also wonders how the silent 22 per cent Bahamian shareholders now value their investment in Bahamas Super- markets. The quoted over-the- counter share price of this non- BISX company is a meaning- less joke, since the price has not moved from the long-reported $15. Any share trading is invis- ible, since the two so-called dealers in the stock, Fidelity and Colina, provide no information , whatever about any trades they may have executed. At the least, a listing on BISX would have provided some market dis- cipline, as the Exchange would have insisted on full disclosure of ownership and formally sus- pended trading until the annual report was finally produced. At present, trading on BISX would provide some market guidance for valuing the com- pany, as the quoted price would have crashed after news of the losses. For the public share- holders, the future looks bleak, with illiquid shares and losses that will nullify any speedy renewal of the stream of divi- dends they enjoyed in years past. In short, the buy-out from Winn-Dixie has been a calami- ty for these investors. Once again, Bahamian minority shareholders are suffering from actions over which they had no control. Looking forward from this sorry history, one can only spec- ulate as to whether some smart lawyer might organise these people to make a claim charging that the directors failed to act "in the best interests of the company", as required by Sec- tion 81 of the Companies Act. Under our jurisprudence that seems a long shot. but certainly not in the US or the UK, so who can tell? Commercially, the negative publicity surrounding Bahamas Supermarkets may help its head-to-head competitor Super Value. Although their products and services are much the same, shoppers are drawn to a busi- ness created, owned and run by a hands-on Bahamian who's often seen patrolling the shop floor. Maybe removing one's buying from Bahamas Super- markets could be likened to kicking a man when he's down but maybe a good kick is just what's needed. All offices professionally fitted out to a extremely high standard, with ample parking. 1661 @ $ 35.00 = $ 4,845.00 850 @ $ 30.00 = $ 2,125.00 858 @ $ 30.00 = $ 2,145.00 1508 @ $ 35.00 = $ 4,399.00 Contact Sean McCarroll of Seaview Properties for floor plans and to view your new office. Phone: 359 2957 E: sean@seaviewproperties.bs TEACHING VACANCIES The Anglican Central Education Authority invites applications from qualified Teachers for positions available in Nassau and Bishop Michael Eldon School in Freeport. 1 PRIMARY TEACHER I SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER PRIMARY MUSIC TEACHER BISHOP MICHAEL ELDON SCHOOL Only qualified Teachers, Bachelor or Master Degrees from an accredited University or College and Teaching Certificate need apply. For further details and application form, please contact the Anglican Central Education Authoriti on Sands Road at telephone (242) 322-3015 (0 7 Letters of application and/or complelcd applications forms with copies of required documents must be sent as soon a possible to the Anglican Education Department addressed to:- The Director of education Anglican Central Education Authority P.O.Box N-656 Nassau, Bahamas PAGE 2B, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNE I IlLI 1'IDUIJLIVIiIJLJY,.ZII LIiL~LI ~.LUBUSINESS .i.~ $9m extra cost hits BEC's Abaco plans * By CARA BRENNEN- BETHEL Tribune Business Reporter .. . THE B:ihhanmas Electricity Corporation (EC(') cannot afford the extra $1) million it would cost to make Abaco's new power plant run off disel, BEC("s chairman lhas revealed. Fred Gottlieb acknowledged that the new power plant designed for Wilson Creek has been met with controversy, par- ticularly' as to why it will not be powered by cheaper diesel fuel. He pointed out that to go diesel would have cost an addi- tional $9 million, something that BEC simply could not afford at this time. Meanwhile, Mr Gottlieb said he was extremely disappointed by recent media criticism of the Corporation, saying that while it had its challenges, there was a lot that was right inside BEC. Speaking at the Abaco Busi- ness Outlook Conference, Mr Gottlieb said the Board stood fully behind the Government's decision to cap the fuel sur- charge at $0.15 per kilowatt hour for households using less than 800 kilowatts per month. He added that BEC has been demonised in recent times, but I Cul'msI eop FROM page 1B implement its EPA commit- ments, Zhivargo Laing told Tri- bune Business that the Gov- ernment had developed its own framework document to deal with this issue, along with the plan being pieced together by the CARICOM Secretariat. "We and the CARICOM Secretariat have a framework for doing so." Mr Laing said of the EPA implementation. "They [the CARICOM Secre- tariat] have provided a frame- work for all of the elements of implementation that need to be embraced by the various coun- tries. That was required by the [CARICOM] Heads of Gov- ernment. "We also have our own one. Given that there's that combi- nation, they will serve as the guiding posts for us." Mr Laing declined to reveal the contents of the Govern- ment's implementation frame- work and timetable, and What the priority issues might be for the Bahamas, as the "cross-cut- ting issues that have to be addressed" needed to be dis- cussed by different departments and agencies. However, given that the Cus- toms Department was respon- sible for generating the bulk of government revenues through tariffs and the Excise Tax Act, Mr Laing said this was the area of key concern. "For the Bahamas, the most critical issue would be the Cus- toms administration process," he explained, given that the Customs Department would have to determine which prod- ucts were European-originated and thus eligible to enter this nation duty-free. Mr Laing said he was unable to give a timeframe for when the enabling legislation to give ratification and effect to the EPA would go before Parlia- ment, pointing out that the Government's priorities were currently domestic economic and social issues. The minister also declined to provide a figure on the estimat- ed financial costs the Bahamas would incur in implementing its EPA obligations, saying this issue would be dealt with soon in a Communication to Parlia- ment. When asked whether the Government itself had any con- cern about the Bahamas' ability to implement its EPA commit- ments, Mr Laing replied: "Absolutely none." He point- ed out that many requirements, such as the competition policy and competition regulator, were several years away from having to be implemented. stressed that the Corporation has employees who are hard working. He reiterated that the fuel surcharge was based on the current global oil price, and that BEC does not make a profit on the surcharge. He also stressed that BEC's rates were not the highest in the region, pointing out that they were in fact lower than Bermu- da, Cayman, the Turks and Caicos and St Lucia. Mr Gottlieb added that BEC was actively examining how to incorporate renewable energy projects into its infrastructure, and had received around 20 Join Citibank, N.A. Nassau, Bahamas, a branch of Citi, the largest financial institution in the world. We invite outstanding individuals, wanting to build a career in Corporate Banking, to be part of our dynamic global team. You will interact with colleagues from around the Caribbean region and across the organization globally, providing treasury management to our local team. In addition to a great career, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should forward a copy of their resume by October 3, 2008 to: Human Resources, P.O. Box N-1576, Nassau. Bahamas OR Fax: (242) 302-8779 OR Email: janice.gibson@citi.com proposals. He explained that the Corporation was examining requests that would either have a BOO Build, own and oper- ate structure or a BOOT - build, own, operate, transfer. "We are now at the stage where we have received pro- posals and we should begin to see some changes in conserva- tion and alternative sourcing," Mr Gottlieb said. He said, however, that the proposals were a long way from implementation as they would have to go through a number of tests to determine their via- bility. Treasury Head ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to our Regional Treasury team, the position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for managing local/foreign currency liability products. Key responsibilities include marketing and quoting rates for corporate foreign exchange contracts, money market instruments and derivative products and projecting liquidity and rate trends. The role is also focused on risk management through monitoring liquidity and foreign exposure, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements, and, managing ratios and reserves. Additional responsibilities include overseeing all related financial, regulatory and management performance reporting, and, supervising and training support staff. KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS REQUIRED Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Accounting or Finance, and, a minimum of 5 years Treasury experience with a major commercial and/or investment bank; a Chartered Accountant or CFA designation preferred. Excellent- marketing/sales, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, combined with a results orientation and an ability to build relationships, will round out the ideal candidate. Some travel is required. Challenge yourself to a career like no other *{ Professional Developmeat S' s Y"W^-'"r Accounting 1 (12 Weeks) Fn. 10 3, 6-91|m Sat. 10'4. 9am-lpmn Accounting II (12 weeks ) In,. ) 3. 6-91pn Sat. 1(t04.9am-lpmi Quick Books (12 Weeks) ft 11 3. 6-9pm Sa, 1014, ., iwo S300 S300 S.3)0 Intro. (.'ompulers Applications I (12 Wetks) Sat. 104.9jamn pm $.345 Intro. (.'Compulers Applications II (12Veelks) Sat. iS'4. 9am-pm $375 A+ Revviev (iI VWeeks) Fri. 11.'3. -(-I)pm $375 Nail Care & Artistry (15 \''rkM. Mon. TICS. I II. IIi 101S 6-1 0pm $375 ce (on. T &',,l le i i ps t i .liOp n, i ,,5 Fale Care& & %II-np \iiuni.nI l i -n Sai. 1l0'4.9atnapro Acrylic Nails (10 Weeks) Flrt ) t 3. 6.! (Ipn Mni Wed. 9 1 10pni Til' l.aving-llov" to o (111 \\N eks) Sal. 10"4. 'i ml- I pt $300 Ba.si Blue I'rint Reading & Esiilinllng I Residdential (0111 0 NNks) Sat, 1t) 4. 9aill J ipm $ Baie HBl ue Print RlItadin Eliniating II (Colmue'rciial (lit V\)eks) Fri. 10', (pmi- W|pm s_ Tile Laying (15 Wec~s) M.T'.W.R.F. 9/, 8ain- lpm Drywall Installation (15 Welks) M.t'.W.R.F. 9.", Sami Iran $400 $450 Window 'leatment -Draperv & Vaklece (10 Weeks) Mon. Wed. 9'29, 9am.lpm Tus. \Vwed 3,'. 6 o10pn I'Ue. TIhurs. Q.11 O), gam lpm Sewing (tO1 Weeks) Sal. 10'4.9am-3prt i ~.30t) ~75 Painting & Decorating (tO Weeks) (Residential & commerciall) Mon. Wed. 9:29, 9am-lipm TuCes, T'ls 9 0,'0, am- ipm Wites. Wed. 93.30, (, o0ppm $300 Tues. lThurs. 910,. 6s- 10pm 3O00 Uphoslten'11 (10 Weks) Mol. Wed. 9`2 9, 6 p1 Opi S350 Straiv Craft I (10 Heeks) Mon. Wed. 9i '2. 4am-P1 1n1111S30' Straw Crailt Advanced I1 (10 Weks) Man. Wed. 91'20.. 6 1lpm $350 Shell Souvenir Manufacluring (10 \Weeks) Mrm. Wed. 9"29, 9am-lpm Tuces. Tiurs. 9?30. 9aim-lpin ucs. 9'd '3 10, tf I tlpm S:W Marine Outboard Enginne Preventive Maintenance (10 \evks) WMed. 106 6-pmn S (t) Small Gasi Elgine Repair (10 Weeks) Sam. 10.4,. a-3jpi $300) 71 .V S S. 10 WEEK PROGRAMS I OCT 3 DEC 6, 2008 I 112 WEEK PROGRAMS OCT 3 DEC 20, 2008 I15 WEEK PROGRAMS I SEPT 8 DEC 20, 2008 OCT3 -- DE 20 2008 - KINGSWAY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL Vacancies for Immediate Teaching Postions Kingsway Academy is seeking applicants for teaching positions in the following areas: 0 Spanish 0 Part-time Woodwork and Technical Drawing Applicants should be qualified and willing to teach to the BGCSE level with at least a Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent, with at least 3 years expereince at the High School Level in the particular subject area along with a Teacher's Certificate. Applicants should also have the following: * Excellent Communication Skills * A love for children and learning * High standards of morality * Be a born again Christian Letters of application together wih a recent color photograph and detailed Curriculum Vita (including the names and address of at least three references, one being the name of one's church minister) should be forwarded to: .4 Ms. Kelcine Hamilton Academy Affairs Man'ager Kingsway Academy Business Office Bernard Road Nassau Salaries would be commensurate with q qualifications and expereince. Deadline for Applications is Friday October 10, 2008 * f m N M s EN a a Camp IVILUI4LJ/Ay,, 011" I I-VIDL-I -.0, r.UUU, I r-1_L I itI- I riLDUIiE. m PAGE4B, ONDA, SPTEM ERM2,N BUSTEITRBUN b ave iseinM I *I th # nIsp e 0 i i cla i I js cl HOSPI TAL H."h For j10 i---ACANT POSITIrN] Qualifications Baccalaurate Degree in Bu>ine's or related iudic,. MBA Preferrcd. MHA -a plus: .* 5 ~ 'ars '\x'nnceU. a ,upeivistoi kt'ol: Exc\lentt computer skills iSpreiad-sheets datil.i naniigementtC i KnowVledge nt ICD-9) & (CIPT T dc, [vk rleed: iExcillnt Computetl literacy. Stroll communication nd i iiterpei'ona.l ,kill, e'ifntial Ahilit\ to LonsiMtently manager niultple priorities ',inlt adapt e.i.ilt in aii rpidly 'changing enl iroinenit Position Summary Respon-ible for managing the actiN iues and Personnel of the Emergency Room Adniis.ion'.Cuslomner Se vice and Cashiner eparniment. Responmsibiitie, include: scheduling uand e aliating A\, oiales while planning and executing ,-uategies relaitd to providing excellent customer er' Ie iand enrsunnng accurate collection of patient miiito.a'n. to Sniimie rincthibursement, [Dirct. adnlllater and cooi'dinate the l\ ttit,. ol the Depart inent to support the policies, poal, a id oblcct', e.t",iblislied by the uinsitiltion Conrtmtunica.e etleiix ely with illtenll anld e\CItenal ls t>IIIIN'I on a ( rcular bails. Coiinuously palnipate in pIertooillaine itmpro\ men il to enhance st.vices to our cllSlonl. thioughou l the ort li/aIiOli. S':al.i comnoienutiratle uwlib eperience Excellent benefits -laeSbi euet:HmnRsucsD~~n Developer funds project 'out of N1 my FROM page 1B Street and financial system col- lapses, has also dampened the other major source of financing for Bahamian mixed-use resort developments real estate and lot pre-sales. Not only have many in their target buyer markets invest- ment bankers and other top financiers lost their jobs or seen their wealth dramatically plunge, but these buyers are also going to find it extremely difficult to obtain mortgages and other forms of debt financ- ing for Bahamian real estate purchases. I In Montana's case, Mr Mit- tens told Tribune Business: "Like everyone else, we are concerned about the economy, so we're taking a more cautious approach. What is happening [with our project]? A very lim- ited amount. Our sales, like everyone else's, are just dull. We can only develop in accor- dance with sales. "I have a reasonable level of confidence that 1 will get sup- port from financial institutions going forward, but we're tak- ing a more measured approach. I wish I could tell you we're the exception, that Rum Cay is wonderful, people are queuing up to give us money and that \we made 1b sales this afternoon. It's a very tough time. "We are in meaningful dis- cussions and progress will be made. But it's bloody painful. I can't make any promises to credit crunch, Montana Hold- ings had completed all work in areas such as marina design, air- port design and environmental studies. Montana is currently focused on running the Sumner Point Marina and restaurant on Rum Cay, which it is in the process of acquiring from American Bob- by Little. Mr Mittens confirmed that the marina there had been dredged. Documents lodged with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier this year by one Montana Holdings financier, Delaware-based Inte- grated Data Corp, revealed that the Rum Cay project's initial debt financing came from a $20 million construction loan advanced by a combination of UK-based Matrix and Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS). The latter has itself become a credit crunch victim with its acquisi- tion by rival bank Lloyds TSB imminent. The Integrated Data Corp documents confirmed that it had acquired a 20 per cent stake in Montana Holdings in January 2007 by purchasing 1,120 of the latter's 5,600 shares. Given that Montana Holdings was than valued at $65 million, Integrat- ed Data Corp paid $13 million for its stake through a combi- nation of $3.88 million in cash, $6.12 million of its own shares and a $3 million loan from Montana Holdings itself. According to Integrated Data Corp's SEC filings, Montana Holdings' assets included some $41.256 million in land, while its liabilities involved some $17.7 million in long-term debt. Part of the deal behind the Integrated Data Corp invest- ment involved it providing a $7 million debt financing line to Montana Holdings to help fund the Rum Cay resort project. Some $1.6 million of this facili- ty was duly advanced, but Inte- grated Data Corp said both sides agreed on July 30, 2007, to reduce the amount of financ- ing available from $7 million to $5 million. Ultimately, the loan facility was terminated on November 30, 2007, after Montana Hold- ings transferred a $4.05 million promissory note to Integrated Data Corp. Resort The Rum Cay Resort Marina is a separate development from the Sumner Point Marina, although both have common ownership. The former, set on 897 acres, will feature a mari- na, marina village, condomini- ums, ocean villas, ridge estates, a Rock Resorts condo hotel, residential beach club, eques- trian centre golf practice facili- ty, tennis courts and a yacht club. It will also feature an 80-slip Blue Flag marina designed to accommodate yachts up to 200-plus feet in length, with a build out of up to 200 slips, din- ing and shopping options, as well as a luxury spa and free'- form swimming pool. Some 400 permanent jobs were projected to be created at full build-out. Bringing toge: ?r buyers and sellers of goods ano services to promote New Busih:' ';s Opportunities and reinforce existing relationships. (Call 'he Bahanis ilold Association at 322-.81 or Email: bha(ai baiha~isliotels.oi'g FOR MOREl I ( IRIM \TIONON fIiHl GIAl)BAI'l/AlION( CONIFERENI 1 ',CA! tLTHE ( 1 AMBER OF ( OMMER( EAT 322-2145 own pocket' REWARD A reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of and/or the arrest of the persons responsible for the theft of a 2008 Toyota Yaris; which occurred around August 13, 2008 in Redland Acres, off Soldier Road Colour: Olive Green Serial #: JTDBW93320-1105523 License #: 201820 Identifying Markings "Apple" on front wind- shield, "Appleseed" on rear windshield, a scratch on left rear fender and dent on rear bumper. Please call CDU, Stolen Vehicles Unit 502-9938, 502-9942, 302-3900 or 357-7502. ,- +-0 oSOL) 0 _L) C4n THE TRIBUNE THE TRIBUNE PAGE 4B, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 anyone other than we're hang- ing on until the good times come." Mr Mittens described uncer- tainty as "the biggest enemy" facing both the global financial markets and Bahamas-based resort developers in their battle to obtain financing. With banks hoarding capital to bolster their own balance sheet, and also out of fear that fellow institutions they lend to could go bust tomorrow, the credit markets had all but dried up. Holdings Yet the Montana Holdings pledged that he remained com- mitted to both the project and the Bahamas. "I'm not going anywhere. I don't have anything but the Rum Cay develop- ment," he explained. "I sold all my UK assets to come here. I am stuck here, gladly putting my nose to the grind stone. I've invested mil- lions in this country, and brought my family over here. I'm not a remote developer. I'm here on a daily basis working with my staff. "We have not given up. I just don't like giving up. All you can do is keep the faith, keep work- ing. It always changes, but I can't foresee when. This is the worst economic situation since the Great Depression." Mr Mittens said that exclud- ing land purchases, he had "put about $32 million" into .he Rum Cay Resort Marina pro- ject itself, including interest pay- ments on loans. Prior to the TH TIBNEMODABUEPEMER29E208SPGEI Second home benefits * By CARA BRENNEN- BETHEL Tribune Business Reporter ABACO'S second home market has had a tremendous impact on the island's econo- my, and is a development mod- el which should be expanded to lesser developed islands. David Ralph, publisher of the Abaconian newspaper, told per- sons attending last week's Aba- co Business Outlook that despite the criticism towards that market expressed by some persons, the second home and rental market in the Abacos were major components of the economy. Mr Ralph pointed out that unlike islands where the shut- down of a single resort proper- ty could cripple the entire island's economy, there is no one property that could have that impact on the Abacos. That, he said, enables resi- dents to rebound more quickly after external shocks. For example, he said that when a major hurricane hit the economy, each individual prop- erty was able to rebound much quicker than a large resort. Furthermore, Mr Ralph not- ed that unlike resorts which tend to encourage persons to stay within the grounds of the KAREN CORBIN GREEN is not employed with Ocean Place and she is not authorized to conduct business on behalf of Ocean Place. Our client an established retail organization requires an Account Supervisor with the following knowledge and experience * Experience in versatile Accounting packages * Should have a strong academic background with Accounting from a Professional Institute Salary will be compensated according to the knowledge and experience Please apply to: Michael Hepburn & Co. Chartered Accounts Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas P.O. Box N-7250 NOTICE. Take notice that The Bahamas Bar Council will hear an application by Mr. Leon Smith for restoration to the roll, pursuant to Section 41 (1) of The Legal Profession Act on Friday, 3rd October, 2008 at 3 P.M., Supreme Court Build- ing, Bank Lane, Nassau, N.P. Members of The Bar and any persons having objections or would like to make representation are urged to attend the hearing. property, homes and rentals will ensure that there are persons who will integrate within the community. "They need food, they need someone to clean the house, maintain the house, somewhere to put their boat, someone to maintain their boat, so there is the potential for entrepreneur- ial development," he explained. Mr Ralph said, for instance, that a company with an inven- tory of 50 golf carts. has the potential to develop a $250,000 worth of assets. He said that increasing the level of second homes and rentals in southern and lesser developed islands will ensure that they have a revenue stream not dependent on huge tourist arrivals. "If say you put up five rental NAD Nassau Airport Development Company homes in Acklins, you don't need foreign labour or an inter- national company. It can be quick and inexpensive, and then you have a property that can bring income to the island," Mr Ralph said. He added that second home owners and rental properties owners do not require or ask for the same concessions that hotels do. CONTRACTORS Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighborhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story. BRIEFING LYNDEN PINDLING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is about to embark on a transformation of the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau,The Bahamas. The design will evoke the spectacular beauty ofThe Bahamas and the mission of NAD is to operate the airport to be safe, friendly, clean, efficient and profitable with a local sense of place. NAD invites interested Contractors and Suppliers to attend a Contractors Briefing to review impending expansion plans. The airport will be expanded in 3 stages over the next 5 years and will generally include: Stage 1 * New US Terminal & Pier 247,000 sq. ft.; * Approximately 1,000,000 sq ft of new Asphalt Apron; * New parking facilities and roadways; Stage 2 * Selective Demolition &Construction of New International ArrivalsTerminal and International Departures Pier 226,000 sq. ft; Approximately 200,000 sq. ft of Asphalt Apron Rehabilitation; Removal and rebuilding of existing parking facilities;,* Stage 3 New Domestic / International Departures Terminal and Domestic Arrivals 112,000 sq. ft; Approximately 30,000 sq. ft of Asphalt Apron Rehabilitation; and Minor landside improvements Other components of the project include: Demolition Landscaping Apron Drive Bridges Elevators and Escalators Baggage and Building Systems A presentation will be held at 1 pm EST, October 21, 2008 In Salons I, II & III of the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas and will also review construction, safety/security and environmental requirements for the Airport Expansion Project. We look forward to seeing you there. extolled JE3ISS ROYAL FIDELITY R O SEVC C F A L"f < <.- 1. A X._ BIBX LISTED & TRADED BISCURITIES AS OF: FRIDAY. 26 SEPTEMBER 2008 BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: I CLOSE 1.837.16 I CHO 1.03 | %CHGO 0.0 I YTD -229.59 | YTO% -11.11 FINDEX: & CLOSE 078.90 I YTD% -7.68% I 2007 28.29% WWW BI1XBA9-IAMASE.OOM POFE MORfi DATA & INI'FRMAI'AAON *1E..:.rlji, Pre.ious Cinae Ta la s Cloe Crn. IDae1, 2*j EP' S ED I 83 4 ___ *0*a0 S '-.-- ls I ,1 1 00 >: I_:_ ,j .u 13 4 0 00'- 11 .HO 11 60 Bohms Property Fund 11.80 11.80 0.00 1.061 0.200 11.1 1.69% l1 1l 8.50 Bank of Bahamas 8.50 8.50 0.00 0.643 0.150 13.2 1.88% .0 'l0 0.5 Bonchlark 0.89 0.80 0.00 -0.877 0.020 N/M 2.25% 3. fI 3.40 BnhnmaS WVVste 3.49 3.49 0.00 0.209 0.090. 18.7 2.58% 2 70 .S 105 Fildolly -Bnn 2.37 2.37 0.00 0.055 0.040 43.1 1.69% 11 I, I 11 O CblI Bnhnmns 14.15 14.15 0.00 4.050 1.224 0.240 11.6 1.70% S1, 2 85 CoIlnr Holldings 2.86 2.85 0.00 0.118 0.040 24.2 1.40% 8 '. 41 BO Col.rnonwealth Bnnk (S1) 7.34 7.37 0.03 3.000 0.449 0.300 16.4 4.07% lI :. 2 ) Co0tItolldnted Wnflter BDRs 4.17 3.7 1 -0.46 0.122 0.052 30. 1.40% .0o 2 20 Doctor's Hospltt 2 2.7 2.77 0.00 0.258 0.040 10.8 1.44% 8 10 i,02 FnrgloUnrd 8.08 8.06 0.00 0.535 0.280 15.1 3.47% I Tl 12 ()O Inco 12.00 12.00 0.00 0.665 0.670 18.0 4.75% 14 1'- 11 54I FltICnrlb orn Bnnk 11.85 11.05 0.00 0.682 0.450 17.1 3.80% (1 10 0 .O Focol (S) 5.25 5.25 0.00 0.385 0.140 13.8 2.67% 1.00 1 00 Focol CIhs B Pr.feroce 1.00 1.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 N/M 0.00%. 1 00 0. 40 Frooport Concreteo 0.40 0.40 0.00 0.035 0.000 11.4 0.00% a 20 5 G0 ICD Utilities 8.20 8.20 0.00 0.407 0.300 20.1 3.01% 12 50 1 C0 J. S. Johlnon 12.00 12.00 0.00 1.023 0.820 11.7 6.17% 10 00 1000 Promlor Rool Estate 10.00 10.00 0.00 0.180 0-000 58.8 0.00% BISb LIBIed Debt Bacurities Bonds Traaa on a perontagL Prtaing bilal ,._.... .-.. .**- S ,,t.. La: S:olep D .., I,, 10. o3l P.l.lly 100 10o00 00 Fidelity Bnnk Note 22. (Series B) + FBB22 0.00 Prim -+ 175% 19 October. 2022 1000.00 1000 00 Fidelity Bank Note 13 (Series C) + FBB13 100.00 0.00 7% 30 May, 2013 S.. .. L,. r io i .es D. FBB1i 1..-0 .o.: 0 0 5 Pr.n.. i r, .'i. 01.1 20 15 Fiol lf Over-'Tho-Countfr iecurillB .. . .' I-- rB- Lly 11 o- EPS D I 0D 1.5 10 P EN v y._ b ..3.- 8 0 000 Cnrlbleaon Crosslngs (Pref) 6.00 6.25 6.00 0.000 0.480 N/M 7.80% o0 ;4 0 20 RND Iollingas .;* 3" *.* 40 0 15 :. 0G 1 C. 0-L- .25,6 0.00% COnlri Or.r-Tho-Counter Suourldws 411 4) ;1.00 ABDAB .11 _. .. 13 t-. 00 4 -1Z0 J 1 0 6.70% Id tiO 1,1 I00 D Inhmns Supoermarkets 14.60 15.60 14.00 1.180 0.900 13.4 8 16% S.',> 0 .tO RND 1HoldIng. 0 0 55 0 45 0 023 nr 000 N/M 0 00% BISX LIteda Mutulll uFunda 52-wk-1I U 2wk-Low Fund Nnme NAV YTD% Ln.t 12 Monthe ODiv YIlld% NAV Dt l 1 12(1 I 20652 Col-.n Bond Fund 1.3320 3.09% 5.27% 31-Jul-08 1 (12,109 ;1 n1n01J Col.i.nn MSI Proforrod Fund 3.0250 0.81% 4.78% 31-Aug-08 I 4, I I) I .1-44 Colinin Money Mnrkot Fund 1.4137 2.81% 4.21% 19-Sep-08 3 0*1n!) :i n/ I idelity B nhmrn G a I Fund 3.5807 -5.70% 5.40% 31-Aug-08 12.:-1l/0 1 1 I71 i FIdnllty P-Imo Incoon Fund 12.3870 3.80% 8.77% 31-Aug-08 I(1" 0(1()() 10()( 0000 CFAL lOloinl Bont FIund 100.0000 31-Dec-07 1o0) '(l 'l) 1 ,.ti; L IFAL GihIsl Equity Fund 100.9600 1.01% 1.01% 30-Jun-08 1 0000 1 0000 o o CAL Ilihl, Gindo B3ond Fund 1.0000 31-D0c-07 1d >000o( 1"'11', 1 Flllllv Illlul,0tlo il Itlvestlolt Fund 5.4075 -10.40% -10.40% 31-Auog-08 1 081.l I 0000 FGO I rCIn-hll Prlfotod IInrome F-und 1.0184 1.84% 1.84% 29-Auo-08 I )1 'l 1 0000 F0 1-lri tn, il Growth Fund 1.0112 1.12% 1.12% 20-At g 08 1 10172 1111 0000 1-G F nllInl Divrarfin d Fund i .* 172 1 721 1 T'2 J A,.g-0 Market TTrms , .' 1, ., l O ...... ........ ...l 11 *.. .. I 1 .. 1.. 1 ........ . .. ,..w\- iil i hI i llhI 1<..iio1 n {. 111 linrt *,.* Wtlln Dki 9 Duyylri prluc of Collr amil Flietllly 'i.'wh t ,,w i ....... i h we IrV |Ii n hii hn il 'i;' wliiikth MAk 5 Bolllig pirlaL of Colltm nil fidellly i .i.iy'> i :i., -il..iil ,e.Iy',k -w w ,ml(|" I ll-i-n for tll lly v iohein W eekl Vol. Tlndllj volktmo of tI prior wak i ;h, lrlt.i (.htll.II In hl.rllntI|lltll. [im r H llty tl tliy EPR $ A onom)mny- rpo d enam l per atim foi (I- last 12 m tha [>.nly Vail N lrnlimH tof inhtl lln ilin liinu -y .6L242C L Noh vn $1 Ooooo l I >1 L.AE- 1f. i r:F-AL. 242-i SL2- fr10 | FIDELITY 242-368- 1-7f74 | PC CAPITAL MARKETS 242-3DO-4000 I COLONIAL 242-502-i'821. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL BISX C 242-394-2503 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 5B THE TRIBUNE PAGE 6B, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 THE TRIBUNE 4AD Nassau Airport Development Company ' ~~': -ti'-. ~ TENDER C-114 Security Fencing Nassau Airport Development Company is pleased to announce the following tender associated with the expansion of the Lynden Pindling International Airport. The Security Fencing Package for Tender C-114 Supply and Installation of Security Fencing contract to include the following components: * Survey of security fence line location * Tree and site clearing along fence line; including onsite stock piling of cleared materials * Supply and installation of complete security fencing package including gates and signage as indicated. Tender Packages can be picked up after 1:00 pm, on Thursday, September 25th. Tender closing is Wednesday, October 8th at 1:00pm. There will be a Tender Briefing, Wednesday, October 1st. Please RSVP Traci Brisby by 1pm Tuesday, September 30th, for briefing location details. Mobilization: Tuesday, October 14th Completion: Friday, November 7th ConloCt: Trad Brisby Contract & Procurement Manager LPIA Expansion Project Ph: (242) 702-1086. Fax: (2421377.2117 P.O. Box AP 59229,Nassau. Bahamas email: tracl.brisby@nas.bs FROM page 1B summer side, many households live from pay cheque to pay cheque, thus leaving them ill- equipped to deal with possible breadwinner redundancies, low- er take-home pay and rising liv- ing costs. As for companies, those already too highly leveraged and experiencing cash flow problems, with too little capi- tal behind them, may well go out of business. Numerous firms are probably struggling now, squeezed between falling rev- enues and soaring energy and gas costs. "I'm not sure any of the busi- nesses here have this kind of experience in recent memory," Mr Kerr told Tribune Business. "So I'd suggest they get equipped as soon as possible. I EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Large private estate in Nassau seeking an Estate Manager capable of effectively managing the estate and supervising the household staff. Candidate must have a technical background to be able to maintain all equipment on the estate. Previous experience working with large private estate, small luxury hotel or embassy essential. Applications and resumes should include references from previous three employers. Send resume, certificates and references to: ESTATE MANAGER P. 0. BOX N-7776 (SLOT 193) NASSAU, BAHAMAS NOTICE Tenders are invited for the purchase of the following: "ALL THAT piece parcel or lot of land in the Subdivision called and known as "EASTWOOD" situated in the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence and being Lot Number Twenty (20). Situated thereon is a Single Family Residence with Four(4) Bedrooms and Two(2) Bathrooms Entry Foyer, Living Room, Dining Area, Family Room, Kitchen. Property Size: 9,000 Square Feet. This property is sold under our Power of Sale contained in a Mortgage dated 27th February 2006. All offers should be forwarded in writing in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Risk Manager P.O.Box N-3180, Nassau, Bahamas and marked "Private & Confidential". Bids addressed in the above manner may also be faxed to 394-0019. All offers must be received by the close of business 5:30pm, Friday, 31st October 2008. The right is reserved to reject any or all offers. don't thi equipped. trol costs, service. I of them are ;y need to con- ....prove customer "This is the time to apply financial discipline. Financial discipline is critical fuel usage in the car, power usage at home." Yet he warned of problems ahead for employees unlucky enough to be made redundant, and who did not have the per- sonal savings to ride out the potential economic storm. "In the event they're laid off, what are their options," Mr Kerr asked. "You don't have the kind of safety net that they have in the US. How many more cases like the Royal Oasis is the Govern- ment going to step into?" The Providence' Advisors chief warned that the Bahamas could not sit idly by and let events in the US and world economy simply run their course. "We've got to examine our cost structure," he added. "The operating costs for our hotels are too high, so it means our hotel rooms are too expen- sive. "We need to improve the cost structure, the productivity, all of which make it more viable for US tourists to come here. We also need to attract more long-haul tourists from Asia and Europe to come to the Bahamas. It's all connected. We no longer exist in a world by ourselves where external events no longer impact us." Michael Anderson, RoyalFi- delity Merchant Bank & Trust's president, agreed that 2009 was likely to be "a difficult year for the Bahamas", describing it as a "transition year" for this econ- omy as the US financial system worked through its problems and sought to move out of the current 'down' economic cycle. Emphasising that it was not all 'doom and gloom' from a Bahamian perspective, Mr Anderson said the pace and extent of economic recovery might well depend hugely on how the US government's financial system bail-out was received by the global markets. "If you look at it from a Bahamian context, I'd say there are two key issues for us," Mr Anderson added. "One is relat- ed to foreign direct investment, and one is related to tourism. They are the two key suppliers of foreign exchange for this country. "We've seen foreign direct investment taper off through- out this year, and projects at various stages didn't get going. There's no new development taking place in the islands, and foreign direct investment has slowed down from the start of this year and come to a virtual standstill because there is no credit available to these guys." Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighborhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story. ~7* RT. HON. HUBERT A. INGRAHAM PRIME MINISTER PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy, and physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, provides services to individuals and populations which enable them to develop, maintain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout their lifespan, especially in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors; AND WHEREAS, physical therapy, to the extent that it is also concerned with quality of life issues, actively seeks to promote the physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being of patients through programmes which emphasize injury prevention, treatment 4nd rehabilitation; AND WHEREAS, the process of rehabilitating patients, whether carried out in clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities or private homes, often requires involvement on the part of the wider community, and a significant level of interaction between physical therapists, patients, other health professionals, families, and care givers; AND WHEREAS, during the week of activities, The Bahamas Association of Physical Therapists proposes to increase public awareness of the extent to which physiotherapy services are available in The Bahamas, inform the public of the existence of The Bahamas Association of Physical Therapists, as well as the roles and functions of the organization, and increase membership in the Association by conducting a recruitment campaign amongst Physiotherapists across The Bahamas; NOW THEREFORE, I Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, do hereby proclaim the week beginning Sunday, 28th September and ending Saturday, 4th October, 2008 as "Physiotherapy Week". IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 10th day of September, 2008. Hubert A. Ingrahaom," PRIME MASTER i______!___ Tired of Being High GasBil 8 Let us do th work for you! di/ us for m0oe details 393- 0780 BUINS 2009 could be a 'real challenge' for Bahamas MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008, PAGE 7B THE TRIBUNE Private sector at 'wits end' on court problems FROM page 1B fidence" in this nation's court and judicial system. In what is likely to be inter- preted as thinly-veiled criticism of Bahamas Bar Association president Wayne Munroe, whc has attacked the Governmen- t's proposed plea bargaining reforms, Dionisio D'Aguilar told Tribune Business: "Here you're trying to take one step forward, and the lawyers in their usual manner find a rea- son why it can't happen. "We need to move forward on this [plea bargaining] issue, but it's the same old, same old." Describing the Bahamian court system as being "in col- lapse", Mr D'Aguilar, who is also Superwash's president, told Tribune Business that the Gov- ernment, and judiciary needed to find a way to deal with the minor cases that "take a minute to resolve" but had the system "bogged down". * He pointed to a visit madeby Florida legal officials to the Chamber earlier this year, where it was revealed that in the US some 80 per cent of cas- es filed were actually settled out of ,.ourt. Only 20 per cent went to court, unlike in the Bahamas, where the absence of formal- ized plea bargaining meant that virtually 100 per cent of cases went to court. "The business community is at its wits end with the court system," Mr D'Aguilar told Tri- bune Business. "The business community is so disappointed with the judicial system that we don't use it any more. We give up. There's no confidence and credibility in the system any e Chamber president Ad that "the thing that most frustrates me and the business community" is that the Bahamas had been run by lawyers since the days of Major- ity Rule and Independence, yet it appeared that no progress had been made in solving the judi- cial system's problems. And this'was despite some of the Bahamas' best and most- able attorneys holding the post of Attorney-General. Urging the authorities to apply a "laser focus" to the judi- cial system's problems, Mr D'Aguilar said that even when Bahamian companies caught staff and customers 'red-hand- ed' stealing, "nothing seems to happen to them". Unless they had plenty mon- ey and time, the Chamber pres- ident said companies simply never bothered prosecuting staff and customers for theft. If they did, he said they often endured a frustrating wait under the Fig Tree in Bank Lane waiting for the case to be called, which could be any time between 10am to 4pm. And, Mr D'Aguilar said, even if a suspect pleaded guilty to stealing, his experience and that Legal Notice NOTICE CARIGNAN ADVENTURES LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby gwien that the above named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 16th day of September 2008. The Liquidator is Argosa Corp. Inc., P. 0. Box N-7757 Nassau, Bahamas. ARGOSA CORP. INC. (Liquidator) Legal Notice NOTICE QUARTETTO LTD. /- Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, the dissolution of QUARTETTO LTD. has been completed; a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. ARGOSA CORP. INC. (Liquidator) Legal Notice NOTICE HIGH CYCLE LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that the above named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 12th day of September 2008. The Liquidator is Argosa Corp. Inc., P. 0. Box N-7757 Nassau, Bahamas. ARGOSA CORP. INC. (Liquidator) of other businessmen suggest- ed that the courts were usually . reluctant to apply the full force of the law. "They have no fear of going to jail," the Chamber president said of thieving customers and employees. "How can you expect people to be fearful of the law, fearful of the judicial system? "The Government has to fig- ure out a way to get plea bar- gaining up and running, arbi-, tration up and running, and get as many cases out of court as possible." Mr D'Aguilar said the Bahamas urgently needed a for- malized arbitration system to help resolve civil commercial disputes, such as contract con- troversies. "But nothing moves urgently when it comes to our legal system," the Chamber president said. "What is it that they don't - see? What more do we have to talk about? Either make the decision or not. It's this huge fear of changing the status quo. I don't know why, because . everyone knows the system's * not working. The PLP admits fO it, the FNM admits. It really is a pet peeve now. Solve the prob- lem." Legal Notice NOTICE ENHANCEMENT S.A. Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, the dissolution of ENHANCEMENT S.A. has been completed; a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. ARGOSA CORP. INC. (Liquidator) Bahamas Property Fund Limited Consolidated Income Statement For The Quarter Ended 30 June 2008 (Unaudited) Three Months Six Months Ended Ended 30 June 2008 30 June 2008 INCOME Rental revenues Other income 987,488 4,917 .992,405 OPERATING EXPENSES Bank Interest Preference share dividends Other expenses 286,195 371,258 657,453 FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO) Gain/(Loss) on revaluation Amortisation of deferred expenses Bad debt expense NET INCOME FFO PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE 334,952 (27,890) 307,062 $0.14 $0.13 $13.21 1,981,894 9,600 1.991.494 568,135 497,135 1,065,270 926,224 (56.488) 869,736 $0.38 $0.36 $13.21 Legal Notice NOTICE NIGELLA ENTERPRISES LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that the above named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 15th day of September 2008. The Liquidator is Argosa Corp. Inc., P. 0. Box N-7757 Nassau, Bahamas. ARGOSA CORP. INC. (Liquidator) Six Months Ended 30 June 2007 1,887,295 12,913 1,.900,208 520,023 161,356 681,379 1,218,829 (33,677) 1,185,152 $0.49 $ 2.56 M BUSINESS I PAGE 8B, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 P 1i li $A l S' P *) 4vf )t l" .iO.'1 VN. C .,t IAA' ) 'i RA.' IfPOi' 0 t1_M WMitWF4i Mr:W M A-'LONf 06,NANCi0 Ary'. 0iiP "Towards tMe Future: GIJbalization, f financing an. I Competitiveness" Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 and Friday, October 3rd, 2J08 8:30am-2:00pm I dependence Ballioom Bahurnas Business .rode Show Officiltly ( p.rs 2.0OpCrn un Friday V*)A* f.. i&, ThAsi v,'di,. sw,,pro .r t 3 .v, Irif 'o o* n eit' r worsii.>n KneKib< ituriitw.irf"i KEYNOTf'PRESENTATION -Oct. 2nd *Financing and Private Sector Development in The Bahpmas" Hon. ZhlvargaLalng4Ministeaof.Stare for Finance, Ministry of Finar.ce SESSION! I , MODERATORiOacac Spencer, Representative Inrer-Americah ,Development Bank. IADB Topic: "Report: Roadmap for Improving SME Competitiveness ;, Philippe Schneuwly, Consultant, Inter-Arherican Development Bank 'a,, SESSION II N, MODERATOR: I. Chester Coolqr, Hon. Treasurer, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce - 4,. Topic: "SME Challenge: Venture Financing" Edison Sumner, Bahamas Venture Capital Fund Darron Cash, Bahamas Development Bank Michael Anderson, Royal Fidelity Frank Davis, Bahamas Cooperative Credit League OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY Oct. 3rd MODERATOR: Philip Simon Executive Director, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce WELCOME REMARKS: Gershan Major Chairlierson, Globalization and Foreign Affairs Committee BCOC REMARKS/ INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dionislo D'Agullar, President. BCOC KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas VOTE OF THANKS: Yvette Sands, Co-Chair Globalization and Foreign Affqirs Committee, BCOC Director, BCOC "Realities of Economic Globalization and Small Island Developing States: Trade Negotiation and the Caribbean Reality" H.E. Henry Gill, Director-General Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) "Small States are by their nature weak and vulnerable...' MODERATOR: Honk Ferguson, BCOC.Consultant/ Economist Session A: "A Panel Discussion On Trade Agreements and Negotiations' John Delaney, Chairman. Bahamas Trade Commission A. Leonard Archer, Former Bahamas Ambassador to CARICOM Dave Kowlessar, Trade Consultant, Dykon Development Group Brian Moree, Senior Partner, McKinney Bancroft & Hughes "Caribbean Economies in an Era of Free Trade" Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism S*giomSarwflf | 1Orw Business Attire ~iAgke.: $50.00 per Person I Valet Service Available * By CARA BRENNEN- BETHEL Tribune Business Reporter THE Bahamas needs to implement a greater level of environmental responsibility in its planning and development, the minister of the environment said. Speaking on the topic Sus- tainable Management of the Natural Resource Environment of the Bahamas at the 2008 Abaco Business Outlook, Dr Earl Deveaux, said it was a challenge to build and sustain marinas, while at the same time ensuring the environment is not adversely impacted. He said there had not been sufficient development of eco- tourism in the Bahamas, and added: "We need to exploit our shallow water resources and outdoor tourism." Further, the minister noted that the environment must always underpin the level of investment and development which occurs in the Bahamas. Dr Deveaux said there was a need for Bahamians to be stew- ards of their environment, and added that the Town Planning Act needed to be revamped to ensure that whole communities are built with environmental tools, such as smart meters and alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, Roscoe Thomp- son, manager of the Abaco Shopping Centre, expressed concern about the current state of Abaco's landfill, waste treat- ment centre, litter and crime level. While the majority of busi- ness is centred in Marsh Har- bour, Mr Thompson said he would like to see business expand to other settlements and areas. He added that he would love to see a tourism-based centre of activity similar to what is offered at Arawak Cay's Fish Fry in Nassau. And he pointed out that based on economic activity, Abaco and Marsh Harbour was truly the country's second city. "A lot of development is tak- ing place, but it needs to be planned," Mr Thompson said. Resort chain keen on two hotels in one Family Island FROM page 1B Founders Programme, target- ing potential clients interested in acquiring the project's beach- front lots that are priced at $1 million. "We got off to a delayed start," Mr Mittens told Tribune Business on the Founders Pro- gramme. "It's not been as good as hoped for, but we've got a few sales trickling through and will build a few homes. It's a really aggressive programme, and we did it to stimulate eco- nomic activity in a particular area of Rum Cay." The Montana Holdings chair- man said real estate sales chan- nels were slow throughout the world, including in the US, UK and Canada. He added, though, that the Rum Cay Resort Marina's mari- na would be the first compo- nent to be completed once the project got back up to full con- struction speed, due to the demands of potential financiers. "The marina is on hold," Mr Mittens confirmed. "The peo- ples closest to closing on the financing [for us], they want that, marina finished. That will be our priority once we get back into our stride." He added that Montana Holdings' financial plans had become "financing led, rather than marketing led" because the potential financiers the com- pany had taken down to tour Rum Cay wanted completed physical assets and infrastruc- ture to attach as security for their loans, rather than proper ty earmarked for lot sales. Meanwhile, Mr Mittens said Montana Holdings had to hire a second contractor to complete the marina dredging and build one of its man-made islands after running into a dispute over the first contract. "We did a fixed price, fixed duration contract and hit rock," Mr Mittens said of Montana's relationship with the first mari- 4na contractor. "They eventual- ly came back and said they would not do it for that price. They wanted a 115 per cent increase." Montana Holdings is now in discussions with the insurance company that put up - the performance bond for the first marina contractor. PI I- ~M~w^O^At,,,fi,:,, ,,, ...jay~fw vt)Ws -. 79 'f l >W rf ',;, ^lr PKIfrf T t'r - ,*&,: ./ ,^^C7f.". 'M t ' ", "' l/" ll'-" "W M .' l.''.' :-W l lHf. ..: W im". : *] ''',- '" *.' .1 '""' ' *'iiiaf j ".'. ", rW .... A741 ofetswga9^ ^ldeaplal TiA"gl ptc A.adaDa"Mm And" Disi8iat)W aSd lfaiSS5Ildg sadpls ^ IkEilasydaMwtb^alillitupi aggeaatiitat **flei A lka^ geg i?^. ' , ftmm iaa ^M lt^.ln, *erift if)N(^^^<(te^^|p^ Vjiffi dteaiagw ttttiy sfte ,* aai fesWaf*tetaftt i &i(fi DENIM DAY OCTOBER 3,2008 Lee National Denim Day gi.'es us the chance to celebrate the ;ies of "hse ..ho hM e been touched by breast cancer. 'rour donation will go furtherr than, ever, it may go all the .'.0a to finding a cure for breast cancer. Here is your chance to join British American Financial in doing sornetheng psiti .te. Support The Cancer Society of The Bahamas and! The Sister. Sister Breast Cancer support Group. \ British OlAmericau 2 t N 2 N C 4 9 242-328-8996 i 242-328-8994 at * a mAi-r aig Mf& Pam Burnside . 1. I I THE TRIBUNE Better environmental planning is required R" ;'1 -" .- 41a |