| 13th July , 2014 Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com |
|
| IGUANAS DIED AFTER RETURNING HOME | |
| JOHN KERRY CONGRATULATES THE BAHAMAS | |
Interesting Places... |
|
Bahamasuncensored.com
Compiled, edited and constructed by Russell Dames... Updated every Sunday at 2 p.m.
Volume 15 © BahamasUncensored.com 2014
| 13th July , 2014 Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com |
|
| IGUANAS DIED AFTER RETURNING HOME | |
| JOHN KERRY CONGRATULATES THE BAHAMAS | |
Interesting Places... |
|
Bahamasuncensored Search Feature
|
|
SHE IS OUR QUEEN: it was such an exciting week with so many exciting pictures of exciting people. Undoubtedly however a photo of the week had to surround the passage of one Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes to another Dame Marguerite Pindling on 8th July. And then the question was which photo: he inspecting the guard for the last time, she inspecting for the first time or she at the Independence Celebrations. We chose Dame Marguerite Pindling, who has earned the job in her own right, and the photo of the week is that of her hosting the state reception for independence at Government House, her new home as the country’s 11th Governor General. The photo is by Peter Ramsay of the Bahamas Information Services.
|
COMMENT OF THE WEEK
 |
Prime Minister Perry Christie bows to the new Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling at Government House just after she was sworn in as Governor General. The Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett and Lady Barnett look on. The photo is by Peter Ramsay of the Bahamas Information Services. |
Marguerite Pindling had one helluva year in 1956. She was a photographer’s assistant for Stanley Toogood and a short dark man from East Street won her heart. They married that year. He described her as a Princess. That same year he ran for office and won a seat for the Southern District where they lived with her in laws. She heard the noise of the victory but had no idea what it was all about. For the next 40 something years that act plunged her into a whirlwind of political activity and change, and catapulted her onto the front stage as a symbol of liberation for the women of The Bahamas; the wife of Lynden Pindling, the founder of the modern Bahamas.
It took time for the role to mature but 11 years after that marriage and election to Parliament, Lynden Pindling was Premier and she was his consort. Suddenly the women of The Bahamas wanted to be like her, the brown skinned barefoot girl from Andros had arrived. Dame Doris Johnson gave her elocution lessons. She became the pacesetter for style, grace and charm. She carried motherhood into office with the birth of their last child Monique who grew into her adulthood as the daughter of first the man in the land.
Lynden Pindling died in 2000, leaving Marguerite Pindling a widow with grown children and a vacuum. What was she to do? She worked in her civic causes. She wrote a book. However, she came into her own with the campaign of 2012. She rallied the troops. She kept saying that it had to be done for Pindling. The grandparents, great grandparents of the PLP rallied around her and mobilized their grandchildren in favour of the PLP. She spoke from the platforms and encouraged the support. It was during that time that the whispers began that one day she could be the Governor General.
Fast forward to the year 2104 and 8th July, on the eve of Independence Day, our 41st anniversary and nearly 14 years after Pindling's death, Marguerite Pindling, a knighthood in her own right, is now at the top of the heap. As she was sworn in as the nation’s 11th Governor General, Dame Marguerite said that she would unite the nation. The Prime Minister said that all of her predecessors had come from politics and been able to put it behind them when they came into the office. He said he had no doubt that she would be able to do the same. Even the curmudgeons who run the Free National Movement issued a statement welcoming the appointment.
Outside of Government House, the crowds gathered as the new Governor General for the first time, inspected the honour guard. As she walked down the ranks, Marguerite Pindling showed that she had arrived. This time not as the consort of anyone but in her own right. We congratulate her. The crowd whispered: “she is our Queen”.
Number of hits for the week ending Saturday 12th July 2014 up to midnight:176,667;
Number of hits for the month of July up to Saturday 12 th July 2014 up midnight:251,180;
Number of hits for the year 2014 up to Saturday 12th July 2014 up to midnight:4,761,486.
Cecil Newry responds to Leslie Miller who claimed that people criticizing his behavior as head of BEC are psychos. You gatta love this guy:
Sad to say, I am one of those psychos that Leslie Miller was talking about that exists on social media; I had said he had a generator running during the island wide black out. I was wrong, subsequently I do apologize wholeheartedly. Mr. Miller in a recent interview revealed that (even though he is rich and can afford to buy the best generator money can buy, even during these tough economic times), he had decided from long time to sweat like the rest of us when the lights goes off. Why? So he too can experience hell like the rest of us. I am in deed grateful for Mr. Miller's gesture; more so I find that idiom true that when one is going through hell, its best when you have company.
There is a new Governor General. There was pomp and pageantry to mark the transition. Sir Arthur hosting a farewell at Government House, then inspecting the guard for the final time on 8th July. Dame Marguerite being sworn in and then inspecting the guard for the first time.
The photos are by Peter Ramsay of the Bahamas Information Services.
BRENT SYMONETTE CLIMBS OUT FROM UNDER HIS ROCK
The following statement was issued by Fred Mitchell MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in response to Brent Symonette former Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Minister accusing the present Minister of “grandstanding” because of the way he has dealt with the crisis on the alleged spying by the United States on Bahamian mobile phone calls.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESPONDING TO BRENT SYMONETTE
8th July 2014
I once told Brent Symonette the former Deputy Prime Minister to climb back under the rock from which he came. I renew that call today. He has accused me in this morning's Tribune of "grandstanding" because I am standing up for The Bahamas. Here we go again with this nastiness.
There is a difference between the policy of the FNM and the PLP when it comes to the defence of The Bahamas and our foreign policy. The FNM and its spokesmen only see the case of the other country, not the case for The Bahamas. The FNM 's foreign policy supports silence, stupidity, and obsequiousness and apologetic behavior. The PLP stands up for The Bahamas. One day the FNM will grow a spine and stand up for Bahamians.
Substantively on the matter of the NSA spying allegations, The Bahamas is doing its own work and what we do about it will have nothing to do with whether or not the Americans answer our reasonable request. The fact is a spokesman for an honourable country the United States Of America, made a promise to provide an explanation. Honourable countries are expected to do honourable things. Since the United States is an honourable country, I and Bahamians have every right to expect that the United States will in these circumstances do the honourable thing.
|
FNM CONGRATULATES DAME MARGUERITE
From the Office of the Chairman, Darron B. Cash
The FNM Congratulates Dame Marguerite Pindling on her appointment!
The New Governor General’s commitment to promote unity is welcomed.
The Free National Movement extends warmest congratulations to Dame Marguerite Pindling on the occasion of her appointment to the high office of Governor General. Dame Marguerite assumes her position as our Country’s Head of State at a time when the nation is highly charged and politically divided.
The FNM is greatly encouraged by the new Governor General’s stated pledge to promote unity and harmony. In that regard, she will be continuing the work of her predecessor, Sir Arthur Foulkes, and that continued commitment to unifying the country should produce important benefit for all Bahamians.
The FNM will join Bahamians everywhere in praying for Dame Marguerite’s success.
|
At Clifford Park, the Prime Minister and Mrs. Christie, the Governor General Dame Marguerite and Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mrs. Davis.
At Clifford Park, the Leader of the Opposition Hubert Minnis and Senator Carl Bethel 9th July.
Bahamians have set a new world record, duly certified by the Guinness Book of World Records for most conch shells blown at the same time. The event occurred 9th July 2014 with a Guinness Book judge on hand to confirm it. Thank you to Chris Justullien for organizing the event to mark the nation’s birthday.
The photo shows Fred Mitchell MP in Georgetown, Exuma for his annual visit to Exuma for the independence of The Bahamas. Mr. Mitchell has been coming to Exuma for that occasion since 1998. He took the salute and inspected the guard of honour for the occasion on the eve of the 41st anniversary on 9th July just before midnight. The guard of honour was drawn up by Assistant Superintendent Sands of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
NEW CHIEF COUNCILLOR IN GRAND BAHAMA
The Grand Bahama Independence Committee has honored newly elected Chief Councillor for Grand Bahama Nevar Smith and to his friends who joined him for the photos Kyle Maycock and Bruce Russell.
THE CULTURAL WARRIORS ARE HONOURED
(Ronnie Brought To Tears)
Prime Minister Perry Christie and Sports Minister share a joke with Ronnie Butler, the musician, at the 41 CULTURAL Icons Ceremony on Tuesday 8th July at Pompey Square. Forty one Bahamians were honoured for their contribution to the culture of the country as part of the nation’s 41st birthday celebrations. Congratulations to them all. Our photos also show Ray Munnings, Berkley “ Peanuts” Taylor, John “ Chippie” Chipman; then the PM and the Minister with icon of music Ronnie Butler; and then Ronnie Butler; then Ronnie Butler with Count Bernadino
THE WORK OF THE MISSIONS ABROAD
London
( Government announcement that three iguanas have died)
Wednesday, July 9th, 2014
London, England - A collaborative effort between The Bahamas government, UK Border Force and British Airways led to The Bahamas’ 12 San Salvador Rock Iguanas being returned home on July 9th, 2014 at The Lynden Pindling International Airport. The rare Iguanas, part of an endangered species which comes under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), will travel onto San Salvador on Thursday where only a few hundred remain.
On February 3rd, the Iguanas were found by UK Border Force officers on at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5; two women were charged in connection with the matter.
The Bahamas government and UK officials see the repatriation as a huge success as these critically endangered animals will now be returned to their indigenous habitat. Minister of The Environment and Housing, The Honourable Kenred Dorsett stated that the Iguanas not only play a critical role in the ecosystem services they provide but that they are vital to maintaining biological diversity and important elements in providing sustainable livelihoods in rural communities in the islands they live on in The Bahamas.
“The Bahamas is extremely pleased that in this particular case, it was a combination of happenstance and a coordinated effort between all countries involved, including the country from which the animal is taken from the wild, the countries through which they are taken and the destination countries where they are sold, is essential to address the problem using all tools including international wildlife conservation agreements such as CITES and enforcement agencies, such as Interpol.
We thank the government of the UK for their excellent cooperation as they have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the successful repatriation of these animals and we look forward to working with other countries as well as local, regional and international NGOs to address the challenge,” said Minister Dorsett.
Head of the Border Force CITES team Grant Miller stated that Border Force takes its role in preventing illegal wildlife trafficking very seriously. Mr. Miller explained that the rarity of this particular species made this an incredibly significant seizure as the Iguanas are critically endangered and in effect priceless.
“We were in contact with the Bahamas High Commission in London from an early stage and straight away it became clear that getting them back to their natural habitat was going to be really important. Arranging the repatriation of such rare animals is complex and sensitive, but I’m delighted that through our close work with the Bahamian authorities, British Airways, the City of London Corporation and other partners we have succeeded.
Not only has Border Force made sure that the criminals responsible for smuggling these animals are behind bars, we’re also proud to have been able to play a part in safeguarding the future of this iconic species,” stated Mr. Miller.
Partners at British Airways came on board in this success story by transporting Iguanas to The Bahamas in an effort to return them to their habitat. The British Airways flight BA253 to Nassau was flown by Captain Al Matthews who said, “Naturally, all of our customers are special, but despite having flown Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family, these iguanas are by far the most unusual. You don't expect to share your cabin with incredibly rare reptiles. However, I can confirm all the iguanas were securely stored throughout the flight and had the most comfortable journey possible.”
On the British Airways BA253 flight, the Iguanas were accompanied by two UK Border Force officers from London Heathrow Airport to Nassau. At The Lynden Pindling International Airport, the Iguanas were received by The Bahamas Environmental Science and Technology Commission along with environmental stakeholders including The Bahamas National Trust and The Nature Conservancy. The BBC accompanied the Iguanas and will be completing a documentary on the journey of the Iguanas and why these Bahamian animals are so special to the ecosystem of The Bahamas.
IGUANAS DIED AFTER RETURNING HOME
|
|
Nassau, Bahamas – On Wednesday, July 9th, The Bahamas successfully repatriated 12 Rock Iguanas that were taken from the country back in February of this year. The animals were transported back to New Providence with the aid of the UK Border Force and British Airways. After arriving in New Providence, the Iguanas were then transported to the Gerace Research Centre in San Salvador.
Upon arrival, the animals were removed from the packing material and assessed to be in good condition. The animals were regularly monitored. On the morning of the July 10th, the animals were observed and found to be in good condition. Unfortunately, on the evening of July 10th three of the iguanas appeared to be unresponsive. Despite best efforts, three of the iguanas died. The remaining nine animals are readjusting well. The incidence of mortality associated with smuggling and repatriation is unavoidable. There could be many reasons for the demise of the animals after their return to The Bahamas. The Ministry will work with experts to arrange for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
The Bahamas Government and The Ministry of Environment and Housing reiterates its thanks to the UK Border Force, British Airways, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Bahamas National Trust, The Gerace Research Centre of The College of The Bahamas, and all others involved in the repatriation of this endangered, endemic species.
We will keep the public informed as the situation develops.
JOHN KERRY CONGRATULATES THE BAHAMAS
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on your 41st anniversary of independence.
We value The Bahamas as our longtime partner and friend. Our robust security cooperation continues to improve security for citizens of both our countries, and our bilateral relationship stands strong as we work to spur economic development, promote social equity, combat HIV/AIDS, and promote a clean and secure energy future in our region.
We celebrate with The Bahamas, a nation rich with the beauty and excitement of Junkanoo, Goombay celebrations, and regattas.
It generously shares its hospitality, scenic beaches, and wonderful climate with the world, as demonstrated in May, when it successfully hosted the world-class 2014 IAAF World Relays.
As Bahamians across the country’s 700 islands and cays and around the world observe the anniversary of their peaceful journey to nationhood, let it be known that the United States is committed to friendship and cooperation between our nations.
The United States stands with The Bahamas today, pressing onward, marching together, to a common, loftier goal.
May peace, joy, safety and prosperity be plentiful in the years ahead in this most beautiful Bahamaland.
|
|
Kelly Burrows Doesn’t Like Emera’s Behavior
Dear. Editor.
I am appalled with the behavior of EMERA. A GUEST, in this country in disconnecting all the schools electricity on Grand Bahama. And I am told they took out the meters from a few of the schools.
I am in total agreement with the Prime Minister’s comments on this matter, as should all thinking Bahamians, it has nothing to do with your politics. We are Bahamians, they have gone too far.
Notwithstanding, the fact of the Government’s tardiness in ignoring an 8 months outstanding bill, what else is new? And. The Director Mr. Lionel Sands assertion that they never got a bill is all (Tommy Rot) talk.
Their overcharging of the populace is a burden as is, in an already hurting society, but, to take such draconian measures is unbelievable.
The total disrespect shown to the Government, and the people of the Bahamas, from a so called Corporate Citizen, who are here as (BOARDERS), reaping benefits in this country, should not be allowed. I am certain with a little effort, some dialogue could have taken place with those concerned. What are their motives?
In my opinion, whoever gave the directive for such a ghastly decision, should be escorted off this Island, and asked to leave forthwith.
Do you think, that would of happen under Sir Lynden Pindling, or a Hubert Ingraham’s Administration I think not?
Kelly D. Burrows
Freeport Grand Bahama
P.O. Box F4-2977
Mitchell In Long Island
Fred Mitchell, the MP for Fox Hill and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid his annual Independence visit to Long Island. He made stops in Clarence Town to visit with Ellis Major at his amazing Harbour View Resort and then hosted a dinner at Captain Mario Simms’ Blue Chip Restaurant in Simms, Long Island on 11th July.
What Ingraham Had To Say?
The scene was Government House on the evening of the departure of Sir Arthur Foulkes as Governor General. Hubert Ingraham the former Prime Minister walks up to Fred Mitchell, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and says the following: “Mitchell, your fucking budget debate is not going to stop from coming back. I am coming back and I gonna defeat your fucking ass. We gatta get rid of the PLP . The PLP is doing too much shit.” “Good” says Mr. Mitchell, “the genie is out of the bottle, come!” Mr. Ingraham as he leaves taps Mr. Mitchell on the shoulder: “ I’m just joking I'm not coming back”. Things that make you go hmmm!
Fogging For Mosquitos ( nine new cases are said to be suspected)
The first confirmed case of chikungunya , the fever which is spread by mosquitoes was announced by the Bahamas Ministry of Health. However, reports have reached this site that within the last 48 hours a visit to a Haitian village in New Providence has revealed nine new cases. This has been denied and it is said that it is not chikungunya but dengue. The victims did not go to the hospital but one. Tests are being done in Trinidad of specimens to determine the diagnosis. The question that is raised now is whether or not we are taking this sufficiently seriously given the importance to this country of tourism. If word gets out of an epidemic here, the tourist figures will tank. We must act quickly to get rid of these mosquitoes. The government also announced that fogging exercises have commenced beginning in the western New Providence and continuing throughout the island and aggressive spraying is said to be ongoing throughout the country. Bahamas Press showed this fogger at work.
Two Popes At Prayer
There are two Popes as you know. One is active, the other retired. Argentina is to meet Germany in the World Cub, soccer final later today. The question is who do they support, one of them being Argentinian and the other being German. The lampooners had their thoughts in this photo we show below.
Junkanoo Rushout
To mark the anniversary of our independence there was a Junkanoo Rushout on the morning of 10th July. Candia Dames who runs the Nassau Guardian posted this view of the Valley Boys on her Facebook page.
Keyshan Gets The PM’s Attention
(photo by Peter Ramsay)
We have said time and again that this man is brilliant, a genius. We are talking about Kishan Munroe whose exhibition Swan Song Of The Flamingo is now mounted in the lobby of the Senate, thanks to the President of the Senate Mrs. Sharon Wilson. On Tuesday 8th July, the Prime Minister opened the exhibition. The work is amazing, a tribute to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and all the work that they do to make our country safe. The paintings in oversize reprise the sinking of the HMBS Flamingo in waters off Ragged Island by Cuban MIGS on 10th May 1080. Four marines lost their lives in that tragic event for which Cuba formally apologized.
Foulkes Pleased But Relieved
Sir Arthur and Lady Joan Foulkes are now comfortably ensconced in their private residence since demitting the office of Governor General on Tuesday 7th July. His final address was a masterpiece in well-crafted state rhetoric. Congratulations on a job very well done sir. Sir Arthur is said to have been pleased at his time at Government House but relieved that the period of service is over and the weight of office is off is shoulders.
The Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Education Convention
There is said to be an issue brewing which may lead to the breakup of the largest Baptist group in the country. The Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Education Convention which is the supra body of all Baptists in The Bahamas may be headed for schism. The recent reelection of William Thompson as head of the Mission has led to the opening up of fracture lines. The first crack was that of Anthony Carroll of Antioch Baptist who was unceremoniously removed before his time as the head openly attacked his successor Rev. Thompson. The action of Rev. Carroll’s removal upset the St. John's Native Baptist Church part of the mission. Then in the recent decision on a successor to the First Baptist Church of former pastor Earle Francis, there was dissatisfaction with how that was handled. This upset the Union Baptists. This has led reportedly to a letter being written which says that the Salem Union Baptists may be withdrawing their support for the Convention. There are four main groups in the Convention: Salem Union, Bethel Baptist Union, St John's Native Baptist’s and Zion Baptist. Watch this space. Rev. Thompson is said to be a strong as a monkey's tail, unmovable, always abiding in the Lord.
PM In Exuma
The photo shows Fred Mitchell MP in Georgetown, Exuma for his annual visit to Exuma for the independence of The Bahamas. Mr. Mitchell has been coming to Exuma for that occasion since 1998. He took the salute and inspected the guard of honour for the occasion on the eve of the 41st anniversary on 9th July just before midnight. The guard of honour was drawn up by Assistant Superintendent Bradley Sands of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
LeBron Returns To Cleveland
This man LeBron James, the lead figure for the past four years at the Miami Heat National Basketball Team and winner of two championship rings, is a quiet and troubled figure. After leaving his home state’s Cleveland Cavaliers, and going to Miami in a huge row with his former team, and all kinds of bad publicity, and now after losing the most recent championship games cramping up in the first one and many people seeing him as a cry baby and spoil sport, he has announced he is quitting Miami and returning to barren Cleveland. Oh boy. Strikes you as unstable but most say its home sickness. Even rich athletes can have that disease.
New Charge For The United States In The Bahamas
The Tribune reports that LISA Johnson has assumed her duties as Charg� d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nassau this week, following John Dinkelman into the role. Her last post was as director of the Office of Africa and the Middle East in the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Ms Johnson has also served in the Office of the Vice President as senior advisor for South and Central Asia and earlier assignments included deputy director of the State Department’s Office of Canadian Affairs and director for Middle
East Affairs at the National Security Council.
She has been posted overseas at US embassies in Beirut, Islamabad, Luanda and Pretoria, and was seconded to the Private Office of the Secretary General of NATO in Brussels.
Neda Brown has taken up her role as the Embassy’s acting deputy chief of mission. Ms Brown joined the US diplomatic corps in 2003 and has served as a media relations officer at the Foreign Press Centre in New York City, under President Obama at the White House Situation Room, and at the State Department’s Operations Centre.
Previous Columns
