sports: inaugural bimini junior junkanoo...

THE NEWEST LOCALLY PRODUCED NEWSPAPER FOR THE ISLAND OF BIMINI, SERVICING THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

INSIDE: GG IN BIMINIThe Bimini Times

242-376-9907P.O. Box N8208

New Providence, Bahamas

“MONKEY BUSINESS”The photo that shook Americanpolitics - and the Biminite who

shot it. SEE PAGE 10

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Volume 1, Issue 8 www.BiminiTimes242.com May 15, 2015

Mariah Carey visits Bimini

SPORTS: Youn g s t e rbrings talentin classroomand on fieldPAGE 9

INAUGURAL BIMINI JUNIOR JUNKANOO PARADEHAILED A MAJOR SUCCESS

The first annual Bimini JuniorJunkanoo Parade presented by ResortsWorld Bimini (RWB) was a tremendoussuccess, so much so that the organizers ofthe event are beaming with pride that theparade was so well received.

A large crowd of locals and visi-tors alike gathered at the Bayfront Park inNorth Bimini for the parade which featuredscores of the island’s children – frompreschoolers all the way up to teens – dis-playing remarkable skills in drumming,cow belling, dancing and more.

Three groups performed duringthe parade namely, the Bimini Stars (PreSchool) who presented the theme BiminiUnder the Sea; the Bimini Pacers (Primary)who rushed under the theme Back in theDay with Fashion and Music; and Bimini’sFinest (Secondary), whose theme wasComin’ From Africa.

The children, who had been prac-

ticing for months, performedmasterfully with goat skindrums, cowbells, whistles,horns, and scrapers, producingpulsating rhythms to which thedancers energetically per-formed.

RWB General Man-ager Ray Valentino said the re-sort welcomed the opportunityto support such an importantevent.

“We understand theprevalence of Junkanoo in Ba-hamian culture,” he said. “You cannot havea major celebration here on the island with-out a junkanoo parade, which our guests al-ways thoroughly enjoy. By sponsoring theJunior Junkanoo parade, we are helping toensure that this wonderful tradition contin-ues for generations to come.”

The Bimini Junior Junkanoo pa-

rade judging system was unlike those of itscounterparts on other islands. As opposedto schools competing against each other fortop prizes, the groups were made up of stu-dents from multiple schools, and awardswere handed out to individual junkanooersfrom each age group. SEE ‘JUNKANOO’.PAGE 10

THE LEGEND LIVESUp close and personal withfamed boater Ansil Saunders

INSIDE this issueEditorial......................................... 2Crime ............................................. 4 Sports............................................. 9Bimini Scenes............................... 12

Ansil Saunders has lived longenough to see the island he stillcalls Home literally transformedfrom a fishing village to a highend resort destination in the Ba-hamas.

He has spent much of his 82years as a fishing guide to the richand famous, a boat builder andprofessional bon fisherman. Heproudly wears the crown as theBone Fishing Legend of theWorld. SEE PAGE 11

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PHOTOS! PHOTOS! PHOTOS! PAGE SIX

Resorts WorldBimini has announcedthe opening of PhaseOne of the new Hiltonat Resorts World Bi-mini.

The guestroomsare now complete andare bookable onwww.hilton.com witha special introductoryrate from $139 pernight, which includesa round trip cruise transfer from Port Miami via the resort’s dedicatedcruise ship, Bimini SuperFast. Kids aged 17 and under sail and stayfree*.

Guests may also begin earning and redeeming HiltonHHonors® points.

“We are proudly welcoming guests to the new Hilton at ResortsWorld Bimini, in advance of our busy summer season,” said Ed Far-rell, president, Resorts World Bimini. “Bimini is a popular destina-tion for families and individuals alike – the proximity to Miami andconvenient travel by Bimini SuperFast makes for a convenient andquick getaway for a weekend or even a longer vacation experience.”

Resorts World Bimini is an expansive resort that extends farbeyond the walls of Hilton at Resorts World Bimini. Located onNorth Bimini Island in the Bahamas, it is just 50 miles off of theSouth Florida coast. The resort’s dedicated cruise ship, Bimini Su-

perFast, offersround-trip cruisesfrom Port Miamithree days a week.Passengers have achoice of staying incabins onboard Bi-mini SuperFast, inthe Hilton at ResortsWorld Bimini or inone- or two-bed-room condos on theresort property.

Guests at the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini can enjoy multiplerestaurants and bars, trendy boutiques, water sports and a world classcasino – the first in the world with water and marina views. The10,000-square-foot casino features live-action table gaming such asroulette, craps, blackjack and baccarat, as well as the latest slots anda full service sports book. The property also boasts the largest marinacomplex in the Bahamas with two marinas – Fisherman’s VillageMarina (136 slips) and the Mega Yacht Marina (94 slips) – conve-niently located at the center of the resort.

Phase Two of Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is scheduled toopen in the Fall of 2015 and will include an expansive lobby levelspace with several food and beverage outlets, lounge seating and apiano bar, a rooftop entertainment and amenity area with a stunningpool servicing a private VIP Lounge, a state-of-the art spa and fitnesscenter as well as conference and meeting space.

Hilton Resorts hotel opens in Bimini

LETTERS TO THE EDITORMAY 15, 2015THE BIMINI TIMES

Dear Editor,

Thank you for allowing me a space inyour newspaper. I am a retired medicaldoctor, who has been providing my serv-ices to the people of the island for manyyears. I have been cautiously optimisticabout the prospects for employment of theyoung people on the island. " The islandof Bimini is improving . There is more todo, more places to go but many of the Bi-mini people are left out. Maybe it's be-cause of the lack of education and trainingbecause most of the jobs going to youngpeople who are non Biminite.

Bimini is the easiest place in theworld to live. I lived in Freeport GrandBahama Bahama for a while. In Freeport,people need to have to work to live. But inBimini, you really don't need money tolive because most of the people live intheir own homes even if many of them arewithout electricity." But despite this fact iwould like tobsee people in Bimini getmore jobs at Resorts World Bimini.

Dr. Paul Duncombe

Dear Editor,

Thank you for allowing me a space inyour newspaper.The amenities at ResortsWorld Bimini will certainly bring addi-tional revenue to boost the economy ofBimini. The project should encourage thepeople of Bimini, especially the youngpeople, to seek out enterprising opportu-nities as a direct result of the new and in-novative project.

Because of Resorts World Bimini, theisland has gone to another level and i amamazed because of the things have grownout themselves. It has created a need formore people to get into business for them-selves. Bimini needs more taxis, more na-tive restaurants and more entertainment.

Hylan Smith

Dear Editor,

Thank you for allowing me space inyour newspaper.I have collected and stud-ies historic artifacts and events in Biminihistory and culture for many years. I amkeen and curious to see what changes willbe brought on this quaint island by ResortsWorld Bimini. I am looking forward to theowners and operators of Resorts World Bi-mini ensuring that the visitors experienceentail a journey down memory lane, espe-cially at the Dolphin House Museum andGift Shop.

I am waiting for the hotel to be com-pleted at Resorts World Bimini so that thestop-over visitors can be brought by taxidirectly to the Dolphin House as a majorfeature to what Bimini has to offer.

Its a good project. It provides an op-portunity for many people to make a day'sliving. Our history has been one of smug-gling from Black Beard's era with outlawsand pirates. Now its time for people towalk into a bank with a cheque earned. Itprovides that opportunity,especially toyoung people.

Ashley Saunders.

On May 15, new security measures will be imple-mented at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau that are ex-pected to impact the U.S. visa application process. Tobetter streamline security screening, the U.S. Embassywill no longer provide storage services for restrictedarticles that are not allowed to be brought into thebuilding. Under the new regulations, U.S. visa appli-cants who arrive at the U.S. Embassy carrying re-stricted items will be refused entry and risk missingtheir visa appointments.

Restricted articles include electronic devices suchas mobile phones, car alarm remotes, tablets, MP3players, notebook computers, headsets and any devicewith a power plug or battery. Other items not permittedinclude cigarettes, lighters, matches and any article thatcould be used as a weapon.

“Although this new security protocol may be an in-convenience during the initial stages of implementa-tion, it will eventually streamline the security screeningprocess and provide for speedier entrance and exit fromthe embassy,” said Consular Chief Nathan Hara. “Inthis way, we will be able to reduce wait times whileserving more customers during the busy summer vaca-tion travel season ahead.”

A list of restricted articles that cannot be broughtin to the U.S. Embassy can be found athttp://nassau.usembassy.gov/restrictedarticles.html.For more details about how to apply for a U.S. nonim-migrant visa, go to http://nassau.usembassy.gov/proce-duresapply.html.

New Security Measures at U.S. Embassy Expected to Impact U.S. Visa Applicants

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Mar-guerite Pindling visited Bimini on Friday, March 27,after a short visit to the Berry Islands.

In Bimini, Governor General Dame Margueriteand Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament forWest Grand Bahama and Bimini the Hon. Obie Wilch-combe met students and faculty of Louise McDonaldHigh School and Gateway Christian Academy.

Dame Marguerite participated in the Planting of aYellow Elder tree, a Tour of Louise McDonald HighSchool Nature Trail, an All-Island Combined School-Special Assembly, and a Luncheon at Resorts WorldBimini attended by business, civic, local government,heads of department, and community leaders.

Minister Wilchcombe spoke to the school studentsin a special address, and gave examples of Sir SidneyPoitier and Dame Marguerite as Bahamians who beganwith very little, and accomplished great things in theirlifetimes.

The Governor General and Minister Wilchcombewere accompanied in Bimini by District AdministratorOscar Munroe, Acting Superintendent Wendall Smith,Chief Councillor Robbie Smith, President of BiminiChristian Council Bishop Edmond Ellis, and SeniorUndersecretary, Office of the Prime Minister Jack-Thompson.

PAGE 3

GOVERNOR GENERAL MAKES OFFICIAL VISIT

MAY 15, 2015 THE BIMINI TIMES

LOCAL

Singer, songwriter, actress MariahCarey looking positively beautiful andcatching up on some much needed R&Rwhile visiting Resorts World Bimini in TheBahamas before her headlining residencyin Las Vegas debutedMay 6th.

The red carpet was rolled out forthe superstar, who enjoyed swimming on aprivate beach, a bonfire-lit dinner on Para-dise Beach, and a cruise onboard the lux-ury yacht Hook ‘Em to the popular Saponadive site.

Throughout the last few months,Resorts World Bimini has been a retreat forvarious celebrities including actressGabrielle Union; Miami Heat’s DwyaneWade; New England Patriots’ RobGronkowski; Telemundo’s Rachel Diaz,Carlos Ponce and Ximena Duque; LatinGrammy award winner Luis Fonsi andaward-winning musician, Questlove.

The chart topper is no stranger tothe islands of The Bahamas. She was mar-ried on the island of Eleuthera at a beach-front property she owns.

Pop Princess Mariah Carey lays low in Bimini

COMMUNITYMAY 15, 2015THE BIMINI TIMES

Beautiful women wearing sexy swimwearin an exquisite location at Resorts World Bi-mini (RWB) make for a perfect combination,and it will all come together during the up-coming Hooters International 2016 calendarphoto shoot, to take place at RWB May 10th– 15th with the opportunity for fans to join inon the experience for as little as $88 per per-son with a 3-day, 2-night cruise.

Photographers will have multiple optionsto choose from on the RWB property, includ-ing a breathtaking infinity pool overlookingthe Atlantic Ocean, pristine beaches, pictur-

esque landscapes, a mega-yacht marina, and more.

"Resorts World Biminioffers a variety of gor-geous locations that willprovide the perfect back-drop for the Hooters Cal-endar photo shoot," saidRay Valentino, GeneralManager of Resorts WorldBimini. "We welcome theopportunity to showcase

our brand to such a widespread audience andwe are confident that the final images will benothing short of spectacular!"

Thousands of hopefuls apply to appear inthe Hooters International Calendar each year,however only a select 300 are chosen to travelto exotic locations like Bimini for a photo ses-sion. That number is then whittled down tothe lucky final 200 models who actually ap-pear in the calendar.

According to Director of Marketing andPublic Affairs for Hooters Kristi Quarles, theFlorida-based Hooters models coming to Bi-

mini will have the added edge of being pho-tographed in an amazing location.

"With so many beautiful women applyingto appear in our calendar, these girls will befacing some really tough competition," shesaid. "That being said, the final photos chosenwon't just be based on the beauty of the model,but the beauty of the backdrop as well, and asfar as backdrops are concerned, it doesn't getany better than Resorts World Bimini. We'relooking forward to a very successful shoot allaround."

While in Bimini, the models and crew willtour Alice Town via a golf cart motorcade.The models will also be making a donation ofsporting goods to the Louise McDonald HighSchool.

Selling nearly 500,000 copies annually,the Hooters brand has been producing the pop-ular calendar for the last 28 of its 31-year ex-istence. This is the second time in as manyyears that the Hooters International calendarwill be shot in Bimini, and the first time atRWB

Hooters Calendar to be Shot at Resorts World Bimini

Local Youth shine at National Arts Festival

Louise McDonald High School,Bahamian Folk Dance.

Bimini Boys Choir, Bimini Primary School, Ba-hamian Singing.

Louise McDonald HighSchool, Female GospelGroup.

Johne Saunders, Dance Drama Solo, Bimini Pri-

mary School.

Interpretive Dance Solo,

Keymani Miller, Bimini Primary School.

Naomi Russell and Ava Ellis Individual Verse Speaking, Grades 4-6, Bimini Primary School. Photos by Bahamas Informa-

tion Services

The selection of a preferredbidder for the management of the Ba-hamas Electricity Corporation (BEC)has been announced by Deputy PrimeMinister Philip Davis.

In the lead-up to the 2012 Elections,Davis stated that the Progressive LiberalParty, by its Charter for Governance,committed to reducing the country’s re-liance on fossil fuels and to address thehigh cost of electricity to consumers.

“For many years now, consumershave to deal with extremely high electri-cal bills and far from satisfactory serv-ices from an inefficient and debt riddenBahamas Electricity Corporation(BEC),” he said. “The protracted andfrequent blackouts of this week and lastare constant reminders of the urgent needfor reform of our electrical generation,transmission and distribution systems.”

Davis said that it is common knowl-edge that the Government had beenseeking a permanent solution to the chal-lenged electrical systems and adminis-tration by way of a Request for Proposal(RFP) Process.

“The solution proposes to create ef-ficiencies, which will allow for signifi-cant reductions in the cost of energy,increased energy security, environmentalresponsibility, reliability, and increasedcompetitiveness as a country,” saidDavis.

“Today, I am very pleased to an-nounce that, with the unanimous recom-mendation of the Task Force appointedto review the proposals and its financialadvisors, KPMG Advisory Services, andtechnical advisors, DNV GL, and as a re-sult of an extensive, robust, and patientprocess, the Government of The Ba-hamas has selected PowerSecure Inter-national, Inc. as the preferred bidder tomanage the New BEC, both generationand transmission/distribution, for a pe-riod of five (5) years.”

He said the appointment is subjectto the negotiation and finalisation of themanagement contract, the major terms ofwhich have been agreed.

PowerSecure is a public companytraded on the New York Stock Exchange(NYSE: POWR) and headquartered inWake Forest, North Carolina. It has totalassets of $265 million, shareholders’ eq-uity of $156 million, trailing twelvemonth revenues of $257 million (to De-cember 31, 2014 ) and market capitali-sation of $301 million (April 29, 2015).It has grown considerably over the lastseveral years posting on average over a25% Compound Annual Growth Rate(CAGR). In addition, based on its in-vestor presentations, it holds a strongcontract backlog of $368 million. In-deed, since January 2014, it has an-

nounced more than $400 million in newbusiness.

The company’s largest shareholderis Wellington Management Company, aninvestment manager with $900 billionunder management. Other notable share-holders include Dimensional Fund Ad-visors, SRB Management, BlackrockFund Advisors, Vanguard Group, AWMInvestment Company, Becker DrapkinManagement and other major, primarilyUS-based institutions and funds.

PowerSecure’s 33-year energy vet-eran and Founder, Mr. Sidney Hinton,serves as its President and CEO. Underhis leadership, close to 1,000 employeesacross the United States operate andmaintain approximately 1 GW of Dis-tributed Generation capacity. It reported98.4% reliability for these systems in2014, which is one of the best in the in-dustry. Its three-prong operations take inUtility Services (engineering and infra-structure solutions), Power Generation(distributed energy and solar installationand management) and Energy Efficiency(including production of its own LEDlighting systems). The company servesmany of the largest utilities in the UnitedStates.

PowerSecure specialises in UtilityScale Solar Power through its subsidiaryPowerSecure Solar; and has providedboth solar and storm hardening servicesto multiple utility customers. Of partic-ular note is its efficient mobilisation ofresources for every named storm in theUS in the last 5 years. As recently as Jan-uary this year, it was mobilised utilitysupport during the severe weather andsnowstorms in the Northern UnitedStates.

With its credits, the Government ofThe Bahamas is satisfied that PowerSe-cure has the technical and financial ca-pacity required to manage the New BEC.We are satisfied that value will be ex-tracted from the existing New Provi-

dence and Family Island generation,transmission and distribution assets andthat the company can provide the ad-vanced asset management, efficiencyretrofits, improved operating schemes,fuel selection and purchasing schemesthat are required to set the New BEC oncourse to profitability.

“We are very pleased that the com-pany has the ability to manage the build-ing of new, major generation in NewProvidence; as well as the ability to pro-cure and/or manage the building of re-newable energy projects in NewProvidence and on the Family Islands,”said Davis. “In sum, and more impor-tantly, we are satisfied that residents andcommercial clients of the New BEC willhave the customer experience that we alldeserve.”

“This Government has never ques-tioned the qualification and capability ofBEC’s management and staff,” he added.“We are keenly aware of their materialchallenges. With this in view, we areconfident that the PowerSecure team, inconsultation with experienced engineersat BEC, will collaborate effectively toplan, design, procure, and construct gen-eration, transmission, distribution, sub-station projects, and utilitycommunication projects for the NewBEC.”

Davis went on to say: “We have al-ways recognised and maintained that en-ergy reform is absolutely critical to theeconomic development and wealth ofour country. We have taken very delib-erate steps in this regard. We haveadopted the National Energy Policy,amended the Bahamas Electricity Act,and today, we embark on entrustingBEC’s management – NOT ownership –upon a company of excellent repute.Saint Augustine once said that “Patienceis the companion of wisdom.” We havebeen very careful in this decision-mak-ing process. We have gained valuable in-

sight during this process that can beutilised for the advancement of our en-ergy sector. We are now ready to put thisto use.”

He sincerely thanked those biddersthat were not selected for their broad en-gagement, contribution to the process,professionalism and patient tolerance ofthe process. He also thanked their tech-nical and financial advisors, and theGovernment Task Force, who have allundertaken extensive due diligence onthe existing financial and operationalconditions at BEC and all of the optionsput forward by bidders.

With confidence, he said, they nowlook forward to the establishment of theNew BEC under the supervision of Pow-erSecure.

“As promised, we are well on theway to delivering to our constituents a100% Bahamian owned, world classelectrical utility, offering its customersaffordable and reliable power, and atremendously improved customer serv-ice,” said Davis.

PAGE 5

Government announces BEC Partner


NATIONAL

“As promised, weare well on the way todelivering to our con-stituents a 100% Ba-hamian owned, worldclass electrical utility,offering its customersaffordable and reliablepower, and a tremen-dously improved cus-tomer service,” saidDavis.

MAY 15, 2015THE BIMINI TIMES

Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliamentfor West End and Bimini, Obie Wilchcombe is ex-pressing his sentiments after the inaugural GrandBahama Junkanoo Carnival events. The event drewtens of thousands to the nation’s second city andprovided a much needed boost to the local economy.

“I join the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. PerryChristie and colleague ministers in expressing ourprofound thanks to the Bahamian people for theirleap of faith and unshakable belief in themselvesand their ability to execute a world class show andperform on a world stage before a global audience,”said Wilchcombe.

He noted that Bahamians and residents ofGrand Bahama and elsewhere came out in greatnumbers over the weekend in support of the coun-try’s inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. He saidthat the government is especially pleased and thankfulthat Bahamians enjoyed themselves, proudly displayingtheir national pride and sense of unity as Bahamiansfrom all walks of life celebrated our unique culture to-gether and this massive event took place without inci-dent.

Wilchcombe acknowledged the BahamasJunkanoo Festival Committee, Carnival’s premier spon-sor BTC, all other sponsors, the Grand Bahama-basedorganizers, especially Ginger Moxey and Jimmy Smithfor their leadership; the Royal Bahamas police Force

and the many cultural artisans, musicians, songwritersand dancers who contributed to the success of what wasarguably the single largest event to take place on the is-land of Grand Bahama.

“The Cultural Community has been lobbying forpublic private sector partnership and collaboration totake our Bahamian culture to a new level – linking thiscultural phenomenon to our economy and diversifyingour tourism product by embellishing the visitor experi-ence,” he stated. “The pervasive and far reaching eco-nomic impact of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival cannotbe understated as companies in industries as diverse as

tourism, communications, transportation andevents promotions to costume design, print-ers, artisans and even food vendors are allbeing positively impacted. This festival hasthe capacity to catapult the culture industryinto a year-round industry and is only limitedby the imagination and entrepreneurial spiritof Bahamians and for those who dare todream, dream big and think ‘outside of thebox’ for the sky is the limit. BahamasJunkanoo carnival is everybody’s businessand it beckons us to heed the call of the lateTyrone ‘Dr. Off’ Fitzgerald to ‘GET IN-VOLVED’.”

Added Wilchcombe: “The governmentand the private sector came together; we lis-

tened and with all hands on deck, the Bahamas can nowboast of its own carnival festival. We are confident thatthis cultural institution is not only an economic stimu-lus, but will grow from strength to strength in years tocome as it evolves into an important platform to givebirth to the next Paul Mears, Tony Seymour, The Be-ginning of The End, Smokey OO7, T-Connection andBahamen.”

“And so our message as the government is a verysimple one,” he said. “Bahamians believed and did it;come together, let’s continue to make it happen, jumpin line and let us all get involved.”

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival grand in Grand Bahama

ABOVE: DPM Phillip Brave Davis, Ms.Ginger Moxey, Minister of Tourism ObieWilchcombe and Minister of Grand Bahama Michael Darville. BELOW: Prime Minis-

ter Perry Christie (center) with BTC’s Leon Williams and Bahamian musicians.

NATIONALMAY 15, 2015 THE BIMINI TIMES

Black Tuesday in The BahamasINSIDE THE HOUSE - APRIL

27th, 1965The crowds had begun arriving on

Windsor Park from 7am. They sharedbreakfasts which they brought along andsmall store owners in the general vicinitydid a thriving morning business. As thePLP Leaders began arriving, the crowdspressed for pep talks and encourage-ment. Lynden Pindling, the Party Leadercalmly explained again what was at stakein the House of Assembly.

If the UBP could conduct the nextgeneral elections on the 1962 Register,the hopes of achieving a victory and Ma-jority Rule would again be denied andthe people would have to wait anotherfive years when it was almost certain theUBP would have another election ployto use to entrench themselves in politicalpower.

Cecil Wallace Whitfield, the party’sNational Chairman supported Pindling’sposition and thanked the supporters fortheir courage and participation. Whit-field called for a peaceful march and re-minded the mass crowd that destiny wason their side.

With more prayers, a constantjostling of the police who seemed towant to find a reason to stop themarchers from leaving Windsor Park, thehuge throng was on their way. Placardstold of their impatience, their tolerance,their resistance and the history of thestruggle which brought them here on thiseventful 27th day of April in the year ofOur Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundredand Sixty-Five.

Historians and journalists whorecorded the morning’s march have saidthey detected no fear or reluctance in thefaces and moods of the marchers. Rather,they saw defiance with every step andevery move they made. Every song theylifted up, every hoot they scattered musthave told Bay Street in the words ofFreddie Munnings Sr popular hit to “Be-ware. Bay Street coming down beware.”

Whitfield, Jeffrey Thompson andCarlton Francis stayed on Bay and Par-liament Street as the Marshalls.

Inside the House of Assembly Pin-dling calmly and eloquently moved foran amendment to the Resolution.

The amendment called “for theHouse not to resolve itself into a Com-mittee of the Whole for further consider-ation at this time of the draft order underSection 63(7) of the Constitution”.

Spurgeon Bethel moved the secondamendment that “this House approves anational registration campaign beingheld by the Government to ascertain thetrue Voter population distribution in the

Bahamas and the appointment of aUnited Nations Special Commission todelineate Constituency boundaries.”

Milo Butler, his imposing figure andbooming voice rose to second theamendments and exhausted his 15 min-utes. The UBP Minister for Health FosterClarke moved for Butler to be given anextension which was quickly used upagain.

Only three days earlier, on debate onthe Boundaries Commission issue, But-ler had grown impatient as he exhaustedhis 15 minute time on his feet and re-fused to yield to the Speaker.

“I am not going to sit down. I don’tabide by this 15 minute business. Its darnfoolishness,” Butler had bellowed fromhis seat as the Speaker ordered a cordonof Policemen to take Butler by his shoul-ders and forcibly remove him from theChamber.

This was followed by Arthur DionHanna who too exhausted his 15 minutesand refused to yield. Again Police weresummoned to physically remove thediminutive Hanna from the Chamber.

Pindling as Leader of the Opposi-tion was allowed three extensions to his15 minutes on the floor that eventfulTuesday

Hanna had chided the Premier SirRoland Symonette for his national ad-dress over Radio that morning in whichthere was no doubt that the Governmentintended to deal harshly with the demon-strators.

The vote on the PLP sponsoredAmendments were soundly defeated.The vote for the House to resolve in aCommittee of the Whole was swiftlypassed and the UBP Government wereone step nearer to a general election in1967 on a Voters Register that was atbest guess work with no scientific statis-tical or empirical data by the Govern-ment.

Pindling rose again. “: We do notask the House to do what the Oppositionwants or to draw up the boundarieswhere we want. All we ask is that themachinery available to the Governmentbe used to find out accurate figures of thevoting population. How else can we pro-ceed when the Commission admits thefigures are only guesses” Pindling said.

The stoic faces of the Bay Streetwere granite in their determination tohave it their way.

Outside in the streets the crowds hadgrown weary and merry and could beheard all the way up in the chamber.

“Amend! Amend!” they shouted. PIndling spoke again: “It is obvious

that the Government did not intend to doanything about the amendments. We

tried to lay all our cards onthe table, we tried to get thePremier to indicate whetherhe would be prepared toamend the Draft, but it ap-pears that it is the intentionof the Government to pushthis matter through. Thisonly shows they mean torule with an Iron Hand. Ifthis is the intention of theGovernment, I can have nopart of it.”

Only minutes earlierthe Speaker jostled theLeader of the Oppositionon how nice his voicesounded in the Chamber towhich Pindling quipped heintended to use it very ef-fectively in the streets at thebreak.

Milo Butler com-mented that the Chamberseemed humid and air wasnot circulating and rose andopened a window on theOpposition side of theroom.

The UBP did not see itcoming.

Calmly again Pindlingleft his seat and approachedthe Speaker’s table wherethe 165 year old Mace, thesymbol of the Speaker’s au-thority was nestled on itsstand. He picked it up.

“This is the symbol ofauthority and authority onthis island belongs to thepeople and the people areoutside. Yes the people areoutside and the Mace be-longs outside too.”

Pindling tossed theMace through the openwindow where it could beheard crashing into thestreets as the crowds out-side roared.

The 35 year old Leaderof the PLP then led his Par-liamentary team in a walkout of Parliament.

The Government wasin a catatonic shock. TheSpeaker began to mumblesomething to which RandolFawkes, the lone Memberfor the Labour Party re-minded from his seat that inthe absence of the Maceunder Parliamentary Rulesthere could be not conductof business in the House.

CRIME & JUSTICEMAY 15, 2015THE BIMINI TIMES

An intelligence-led operation byDrug Enforcement Unit Officers hasdealt a major blow to drug traffickers inthe country, after two men were arrestedfor possession of a huge quantity of mar-ijuana in Bimini,

According to reports, at around10:00am on Monday 30th March 2015,a team of officers from the Drug En-forcement Unit with the assistance oftheir counterparts from the US Drug En-forcement Agency (DEA) and officersfrom Bimini Division, went to South Bi-mini where they executed a search war-rant on a 38- foot US registered sailboat.

During the search, officers uncov-ered a number of packages of marijuanatotaling 436 pounds with an estimatedstreet value of $436,000.00.

The vessel is owned by a 52- yearold American man, who along with a 36-year old Bahamian male, were arrested.The two suspects were transported,along with the drugs, to New Provi-dence.

DEU OFFICERS MAKE HUGE DRUG BUST IN BIMINI

Immigration MinisterFred Mitchell said yester-day that 170 Haitian mi-grants were apprehended inwaters off Bimini onWednesday night.

Mitchell said 32 chil-dren, some just babies six tonine months old, wereamong those apprehended.

According to police,around 11 p.m., officerslearned that a 50-foot blueand white Haitian sloop,with an engine and sail, wasmoored at Bailey Town, Bimini.

Defense force, police and immigration officers re-sponded and apprehended the migrants, which included32 children, 113 men and 25 women.

Mitchell said the migrants were detained in a gym-nasium on Bimini until around 3 p.m. He said theHMBS Durward Knowles was scheduled to transport

the migrants to New Providence.Mitchell said the children would be moved to a

safe house while the adults would be detained at theCarmichael Road Detention Centre.

Mitchell said an additional 10 migrants were inter-dicted after they landed on Inagua on Wednesday.

He said that group was also scheduled to be trans-ported to New Providence.

Haitians migrants apprehended in Bimini

A 34 year old male American visitor is in police cus-tody after he was found in possession of an unlicensedfirearm and ammunition.

Reports are that on Monday 11th May 2015 shortlyafter 9:00am, Officers of the Bimini Division while at theSouth Bimini International Airport, conducted a search ofthe American visitor and discovered in a camouflage bag, ablack and silver 9mm Beretta pistol with one clip containing(17) live 9mm hallow tip ammunition. He was arrested andtaken into police custody.

Investigation is continuing in this matter.

American arrested at Bimini airport

Police in New Prov-idence confirmed thatformer politician OmarArcher, Sr is wanted inquestioning with regardto several ongoing inten-tional libel allegations.

This, after Archerhad to be taken to hospi-tal recently after hejumped out from a sec-ond-storey window atthe South Street CourtComplex. He sufferedinjuries and it was later

stated that he broke both his legs. According to Chief Superintendent Paul Rolle,

Archer saw officer and ran.“Nobody was pursuing him,” stated the Chief Su-

perintendent.

Omar Archer Breaks His Legs Fol-lowing Jump From Court Window

FNM Chairman:Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival would notbe supported by the Free National Movement government

Chairman Michael Pintard stated thatan FNM administration would discontinueBahamas Junkanoo Carnival as The Ba-hamas' signature event and “refocus on de-veloping Junkanoo”, and other culturalevents the country..

"The Bahamas needs to create its sig-nature event based on its own creation,"Pintard had stated, calling the event “notessentially Bahamian in nature".

"Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival wouldnot be supported by the Free NationalMovement government," Pintard toldmedia.

" [It is a] signature product of the PLP

of which we believe not to be correct," hewent on to say."We would not continuethis festival.”

He said his party’s focus would be ontraditional form of Junkanoo and otherlocal festivals.

Pintard said with FNM government,there would be home bases for Junkanoogroups and Crown land provide to erect aJunkanoo museum that would educatetourists while allowing them to build cos-tumes and purchase miniature items. Headded that his party would implementJunkanoo into the school curriculum

MINI MEDAL MAN LA’QUAN ELLIS ON THE RIGHT TRACK


While his shot at the Olympicsis still at least a decade away, La’QuanEllis could very well be the name to re-place Chris Brown or Usain Bolt as thenext track and field star to hail from theregion.

At just ten years old, he’samassed a pirate’s bounty of athletic

awards which includes 10 bronzemedals, 30 silver medals and over 70gold medals.

La’Quan, who is aptly nick-named ‘Champ’ has already competed inthe Junior Olympics on two occasions.

The Miramar Elementary stu-dent, who also excels academically, has

been competing in track andfield since age six.Athleticism, it seems, is a partof his genetics as his motherLa’Quinta Ellis who was bornand raised in Bimini earned acollege scholarship and playedboth basketball and volleyball.Now a teacher with the SchoolBoard of Broward County,La’Quinta Ellis, is the daughterof Pastor Oral Ellis and Grace.

“He has been givenmany talents, both athleticallyand academically” she says ofher Champ.“Through his gifts, he has been

able to perform on many stages. I amvery proud of him.

But his biggest fan his sisterLa’Breah. Any event he competes in,you will always hear her cheering for herbrother.”

By IAAF

Speaking at the pre-event press conference ahead of the IAAF/BTC WorldRelays, Bahamas 2015, IAAF President Lamine Diack praised the hosts for makingthe event such a success in its first year.

“Last year we witnessed a wonderfully successful event, a colourful festivalof athletics which was topped by three world records,” said Diack.

In total, teams from more than 40 countries comprising more than 600 athletescompeted this year.

“The best relay squads in the world have been attracted by major incentives,”he noted.

“The creation of the IAAF World Relays is the latest example of athletics’continual evolution as a sport.” added Diack. “The IAAF is especially pleased that thisexciting new competition has found a natural home in The Bahamas, a nation with a

rich and successful history in the relays.”“Bahamians have enthusiastically taken the World Relays to their hearts. We

are therefore delighted that The Bahamas will also be the hosts for the next editionwhich takes place in two years’ time in 2017," he went on to say.

“Bahamians have enthusiastically taken the World Relays to their hearts. Weare therefore delighted that The Bahamas will also be the hosts for the next editionwhich takes place in two years’ time in 2017.

He said organisation of the IAAF World Relays is a team effort and thankedthe local organising committee, the government of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Asso-ciation of Athletics Associations, official IAAF partners and suppliers, and nationalpartners and suppliers, for their support.

Diack concluded: “We also send our special thanks to all the volunteers,without whom this event could not take place.”

TOP (L-R): Athletes meet the press ahead of the IAAF World Relays - Allyson Felix, Floria Guei, Shaunae Miller, Usain Bolt, Chris Brown & Richard Kilty.Jamaican relay winners strike the Usain Bolt pose. Distance Medley Relay World Record - Team USA Sanya Richards, Ajee Wilson, Treniere Moser andShanon Rowbury. BOTTOM (L-R) The Bahamas’ Golden Girls gather round teammate Debbie Ferguson before her race. Uniquely Bahamian - medals are delivered to win-ners in conch shells. Bingo, the mascot with fans. Team Bahamas makes a run for it. Team USA celebrates with IAAF President Lamine Diack.

THE BIMINI TIMES MAY 15, 2015

COMMUNITYHUMPHREY: THE PHOTOGRAPHER THAT CHANGED

AMERICA’S POLITICS

Humphrey Dottin could be considered as one ofBimini’s colorful characters.

A dock master at Brown’s Marina, Humphreyback in 1987, was then a bartender at The CompleteAngler Hotel where he snapped a photo of a couplethat began a firestorm of accusations of infidelity thatliterally changed the course of American politics.

Dottin recalls being asked by a fair maiden totake a photo of her and her mate while they sat onthe band stand. The couple had cruised into Biminion a boat called the “Monkey Business”. It wassometime later, when the news flashed and the photowas released that Senator Gary Hart was caught in ascandalous affair with a young woman identified asDonna Rice, that Humphrey realized that he hadplayed an integral role in weaving the tangled web.

Little did he know that his snap of Ms. Rice’scamera would cause such a rift in the Democraticpresidential nomination campaign for Mr. Hart, whoat one time in that fateful race was the front runnerfor the nomination, with an opportunity to becomethe President of the United States of America.

In 1982, Humphrey began working at the Com-

plete Angler as a bartender. It was there that he cameinto contact with many visitors from around theworld, especially pleasure boaters from the southFlorida area.

Five years later, two of those many visitors wasan American politician and his female companion.They were spending some time in Bimini away fromthe grind and the limelight of a feverishly contestedpresidential nomination campaign. It was later spec-ulated in the media and by his opponents that thecandidate was a womanizer.

Gary Hart was a United States Senator from Col-orado, who was in office from January 1975 to Jan-uary of 1987. He sought to capture the DemocraticParty’s nomination for the presidency on two occa-sions. He challenged Walter Mondale for the nomi-nation in 1984. It was discovered that Hart was overhis head in debt. Shortly after he became the frontrunner in the race, it was revealed that Hart hadchanged his last name, had often listed 1937 insteadof 1936 as his birth date, and had changed his signa-ture several times. This along with two separationsfrom his wife, caused some to question Hart’s “flakefactor.” Nonetheless, he and his wife remained mar-ried for over 50 years. Mondale prevailed and be-came the nominee.

In 1988, when Hart officially declared his can-didacy for nomination, a reporter with the Washing-ton Post newspaper asked Hart to respond to rumorsspread by other campaigns that he was a womanizer.H he was calm, cool and collective and did not wiltunder pressure. He responded at the time that suchcandidates were “not going to win that way, becauseyou don’t get to the top by tearing someone else

down.”In late April of 1988, an anonymous informant

contacted the Miami Herald newspaper and told thepaper that Hart was having an affair. They provideddetails of the affair and told The Herald that hart wasgoing to meet his lover at a Washington DC town-house the next Friday, May 1st. As a result, a teamof reporters staked out the townhouse and the nextSaturday they observed a young woman and GaryHart together. He denied that he was having an affair.Hart’s campaign also denied any scandal and con-demned the Herald’s reporters for their intrusive re-porting.

The young woman, who was identified as DonnaRice, gave a press conference also denying an affair.The scandal spread rapidly through the nationalmedia and questions about the affair came to domi-nate Hart’s campaign appearances. Hart withdrewfrom the same race on two occasions

Dottin remembers clearly that Ms. Rice said,“He promised that she would be his First Lady.”

“They came into the bar, I was asked to take apicture and I was happy to assist,” says Humphrey.“I never though anything of it until I heard the newsand saw the photo of Mr. Hart and the problems itcaused in the election campaign.”

That was twenty-eight years ago. A fateful bar-tender, who served as a one shot deal photographerin Bimini, captured the images that caused a scandalthat forever changed the course of America’s politicsand the possible presidential fortunes of a Demo-cratic Senator. The bartender’s name is HumphreyDottin and that is his claim to fame!

Resorts World Bimini (RWB) is doing its partin the global movement to foster sustainable devel-opment as the 45th annual Earth Day is observedunder the theme “It’s our turn to lead”. April 22 hasbeen set aside as the date the Earth Day Network iscalling on it supporters to take initiative to showworld leaders the way to a new direction. A numberof projects are in place at the Resort to minimize itscarbon footprint.

According to RWB President Ed Farrell, signif-icant attention was and continues to be paid to pro-tecting the beautiful waters of Bimini.

“Resorts World Bimini created an artificial reefwhich is thriving,” he said. “The artificial reef isbeing closely monitored by a team of environmentalscientists who report that they are very pleased withits progress thus far. In addition to the artificial reef,Resorts World Bimini has taken steps to protect Bi-mini’s waters through a buoy replacement project,replacing buoys at dive sites around North Bimini.The mooring buoy placement protects the reefs inand around the island as it offers divers and fisher-

men a way to tie up, eliminating the need to throwanchor and possibly destroy precious coral.”

RWB’s sustainable development efforts extendbeyond the sea to land based projects as well, includ-ing the expansion of the runway at the South BiminiAirport and the newly opened Hilton at ResortsWorld Bimini. The luxury marina hotel is a greenhotel which features LED lighting, an energy con-servation laundering program, and energy efficientsensors which are activated by the room’s key card.Additionally, the Resort has spearheaded severalclean-up campaigns and has taken steps to ensurethat these efforts are sustained by strategically plac-ing waste bins on the island. It has shown its supportto the Bimini Township Cleanup Committee throughthe donation of heavy duty equipment to assist withtheir efforts.

RWB will continue to show its commitment tosustainable development through these and other ini-tiatives as it does its part to make 2015 the most ex-citing year in environmental history.

Resorts World Bimini Celebrates Earth DayAwards were presented in each category as fol-lows:Preschool Division - Best drummer: GarcioMarshall Jr.; Best scraper: Javon Williams; Besthorn blow: Alaya Culmer; Best Cow Beller: A'-mari King; Best Dancer: Makayla King.Primary Division - Best drummer: AndrewAdderley; Best scraper: Benjamin Demeritte;Best horn blower: Nativian Charlton; Best CowBeller: Steven Sweeting; Best Dancer: NavayaStuart.Secondary Division - Best drummer: JordonVarella; Best scraper: Darren Hinzey; Best hornblower:Jaquan Brennen; Best Cow Beller:Rockey Saunders Jr.; Best Dancer: BreannaRoberts

JUNIOR JUNKANOO RESULTScont’d from page 1

HAVE YOUR SAYLocal legend Ansil Saunders has his say on thepast, present and potential future of Bimini

Ansil Saunders has lived long enoughto see the Bahamian island he calls homeliterally transformed from a fishing villageto a high end resort destination.

Saunders has spent much of his 82years as a fishing guide to the rich and fa-mous, a boat builder and professionalbone fisherman. He proudly wears thecrown as the ‘Bone Fishing Legend of theWorld’.

While many naysayers still find somenegative spin about the major resort de-velopment making giant strides on thatquaint island, Saunders sees it all as ablessing.

“I see it has an asset rather than a hin-drance, because the end result has beenthe provision of fresh potable water free of chargeto the residents,” he stated.

Water - that colorless, transparent liquid, oc-curring on earth as rivers, lakes and oceans andfalling from the cloud as rain is one of life’s mostprecious commodities. It is absolutely essential forthe sustenance of life. The people of Bimini areconsidered the real winners and benefactors of thedevelopment at resorts World Bimini.

“The loss of a lot of mangroves is like spilledmilk,” says Saunders.

He quickly adds: “What was a big concern isnow like water over the dam and as I look back atit all, the good aspect is that one good thing thatstands out - they put sweet, fresh water throughoutthe island.”

According to Saunders, one of the first thingsinvestors should do, especially if they intend tobuild hotels, is to secure their source of fresh water.

The developer of Bimini Bay Gerado Capo didjust that. He developed a distillation plant to pro-vide fresh water, which in the mind of Ansil Saun-ders serves as a spinoff from the mangroves.

“There are three kinds of mangroves, red, blackand white,” Saunders reveals as he presented hisfluent knowledge of the importance of mangroves.“Mangroves are responsible for the fresh watermade from distillation plants because they distillwater through the roots which displace salts intoyellow leaves. The developer destroyed the easternside of Bimini bay but he compensated the loss ofmangroves with the distillation plant which pro-duces fresh water throughout the island.”

“This is the most important thing but a lot ofpeople do not focus on that line,” Saunders added,noting that the greatest thing is that in Bimini thereis water running in kitchens and bathrooms free ofcharge. Saunders believes that Capo deserves acrown for the distillation of water.

Saunders also remembers that before the distil-

lation plant came on stream, residents got theirwater from shallow wells and rain water cisterns.But there was always plenty of fresh water in southBimini. He said the people from north Bimini wenton skiffs to south Bimini to get water, three milesaway.

The second best thing that the development ofBimini Bay by Resorts world Bimini provides forthe island and the country, according to Saunders,is the creation of jobs. He recalls that a representa-

tive of the Genting Group, the parentcompany of Resorts World Biminimade an announcement during theceremony marking the completion ofthe newly paved road, that they havealready invested some $500 milliondollars in Bimini and had plans on thedrawing board to inject another $500million dollars into the project.

Saunders said the developersmade several promises to help de-velop the community of Bimini andhe was confident that they are follow-ing through.

“On the promises that they havemade, they are very satisfying,” hesaid.

Saunders also recalls that Capo first came toBimini with his plans, he said that he had no moneybut he is a millionaire now, by developing out ofthe sea. Capo is now the beneficiary of as much as$2 million dollar homes. Bimini was made a littlebit bigger with land from the ocean side.

“He sold a lot of property, the Government gotsome money, but not enough in my view,” saidSaunders.

Ansil Saunders has had many experiences onBimini. He has lived through several hurricanes andseen land reclaimed where there was once thrivingfishing grounds. He has guided the rich and famouson fishing expeditions, like Michael Lerner, AlbertGeorge Lyons, Dr. Martin Luther King, ErnestHemmingway and many other luminaries. He hasmet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the lateMargaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of GreatBritain.

He has the distinction of catching the world’srecord 16 pound bone fish, which has gained himthe crown of The Bone Fish Legend of The World.He has stood in the face of segregation in little Bi-mini at a time when Rosa Parks and Martin Lutherking Jr. were playing their role in breaking theracial divide in the United States and black peoplein the Bahamas were being ostracized in their owncountry.

Saunders single handedly staged a sit-in atlunch time at the Big Game Club for 42 days in1958. He was finally served along with a dozenother men, who all ordered steak at his expense.And he has been through much more on Bimini andto see what is happening on that island today, tohim, it is by no means a shock or a surprise.

To Ansil Saunders, Bimini will never be thesame again.

“We have got to roll with the punches,” hesays. “Because progress comes with a price and wehave to accept it.”


THE BIMINI TIMES MAY 15, 2015

LOCAL SCENES

Resorts World Bimini Announces New Summer Sailing Schedule for SuperFast CruiseResorts World Bimini today announces a new summer sailing schedule, offering

guests more time on Bimini during the weekends. Bimini SuperFast will now departfrom Port Miami on Fridays at 7 p.m., returning on Sunday at 8 p.m. providing an-other full day on the island. Previously the ship returned to Miami at 1 p.m.

“Guest response was positively overwhelming when we shifted from a daycruise to an overnight cruise product,” said Edward Farrell, president of ResortsWorld Bimini. “To afford our guests more time to enjoy the island of Bimini we’reextending the port time on Sundays, making the experience a full weekend getaway.”

Bimini SuperFast will spend Sunday evenings docked in Port Miami, departMondays at 12 p.m., returning Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and departing again Wednesdayevenings at 7 p.m. to return on Fridays at 1 p.m. The new cruise schedule begins Fri-day, May 22, 2015.

Passengers have a choice of staying at the new Hilton at Resorts World Biminifor $250 per person*, which includes two nights’ accommodation, round trip trans-portation via Bimini SuperFast and all port and resort fees and taxes. Kids aged 17and under stay free in the same room. Guests can also choose to stay in comfortablecabins onboard Bimini SuperFast with prices start from $118 per person based ondouble occupancy. Port fees and taxes for ship stay guests are not included but allmeals are.

sports: inaugural bimini junior junkanoo...

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