Citizens for Justice President - Bishop Walter Hanchell and President of The Bahamas in Prophecy Movement - Pastor Micklyn Seymour both expressed shock and surprise over comments made by Reverend Philip McPhee ...about the contributions illegal numbers houses are making to national development

Pastor faces outrage on gambling issue

McPhee’s colleagues ‘shocked’ at recent meeting

By Royston Jones Jr.
Guardian Staff Reporter
royston@nasguard.com

Two pastors yesterday expressed outrage over comments made by Reverend Philip McPhee about the contributions illegal numbers houses are making to national development.

Citizens for Justice President Bishop Walter Hanchell and President of The Bahamas in Prophecy Movement Pastor Micklyn Seymour both expressed shock and surprise over the statements.

The men spoke to The Nassau Guardian in separate interviews.

McPhee said on Thursday that a group of about 20 prominent local pastors, including three members of the Bahamas Christian Council, had become “sensitized” to the idea of how taxes generated from a legalized numbers industry could benefit The Bahamas.

However, McPhee did not say he supported gambling.

After reading McPhee’s comments yesterday, Hanchell urged pastors to take a public stand to warn Bahamians of the “destructive” effects of gambling, which he claimed far outweigh any benefits that could come about from a regulated numbers industry.

The government has promised to hold a referendum on gambling before the end of the year.

Hanchell said, “Gambling is not something that The Bahamas should embrace. It is too destructive. We will pay for generations down the road if we legalize the illegal numbers racket.”

Seymour said he was very disappointed by McPhee’s comments.

He said the Christian community cannot afford to be divided on the issue, and he thinks McPhee was misled.

He also said he was surprised that McPhee arranged a meeting with ‘We Care’, a coalition of web shop owners. The meeting took place on Tuesday.

“I believe that [gambling] should not be promoted and I am calling on all of the Christian leaders to unite in force and speak with one voice.” Seymour said.

“I am very disappointed in the great man to be speaking and supporting that in any which way. He ought to condemn gambling.”

Seymour added that any country that has to turn to legalizing gambling to help its people is a nation in “desperation”.

On Thursday, McPhee said, “We got a very positive input of what the web companies are all about, what they are doing and how they contribute in many ways to the benefit of the country.

“A lot of us were not aware of those contributions. One web company has given over $1 million to fund various regattas and cultural events such as Junkanoo, and has sponsored many summer programs, feeding programs and clothing programs.

“A lot of these men have been very active in giving a lot to sustain other various programs. Those were articulated to the pastors which brought about a sense of sensitizing.”

While McPhee said the pastors are against gambling, he said, “The whole aspect of it is, if the country is benefiting from national insurance [contributions] from these companies and they are getting other benefits, then something needs to be done so these people are looked at as major contributors to the development of our country.”

CEO of Island Luck Sebas Bastian said on Wednesday that ‘We Care’ will invest around $1.5 million to educate Bahamians on industry related issues, and on various community-based initiatives over the next few months.

Hanchell said he was not opposed to anyone supporting the less fortunate in society but questioned whether the motive behind the contributions was to gain acceptance and influence to support legalizing gambling.

“People are being deceived by these web shop owners with their mega bucks and all they are trying to do is stay in business,” he said.

“They have made enough money on the backs of poor Bahamians and I think we should shut them down and… tell them to invest their money in something legal.”

Hanchell said he was speaking from 20 years of experience as a gambling addict who has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Some people believe that legalizing and taxing marijuana has benefits, Seymour said, but he questioned whether that meant the drug should be made legal.

Jul 08, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

...several members of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), and a number of other prominent pastors have become “sensitized” to the idea of how taxes generated from a legalized numbers industry could benefit The Bahamas ...says Reverend Philip McPhee of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church...

Pastors ‘sensitized’ to gambling

Contributions of numbers houses highlighted

By Royston Jones Jr.
Guardian Staff Reporter
royston@nasguard.com

Despite the Bahamas Christian Council being “diametrically opposed” to gambling, several of its members, and a number of other prominent pastors have become “sensitized” to the idea of how taxes generated from a legalized numbers industry could benefit The Bahamas, Reverend Philip McPhee of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church said yesterday.

On Tuesday, McPhee organized a meeting between ‘We Care’ — a coalition of web shop owners — and a group of about 20 local pastors, including three members of the Bahamas Christian Council.

“We got a very positive input of what the web companies are all about, what they are doing and how they contribute in many ways to the benefit of the country,” McPhee told The Nassau Guardian.

“A lot of us were not aware of those contributions. One web company has given over $1 million to fund various regattas and cultural events such as Junkanoo, and has sponsored many summer programs, feeding programs and clothing programs.

“A lot of these men have been very active in giving a lot to sustain other various programs. Those were articulated to the pastors which brought about a sense of sensitizing.”

The government has promised to hold a referendum on legalizing the numbers business before the end of the year.

However, Bahamas Christian Council President Dr. Ranford Patterson said in May that if a referendum is held the council would do everything in its power to make its opposition known.

But yesterday, McPhee said the Church could not remain ‘stagnated’ on something that takes place on a daily basis, which could prove beneficial to the country.

“The purpose of the Church is to inform, alert and to keep its membership on the cutting edge of what we ought to be doing as Christians,” McPhee said.

“We stand totally against the whole philosophy of gambling but the whole aspect of it is, if the country is benefiting from national insurance [contributions] from these companies and they are getting other benefits, then something needs to be done so these people are looked at as major contributors to the development of our country.”

CEO of Island Luck, Sebas Bastian, said on Wednesday that representatives from the FML Group of Companies, Asue Draw, Island Game and Island Luck will invest around $1.5 million to educate Bahamians on industry related issues, and on various community-based initiatives over the next few months.

McPhee encouraged ‘We Care’ to meet with the other leading pastors in New Providence and on the Family Islands to make them aware of the potential benefits of a regularized industry.

“The referendum will [involve] the entire Bahamas,” he noted.  “So if the We Care group wants to be successful, they will have to meet on every island to inform all pastors, and other interested people on what their role and position is.”

Jul 06, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

Mr. Robert “Sandy” Sands, senior vice-president of external and governmental affairs at Baha Mar, says: ...while he supports regularising number houses ...he is not an advocate of Bahamians being allowed to gamble in local casinos

Bahamians ‘Not Disciplined Enough’ To Use Casinos


By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

ROBERT “Sandy” Sands, senior vice-president of external and governmental affairs at Baha Mar, said yesterday Bahamians are not “disciplined” enough to be able to gamble in casinos locally.

Mr Sands’ comments came after Prime Minister Perry Christie said that permitting Bahamians to gamble in local casinos will not be considered in the referendum on a national lottery.

Mr Sands said while he supports regularising number houses, he is not an advocate of Bahamians being allowed to gamble in casinos.

“I am a strong advocate of limited relaxation for Bahamians gambling in casinos. I believe the government should examine the opportunity for high net worth for persons who can verify their ability to sustain gambling for limited periods like over a month or something like that.

“I support gambling for persons who come on short term work permits, especially in the entertainment business. I also support gambling for persons of high net worth who have permanent residency in the country and people with second homes,” he said.

“However, I do not support opening the floodgates totally. We are not a disciplined enough community. I understand rights, but there are some rights we have to take away from individuals for their own benefit. We have to find the balance and even with the liberalization of the number houses there might be an opportunity where numbers may be able to be purchased through a window at the casino. But no I do not support Bahamians gambling in the casino.”

As it stands gambling is illegal in all forms for Bahamians and non-citizen residents of the Bahamas. However, Prime Minister Christie has promised a referendum on the legalisation of gambling and a national lottery before the year is out. He said a referendum is necessary to remove the “contradictions” that have led to gambling continuing to be illegal, yet widely practised and accepted.

Mr Christie said: “It is something that I think is very necessary to remove these enormous contradictions that exist in our country where every single Bahamian is walking around knowing that they (illegal web-shops) exist. We cannot have this system... where people are paying national insurance payments, making other institutional payments and then otherwise pretending that this activity is lawful. That cannot go on any further.”

He said he is working in the Ministry of Finance on scheduling a time for the referendum. He also said the former government “has done a lot of work on that” to the point where the former government created draft legislation.

It has been estimated that a national lottery could pump more than $190 million into the Bahamas’ economy annually.

Currently there are at least 16 independent numbers houses in New Providence alone, with another six in Grand Bahama and a few spread throughout the Family Islands.

The Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) has gone on record opposing the legalization of gambling in any form in the Bahamas.

July 06, 2012

Tribune242

Caribbean Blog International

...the theme of this year’s Independence Celebrations is - “The Bahamas: United in Love and Service” ...with emphasis to be placed on the struggles and achievements of the Bahamian woman on the 50th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement

Celebrating independence and the Bahamian woman

By Arinthia S. Komolafe

This year The Bahamas will mark its 39th anniversary of independence.  There is no doubt that we as a people have made notable progress socially, economically, politically and culturally since July 10, 1973.

The annual Independence Celebrations Committee recently announced the theme of this year’s celebration as “The Bahamas: United in Love and Service” with emphasis to be placed on the struggles and achievements of the Bahamian woman on the 50th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement.

The accomplishments of the Bahamian woman over the years are undeniable and significant to say the least.  Bahamian women have made and continue to make their mark in every sphere of society with recorded success in education, politics, religion, the corporate world, law enforcement, media and civic society.  However, the Bahamian woman remains a recipient of discrimination and inequality — some of which are enshrined in the supreme law of our land.

The women’s suffrage movement

Women’s suffrage refers simply to the right of women to vote and run for office.  It was a movement that embodied the struggle by women to gain the same rights as their male counterparts, particularly in politics.  It is fair to say that with a few exceptions, women around the world today have the same voting rights as men.  This no doubt constitutes considerable progress from the colonial days when voting was limited to adult males who owned property.  The flawed rationale at that time seemed to be that property owners had the strongest interest in good government and therefore were best qualified to make decisions.

A brief review of history will show that changing social conditions and the idea of equality in the early nineteenth century led to the beginning of the suffrage movement.  This period was characterized by more educated women and increased participation of women in reform movements and politics.  It was therefore only a matter of time before individuals (referred to as suffragists) began to question why women were not allowed to vote and led the drive to advance the cause for a woman’s right to vote.

The Bahamian struggle

The first petition for women’s suffrage in The Bahamas was presented in 1952 by the Great Improved, Benevolent, and Protective Order of Elks of the World under the leadership Mary Ingraham, who also served as the leader of the Bahamian women’s suffrage movement.  The Elks was an organization that possessed a membership of thousands of women throughout The Bahamas at that time and enjoyed considerable support for its cause.  The records show that during this period, even though women represented more than one half of the total Bahamian population, they were disenfranchised.

After multiple failed petitions in 1958 and 1959, victory finally came on January 10, 1960.  The governor at the time assented to an act to enable women to register and vote on July 31, 1961.  However, the act never came into force until 1962 and during the general election held in November, 1962, women voted for the first time in Bahamian history.

Discrimination against the Bahamian woman

Arguably women’s suffrage and consequently universal suffrage acted as springboards among other events to the attainment of majority rule in 1967 and independence from Great Britain in 1973.  The Bahamas Independence Order was made on June 20, 1973, laid before Parliament on June 26, 1973 and came into force on July 10, 1973.  While the document is hailed as being one of the best written constitutions, there are a few articles within the constitution that clearly discriminate against Bahamian women.

On September 18, 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which is sometimes referred to as the International Bill of Rights for women.  The convention, which came into force in 1981, describes the discrimination against women as, “Any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field”.

The Bahamas ratified this convention on October 6, 1993, joining 186 other countries that have done so.  In ratifying the CEDAW, The Bahamas made an expressed undertaking to end discrimination against women in all forms.  However, The Bahamas has maintained reservations to three of the 30 articles of the CEDAW, and specifically Article 2(a) which embodies the principle of equality of men and women in their national constitutions or other appropriate legislation and Article 9(2) which states that women shall be granted equal rights with men with respect to the nationality of their children.

Addressing the discrepancies

The referendum held by the Free National Movement government on February 27, 2002 sought among other things to rectify the discrepancies regarding gender discrimination within the constitution.  However, more than two-thirds, or 66 percent, of some 87,961 persons voted against the proposed constitutional amendments.

On December 23, 2002, the less than one-year-old Progressive Liberal Party government led by Perry G. Christie appointed a constitutional review commission headed by Paul Adderley to propose recommendations for the amendment of the constitution.

In its preliminary report and provisional recommendations, the commission accepted the proposal to eliminate discrimination against women regarding the passage of citizenship to their children. The committee, however, expressed reservations regarding the granting of citizenship instantaneously upon marriage to non-Bahamian nationals who married Bahamians and recommended a period of five years before such grant regardless of gender.

The Christie administration from 2002 to 2007 further committed to holding a referendum on the aforesaid matters; however, 20 years later, the findings and recommendations of the committee have not been discussed or brought to a referendum.  Hence, the status quo which perpetuates discrimination against the Bahamian woman remains to date.

Celebrating the Bahamian woman

The current administration has not articulated its plans in relation to the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women in The Bahamas.  Addressing this half a century status quo will pave the way for the withdrawal of reservations to Articles 2(a) and 9(2) of CEDAW.

True celebration and appreciation of the Bahamian woman is ensuring gender equality in The Bahamas and removing any elements that make her feel like a second-class citizen and/or inferior to her male counterpart.

The women’s suffrage movement in The Bahamas formed a part of the progressive era.  Our ancestors saw the need to be progressive minded to their benefit, but more importantly for the benefit of generations to come.

While we note the progress made in our country regarding women, there is much ground to be covered.  Meanwhile the African proverb states that “if we stand tall it is because we stand on the shoulders of many ancestors”.  Today we praise the efforts of those who have gone before us; women who fought for what they believed in.

• Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law.  Comments can be directed at: commentary@komolafelaw.com

Jul 05, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) recommends to the Government that it reduce Stamp Duty on property deals by 2 percentage points “across the board” ...taking the rates back to where they were before the 2010-2011 Budget

Realtors Recommend Stamp Duty Cuts 'Across The Board'

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) has recommended to the Government that it reduce Stamp Duty on property deals by 2 percentage points “across the board”, taking the rates back to where they were before the 2010-2011 Budget.

Franon Wilson, BREA’s president, confirmed in a recent interview with Tribune Business that the Association had recommended to the Christie administration that it look beyond the cut in the top Stamp Duty rate, from 12 per cent to 10 per cent, which it brought in with the 2012-2013 Budget.

“That’s one of the things we recommended, yes,” Mr Wilson said, when asked by Tribune Business whether BREA had recommended that all Stamp Duty rates be reduced by two percentage points.

“One of the things we did invite the Government to consider was reducing that across the board, as what it would do for the $250,000-plus category it would do for all others as well.

“We’re grateful that at least one group will see a benefit, but that same excitement that group over $250,000 has would be shared locally with everyone else/.”

Still, Mr Wilson said BREA and its members welcomed “anything to reduce the cost of home ownership” and stimulate activity in the market.

Stamp Duty is effectively a one-time cost imposed on real estate transactions, and Mr Wilson said the cut in the top rate would boost activity in middle class Bahamian communities such as Twynam Heights.

The revised Stamp Duty structure involves a 4 per cent rate on property valued at $20,000 or less; 6 per cent for property valued between $20,000 and $50,000; 8 per cent for property valued at between $50,001 and $100,000; and 10 per cent for holdings greater than $100,000.

Mike Lightbourn, head of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty, said that any Stamp Duty reduction was welcome, but the real estate industry needed to remember that the Government had to raise revenues somewhere.

Noting that the Government had given up much in Stamp Duty with the exemptions for first-time buyers on properties worth up to $500,000, Mr Lightbourn added: “The less taxes the better, but that’s one of the sources of revenue. Any time you don’t have to pay Stamp Duty, it all helps.”

William Wong, head of William Wong & Associates, said the Government should follow BREA’s recommendation and reduce Stamp Duty rates across all price brackets.

“I’m hoping they will take a look at it and make the necessary changes,” Mr Wong said.

July 04, 2012

Tribune242

Caribbean Blog International

Social Services has always been a major component of Urban Renewal ...and it’s the same with Urban Renewal 2.0. - says Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin

Minister points to signs of increasing poverty

By Krystel Rolle
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com

There is a growing number of people who are homeless or reside in poor living conditions throughout New Providence, according to Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin.

“One of the most glaring issues is definitely homelessness or persons living in houses that are not conducive to human existence with no light, no water and in many cases there are no facilities for waste,” she told The Nassau Guardian on Monday.

While Griffin could not provide the figures, she said many Bahamians live in such conditions and the number continues to grow.

Griffin said the social workers attached to Urban Renewal 2.0 — a program which tackles social issues in communities — have reported the increase.

She said the majority of people who live in poor conditions do not seek assistance from the government.

“A lot of people would just rather stay in their conditions,” the minister said.

“They may not come to [the Department of] Social Services. If they come into the center, they may say ‘I need food’ and Social Services would deal with the food situation, but they would not tell you about the conditions in which they live. So the hands on in the community is good.”

She said that before Urban Renewal was relaunched, the Ministry of Social Services already had a “critical staff shortage”.

“We need extra manpower,” she said.

Griffin highlighted staff shortages following her appointment in May.

She said the economic downturn and the rise in the unemployment rate resulted in thousands of people turning to the government for help over the last five years.

“Staffing issues have crippled the Ministry of Social Services,” Griffin said at the time.

“Social Services has always been a major component of Urban Renewal and it’s the same with Urban Renewal 2.0.

“Social workers are the nuts and bolts of Urban Renewal in that we have trained social workers who are designated to each outreach center.

“We still have to find the manpower in order to meet the needs of Urban Renewal 2.0.”

Griffin said the Department of Social Services has also seen a “major, major” increase in applications for rent assistance.

But Griffin hopes that as the economy rebounds fewer people will be looking for help.

Jul 04, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

...the positive impact of Urban Renewal 2.0 in many inner city communities of The Bahamas

'We Are Already Seeing Effects Of Urban Renewal'

 

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said authorities have already started to see the positive effects of Urban Renewal 2.0 in many inner city communities.

Dr Nottage gave the update following the opening ceremony of the RBPF's 19th annual summer youth programme.

Speaking specifically about the Bain and Grants Town constituency, which he represents as a Member of Parliament, Dr Nottage said the initiative is already making a significant impact on violent crime.

He said the evidence is there in the police crime reports sent to the media every day.

"If you notice from the police crime reports, especially over the past two weeks, there has been more mention of the discovery of weapons and ammunition. This is because we have people coming forward and telling authorities which area and in what places certain kinds of behaviours occur," he said.

Many persons, Dr Nottage said, are growing accustomed to an active police presence in their communities.

Urban Renewal 2.0 was one of the PLP's major campaign promises in the lead-up to the 2012 general elections.

Although some uneasiness was expressed at the launch of the programme, many residents in various communities have expressed high hopes for its success.

Two weeks ago, Inspector Rolle, head of the Urban Renewal project for Bain and Grants Town, said his team aimed to foster good relationships with residents.

"It's all about crime prevention," he said. "We are looking at crime from the perspective of the environment and we have concluded that in addition to fixing dilapidated buildings and removing derelict vehicles, we have to do our best to provide persons within the community with jobs."

Asked about the initiative, one resident, Tamika Roberts, expressed her support.

"It's a good thing," she said. "The police presence is a deterrent to crime in inner communities. When the police is around, criminals refuse to commit crime."

July 03, 2012

Tribune242 

Caribbean Blog International