Urban Renewal and One Bahamas

Urban Renewal - A Powerful Agent For Social And Economic Change

Insight - Tribune 242:



Urban Renewal is transforming lives in the Bahamas, free of political intervention, and is more than just a crime prevention tool. In a wide-ranging interview with The Tribune the organisation’s prime movers dismiss criticism of its operation, outline future goals and initiatives and pay tribute to their supporters and partners.



CO-CHAIRS of Urban Renewal, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt and Algernon Allen, have been responding to criticisms of the organisation and recently reiterated its vision at the Radio House studios of 100JAMZ, the ‘People’s Radio Station’.

“Mother” Pratt and Mr Allen, shared not only the focus of the social initiative but highlighted some of Urban Renewal’s goals, achievements and future plans.

“Some people have been asking what Urban Renewal is doing. What have we done?” asked Mother Pratt, the former Deputy Prime Minister. “We’re transforming lives. That’s what we are doing! We are making a difference in young people’s lives.”

“It’s about providing resources and opportunities to those less fortunate. We need to reach the children of this generation. To provide a path before they are taught by their older siblings to become criminals of the next generation,” she said forcefully.

As she nodded approval Mr Allen, the former FNM Cabinet minister, said: “Mother Pratt and I will not allow such a vital programme, like Urban Renewal, to be kicked around like some political football.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” interjected Mother Pratt.

“Urban Renewal does not compete with, nor tread on, the toes of government or any other party. It is a tool for social transformation,” explained Mr Allen. “In fact it complements and augments each government ministry, as well as other respective agencies.”

Urban Renewal has been touted primarily as an instrument for ‘crime prevention.’ “This is a great disservice and oversight,” Mr Allen complained. “It is an instrument of social transformation and in that process benefits all matters of anti-social activity. “Last Friday, thousands of children were provided books, materials, backpacks, uniforms so that they could be properly equipped for their back to school. Daphne Bannister deserves recognition for her invaluable assistance along with the kindness of Ron and Diane Cacatori and Rick and Rita Case from Florida. They enabled us to be in a position to help so many.

“Our friends from Florida have provided thousands of text books, teacher aids, filing cabinets, projectors and school furniture,” he said.

“My question,” asked Mother Pratt, “where on earth would these thousands of young children be without the programmes that we have already done? We have transformed thousands of lives.”

“We even had barbers, hair braiders and provided the children with simple lunch,” continued Mr Allen. “When the PM asked me to be co-Chairman with Mother Pratt in the aftermath of the 2012 election, I insisted on several things.”

“First, that Urban Renewal must not be driven by partisan politics. Second, that we cannot play ‘politics with poverty’ and as such Urban Renewal had the potential - if seen as an unbiased organisation - to be a powerful agent for social and economic change.

“Third, we had to have an independent body in the form of a foundation and a Board which could work alongside the foot soldiers finding ways to raise the funds, resources and establish the private sector partnerships which are so critical in order to make this programme a success. In this manner, we have the integrity, transparency and accountability that is needed.”

TRIBUNE, 100JAMZ AND DUPUCH–CARRON FAMILY

“I’m not sure many people know,” revealed Mother Pratt, “but Mrs (Eileen) Carron, The Tribune and 100JAMZ - through the kindness of their friends and partners - have been with me from the very beginning. That’s right! The Beginning!”

“We were doing urban renewal 20 years before Urban Renewal was even thought of,” she said proudly. “Together we have touched the lives of over 45,000 children; built 34 homes; provided computers; books; raised monies for a variety of PMH needs; provided assistance with parks; community centres, clothing and other needs. Together we’ve done things I never thought possible!

“Urban Renewal has touched the lives of schools, churches, clubs, communities, charities and countless others. I know Mrs Carron (doesn’t like publicity) but The Tribune/100JAMZ and Dupuch/Carron family have done so much for this country. It is sad that very few people know about it.

“Mrs Eileen Dupuch-Carron has never asked – as far as I am aware - in all these years whether anyone is PLP or FNM! We are all Bahamians. She is a Bahamian, a daughter of the our Bahamaland first and foremost!”

“Difference?! If Urban Renewal was not making a difference then Algernon and I would not be here,” she added. “We have 11 Urban Renewal centres in New Providence, nine in Freeport, two in Abaco, two in Cat Island, one North Andros, one opening in South Andros and one in Eleuthera.”

Mr Allen explained: “The centres have programmes focusing on youth activities; supervised homework; computers; education/learning, music, wholesome entertainment in a safe, secure environment in which our youth can have fun, socialise and learn.”

URBAN RENEWAL BAND

“Two years ago we started a band with 30 members,” Mr Allen said. “Today, thanks to the amazing generosity of a permanent resident who has adopted the Bahamas as their home, 450 musical instruments were donated to us. Today we have 1,000 members in the band,” a beaming Mr Allen revealed.

“Sociologists, educators and psychologists all agree I am told that music is a most transformational tool. Band have been a staple of youth development in the third world and developed world providing economic growth and team spirit. Music integrated with youth cannot be overly emphaised,” he continued.

“The Urban Renewal band is drawn from the lower socio-economic groups in the country,” Mother Pratt said. “When you see the children coming out of their homes with their uniforms and instruments the parents, neighbours - indeed everyone - can see the pride that they have.

“However, our success has left us in a dilemma,” she lamented. “We desperately need 600 more instruments!” with a big smile.

SPORTS PROGRAMMES

Mother Pratt revealed it was their intention to re-institute the Urban Renewal sports leagues for basketball, softball, track and field and boxing.

“Boxing! That’s right, boxing. Little boys seem to love to fight nowadays. Lets develop a sport that harnesses their energy, provides discipline and structure and teaches young men to have pride and to become leaders fighting for what is right,” she explained.

“Many of our less fortunate young men will never grace a classroom because they are being constantly suspended because they fight with one another. Boxing will champion this energy so that they can have a sense of pride in fighting. But fighting for their nation in our national teams.”

Mr Allen called it a “true blessing for me to meet, discover and have the privilege to know selfless, trailblazing women like Mother Pratt and Mrs Eileen Dupuch-Carron. Women who love, care for, inspire, provide opportunities for those less fortunate and can change the direction of nations.”

“They - and others - represent and espouse that which we call One Bahamas. They are an example and aspiration which I hope to emulate.” 

September 08, 2014

Tribune 242

NO to same-sex marriage in The Bahamas!

Poll: 90% opposed to gay marriage

By TRAVIS CARTWRIGHT-CARROLL
Guardian Staff Reporter
travis@nasguard.com

There is no public support for same-sex marriage in The Bahamas, according to the data from a scientific opinion poll conducted earlier this year.

The results, compiled long before debate began over whether one of the four proposed constitutional amendments will open the door for same-sex marriage, show that only a small percentage of people support gay marriage in The Bahamas.

The controversial bill would make it unconstitutional to discriminate against someone based on sex.

The poll was conducted in January by Public Domain, a local market research and opinion polling company.

The results show that 86.5 percent of respondents strongly oppose same-sex marriage; four percent somewhat oppose it; 3.7 percent somewhat support it; 3.1 percent strongly support it and 2.8 percent did not answer.

Researchers polled 575 people, a respectable sample size for the country’s population, according to Public Domain President M’wale Rahming.

“Normally, what we do when we poll is we poll conversations that are being had in barber shops and beauty salons and in restaurants on Saturday mornings, in an effort to figure out where people are on this,” Rahming said yesterday.

“Nobody is interested in this. This is not a conversation that is being had. It is not a national conversation and nothing is being discussed about this.

“This is not an issue in The Bahamas.

“It is a non-starter. There is no movement for this. There is no significant group that is pulling for this. There is no substance behind it, meaning they haven’t captured a segment of the market.”

He added that “no segment of our society is asking for this”.

“Not even gay people in The Bahamas are clamoring for this,” Rahming said.

“So this is not something that we are talking about as a nation, other than on the talk shows and in politics and on the news.”

Victor Rollins, of Vic’s Communications, who recently organized a gay pride event in Freeport, Grand Bahama, recently said that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are not pushing a gay marriage agenda.

“Frankly, for all the married gay persons who are married and living here, they went and got married and came back and are enjoying their life,” he said.

“Those who want to get married will get married and live happily ever after. It’s no real issue.”

Rahming said he was surprised that people were equating the issue of gender equality to same-sex marriage, stating “there is no link there”.

Although the poll is from January, Rahming said it represents a non-reactionary position.

“I would venture to say, if we were to poll today, the number would be higher simply because we have all this media talk about it,” he said.

September 09, 2014

thenassauguardian

Bahamians encouraged to unite to fight crime

Citizens Voice Concerns on Crime

By Jones Bahamas:

The incidents, victims and perpetrators of violent crime are oftentimes based in over-the-hill communities that have for years gotten a bad rap for the country’s crime woes, but on Thursday The Bahama Journal took to the streets to find out what some citizens in these areas had to say about this vexing issue that seems to grip headlines on a daily basis.

Residents in the Bains Town and Grants Town constituency care calling on the government to up the ante to fight a problem that is now out of hand.

A mother of four and resident of the Bain Town community said that she is in fear of her life and fear the safety of her family.

“This crime level is ridiculous and they need to start hanging because it’s getting worse each and every day, you can’t even sit down on your own porch, you’re getting shoot or gun downed something need to be done,” said Stephanie Burrows.

Others shared similar sentiments.

“I think it’s really out of hand now, the authorities really need to pay closer attention to it, I think it’s a shame, I think it falls like how everyone has been saying on the parents,” said Carla Jackson.

“If we had responsible parents bringing up the children in the right way, in my personal opinion I don’t think crime would be in the position that it’s in now.”

“I think they need to implement and do what they say they’re going to do rather than just locking them up, sending them back out with ankle bracelets and when you listen they get kill, they go out and commit more crime out on bail and they get their life taken away and it’s sad,” said Anishca Moxey.

“I think the problem with the crime is that the family members, if you have a brother who does a crime and you say nothing, if you see your cousin doing crap and come to your house with the money, you take the money, you’re not helping the country and that’s what really causing the problem,” said Julian Farrington.

A 33-year-old man and resident of the Bain Town community said that youth unemployment contributes to crime.

He also expressed dismay with young men who would decide chase fast money from crime rather than look for a job.

Marlene Dorsett, a 76-year-old store owner who grew up in the area of Bain Town said she has been a victim of robberies on a number of occasions.

Ms. Dorsett said that crime is everyone’s problem and encouraged Bahamians to unite.

“The government is trying its best but the government does not have children, parents have children and they need to learn how to train these children from small, we’ll just have to all work together and try to make it a better country, whatever we do crime will be here, when the end of the world come then we will have peace,” she said.

Prime Minister Perry Christie on Wednesday said that the country is now faced with a kill or be killed situation, adding that the justice system continues to be challenged by the revolving door of bail granted to people charged with serious criminal offenses.

However, Mr. Christie foreshadowed dramatic improvements in the judicial system as ten criminal courts are set to come on stream.

September 05, 2014

Jones Bahamas

The sale of CLICO (Bahamas) remaining insurance portfolio ...and The Bahamas Government's $30 million pledged guarantee to underwrite the same

Christie Gov't Told 2 Years Ago: Fulfill $30m Clico Pledge

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Christie administration was urged within three months of taking office to fulfill the Government’s pledged $30 million guarantee to underwrite the sale of CLICO (Bahamas) remaining insurance portfolio, thereby securing the financial future of thousands of policyholders.

That request was made by Craig A. ‘Tony’ Gomez, the Baker Tilly Gomez accountant and partner, who is the insolvent insurer’s liquidator, when he met with the full Christie Cabinet on July 31, 2012.

“On July 31, 2012, I met with the Cabinet of the Bahamas and provided members with an update on the status of the liquidation,” Mr Gomez wrote.

“I further presented the Cabinet with a request for a government guarantee in the amount of $30 million to assist with the transfer/sale of the portfolio; settlement of amounts due to EFPA (Executive Flexible Premium Annuities are not being sold to a third party) and other policyholder expenses.”

The then-guarantee was said by Mr Gomez, in the report covering the period July 1-December 31, to still be in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office for drafting and not yet completed.

Thus the newly-elected Government was briefed just two-and-a-half months into its reign on the urgency of the CLICO (Bahamas) situation, with the $30 million needed to cover “the anticipated shortfall” in the liquidation.

More than two years later, the Christie administration has yet to make good on the $30 million guarantee first promised by its FNM predecessor in the wake of CLICO (Bahamas) collapse into insolvency in early 2009.

The details, revealed in Mr Gomez’s 13th report to the Supreme Court in his capacity as liquidator, make clear that he is unable to find a buyer for the ex-life and health insurer’s remaining 13,109-strong policy portfolio until the Government delivers.

Potential buyers have made clear they will not contemplate an acquisition without the $30 million guarantee, due to the risk involved in assuming a portfolio where there are concerns over quality and if there are sufficient assets to cover liabilities to policyholders.

Closing a sale, Mr Gomez’s report makes clear, is essential to moving the CLICO (Bahamas) liquidation forward to completion, and bringing much-needed relief to thousands of Bahamian policyholders who have been without their investments and life savings for five-and-a-half years.

It appears that Mr Gomez has ruled out selling the CLICO (Bahamas) portfolio to a foreign buyer, as his report refers to selling the life, health and pension policies only to “a qualified licensee of the Insurance Commission of the Bahamas (ICB)”.

This leaves only Colina Insurance, Family Guardian and BAF Financial in the game, with the report disclosing that Mr Gomez was talking to three potential buyers in the 2012 second half. It is likely the former two, BISX-listed companies would be the main candidates.

Tribune Business revealed this week that the Government is finally moving to resolve the matter, and is exploring whether it can raise the ‘guarantee’ via a $30 million ‘off-balance sheet’ bond issue. Three successive Budgets have contained no specific ‘line items’ or allocations to cover this.

Multiple sources confirmed to this newspaper that the Christie administration is examining whether it can raise the necessary ‘guarantee’ financing from investors and the Bahamian capital markets, using bonds that would be issued by a ‘special purpose vehicle’ or SPV.

For the Christie administration, the advantage of an SPV bond offering is that the $30 million borrowing could be kept off its books, thus ensuring there is no negative impact to the fiscal deficit or national debt.

With an historically-low interest rate environment in the Bahamas, debt servicing costs on the bonds, which would be repaid via policyholder payments until the portfolio is sold, would also be relatively low. And investor demand should be strong with bank interest rates low.

This newspaper understands that the Government is trying to formalise something ‘concrete’ in relation to the CLICO (Bahamas) guarantee by 2014 year-end, with Mr Gomez anxious to shed his unwanted role as a ‘receiver’ running an insurance company.

The liquidator’s latest report indicates that this responsibility has consumed much of his time, as he settled some 854 medical claims, worth $1.233 million, in the six months to year-end 2012.

And, over the same time period, Mr Gomez also settled 43 death claims worth $231,879, plus 68 endowment payouts worth $210,848.

Mr Gomez’s report, which was approved by the Supreme Court this week, contains little that is not new given the time that has elapsed.

However, it does reveal that John Bain, the forensic accountant from UHY Bain & Associates, was hired by the liquidator in September 2012 to review documents obtained from the US.

Tribune Business understands that Mr Bain has been hired to help build the case for legal action against Lawrence Duprey, the Trinidadian principal of CLICO (Bahamas) and its ultimate parent, CL Financial.

As at end-December 2012, CLICO (Bahamas) balance sheet was still showing a solvency deficiency of $28.808 million, based on liabilities of just $71.98 million and total assets worth $43.171 million.

Its Bahamian policy portfolio was 13,109-strong, with a total surrender value of $33.217 million and sum assured of $1.027 billion.

September 05, 2014

Tribune 242

Gambling with the Country’s Gaming Laws!

The Christie administration on Wednesday, tabled what was supposed to be a revised version of legislation which will govern the gaming industry in the Bahamas. The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), like scores of other Bahamians had hoped that the government’s delay in tabling the highly anticipated bill would have resulted in the presentation of a clear, concise set of laws which address issues of transparency within the sector and finally reverse years of discrimination against Bahamians in their own country.

Unfortunately however, the Minister responsible for Gaming tabled a document which not only upheld the status quo but further laid the foundation for greater levels of government corruption while attempting to appease number bosses who were major campaign contributors to the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) election campaign.

The DNA, while not surprised by the government’s decision to discriminate against the country’s citizenry, is appalled by the rank hypocrisy demonstrated by a government which claims to “Believe in Bahamians”.  Just days before the tabling of the bill, the Minister intimated to the local media that the government had taken steps to eliminate all forms discrimination against Bahamians within the sector, however, true to form, the Minister, from the floor of parliament reneged on that promise.

The DNA maintains that NO FOREIGNER should be allowed to do ANYTHING that a BAHAMIAN CITIZEN CANNOT! There should be no laws which give Non-Bahamians privileges which are not enjoyed by the citizens of this country. If this administration is truly serious about giving credence to the sector ANY CHANGES must first address the issue of discrimination.

How can a government which, in recent weeks, has advocated for equality among the sexes then endorse the continued and objectionable discrimination against Bahamians wishing to participate in casino gaming? It is not only hypocritical and deceptive but further endangers any efforts by this administration to succeed in securing equal rights for Bahamian women.

The tabling of the gaming bill is a further slap in the face to the tens of thousands of Bahamians who participated in the botched gaming referendum of January 2013 and is a further testament to the inability of the Prime Minister to effectively lead the country.

By choosing to ignore the will of the people on this issue, this administration has created levels of government mistrust never before seen in this country effectively destroying public confidence in the executive and legislative arms of government; and rightfully so. Since taking office this administration has found itself ill equipped to manage countless conflict of interests, scandals and an overall lack of transparency and accountability within government ministries and departments.

Now, through the gaming legislation, this government seeks to further encourage such corruption by granting the minister unnecessary discretions over the conduct of a national lottery in addition to granting him discretion to set license fees, which according to the minister would provide greater flexibility in the amendment of the fee and/or taxation structures in the future.

The DNA asserts however that such an important decision CANNOT and SHOULD not be left solely to the discretion of any one individual. We suggest instead that responsibilities be given to an independent body which will oversee the process and ensure transparency in a sector which has for years thrived in opacity.
 
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
September 04, 2014

Many Bahamians think homosexuality is the greatest threat to the continued existence of humanity

Gay hysteria in The Bahamas

The Nassau Guardian Editorial:



There has been an attempt at a gay pride weekend in Grand Bahama. Members of that community wanted to get together to have a good time and express pride in who they are.

This, of course, set off hysteria in The Bahamas. Many Bahamians think homosexuality is the greatest threat to the continued existence of humanity. A gay pride event, they argue, will help further spread the “plague” of homosexuality, taking our young people over to “the dark side”.

Dr. Myles Munroe, president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, was leading the “band of the terrified” over the weekend. He said he has watched with horror over the years as people have “hijacked” and “raped” the meaning of the civil rights movement in an effort to fight for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

“I have, with all my logic, sought to understand, but still cannot equate the philosophy, ideology or purpose for the civil rights movement with the agenda of the homosexual LGBT community,” he said in a lengthy statement.

“I think the attempt to equate the historical civil rights movement with the demands for the right to dignify, glorify and accept as normal the practice of a lifestyle that could render the human race, for which they sacrificed, extinct is illogical, dishonest, and is the abuse of the blood and imprisonment of many.

“It’s a hijacking of the gains paid for by the blood of honorable men and women for an unnatural, human-destroying behavior.”

Munroe’s statement, titled “Homosexuality – Phobia or Principle”, was in response to the gay pride event.

While Munroe expressed his fears through words, others were belligerent. The event, which started on Friday and was supposed to continue through today, was cut short as members of the LGBT community abandoned it “out of fear” of repercussions from irate members of the public.

Victor Rollins, one of the event organizers, told The Nassau Guardian he received death threats on his Facebook page after posting pictures of event attendees holding gay pride flags along with Bahamian flags on a beach.

These attitudes are unfortunate. The Bahamas is not a Christian state – as too many like to exclaim. It is a secular democracy. In this democracy, we believe people have common dignity. Blacks, whites, women, Jews, Rastafarians, Haitians – they are all part of our multicultural community. In this inclusive society we prosper because we are able to use the talents of all of our people. The homosexual can work next to the Protestant. The woman can sit next to the Hindu. The atheist can go to school with the Haitian.

Societies that reject inclusion always devolve into a state of violence. That’s because they do not accept the common dignity of their brothers and sisters who are different. Those who believe they are absolutely right in their beliefs exclude “the others” from the benefits of full citizenship, the benefits of full humanity. Then, the move comes to push them out of the society altogether.

Homosexuals should not be feared. They are our cousins, our nephews, our teachers, our friends. They have been part of every human society that has ever existed. We must move away from the backward thinking that defines homosexuals as fiends.

People of African ancestry were once considered lesser than those of European ancestry in Western society. Some were even brought to zoos in 19th century Europe to be peered at as beasts. That was wrong then. Hating homosexuals just for being who they are is wrong now.

The belief in inclusion has bettered the human project. It has taught us that it is possible to live and thrive in communities with people who are not like us. Gay hysteria is based in fear and hate. Let us move more toward lifting up the common humanity of our brothers and sisters, rather than seeking to cause pain, exclusion and victimization.

September 02, 2014

thenassauguardian

The agenda of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in The Bahamas

Greg Moss : Women’s rights being used to advance gay agenda

ROYSTON JONES JR.
Guardian Staff Reporter
royston@nasguard.com

Marco City MP Greg Moss said the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in The Bahamas is attempting to advance its agenda “under the guise” of the advancement of women’s rights.

His comments were made on Facebook in response to Bahamas Faith Ministries International President Dr. Myles Munroe, who said he has watched with horror over the years as people have “hijacked” and “raped” the meaning of the civil rights movement in an effort to fight for the rights of the LGBT community.

The statement has received strong criticism from the LGBT community.

Moss said, “Under the guise of standing upon their civil rights, they are attempting to intrude upon our civil and religious rights.

“By their attempt to enlarge their civil constitutional rights, they are attempting to whittle down our religious constitutional rights.

“That is why the present debate in Parliament is so important.”

He was referring to debate on the constitutional amendments bills.

There has been widespread concern about the fourth bill, which would make it unconstitutional to discriminate against someone based on sex.

Several members of Parliament, including those on the governing side, have expressed strong concerns that the word “sex” is open for interpretation and could lead to same-sex marriages.

The government has proposed to amend the bill to define the word “sex” as a man and woman.

The debate fueled a wider national conversation about the LGBT community.

Munroe’s statement, titled ‘Homosexuality - Phobia or Principle’, was in response to a gay pride event that took place in Grand Bahama over the weekend.

“In the guise of civil rights and human rights, the LGBT minority community [has] decided to celebrate the civility of [its] very uniquely chosen lifestyle and sexual preference publically,” Munroe said.

“I am not sure what their mission or goals are in this effort but obviously they have received enough incentive and motivation to attempt something that 90 percent of The Bahamas and Bahamians consider unacceptable and violates their collective convictions, moral standing and values.”

The event was cut short because members of the LGBT community expressed security concerns.

Munroe said he is confident that the LGBT lifestyle will remain socially unacceptable.

He spoke at length about the importance of fear and phobia and said there is a misconception surrounding homophobia.

He said people who express disagreement about those “who practice this lifestyle” are seen as having a “phobia”.

Moss said he agreed with Munroe.

He said the minority movement to advance the LGBT agenda and stigmatize those who oppose it as homophobic is “at its core, an attempt to impose a redefinition of the word of God by political means”.

“A call to righteous living is redefined as being homophobic,” Moss said.

“An insistence that marriage is a institution ordained by God between men and women is redefined as being hate speech.

“A fidelity to the word of God is redefined as being backward.

He continued: “Ultimately, the attempt to advance the LGBT agenda is an attempt to redefine the word of God in order to legitimize that lifestyle.

“And, therefore, the attempt to demonize religious resistance to the advancement of that agenda is implicitly a recognition by those who practice it that their lifestyle is wrong and needs to be legitimized.

“If they were content with their decisions, then they would not need to attempt to redefine the word of God in order to legitimize it. They would stand on their convictions.”

September 02, 2014

thenassauguardian