Bahamas News

“I would hope that we can meet with her and hear her views and try to bring communication between both parties, the church and those having problems with their alternative lifestyles because we still believe that they can be delivered from homosexuality. We believe that the church has the answer for them,” he said.

“If they want to be delivered, they can be delivered, but we will not sit down idly and let them promote their agenda without the church registering a strong protest or voice against it. While I know that we might not be able to stop them, we will let them know – the government, the media, cable – or whoever allows them to promote their agenda that we are opposed to it and we will stay united on this,” Bishop Humes said.

Earlier this week, Erin Greene told The Journal that she would prefer to meet with the president in a civil setting, rather than fight publicly over various issues concerning both parties.

“We would encourage any opportunity to engage with the Christian Council about any subject matter because what we need more of is talking to each other than talking at each other,” she said.

Ms. Greene said the Rainbow Alliance is not out to fight anyone.

The Bahamas Christian Council met on Tuesday at the Joe Farrington Road Auditorium to address certain matters – the gay channel controversy being one of them, Bishop Humes said.

He said a committee was established within the Council to address this issue.

Bishop Humes said Ms. Greene is free to contact him at the Church of God headquarters on Joe Farrington Road to arrange a meeting.

On Tuesday, Ms. Greene suggested that if the Council believes that having a homosexual channel is wrong, then it must also protest against channels that may have a negative impact on society.

But Bishop Humes responded: “We already have too many vices in this country. That is what I was trying to say…We are doing all that we can to reduce the impact or the showing of these action movies and pornography movies that are on cable.

“You don’t get them publicly, but what a person does in their private bedroom is their business, and I don’t know how they (homosexuals) want this channel, but I think we have enough problems as it stands now to let another one come in. That is where I stand on this. To allow the gay agenda to go unchallenged …no way. We are not going to allow it.”

Ms. Greene made it clear that the gay channel, Logo, is not a pornographic channel.

“My [grandmother] is a Christian, and I [am not] allowed to [argue] with Christians, so we never approach any of these issues from a place of conflict…We just want to encourage people to continue the dialogue,” she added.

“We can’t change your mind, but if you keep talking, I will be able to understand you more and you will be able to understand me more.”

Source: Bahama Journal

President of The Bahamas Christian Council Bishop John Humes said the church is prepared to fight the Rainbow Alliance if this group continues to press for Cable Bahamas to include a homosexual channel as part of its programming.

However, President of the Rainbow Alliance Erin Greene said she does not want to fight over this issue, but would rather have a meeting with the Christian Council so the two groups would have a better understanding of each other.

Bishop Humes said he did not have all the details regarding the group’s push for a homosexual channel on cable television, but “if they are trying to think about it, we could let them know now that we will oppose it.”

He said that homosexuality is an abomination unto the Lord.

“Homosexuals can be converted and we must appreciate them as people, but their agenda has to go. No. We can’t allow them to promote their agenda because it is contrary to the word of God and it is contrary to our Christian values. We will not allow them to feel that they can promote their agenda freely in this country,” Bishop Humes said.

Ms. Greene said she appreciates Bishop Humes’ view with regard to homosexuals, but the call for a homosexual channel in the Cable Bahamas lineup would not affect the morality of The Bahamas.

“Cable Bahamas can provide a (homosexual) programming channel without compromising the morality of the nation,” she said.

Ms. Greene suggested that if the Council believes that having a homosexual channel is wrong, then it must also protest against channels that may have a negative impact on society.

“If this is the truth…if allowing a gay channel will promote homosexuality in the country, then we need to cut off every network channel that runs a show about cops and robbers. Take off ‘Law and Order’; take off ‘CSI’; take off ‘24’…you have to take all of these shows off the air because showing gun violence ultimately will promote gun violence,” Ms. Greene said.

“We have to take off anything with anyone breaking the law, or anybody doing anything against God needs to be taken off the air because it promotes the subject that it is featuring. That is a ridiculous argument,” she said.

She said the Rainbow Alliance wrote Cable Bahamas two years ago requesting that the homosexual channel be incorporated in its line-up.

“But we also indicated at the time that people in the gay community are too frightened to be ‘outed’ and people knowing that they are gay, that they are not even prepared to write a letter in private to Cable Bahamas and say ‘please turn on ‘Logo’ (the homosexual channel) and put their names at the bottom,” Ms. Greene said.

She said only a few people in the homosexual community have been brave enough to request the channel.

Ms. Greene added that Logo is not pornographic in its programming, and explained that there are programmes on that station that would be of interest to anybody regardless of their sexual orientation.

Logo is affiliated with the popular CBS station, she said, adding that Logo airs CBS news.

In response to Bishop Humes, Ms. Greene asked, “He does not know the details, but he is prepared to fight us on it? The Christian Council has far more important issues to focus on than whether Cable Bahamas is going to include a gay programming channel.”

She said that the Christian Council must first ask why Cable Bahamas has at least 10 channels dedicated to pornography, but the local homosexual community can’t get Logo on the air.

Ms. Greene said she believes the sale of pornographic DVDs and bootleg porn DVDs is higher than the sale of all movies in the country.

“So the Christian Council should really look at why there is such a large demand for pornography in this country, and what we are going to do to ensure that Bahamians not only have access to movies, but they have access to the choices. The Christian Council would be better suited to providing a recommended media list for the country,” Ms. Green added.

She suggested that the Christian Council produce a list of channels and movies it feels would be appropriate for Bahamians every quarter or every month.

“Give it to Galleria Cinemas so that in their research of new movies, along with the box office movies, they can bring in a complement of alternative family-oriented movies, Christian-oriented movies, community-oriented movies so that Bahamians really have a choice,” Ms. Greene said.

“I definitely think that there is a link between the violence against women and the rape and the availability of pornographic media in the country.”

Bishop Humes agreed that cable television already has too many stations that promote too much sex and violence.

“We are prepared to work with the homosexuals in delivering them from this bondage as we work in other areas of sin as it affects mankind. We know homosexuality is not the only sin that affects mankind because we have issues right now like crime and violence and hatred and ‘sweethearting’. We already have enough problems in our country to create another one,” Bishop Humes said.

“Rape and incest – especially among teenagers, we have to address this matter. There is a lot of talk about murder and violence, but what about rape and those crimes against our young girls and young boys that are molested by people they know…and it goes unannounced?”

He said the Christian Council supports The Bahamas Crisis Centre’s conference, which is being held under the theme “Creating Partnerships to Confront Sexual Violence in The Caribbean”.

Ms. Greene said the Rainbow Alliance also supports the conference.

Bishop Humes said the Christian Council is not trying to stop anyone from expressing themselves.

“But there are consequences that we don’t need in this country,” he said.

Soure: Bahama Journal

At 31, she has accomplished a lot within the grouping of the fabulous Golden Girls and also on her very own merit in both the 100 metres and 200 metres. Respected more for her prowess over the half lap, she has also been quite outstanding in the century. Her anchor leg on the 2000 relay gold medal team will forever be etched in our memories.

Ever since her bronze medal achievement at the Athens Olympics in 2004 she has struggled however.
There have been layoffs due to injuries and surgeries, the difficult journeys along the rehabilitation trail, and this year an annoying bout with chicken pox.

At the World Championships in Osaka, normally a given for her, Ferguson failed to make the finals in any of the short sprints. Nevertheless, she continued to battle though, with the World Athletics final as her target.
The resilient one showed some signs of a late return to form when she ran 23.07 in the race prior to the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany this past Saturday and Sunday.

The Athletics Final’s women’s 200 metres list was as talented as the World Championships. Americans Lauryn Williams, LaShauntea Moore and Stephanie Durst were there. So were France’s Muriel Hurtis-Houairi, Belgium’s veteran Kim Gevaert, Great Britain’s Joice Naduaka and Jamaica’s Sheri-Ann Brooks.

Given the problems she has had during the latter part of the season, Ferguson was not considered a favourite.
But, she has always been a rock of confidence and pulled out a 22.74 performance, her highlight effort for the year given the glamour of the Athletics Final. (Only a 22.49 clocking way back in February has been better).

On Saturday, the mainrace was between Ferguson and the French lady. She settled for second, but Ferguson’s feat gave her a solid mental approach for the 2008 season.

It was another high water mark in a glorious career for ’she’ of the wonderful demeanor.
Her bubbling personality has endeared her to many around the world, track and field folks and others. Debbie is most deserving of that exciting climax to 2007. She has filled Bahamians with pride many times.

Apart from her significant role as a Golden Girl, and the courageous run to bronze in Athens, there was her great display in Manchester, England during the year 2002 at the Commonwealth Games.

There she wrote a spectacular page in Commonwealth history by doubling up in the 100 and 200 metres and being a part of the last taste of relay glory for the Golden Girls.

She surely has persevered.

We salute this Golden Girl and wish her the best for 2008 and beyond.

FirstCaribbean International Bank CEO Charles Pink has chalked up the banks strong performance – profits up 31% over year-to-date performance last year, and more than US$6 billion in loans – to customer loyalty and staff dedication.

FirstCaribbean International Bank CEO Charles Pink has chalked up the banks strong performance – profits up 31% over year-to-date performance last year, and more than US$6 billion in loans – to customer loyalty and staff dedication.

In fact, for the first time, FirstCaribbean’s operations in The Bahamas have been named “Best Bank in The Bahamas” by Global Finance Magazine.

As it approaches its fifth anniversary, FirstCaribbean continues to show strong financial performance, crossing the US$6 billion loan mark for the first time.

Loans to customers represent one of the key drivers of the bank’s profits. At the end of the third quarter of the 2007 fiscal, profits at FirstCaribbean were up by 31%. This outstanding achievement continues to build on the strong results of previous years.

“This is indeed another indicator that our bank is financially strong and healthy. I also acknowledge that we could not have achieved this level of success year after year without the on-going support of our 800,000 loyal customers and the dedication of our more than 3,500 staff spread across the region,” Mr. Pink said, when asked to comment on the bank’s success.

The Bank’s business performance continues to be singled out for accolades.

For the fourth year running, Global Finance Magazine recently awarded the Bank the title of “Best Bank” in Barbados, and the bank’s operations in Jamaica and The Bahamas copped the title for the first time.

“We’re very pleased to have crossed the US$6 billion of loans mark. But the key is to delight our customers through excellent customer service,” Mr. Pink said.

“Delivering first class service is the number one priority for our Bank, and we will be relentless in our efforts to achieve this. I am very proud of the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication shown by our staff in achieving this important goal,” he concluded.

Source: Bahama Journal

A starting date has once again been given for the inquest into the sudden death of model/actress the late Anna Nicole Smith’s son, Daniel, but based on the fact that October 30 is the third date given for this inquest to officially “begin,” it remains to be seen what will happen.

Daniel Wayne Smith, 20, died at Doctors Hospital on September 10, 2006, while visiting his mother – by then a permanent resident of The Bahamas – and her newborn daughter and Daniel’s half-sister, Dannielynn.

An independent autopsy, conducted by celebrity forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht, found that Daniel died from a drug cocktail made up of two different prescription anti-depressants and methadone, a drug used to wean heroin addicts.

Swirling questions and insinuations in the media began almost immediately after the young man’s death, and despite then-Chief Coroner Linda Virgill’s attempt to have a swift inquest the Office of the Attorney General waffled on the decision about whether an inquest was warranted.

Thus the first date given for Daniel Smith’s inquest – October 23, 2006 – came and went with officials from the judiciary, including Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez, and senior members of the Bahamas Bar openly questioning Mrs. Virgill’s decision.

It was even alleged that the Daniel Smith inquest was “jumping the line” over other inquests that had been pending before the young man died, and because she spoke openly to the press about the case, Mrs. Virgill was stripped of the designation of Chief Coroner, a post that had existed since 1993.

The Chief Justice determined that practice should revert to the pre-1993 procedure, where every magistrate in the pool acted as a coroner as necessary.

The Journal understands that it is an unspoken policy that in deaths of tourists or visitors, the inquest process is sped up to mitigate negative press generated by perceived delays.

The second date given for the inquest to begin was March 27, 2007. According to Chief Magistrate Gomez, the reason the inquest was called for was “to answer all the questions once and for all.”

The inquest did indeed start on that day, with a full complement of local and international press crowding the small room designated as Coroners Court in Royal Victoria Gardens, but it ground quickly to a halt as the jury selection process was challenged by lawyers representing Ms. Smith’s lawyer and long time companion Howard K. Stern.

Mr. Stern, concerned that he had been – according to his lawyers – “painted as the villain” in the whole affair, wanted to be allowed to question the jurors to determine their impartiality.

It became apparent from a reading of the Coroners Act that this was impossible, and that the Coroner himself (in this case, Chief Magistrate Gomez) had no leeway in the law to even allow the questioning, if he was so inclined.

The matter was taken to the Supreme Court after the seven-woman coroners’ jury was empanelled, and there the process underwent further contortions.

Supreme Court Justice John Lyons noted that because Chief Magistrate Gomez had spoken openly with the press about the inquest, he should not be allowed to hear the matter.

Among other regular interviews with the media about the case, Chief Magistrate Gomez gave an on-camera interview to an American television host inside the Coroners Court, which was shown over the Fox News Channel’s primetime show “On The Record, with Greta van Susteren.”

Justice Lyons decided that another magistrate should hear the matter, and that this magistrate should also deal with the issue of questioning the jury.

So when Magistrate William Campbell, who served as Chief Coroner before Magistrate Virgill, hears the matter on October 30, he will have to face the very same question that threw up a roadblock for Chief Magistrate Gomez on in March.

There are 40 witnesses on the witness list for the inquest. The main witness was to have been Ms. Smith, but following her death Mr. Stern became the next witness with the most interaction with Daniel before he died.

Larry Birkhead – Dannielynn’s father – has asked to testify. Also on the witness list are South Carolina real estate mogul G. Ben Thompson and Ford Shelley – the father and son-in-law pair who claim to have lent Ms. Smith the money for the million-dollar Eastern Road mansion she shared with Dannielynn and Mr. Stern.

Source: Bahama Journal

The list, circulated in Washington, D.C. Monday, featured countries that are either considered a major drug production or a drug transit nation for the American 2008 fiscal year.

The countries appearing on the list are not ranked.

According to Dave Foran, the U.S. Embassy’s narcotics affairs officer, The Bahamas won’t be coming off the annual list anytime soon.

That’s because of its location, sitting between cocaine producers in South America and consumers in the United States.

“In order to get it from point ‘A’, the place of production, to point ‘B’, the place of use, one of the main routes is obviously through the Caribbean and The Bahamas being on the doorsteps of the U.S. is going to be in that route,” Mr. Foran said.

The Bahamas is features alongside Afghanistan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Columbia, Ecuador, India, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Guatemala.

Mr. Foran told reporters that the country’s presence on the list is not necessarily an adverse reflection of the government’s counter-narcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United States.

“One of the reasons that major drug transit, or illicit drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographical, commercial and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced despite the concerned government’s most assiduous enforcement measures,” he said.

Mr. Foran pointed out that there is no country in the Caribbean whose police and defence forces cooperate more closely with the United States, in effort to counter the flow of drugs than The Bahamas.

“Back in the drug cowboy days in the late 70s, early 80s, 70 plus percent of the U.S. bound cocaine was coming through The Bahamas. The current estimates are that somewhere in the area of 10 percent of U.S.-bound cocaine is coming through The Bahamas,” he said.

“That speaks to the efforts of the police, the defence force, the government under leadership of both parties [and their] determination that The Bahamas not be a place seen as conducive to the transit of drugs.”

With limited funds available to combat the scourge of drugs, Mr. Foran made one key suggestion.

“One thing they might be able to look to is trying to employ more of the seized assets and seized money and putting them back into the police force or back into the fight against drugs, but the U.S. government is not going to come down here and tell the Bahamian government how to run its efforts,” he said.

Of the 20 countries listed, only two countries – Burma and Venezuela – are deemed to be not cooperating.

One trend the U.S. government has noticed is the cultivation of marijuana on the Family Islands, but Mr. Foran quickly added that there have been inroads made in that regard, resulting in major seizures.

“It’s not a negative impact at all [being on the list]. The reality is policymakers in Washington and those here at the embassy, understand and appreciate the efforts of the Bahamian government to put the assets that they have into the fight against drugs,” he said.

“It absolutely does not have a negative impact at all.”

Source: Bahama Journal

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said Monday that he is impressed with the plans that he has seen so far for the redevelopment of Lynden Pindling International Airport.

In an interview with the Bahama Journal after his Cabinet met with officials of Nassau Development Company at police headquarters on East Street, Mr. Ingraham said it will cost “hundreds of millions of dollars” to carry out the work.

While he indicated that he was impressed with the plans, he said they still have to be considered by the government, which is going to take account of public feedback.

“The cost, one can’t be certain about. There are certain budgetary cost estimates that [Airport Authority Chairman Frank Watson] was saying they are not willing to make available to the public at the moment,” said Mr. Ingraham, whose first administration created the Airport Authority in 2000.

“We’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars in any event in terms of cost. In terms of improvements at the airport some $10 million or $11 million will be spent over the next year to 18 months in improving the current facilities.

“One has to make some judgments as to what you are going to improve because some of the facilities are going to be demolished at the end of the day. We don’t want to put things in and then have to destroy them, but improvements are being made. For instance, they should have contracts out for bathroom repairs and the roofs are being repaired.”

Vancouver Airport Services, which signed a contract with the former administration to manage Lynden Pindling, has produced a report on the redevelopment plan, which it presented to the Cabinet on Monday.

Not long after being returned to power in May, the prime minister said security concerns at the airport were a major problem that needed the government’s urgent attention. It was an issue he addressed again when he spoke with The Bahama Journal on Monday.

“Great progress is being made, not sufficient yet. We amended the law to commit the Airport Authority to contract out the services and we have a proposal that will be considered soon,” Prime Minister Ingraham said.

“We expect to be able to have a private sector entity with primary responsibility for airport security. The ultimate security will always rest with the government, but we expect to increase efficiency and reliability and dependability.”

Source: Bahama Journal

If you think you’re the best at shooting pool, the Nassau Valley Eight-Ball Association (NVEA) has scheduled an event just for you.

The NVEA will host the first Best-Of-The-Best Pool Tournament beginning 11am at the family friendly Mecca Grand Lodge next to British American Insurance on the Independence Highway.

The tournament was initially scheduled to be held at the Kendal Isaacs Gym.

The event will feature competition in a number of categories for men and women.

“Quite a number of the people who have already registered are unknown in the local pool arena. They are ready and excited about the competition and are looking to upset a few of the local regulars who believe they can play,” said NVEA President, Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday.

The drawing will be held at Millie’s Place, East Bay Street at 9 pm this evening (Friday September 14).

“Absolutely no one would be able shoot once the drawing begins. Additionally, the prize money is still not finalized because it is still growing, but I think the winners will be more than pleased to have participated in this historic event,” said Lightfoot.

She said, “It is my hope that from this event we will be able to attract additional talent to the association and in particular to encourage more women to play this upcoming season.”

The 2007/2008 season begins on October 1. The deadline to get teams registered for the new season is September 27.

Local pool legends like Grand Master James Lockhart Sr., and Master Sweet Boy who have taken the game of pool to new levels in The Bahamas are scheduled to participate.

NVEA Vice President Michael Demeritte said, “We have some real good players in New Providence, but we have seen some new faces that have been shooting well and I’m sure some of the younger players are prepared to try and knock off the best-of-the-best. So we are expecting an exciting tournament with lots of highlights. So if you think you can shoot, be there.”

Additionally he said, “We would also like to invite players to bring their family and friends to support them, and spectators are more than welcomed to join in the fun.”

Source: Bahama Journal

All of the terminals at Lynden Pindling International Airport – with the exception of the U.S. departure building – will have to be demolished in order to bring the facility up to 21st century standards, according to a report completed by the new managers of the facility.

The report states that the demolition of the domestic and other sections is necessary because some parts of their structure are more than 50 years old.

Canadian company, YVRAS (Vancouver Airport Services), and its subsidiary company, VYRS Bahamas Ltd., also presented their Project Definition Report to Cabinet, which outlined their description of the scope of work, budgeting, scheduling and financing plans for the project.

Stanis Smith, chief executive officer of Stantech, the company in charge of the facility design for the project, said the company intends to work with Bahamian artists, architects and sculptors to incorporate what he calls Bahamian colour, culture and rhythms.

The airport will be themed after the historic Queen’s Staircase, and encompasses the history of the Arawaks and Lucayans, national symbols and emblems and the vivacious colours of Junkanoo, said Mr. Smith, adding that the facility will be “a Bahamian ambassador” to the world.

He said once approved, the reconstruction will take place in three phases through the progressive demolition of each existing terminal except for the most recent international terminal.

Members of the Opposition, senior civil servants, and stakeholders in the tourism industry also attended the two-hour presentation at police headquarters.

“We are seeking to get input from yourselves and the general public for what is going to be the largest, single, (construction) project ever undertaken by the government of The Bahamas. This project is essential for our economic growth, for jobs and business opportunities, for government revenues and for provision of services by the government, for policing, for teaching and for health care…and the list goes on,” Prime Minister Ingraham said.

“This is an urgent project and we have been considering this in The Bahamas for many, many years. Many public dollars have been expended on the airport here in Nassau over the years, and we have ended up with a less than desirable facility. So we have outgrown our facility and in addition to that, we now have new international requirements and safety standards.”

He said it must also be noted that The Bahamas’ competitors in tourism are miles ahead of this country in this regard.

Earlier this year, the Nassau Airport Development Company was charged with developing and transforming the airport into a world-class facility, and to operate it in an efficient and commercial manner.

According to the report, the new airport will feature state-of-the-art standards in international safety requirements, environmentally conscious solar powered and disable-friendly amenities and improved emergency medical and fire facilities.

Prime Minister Ingraham said the government is seeking to move on a very tight schedule, which will cause it to give approval for an “agreed” set of designs by the first week of November 2007.

He said after this the government will make arrangements for the funding of the project by July 2008, and a general contract will be ordered by October 2008.

Mr. Ingraham said the aim is to have the first phase of the new terminal completed by 2010.

He said the estimated time of completion that “would be acceptable to the government” is October 2011.

It is important that there be firm contracts that will not be subject to any changes after review, the prime minister said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Nassau Airport Development Company Craig Richmond said the company is hoping to break ground on the project by the spring of next year.

He said he is confident that over the next five years there will be an overall 3.5 percent growth rate in tourist passenger numbers despite recent retractions, and the company is preparing the airport for the projected increase of travelers.

Chairman of the Airport Authority Frank Watson said the Authority has taken into account that there will be a lengthy period before the project is completed.

“We cannot possibly hope to have a happy clientele if the conditions at the airport remain the same at the length of the period, so there are works being carried [out] right now at the facility. In fact, some $10 million will be spent on renovations and repairs,” he said, adding that leaky roofs are being fixed, the terminal is being cleaned up, carpets are being replaced and certain areas are being painted.

In addition to the flight information, baggage information displays are now functional as well, Mr. Watson said.

“By the end of the year, we will have new washrooms upstairs in the U.S. terminal and others will be refurbished. The long awaited improvements to the passenger processing in the U.S. terminal have begun and by the end of the month, half of the passengers will have their checked bags taken away from them prior to the first screening point,” he said.

Mr. Watson added that by October, the Authority will commence a certification process for the U.S. authorities to authorize the elimination of the upstairs screening at LPIA.

“No doubt, I am sure you would agree that this will be a huge improvement and a welcome relief to our customers,” he said.

Source: Bahama Journal

Elsworth Johnson said he does not understand why the Bahamas Christian Council is raising such a hullabaloo over the matter; he said homosexuals are in every sector of society and have the right of choice.

“They are even in the church,” Mr. Johnson said.

“They are making a positive contribution to society. They are in charge of our choirs and we seem to be vilifying them, when in fact, they only want to live. There will always be different points of views in our society, but I don’t think that it is for the church to be on a crusade to purge the society.”

He said the Rainbow Alliance is a member of the Bahamas Human Rights Network.

Mr. Johnson said that the Constitution of The Bahamas provides very basic rights to every Bahamian, adding also that homosexuality has been decriminalized in the law under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.

He noted the law provides criminal sanctions against people who perform sexual activities in public – and this law is for heterosexuals and gays.

“We don’t understand what the big dilemma [is]. These persons are contributing members in our community. The Constitution provides for persons to associate and disassociate, for freedom of expression, and freedom of religion. Not everybody in the community has to believe the same thing or act in a certain way,” Mr. Johnson said.

“We don’t understand the outcry by persons in the Christian community. They have an obligation and the freedom to express their views and that is to try and convert persons.

“Not everybody is going to practice Christianity, and not everybody wants to be a Muslim and not everybody wants to be a heterosexual, but these persons are entitled basic fundamental rights, and that is the freedom to choose – to choose what their sexual orientation will be.”

Homosexuality has been decriminalized unlike in places like Jamaica, Trinidad or Guyana, he said.

“The world view now is that there must be freedom and recognition of these persons,” Mr. Johnson said.

He said the Bahamas has made great strides in its laws with regard to the treatment of homosexuals in the community, and he envisions that further improvements will be made.

“There are a lot of other things that I think the church can pay attention to in our community. There is problem in the educational system and in our courts…so we can call a solemn assembly for those things,” Mr. Johnson said.

He said the government does not exist to legislate morality, but the government must ensure that everybody in the community is protected.

“Unfortunately, the church may have its view, but these persons are entitled to their view,” Mr. Johnson said.

He pointed to the Cable television sitcom Will and Grace, which he said clearly highlights the life of a homosexual.

“More than that, you would see heterosexual persons on the TV performing certain acts which I don’t think children should be able to see,” Mr. Johnson said.

He said people should not feel afraid to declare their sexual orientation in the Bahamian community.

Recently, Pastor Lyall Bethel, chairman of the Bahamas Christian Council’s committee to research the gay agenda, said the Council would not sit idly by while a few individuals attempt to redefine the term “marriage” for all Bahamians.

The recent formation of that committee was in response to Rainbow Alliance, for Cable Bahamas to add a gay lifestyle channel to its lineup.

Pastor Bethel claimed the Alliance and its spokesperson, Erin Green, do not represent all homosexuals in the country, adding that not only do the majority of homosexuals in the country not share Ms. Green’s view, but the vast majority of them are not calling for special rights or recognition, and are certainly not interested in same-sex marriage.

“For the record, we as church leaders from time to time find ourselves counseling with homosexuals who want to come out of their sin, but who like all other sinners – adulterers, drug addicts, gossipers and thieves – find themselves caught in the grip of their sin,” he said.

“What should not be lost in the dialogue is that the adulterer is not asking for a dedicated channel for how to be happy in his adultery, nor is the thief desiring programmes on how to be a thief. They both accept that their choices are sinful.”

He called the homosexual lifestyle a “death style”, and a deviant way of life where participants are more prone to injury and disease.

Pastor Bethel said what is actually needed in Bahamian society is greater teaching on normal, healthy behaviour, healthy interactions between men and boys, women and girls, and restraint in sexual expression outside of marriage.

Source: Bahama Journal