Stories for June 2012

Desmond Key’s family ‘satisfied with verdict’

THE family of Desmond Key, the detainee who was beaten while in police custody and later died, said they are satisfied with the sentencing given to the man responsible for his dea

Former police corporal sentenced to 10 years

A JUDGE said there was no justification for giving a former police corporal anything less than 10 years in jail for beating a man in police custody who later died.

Haitian drowning victims to be laid to rest

MORE than 1,000 people are expected to show up for Saturday's funeral service of 11 Haitians who tragically drowned in waters off Abaco, more than a week ago.

Witness 'saw row that led to death'

A SUPREME Court jury was told yesterday that a witness heard murder-accused Jessie Williams telling her husband to stop choking her just before he was killed.

Former MP's son held at gunpoint

WITH Independence Day only 11 days away, former PLP MP George Smith said the time has come for Bahamians to seriously decide the kind of country they want.

Top executive defends Atlantis

A TOP Atlantis executive yesterday defended the resort after an article described the hotel as a "world-class property missing world-class customer service".

Disabilities are under-reported

THE number of disabled persons residing in The Bahamas is grossly under-reported according to global population averages.

Optimism over Atlantis bookings

PRESIDENT and managing director of Kerzner International George Markantonis said despite a 10 per cent decline in summer bookings, he his optimistic things will pick up for fall and winter.

15 men held over marijuana find

SEVERAL men were detained by police in four separate incidents yesterday after the discovery of a quantity of marijuana and marijuana plants. In all, 15 men are in custody in connection with the finds.

ON THE ROAD TO A JITNEY SOLUTION

THE government is "quite a long way along the road" to taming the country's chaotic jitney service with the creation of a unified public transportation system, according to State Minister for Transport and Aviation Hope Strachan.

Young drivers targeted in road safety campaign

The Road Traffic Department is set to kick off an "aggressive" road safety campaign this summer, targeting young drivers in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents, according to State Minister for Transport and Aviation, Hope Strachan.

Brotherhood shelves Egypt's Islamsation - for now

THE MUSLIM Brotherhood has stopped talking about its longtime dream of an Islamic Egypt and expelling Israel's ambassador to Cairo. Instead, President-elect Mohammed Morsi is hurriedly building a diverse alliance with leftists, liberals and Christians to bolster his battle to end military rule.

Lack of information is no protection

ACP Anthony Ferguson's comments to the press as reported in the dailies today on why the police hid the violent rape reports from the public, only makes the Force look worse.

Laing still hounded by the PLP

I HAVE always argued the point that the former Free National Movement (FNM) member of Parliament for Marco City and Minister of State for Finance Senator Zhivargo Laing had become the whipping boy for supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) during the tenure of the former Ingraham administration.

Disability laws to bring tough penalties

STIFF penalties will be levied on persons or businesses not in compliance with the new disabilities legislation, according to government officials.

War veterans of the Bahamas are honoured

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade invited members of the British Legion to Police Headquarters yesterday to honour surviving Bahamian war veterans.

16,000 public workers to be given increased benefits

SIXTEEN thousand public servants can expect increased benefits as the government signed a new industrial agreement with the Bahamas Public Service Union to award lump sum increments, retroactive to 2010, equal to one regular increment.

Honours for new graduates

AS HUNDREDS of high school students donned traditional graduation regalia, a select few of Grand Bahama's top achievers were presented with four-year college scholarships courtesy of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Bahamas broker: 50% of client assets in jeopardy

ALMOST 50 per cent of client assets at Owen Bethel's Nassau-based Montaque Capital Partners, which is reportedly insolvent with a $9.367 million net asset deficiency, are in jeopardy due to a Canadian institution's claim against them, Tribune Business can reveal.

'The Tank' captures heavyweight titles

Sherman 'The Tank' Williams made sure the long journey to Macau, China, was worth his while. At the Grand Waldo Conference & Exhibition Centre Wednesd

Swimmers bring home 13 gold

ALTHOUGH they fell short of Team Bahamas' performance in Cuba in 2010, Bahamas Swimming Federation (BSF) president Algernon Cargill was still beaming with excit

Marina boaters in $46m boost

MARINA boating visitors to the Bahamas grew by 35 per cent in January 2012, the Ministry of Tourism revealed yesterday, with the industry estimated to generate $46 million in annual boater revenues compared to $820 million in hotel stopover tourist spending.

Bahamians 'can't bear another red cent' in cost hikes

A LEADING bottled water manufacturer yesterday said its decision to cut public opening hours was "in the best interests of all", given a power bill that totalled $500,000 for the past two years and the inability of consumers "to bear another red cent" in costs.

Cargill, Major team up in doubles semifinals today

THE Bahamas' only representatives left in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's third annual Junkanoo Bowl ITF Junior Circuit Tournament

VAT 'not total' tax reform answer

VALUE Added Tax (VAT) is not the complete solution to the Bahamas' taxation reform needs, this nation's leading World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiator yesterday warning that changes also needed to encourage targeted investment and be trade agreement-compliant.

FamGuard targets improved profits 'through 2012' after 54% Q1 rise

FAMGUARD Corporation's 54.4 per cent net income increase for the 2012 first quarter "came close to expectations", its chief executive yesterday expressing optimism that its alliance with a major international 'third party' healthcare provider would further help reduce claims.

First 'Office of Scholarships'

THE Ministry of Education plans to implement a new sector to its Sports Unit geared toward making scholarship opportunities more accessible to a wider cross sect

Atlantis takes over key JFK terminal

THE Atlantis resort has unveiled a strategic alliance with Jet Blue and the airline's TrueBluie customer loyalty programme, in a move designed to drive tourist traffic to the Paradise Island destination.

Entrepreneurship not precise science

SOME business graduates believe that everything coming out of Harvard Business School should be bowed down to, and that the right method always gets you where you want to be. However, there was a disbeliever at the University where I studied in the UK. She told me: "If it sounds convincing, look for reasons not to believe it."

Marinas chief sees business increase

THE in-coming president of the Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB) is predicting an increase in boating visitors this year, telling Tribune Business the economy was perhaps the biggest challenge for the industry.

Minister targeting 8.8% boating market growth

THE Bahamas' marina industry saw more than 157,000 boats landed last year, according to the Minister of Tourism, who yesterday said projections indicate an 8.8 per cent increase in the recreational boating market over the next several years.

Student athletes honoured at athletic scholarship luncheon

AN HISTORIC group of a dozen GSSSA student athletes became the first to be recognised for their athletic achievements as they prepare

TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Treat dead with dignity

WHEN bush medicine was in widespread use, a common remedy for a maggot-filled wound on a pet dog might be: douse it with kerosene, pick out the maggots and then wrap it with susumba leaf.

This time, a boy, 17, accused of murder

ANOTHER suspect, this time a 17-year-old boy, has escaped custody following a visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital, police confirmed yesterday.

International Honour for Tribune's publishing giants

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD – Sir Etienne Dupuch, editor and publisher of The Tribune for 54 years and current Tribune editor/publisher Eileen Dupuch Carron were honoured Monday by the International Press Institute (IPI)

Freedom fighters

THREE journalists who have stood for the freedom of the press in spite of the infringement of their rights, imprisonment and abduction while carrying out their work were honoured on Monday night at the International Press Institute (IPI) gala fund-raising dinner and awards ceremony. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and was attended by media practitioners from all around the world.

Activists demand tougher sentences for rapists

ACTIVISTS yesterday called for sterner sentences of those convicted of rape, as the feel the maximum penalties are not being sought by prosecutors.

Anger at police over rapist hunt

AS A WOMAN, I write to express my outrage that the Police Force did not, until ASKED TODAY by a media person, reveal to the public official information regarding the series of at-gunpoint violent rapes occurring throughout eastern and western New Providence over the past several weeks.

What is URCA's role with BTC?

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) came into existence on September 1, 2009. URCA replaced the Public Utilities Commission and the Television Regulatory Authority. URCA is supposed to act as an independent body and its main purpose is to regulate the telecommunications industry.

Security experts unite for Olympics

FIGHTER jets thunder above the English countryside. Missiles stand ready. And Big Brother is watching like never before.

Wells defends decision over Urban Renewal contracts

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Urban Development Renward Wells has weighed in on the ongoing criticism of the government's decision not to renew the contracts of 80 Urban Renewal employees.

Demand for action over disability laws

DISABLED persons lashed out at the government's slow pace to enact potentially life-saving disabilities legislation.

Police force announces youth camp

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force will be launching its nation-wide Summer Youth Programme on Monday.

Can you give a cat a home?

THE Bahamas Humane Society and BAARK! are desperately seeking foster homes for animals in need of temporary shelter.

Vote on gambling 'before end of year'

THE Bahamas can expect a referendum on the legalisation of gambling and a national lottery before the year is out, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

PM: Bahamas facing the toughest economic times

PRIME MINISTER Perry Christie warned senior public servants the Bahamas is in one of the most difficult and challenging economic periods in its history.

Minister blasts former FNM administration over 'unmanned drones'

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Fred Mitchell blasted the former FNM administration yesterday for failing to fully disclose to the Bahamian public that unmanned drones were operating in the Bahamas.

'Over 250k room night' boost from $18m credit

The Bahamas has generated "over 250,000 room nights" for the Nassau/Paradise Island destination alone during the past year via an $18 million investment in airfare credit promotions, the director-general of tourism yesterday saying he was "bullish" on the industry's outlook.

Auto dealer: 'My worst month for four years'

A BAHAMIAN auto dealer yesterday said May 2012 was "my worst month in probably four years" for new car sales, despite the industry as a whole seeing a 5 per cent rise in completed deals.

Atlantis chief eyes winter 'stimulus'

ATLANTIS'S top executive yesterday expressed optimism that the Bahamas' upcoming fall/winter 2012 airfare credit would "really stimulate bookings" during peak periods for the hotel industry, after the flagship Paradise Island resort saw a 10 per cent slowdown in its summer booking pace.

'Unhappy players' to drive insurance consolidation

THE Insurance Advisory Commission's (IAC) chairman yesterday predicted that consolidation will occur among Bahamian general insurance carriers within the next two-three years, arguing that the industry's 2011 average Return on Equity (RoE) of 3.6 per cent meant "there must be some unhappy players".

'fight over dog led to murder'

A 12-year-old boy told a jury a fight over a pitbull being hit led to a woman murdering her husband in a parking lot. Before the fifth-grader could testify

Police 'must be allowed to do job without interference'

AMID continuing criticism that the public should have been warned sooner about the recent spree of rape reports, Commissioner of Pol

Real talk live host in court

THE "Real Talk Live" talk show audio tape will verify if the host made disparaging remarks about a Supreme Court judge on live radio. Yesterday morning, Supr

Monks do not face probe

THE Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau yesterday said no Benedictine monks serving in the Bahamas are under investigation over sexual abuse allegations. Archbishop Patrick Pinder was respo

CORRECTION

CORRECTION ON Wednesday, June 27, The Tribune incorrectly reported that Stephen "Die" Stubbs was expected to testify in drug court the day before, in connection with a $6 million marijuana seizure. In fact, court met for a fixture hearing on that day, an

Don't nationalise healthcare, BAF chief warns Gov't

THE Government was yesterday warned not to completely nationalise healthcare in the Bahamas, the Insurance Advisory Commission's (IAC) chairman also expressing concern that post-CLICO over-regulation would deter insurers from providing "savings-type products".

Get your market right on target

I LIKE the saying: "You can't disguise a bad message, no matter how much you dress it up". There are many businesses who wish that their goods or services can appeal to everyone, and prefer skipping the planning segment to get right into design, not knowing that it takes time and patience to design the "right message" that will reach the "right people".

Doubles champions

It was a bittersweet day for Bahamian players in the International Tennis Federation Junkanoo Bowl finals on Wednesday at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) tennis center. After several tough losses, success was found in doubles

Haiti outlines prospects for Bahamians

HAITI'S tourism and construction sectors provide significant opportunities for Bahamian businesses, it was revealed during a recent presentation hosted by the Haitian Embassy in conjunction with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC).

Minister confirms Gov't bond issue

MINISTER of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis, yesterday confirmed the imminent launch of a Bahamas Government Registered Stock (BGRS) issue, telling Tribune Business it was very likely it would come out early next month when the new fiscal year began.

Bahamas 'maximises' Customs duties yields

THE Bahamas is running out of additional revenue sources, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday, adding that he believed the country had achieved the "maximum" yield from Customs duties.

Cost impediment to roads reversal

COST will be a major factor in the Government's decision on whether or not to reverse the one-way traffic system on Baillou Hill Road and Market Street, a government official telling Tribune Business yesterday that the impact it would have on traffic management also had to be taken into consideration.

Wimbledon: Sweeting reaches the 2nd round

For the second consecutive year, Ryan Sweeting has advanced to the second round of arguably the most noteworthy and legendary grand slam. Sweeting ad

Gov’t committed to roads compensation

The MINISTER of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis, said yesterday that the Christie administration was holding to its pledge to provide some compensation for those businesses impacted by the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP), telling Tribune Business the Government was going to have to find creative solutions given the current fiscal situation.

'Make it mandatory for athletes to compete in Nationals'

THERE has been much debate about whether or not it was right for athletes to skip the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations'

Atkinson's century helps Westerns to 50-run victory over St George

AN unbeaten 100 from Wycliff Atkinson highlighted the latest round of matches in the Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA) 20/20 tournament at Windsor Park over the weekend. Atkinson's centur

A summer camp for aspiring gymnasts

Since the early 1990s, Nassau 'Nastics has been offering a cool summer camp programme for youths who are excited about the sport of gymnastics. And this year is no exception. The nine-week long summer programme began o

Rev Raymond Jones: A man of the word

THE NEWS of the passing of well known pastor, Rev Raymond Jones has stunned and touched many lives on the island of Grand Bahama. Rev Jones who passed away at the age of 87 o

The perfect check list

We have become so advanced that we have moved away from the basics. Every now and again it is good to revisit where we started. A few weeks ago while I was at work, a gentlemen came in and made a very important p

A strong word spoken

You cannot speak plainer than John the Baptist. He told the truth as he saw it and did not flinch in the face of opposition. We all need to hear a strong word, from time to time, and indeed, every time we st

Choosing a church

SOME say it is not about the building itself, their reasons for choosing a church home is simply because of the message and the believers that attend. Bahamian locals shared their thoughts on w

Anglican Chorale set to perform

Under the patronage of the Right Reverend Laish Z. Boyd, Sr. and Mrs. Boyd, The Anglican Chorale will come together with friends in a variety concert, "A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving" to be held at St. Agnes Angl

The 'God-ticket' to success

A seminar hosted by the U-CAN-U-WILL-WITH-GOD organisation seeks to help individuals tap into entrepreneurial success through a godly process. Organisers of the seminar said the key to bring ideas to fruition

Youth Alive 2012: Steps to Greatness

BAHAMAS Faith Ministries Youth Church is responding to the social ills plaguing communities in Nassau with an event designed to provide young people with a clear cut life

Wanted pair are captured in under 24 hours

POLICE have three men in custody assisting them with their investigations into a string of rapes, burglaries and armed robberies in Eastern and Western New Providence.

VIDEO: Talk show host to face court over comments on air

RADIO talk show host Ortland Bodie Jr is scheduled to appear before Supreme Court Justice Stephen Isaacs today in connection with alleged comments he made concerning the judge on air. Media reports credit

Reassurances over safety at Sandyport

THE security team at Sandyport want to make it clear that there have been no reported rapes within the gated community, following claims of a serial rapist targeting victims in the east and the west.

Butler-Turner blasts silence over rapes

FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner blasted the government's silence on the spike in reported rape cases

Obama prepping thousands of lawyers

President Barack Obama’s campaign has recruited a legion of lawyers to be on standby for this year’s election as legal disputes surrounding the voting process escalate.

Too much rain to collect garbage

I HAVE just read the article in today's paper titled "Too much rain to collect garbage."

Facing the problem of poverty

ALLAN Cochorane, a noted British Social Economist, once wrote: “One measure of the success of the welfare system in any country is the extent to which it is able to maintain acceptable standards of living for its citizens.

Turnquest hits back on spy planes

FORMER National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest has criticised both a local newspaper and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell over alleged comments regarding unmanned US surveillance airplanes authorised to fly over the Bahamas.

Foulkes released from hospital after accident

FORMER FNM Labour Minister Dion Foulkes has been treated for minor injuries and released from hospital following a car accident Monday evening.

Ministry of Grand Bahamas employees are all natives of the island - Darville

THE Minister for Grand Bahama has asserted that all employees of his newly-created ministry are natives of that island.

Meeting the demand for skilled staff

THE government says it is aware of the urgent demand for highly skilled workers in many fields and is committed to fulfilling these needs through the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.

'Doctor fondled my breasts', court hears

'Doctor fondled my breasts', court hears By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FORMER hospital worker told a court a physician fondled her breasts and when she told him to stop he said she was "petty and touchy". The woman

Attempts to reclaim BTC are a monumental waste

IN 1997, the Free National Movement ran for re-election on a platform that explicitly called for the privatisation of BaTelCo - the state-owned telecoms monopoly that everyone loved to hate for its studied incompetence and arrogance.

Turtle tagging in the Bahamas

THANKS to a determined volunteer and the support of the Bahamas National Trust, two young men went on the trip of a lifetime around our beautiful Bahama Islands recently.

Police shoot man after store raid

POLICE shot a 23-year-old man after an attempted raid on a Cost Rite store early yesterday morning. Police say they got an anonymous call that two men i

'Die' Stubbs due in court

STEPHEN 'Die' Stubbs was expected to testify in court yesterday where he faces several charges in connection with a $6 million marijuana seizure. However, the matter was put down to Monday, July 2 where the 37-year-old of Ridgela

Urban renewal workers start to reapply for jobs

URBAN Renewal workers whose contracts were terminated are in the process of gathering the documents they will need to reapply for their current positions. Corneila

Christie's BTC remarks 'suspicious'

FNM Chairman Charles Maynard is questioning the timing of Prime Minister Perry Christie's comments on the sale of BTC, calling the remarks 'suspicious'.

AML targets $150m top-line by Jan '14

AML Foods "will be pushing" $150 million in annual group sales within 18 months, its chief executive told Tribune Business yesterday, aided by a $20 million contribution from its newly-announced Solomon's Fresh Market store at the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre.

Gov't to unveil $200m bond

THE Government is preparing to launch a mammoth $200 million Bahamas Government Registered Stock (BGRS) issue next month, financial industry sources have confirmed to Tribune Business, as it bids to cover its projected $550 million GFS deficit for the upcoming 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Super Value chief 'forging ahead' in 3-store takeover

SUPER Value's president yesterday said he was "forging right ahead" with the takeover of three former City Markets' locations, having put out "bids" for the re-equipping of the South Beach and Seagrapes sites, as he told Tribune Business: "We're aiming to be number one."

Olympic dreams become a reality for Arthur Gibson and Angelica Sturrup

IT'S every athlete's dream to compete in the Olympic Games. And just about every sporting fan would like to have an opportunity to be in the stands cheering for their country and favourite a

Private sector 'concerned' over large deposit levies

BAHAMIAN businesses were yesterday said to be "gravely concerned" about increased banking costs after CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) became the latest institution to charge a fee for handling large deposits, a move some banks say is intended to encourage greater security.

WTO: Bahamas has 'considerable work'

THE Bahamas has "considerable work" to do in making its business/trading regime compliant with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, with this nation's negotiating team having undergone a recent grilling in Geneva on various aspects of its existing rules.

Swift masters bring home five medals

Making Bahamians proud, Swift swimming masters won five medals at the 14th FINA World Masters Championships - the largest swim meet in the world - in Riccione, Italy, earlier this month. It was a meet that will be remembered as the largest and longest mee

Lyford Hills developer targeting 6-9 months for Phase I 'sell out'

THE lead developer of Lyford Hills said yesterday he hoped to sell out Phase I of the project in the next six-nine months, telling Tribune Business that interest in the development had picked up in the last few weeks.

Direct at the main target

I BELONG to a marketing association where the guru we follow, Dan Kennedy, has been insisting that everyone should be using direct mail to a greater degree. He's been writing about direct mail for years, but I, like the majority of his clients, have consistently ignored him. The good part of that is it allowed me to really master the Internet and social media, which can deliver faster results.

$2m verdict for City Markets management

AS Super Value moves ahead with its takeover of three former City Markets locations, employees of the former food retailer are still anxiously awaiting their severance packages, an executive telling Tribune Business yesterday: "The severance packages should be automatic under the laws of the Bahamas."

Renaldo's Ramblings: Final Lessons

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net To think...months ago we weren't sure this was ever going to happen. No, not LeBron winning an NBA championship, that's always been a lock despite what Skip Bayless or the average Bahamian on t

URCA confirms probe into BTC system outage

THE Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) last night confirmed it was investigating the June 18-19 network outages that hit the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) fixed-line and cellular services, giving the carrier until July 9 to produce "a detailed report" on the affair.

Etienne Farquharson III selected for Nike Post Graduate Scholarship

AS an outstanding student athlete, accolades continue to pour in for collegiate baseball standout Etienne Farquharson III.

Bahamas send off for Harlem dancers

THE Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble concluded its final lap of a Caribbean tour in the Bahamas, during a Friday performance that riveted the large audience.

Rock your body

THE instructors at Eurhythmics Dance Studio promised patrons a bold, spicy, colorful, exciting and innovative show on Sunday, as the studio celebrated its 18th year.

Zane set to join Texas A & M programme in fall

After several stops in his young basketball career, Zane Knowles hopes to establish himself at the university level this fall. Knowles, a six-foot, nine-inch, 240-pound forward/center, has comm

Developing a child's natural abilities

In some cultures of the world, a child's natural abilities are recognised from a very early age and then nurtured. By the time these children are in their teenage years they are considered gifted, special or even talented. While they may be, the fact of the matter is they have been exposed to more information in their area of interest and are allowed to flourish in it.

Food Fight

THE MARATHON Mall will be transformed into a food battle similar to that of the Food Network's Iron Chef when seven students square off to create the best dish.

Salsa social network shows off

Dancers and enthusiasts flooded the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom Saturday, for the second annual Bahamas Dance and International Ballroom Showcase.

Hibisucs varieties

The hibiscus is one of the easiest of all flowers to identify. The flat-lying five petals and outstanding staminal column are readily recognisable and a string of them in the form of a lei is placed around your neck by a local lovely when you visit Hawaii.

Staying true to Bahamian sound

BAHAMIAN artist Papa Smurf is back with "Bahamian Girl", a second release from his upcoming album.

Angelique stealing the show

THERE is no stopping the talented Bahamian artist Angelique Sabrina. The pop princess, as her fans are now calling her, recently released a new song, "Steal The Show", featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Cecile.

'How I fought off rapist'

A MAN was shot at and fought off an armed raider who he thinks may have been one of the rapists police are hunting.

UPDATE: SUSPECTS CAUGHT

UPDATE: Police confirmed this morning that they have caught the two men wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies, burglary and rape.

Foulkes in car accident

A FORMER Free National Movement minister was in a car accident last night when his car hit a tree in West Bay Street.

Acquittal to be challenged

PROSECUTORS will be allowed to challenge a magistrate's acquittal of a police sergeant who was cleared of having sexual intercourse with two underage girls who were wards of the state.

Stabbing victim dies in hospital, man shot in groin

AN ARGUMENT over a woman turned fatal as a man was stabbed off Wulff Road and died of his injuries in hospital shortly afterwards.

Former school cook defends role as head of Urban Renewal

THE new head of Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama has defended her suitability for the post after opponents claimed the former PLP organiser has no relevant qualifications and last worked as a school caterer.

Pompey Museum discovers new treasures in wake of fire

HISTORIC treasures dating back to before 1769 have been discovered at the site of the Pompey Museum development.

PLP defiant over cut in Urban Renewal employees

THE governing Progressive Liberal Party has responded to the outrage over its decision not to renew the contracts of 80 Urban Renewal employees, by declaring the party has a mandate to organise the scheme as it sees fit.

Open letter to Prime Minister Perry Christie

Dear Prime Minister, The Scriptures remind us, "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me." I appeal to you to reinstate the 80 terminated officers of the Urban Renewal Programme.

Court hampers Romney's plea to Hispanics

MITT ROMNEY wants to improve his troubled standing among Hispanic voters while saying as little as possible about immigration. Events keep working against him.

The Urban Renewal fallacy

THIS is my comment in response to today's newspaper article under the heading: "More Urban Renewal workers to reportedly lose jobs."

Our Fiscal Woes are continuing

PRIME MINISTER the Rt Hon. Perry Christie outlined the country's current fiscal position last week. He claimed the government will need to borrow $504 million to cover debt left by the previous Free National Movement (FNM) government. This figure is more than double the $248 million the FNM government said would be needed to cover our current fiscal shortfall.

Baha Mar urged to hire more Bahamians

THE level of Bahamian involvement in the still under-construction Baha Mar resort is one concern Prime Minister Perry Christie and his Cabinet want hotel executives to address.

Bahamas ranked favourably in global corruption index

A GLOBAL index measuring perceived corruption in the public sector has ranked The Bahamas favourably in its top 25.

Police vow to find hidden drugs

DEPUTY Police Commissioner Quinn McCartney yesterday warned persons cultivating drugs locally or on the family islands that police will be relentless in their search to uncover hidden narcotics and prosecute those responsible.

FNM are 'playing politics' over end of workers' contracts

FREEPORT - Michelle Reckley, deputy director of Urban Renewal, accused the FNM of "playing politics" and misleading the public over the 40 ousted workers on Grand Bahama.

VIDEO: Urban Renewal workers back to apply for their old jobs

FORMER Urban Renewal workers showed up at the Ministry of Works yesterday to reapply for the jobs they say they lost because of their political affiliation.

Jazz, cigars and fun in Grand Bahama

THE second annual Cigar Night, held on June 16 by the Rotary Club of GB Sunrise, was very well attended as the Grand Bahama community turned out in support of two worthy causes.

Fidelity's consolidation boost for the Bahamas

THE Nassau-headquartered Fidelity Group of Companies is moving to "centralise back office operations" in the Bahamas, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with staff costs and quality here said to be "far better or superior" to the other territories it operates in.

Property Fund in 'waiting game' via 20%+ vacancies

VACANCY rates of more than 20 per cent at its two main properties have left the BISX-listed Bahamas Property Fund in "a waiting game", its administrator said yesterday, with its bottom line "not going to change much" until new tenants were attracted.

Baha Mar 'bids' $160m to Bahamian companies

BAHA MAR executives said yesterday that $550 million had been invested into the $2.6 billion development to-date, with $130 million thus far awarded to Bahamian firms.

Bank: E-platform can 'equal' credit for profit share

BANK of the Bahamas International's managing director yesterday said its business e-commerce platform had the potential to "equal" the contribution its loan portfolio made to its bottom line, telling Tribune Business the facility was expected to be "profitable from year one".

Fidelity 'expects' to beat $4m net profits for 2012

FIDELITY Bank (Bahamas) is "comfortable" with projections that its 2012 full-year net income will exceed last year's $3.844 million, yesterday telling Tribune Business it expected its bottom line to increase quarter-over-quarter throughout this current financial year.

No approval yet on 'revolutionary' Baha Mar system

BAHA MAR yesterday affirmed its backing for the proposed "revolutionary" $102.3 million Seawater District Cooling (SDC) system that will supply 90 per cent of its air conditioning needs, but said the Government had given the project no license or approval.

87% of hotels not accepting online card payments

SOME 87 per cent of small Bahamian hotels in the Family Islands are not realising their potential because they do not accept credit card booking payments online, Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) president, Stuart Bowe, said yesterday.

Bahamas urged to lobby over FATCA

A SENIOR US policy analyst and lobbyist yesterday shot down the notion that the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) was "here to stay", calling the impending legislation an invasive plan to "put everybody in a financial fish bowl".

PHOTO GALLERY: A prom night to remember

WHETHER it was designer made or store bought, high school graduates were happy to flaunt their gowns last Thursday at the CR Walker prom.

Living legends on display

Months after donning 21 trailblazing women with the title "Living Legends" at the annual Zonta Club of New Providence Gala Ball, Zontians are continuing their efforts to raise awareness about the contributions of Bahamian women.

Uniting against AIDS

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) is the eleventh United Nations body to join the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) as a cosponsoring partner.

Osteoporosis and oral health

Osteoporosis is a nice fancy word. We often hear about it in the media. Older men and women predominantly get it and many supplements claim to be able to stop it or slow it down.

Our inner healing powers

Our inner healing powers By Dr. Kelly Kramp, Life Chiropractic Centre In every one of us, we have healing powers that most of us are not aware of. We all know that our brain runs our bodies, right? Since this is a fact of science, we must also ackn

Women who choose to boot the pill

MANY women say, oral contraceptives are convenient and effective. However, there are some who agree, the pill is not for everyone and there are alternative contraceptive methods.

Physician wins international hand hygiene award

In a hospital setting, an act as simple as hand washing can mean the difference between life and death.

The lone survivor!

In a gutsy, cramped-up performance, Danielle Thompson avoided another first round exit in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's Junkanoo Bowl International Tennis Federat

Tourney aims to get young boys off streets

FOR the third consecutive year, Caribbean Bottling Company Limited has teamed up with the Royal Bahamas Police Force to put on the Sprite Freesty

Instructors pleased with turnout at Back to Basics volleyball camp for boys, girls

FORMER multiple national team player Jackie Conyers has been pleased with the development of her Back to B

Davis Cup team simply didn't have experience to advance, says captain

IN his first appearance as team captain, Dentry Mortimer said he felt the team played as well as expected, but simply

National teams named

FOLLOWING the completion of the BAAA Scotiabank National Open Track and Field Championships, national teams for the NACAC Under-23 and IAAF World Junior Championships have been released. The NACAC Under-23 Championships is all set to

Men suspected of raping a dozen women

POLICE have launched an island-wide hunt for two men suspected of raping almost a dozen women in their homes including a former parliamentarian and the niece of a prominent politician.

Minnis attacks urban renewal

URBAN Renewal under the PLP has become nothing more than a scheme for turning trained police officers into delivery boys, opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis charged yesterday.

Baha Mar defends beach work

COMPLIANCE with insurance requirements prompted Baha Mar to construct a nine-foot surge protection wall on the northern Cable Beach shoreline, says the Ministry of the Environment and Housing.

Is this meeting just one big charade?

WE AGREE with Senator Zhivargo Laing that the new PLP government should get a move on rather than wasting House members' time bashing the Ingraham government.

Web cafés contribute to the Bahamas

We, the Alliance of the newly formed committee named All for One and One for All, after searching far and wide have made the following discovery, except for Atlantis and the government, the web shop cafes do the following:

Dr Minnis must learn about RBDF

FIRST, I highly recommend that Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition Leader, The Hon Dr Hubert Minnis, hires a military consultant to best advise him on matters concerning the employment of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RDBF), particularly in support of civilian authorities... In fact, in keeping with provisions contained in the Defence Act, for decades the RBDF has provided personnel to assist The Bahamas Immigration Department in the round up, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants.

Marijuana field found by police

FREEPORT - Bahamian and US drug agents made a huge marijuana discovery in East Grand Bahama over the weekend.

Ministers take tour of airport

FREEPORT - Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin was in Grand Bahama over the weekend to tour the various government agencies within her portfolio as well as the island's private sector port facilities.

Nursing training proving popular

ENTRY into nursing programmes in the Bahamas is becoming a hot ticket.

Minister sets goal for new graduates

THERE is always something new to learn, The Bahamas' Education Minister told a 2012 graduating class.

Summer students enjoy arts workshop with RBC

FOR the 31st consecutive year, RBC Royal Bank and RBC FINCO are sponsoring the RBC Summer Arts Workshop for students, one of the most well-known arts-related youth events in the Bahamas.

Minnis attacks government's health delay

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis blasted the government yesterday for "backtracking" on an election promise to "move expeditiously" on National Health Insurance (NHI).

Anger over worker cuts

FREEPORT - Grand Bahama FNMs are condemning the ousting of 42 Urban Renewal workers on the island and calling on the PLP government to renew their contacts.

Baha Mar work 'will not harm' environment

BAHA MAR executives said that none of the project's undertakings would harm or jeopardise the Bahamas' natural environment.

Jimico was a ‘fun-loving, quiet’ teenager who loved to play basketball

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jimico Brown will be remembered as a “fun-loving, quiet” teenager who loved to play basketball.

Atkins, Sturrup regain sprint titles

Back in action after missing last year's event in Grand Bahama, Chandra Sturrup and Derrick Atkins both regained their sprint titles at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Scotiabank National Open Track and Field Championships.

Barry wins high jump title

AFTER playing second fiddle behind arch-rival Donald Thomas for the past two years, Trevor Barry regained his men’s high jump title that he last held in 2009.

New ‘king’ of the quarter-mile

THE BAAA purposely switched the men’s 400 final to the last event on the Scotiabank National Open Track and Field Championships’ calendar and Demetrius Pinder delivered a victory for the history books on Saturday night.

'War brewing between rival beer companies'

HAVING had Sheldon Gibson build four new dingy boats, James 'Jimmy' Sands was hoping to revive the art of sculling at various Family Island homecomings and regattas around the Bahamas.

Sports news in brief

THE Bahamas All-Star/Alongside Suns Basketball Summer Basketball and Soccer Camp is slated to get started today at the Temple Christian High School, starting at 8:30am.

Knowles to team up with Hanley for Wimbledon

FOR the past 21 years, Mark Knowles has not missed a trip to London, England, to participate in Wimbledon – the most prestigious Grand Slam Tournament on the ATP circuit.

CLICO liquidator blasts $52m Trini 'harassment'

CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator has blasted the information demand served on himself by the insolvent insurer's Trinidad affiliate, as "harassment", describing it as "utterly meritless" and a "blatant effort to circumvent" Bahamian court proceedings.

Ex-BEC chairman: Tariff cut return will 'spell disaster'

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) former executive chairman believes it is "vitally important" for the new government and Board to pick up where he and their predecessors left off, warning that a return to the tariff-cutting policies of 2002-2007 would "spell disaster".

Colina drops interest in CLICO (Bahamas)

COLINA Insurance Company has dropped its interest in acquiring CLICO (Bahamas) policy portfolio, Tribune Business can reveal, due to concerns over whether supporting back office data could be successfully obtained from the insolvent insurer's Trinidadian affiliate.

G-20 tax intent a 'serious threat' to financial sector

THE continued G-20/OECD push towards the automatic exchange of tax information poses "a serious threat" to the Bahamian financial services industry, a senior attorney urging this nation to "get ahead of the curve" in responding to their demands

Eurozone crisis hits $2-$4m real estate 'sweet spot'

THE Eurozone's sovereign debt crisis has boosted sales volumes in the Bahamian high-end real estate market over the past year, Tribune Business has been told, with deals hitting the "sweet spot" of between $2-$4 million on average.

Business health also suffers from obesity

WE began a discussion last week on the value of creating, and cultivating, a healthy mind, body and spirit, so that as citizens in corporate Bahamas we are able to make a more meaningful contribution.

Bank to unveil e-commerce platform today

BANK of the Bahamas International is today launching its e-commerce platform, its managing director describing it as "an ideal time" to make the move.

Rio+20: No closer to a safer global environment

THE Rio+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has brought the world no closer to a safer global environment. Indeed, if the measure of its success is that the large and influential countries stood still while the dreadful effects of Climate Change sped along, the Conference was a disappointment.

Teen dies in weekend violence

TWO teenagers became victims during a weekend mired in bloodshed and violence - one of them becoming the country’s latest murder victim.

Bahamas used to test US spy planes

THE US has been testing unmanned spy planes over the Bahamas.

Tributes paid to 16-year-old

A TEENAGER died on Sir Milo Butler Highway yesterday morning after he crashed a car reportedly loaned to him into an electrical pole.

PM urged to ‘exercise Christian charity’

FORMER Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes yesterday appealed to Prime Minister Perry Christie to ‘exercise Christian charity’ and reinstate the 80 Urban Renewal workers whose contracts were not renewed.

Man fights for life after shooting

POLICE are investigating a shooting which left a man fighting for his life in hospital

Men who were accused of plot to kill commissioner get partial court victory

FOUR men who were accused of plotting to kill a police commissioner when they were police constables have won a partial victory in the courts against the force.

Bahamas reaches Zone III playoffs

AFTER dropping its first game on Wednesday, the Bahamas men's national rebounded to sweep Nicaragua 3-0 to wrap up second place in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie and now in the playoffs with a chance to get promoted to Zone II for 2013.

Bahamas crushes Nicaragua 116-62

MITCH Johnson had a monster game on Friday at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coloseum in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico to get the Bahamas men's national basketball team back on track, but it came a little too late to get through to the playoffs of the CentroBasket Championships.

Bahamian investors urged to take advantage of incentives

THE government is encouraging Bahamian investors to take advantage of incentives being offered to those willing to take part in the redevelopment of downtown Nassau.

'Pay up on contracts after change in government'

SENATOR Desmond Bannister said Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson should advise her government to pay those persons whose contracts were suspended following the change in government in May.

PLP education pledge only 'double talk'

INSTEAD of a doubling in the 2012/2013 public education budget as promised, the PLP delivered nothing but more "double-talk", FNM Senator Desmond Bannister said.

Mitchell returns after visit to Rio+20 conference

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell is expected to return to the Bahamas today after representing Prime Minister Perry Christie at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

'Postal service must be reformed'

MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Hope Strachan said the postal service must be reformed if it is to remain relevant.

Lawyer seeks to step aside

AN attorney representing a man appealing conviction for a 2005 drug-related murder asked the court to be withdrawn from the case.

Making progress is never easy

IT HAS now become quite apparent that the present government has gone into "by any means necessary" mode to regain the controlling shares of BTC. It seems as if they are willing to beg, borrow, or do whatever else is necessary to achieve their end!

Chairman must make disclosures

AS MEMBERS of the public watch the political scene unfold they should be aware of certain facts. One item of interest is section 6 of the Electricity Act of The Bahamas Part II:

Foreign investment solicited

I SEE that The Bahamas is again courting foreign investors to come and invest their money in The Bahamas.

At US hotels, Chinese tourists treated to comforts of home

MAJOR hotel brands are bending over backward to cater to the needs of the world's most sought-after traveller: the Chinese tourist.

Urban Renewal employees 'not sacked, just out of contract'

PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has rejected the opposition's claim that the government is firing Urban Renewal employees, explaining that their contracts are merely not being renewed.

$3m 'goodwill gesture' by BTC after blackout

A $3 MILLION "goodwill gesture" is being offered by BTC in the wake of a blackout that crippled the company's landline, cell and broadband services.

'Tell residents about plans for Baha Mar'

SENATOR Jerome Gomez yesterday called on BahaMar executives to take the first steps to keep concerned Killarney residents informed of the company's future plans.

Laing: Stop bashing, start governing

FNM Senator Zhivargo Laing yesterday urged the new PLP government to move forward with the country's business rather than use the House of Assembly as a forum to "bash" the previous Ingraham administration.

No change in mortgage delinquency

THERE have been no major changes in the delinquency rate of mortgages in the Bahamas over the past few months, Fidelity Bank CEO Anwer Sunderji said yesterday.

Lone Olympic swimmer is eager to race

MUCH more mature and focused, she is expected to make her second appearance at the Olympics - this time as the only swimmer in the Bahamian contingent.

DONATING $10,000, NYGARD ON BOARD AS MAJOR REGATTA SPONSOR

WHILE the stage is set for the participation of about 20 boats in the 19th All-Andros and Berry Islands Regatta next month, Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard came on board as a major sponsor for another year.

Bahamas in 2nd after 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico

AFTER winning their first two matches with 3-0 sweeps in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie at the Shaw Park Tennis Facility in Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas men's national team lost their first match in the Group B round robin play on Wednesday.

Garth Brown signs a letter of intent to attend Texas college

ONCE again showing his commitment to the youth of our country, coach Norris Bain watched one of his basketball players commit to furthering his career in sports and education.

DNP co-chairman: country's high interest rates major deterrent for new businesses

THE cost of borrowing in the Bahamas is a major deterrent to persons looking to start up developments or small business according to the Downtown Nassau Partnership's (DNP) co-chairman Charles Klonaris.

BHA calling for elimination of market value investment

THE Bahamas Hotel Association (BHA) is calling for the elimination of the 25 per cent market value investment required under the Hotels Encouragement Act for the renewal of investment incentives.

Baha Mar 'very encouraged' by interest generated from upscale London launch

THE London launch of the $2.6 billion Baha Mar project's 303 luxury residences has generated significant interest, a senior executive said yesterday, telling Tribune Business: "We were very encouraged."

Minister 'very optimistic' about upcoming investment projects

MINISTER of State for Investments Khalis Rolle said yesterday that he was very optimistic regarding a number of investment projects currently in the pipeline, telling Tribune Business that these projects varied between sectors such as tourism, agriculture and energy.

AML Foods set to break ground on new restaurant

PRESIDENT and CEO of AML Foods Limited Gavin Watchorn told Tribune Business yesterday it expected to break ground on its flagship Carl's Jr restaurant in late October - early November and had already picked out a site for its second location.

Are you Marketing a good service?

I LIKE the saying: "You can't disguise a bad message, no matter how much you dress it up". There are many businesses who want their goods or services to appeal to everyone and prefer skipping the planning to get right to designing ; not knowing that it takes time and patience to design the right message that will reach the right people.

Two dead after shootout with police

TWO men are dead and two teenagers are in police custody after a high speed chase and shoot-out with police yesterday morning.

Randy Fraser appeal thrown out

BISHOP Randy Fraser’s unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl was not only “contemptible”, but an act deserving of the severest condemnation.

Footage missing in sabotage probe

SURVEILLANCE footage requested in the investigation of the blackout at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company has gone missing, sources at the corporation have revealed.

Mass funeral to be held for Haitian victims

AFTER lying unclaimed in the morgue for more than ten days, the 11 Haitians who tragically lost their lives last Sunday will finally be laid t

BEC chairman Miller vows to lower bills

THE new BEC chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday he hopes to lower electricity costs for Bahamians through strategies he attempted to implement when he was Minister of Trade and Industry from 2002-2007 - namely Venezuelan oil and Liquefied Natural Gas.

Are we heading for a police state?

IT WAS reported that the Prime Minister Rt Hon Perry Gladstone Christie called a meeting with all of the top brass associated with the Ministry of National Security. The meeting was because The Bahamas has seen an unprecedented spike in serious crime, especially murder since Dr Nottage's announcement.

Reasons for the rate of murders

IN ANNOUNCING the launch of Urban Renewal 2.0 at Police Headquarters on Monday, June 4, the Commissioner of Police, Ellison Greenslade, was quoted by reporter Dana Smith of The Tribune as saying, "Many of the murders that we recorded to date are a result of arguments. I am ashamed to tell you, arguments over women...females, where young men are feuding over females."

Minister should watch his words on matters of safety

THERE is a downside to the politicisation of any issue, especially when politics is powerless to bring about that change, or the political will is absent.

Uruguay plan to let governent sell marijuana

URUGUAY'S national government said Wednesday it hopes to fight a growing crime problem by selling marijuana to citizens registered to buy it, and will send a bill to Congress that would make it the first country in the world to do so.

'Young people both the cause and solution to crime problem'

BAHAMAS Against Crime executive director the Rev CB Moss said yesterday that young people are both the cause and the solution to the escalating crime problem. Speaking at a p

Maynard hits out at BTC takeover plan

FNM chairman Charles Maynard hit out at Prime Minister Perry Christie's insistence on taking back control of the Bahamas Telecommunication Company.

GB launch for Urban Renewal

FREEPORT - The Urban Renewal 2.0 programme has officially been launched in Grand Bahama and 21 police officers will report to the various centres this we

Salary row in House

A HEATED discussion yesterday erupted in the Senate over the salaries of Members of Parliament during the Ingraham administration's stay in office. While making his contribution to the 2012/2

RUBIS sets focus to regain fuels and aviation business

RUBIS'S western Caribbean general manager said yesterday that company's immediate focus was to regain its commercial fuels and aviation business, telling Tribune Business that the company was also seeking to become more effective in the administration of maintenance in its retail operations.

Texaco retailer: 'The war was just getting started'

A TEXACO retailer said yesterday that while he had no intentions of resisting a court order which paved the way for his forced exit from the petroleum retail business after 23 years, "the war was just getting started."

Ministry continues to prep for fatca implementation

MINISTER of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said yesterday that the Bahamas was enhancing its preparations for the implementation of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), telling Tribune Business his ministry was seriously committed to ensuring that local financial institutions were ready.

MINISTER: Prisons should be last resort for non-violent and petty crimes

PRISON should, as far as possible, be a last resort for persons charged or convicted of non-violent, petty crimes, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said. Dr Nottage

Sitting Next to Ned (or Nellie)

I'M constantly amazed at the few real benefits some businesses receive for the dollars they shell out on training, and the number of promises they receive in return for them instead. It's the support trainees receive from management as they try to implement their new ideas that should count, as opposed to the brickbats they more often receive from colleagues.

Nottage targets gangs in prison reforms

NO EFFORT should be spared in eradicating organised gangs from the penal system, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said. Dr Nottage also challenged regional officials to develop new ways - including

Independence party planned

FREEPORT - Plans and preparations are being finalised for the 39th annual independence celebrations on Grand Bahama. Dr Michael Darville, Minister for G

'Urban Renewal centres used for political ends'

SENATOR Frank Smith yesterday accused the former government of using Urban Renewal offices as campaign centres for potential FNM candidate

Shareholders hear positive report on Commonwealth

MORE than 250 Commonwealth Bank shareholders filled the ballroom at SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach for the Bank’s annual general meeting to hear a positive report

Christie: Charter points the way to a brighter future

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said the government's Charter for Governance delineates the way forward to a brighter future for the Bahamian people, and also represents the government's covenant with a

Bahamas falls to Panama

THE Bahamas men's national basketball team, playing without starters Rony Cadeau and Keno Burrows because of slight injuries, suffered their second consecutive loss at the CentroBasket Championships.

ITF Junkanoo Bowl to start with qualifying round on Saturday

FOR the past nine years, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has provided local junior players the opportunity to participate against their peers from around the world in the ITF Junkanoo Bowl Tennis Tournament.

Rutherford to be honoured for her work for women

FREEPORT - Grand Bahama resident Geneva Rutherford will be honoured as a community builder and for her contribution to the well-being of women. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage,

'I think I can give it a better shot in the 400'

When the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' Scotiabank National Open Track and Field Championships gets underway at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium this weekend, a couple of half-milers will drop down to the quarter-mile.

Derrick Atkins - leader of the pack

NOT since he sped to international prominence with his bronze medal performance at the IAAF World Championships in 2007 in Osaka, Japan, has sprinter Derrick Atkins been a force to reckon with in the men's 100 meter

Man faces court over death of 11 Haitians in boat sinking

AN Abaco man who allegedly owned a boat used in a human-smuggling operation that ended up with 11 of its 28 passengers dead was brought to court yesterday. However, 43-year-old Alphonso "Carpo" Ed

Sam Nichols to turn his attention to local coaches

After spending the past three days instructing the boys and girls in the Basketball Smiles camp at the CI Gibson Gymnasium, legendary coach Sam Nichols will today turn his attention to the local coaches.

Trailblazing women in bodybuilding and fitness honoured in grand style

Five trailblazing women in the sport of bodybuilding and fitness in the Bahamas were honoured in grand style when the New Providence Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (NPBFA) held its annual competition over the weekend.

Chinese say US report is 'groundless'

THE Chinese Embassy has dubbed the US State Department's report - which spoke of a lack of "freedom of movement" for Chinese workers in the Bahamas, as "groundless". The 2012 T

Baptist Health welcomes new medical director

NEUROSURGEON Harold J Pikus recently teamed up with the faith based health care organisation Baptist Health South Florida.

FNM claim Urban Renewal staff about to be fired

FNM claim Urban Renewal staff about to be fired THE opposition Free National Movement claims that the government is about to fire more than 20 staff from various Urban Renewal centres. In a statement issued last night, the party said: "It has come to the

Pilots of their planes: Fathers

WHEN I was a little girl, I was often told that the man who would be in my life would have big shoes to fill. That is because of how my father raised and treated my sisters and I. The only father in my life who I know is actually my biological uncle.

A life of public service remembered

IT HAS been twenty years now since Gurth Archer died, but for those who had the good fortune to know him, the memories still influence their lives.

Boy, 11, in hospital with serious burns

FREEPORT - An 11-year-old boy is in hospital with second-degree burns on his body following an incident involving a teen in East End. Accor

Police vexed by copper thefts

FREEPORT - Grand Bahama police chief Emrick Seymour said the spike in copper theft over the past two weeks is a "vexing problem" and urged businesses to take precautions.

Politician's niece's kidnap claim being investigated

THE TEENAGE niece of a prominent politician was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted over the weekend, The Tribune has learn

Woman quizzed over attack

POLICE are questioning a 22-year-old woman of West Avenue, Carmichael Road in connection with the stabbing of a 25-year-old Nassau Village man.

Clarification needed on Gibson's statement

SHANE Gibson's threat to demand every company applying for a foreigner to justify its needs before his department will issue a Labour Certificate has certainly stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment among the business community -- a section of the community that Prime Minister Christie is going to need if he wants to keep Bahamians employed.

Landlord's plea

PLEASE allow me space in your prestigious newspaper to express my opinion. I have run out of options and done all that I can, now I am praying that your paper will be able to assist me.

Outrage at murders

CITIZENS for Justice, (CFJ) a non-political advocacy organisation for justice and order, is outraged at the number of recent murders in the Bahamas.

BTC told 'give us better service'

FOLLOWING Monday's catastrophic telephone service blackout, BTC raised the possibility of compensation - but customers say all they want form the company is more reliable service.

Sabotage not ruled out as BTC launch probe

AS investigations continued into the worst telecommunications shut down ever experienced in the Bahamas, BTC officials did not rule out sabotage as a possible cause.

We will learn nothing new from more studies

WITH all the shock-horror at our skyrocketing crime rate, you would never believe that the causes and consequences of the country's social slide have been copiously documented over the past 20-odd years by a slew of commissions and reports.

Bishop says some lawyers are comfortable with crime

THE crime situation will remain the same as long as those in power benefit from it, said Bishop Simeon Hall.

Minister hails primary school's success

EDUCATION, Science and Technology Minister Jerome Fitzgerald celebrated the achievements of the 2012 class of Claridge Primary, community stakeholders, administrators, parents and guardians during the school's prize-giving exercise.

Esso sponsors junior junkanoo

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson accepts a $50,000 platinum sponsorship cheque from Valentino Hanna, country manager of Esso Standard Oil SA Ltd. The donation will be used to sponsor the 25th Silver Jub

A simple task that can save a life

IN A hospital setting, an act as simple as hand washing can mean the difference between life and death.

'Cable Beach is being destroyed'

When the Crystal Palace was being built, and I was a member of the House of Assembly, I condemned the building of one of the Crystal Palace Towers on the beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas. I said the

Coke bottler targets end-July for product launches

CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (Bahamas) yesterday said it was targeting end-July/early August for the launch of new 'low juice fruit' and energy drinks, its president and chief executive yesterday telling Tribune Business that flat year-over-year sales volumes were helping to keep price increases at bay.

Bahamas urged: 'Look outside' financial sector on Brazil, Asia

THE Bahamas Financial Services Board's (BFSB) immediate past chairman yesterday urged the Bahamas to look beyond financial services when seeking to attract Asian and Brazilian investors to these shores, after the 2012 World Wealth Report identified both regions as the fastest growing market for high net worth individuals.

PM's meeting with CWC chief 'very cordial'

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday described his meeting with the London-based chief executive of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) majority shareholder on Monday as "very cordial", stating he had reaffirmed his administration's position of seeking to regain the majority equity interest .

Police shooting suspect cleared

A SUPREME Court jury unanimously acquitted a man of trying to murder two policemen who were making an arrest after a shooting. Lavardo Miller, 29, of Nass

Benetton to open 3rd store at Old Fort Bay

A leading fashion retailer is expanding its operations to western New Providence with the opening of its third store in the Old Fort Bay Town Centre, a move designed to increase market share and provide more convenience to a considerable section of its customer base.

Brewery targeting 'modest' volume increase for 2012

COMMONWEALTH Brewery is this year targeting a "modest increase" over the 187,000 hectolitres it sold in 2011, its managing director yesterday saying it was ramping up marketing activity and remained "moderately positive" about its near-term prospects.

Building loyalty through treating clients like kings

IF YOU want to build brand loyalty, one of the best ways is an event filled with pomp and circumstance.

Colina Holdings lists $30m issue on BISX

THE Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) yesterday confirmed the listing of Colina Holdings (Bahamas) $30 million worth of Class A Preference Shares on the exchange, bolstering its secondary market.

Economy 'not over hump' despite 2.8% growth claim

BAHAMIANS must not think the economy is "over the hump" despite projections it will grow by 2.8 per cent in 2012, a senior private sector official yesterday saying current anemic activity was likely to persist for "another 12-18 months".

Minister calls for 'vigilance' on rogue prescription drugs

THE Bahamas must be vigilant in combating rogue operators and counterfeit pharmaceutical suppliers, the Minister of Health said yesterday, describing the issue as a relatively new and emerging problem for the Bahamas.

Papa John answers Salvation Army's call

FOR the second year, Papa John's Pizza has partnered with the Salvation Army to give back to the Bahamian community.

Children have spines straightened

FOUR youths have recently had their lives changed thanks to a team of doctors. This month, those children, stricken with severe cases of Scoliosis,

The secret's out

AN ECLECTIC group of music lovers turned out to BLU Restaurant last Saturday to uncover the mystery surrounding the Secret Concert.

Dance academy plays games

DANCERS from the Lawrence Carroll Dance Academy delivered an entertaining two-part dance show, "The Game Is On," on Father's Day, at the College of The Bahamas' Performing Arts Center.

Decomposed body found in container

FREEPORT - A gruesome discovery was made on Tuesday morning when a badly decomposed body was found inside a container on a vacant property on Advent

The ultimate painted paper bag

When the word paper-bag is mentioned, perhaps one of the first things that come to mind is the typical brown paper bags merchants package their products in. But that is not the kind of bag I am talking about today. I'm talking about a snazzy, fun purse that can be made from paper.

School's out: Art is in

SCHOOLS are out for the Summer and many parents are looking for activities to keep their youngsters occupied.

Attacked by dinosaurs

Our textbooks tell us that birds evolved from dinosaurs that developed hollow bones and feathers and learned to fly.

Puerto Rico routs Bahamas 88-71

After getting off to an impressive start in an historic win over Cuba in their opener on Monday, the men's national basketball team found the going rather to

Club fight rattles music fans

THE BOTTLE fight between R&B singer Chris Brown and rapper Drake at a nightclub last week have left fans of both artists stunned.

Mathieu clocks 20.40 to win 200 at Donovan Bailey Invitational

WHILE some of our elite athletes were at home competing in the Silver Lightning's Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Classic at Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Saturday, quarter-miler Michael Mat

Political stint matures Sammi Starr's music

ALTHOUGH the political debut of recording artist Sammi Starr was short-lived, his career in politics is not over.

Davis Cup: Bahamas in good position to reach playoffs

THE BAHAMAS Lawn Tennis Association's team to the American Zone III Davis Cup tie is off to an impressive start in the first two days o

BOC has projected $300,000 target to cover Olympic team expenses

WITH 19 athletes already qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) is now hard pressed to se

US alert on trafficking

THE alleged lack of “freedom of movement” for Chinese workers is an indication that human trafficking may be taking place at a large-scale construction site

Many reasons for choosing the pill

AS THE name suggests, one purpose of birth control is to prevent pregnancy for sexually active women. However, oral contraceptives have many other practical purposes for women.

Bid to open horizons for deaf students

THE government has committed to ensuring all students leave school sufficiently qualified in either academics or applied sciences to choose freely among job opportunities, pursue tertiary education and eventually have a career.

G20 leaders call for Europe to fix finance woes

European leaders at the G-20 summit struggled to reassure the world Monday that they were on the path to solving their continent's relentless economic crisis, defending the pace of their response even as ma

Economy a tough task for Christie

Prime Minister Perry G Christie and his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government have a mammoth task ahead of them - rescuing a dying economy. I was alarmed after reading in The Tribune about the

Businesses asked to help fight crime

POLICE officers are calling on business owners to help in the fight against crime by participating in the Urban Renewal Project.

Clean up the mess from dogs

You know what's really sad? It appears that some of us locals who thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the new walking areas and wet lands that Baha Mar have created for our health, wellness, and enjoyment are

Your say - Government should not reclaim ownership of BTC

THE government should not reclaim majority ownership of BTC, according to the majority of voters in The Tribune's online poll. Against the move were 83.23 per cent, with just 16.77 per cent being

FNM launches investigation into issues

THE opposition FNM has launched an official investigation into what caused the island-wide power outage and disruption in land-line and cellular ser

Store owners angry over power cut

DOWNTOWN merchants complained that problems with electricity and phone services across the island damaged their business yesterday. An employee of United Colours of Benetton said the loss of phone servic

Fun day event helps people to 'fight the bite'

Fun day event helps people to 'fight the bite' THE Ministry of Housing and Environment hosted a "fight the bite" children's fun day this past weekend at the Department of Environmental Health Services Complex on Farrington Road. This event was held in an

Fresh coat of paint for classroom

Fresh coat of paint for classroom FREEPORT - Even something as simple as a new coat of paint can energise a dreary classroom, inspire teachers and motivate students. No one knows this better than the staff and students of Lewis Yard Primary School, who w

BEC still trying to establish cause of island-wide outage

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation is still investigating the cause of yesterday's island-wide power outage that left thousands of customers without se

'Charge parents for child's crimes'

PARENTS should be charged before the courts and held responsible for their children's illegal activities, DNA Leader Branville McCartney said yester

Call for recognition of departed 'national hero'

THE REV Sebastian Campbell, National Heroes Committee chairman, called for William "Bill" Cartwright to be officially recognised by Parliament as a national hero and

The perfect prom dress

WITH PROM season in full swing, many prom divas will strut down the catwalk in custom made dresses with vibrant colors and flowing silhouettes, according to well known Bahamian fashion designer Apryl Burrows.

Husband guilty of stabbing wife

AN estranged husband who stabbed his wife 17 times was unanimously convicted of her attempted murder in Supreme Court yesterday. Regarding the murder of

Paedophile has 'harsh' sentence cut

A CONVICTED paedophile left the appellate court yesterday with a reduced sentence after winning his appeal to lower the "harsh" life sentence given to

$50m project to 'strongly target international market

More than $50 million will have been invested into an eastern New Providence real estate development by year-end, its chief executive telling Tribune Business

Healing salts and teas

A SIP of bush tea, used to help increase the libido of a man, was the jet fuel that started the thriving business venture of Anita Collie-Pratt.

Utilities taking the Bahamas 'backwards'

COMPLAINTS were widespread throughout the Bahamian business community yesterday after electricity and telephone services were disrupted for

Insurer targets 'strong double digit growth'

A Bahamian general insurer yesterday said it was targeting "strong double digit growth" in its bottom line for 2012, its prior year results having been impacted by res

Grove businesses lose $40m on roads

Members of the Coconut Grove Business League (CGBL) are aiming to meet with Minister of Works and Urban Development, Philip Davis, in a bid to r

The importance of good posture

Throughout life, we have heard many times over that we should have good posture. The way we stnd, sit, and hold our body structure every day ends up determining what stresses are placed on our bodies, especially our spines.

BEC outages 'outrageous'

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) frequent power outages were yesterday blasted as "outrageous" by a leading private sector figure, who said its "ridiculously expensive" and unr

Chamber chair tells BTC: Compensate businesses

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chairman yesterday urged the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to pay financial compensa

Understanding the prostate cancer controversy

Dr Roberts continues the discussion on the controversial recommendation by the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPTF) for patients to stop taking the routine prostate specific antigen (PSA) exam, which looks for signs of prostate cancer.

BAHAMIAN REALTOR PRESENTS TO 150 INDUSTRY LEADERS

A Bahamian realtor has participated in an exclusive event hosted by the UK's largest real estate agency. George Damianos, president of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, attended the event held by Countrywide at the Millennium Hotel in London. Count

New minister looks to maintain high standard at PMH

DESPITE budgetary limitations, new Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez said he will strive to maintain a good standard at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

Over $320m reversal in Gov't's fiscal position

The Government suffered a negative swing equivalent to 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product - worth more than $320 million - in its finances during the three month

Self-starter feels foreign squeeze

A BAHAMIAN striping company yesterday questioned why a foreign rival had been contracted for major striping projects on New Providence, its presi

Bahamas gets 80-68 victory over Cuba

Coach Larry Brown liked what he saw in the men's national basketball team's gallant 80-68 victory over Cuba on day one of the CentroBasket Tournament in

Flood warning: Two to five inches of rain expected

This is the forecast for the bahamas for today and tonight tuesday 19th june 2012

BTC to pay up over disruption

BTC will consider various options in a bid to compensate customers that were affected by the nation-wide disruption in service,

'Police brutality will be punished'

POLICE officers who are found guilty of brutality will be reprimanded, says Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade. But unsubstantiated allegations

Shot in row over woman

A CAR passenger may have been shot by a gunman at a restaurant's drive-through line after a row over a woman. The 29-year-old is fighting for his life in hospital after being targeted while si

How can small states enforce agreed environmental action?

Weaknesses of small states in dealing with global environmental issues that mortally affect them have become very evident in the pre-Conference negotiations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development being held in Rio in Brazil from 20-23 June.

New officers for Pilot Club

THE Pilot Club of Freeport plans to chart "an adventurous course through service", beginning with the installation of its new slate of officers for 2012/2013.

FNM names shadow cabinet

THE opposition Free National Movement announced its shadow cabinet over the weekend, with party leader Dr Hubert Minnis taking responsibility for Health and National Security.

Gray takes on role with fisheries

AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Local Government Minister V Alfred Gray took over as head of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism with a charge from outgoing chairman Hilson N Baptiste of Antigua and Barbuda to keep the organisation relevant.

Extra opportunities for young people in Penn and Pratt centres

YOUNG ADULTS could be given new training opportunities to help them as they move into work.

Christie: Crime and jobs our priorities

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said the government has made it clear that its over-riding priorities are resolving "the crime issue" and addressing unemployment.

DNA: Quit stalling and get on with it

THE DNA is calling on the new government to stop "stalling" and get crime under control.

Concerns over the witness protection programme

THE brutal slayings of 53-year-old Nora Johnson and her son, 24-year-old Dario Dean must have rattled the nerves of many Bahamians who have been witnesses of serious crimes, such as murder.

The bad old days

I HAVE lived in the Bahamas for more than 40 years and when I read your headline today (June 13), I felt as if I was back in the 1970's.

Has Shane Gibson overstepped his authority?

WE WONDER how kindly Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell has taken to Labour Minister Shane Gibson dipping his oar into his immigration portfolio.

Woman drowns

FREEPORT - A 61-year-old American tourist drowned on Sunday while vacationing in Grand Bahama with relatives. According to reports, the female visitor from Pennsylvannia arrived by cruise ship around 8am on Sunday.

'Families in a state of decay'

FREEPORT - FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis was in Grand Bahama on Sunday to celebrate Father's Day with FNM supporters at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pinder's Point.

Praise for Cat Island students

THIRTY-FIVE Cat Islanders received certificates from the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute on Saturday and were urged by Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade to continue striving for excellence. Mr Greenslade,

Debt 'pushing Bahamas' deeper into Third World

THE Bahamas has "pushed ourselves further into" the ranks of 'Third World' nations via the rapid rise in the national debt, with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report warning this nation's 57.6 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio has passed the threshold at which it will act as "a drag" on its economic growth.

US seeks $95m over Freeport prescription drug 'scheme'

THE US government is seeking $95 million from a Canadian citizen charged with using a Freeport-based pharmacy, licensed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), to export and sell illegal prescription drugs to US citizens.

Airport work on time and on budget

DURING a tour of phase two of the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport re-development project on Friday, Minister of Transport and Aviation the Glenys Hanna-Martin said work is proceeding within budget and on-pace.

NAD: Over $100m impact from LPIA redevelopment

THE NASSAU Airport Development Company (NAD) believes more than $100 million has been directly injected into the Bahamian economy as a result of Lynden Pindling International Airport's (LPIA) $409.5 million redevelopment, with 70 per cent of construction workers employed on the project Bahamian.

Power outage hits homes, businesses

POWER was off across New Providence as shop owners turned to generators to keep their businesses going this morning.

Aircraft registry potential 'well into millions'

ESTABLISHING a Bahamian international aircraft registry would earn this nation "well into the millions", an aviation legal expert has told Tribune Business, disclosing that a "conservative" study several years ago had estimated it could produce $18-$20 million in annual registration fees alone.

Man found tied up on beach

A 51-year-old man was allegedly abducted at gunpoint, tied up, robbed of his car and then dumped in South Beach where he wasn't discovered for more than a day. The victim was sitting in hi

$14m payout to failed Bahamas bank's creditors

CREDITORS of an insolvent Bahamas-based bank and trust company are likely to recover just over 5 per cent of what is owed to them, its liquidator confirming to Tribune Business that a collective $14 million payment is currently being made to them.

$25m airport hotel remains 'a concept'

THE proposed $25 million hotel and office/conference centre at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is still just a 'concept' at this point, according to the Nassau Airport Development Company's (NAD) president and chief executive Stewart Steeves.

Get on your bike to achieve a healthy work-life balance

TODAY we begin a series that focuses attention on our emotional, mental, social and physical well-being as employees and employers. Much has been said about helping persons in the workforce achieve work-life balance. Perhaps it was the baby boomer generation that coined the phrase and worked diligently in accomplishing some form of health equilibrium between their work existence and their home and family. They were determined to not find themselves married to their vocations, and enslaved by work, sacrificing almost everything to advance and remain loyal to their employers.

Stimulus spending would 'never work'

SO-CALLED 'stimulus spending' "never works" in an economy like the Bahamas because it only succeeds in "running down" the all-important foreign exchange reserves, a former finance minister has told Tribune Business.

LPIA operators target 13 airlines

NASSAU Airport Development Company (NAD) executives and major tourism stakeholders are actively targeting key carriers as part of a strategy to create additional airlift, in a bid to support the expanded hotel room inventory set to come on stream within the next two years via the $2.6 billion Baha Mar project.

Gov't targets full WTO membership in current term

THE Christie administration is aiming to complete the Bahamas' accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership before the 2017 end of its term in office, Financial Services Minister Ryan Pinder told Tribune Business. He is preparing to lead a delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, this week for a second round of negotiations.

911/919 not working

EMERGENCY numbers were "malfunctioning", police said last night. Anyone who needs the police or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was asked to contact the police control room on 323-0850, 323-0845, 323-0853, 323-0854, 302-8177, or 302-

Don't mess with the press

LITTLE more than a month has passed since the election, yet already the PLP can't help trying to fiddle with the media. Politicians always have a great deal to say; Insight considers whether they have a clue what they're talking about.

Man held over sinking

A MAN was last night being quizzed after a boat carrying 28 Haitian migrants capsized off Abaco on route to South Florida. Alphonse Edner, 43, pictured, of Sand Bank, Treasure Cay, Abaco, was t

'Fantastic four' smash 200 medley record

Let's call them the "fantastic four." In a heart wrenching nail biter on Sunday night, the team of 10-year-olds Shamar St Rose (free), Christopher N

Olympic dream turns into a nightmare

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' bid for the men's 4 x 100 metre relay team to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games all fell apart in the

Taureano earns hard-fought win in unanimous decision

TAUREANO 'Reno' Johnson continued his impressive journey through the middleweight ranks with another unanimous decision on Saturday nigh

'The Tank' to square off with 'Hillyard Hammer'

JUST 10 days away from the next step along his path toward a major title fight in the heavyweight division, Sherman "The Tank" Williams is prime

Men's national team 'getting better every day'

IT'S his second time around as the head coach of the men's national basketball team, but Larry Smith is more enthused about what he has to wor

A pitcher's duel

IN a pitcher's duel on Saturday night, Edney 'the Heat' Bethel spun a one-hitter with 16 strike outs as he helped the Bommer G Truckers avenge their only loss to Alcott For

Funeral for PLP founder to be held today

THE funeral for William Cartwright, one of the founding fathers of the Progressive Liberal Party, will be held today at 11am St Gregory's Anglican Church on Carmichael Road. Mr Cartwright passed away at the Prince

Minnis: 'Society is under siege'

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis says society is under siege in the Bahamas and families are decaying.

Man quizzed over shooting, arrests made over boat tragedy

Police are questioning a 31 year old male of Kemp Road in connection with a shooting incident that has left a 29 year old male in hospital.

Dancer Virginia Maura dies at the age of 97

CELEBRATED dancer Virginia Maura died Thursday at age 97 leaving behind a grieving family.

Mother blasts coroner’s report on son’s death

THE MOTHER of 22-year-old T J Saunders has blasted the official coroner’s report suggesting her son died of a heart attack while in police custody at the Central Detective Unit.

Statue of Sir Lynden to be raised at airport

A STATUE of the late Sir Lynden Pindling will be raised at the international airport to mark the completion of the facility and the country's 40th year of independence, Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin announced yesterday.

Bahamas First cools over BISX listing

Bahamas First cools over BISX listing By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business First Bahamas First Holdings, the general insurance holding entity, has yet to take "a hard and fast decision" on whether to list its ordinary shares on the Bahamas International Se

Gov't beats Excise tax forecast by 62%

THE Government has exceeded its Excise Tax revenue projections by almost 62 per cent for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, it was disclosed yesterday, collecting some $340 million during the final year of the Ingraham administration.

Buena Vista distillery still targets 150k visitors

THE Buena Vista Estate and micro rum distillery remains on track for a Christmas 2012 opening with its warehouse now 70 per constructed, the project's principals telling Tribune Business yesterday that they were still holding to "conservative" forecast of 150,000 visitors during its first full year.

Harbour Island waterspout

Waterspout sighted near Harbour Island.

Plans for deputy director of education

FREEPORT - Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald visited a number of public schools on Grand Bahama and announced pl

Government to crack down on poachers

THE new government will do all it can to crack down on poachers from the Dominican Republic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said. Over the years, many Dominican poachers have been caught in

Cartwright deserved an honour

One of the founder fathers of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), William Cartwright passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital on June 7 at the age of 89. In 1953, he, along with the late Cyril Ste

Blogging the Bahamas

AFRICAN American bloggers are introducing their subscribers to the wonders of the Bahamas after a press trip to Nassau. The influential bloggers enjoyed a "People to People" experience with host Andrea Coakley at the Oakes Field home

Social media key to raising nation's profile

THE Bahamas needs more visibility according to Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who wants to use social media to raise the country's profile

25 years of Junior Junkanoo

NEW Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Daniel Johnson has given the green light to plans for the Junior Junkanoo Silver Jubilee celebration. The event will bring together schools and youth groups from

Bahamian jobs squeezed by work permit expansion

EXPATRIATE workers at both ends of the spectrum are increasingly expanding into "jobs that can be done by Bahamians", a senior Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) executive told Tribune Business yesterday, a trend that has become evident during the recession.

'Bahamians are good travellers'

BAHAMIANS are good travellers according to the US Embassy in Nassau.

E-commerce firm gains 18k clients

A BAHAMIAN e-commerce company is set to launch its online store next month, a company executive telling Tribune Business yesterday that it had attracted nearly 18,000 customers to its electronic and mobile commerce market so far.

Start-up success still the exception, not the rule

STARTING out is tough in many different ways. I still remember my first days at high school, and my first week at work. I was nervous the day I decided to propose to my wife. Is natural conservatism the reason for this reticence, I wonder, or could there be more to it. Is nature trying to tell us something?

Gov't projecting 5% revenue rise

MINISTER of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis, said yesterday that the Government is projecting an increase of about 5 per cent in recurrent revenue for the 2012-2013 fiscal year based on expected economic growth and improved revenue collection.

Youthful innovation shakes up real estate

FOR years, you could count on two hands the number of big names in real estate in the Bahamas. Chances are, if you followed the industry, you could recite them in alphabetical order.

Laing Salary prompts changes to allowances

PERSONAL allowances will no longer be given to Ministers of State under the new government in an effort to ensure all state ministers earn the s

Mother to hear report on son's death

JOANN McKenzie will find out today how her son, Tyronne 'TJ' Saunders, died while in police custody last Friday. Police said Saunders was found unresp

Search for man over boat deaths

POLICE are searching for 52-year-old Chancelaire Baptiste, pictured, in connection with the boating incident that caused the deaths of 11 Haitian over the weekend. According to the police, Baptiste, a Haitian, is 5 foot 10

Husband claims self-defence

AN estranged husband whose wife was repeatedly stabbed panicked and left the scene of the attack "hurt, upset and confused," a Supreme Court jury heard. Micha

'The ultimate showdown'

Billed as the ultimate track and field showdown of the year, Bahamians will get an opportunity to witness their Olympians compete months in advance as the Bahamas' athl

Bahamas' first ever mixed martial arts association

THE mixed martial arts community in the Bahamas is preparing to receive a definitive boost with the establishment of the first ever associati

Off the field, collegiate baseball superstar reaches new milestone

WELL known for his exploits on the baseball diamond, one of the Bahamas' collegiate superstars reached a new milestone off t

Residents tell of living with the fear of crime

A WOMAN was targeted by gunmen who shot her seven times as she sat in a city park.

Pope's representative welcomed by minister

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell welcomed the Most Reverend Nicola Girasoli, Apostolic Nuncio (Designate) of the Holy See during a courtesy call at the Ministry yesterday.

Bran: Probe election claims

DNA leader Branville McCartney has urged State Minister of National Security Keith Bell to investigate all claims of election corruption levelled since Bahamians went to the polls on May 7.

Standard diploma to be introduced by June 2016

A STANDARDISED national high school diploma will be introduced in the public education system for the first time by June 2016.

Bran sends sympathy to Haitian families

DNA Leader Branville McCartney joined other political leaders in extending his condolences to the families of the 11 Haitians who drowned in waters off Abaco on Sunday night.

Tribute to pupils who died in sinking

THE principal of five children who tragically drowned in a boat accident off Abaco last Sunday remembered them as "wonderful" students and said their loss is deeply mourned.

Full evaluation of bahamasair needed - Davis

A FULL critical evaluation of Bahamasair is necessary to make the airline more efficient and cost-effective, Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip “Brave” Davis said.

10-year plan for health services

MINISTRY of Health officials are in the final stages of completing a proposed ten-year National Health Services Strategic Plan that will seek to establish a framework for strengthening the country's healthcare system and services.

Brothers in court over shooting

FREEPORT - Two brothers were arraigned in Freeport Magistrates' Court yesterday in connection with a shooting at a nightclub on East Sunrise Highway.

'Buju' Bain guilty of murder

FREEPORT- Bendricko "Buju" Bain was convicted of murder in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Bahamians first, 'but not at any cost'

IN THIS column yesterday, we published a warning from the World Bank that fears about the eurozone had reduced investors' tolerance for risk. The bank urged poorer economies -- and this includes the Bahamas - to protect themselves by reducing their debts.

It's graduation time again

I UNDERSTAND that in government schools, certificates are given to all students pass or fail.

Why is Bell still on the campaign?

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell's behaviour in recent times continues to befuddle me.

High hopes for Urban Renewal

MEMBERS of the Grants Town community expressed high hopes for the success of the re-introduced Urban Renewal Project yesterday.

That Riviera touch

PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama Melvin Seymour officially welcomed 57 people from the City of Riviera Beach, Florida to Grand Bahama on Wednesday. Heading the delegation was Ms Billie Brooks, chairperson for the Ci

Sanctioned broker eyeing Canada exit

A BAHAMIAN broker/dealer yesterday said it was assessing whether to re-domicile millions of dollars in assets, belonging to both itself and its clients, away from Canada due to concerns over a regulatory "domino effect" resulting from a recent ruling against it.

Minister brands $750k Out Island marketing spend as 'token change'

Minister brands $750k Out Island marketing spend as 'token change' By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe yesterday hit out at the $750,000 "token change" that his Ministry contributed to

$55m project: 'At least 60%' spent' with Bahamians

A $55 million, three-phase western New Providence real estate development yesterday said "at least 60 per cent" of its total investment had been injected into the Bahamian economy, with its final stage one of the few to buck the recession.

Grand Bahama needs more than 16-19% air arrivals rise

DESPITE a 16-19 per cent growth in Grand Bahama’s air arrivals, the minister of tourism said yesterday that the numbers could be much better and acknowledged the “lots of concern” about the performance of its largest resort, the Grand Lucayan.

Chamber chief: 'Bahamians first, but not at all costs'

WHILE "unequivocally" backing the Government's 'Bahamian First' policy, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chairman yesterday said it had to avoid a work permit regime that "discourages industry or investment in the Bahamas".

'There is a war in the Bahamas' - Security Minister

THERE is a “war” going on in the Bahamas said Security Minister Bernard “BJ” Nottage.

Beating the fear within

ARE designers really frightened? Are they paralysed by the thought of wrapping their fingers around a mouse and starting that next big project?

Insolvency reform 'very significant' to financial services

INSOLVENCY law reforms will bring "very significant" benefits to the Bahamas' financial services industry, but a leading accountant called on the sector to "more aggressively" promote these and other positive changes to global markets.

$16m for roads project engineer

THE UK-based project management and engineering firm, Mott MacDonald, has been paid more that $16 million for supervisory services related to road building contracts in New Providence over the past 13 years, the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday, adding that he was considering a different approach in the future.

Commissioner will meet mother over custody death

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade will meet today with Ms Joan McKenzie, mother of Tyronne (TJ) Saunders‚ who died mysteriously in police custody last weekend.

$2.3m PMH upgrade now 'steaming ahead'

WORK on the $52.3 million Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Critical Care Block is "steaming ahead", Cavalier Construction's managing director telling Tribune Business yesterday that the project was about 30 per cent complete.

Your say: Ministers should not carry guns

GOVERNMENT officials in the Bahamas should not be allowed to carry handguns, according to the vast majority of voters in a poll on The Tribune's website. A massive 90.7 per cent were against the move, following r

Bahamasair targets 8% loss reduction

BAHAMASAIR is aiming to reduce its net loss by $1.7 million or 8 per cent during the upcoming fiscal year, the Deputy Prime Minister conceding that much remains to be done to make the national flag carrier fully efficient and less dependent on taxpayer.

No casinos for Bahamians

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said that permitting Bahamians to gamble in local casinos will not be considered in the referendum on a national lottery. Speaking o

Grill and chill with dad

IN THE midst of planning a launch for the new "Roaming Fathers Program", the ACM Anglican Church Men is hosting a pre-father's day Grill and Chill event Saturday.

Fr Palacious to launch CD in birthday month

JUNE is a celebratory month for Anglican archdeacon Fr James Palacious. Not only is it his birthday, but at the end of the month, he plans to launch a gospel album.

FNM was in talks to privatise waste collection services

THE former Ingraham administration was in talks with several companies to privatise waste management and collection in New Providence, but nothing major

Local ministry calls all to miracle service

The International Deliverance Praying Ministries is hosting "a soul winning event" this Sunday.

UPDATE: Police name man wanted in connection with the deaths of 11 Haitian nationals

POLICE are looking for 52-year-old Chancelaire Baptiste, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a boating

RUGBY 7S NATIONAL SQUAD SET ON REGIONAL QUALIFIER

After a disappointing exit from NACRA 15s Championships and IRB World Cup Qualification contention, the Bahamas Rugby Football Union (BRFU) no

Bahamians to clash at Olympic and World Junior Championships Trials

LESS than two weeks before the Bahamas Olympic and World Junior Championships Trials, 17 athletes have made Olympic qualifying standar

Spiritual blindness

SPIRITUAL blindness is being ignorant to things of the spirit. Spiritual blindness doesn't just happen; those that are spiritual blind must qualify for that position.

Just one playoff slot undecided

BAHAMAS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE JUST one week remains in the Bahamas Flag Football League 2012 regular season and all but one slot remains undecided for the playoffs which begins

Ballin' By Da Beach in July

FOR the third consecutive year, one of the Bahamas' rising stars in the coaching ranks of women's basketball is all set to stage her clinic, which continues to grow

Historical moments

WHEN I wrote this meditation it was several days before elections. At that point in time none of us knew just what the outcome would be. These were the sentiments concerning our nation that I expressed, then, and which I still think are worth considering as we approach our Independence celebrations next month:

'He started to stab me'

A WIFE has told a jury of the moment her estranged husband ploughed a car into her and her new lover as the pair walked along a city street.

Recovered plane still in Haitian custody

THE Pineapple Air plane stolen last month is still in Haitian custody, as are three men found on board, according to the owner of the airline.

Public warning in aftermath of tragedy

IN LIGHT of Monday's disaster at sea, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association's operations manager Chris Lloyd urged the public never to overload boats or other vessels.

Condolences to Haiti after deaths

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell sent condolences to the government and people of Haiti on the deaths of 11 of their countrymen who drowned in waters off Abaco while trying to reach the United States.

'Pure greed' led to death of Haitians

BASRA Operations Manager Chris Lloyd said yesterday that the lack of boating experience and "pure greed" led to the deaths of Haitians in waters off North Abaco Sunday night.

Poorer countries urged to reduce their debt

The World Bank on Tuesday warned that fears about the eurozone had reduced investors' tolerance for risk, and it urged poorer economies to protect themselves by reducing their debts. In the report, a scheduled

Distribution of income and property

There is a nebulous myth here in The Bahamas that there is and has been a gradual equalisation in income and property ownership amongst our people. I

Response to writers

I wish to disagree somewhat with both letter writers under the headings: "Electorate has matured" and "No one guessed right in election predictions". Concerning the first heading: first of all I wish someone woul

BTC disruption after copper cable theft

HUNDREDS of BTC mobile and landline customers in Grand Bahama are experiencing disruptions in services due to copper thieves targeting BTC sites throughout the island.

The fourth estate

The Fourth Estate which today includes print, television, radio, electronic and social media, is considered the best bulwark against tyranny and abuses of power by governments. We have witnessed

Witness tells jury he saw deadly attack on couple

A MAN who witnessed a murder and attempted murder from his window days before Christmas told the jury of what he saw take place between

Police alarm over bell appointment

A NUMBER of senior police officers are alarmed at the appointment of newly sworn in State Minister for National Security Keith Bell and fear operational interference, Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

23-year-old charged with murder

A 23-year-old man appeared in magistrates court yesterday to face a murder charge.

Hunt for sunk boat survivors suspended

OFFICIALS suspended their operations at sunset yesterday after recovering 11 bodies off Abaco and finding no other survivors from the Sunday night sinking of an overloaded Haitian boat off North Abaco.

Talks to resume with US over taking back control of airspace

THE GOVERNMENT will resume discussions with the United States about gaining control over Bahamian airspace, Minister of Transportation and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin said.

Environment for growth

THE subject seizing the attention of most leaders of governments today is quest for economic growth. The state of the large economies of our region and the world at large are outside of our control. So despite the fact that the growth rate of those econom

Will our environmental needs trump the economic troubles?

MOST people these days are focused on the economy, and the ups and downs of the stock market. But later this month, the world's attention will switch to the environment, as 180 political leaders and 50,000 activists, business people and NGO representative

Pretty enough to eat: Art is sweet

SUMMER students let their creativity run wild while creating delicious art that incoporated food and beverages. The non-edible creations are on display in the latest exhibit a

'Green light' for City Meat store re-opening

SUPER Value's president yesterday said the refitting of City Markets' former Cable Beach store was "green lighted and a go", with the location's re-opening - targeted for this month - set to create around 60 jobs.

$1bn project eyeing revival

EFFORTS are being made to revive a former $1 billion resort project cited by ex-Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as a key factor in firing his then-minister of housing, Ken Russell, Tribune Business can reveal.

Dispute over City Markets severance

ANOTHER dispute has arisen over the calculation of severance packages for more than 300 former City Markets, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with claims that the now-closed supermarket chain's majority owners were basing payouts on reduced work weeks.

Dance Theatre of Harlem headed to Bahamas

WORLD renowned dance troupe from the Dance Theatre of Harlem will make its way to the Bahamas for two performances at the Atlantis Resort. The Dance Theater of Harlem

Creative movement promotes cultural economy

A NEW forum, designed to show the importance of the creative arts as a means of economic production, was launched by concept proponents Bahamian Soul. The forum held

AID at 85-90% of pre-fire sales

MAJOR construction on Automotive Industrial Distributors' (AID) new Wulff Road headquarters should be completed within eight months, the company's operations manager yesterday told Tribune Business that the company's sales had recovered to 85 to 90 per cent of pre-fire levels.

Safeguards against 'sinister' liquidations

CHANGES to Bahamian insolvency law will prevent directors/shareholders from putting companies into voluntary liquidation for "sinister reasons", a leading accountant yesterday arguing that the amendments bring this nation "into line with model international law".

Capturing tourists before they arrive on our shores

IMAGINE this. John Smith lives in Minnesota. The winter has been tough, the job stressful, and so he decides to plan a cruise to the Caribbean. He e-mails his friend to ask him if he and his wife want to accompany him. Then he Googles 'cruises to the Caribbean'.

Making bags at home

A number of people are opting to make their own stylish handbags at home. There are a several reasons for this I'm sure. But I'd like to think that the main reason is not just to save a penny but rather to express i

Copper thefts hurt 400 BTC customers

BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) executives said yesterday that service to hundreds of Grand Bahama-based mobile and fixed-line customers had been disrupted due to copper thieves targeting the company's sites across the island, a development also placing a "dark cloud" over the scrap metal industry.

New single by charity singer

SINCE the new year, musician J Shephard has been keeping busy, launching a non-profit organisation, and fundraising for its programmes. Now, with the recent release of his new single, "I Need You Girl", J Shephard'

New Summertime jam

AFTER two decades of success, Men in Black star Will Smith released a remix of the 1991 classic jam "Summertime". The 43-year-old actor and star of the 90's hit television show, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, recorded the rem

Team Bahamas named for CAC junior championships

Following a competitive, two-day meet - the Atlantis National Junior Track and Field National Championships - the BAAA has ratified and named th

Gibson to employers: 'Justify every work permit'

COMPANIES who hire foreigners must send “justification” for every employee they have on work permit to the government, according to Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson.

Fitzgerald backs return of Spanish and Literature to syllabus

SPANISH and Literature examinations will be re-introduced at the Bahamas Junior Certificate level during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Network upgrade to include free texts

BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company CEO Geoff Houston said postpaid customers can look forward to this summer's service upgrades, which will include lower rates for minutes and free texts.

Confirmation that summer of disruption could last throughout July

INTERRUPTIONS in cell phone service could last throughout July as BTC completes this phase of its upgrades, vice president of brand and communications Marlon Johnson said yesterday.

Criminal fails in bid to cut sentence

A CRIMINAL tried to get his sentence reduced saying he could then go to a prison work programme.

UPDATED: Flames one year after infamous blaze

THOSE who live and work in the Wulff Road area had a sense of déja vu Tuesday, when, almost a year after the infamous 2011 AID blaze, another fire broke out at the site.

Government's blustering not building confidence

IN THIS column yesterday, we discussed how election promises are being modified, diluted and even given a new interpretation.

Pakesia would be a huge risk

I WAS recently informed by a reliable source that the defeated Free National Movement (FNM) candidate for the constituency of West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe is one of several persons vying for the nomination for the North Abaco constituency

Police launch search for girl

POLICE are requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing teenage girl.

'Ingraham used cash to target me'

MICAL MP V Alfred Gray accused former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham of trying to remove him from Parliament - and using the public purse to do so.

Surprise school visits planned by minister

FREEPORT - Minister for Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald said he will be visiting - in most cases unannounced - schools across Grand Bahama and New Providence to ensure the new government's po

Stopover tourists up 5-7% through August

THE Ministry of Tourism is predicting that stopover visitors through to end-August 2012 will increase between 5-7 per cent year-over-year, although it said yesterday that leisure travellers were some 66,000 down for the first two months of the year when compared to pre-recession levels.

$13m in claims slash insurer's profits 70%

Insurance Company of the Bahamas (ICB) yesterday said it was “not too despondent” over 2011’s 70.5 per cent drop in net income, telling Tribune Business its $1.16 million bottom line was “pretty reasonable” in a year when it incurred $13 million in gross catastrophe claims.

Followers flock to The Tribune online

Followers flock to The Tribune online Readers continue to flock to The Tribune online, with the 5,000 'likes' barrier on our Facebook site being broken this weekend. This comes after a huge number of visits to the tribune242.com website throughout May. M

Baha Mar 'close' to $150m spend on Bahamians

BAHA Mar is "close" to investing $150 million with Bahamian contractors for its Cable Beach redevelopment, as it prepares to today launch the $2.6 billion project's 300 luxury Residences to high net-worth buyers from across the world in London.

BTC Chief 'optimistic' over 51% stake talks

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) chief executive said yesterday he was "cautiously optimistic" over the outcome of impending talks between the head of its 51 per cent majority owner and Prime Minister Perry Christie.

BCB's $1m liability if copyright deal payment missed

ALMOST $1 million in forgiven debt could be "reinstated" as a liability for the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) if it fails to pay the final $500,000 installment on a copyright settlement, its former chairman said yesterday.

Trinidad 'circumventing' Bahamas courts on CLICO

THE US attorney for CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator yesterday said the move by the insolvent insurer's Trinidadian affiliate to examine his client appeared to be "an effort to circumvent" court proceedings in the Bahamas.

'My son is not ordering hits from prison'

NATALIE Stubbs, mother of imprisoned Stephen "Die" Stubbs, is again proclaiming her son's innocence - this time against alleged reports her son is ordering hits from within Her Majesty's Prison. Mrs Stubbs said s

Forum to discuss 2012-2013 budget

The Financial Voice (TFV) forum, which brings together experts from various sectors to discuss issues impacting the Bahamian economy, will make its fifth annual examination of the 2012-2013 Budget on June 19 at the J. Whitney Pinder Building on Collins A

'Husband stabbed wife after trying to run her over'

A WOMAN who was allegedly stabbed 17 times and almost mowed down by her estranged husband just days before Christmas will testify before court today.

BTC post cellular prices 'within regional range'

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) chief executive yesterday said that while the company's post-paid cellular packages were now "within the range" of its regional competitors, its pre-paid pricing was not as competitive as it could be.

BTC 'doing all it can' to work with government

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company is doing all it can to ensure it has a positive working relationship with the government, CEO Geoff Houston said yesterday.

Poor dredging forcing cruise ships away

NASSAU Harbour, which cost the former government $44 million to dredge, has not been maintained properly - leading to millions of dollars in lost rev

Mother convinced son's death in custody was not natural

THE MOTHER of Tyronne "TJ" Saunders, the young man who mysteriously died while in police custody over the weekend, said after viewi

Breast cancer and the mouth

Breast cancer has affected the lives of so many Bahamian families and families the world over.

PSA testing recommendation challenged by local professionals

A final recommendation by the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPTF), to stop routine prostate cancer exams is being challenged by some medical professionals in the Bahamas.

Natural methods to cure headaches

Studies have shown that roughly a third of all people suffer from headaches. The causes of headaches are many; they include such things as spinal misalignment, certain foods, toxic fumes, preservatives and alcohol.

Bears win Knockout Cup

A landmark year for the Insurance Management Bears concluded in dramatic fashion with a postseason tournament victory to cement their status as the top team in the Bahamas. The Bears' dominant season in the Bahamas Football Associations men's senior footb

Cadot gets offers from Chicago Bulls, Rockets

TWO years removed from its latest occurrence, the Bahamas has the rare opportunity to have another player enter the NBA ranks. With a stellar collegiate career which came to an end this March

Should I get the PSA Test for prostate cancer?

Despite the protest and outrage from physician organisations including the prominent American Urological Association and several US-based prostate cancer advocacy, education, and support organisations, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released its findings last month, advising that healthy men should no longer take the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test to detect prostate cancer as a routine or screening event.

Most memorable prom entrances

WITH grade twelve students complete their high school years and await entering the real world, one of the main events they look forward to is prom night.

Katherine Gibson bids farewell to US Embassy

IT HAS been an eventful thirty-one and a half years working at the US Embassy in Nassau for Katherine Stewart-Gibson.

Turning on family 'easier said than done'

EVERY day, without fail, Bahamian men are paraded in public, doing the Bank Lane "shuffle", as they wait for the justice system to determine their fate.

Captain of capsized boat 'arrested'

POLICE believe they may have arrested the captain of the 'Glory Time' - the boat which capsized on route to Florida on a “smuggling expedition”.

Eleven, including five children, feared dead after boat sinks

ELEVEN Haitian nationals, including five children, are feared dead after their vessel sank in waters near Crown Haven, Abaco on Sunday night, police have confirmed.

Too much rainfall as an excuse? It's unbelievable!

INCREASED rainfall is a pitiful and unbelievable excuse for the delay in garbage collection across New Providence, Free National Movement chairman Charles Maynard yesterday said.

The meaning of doubling the education budget

NOW THAT the election is over and reality has set in, we see some of the goldposts being moved back, election promises being explained, modified and even diluted. Some even going so far as to say: "We might have said this, but really we meant that."

For free speech

It is not uncommon for government officials to quickly develop a paranoid fear of freedom of expression and opinions.

Legalise gambling

IN THE 32 years I have been a citizen of the Bahamas, numbers has always been around. Throughout the years it has been modernised and the integrity of the game has also transformed tremendously. It went from being a backyard business to a corporate figure that now finds itself in a grey area.

Sawyer is a fine choice for senate

WE RESPOND to the letter written in your column published on Tuesday, 29th May. The letter was in reference to the Senate appointment of Gary Sawyer, candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party for Central & South Abaco.

Another tourist is attacked by dogs

A THIRD visitor to Harbour Island yesterday came forward with claims of a "horrific" dog attack which she said left her immobile and angry that officials failed to warn tourists of the danger.

DNA to create shadow cabinet

THE Democratic National Alliance announced plans to introduce shadow cabinet ministers and board chairmen yesterday as the party continues to solicit funding to further its political aspirations.

Call to honour pledge on tackling high energy costs

FREEPORT - Attorney Osman Johnson is calling on the PLP government to keep the promise it made during its election campaign and address the high energy costs on Grand Bahama.

Minister: We are moving to cut costs for Grand Bahama

FREEPORT - Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said the PLP government is moving diligently to address the cost of power in Grand Bahama and throughout the Bahamas.

Banks: 'No dent' in bad loans for 12-18 months

BAHAMIAN commercial banks expect that high liquidity and non-performing loan levels, the latter of which now exceeds 19 per cent, will be "maintained for another 12-18 months" at least unless something sparks a dramatic reduction in unemployment.

Ex-LNG firm's $20,000 can't meet court Order

A NEW Providence businessman who took over a company that failed to obtain approval for a $650 million LNG project is urging the Court of Appeal to stay a judgment that required the firm to pay $468,477 "into court" by Friday last week, on the grounds it has "less than $20,000 in liquid assets" available to meet it.

$550m deficit 'not set off big alarm bells yet' on Wall Street

The Bahamas’ projected $550 million deficit for the 2012-2013 fiscal year has “not set off serious alarm bells yet” on Wall Street, Tribune Business can reveal, with no further downgrade to this nation’s sovereign credit rating likely in the short-term.

Sandals aiming to hold 'mid-90' occupancies until August

SANDALS Royal Bahamian saw a "fairly healthy May and June", its general manager, Patrick Drake, telling Tribune Business that the all-inclusive resort was running at 90 per cent occupancy - a level it expects to hold until about mid-August.

Haiti agriculture embargo raises costs five' times

THE Bahamas has been urged to end its embargo on direct agriculture imports from Haiti, with the current system thought to quintuple produce costs via Florida-based middlemen as it transits through the US.

Panama trade mission can be 'inspiration' for Freeport

THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chairman is hoping its upcoming trade mission to Panama will "inspire" Bahamian entrepreneurs to fully realise Freeport's transshipment/distribution hub potential.

Bimini Big Game unveils new logo

THE Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina's owners have unveiled as new logo design that will represent the 51-room property in all future marketing and branding initiatives.

Who should head the Commonwealth?

NOW that there has been an enormously successful rejoicing of the 60-year reign of Elizabeth II as Queen of the United Kingdom and her 15 other realms, it is time to tackle the question upon which there has been much speculation: W

Are you a single home buyer?

More single young people are buying homes today than in years gone by. They recognise that a mortgage payment on a house can actually be the same or even less than a rent payment, depending on the amount

Banks, Government 'exploring common ground' on mortgages

BAHAMIAN commercial banks and the Government are still at the exploratory stage of trying to find "common ground" over the latter's mortgage relief plan, Tribune Business can disclose, with nothing finalised yet.

Christian cloak protecting misogynists

I HARDLY know where to begin in rebuking Rodney Moncur, social activist and defeated Democratic National Alliance candidate for his misogynist comments last week regarding women and their reproductive choices.

Athletes qualify for CAC, IAAF World Jrs

CARMIESHA Cox, Pedrya Seymour, Brashae Wood, Ashley Riley, Drexel Maycock, Teshon Adderley, Devinn Cartwright and Racquel Williams were among the li

Two inducted into the ISF's Hall of Fame

FOR two of the Bahamas' most widely recognised icons in softball, their careers have produced national acclaim from the game's governing body. Linda

Brown and Barry finish 3rd

N their last meeting before they come home for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' Scotiabank National Open Track

Bahamas in 16-8 loss to Bermuda

TWO consecutive losses for the Bahamas meant elimination from the NACRA 15-a-Side Championships and IRB World Cup Qualification contention. The Bahamas fell 16

Call for Commonwealth action over threats

MEMBERS of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group has called for immediate Commonwealth action against threats to the life of one of their members— Pakistani lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir.

Plea to find hit and run driver

POLICE are appealing to members of the public with information on a hit-and-run accident that left a woman in hospital to come forward. According to report

Second man held over shooting

THE SECOND man wanted in connection with the deadly Baller Night Club shooting is now in police custody, police have confirmed. Police issued a wanted bulle

Two hurt in GB shootings

FREEPORT - Two men were shot in separate incidents on Grand Bahama over the weekend, police reported. The first shooting occurred around 1.46am on Saturday

The 12 days of junkanoo

THE government will extend the holiday Junkanoo parade this year to unveil "12 days of Christmas", Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Danny Johnson said yesterday. This year end marks the 25th anniversary of the junior Junkanoo

Search for truth over death in cell

THE MOTHER of the man who died in police custody over the weekend made an emotional plea yesterday for the police to “tell her the truth” about his sudden death.Searc

Minister fights back over $1m writ claims

STATE Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez is “puzzled and offended” by allegations that he has misappropriated nearly a million dollars from a former client.

Scientists shocked by foot-long sea creature in Bahamian waters

SCIENTISTS at the Cape Eleuthera Institute received the shock of their lives when they discovered that the teeth marks that almost gnawed through the cables of an underwater camera system belonged to a massive woodlouse.

VIDEO: Freak hail storm batters cars and rooftops

Hail struck New Providence this afternoon with chunks of ice raining down across Nassau.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Grand Bahama and Abaco from 2:55pm edt until 5:00pm edt, Friday.

CLICO liquidator facing $52m Trinidad grilling

Attorneys for the Trinidadian affiliate of CLICO (Bahamas) are seeking to examine liquidator Craig A. ‘Tony’ Gomez, in what was yesterday described as a bid to prevent the $10 million

'Devil's pills' rant - what was he thinking?

OUTRAGED women's rights activists yesterday condemned statements made by DNA candidate Rodney Moncur concerning the use of oral contraceptiv

'Using RBDF a mistake'

'Using RBDF a mistake' THE outsourcing of Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers for street patrols would cripple border protection efforts, according to Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis yesterday. Dr Minnis criticised the current administration's rationale

PLP founder Cartwright dies

THE LAST founding father of the Progressive Liberal Party William "Bill" Cartwright, pictured, died yesterday. A native of Long Island, Mr Cartwright was elected

Family of six die in plane crash

LAKE WALES, Fla. (AP) — A Kansas businessman, his wife and their four children were killed Thursday when their small plane crashed into a swampy area of central Florida, authorities said.

Judge removed from court case

A JUDGE'S refusal to remove himself from a court battle between two Lyford Cay billionaires has been overturned. Justice Neville Adderley will no longer pre

Row over security

A ROW broke out in the House of Assembly yesterday over who is responsible for assigning security to present and former prime ministers. The argument was started when Long Island MP Loretta Butler

Baha Mar eases fears over beach construction work

THE BAHA MAR beach restoration project will bring Cable Beach back to its 1970s shoreline.

Update: The deceased appeared to have head trauma

Police are at the scene of a Jasmine Gardens home, near the Jordan Prince William school

Defence Forces could join police on the streets

DEFENCE Force officers could join or replace police officers on street patrols and other operations, Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday.

Spain’s ailing banks threaten country’s finances

Spain is under rising pressure to find a lifeline for its deeply troubled banks.

Electorate has matured

We have had two one-term governments in a row; which is a reflection of the shifting political times in The Bahamas - in my view.

No one guessed right in election predictions

No one guessed right in election predictions EDITOR, The Tribune. I think there should be a comment as to the projection of who would win the election as seemingly no one in the media, print or electronic or in the infancy of polling had it right. From

Why should they carry handguns?

AS A member of the general public, I need the 4th Estate to assist me and the public in knowing the answers to these pertinent questions:

Pinder withdrew allegation - I did not spit at his father

IN THE edition of The Tribune dated Thursday, the 7th June, you carry a story under the heading, "Ryan Pinder: Lightbourne spat on my father".

Shop owners applyIng for guns

AT LEAST two downtown merchants believe they need a handgun to protect themselves and their businesses against criminals in New Providence.

Bell: I carry a gun but they're not for everyone

DESPITE the fact that he carries a handgun, State Minister for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday he does not believe the "ordinary, average" citizen should be allowed to do the same.

Court loses patience with 18-month-long appeal by paedophile

A CONVICTED paedophile has been given an ultimatum for his appeal to start - with or without an attorney.

Scotiabank robbery suspects face court

TWO EXUMA men were arraigned in court yesterday in connection with the pre-Labour Day Scotiabank robbery in Long Island.

Rain blamed for trash pile-up - not the trucks

ENVIRONMENT Minister Kenred Dorsett said a major cause of the trash collection delays across New Providence is the fact that only 12 of the 22 government garbage trucks are operational - but another senior official is not so sure.

Business career flowering in California

FREEPORT - A Grand Bahama native is creating a niche for herself in the event planning business in southern California.

Government called on to pass Bill to help disabled

SPEAKING in the House of Assembly yesterday, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner appealed to the government to pass the Equal Opportunities Disabilities Bill.

Fraser makes Olympic cut

Sprinter Warren Fraser has booked his trip to the 2012 Olympic Games. However, he fell short in his bid of reaching the final of the men's 100 meters at the NCAA Ou

BBF on path towards qualification for 2016 Olympics

THE path toward Olympic qualification in 2016 begins this month for the Bahamas Basketball Federation with one of the top events in the regi

Golf Invitational: 2-man scramble at the 18-hole Albany golf course

SCOTIA Private Client Group has announced its partnership with the Bahamas International Film Festival as the patron of their 2nd Annual Golf Invitational. The much anticipated two-man

Gov't's 1300 housing goal 'unachievable'

THE former Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC) chairman yesterday said the newly-elected Christie administration's goal of building 1,300 new houses over its five-year term was "probably unachievable", suggesting it should instead focus on continuing to reduce the Corporation's 35 per cent loan arrears rate.

Coaches to take advantage of free basketball clinic with Sam Nichols

IN conjunction with the 13th Annual Basketball Smiles Basketball Camp, a free coaching clinic will be offered to all Bahamian basketball coaches. The 'Basketball Smiles Basketball Clin

Grand Bahama's power costs 383% ahead of Florida

Grand Bahama-based businesses and households are paying 383 per cent more in energy costs than their Florida-based counterparts, a Freeport businessman yesterday telling Tribune Business this was the main reason for the island's 20 per cent-plus unemployment rate.

Bahamas 'hamstrung for several years' by fiscal weaknesses

THE Government's current fiscal position has "hamstrung the country for several years", a key Ministry of Finance consultant warned yesterday, with recovery almost entirely dependent on how the world economy - and key source markets - perform between now and 2015.

Gov't 'right sizing' real estate-tied Stamp Duty

THE Bahamas Real Estate Association's (BREA) president yesterday said the Government was likely "right sizing" its projections for real estate-related Stamp Tax collections, given that this was projected to decline by almost $45 million year-over-year during the 2012-2013 fiscal period.

No 'rubber stamp' on compliance officers

COMPLIANCE officers subject to new registration requirements with the Securities Commission of the Bahamas should expect a considered, rather than casual, approach to approvals given their critical oversight function.

How to account for everything

FEW business owners look forward to the monthly accounting task, even if it is just a question of handing over a shoebox stuffed with receipts to the accountant. We begrudge the time required, and that's a pity. Because it is accounting that tells us where we are heading, and where the money has gone.

CITCO set to maintain Bahamas fund licence

CITCO Funds Services yesterday effectively confirmed that redundancies will occur at its Bahamas operations, although it pledged to maintain its fund administration license in this jurisdiction.

Freedom Farm Baseball League revised schedule

FREEDOM Farm Baseball League has announced its revised schedule for all divisions in its postseason play. T-Ball Division The Dillies and the Cantaloupes are tied in the best-of-five series at one game each.

Summer target for mortgage relief

INITIAL comments from private sector lenders on the Christie administration's proposed mortgage relief plan have been "very positive", Minister of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis, said yesterday, telling Tribune Business the administration should be in a position to formally present the plan before Parliament's summer recess.

Bahamas Waste teams up for Over-the-Hill cleaning

A FAMILY initiative that has been going on for at least 10 years is poised to link up again with Bahamas Waste to help keep Over-The-Hill communities clean.

17-year-old shot in chest

A 17-YEAR-OLD boy was in hospital last night after being shot in the chest.

'Don't lead us to a gun-toting society'

GOVERNMENT ministers carrying weapons could open the door to the Bahamas becoming a "gun-toting" society.

Apartments destroyed by fire

FIREFIGHTERS were busy last night extinguishing three significant fires, sparked in less than three hours of each other.

Rollins claims to have evidence of FNM election day bribes

ACCUSATIONS that the FNM bribed supporters in the lead-up to the election continued in Parliament yesterday, with Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins claiming he had evidence to prove it.

National Security ministers carry guns

YESTERDAY, newly-appointed junior Minister for National Security, Keith Bell, revealed that he is prone to gross exaggeration.

Vexed by the collection of rubbish

I AM in full agreement with Tired of Waiting, the letter to the editor published June 5. Governments may change but some things never change as in the inability of the Environmental Health Services to provide efficient garbage collection and disposal services.

Police officers do an excellent job

PLEASE allow me a small space in your esteemed newspaper to express my profound pleasure to recall an incident that has left a renewed and indelible impression of our local police force.

Christian views on gambling

Please permit me space in your paper to comment on two articles entitled "Why Does The Church Oppose Gambling" and "Church 'Predicament' Over Gambling" which appeared in the May 17th and 29th editions of The Tribune, respectively.

Doctor's indecent assault trial delayed

AN emergency room doctor accused of indecently assaulting a woman nearly two years ago told a magistrate yesterday he was not starting trial without his original defence attorney.

'PM should deal with crime, not talk about FNM'

FNM chairman Charles Maynard said his party is "shocked" that Prime Minister Perry Christie is happy to spend time commenting on internal FNM matters when he should be dealing with the high levels of crime and unemployment facing the nation.

Swift Justice scheme to be a key part of crackdown on crime

THE reimplementation of Swift Justice is a significant plank in the government's "Safe Bahamas" anti-crime plan, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said.

Minister supports 1955 tax promise

MINISTER for Grand Bahama Michael Darville expressed confidence the government will fulfill its promise to extend Hawksbill Creek Agreement concessions to East and West Grand Bahama.

'Bahamas is open for business'

MINISTER of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said he wants the world to know the Bahamas is "open for business".

Former FNM MP backs urban renewal

FORMER FNM MP Algernon Allen has announced his support of the PLP's Urban Renewal 2.0 plan - "in the spirit of one Bahamas."

DNA: Reforms must not be self-serving

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance yesterday said the government's promised legislative reforms must be widespread and not self-serving.

Suspect loses his shoes on the way to court

A LAWYER voiced his displeasure at his client being barefoot while being escorted to court by police.

BTC's NGN network spend may hit $70m

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) will likely have invested between $65-$70 million in its Next Generation Network (NGN) for fixed-line broadband by the time it is completed, its chief executive telling Tribune Business that increased penetration in this area was already spurring the creation of "a whole new class of entrepreneurs".

Second Montaque affiliate 'insolvent'

A SECOND arm of Owen Bethel's Montaque Group is being wound up, one of its liquidators telling Tribune Business that this company, too, is "insolvent".

Cable 'a bit surprised' at 55% energy bill rise

CABLE Bahamas yesterday said it was "a bit surprised" by the unseasonal 55 per cent electricity cost increase it suffered during its 2012 first quarter, although this was offset by a 23 per cent revenue rise driven by its new fixed-line voice business.

Freeport 'ideal VAT testing bed'

FREEPORT was yesterday described as "the ideal testing ground" for Value Added Tax (VAT), a leading trade economist suggesting that this nation's Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) commitments required the Bahamas to "resolve or roll out" an alternative tax system by 2014.

Government 'not committed to fiscal prudence'

THE Christie administration's failure to "hold the line" on projected recurrent spending for the 2012-2013 Budget year shows it is "not committed to fiscal prudence", a leading fiscal hawk charged yesterday.

A profession for all of your talents

GRAPHIC design is a multi-faceted profession that requires intelligence, knowledge, talent and skill across a wide range of work domains. The industry has grown at a rapid pace, with studies revealing that by the year 2018, the number of graphic design jobs will increase by 12 per cent.

'Network seizure' hits Sunshine operations

ARAWAK Homes' chairman, Franklyn Wilson, yesterday urged Bahamian businesses to closely at monitor controls on their computer systems, telling Tribune Business his operations had been "severely disrupted"after a former employee allegedly took control of his companies' domain names and employee e-mail accounts.

Gov't 'tied' by $938m spending commitments

THE MINISTER of State for Finance, Michael Halkitis, said yesterday that in developing the 2012-2013 Budget, the Christie administration inherited recurrent spending commitments of some $938 million with respect to personal emoluments and debt servicing.

Bahamas places bid to host IAAF World Relays in 2014

The official bid has been placed and now the Bahamas will await the decision from the international governing body for track and field as i

Why tax reform can no longer be avoided

IT WAS with some pleasure that I read the letter carried in today's Tribune Business by Dr Nick Karagiannis of the University of North Carolina. Dr Karagiannis is a favourite scholar of mine, and I am very familiar with his work on the Bahamian economy.

Iron sharpens iron

THE night before an important game for the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL season, quarterback Tim Tebow was asked by the coach to rev up the team with a motivational message.

Philippe named as graduate assistant

MOVING from the court to the administrative level -for now - has been a seamless transition for one Bahamian collegiate basketball player. Jay Philippe has

Bahamas faces 'must win' situation in Rugby World Cup 2015 qualifier

TEAM Bahamas faces a "must win" situation in its bid for International Rugby Board World Cup 2015 Qualification. The Bahama

RBC Financial Group presents $37,000 for swim nationals

ROYAL Bank of Canada has presented a $37,000 cheque to the Bahamas Swim Federation (BSF) for this year's Swimming Nationals. The BSF, in partnership with RBC Royal Bank and RBC FINCO, yesterday anno

When are we going to fix this vexing problem that has existed in our society for so long?

It's the same old story every year - athletes not being able to get time off from their jobs to rep

National Soulwinners Conference

THE National Soulwinners Network is conducting its third annual Soulwinners Conference in an effort to quip church leaders for ministering.

Bahamian pastor receives doctor of ministry

BAHAMIAN pastor Wilfred T Adderley Sr received his Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching, with honors, from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at a graduation ceremony last month.

Worship service brings anti-drug message

The Ministry of National Security in collaboration with a multi-sectoral planning committee has organised and implemented a series of activities in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He remains faithful

IF we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. (2 Tim. 2: 13)

Ryan Pinder: Lightbourne spat on my father

RYAN Pinder, Member of Parliament for the Elizabeth constituency, yesterday accused opposition representative Richard Lightbourne of spitting on his father in an act

At death's door

HAVE you had a moment in your life or that of a loved one when you felt that you were looking at death's door? What was the situation? How long ago was it? How did you feel?

Mr J - new gospel single "Box Di Man"

BRINGING his thoughts to the studio once again, local gospel artist Gesner "Mr J" Dalmond released a new single, "Box Di Man".

'Turnquest was a turncoat'

GOVERNMENT members yesterday suggested that FNM Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest had first sought a PLP nomination before joining the FNM. The claims were made as Mr Turnquest took the

Contracts put under review

CONTRACTORS were paid inflated sums of money for government projects resulting in the suspension of several agreements, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government

'Women must quit devil's pills and take man's seed'

FORMER DNA candidate and social activist Rodney Moncur took to Twitter yesterday to warn women against the medical and spiritual dang

Mother and son vicitms in double killing

A MOTHER and son were brutally murdered Tuesday night bringing the country's homicide count for the year to 65. The incident occurred shortly after 10pm inside an apartment at Buttonwood Avenue off Pinewood Garden

William Cartwright remembered by Prime Minister Christie

Letter from Prime Minister Perry Christie:

Boyfriend of Madison Pugh acquitted

ZYNDALL McKinney has been unanimously acquitted of the 2009 murder of Anna Garrison.

Burrows makes vow to help Bahamians

PLP SENATOR Greg Burrows has pledged to use his new position in government to improve the lot of average Bahamians.

Storr praises moves by government to fight high levels of crime

PLP SENATOR Alex Storr has praised the government's proposed crime fighting agenda, revealing he has been a victim of crime in the past.

Bannister calls for answers over web shop donations claim

FNM Senator Desmond Bannister has called on the government to respond to accusations they received "substantial" campaign donations from a "prominent" owner of an illegal web-shop.

Tourist 'attacked by pack of dogs' on beach

ANOTHER tourist has come forward claiming to have been the victim of a dog attack while visiting the Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island.

Ex-policeman faces delay in sentence

A FORMER policeman convicted of manslaughter must wait another three weeks before he learns his sentence. Former corporal Donovan Gardiner could fac

Armed robber's appeal rejected by court

THE Court of Appeal has rejected Dwight Knowles' appeal against his sentence in connection with the armed robbery and murder of businessman Keith Carey. Knowles had argued that his 11-year sentence for robbery and

FNM fires back over slush fund claims

THE FNM hit back at State Minister of National Security Keith Bell's allegation that confiscated drug money was used as a "slush fund" under the former government - claiming the minister's comments reveal he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Verdict due on murder of teen's mother

A SUPREME Court jury is expected to deliver a verdict today in the trial of a man accused of murdering Anna Garrison. After Justice Roy Jones sum

A perspective on the Bahamas budget

AGAINST the backdrop of this year's post-election budget debate in Parliament, we thought it would be useful to look at how our economic circumstances have evolved over the past decade.

Christie speaks of his 'vindication' from victory

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said he feels a great sense of personal vindication having not only defeated former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham but also sending him into retirement following his landslide victory in the May 7 general election.

Long on promises, short on delivery

A COMMENT by Prime Minister Perry Christie that he is pleased to be leading the country at this time because he feels the nation requires someone with his "temperament and personality" to bring in the levels of investment that are "quickly" needed, recalls a conversation we had with Mr Christie towards the end of his first administration as prime minister.

Easy teacher v hard teacher

REMEMBER when you were in high school or college and you took the easy class, with the easy teacher, for the easy A, which made you look really smart but contributed nothing substantive to your wisdom or character?

Pride in Ingraham

JUST a thought: As reality sinks in and we reflect on the effects of the non voters, DNA voters and the "sold out" voters, had in the outcome of the 2012 general election, one can see that with their "help", our country lost a unique opportunity to move forward and out of this third world existance.

Murder conviction rate too low

THE BAHAMAS is comprised of a population of about 350,000 people. We are known as a Christian nation. Let me repeat. We are known as a Christian nation.

Witness programme claims 'baseless'

CLAIMS the Free National Movement cancelled the Witness Protection Programme are "false and baseless", Former Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said.

'No FNM move for Bran'

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis has dismissed any possibility of DNA leader Branville McCartney being courted by his party to replace him as leader of the FNM.

Minnis: Paranoia has led to extra security around PLP officials

CONCERN about the fall-out from promises made to shady campaign donors has led to increased security around top PLP officials, opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis suggested yesterday.

'Too much rain to collect garbage'

INCREASED rainfall is to blame for a delay in garbage collection throughout New Providence, Director of Environmental Services Melony McKenzie said yesterday.

Demolition crew brought in to set urban renewal 2.0 rolling

TWO wooden structures were demolished on Rolle Avenue yesterday, signaling the physical start of Urban Renewal 2.0 in Prime Minister Perry Christie's Centreville constituency.

Bahamas hemisphere's worst for mobile broadband usage

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company's (BTC) chief executive yesterday pledged that within a year this nation would no longer be last in the Western Hemisph

Laing: prove job figures and I'll resign

FNM Senator Zhivargo Laing said he will resign from his seat if the PLP can provide proof of a nationwide 33 per cent unemployment rate as was allegedly claimed by the party during their election campaign.

BISX-listed fundloses '$1m net'on flagship's22% vacancy

The BISX-listed Bahamas Property Fund is losing "in excess of $1 million net " in annual profits due to a 22 per cent vacancy rate at its flagship Bahama

Gov't forced to borrow $669m

The Government is borrowing an astonishing $669.205 million to cover its financing needs for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, with debt servicing (interest) costs now the single largest lin

Grand Lucayan 'vacuum cleaner' collapsing rates

HOTEL rates on Grand Bahama are "collapsing", one resort general manager told Tribune Business yesterday, saying the Grand Lucayan was

Youngsters eager for career in art

FOR two young men, who both aspire to become professional artists, the Nurturing Brotherhood art exhibit moved them one step closer to that dream.

Renewable firm offers Bahamians 20% equity option

Baha Mar's renewable energy partner is giving Bahamian investors buying into its $3 million promissory note offering an option to convert their investment into a

Things 2 Do - 6/6/2012

Members of world famous Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble will be in Nassau to conduct a three day workshop with high school students from June 18 - 2.

Papa Smurf releases "Marry Me" video

IN contemporary society, marriage is considered by some an irrelevant institution. Bahamian rapper Papa Smurf is saying otherwise in his new video.

Facebook poses direct marketing challenge

Professor Philip Kotler, of the J.L Kellogg Graduate School of Management, is considered by many to be the 'Father of Modern Marketing'. About 25 years ago I attended, and worked for, this pres

Bahamian accountants on regional committees

The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) has announced that Reece Chipman and Zelma Wilson have been appointed members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean's (ICAC) regional c

Keys to making an incredible bag

Anyone making a handbag is really looking for basically two things: functionality and the "wow" factor. One without the other is simply a dreary bag. And while you may be drawn to a bland look, a tantalizing handbag can be neutral without being boring.

Third concert for chamber ensemble

THE Nassau Chamber Ensemble will assemble at the Bahamas Historical Society to present its third concert featuring Baroque, Classical and Romantic chamber music this Sunday.

Goodbye, Telcine

On May 17, Arien Rolle, my former student and always friend, posted on Facebook that his mother, Telcine Turner-Rolle, Bahamian playwright, poet, storyteller, teacher and friend, had succumbed to the cancer she has been fighting for years.

Bahamian attorneysattend key law forum

Two Higgs & Johnson attorneys have attended the Annual Litigation Forum hosted by the International Bar Association (IBA). Partner and head of litigation, Oscar N. Johnson, along with Tara Archer, partner and chair of the IBA's Consumer Litigation Commit

Reflections on a tough and loving teacher

There are some people you cross paths with on your life's journey who make such an impact that it changes how you think, how you view things, how you make decisions. More times than not, those people are our teachers.

Bahamasair 'optimistic'on Grand Bahama flights

BAHAMASAIR executives were yesterday optimistic over the viability of the carrier's new service into Grand Bahama, its general manag

Cultural icon remembered: Telcine Turner-Rolle

Friends, family, colleagues and loved ones turned out for the homegoing service on June 2 to honour the life of influential Bahamian playwright, poet and teacher Telcine Turner-Rolle.

June: Poinciana Month

June is Poinciana month and a reminder that the royal Poinciana tree is one of the most extravagantly beautiful flowering trees of all.

Playersnow beingselected fornationalteams

WHILE the Bahamas Volleyball Federation (BVF) has a solid core of players to work with, acting president Joseph 'Joe Mo' Smith said they are now faced with the challenge of players getting t

Novice Championships to honour five veteran female bodybuilders

The New Providence Fitness Association (NPFA) is all set to host the Novice Championships on June 16 in the Rain Forest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino . Bahama

Emerging artists fight to find new opportunities

EMERGING musicians should use their cult following to find creative alternatives to over-saturated event venues, according to industry insiders, who offered a range of ideas about creating upward mobility in the industry.

Kerrie Cartwright takes time out at Long Island regatta

AFTER making a successful debut for the Apache Athletics women's tennis team at Tyler Junior College, Kerrie Cartwright came home for a much needed break over the weekend. She spent some time

Second death after club shooting

Second death after club shooting THE deadly Baller Nightclub shooting last week has claimed a second life, police said. According to reports, the victim has been identified as 16-year-old Kevin McDonald of Peter Street, who was one of the eight people wo

Victims are possibly mother and son

TWO FAMILY MEMBERS were killed last night in a suspected home invasion in Pinewood Gardens.

BEC responds to workers' outage threats

BEC has released the following statement following threats of outages by workers:

Doctors Hospital in dire need of blood

DOCTORS Hospital is appealing to the public to make blood donations.

BREAKING NEWS: BEC workers threaten outages

Upset over suspension

'Medusa' project launched

A NEW research project has been launched using a deep water baited video camera known as 'The Medusa' to document the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit the depths of the Exuma Sound. The project is being undertaken by t

Man charged over attempted murder of policeman

POLICE charged a Nassau Village man in court yesterday in connection with the attempted murder of one of their own at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

BTC issues apology over dropped and failed calls

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company yesterday apologised to its customers who experienced dropped or failed calls in New Providence and Andros. According to the company, the issue was related to its 2G

Thompson: We don't need speeches, we need action

SENATOR Kwasi Thompson dismissed last month's Speech from the Throne as "promises on a sheet of paper" and expressed doubts the government would be able to deliver on the items listed.

What Urban Renewal 2.0 will mean for the Bahamas

The commissioner of police's statement on Urban Renewal: Background THE flagship Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme is a direct response to past and current problems facing a number of inner city communities in

Hope Floats to offer a chance to Lupus victims

ON Whit Monday, around 100 Bahamians gathered at the top of Fort Charlotte for Hope Floats -- a balloon release ceremony to remember Bahamians who lost the battle with lupus.

Time for PLP to talk tough to law breakers

UNLIKE PLP leaders, we are not so unreasonable as to blame the continuing rise in crime on either political party. We have always maintained that if one follows the trail, today's crime is a natural progression

Too much credit for Roberts

I would like to respond to a letter that was published in the May 21 edition of The Nassau Guardian. It was written by the popular radio talk show host and rabid Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporter

If only all chose the Rotary way

Every Rotarian is given the challenge to guide all his actions by a 4-way test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial t

Clean up the garbage!

The "ready on day one" PLP Government mussie forget 'bout Environmental Health! Dey een pick up da garbage in some areas since day one! According to very reliable sources, calls have been coming in to The Departme

Robbery suspect asks for help to overcome suicidal thoughts

A MAN who reportedly robbed a local bank last week of more than $6,000 while armed with mace, asked a magistrate for help yesterday lest his suicidal thoughts continue. After being charged with

BEC: Over 60% of clients were 'non-performing'

MORE than 60 per cent of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation's (BEC) 102,444 customers were over 90 days past due in paying their bills at the recession's peak, it has been revealed, with the monopoly power provider seeing a major decrease in its current solvency deficiency to $17.75 million at the end of its 2010 financial year.

Arguments over women blamed for climbing murder rate

ARGUMENTS over women are a significant factor in the country's steadily-climbing murder rate, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said. In announcing the laun

'Die' Stubbs writes to The Tribune

IN AN effort to show he is not the "hardened criminal that police have made him out to be", the family of Stephen "Die" Stubbs delivered a hand-written press statement to The Tribune - allegedly penned by Stubbs himself

Murdered man at Superwash was police reservist

POLICE have identified the off-duty reserve officer who was shot and killed outside the Prince Charles Drive Superwash last Thursday night. He was Police Constable Dennis Clarke, 56, of Kennedy Subdivision.

'FNM handed out bribes'

MINISTER of State for National Security Keith Bell yesterday accused the FNM government of "handing out envelopes of money" on election day and using the police fo

FNM accused over deaths of witnesses

AT LEAST 25 witnesses have been killed since the FNM abolished the witness protection programme, Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell sa

Mother's plea for 'innocent' son

Mother's plea for innocent son THE emotional mother of Stephen "Die" Stubbs yesterday made a double-sided appeal to law enforcement officials to release her "innocent son and allow him to live his life in peace". Stubbs was arrested at the Ridgeland Park

Police take to front lines

POLICE officers will take to the "front lines" in the fight against crime with yesterday's official launch of nine urban renewal centres across New Providence. Police Commissioner Elliso

Canada ruling forces broker into 'pull back' on expansion

A BAHAMIAN broker/ dealer has been forced to "pull back" on potential expansion plans following a Canadian regulatory ruling against it, telling Tribune Business it has to-date refrained from legal action against the Securities Commission of the Bahamas because the "horse was already out of the gate".

Superwash eyes $200k costs for roadworks tie-in

A WELL-known businessman yesterday said it would cost his company between $150,000-$200,000 to tie five locations into the new roads created by the New Providence Transportation Programme, describing the issue as "a substantial burden" for many Bahamian-owned businesses.

Kerzner gains 2-3% fees for Atlantis and Ocean Club

KERZNER International is earning base management fees equivalent to 2 per cent and 3 per cent of gross revenues generated, respectively, by the Atlantis and One & Only Ocean Club under the terms of its $2.5 billion debt restructuring, Tribune Business can reveal.

Barry all set on run-up to the Olympics

After ascending the medal dais at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics last year, Trevor Barry is hoping to soar on the podium again at the Olympic Games.

Marketing agency can serve '90% of business'

A MARKETING agency which recently launched in the Bahamas yesterday said it was offering companies maximum exposure with no upfront costs, an executive telling Tribune Business it could cater to "90 per cent of businesses" in this nation.

Barbados's lessons for the Bahamas over VAT

THIS article seeks to explain the broad concept of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and detail the process of its implementation in the particular case of Barbados.

Summer Sports Camp to expose youth to COB life

FOR the third consecutive year, the College of the Bahamas' Athletic Department will provide an avenue for young Bahamians to participate in w

Renaldo's Ramblings: 'Hard Knocks-Easy Watch'

SO it has come to this. After years of futility and nothing better on the horizon, am I prepared for the best part of the Dolphins season to be a

BAAA to host Atlantis National Junior Track & Field Championships June 8-9

A LANDMARK year for the Bahamas at the junior track and field level looks to continue this weekend as the BAAA partne

Farmers: $9k packing house limit 'can't buy year's fertilizer'

BAHAMIAN farmers on the Family Islands say marketing their produce continues to pose a major challenge, one telling Tribune Business: "You have to fight to get your stuff sold."

Investment funds 'ripe for re-entry'

THE Bahamas is losing competitiveness in the investment funds sector, but the minister of financial services yesterday said that this nation can still ascend to the market forefront as it is "ripe" for reentry.

Workshop backs sacred birthing tradition

STRENGTHENING the innate bond between a new mother and her infant could be the answer to the country's perceived disconnect with the younger g

Satellite provider backs regulation

A leading Bahamas-based satellite TV provider says it will have no problem being regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), telling Tribune Business it welcomed fair competition but could not compete with ‘rogue’ operators undercutting on price.

FNM deputy sets benchmark for women

HE CRUSADE for gender equality will see a renewed political thrust with deputy leader-elect Loretta Butler-Turner at the helm of the Free National

Ex-Mail Boxes chief joins BTC

FORMER Mail Boxes Etc chief executive, Gershan Major, has joined the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) as its vice-president for channels and marketing.

How do you plan to be great?

LAST month I reluctantly attended a prayer breakfast for the 73rd annual meeting of the Bethel Baptist Association. I went as a guest of the Royal Bank of Canada, which hosted me

Seizures in dogs

Epilepsy is a sudden, excessive discharge of electrical energy in groups of brain cells, causing a seizure or convulsion. Epilepsy is relatively common in dogs, but much less common in cats. Why this spontaneous discha

Air polishing technique boosts oral hygiene

A DENTAL hygiene technique sweeping the United States could give orthodontic patients in The Bahamas a new reason to smile. Spotty discolor

'All the money is gone'

STATE National Security Minister Keith Bell yesterday accused the former government of using the Confiscated Assets Fund as a “slush” fund using more than $9 million over the past five years.

'Die' Stubbs behind bars - linked to 2009 murder

STEPHEN “Die” Stubbs was behind bars last night after he was accused of abetting a murder.

BTC apologises for network issues

BAHAMAS Telecommunications yesterday apologised to its customers who experienced dropped or failed calls in New Providence and Andros.

Minister vows reform over long-standing labour issues

MINISTER of Labour Shane Gibson affirmed the government's commitment to legislative reform on longstanding labour issues affecting both the public and private sectors as unionists celebrated labour milestones this weekend.

Man killed in parking lot shooting

THE holiday weekend was marred by violence after a man was shot and killed in a Super Wash parking lot.

Man says he was flogged by prison guards

A FORMER convict found innocent on appeal has filed a lawsuit claiming he was abused by police and illegally whipped by prison guards so badly his flesh was torn from his body.

Senior officer speaks out after policeman is shot

A DETAINEE hell bent on escaping police custody will attack a policeman if he stands in the way of his liberty, a senior policeman said yesterday.

Wells should not get comfortable

I THINK it was Jones Communications CEO Wendell Jones who recently told a guest on his Love 97.5 FM radio talk show Issues of the Day that the House of Assembly is a slippery place to be.

Where is the extra money going?

I would like to ask this question:

PM Christie and his juggling act

WE THINK it is now time for Prime Minister Perry Christie to realise that he is Prime Minister of all of the Bahamas. He is no longer on the campaign trail playing to his hard core supporters.

Tax stamps for tobacco products

TAX STAMPS will be placed on tobacco products in an attempt to recuperate the $20 million in revenue lost annually to smuggling, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

Miller: 'Stupid Bahamians' quote was out of context

PLP MP for Tall Pines Leslie Miller clarified remarks attributed to him during the 2012 election campaign, in which he was portrayed as calling black Bahamians "stupid".

Union leaders celebrate Sir Clifford

TRADE union leaders celebrated Sir Clifford Darling's contribution to the Bahamas in a service at Yamacraw Zion Baptist Church last week.

Lionfish cook-off at conch festival

This year, Deep Creek's annual Conch Fest will experience a massive lionfish invasion.

Christie: Tourism still posts gains

DIRECT flight service from Panama to Nassau boosted Latin American visitors to The Bahamas by more than 40 per cent, last year, while United States visitors fell by nearly four per cent.

Republics maybe - but no quarrel with the Queen

THE streets were festooned with flags and multi-coloured banners, large crowds of people thronged the road sides, British soldiers marched to the commanding sounds of bagpipes and drums. Local police, boy scouts, girl guides and even the fire brigade joined in the parade. There was everywhere a feeling of cheerfulness. In the evening, a fireworks display was held and the mood of joy continued. It was June 2nd, 1953, the day that the young Elizabeth was crowned Queen, one year and four months after she came to the British Throne following her father's death.

High school quintet to make shift to DI Universities this fall

A NUMBER of high school seniors are poised to chase lofty expectations, drawing comparisons to an historic group of players from the 1970s.

Danny Knowles is the 'Man in the Boat'

SALT Pond, Long Island -- The Sands 'Man in the Boat' sculling race stopped at the 45th Annual Long Island Regatta where Danny Knowles pulled off the title to help keep all of the trophies on Long Island in just about every other category of competition.

Malisse, Knowles fall to Bryan brothers

BAHAMIAN tennis ace Mark Knowles and Xavier Malisse of Belgium lost to American twins Bob and Mike Bryan 6-3, 6-2 at the French Open yesterday.

Junior Minister Keith Bell makes claim

Keith Bell makes allegations

Grand Lucayan's Board pull-out

THE Grand Lucayan resort has stunned many in the hotel/tourism industry by withdrawing from the Grand Bahama Island Tourist Board, Tribune Business can report, with the Ministry of Tourism locked in talks to resolve the situation "between now and June 13".

$6.5m Irene claims push Summit off peak

A BAHAMIAN general insurer has told Tribune Business it would probably have generated $3-$4 million in net income for 2011 had it not been for Hurricane Irene and fire-related claims, its bottom line finishing 71.8 per cent down on the previous year's results.

Atlantis up 7% pts for May's occupancies

ATLANTIS'S May 2012 occupancy levels were "seven percentage points" higher than those achieved in the comparative period last year, with the Memorial Day weekend generating "record revenue" for the Paradise Island resort,

Businessmen pay $5k fines for Contempt

A WELL-KNOWN businessman has confirmed to Tribune Business that he paid a $5,000 fine after being found in Contempt of Court, describing as "unfortunate" the situation he and a former business partner now found themselves in due to a dispute over a $1.1 million Old Fort Bay home.

Businessman warns: Big taxincreases over next 5 years

A LEADING businessman has warned Bahamians to brace for "substantial increases in taxes over the next five years", arguing that the Christie administration could not avoid this if it was to slash "mind boggling" $500 million-plus fiscal deficits.

Gov't urged: Reduce 200% tobacco taxes

A MAJOR importer believes the high 200 per cent tariff on tobacco imports is encouraging smugglers, telling Tribune Business that while proper controls were necessary the Government should look at reducing the tax rate.

Spending cuts 'not a priority'

CUTTING spending "is not a priority" for the Government based on its 2012-2013 Budget statements, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) chief executive noting the absence of any measures to reduce the public sector's costs.

Recovering the way to success

EVERY Bahamian has experienced some kind of poor service as we bought goods and services in various business establishments. Some might even argue that most of the experiences in local companies are either average or substandard, with very few being magical ones. So few of us can share experiences where, locally, we would have witnessed or experienced service that was truly 'blow away'.

Chamber chief: PM's BTC intent 'very concerning'

THE Prime Minister's stated intent to reclaim majority ownership of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) sends a "very concerning message" to the Bahamian and international business community about the "validity of contracts" they enter into with the Government, a senior private sector official has warned.

Stories for June 2012

Saturday, June 30

Friday, June 29

Thursday, June 28

Wednesday, June 27

Tuesday, June 26