Stories for September 2012

Man fights for life after stabbing

A 24-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after being repeatedly stabbed.

PM pays tribute to Paul Adderley

MORE than 100 mourners gathered at Christ Church Cathedral yesterday morning for the state funeral of Paul Lawrence Adderley who Prime Minister Perry Christie described as the most intellectually gifted man of his generation.

Pupils hurt in bus crash

THREE pupils from Andros were airlifted to hospital in Nassau after a school bus crash.

Urban Renewal 2.0 an admission of failure?

The reality is there are many government ministries, departments, agencies that are already responsible for all the tasks now assigned to Urban Renewal 2.0.

Fear on Village Road

Every morning, an unkempt man is stationed at the Village Road and Shirley Street traffic light begging.

Rejecting the gay and lesbian agenda

On July 24, 2011 the State of New York legalized gay and lesbian marriages aka same sex marriages.

Dorin United Hitmen take 1-0 lead

Alcott Forbes fired a three-hitter and both Rashad Seymour and Geron Sands homered as the Dorin United Hitmen blasted the YII Shipping Bulldogs 13-0 in four innings to snatch a 1-0 lead in their semifinal of the New Providence Softball Association men’s best-of-five playoff series last night.

STUBBS OPINION: 'There are a number of scenarios waiting to be played out'

AS WE venture into the last quarter of this year, there are a number of scenarios waiting to be played out in local sports.

McIntosh’s hopes for Abaco vote

NORTH Abaco hopeful Ali McIntosh said she is encouraged by the support she received from constituents and confident it will “turn into votes” come by-election day.

Bahamas waste 'off 26%' despite profits tripling

Despite almost tripling its 2012 half-year profits Bahamas Waste yesterday said its bottom line came in 26 per cent below projections, with the second half outlook clouded by a 40 per cent reduction in its government residential garbage collection rates.

Executive entity can be Bahamas 'second most-used product'

A Nassau-headquartered provider that supervises $1.5 billion in client assets yesterday expressed optimism that Executives Entities could become “the second most used product” from the Bahamian financial services menu, having already beaten its own pre-Christmas expectations.

Award for Tribune writer

TRIBUNE Features editor Noelle Nicolls was among a select group of Bahamians awarded grants for their community-based programmes engaging at-risk youth.

BTC to invest $20-$30M to bring NGN 'to market'

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) expects to be “well positioned” to win back market share in the fixed-line Internet broadband market via its Next Generation Network (NGN), the company’s chief executive telling Tribune Business it will invest a further $20-$30 million “to bring it to market”.

GB power lays-off 19 over steam phase-out

Grand Bahama Power Company yesterday made 19 staff redundant as part of a restructuring designed to “retire” its steam generation plant, a senior executive telling Tribune Business the engines at its new $80 million power plant were up to four times’ more efficient.

$100M Gov't bond 'oversubscribed'

The Central Bank of the Bahamas’ governor last night confirmed that the Government’s latest $100 million bond issue was “oversubscribed”, with a portion of the funds raised potentially funding its share of Baha Mar’s infrastructure works.

Price is not the only product differential

While products are the things we sell in business - and hopefully make money from as we do – my friends at Wolfram Math World also define ‘product’ as “the result of one or more multiplications”, which directs one’s thoughts down an interesting side path.

PM's jobs plea to private sector

WITH a 30,000 job deficit hanging over the new government, Prime Minister Perry Christie implored the private sector to contribute ideas and help solve “the national challenges in our country”

Small resort model 'can be much better'

The Bahamian small hotel business model “can be much better”, a resort’s managing partner believes, adding that Abaco is not a “deal/discount” destination.

100 per week inquire on mortgage relief

25% qualify for assistance

AN average of 100 persons per week have inquired about the Government’s Mortgage Relief Plan since it began earlier this month, its director of economic planning yesterday saying that 25 per cent have qualified for it.

Bahamas to establish China tourism offices

The Ministry of Tourism is looking to generate greater business out of the Chinese market, and is looking to establish new offices in China in January 2013.

North Abaco candidates show assets in declarations

THE official declaration of candidate assets and liabilities revealed quite a range between the three North Abaco by-election hopefuls in terms of financial standing.

Paying respects to Paul Adderley

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said he will remember the late Paul Adderley as a father figure and his self-proclaimed “protector”.

Claim of body found in Abaco

CONCERNS have been raised that law enforcement officials are trying to conceal crime statistics, more specifically instances of murder, to give the impression that government is succeeding in its fight against crime.

Minnis drops threat case

FNM party leader Dr Hubert Minnis has withdrawn his complaint against a PLP supporter who he claimed had threatened to kill him at an FNM Grill n’ Chill event at the Ingraham Park in Coopers Town, Abaco, on Saturday, September 15.

Woman stole Rolex watches

A COLOMBIAN woman was convicted and sentenced yesterday for stealing two Rolex watches – valued at $31,000 – from John Bull Ltd. The watches have yet to be recovered.

Christie: no answer on number house donations

PRIME Minister Perry Christie declined to say whether numbers houses donated to the PLP’s North Abaco by-election campaign.

Youth rally tackles crime

WITH nearly 70 per cent of prison inmates lacking a high school diploma, Her Majesty’s Prison allowed for hundreds of students from more than ten schools across New Providence to meet at the Church of God Auditorium for the fifth annual Anti-Crime Youth Rally.

Residents angry over power cut

RESIDENTS suffered an island-wide blackout after a circuit linking the Clifton Pier Power station and Windsor Field substation failed early yesterday morning.

Concern over harvesting of undersize conch

FREEPORT – The harvesting of undersize conch is a serious problem in Grand Bahama – where in a single incident this week more than 300 juvenile specimens were removed from the sea off West End.

Briefly

Funerals and last rites for Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30.

Contractor chief: ‘I cut 80% of staff to survive’

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday told Tribune Business he was forced to lay-off 80 per cent of his own staff “just to survive”, as he called on the Government and private developers to bring “sweet relief” by kickstarting the housing market.

‘The hottest place in the Out Islands’

Developers behind Abaco’s Schooner Bay community yesterday expressed confidence it would become “the hottest place to be in the Out Islands” within five years, telling Tribune Business all infrastructure/utilities work would be completed by December 2012.

BTC targets early 2013 for system ‘10x faster’ than 4G

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) plans to introduce its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network within the first three months of 2013, the company’s chief executive telling Tribune Business yesterday that the full roll-out would require 12-18 months.

Online Out Island bookings set for January launch

THE Ministry of Tourism (MOT) will introduce an online booking system for Family Islands resorts in January 2013, the minister of tourism said yesterday, noting that many properties were challenged on reservations.

‘Held hostage’ for 18 months

A niche Bahamian telecommunications provider is aiming to get back into the home phone and Internet market, after being “held hostage” for 18 months while the industry’s interconnection/call termination issue were sorted out.

Resolve required on image quality

Have you ever downloaded an image from the Internet and printed it, only to have results that were, well, less than you expected?

New priest ordained into holy order

On Tuesday, September 19, being the Feast of St Theodore of Tarsus, before a large congregation, the Reverend Lynden James Douglas was ordained to the Holy Order of Priest, at Christ Church Cathedral.

New Direction Gospel Ministry to launch single during annual concert

DURING their second annual concert, New Direction Gospel Ministry will introduce an original single “He Is”.

Treat S&P warning like ‘approaching hurricane’

The Bahamas’ fiscal woes are in danger of becoming “a real millstone around the nation’s neck”, a key Ministry of Finance consultant has said, adding that Wall Street’s alarm bells should be treated “as seriously as an approaching hurricane”.

$144m LPIA phase 2 to open October 16

Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) $144 million international arrivals terminal is set to open on October 16, it was announced yesterday, some 30 per cent of total construction contract value having been awarded to Bahamians.

BFSB enters language deal

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) has announced a partnership with Livemocha, the world’s largest language learning service, which offers online language courses to over 14 million members from all countries.

Bahamas now ‘Priceless’ for MasterCard clients

THE Bahamas has been added to MasterCard Worldwide’s ‘Priceless Cities’ global platform, with the credit card company annoucing its ‘Find Your Way’ programme had evolved into ‘Priceless Bahamas’.

YESI partners with Gambier Primary to kick off soccer programme

Youth Empowerment through Sports International (YESI) has embarked on a new initiative with a local primary school, as it continues its mandate of using the game of soccer to impact the community at large.

Renaldo's Ramblings: NFL WEEK FOUR PICKS

WEEK 4 PICKS

Minnis support

I support Dr Hubert Minnis not only in his capacity as leader of the Free National Moment but for his irreproachable character and down-to-earth qualities.

The PLP deception: the truth

The Progressive Liberal Party came into power on the 7th of May 2012 on “Golden” dreams and promises.

Streets cordoned off for funeral of Paul Adderley

OFFICIALS began cordoning off parts of downtown Nassau yesterday ahead of the state funeral of former Attorney General Paul Adderley.

Help for family after fire

FREEPORT – A family of seven left homeless after a fire is depending on the generosity of the public as they raise funds to rebuild.

Trio were not in court as they were in custody

A SUPREME Court judge reinstated the bail of three men who failed to appear on Monday for the start of their attempted murder trial after he accepted their reasons for not being present.

New airport terminal is approaching completion

IN LESS than one month, passengers touching down at Lynden Pindling International Airport will have a completely different first impression of New Providence.

Bahamians say no to rise in cable price

BAHAMIANS are “primarily against” Cable Bahamas’ proposed price increase, according to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s CEO who was remarking on the corporation’s most recent town hall meeting.

College party row ends up in court

A POLICEMAN told the court that a student-leader, for whom he and his colleagues had been called to the College of the Bahamas campus, accused him and his fellow officers of being slaves to the “black man” and “the government.”

Three men released over failed Atlantis heist

POLICE have released the other three men they had in custody in connection with the botched Atlantis casino’s cash cage robbery on Sunday.

Skills course for Baha Mar

IN ANTICIPATION of the several thousand new jobs to be created by the Baha Mar project, the College of the Bahamas is launching its first tourism skills training course.

School dropouts are blamed for high-tech crime

HIGH school dropouts are at the forefront of a new era of high-tech crime, according to Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.

Man fights for life after crash

A 20-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital today after being thrown from his vehicle in a crash early yesterday morning.

Last-minute scramble for BCP

WHILE the upcoming by-election will see three candidates contesting the North Abaco seat, the road to nomination was a bit bumpy for one of them.

Three hopefuls became candidates on nomination day

MARSH HARBOUR, Abaco – Nomination day for the North Abaco by-election saw three hopefuls become the official candidates to contest that seat.

Bahamian marching band clinches top spot, again

THE BAHAMAS All Stars Marching Band is preparing for a second trip to the Florida Blue Classic Battle of the Bands after an historical performance last year.

Cabbages

All members of the cabbage family require lots of feeding and lots of water and are called gross feeders. Give them the fertilizer and water and you will have guaranteed returns.

Fabric Design: Painting backgrounds

Painting an incredible design usually starts with a fabulous background.

Celebrations For “Greatness” Mr Vegas and Lady Saw in concert

International dancehall artists Mr Vegas is back by popular demand to perform with the queen of the dancehall Lady Saw for the year’s Guinness Arthur’s Day Concert at Club Luna.

Telco eyes staff ‘tripling’ through 25% revenue rise

A niche Bahamian telecommunications operator yesterday said it planned to triple staff numbers by 2012 year-end, as it moves to ‘ramp up’ ahead of an expected 25 per cent year-over-year revenue increase in 2013.

S&P outlook slash was ‘not inevitable’

An FNM Senator yesterday said Wall Street’s latest outlook downgrade for the Bahamian economy was “not inevitable”, and could have been prevented if the Christie administration had taken proactive action to tackle this nation’s fiscal crisis

Muy Buiy Dem releases new junkanoo beat

BAHAMIAN music is in “danger”, according to one local group, as the very rhythms that make up the style are neither preserved or marketed the way they should be.

"The good... the bad & the ugly"

KEEPING its name as “one of the best, if not the best” singing competition in the market, the X Factor USA gave aspiring singers another two nights to make their dreams come true.

Call termination cuts ‘a beautiful thing’

A rival telecommunications provider yesterday said it was “100 per cent behind” plans to cut the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) call termination rates by up to 60 per cent, telling Tribune Business the proposed 2 cents per minute slash for 2013 was “a beautiful thing”.

Export ban will not ‘collapse’ 1.6m Ilb sector

A BAN on conch exports will not “collapse” the fishing industry, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) president said yesterday, adding that the organisation backed efforts to preserve a population that generated 1.6 million pounds in recorded landings last year.

Top KYC ranking ‘important defence’ against G20/OECD

An author of the report that placed the Bahamas among eight nations with a 100 per cent perfect Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance record yesterday told Tribune Business that the findings “should be an important defence” against further G-20/OECD attacks on this nation.

BTC to eliminate 250k phones via ‘trade in’

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has initiated a 10-day “trade-in” campaign aimed at ridding the country of some 2,300 outdated cellular phone models.

Filtering out those who just say ‘No’

My son recently graduated from university and formed a marketing company in Chicago.

‘Chickens come home to roost’ over S&P action

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman said yesterday that the private sector was concerned that any further downgrade in the Bahamas’ economic outlook could potentially make this jurisdiction a less attractive place to do business.

Moody’s: Bahamas still ‘highest’ in Caribbean

The Bahamas still has “the highest” sovereign credit rating in the Caribbean despite Wall Street’s ‘negative’ outlook on the Government’s finances, a leading analyst yesterday saying this nation was performing well “in a global context”.

Hitmen to face off with Operators

The first year Lady Hitmen will meet the pennant winning Bommer G Lady Operators in the women’s final of the NPSA – New Providence Softball Association.

NFL Picks: Week Three Results

An absolute mess is the only way to describe it. The NFL has but one storyline.

Opposition leader praises vigilant press

NO WONDER Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley was so fulsome in his praise of the media in his Republic Day address in Trinidad over the weekend.

Cable Bahamas' proposed increase

The Bahamas is an archipelago of islands on which many Bahamians live. We work on one and travel to Family Islands; in instances our “hometowns” on weekends, holidays, to funerals, weddings, anniversaries, etc.

FNM will win vote in Abaco

I strongly believe the FNM will win and regain the North Abaco seat in the upcoming by-election because North Abaco voted FNM for five consecutive general elections and the FNM has simply been the best for the entire island of Abaco.

Laing concern at debt inaction

FNM Senator Zhivargo Laing has criticised the government for “not showing any willingness” to tackle the country’s present financial situation and a predicted deficit of more than $500m.

Will PM take the mercedes?

WILL the Prime Minister trade in the old Kia for the new, big-bodied Benz? He said he’s still looking into it.

PLP candidate confident for by-election

NORTH ABACO - Renardo Curry, PLP North Abaco by-election hopeful, believes that a victory for the party would signal an “incredible longing” by constituents to see the island progress.

WSC seeks $100m for water upgrade

WATER and Sewage Corporation general manager, Glen Laville said WSC still has to invest upwards of an estimated $100 million to complete water main replacements on New Providence with the figure growing larger if the Family Islands are included.

Casino heist: two in court

TWO of the three men police arrested on Sunday in connection with the botched robbery of the Atlantis casino’s cash cage were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing more than 30 criminal charges.

Three run in North Abaco by-election

Nomination day in North Abaco - Follow the action on Twitter with Tribune242.

Taking the Bahamian arts community online

THE Bahamas Virtual Platform, set to be launch in early 2013, will be “revolutionary for the Bahamas and Bahamian goods,” BAIC chairman Arnold Forbes said.

Forbes: Locals to reap the benefits

WITH hundreds of millions dollars spent on craft items each year, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation chairman Arnold Forbes said he is seeking to ensure local artisans are the ones reaping the benefits.

243 held as Haitian boat stopped

LOCAL community members joined the police, the Defence Force and the US Coast Guard in apprehending 243 suspected illegal immigrants in the Southern Bahamas.

A look back at the last talk about tax changes

Large-scale taxation to finance a growing public sector is a 20th century phenomenon.

Job programme to be evaluated

THE FORMER government’s 52-week programme will soon be evaluated to gauge its success, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday – sounding sceptical that the job placement initiative did much to curb unemployment.

Private sector helps pay for gambling advice

WHILE Prime Minister Perry Christie will not say how much the UK firm Dixon Wilson is being paid to advise the government on a national lottery and the legalisation of gambling, he explained that the private sector is footing a part of the bill.

UN address by Mitchell for Caricom

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell delivered an address at the United Nations on behalf of CARICOM on Monday. Mr Mitchell was speaking at the Special Ministerial Meeting of the UN’s Economic and Social Council.

College of the Bahamas joins Urban Renewal effort

“URBAN Renewal and the College of the Bahamas working together to build a better society, reducing crime and ...

Two in hospital after stabbing

TWO men are in hospital in serious condition following a double stabbing earlier this week.

Supreme Court judge to rule on bail for men who failed to show at trial

A SUPREME Court judge will decide today whether two of the three men who failed to appear on Monday for the start of their attempted murder trial will continue to be on bail.

Deputy PM in prominent role for water conference

THE Deputy Prime Minister will play a “very active” role as host of the 21st annual Caribbean Water and Waste-water Association Conference, which is set to attract more than 300 delegates to the Atlantis Resort.

Guilty plea not accepted in excess currency case

THE American wife of a local grocery store owner appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday seeking to change her plea in a $27,000 failure to declare case.

Briefly

This is a test

The appetite for illicit drugs

Please publish this open letter to: Mr. John Dinkelman Charge d’ Affaires, US Embassy

Policing concerns

Please print the attached open letter to the stated parties in one of the editions of your publication.

The Education Debate of 2012

The Education Debate of 2012 as seen in the nation’s press has been centred on the validity of the single letter grade for the annual Bahamas General Certificate Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams.

We want a democratic Bahamas

The alleged death threat against Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis (Killarney) in North Abaco may very well be an indication that some hate-mongers in this country would stop at nothing to silence the opposition and put to an end our democratic way of life.

A new political day dawns for Trinidad

AT the other end of the telephone early yesterday morning a chuckling, Trinidadian- accented voice, asked the loaded question:

World Mental Health Day highlights

AS World Mental Health Day quickly approaches, members of the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre are coming together to host two symposiums to promote awareness.

Emotional Intelligence: The Other ‘Smart’

In Bahamian social circles, people often speak to what runs them ‘’hot’’, referring to those pesky things that trigger our anger and set the best of us beside ourselves.

Autism and the mouth

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a range of pervasive developmental disorders that usually begin in the first 30 months of life.

Why children need a spinal check-up

How often chiropractors have encountered parents who appreciate the importance of regular checkups for their children’s teeth, hearing, eyes and ears but draw a blank when it comes to a spinal check-up. In fact, a spinal check-up could be one of the most important checkups your child will ever have.

Conch’s extinction threat ‘very alarming’ for economy

“Very alarming” survey results have revealed that the Bahamian conch population is being driven to extinction, the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) executive director yesterday saying this would have a “very detrimental economic impact” on hundreds of people.

S&P goes ‘negative’ on Bahamas as debt ratio rises 11% pts

Wall Street last night forecast that the Bahamas’ net government debt would hit 45-47 per cent of GDP by 2013-2014, a double digit rise in three years, as one rating agency slashed its economic outlook on this nation to ‘negative’.

Tax reform paper set for October release

The Government is planning to release its Tax Reform White Paper for public consultation next month, a key Cabinet Minister yesterday telling Tribune Business the Government was “up to the task” of avoiding a further sovereign credit downgrade.

Ministry’s $4-$5m Vision outlay ‘much too high’

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe yesterday the Government was “modifying” Bahamasair’s takeover of Vision Airlines’ service to Grand Bahama, telling Tribune Business the $4-$5 million outlay demanded from his Ministry was simply too high and “not paying the dividends”.

Gov’ts ‘recovery driver’ meet with private sector

The Government will on Thursday meet with business stakeholders to further develop its economic strategy, a Cabinet minister telling Tribune Business that the private sector was “key to driving the recovery”.

Common household poisons that can affect your pets

A poisonous substance refers to any substances that through chemical reaction impairs injures or kills your pets.

Strengthening women's access to justice

New York, 21 September—At the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at National and International Levels, that is taking place during the 67th UN General Assembly, world leaders will focus on strengthening the rule of law, underlining its central role in securing international peace and security, furthering development and the achievement of universal human rights.

V-Day announces escalation of global One Billion Rising campaign

V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls, announced the escalation of its global campaign One Billion Rising with the launch of OneBillionRising.org, a website to support the rapidly growing campaign activity including video testimonies, event planning and creative actions.

Battle of the hair to settle top barber and stylist

The Battle of the hair is on. Organisers of the inaugural Top Barber/Top Stylist 242 are vetting 32 applications for the competition. Only 20 contestants will qualify for the big showdown.

No shame in education

AT the age of 62, some people are preparing themselves for retirement, spending time at vacation spots around the world, rearing grandchildren or just doing things they never got the opportunity to do in their youth.

Duke safety August Campbell out with 'upper body injury'

THE Duke football programme has been riddled with injuries this season, with August Campbell the latest casualty of an already depleted secondary.

Bahamas strikes for double gold

Grand Bahamians Tammy Stubbs – she retained her gold medal in the women’s lightweight division – and Dominique Wilkinson picked up her first gold in the Body Fitness Short Class division to highlight the performance of the Bahamas’ 11-member team.

Atlantis staff sworn to secrecy over failed heist

ATLANTIS employees have been “sworn to secrecy” over the foiled attempted robbery of the casino’s cashier cage.

Nottage: police did an excellent job

NATIONAL Security Minister Bernard Nottage praised Atlantis security and the police for doing an “excellent” job in quickly apprehending those responsible for the brazen attempted robbery of the resort’s casino.

Warrants issued for arrests after bailed men fail to show

A SUPREME Court judge issued warrants of arrests for three men on bail who did not show up for their trial on two charges of attempted murder.

Cruise line confirms Nassau itinerary

ROYAL Caribbean Cruise Lines’ Serenade of the Seas ship will run Nassau itineraries from the end of next year through April 2014, the Ministry of Tourism announced yesterday

Organised crime 'a serious threat'

ORGANISED crime is posing “serious threat” to the country according to National Security Minister Bernard Nottage.

Psychiatric evaluation for fire mom

A WOMAN accused of setting a car on fire, then trying to put her four-year-old son inside, was given a new appointment date to undergo psychiatric evaluation before her trial.

No ban for Bahamians, insists Markantonis

PRESIDENT and Managing Director of Kerzner International George Markantonis denied claims yesterday that Bahamians would no longer be allowed on the hotel property following a botched robbery in the Atlantis casino Sunday afternoon.

Mother of disabled man says he was shot by police

THE mother of a disabled young man is appealing to the government for assistance after her son was allegedly shot by police, resulting in the loss of one of his kidneys.

Mom's plea to help son's eyesight

A MOTHER is making an urgent plea for help in financing an eye operation for her five-year-old son Tavi Collins, which she hopes will give him better vision and a chance at a normal childhood.

'PM should use Ingraham's Mercedes'

FREEPORT – Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis believes that Prime Minister Perry Christie should use the brand new $185,000 Mercedes Benz that was ordered for use by the former Prime Minister just before the last general election.

Police arrest current Atlantis employees after raid

POLICE arrested two more Atlantis employees yesterday in connection with the botched robbery of the casino’s cash cage on Sunday afternoon.

'Minimal' tourism impact from hotel casino robbery

THERE has been “minimal” impact thus far for the Bahamas’ international tourism reputation over the botched Atlantis heist, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday, telling Tribune Business: “It hurts the Bahamas any way you put it.”

Regulator updates over 200 financial providers

More than 200 Financial and Corporate Services Provider (FCSP) representatives and other stakeholders attended two Securities Commission briefings to update the sector on its regulatory direction.

Doctor’s week away from $1.5m facility’s opening

Doctors Hospital’s Bahamas Medical Centre is about a week away from full operations, the BISX-listed company’s president yesterday telling Tribune Business $1.5 million had been pumped into the Blake Road facility that is expected to be a “key player” in its international patient business.

Financial Focus: Adopt US approach to stop 'victimisation'

On November 6, 2012, US citizens will go to the polls to elect a new president who will govern for a four-year term beginning on January 20, 2013.

What you don't know can't hurt them

SO, trying to kill someone can be considered a big deal in the Bahamas after all.

Sports Notes - September 24, 2012

GAME four in the New Providence Softball Association’s best-of-five playoff series between the pennant winning Bommer G Lady Operators and former champions YII Shipping Wildcats got rained out on Saturday night.

Bahamas learns destination for basketball championship

STILL a year away from competition, the Bahamas’ junior national team now knows its destination for the 2013 FIBA Americas U-16 Championship For Men.

Cartwright scores only run for Great Britain against Germany

SHORTSTOP Albert Cartwright did it again. He scored the only run for Great Britain in another humiliating defeat - this time 16-1 to host Germany in the World Baseball Classic qualifier on Sunday.

Helping the hungry

PARADISE Plates, Hands For Hunger’s annual fundraising event held on Saturday night, was deemed a smashing success by attendees.

Memorial service to be held tomorrow for Paul Adderley

A MEMORIAL service in honour of the late Paul Adderley, the country’s longest serving Attorney General, will be held tomorrow at PLP Headquarters, the party’s chairman Bradley Roberts confirmed.

PLP candidate 'to do a great many things for North Abaco'

PLP candidate Renardo Curry is ready to do a great many things for North Abaco, party chairman Bradley Roberts said.

'Bahamians to reap benefits from economic recovery'

FREEPORT – Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle said the government is working on an economic recovery strategy that will allow Bahamian entities to reap significant benefits from large direct foreign investments.

FNM deputy hits out at PM over criticism of training programme

IN declaring the former government’s worker training programme “scandalous”, Prime Minister Perry Christie insulted many hard-working Bahamians, FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner charged.

African father role important for peace

THE return of the African father to the family is an important condition for establishing peace, suggested cultural scholar Dr Jahlani Niaah at the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s Peace Conference last week.

GB Power, PHA seek financing millions

The Bahamian capital markets are gearing up for a busy fall/winter season, Tribune Business has been informed, with both the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and Grand Bahama Power Company seeking multi-million dollar financings.

Bahamas in world top eight with 100% KYC compliance

THE Bahamas is among just eight nations whose financial services providers achieved a 100 per cent Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance score in establishing ‘shell companies’, giving the jurisdiction’s regulatory and integrity reputation a major boost.

30% boat ownership gives broker 'uplift'

A BAHAMIAN boat/yacht broker has been on a continuous “upswing” since entering the niche just 18 months ago, its founder telling Tribune Business that with “30 per cent” of residents owning a vessel the sector had “huge potential”.

BFS deal: Require 25% stake sale to Bahamian investors

THE Government must ensure a minimum 25 per cent equity stake in Bahamas Food Services (BFS) is sold to the Bahamian public if it approves the company’s purchase by Sysco, a prominent businessman also warning it to guard against a food wholesale monopoly.

$2.7m spending boost from new cruise route

ROYAL Caribbean Cruise Lines’ new Fall 2013 route from New Orleans to Nassau could inject an extra $2.7 million in passenger spending into the Bahamas, a Ministry of Tourism official telling Tribune Business the additional calls could bring in nearly 25,000 passengers.

Hypocrisy of the US position on China export subsidies

IT is hypocritical in the extreme. The US Trade Representative has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) claiming that the Peoples’ Republic of China has given “extensive subsidies” to Chinese companies that produce automobiles and automobile parts for export.

RBC receives award from financial services institute

RBC Royal Bank has received the Timothy Baswell Donaldson Award from the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services.

BTC's 2010 separated account audit 'qualified'

ALL key Bahamian communications industry players are opposed to using the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) historical cost data as the basis to set its future interconnection charges, with the newly-privatised carrier admitting auditors were unable to give its 2010 separated accounts a clean bill of health.

Women's issues expert in discussion

On Wednesday, September 19, the US Embassy hosted a roundtable discussion between Anita Botti, the Chief of Staff and Principal Deputy in the US Secretary of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues and a group of students from St Andrew’s High School’s Model UN programme.

COLUMN: The right time for a change

DO YOU ever feel like you have insufficient time within a business day to complete all of the tasks assigned? Perhaps you join the thousands of business professionals who are consumed and inundated with work overload.

Atlantis see eight per cent Fall booking rise

SEVERAL major Nassau-based hotel properties are expecting a successful fall 2012 season, with an Atlantis executive telling Tribune Business its bookings for the season were expected to be 8 per cent ahead of 2011 numbers.

$50m 'hit' fear from roadworks

COCONUT Grove Business League (CBGL) spokesman, Ethric Bowe, has estimated that the overall financial “hit” from the Blue Hill Road and Market Street roadworks could ultimately exceed $50 million.

Nightclubs shut down for playing loud music

POLICE shut down four clubs over the weekend for playing loud music.

Naomi Foulkes dies, aged 75

NAOMI Foulkes, former wife of Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, died yesterday at the Princess Margaret Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 75.

Peace message at conference

AN empowering message of ‘personal peace’ was delivered by keynote speaker Helen MacMillan on the final day of the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s Peace Conference.

Family's plea to help victims

A TRAUMATISED Blair Estates family held up at gun point and robbed at their home are calling for much -needed upgrades to police stations to help efficiently assist crime victims.

Three held after failed heist

THREE former Atlantis surveillance employees are in police custody after allegedly attempting to rob the cashier’s cage in a botched heist at Atlantis Casino yesterday.

PAIR ACCUSED OF TRIPLE MURDER DENIED BAIL

TWO men awaiting trial for a triple murder, where one of the victims was a pregnant mother a month from giving birth, appeared in court yesterday hoping to be granted bail.

MINISTER: TOP SHOWS WILL PULL IN CROWDS

TOP shows could prove to be the top draw for tourists in The Bahamas, according to the country’s Tourism Minister.

Family angry with police after armed robbery

A FAMILY in Blair Estates has been left traumatised and angry after being held at gunpoint in their home yesterday afternoon.

The Cable Spring uprising

Boy, have I been waiting for this controversy to start. “Cable Spring” finally begins.

No first lady

As a people we just love titles but why are we now resorting to making them up?

Is this real policing?

ONE has to wonder if whomever is running the RBPF hasn’t lost a few marbles and is therefore incapable of prioritising police resource usage.

Lady Hitmen's three game sweep

Thela Johnson saved her best performance for last as she shook the “monkey” off her back and guided her first year Lady Hitmen to an impressive 10-0 shutout over her former team, the defending champions Proper Care Pool Lady Sharks, to advance to the final of the New Providence Softball Association’s best-of-five championship series.

Claims that PLPs in political billboard debt since 2007

ATTORNEYS of a US based company are in the process of filing documents which could lead to several PLP representatives sent to jail over alleged non-payment of almost $60,000, The Tribune understands.

Mom's fear as son goes missing from school

A MOTHER is accusing a local kindergarten of neglect. She claims that while under their care, her three-year-old son managed to leave the premises, alone and unnoticed, before being found more than an hour later in a nearby grocery store.

Bell rejects shake-up of crime statistics

KEITH Bell, State Minister for National Security, said yesterday that contrary to earlier reports attempted murder will still be classified as a major crime.

Cartwright drills homer in 11-1 loss to Canada

ALBERT Cartwright drilled a solo home run to produce the only run for Great Britain in their crashing 11-1 defeat to Canada on day one of the qualifying tournament for the 2013 World Baseball Classic at the Armin-Wolf Baseball Arena in Regensburg, Germany.

Realtor must pay back stolen cash

FREEPORT – Former realtor Daisymae Johnson will have to pay more than $144,000 in restitution to the 21 persons she stole money from in 2008 as part of the conditions of a plea agreement reached with the prosecution in the Supreme Court.

No witnesses show in Bran threat case

WITNESSES in a high-profile death threat case were no-shows for the trial yesterday when two men were accused of making threats against then Bamboo Town parliamentarian Branville McCartney.

STUBBS OPINION: 'Let's resolve the dispute and play some baseball'

THE fact that we have so many young talented players trying to crack into Major League Baseball is a clear reason why we need to resolve this age old dispute that has hampered the progress of local baseball.

Rawson Square hosts book launch

Dignitaries gathered yesterday in Rawson Square to officially launch Sir Milo Butler’s biography “A Call to Service”, written by Patricia Patterson.

'Police are entitled to defend themselves'

MINISTER of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday that police officers are entitled to defend themselves against would-be criminals, using any means necessary.

Suspect denied bail in gunshot case

A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being arraigned in connection with the recent shooting of a teenage girl outside her home.

Union leaders pay their respects to Paul Adderley

AS THE country continues to mourn the passing of former Attorney General Paul Adderley, union heads praised his contribution to the Bahamas.

PM cuts ribbon on Blue Marlin Resort

PRIME Minister Perry Christie officially opened the Blue Marlin Cove Condo Hotel Resort in West End, Grand Bahama, yesterday, heralding the transformation of the property from a 30 unit condominium to a 60 room hotel with restaurants, a recreational centre, and a health and beauty spa.

BTC fearing $1.5m foreign revenue loss

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) fears proposals to lower its mobile call termination rate will slash its international revenues by up to $1.5 million annually, reducing its ability to invest in infrastructure and benefit Bahamians.

Accountant concern over AML inspection agent end

Bahamian accountants yesterday expressed concern over the Securities Commission’s decision to stop using them as its anti-money laundering (AML) inspection agents from 2014, a former BICA president describing the move as “incomprehensible”.

‘Eye opener’ on hotel’s 23 per cent supply saving

A Bahamas-based logistics and supply chain management firm yesterday said it is “opening up the eyes” of local firms to major freight and transportation savings, having reduced a “major hotel’s” costs by 23 per cent.

Ambassador calls for easier visa access for Chinese

FREEPORT – Chinese Ambassador Hu Shan was in Grand Bahama on Tuesday for a number of speaking engagements. His first stop was the Beacon School on Forbisher Drive.

Construction mortgages slump 25% during Q2

A 25 per cent contraction in mortgage disbursements during the 2012 second quarter has further highlighted the weak construction and local real estate market, although the Central Bank of the Bahamas said there were signs of a modest uptick.

Gov’t urged: ‘Do a Margaret Thatcher’ to cut BEC overtime

The Government was yesterday urged to “do a Margaret Thatcher” on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and its workforce, a former Board member telling Tribune Business this was “the only way” to slash its $12 million annual overtime bill.

Minister meets his Brazil counterpart

ENHANCING commercial and technical cooperation, and increasing trade between the Bahamas and Brazil, topped the discussions between minister of financial services, Ryan Pinder, and his Brazilian counterpart yesterday.

Business culture must ‘transform’ for VAT

AVOIDING any adverse impact on the Bahamian tourism and financial services industries will be the “real challenge” for policymakers in implementing a Value Added Tax (VAT), a financial executive said yesterday, while also noting that the business culture “will need to change”.

$100 goes a long way to marketing

Spend less than $100 and advertise? Of course it is possible, and this week I’m going to demonstrate how.

Leslie Miller vows to reduce energy costs

WHILE THE West desperately searches for ways to reduce its fuel cost and thus its reliance on Middle East oil, it seems that despite its efforts, OPEC members plan to have the last laugh.

Seek out education experts

In recent times, members of The Nassau Institute, especially Mr Ralph Massey, and Mr Rick Lowe, has publicly bashed the educational system, as well as attempted to insult the expertise of educators.

Minnis: Government must decide on oil

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis said the future of Bahamas Petroleum Company’s oil drilling hopes must be the subject a government decision, not a referendum.

Damaged cable leaves BTC customer cut off

MORE THAN 2,000 Bahamas Telecommuncations Company customers are without land-line and internet services after crews working on the New Providence Road Improvement Project damaged a major cable Tuesday afternoon.

Third police shooting in three days during high-speed car chase

POLICE shot a suspect and arrested two others after a high speed chase in the capital early yesterday morning. The third police shooting in three days.

Armed raid at business

POLICE are requesting the public’s assistance in locating two men responsible for an armed robbery.

Tributes paid to Paul Adderley

Politicians and former politicians remember the life and work of Paul Adderley.

Anger at ‘betrayal’ of City Market workers

FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday accused the government of “betraying” former City Markets employees by promising action, yet delivering nothing but talk.

Gang leaders recruiting young

Gang leaders are recruiting young men and their parents in inner city communities using door-to-door community walkabouts, no different than the community engagement strategy used by politicians and police, said Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday.

Society must look at itself

Every man, woman and child has the “capacity for killing”, and in different ways “we all do it”, said Dr Michael Neville, consultant psychiatrist at Sandilands Rehabilitation, speaking to an audience at the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s Peace Conference.

'Police play pivotal role'

Police officers in the US played a pivotal role in efforts to tackle domestic violence, said a US State Department representative, speaking about the US experience at the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s Peace Conference, yesterday.

Prime Minister astonished by work of Bahamas Crisis Centre

Prime Minister Perry Christie said he was astonished to learn the scope and scale of the work done by volunteers of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, a non-governmental organisation staffed by only one paid administrator.

Zumba event held at RBC

ROYAL Bank of Canada employees, friends and families gathered at Royal Bank House on East Hill Street over the weekend to participate in a Zumba Dancercise and Cardio Kickboxing event.

Education director rejects shutdown claims

EDUCATION director Lionel Sands yesterday dismissed claims that officials had threatened a government enforced shut-down of the Staniard Creek Primary School after parents kept their children home for two days.

Monastery celebrates 75 years: 1937-2012

ON October 3, 1937, three native Bahamian women began a journey that was unfamiliar to the general populace at that time.

School relocation 'shows power of partnership'

HUNTERS, GB – Minister for Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald said September 19 that the relocation of the Lewis Yard Primary School is an excellent example of the power of partnership between the government and the private sector.

Sandals on the air to 30 million US radio listeners

SANDALS Royal Bahamian wrapped up a week-long radio remote on Monday that reached more than 30 million listeners across the Unites States.

Watch what you say

Speech is a gift from the lord. The ability to communicate is a blessing:

The passion that burns within

It has been a while since you, my readers, have heard from me.

Five decades of Calvary Bible Church

FIVE decades ago, founders of Calvary Bible envisioned a church that was bible-believing, community-minded and free from denominational barriers.

Demetrius' 78-yard TD in X-Men debut

It took just one play for Demetrius Ferguson to prove to the St Franxis Xavier University X-Men why the team made the right choice when they recruited him heavily coming out of Holland College.

Man is stabbed to death at home

FREEPORT – A 50-year-old Eight Mile Rock man was stabbed to death at his home on Tuesday evening, pushing the island’s homicide count to 10.

RENALDO'S RAMBLINGS: NFL Week 3 picks

In an effort to make all women upset, the NFL has scheduled Thursday games all season long.

Man left homeless after blaze destroys house

A 54-year-old man is now homeless after a fire completely destroyed his house late Tuesday night.

PM: Men must stop domestic violence

MEN must “step up” and work shoulder to shoulder with women in the fight against domestic violence and sexual violence, said Prime Minister Perry Christie, making a “special appeal” at the opening ceremony of the Bahamas Crisis Centre’s regional Peace Conference on Tuesday.

Jamaican overstayed in Bahamas out of fear

A JAMAICAN woman told a Magistrate that she overstayed her time in the Bahamas because she witnessed an incident and was threatened not to go to the authorities, lest she and her family be harmed.

Tributes to Adderley a 'fierce Bahamian patriot'

FORMER Parliamentarian and acting Governor General, Paul Adderley, died yesterday after a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old.

Judge delays Nygard case

A JUDGE deferred his decision to a later date as to whether Lyford Cay billionaire Peter Nygard should be held in contempt of court for allegedly disobeying the court’s orders pending the hearing of a civil matter involving Nygard and his billionaire neighbour, Louis Bacon.

‘Thousands of jobs’ from multinational logistics

The Bahamas could create “hundreds, potentially thousands” of new jobs if it promotes itself as a logistics/distribution hub to major US multinationals, a Nassau-based specialist in the field saying this nation could become “as wealthy as the ancient empires” that sat astride major trading routes.

Mango principals to ‘ramp up’ over $3m investment

Transfer Solutions Providers (TSP), the Mango Card operator, will open its first retail location at the Mall at Marathon next month, its principals telling Tribune Business yesterday that after a more than $3 million investment to-date they were set to “ramp up” activities.

Purchase boosts NUA portfolio by $1.5-$2m

NUA Insurance Agents and Brokers yesterday said it had added 3,000 policies, and between $1.5-$2 million in annual written premium, to its business book by acquiring a portfolio held by one of its Eleuthera sub-agents.

Accountants blast Commission ‘snub’

Several of the Bahamas’ leading accounting firms have reacted furiously to a perceived snub by the Securities Commission’s executive director, something they believe is symptomatic of how they are discriminated against when it comes to bidding on major audit contracts.

5% GDP share for Agriculture still ‘attainable goal’

A 5 per cent GDP contribution from the Bahamas’ agriculture sector is an “attainable goal”, Bahamas Agricultural Producers Association (BAPA) president, Dr Keith Campbell said yesterday, acknowledging that the sector was definitely under producing.

'Shopping' around for the perfect picture

THE ART OF GRAPHIX: It is said that Adobe Photoshop really is the “best thing” since sliced bread. Really? Well, we all use it! We all love it!

BTC still working on 2,000 customer outage

BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) crews are working around the clock to restore services to more than 2,000 customers affected when heavy equipment operated by Jose Cartellone Construction Company for the New Providence Road Improvement Project cut through a major cable on Wulff Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Rival wholesalers to ‘strive and survive’ despite Sysco/BFS deal

RIVAL BAHAMIAN wholesalers can survive competition from US distribution giant Sysco, one local wholesaler/retailer telling Tribune Business: “There’s room for everybody.”

Ex-BEC chair: 12-hour days were eliminated

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) former executive chairman said yesterday that during his tenure some staff worked seven-day weeks, and 12 hours per day, to cope with the Clifton Pier power plant’s maintenance backlog.

Trust chief to unveil national parks plan

BAHAMAS National Trust (BNT) executive director Eric Carey will reveal its concept plan for the sustainable development of business opportunities in the national parks designated by the Government at this year’s Abaco Business Outlook (ABO).

Bid to avoid clash with casino chiefs

IF gambling is legalised following a national referendum, Bahamians might have to say goodbye to the practice of online gambling at webshops.

"Speed Weeks" are an insult to auto racing

As a die hard racing fan who has followed motor sports since childhood, and one of the extremely few black people who follows this sport, I feel that I must comment on a certain upcoming sporting event that has been making the news lately.

Deputy Speaker Got It Wrong

I hope that by now somebody has pulled Deputy Speaker Dion Smith aside and given him a lecture about our parliamentary democracy.

The Tribune does not blink under threat

CALLERS to The Tribune have warned that Tribune reporters should be careful because certain PLP operatives are not taking too kindly to The Tribune’s publication of allegations made in a Supreme Court document about the behaviour of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

BGCSE research is needed

I am writing in response to Mr Massey letter “BGCSE: Status Quo Is Unacceptable” dated August 29, 2012.

Will the real expert please stand up?

I have read letters to the local newspaper that have attacked the quality of education in The Bahamas, especially within government schools.

The risk of oil

With the recent announcement that Bahamas Petroleum has been granted a three year license extension, it seems as if this government is moving full steam ahead with plans to facilitate a referendum which, if passed, will allow oil drilling in our waters.

Amos Ferguson's permanent home at NAGB

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) is set to wrap up its signature “Amos Ferguson: Bahamian Outsider” exhibition next month. However, the collection’s showing at the NAGB will not be the end of the road.

A Summer Madness Show: “Makes You Laugh and Think At The Same Time”

THIRTY years later and the laughter lives on.

DESIGNER 101: How to create stunning stripes

In the 70’s, I vividly recall the fashion prints with beautiful bold stripes.

GREEN SCENE: Pepper planning

Sweet peppers are quite expensive, especially the red, yellow and orange varieties. It behooves us to dedicate a patch of land to their production so we never run short during the growing year.

Let the show begin

In a two part premiere, the new judges were revealed: American music veteran Britney Spears and Pop Star Demi Lovato. They joined X Factor regulars Simon Cowell and L A Reid.

Bahamas tops region's risks with over 40% food import dependency

The Bahamas is among the Western Hemisphere countries most vulnerable to global food price rises because it imports more than 40 per cent of its rice and wheat, with a leading food retailer warning Bahamians to brace for cost increases of at least “a couple of percentage points”.

Gas retailers seek further five cent margin increase

THE Bahamian petroleum retail industry remains “challenged”, several dealers said yesterday, suggesting it was time for the Government to look at the additional $0.05 per gallon margin increase contemplated under the previous administration.

$10 million Fidelity Flagship fund sees redemptions 'slow down considerably'

RoyalFidelity’s flagship $10 million mutual fund has seen redemption requests “slow down considerably” in recent months, a senior executive yesterday telling Tribune Business there were numerous ongoing projects that would see “the rubber hit the road” on equities market recovery.

CAN BEC CUT OUT OVERTIME EXCESSES?

THIRTEEN BEC workers pocketed more than $600,000 in overtime pay over eight months, The Tribune was told.

PM facing 'judgement call' over BFS sale

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said the Government was not close to making a final decision on the potential acquisition of Bahamas Food Services (BFS) by the multi-billion dollar US food distribution giant, Sysco, telling Tribune Business his administratio was having detailed discussions with rival Bahamian wholesalers on the deal’s likely impact.

Superman: 'I feel great to be home'

IT seems as if the best remedy for his recovery was to come home.

Aircraft registry committee to be formed this month

A joint private-public sector committee is due to be formed by end-September to pursue the development of a Bahamian aircraft registry, the attorney spearheading the project yesterday saying its creation would “open the doors to the realms of all possibilities”.

'Reno' hits road block

Having gotten off to such an impressive start to his professional boxing career in the US, Taureano ‘Reno’ Johnson has ran into a road block - trying to find opponents willing to give him an opportunity to fight.

Sales training is not follwoing proper script

My love affair with selling began with Junior Achievement (JA).

NFL Picks: Week Two Results

Week two is in the books and, if the replacement refs allow it, we could be shaping up for an historic season.

Governemnt 'favouritism' to manufacturers under scrutiny

An executive with a well-known Bahamian economic think-tank is questioning why the Government should favour manufacturers over other industries by giving them incentives not available to others.

GB power officially opnes its $80M generation plant

The Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) has officially opened its $80 million West Sunrise Plant (WSP).

Texaco rebranding to start June 2013

TEXACO retailers said yesterday that their new distributor, Rubis, had “saved a lot of us”, with their gas stations said to be rebranded under the new owner’s banner from June 2013.

Grants initiative gives Bahamians access to $1M

BAHAMIANS will be able to access $1 million in grant funding under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) small grants vehicle, the Minister of the Environment and Housing said yesterday, adding that the programme had committed to providing this locally through 2014.

Christie: Boosting private sector will bring jobs

PRIME Minister Perry Christie declared the PLP government will deliver jobs through stimulating the private sector – as they did during their last term in office.

Tax and poverty in the Bahamas

TOUGH CALL: THE current debate over more and different taxes to pay for an expanding public sector has focused fresh attention on our economy and standard of living.

Abaco vote to be on October 15

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday said that the highly anticipated North Abaco by-election will be held on October 15, two days before the House reconvenes.

Man behind love cheat site quizzed

POLICE yesterday confirmed that the person responsible for the “Nassau Cheaters” Facebook page is being questioned over alleged defamatory comments and pictures posted on the social media network.

Paul Adderley dead at 84

FORMER Member of Parliament George Smith remembers Paul Adderley, former Attorney General of the Bahamas, as one of the few front line politicians who left an indelible mark on everything he touched.

Police shoot two in 48 hours

A SECOND police shooting in two days has left a 23-year-old man in the hospital.

Man cleared of murder bid

A MAN accused of trying to murder another man in a late night cutlass attack regained his freedom when he was acquitted of attempted murder by a Supreme Court jury.

Smuggling ring case delayed

PROSECUTION of 18 immigrants alleged to be part of a human smuggling operation from Panama to South Florida, did not proceed as expected yesterday. There was no explanation from Immigration officials what caused the delay.

Union busting claim in GB

FREEPORT – The Commonwealth Electrical Workers Union is accusing the Grand Bahama Power Company of union busting and not engaging in good labour relations.

Ready for the worst, prepared for the best

THE Police Fire Branch staged a fire evacuation drill at the College of the Bahamas yesterday, telling participants there is no room for mistakes during a real emergency.

Halkitis: Investments are on the way for Bimini

STATE Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said investments are on the horizon for Bimini.

Obama issues Bahamas drug warning

PRESIDENT Obama has issued a list of nations contributing to drug production or transit - and named The Bahamas as one of those considered a major part in the drug trade.

PM: We must do more to fight domestic abuse

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said the government must do more to fight the scourge of domestic abuse.

Pinder hails 'exciting' Brazil business link

RIO DE JANEIRO – Bahamas Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said these are exciting times in international business and his government could not be more excited about working with the people and businesses of Brazil.

Search for answers over illegal activity

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the government is “seeking to find out” what illegal activity could be taking place between Central America and the Bahamas.

BY-ELECTION DATE REVEALED

PM makes announcement

YOU GO GIRL: I am worth it

MANY people are out of touch with who they are - their value, talent and purpose.

Waging peace, not war

Crisis Centre kicks of regional conference

THE BAHAMAS Crisis Centre has thrown its “healthy relationships” campaign into high gear, bringing down a roster of international specialists to join local experts at a regional Peace Conference.

Annual Red Ribbon Ball in support of AIDS Foundation

THE FIGHT against HIV/AIDS is getting a boost with the 19th annual Red Ribbon Ball fundraiser set for November 10.

Emotional intelligence: the other 'smart'

In Bahamian social circles, people often speak to what runs them ‘’hot’’, referring to those pesky things that trigger our anger and set the best of us beside ourselves.

Bahamas beat Ecuador, improves to 1-3

FOUR games into the tournament, Team Bahamas finally got in the win column of the VIII Pan American Men’s Softball Championship.

'We want to keep that One Caribbean spirit going'

THE local organising committee of the 2013 Carifta Games hopes to parlay the success of the Caribbean at the 2012 London Olympics into a star-studded celebration of the “One Caribbean” spirit when the Bahamas hosts the games at the new Thomas A Robinson next year.

Superman returns

Precisely one month and a week after having surgery to repair his patellae tendinitis at the Homerton University Hospital in Homerton Row, London, Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands returned home yesterday walking on crutches to a surprise welcome reception at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Vixens defeat the Lady Truckers

THE New Providence Volleyball Association opened its 2012/2013 season at the DW Davis Gym on Sunday.

Panama airline 'used in bid to reach US'

THIRTEEN Brazilians are expected to be charged today in connection with an alleged smuggling ring from Panama

Alarm over website exposing 'love cheats'

A CONCERNED police officer yesterday “sounded the alarm” on a Facebook page that allegedly posts pictures of Bahamians and makes false accusations against them.

Public shows concern over Smith story reaction

SEVERAL political insiders and members of the public warned Tribune journalists to “be careful” yesterday because of how certain sections of the PLP have reacted to the ongoing Dion Smith story.

Bran calls on PM to state Smith position

AMID the controversy sparked from documents filed in a Supreme Court case in which the alleged behaviour of Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith is mentioned, DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday called on the prime minister to make the government’s position clear on the “hard-hitting” issues.

EMS staff suspended over sickout

THE Grand Bahama Emergency Medical Service personnel who staged a sick-out last Friday will be immediately suspended, subject to a pay-cut and could face subsequent termination, according to Labour Minister Shane Gibson.

17 years for failed robbery

A 25-year-old man, convicted in July of a failed robbery of a popular fast food restaurant, spent the first night of his 17 years behind bars at Her Majesty’s Prison after he was sentenced yesterday.

Ex-Real Estate agent admits deposit thefts

FREEPORT – At the start of her trial yesterday, former real estate agent Daisymae Johnson pleaded guilty in the Supreme to 10 counts of stealing by reason of service.

Accused of killing a man for a gold chain

A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being arraigned in connection with the recent shooting death of a retired utilities worker during a robbery.

Rival wholesalers fear price ‘undercut’ from BFS/Sysco deal

Bahamian-owned food wholesalers would inevitably be “undercut” on price if Bahamas Food Services (BFS) were to be acquired by the multi-billion dollar Texas giant, Sysco, one warning yesterday that he could not see the deal getting government approval without Bahamian participation.

Bahamas '20 years behind 8-ball' on micro lending

The Bahamas is “20 years behind the eight-ball” when it comes to microfinance, a budding lender in the sector yesterday telling Tribune Business he had set the “aggressive” target of generating 1,000 such loan accounts within 21 months.

Gov'ts $300m bond finance demands 'extraordinary'

A leading investment advisor yesterday said he could not “readily recall” the Government ever seeking $300 million in bond financing in such a short times period, as the administration launched its latest $100 million Bahamas Government Registered Stock (BGRS) issue.

Over 41,000 Bahamians not working, given up

More than 41,000 Bahamians are either unemployed or have given up looking for work, with an FNM Senator yesterday conceding that the economy’s ability to “put a sizeable dent” in these figures “does not exist in the short to medium-term”.

'Hard money' down on PI resort sale

The purchaser of the Paradise Island Harbour Resort, Warwick International Hotels and Resorts, has put down “hard, non-refundable money” on a $6.8 million deal, something that was yesterday said to “bode well for the Bahamas”.

Foetus found in dumpster

POLICE are investigating the discovery of a foetus abandoned in a garbage dumpster over the weekend.

End-2013 target for Funds Act reforms

Both government ministers directly responsible for the securities industry attended the first meeting of the Investment Funds Act Technical Team (IFATT), which will spearhead efforts to modernise the legislation.

Ministry has no news on resort closure

RESPONDING to reports the Paradise Island Harbour Resort could be facing closure, Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson said his ministry has not received any reports on the matter – but if true, it would be “sad” given the state of the economy.

Gibson: talks on issues going well

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said ongoing negotiations concerning City Market, Customs and Immigration are all going well.

Crisis centre to hold peace conference

WITH the mission to “wage peace, not war”, the Bahamas Crisis Centre is set to open its regional peace conference with a ceremony tonight.

Security does not stop at the gate

SAFE & SECURE: The greatest challenge with access control is that successful businesses want people to come inside and purchase merchandise, or benefit from a particular service.

Classroom designed for children with Autism opened

THE first classroom in the Caribbean specifically equipped for preschool children with autism opened this month at Willard Patton Primary on the corner of Meeting and Augusta Streets, thanks to the dedication of an autism specialist and a partnership between Sunrise Rotary, REACH and the Ministry of Education.

Fishing contest helps ranfurly

THE SECOND annual Generations Junior Angler Tournament was held in Nassau on September 8 to benefit the Ranfurly Homes for Children.

‘No way’ Ingraham would have run $550m deficit

A former FNM Cabinet minister yesterday said there was “no way” an Ingraham administration would have run up the current government’s projected $550 million deficit, telling Tribune Business that “sobriety” was needed to restore the Bahamas to fiscal balance.

Expert group meets to tackle violence against women

Experts on preventing violence against women and girls are meeting this week in Bangkok to examine promising practices on prevention and present recommendations to the Commission on the Status of Women.

Questions for John Marquis

As we near the fortieth anniversary of independence, I too am saddened like John Marquis that some things never change.

Cable Bahamas needs competition

I would like to take some time to address the issue of Cable fees being raised.

On the referndum

How is it that political parties can acknowledge they have accepted money from "number house" owners and there seems to be very little or no public/religious expression of revulsion and disgrace.

Greg Gomez in the spotlight

Prime Minister Perry G Christie has told the Press that the North Abaco by-election to fill the seat left vacant by former prime minister and that area's former member of Parliament, Hubert A Ingraham, will be held in October.

WAS IT a slip of the tongue or was it deliberate?

Bahamas falls 8-3 to Dominican Republic

THE New Providence Softball Association’s defending women’s champions Proper Care Lady Sharks and pennant winning Bommer G Operators will both be out to avoid falling in a serious hole in their respective best-of-five first round playoffs series when they resume play on Tuesday night.

Lady Hitmen devour Lady Sharks in opener

A tough opening day for Team Bahamas in international softball competition. However, there remains a window to qualify.

Higgs Jr helps Hurricanes win season opener

THE Holland College Hurricanes have become accustomed to Bahamian players on their roster and the latest group looks to continue that tradition in 2012.

Bay Street: New tenants saw 1/3 rental discounts

BAY Street landlords had to discount rental rates by one-third at the recession’s height to attract new tenants, a leading realtor telling Tribune Business the market had since “pretty much stabilised”.

36% of 'major' hotels at risk from sea rise

More than one-third of “major” Bahamian hotels will be impacted by just a one metre sea level rise, with a regional study calling for “serious and urgent” action to address the likely climate change impacts on this nation.

Baha Mar to hit $48.2m milestone this week

BAHA MAR executives believe they will this week unlock the Government’s $48.2 million contribution to Cable Beach infrastructure works when the third, and final, stage of the casino hotel reaches 100 feet above grade.

Lyford Hills eyes 100% solar 'powered townhome complex'

DEVELOPERS of the 100-acre Lyford Hills community will this week submit plans for a six-unit townhouse complex that will be totally solar powered, while aiming to save $5,000-$6,000 per month in energy costs by running all community facilities off renewable energy.

How a woman's touch can aid the workplace

FOR many years now, women have fought for equality in the workplace.

Youngster in critical condition after being stabbed multiple times

A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being stabbed multiple times over the weekend.

Doubt cast on $300m BEC plan

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) former executive chairman has cast doubt on whether his successor will be able to raise the $300 million financing he is seeking, telling Tribune Business its balance sheet “cannot support any significant borrowing”.

Burying our heads in the sand: the case of Dion Smith

FIRST off, let me say I'm not about to join those calling for Dion Smith's head, or those defending the embattled Deputy Speaker.

Agents of PLP target Tribune

AGENTS of the Progressive Liberal Party have sought to use harassment and intimidation to influence The Tribune’s coverage of the claims against Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith.

Grand Bahama EMS stage sick out

GRAND Bahama’s Emergency Medical Service personnel staged a sick out Friday, forcing the Public Hospitals Authority to activate its emergency response plan, according to a PHA press release.

Cyclist dies in accident

POLICE are investigating a traffic accident that left one man dead in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Paul Adderley in hospital

THE TRIBUNE understands that former Attorney General Paul Adderley, 83, was admitted to hospital yesterday and is in serious condition.

Similarities in pair of armed robberies

FREEPORT – Grand Bahama police are investigating two similar armed robberies that took place in two Freeport subdivisions early Friday morning.

'PLP resorting to personal attacks over Smith claims'

THE PLP has sought to use personal attacks in an effort to deflect attention from the serious allegations against Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith, the opposition charged yesterday.

'FNM deserves thanks for employment figures'

THE FNM are to be thanked for the promising employment numbers revealed last week, opposition deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner said.

Roscoe Thompson leaves DNA to rejoin the FNM

FORMER Free National Movement supporter turned Democratic National Alliance political candidate, Roscoe Thompson, announced yesterday that he is returning to the FNM.

Emergency crews stage unauthorised sick-out

FREEPORT – Emergency Medical Services personnel on Grand Bahama staged an unauthorised sick-out on Friday, according to reports reaching The Tribune.

Union and PHA meet over EMS issues

THE PUBLIC Hospitals Authority has agreed to bring a resolution to all the issues outlined in a letter sent by Grand Bahama Emergency Medical Services staff to Minister of Health Dr perry Gomez, according to Bahamas Public Services Union president Johns Pinder.

Car seats for newborns

FREEPORT – Mothers with newborns have been presented with new infant car seats on their discharge from hospital as part of a ‘Safe Baby Car Seat Campaign’ that was recently launched at the Rand Memorial Hospital

Former officers guilty of stealing gasoline

FREEPORT – After nine hours of deliberations, a Supreme Court jury found former police officers Anthony Griffin and Racine Milfort guilty of stealing nearly 200 gallons of gasoline from the Police Force Garage in November 2011.FREEPORT – After nine hours of deliberations, a Supreme Court jury found former police officers Anthony Griffin and Racine Milfort guilty of stealing nearly 200 gallons of gasoline from the Police Force Garage in November 2011.

Unemployment goes down as more women join workforce

THE country’s overall unemployment rate has decreased by a little over one per cent due to more women joining the work force and despite a drop in the number of employed men.

Tackling numbers houses

Firstly, numbers can be stopped if the government really wanted to. The backbone of all number houses is the Internet.

'Mortimer has key role to play'

THIS week, we got to see the long and short volleys in tennis as we reflected on the illustrious career of Mark Knowles on the ATP tennis tour that came to a close and perhaps the quickest termination of any local executive as Dentry Mortimer was dismissed from office in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.

Coca-Cola sponsors King Eric's 'Queen Drucilla'

Coca-Cola is the new sponsor for King Eric Gibson’s B Class ‘Queen Drucilla’ boat. The new arrangement goes into effect for the Grand Bahama Regatta that is scheduled for September 26-29 in Taino Beach.

VIDEO: Deputy Speaker feels he has full support of the PM

DENYING charges of xenophobia and racism, Nassau Village MP Dion Smith said he would not be stepping down from his post as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. He said he felt he had the full support of the Prime Minister to remain in his post at this time.

Strippers fined and told to leave country

EIGHT Jamaicans who were arrested following a police raid of a West Bay Street strip club were yesterday fined and ordered to return home.

Three held over shooting

POLICE are investigating an early morning shooting incident that left one man and two teenagers in police custody.

URCA denies conflict

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority yesterday denied conflict of interest claims on behalf of the agency’s Chairman Randol Dorsett.

Tribune answers accusations

AT A press conference yesterday, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Dion Smith sought to disparage the reputation of this newspaper. He made four specific claims.

Putting on the finishing touches

WHILE plans were announced on Wednesday for the hosting of the 2013 Carifta Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson said they are working feverishly to ensure that the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium is completed for full occupancy by the end of the year.

Mitchell thanks residents for helping Haitians

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell was in Mangrove Cay, Andros, to thank local residents for assisting illegal immigrants who were shipwrecked last month.

PLP criticises Minnis for calling on Smith to hand in resignation

HE PLP has hit out at FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis after he called for the resignation of Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith.

Back to school drive

On August 18, the Zonta Club of Nassau hosted its third annual Back-To-School Drive.

Attorney General's praise for money laundering fight

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson praised the “sterling” performance of local compliance officers and money laundering watchdogs during challenging financial times.

BFS purchase by Sysco ‘best thing that can ever happen’

A leading retailer yesterday backed any potential acquisition of Bahamas Food Services (BFS) by the multi-billion dollar Texas-based giant, Sysco, as potentially “the best thing that ever happened to the food services industry in the Bahamas”.

Ex-Robin Hood chief targets $1.75m revival

Robin Hood’s former principal is aiming literally to ‘rise from the ashes’ by re-opening his former Prince Charles Drive store before Christmas 2012, a move he yesterday said would require a $1.75 million investment and create around 170 jobs immediately.

Manufacturer: Duty removal puts ‘5% of gross’ back into firm

A well-known manufacturer yesterday said eliminating the 10 per cent duty rate levied on the sector would put the equivalent of “5 per cent of gross sales” back into his business, a sum that could mean the difference between survival and death for some firms.

Homeowners Bill still ‘shoots risk through the roof’

Bankers yesterday expressed fears that the re-named Homeowners Protection Bill would result in the Bahamas’ own ‘credit crunch’ if passed into law as is, with Tribune Business told there were no “material changes” from the first draft.

AML sees Back to School sales rise by ‘couple of points’

AML Foods chief executive has told Tribune Business that the BISX-listed retail group’s same-store sales for the Back to School season were up year-over-year by “a couple of points”, adding: “We’ve got a nice momentum right now.”

Minister welcomes visitors from Carolina

FREEPORT – Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville encouraged a visiting group from Greenville County, South Carolina to create stronger ties with Grand Bahama.

Plan for asking the really hard questions

The Australian Aboriginal peoples have a tradition they call ‘walkabout’, where they enter dreamtime and seek advice from ancestral spirits.

Ingraham champions importance of planning

SPEAKING on the Planning and Subdivisions Act in Abaco yesterday, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham outlined the importance of having policy and legislation in place for town planning.

An end to Christie's honeymoon

The honeymoon is over, and it's time for members of the public, and in particular, the media to start asking the hard questions demanding answers on issues of national interest and make the Christie-led administration accountable and responsible from the get go, before they become despondent and ultimately vile to the Bahamian people.

Maynard shock

The recent shock of the passing of a rising star in the FNM, the late Charles T. Maynard will linger in the minds of many for far longer than any of us can imagine.

Concerning Bishop Eddie Long conference

The pastor of the Atlanta based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Eddie Long is presently holding his Spirit and Truth Conference on Atlantis Paradise Island.

Get police out of schools

During the time that I was waiting at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, two students, both soaked in blood, were brought into the Accident and Emergency section

No referendum for oil drilling

ALREADY they are discussing how to share the oil wealth, even before the first vein of oil has been discovered to make the discussion relevant.

Respects to T'rez Hepburn

Though T'rez Hepburn was an entertainer, mother and dear friend to many like myself, she was also a teacher.

Hold a referendum on BTC

During the lead up to the May 7 general elections the then opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) spoke vociferously against the sale of 51 per cent of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to the global telecoms company Cable & Wireless Communications for a reported $210 million.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”- Philippians 4:13

THERE are many scripture readings people choose to live by and never forget, but one of the most well known bible verses that is often quoted is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Church back in top shape after Hurricane Irene

LONG ISLANDERS are still talking about the recent Feast of Title celebration for the Holy Saviour Anglican Church, as it was the first time this historical edifice held its “Feast of Title,” since the short closure due to Hurricane Irene last year.

The secret hindrance to prayer

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12)

Without spot or wrinkle

It cannot be cement blocks and wooden floors, stained-glass windows or doors to which the Apostle Paul is referring as the church.

Renaldo's Ramblings

Aaron Rodgers got rid of the ‘stache. This could be the most important grooming tip in the history of sports since Dennis Rodman said to himself: “You know what, I’m through with this black hair?”

Organisers searching for Carifta title sponsor

In just under 200 days (less than six months) the Bahamas will host the the region’s top junior athletics meet to debut the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to the world, and the local organising committee continues to seek a title sponsor for the event.

Bahamas still suffering ‘negative’ real growth

The Bahamian economy is still contracting in real terms, a key Ministry of Finance adviser said yesterday, adding that the Government’s Air Fare Credit policy was “unsustainable” and had failed to generate compensating returns.

Brewery targets Florida export market for 2013

The Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company is targeting early 2013 to break into the Florida export market with its Sands beer, a move its founder anticipates will create another 10 jobs initially.

Returning $22m to Kozeny will allow ’completion of fraud’

The $22 million battle between the Czech authorities and Viktor Kozeny continues to heat up, the former alleging that returning the funds to the Lyford Cay-based financier will enable him to “complete his fraud”.

Stamp Duty exemption renewal ‘really huge’

Extending the first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption beyond its current June 30, 2013 expiration date would be “absolutely huge”, the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president telling Tribune Business these purchasers accounted for “90 per cent-plus” of his company’s business.

Bahamas institutions face ‘treacherous’ disclosure waters

A former Attorney General yesterday warned Bahamas-based financial institutions to familiarise themselves with this nation’s multiple disclosure regimes, warning that failure to do so could expose them to legal action by either the authorities or their clients.

BFSB mission targets Brazil

Ryan Pinder, the minister of financial services, will be participating in Bahamas Landfall events and meetings in Brazil planned by the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) for the week of September 17.

Bahamas 'never better placed' to grow financial services

The Bahamas “has never been more well placed” to become “a dominant jurisdiction” in financial services, a Cabinet minister yesterday suggesting this nation needed to “integrate” its international co-operation regime.

Doubts over URCA integrity rejected

QUESTIONS about the “integrity” of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority have been laid to rest by the government.

Walkabout in bid to cut down crime

AS RESIDENTS of Yellow Elder Gardens continue to cope with the recent murders of two of that community’s young men, Mount Moriah MP Arnold Forbes yesterday announced his plans to help the curb escalating crime in the area.

Accused stays silent

A MAN accused of trying to murder another man in a late night cutlass attack, opted to remain silent in his own defence in the Supreme Court.

Murder case discontinued

THE absence of key witnesses to the January 2008 murder of a C R Walker student at a bus stop resulted in the prosecution discontinuing the case against the man accused of the fatal drive-by shooting.

Former police chief gives support to Greenslade

FORMER Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson defended Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday, after it was alleged that police failed to show up to an incident involving Deputy House Speaker Dion Smith.

FNM claim new victimisation case

THE FNM yesterday hit out at yet another alleged case of victimisation after a senior public servant in Grand Bahama was fired by the PLP government.

Breast cancer fight launched

MINISTER of Health Dr Perry Gomez officially re-launched the Breast Cancer Programme at the British Colonial Hilton yesterday.

Mom's death blamed on hospital bug

A WOMAN mourning the death of her mother claims it was caused by the deadly bacteria that killed two premature babies and infected six others at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

100 years of linking up with America

THE BAHAMAS-American Association Inc has announced its plans for the celebration of the organisations’s 100th anniversary.

FNM deputy worried about PM's Ruffin link

FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner hit out at the prime minister for his “disrespectful” comments in response to her criticism of the government’s seemingly close relationship with investor Phil Ruffin.

Bahamas speaks out against attack in Libya

THE government of the Bahamas and the official opposition have both expressed outrage at the attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya that claimed the life of US Ambassador J Christopher Stevens and three embassy staff members.

Getting ready to face disaster

FREEPORT – LOCAL officials and US rescue experts held the first in a series of meetings to prepare for a joint emergency rescue exercise, to be held in light of the high number cruise ships that sail to the Bahamas.

FNM leader wants Smith to step down

OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis has called on House Deputy Speaker Dion Smith to tender his resignation immediately following allegations he made racial slurs, said demeaning things about foreigners and put residents of a building in fear for their safety.

Bahamas bid to join WTO backed by US

THE Bahamas’ efforts towards World Trade Organisation membership won commendations from the United States Embassy during a four-day WTO technical training programme which began Tuesday at the British Colonial Hilton.

Singers to raise funds for Lupus awareness

THIS weekend, the Highgrove Singers will raise their voices and raise lupus awareness at their annual summer concert series “Songs From the Heart”.

$5,000 donation helps Hummingbirds group

THE Insurance Company of the West Indies became the first corporate sponsor of the Hummingbirds Association’s scholarship fund with a $5,000 donation.

'We should definitely make Pan Am qualifier'

Manager Godfrey ‘Gully’ Burnside will be carrying a men’s national team – featuring more first time players – to Medellin, Colombia, but one that he is confident can qualify for the Pan American Championships in 2014 and even the World Championships in New Zealand in 2013.

NPSA to open women's best-of-five first round playoffs this weekend

WITH the men’s national softball team travelling this week, the New Providence Softball Association will only open its best-of-five first round playoffs with the women’s division in the Banker’s Field at Baillou Hills Sporting Complex this weekend.

'We didn't expect to dominate week 1'

WE’VE tallied the results, had them checked, added, subtracted and checked again. We didn’t dominate week one with our NFL picks, but then again we didn’t expect to.

Bahamas aims to sign up WTO by close of 2014

ESTABLISHING a Notification Authority in the Bahamas is a major step on the ladder to World Trade Organisation membership, Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder said yesterday.

Bahamians chefs go to the Olympics

NOT everyone sees the culinary arts as a form of “fine art”, but that does not matter to two local chefs, who are gearing up to compete with the best chefs from around the world.

Angry words over cable price rise

A CROWD of irate Bahamians gathered at Holy Trinity Anglican Church last night to express their outrage over Cable Bahamas’ proposed almost 30 per cent price increase for basic cable.

Cay vendors given extra time to settle rent debts

POTTERS and Arawak Cay vendors who have not signed agreements to settle rent arrears now have until the end of the month to secure good standing with the government, Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray said yesterday.

Taking initiative to create amazing products

I was just reminiscing the other day on the exciting times I had as a child in high school.

Minister of education vows to back up claims

MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald has vowed to table documents in Parliament supporting the claim his predecessor spent $1.7 million on school repairs in Central and North Andros during the 2011/2012 fiscal year.

Comic strip parodies student life

CARTOON characters in the newest online comic “The Adventures of Tammy and Larry, have two things in common with the average Bahamian college student - during their first year they see college through rainbow coloured glasses and have to deal with the stresses of registration.

Growing tomatoes

For most home gardeners tomatoes are the prime crop. By your tomatoes shall ye be judged. Fortunately, tomatoes are ridiculously easy to grow. So easy that last year’s cherry tomato abundance will return in winter and grow like weeds.

Minnis: Nassau 'gone funky' under the PLP

THROUGHOUT New Providence, garbage bins and roadsides are clogged with uncollected and overflowing piles of garbage, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis said.

Bahamas b-day bash for Jah Cure

THERE are only few musicians who take pleasure in blowing out candles and celebrating a birthday in the presence of fans.

Artist Spotlight: CJ PRIEST

THE BAHAMAS may be known as a small Caribbean country, but the talent that it holds is “out of this world” .

Claims of argument that led to attack on security guard

DEPUTY House Speaker Dion Smith was allegedly involved in an argument that led to a security guard being assaulted, it was claimed in a document filed in the Supreme Court yesterday.

‘Wipe out’ concerns in brewery battle

The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company’s founder yesterday warned that eliminating the $3 per liquid gallon tax advantage he currently holds over BISX-listed Commonwealth Brewery would “wipe out” his firm, as he called for the Government to establish a competition watchdog and relevant laws.

The Conch - Our Bahamian queen

THE queen conch - as defined in WildEarth’s petition to the US government: The queen conch is a large gastropod mollusk characterised by a hard external spiral-shaped shell with blunt spikes.

Chamber chair ‘not disturbed’ by lower consumer borrowing

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman said yesterday he was “not disturbed” by lower levels of consumer borrowing, with June’s $5.6 million expansion in debt consolidation loans showing many were making “last ditch efforts” to restructure their affairs.

Guardians group aims to protect species

WILDEARTH Guardians describes itself as a nonprofit environmental advocacy organisation that works to protect wildlife, wild places and wild waters in the United States.

Haiti’s industrial park model shows possibility for Freeport

The Bahamas should assess whether it can emulate Haiti’s model for developing an industrial park “the size of Trinidad” in Freeport, as a senior private sector executive yesterday urged Bahamian companies to aggressively pursue business opportunities in the Caribbean.

Fiscal deficit up 24% to end-May '12

The Government’s fiscal deficit for the first 11 months in its 2011-2012 fiscal year rose 24 per cent year-on-year to $293.8 million, as spending - and the size of government - outpaced a 4.5 per cent improvement in tax revenues.

Building sports tourism from its infant stages

The congress for Pan American Judo was conducted completely in Spanish. It was held last week in Cali, Colombia.

Bahamas has ‘requirements to meet’ before WTO membership

FINANCIAL Services Minister Ryan Pinder yesterday revealed that the Bahamas has a number of requirements to meet before it can become a member of the World Trade Organisation.

Bank holds trust session

Bank of The Bahamas Trust and Private Banking will host an information-breakfast tomorrow to discuss a host of financial services issues, including private banking rights and benefits, pension fund arrangements and standard trusts, as well as those specially created for the Bahamian corporate and individual market.

Future of conch trade in doubt

CONCERNS have been raised over the Bahamas’ exportation of conch into the United States after a petition for the marine resource to be registered as a “endangered species” was submitted to the US Secretary of Commerce by a non-profit environmental organisation.

PM to reveal sharing of oil profits

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the information on how the profits from oil drilling will be shared as well as changes to current legislation will be announced prior to the oil referendum next year.

1,400 sign anti-oil petition

A leading environmental activist, whose petition against oil exploration in Bahamian waters has gained more than 1,400 signatures, has told Tribune Business that it would be “absolute lunacy” for such activities to be permitted in this nation.

The policeman who took on the numbers racket

THE Numbers racket has been widespread on New Providence for many decades. In my day, Bahamians bought numbers from street vendors, or in bars and petty shops over-the-hill. Some number sellers visited offices, shops and other businesses to provide custom service.

Deputy speaker in racism claim

THE Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly has been accused of launching into a “tirade” at the building where he lives, tearing down notices, using racial slurs and leaving several fellow tenants fearing for their safety.

Inventing reality

I FEEL quite sorry for the two young men from PLP families recently hired at ZNS News.

Coping with the loss of a pet

Our pets live relatively short lives. In fact I tell my clients, the average life span of a dog in the Bahamas is a short 8-12 years.

Are you a sucker for punishment?

While grocery shopping a while back I ran into a girlfriend who I hadn’t seen in years. We were happy to meet up and share on our eventful past.

Mouth health of persons with disabilities

Mouth health is crucial to the health and well-being of people with disabilities. Good mouth health promotes communication, good nutrition, self-esteem and

Applying old fashioned dating rules

MAINTAINING quality relationships may be a complicated process, but applying good old fashion rules and values could makes the joyride flow comfortably.

Are you an ambassador?

WITH the aim of bringing together ambassadors and representatives from around the world, the international United Nations Pageant is looking forward to this year’s new batch of delegates.

'I just wanted to stay home with my family'

After a 21-year-old career that included a No.1 ranking in the world, a title in all four grand slam tournaments, a 744-380 doubles record and a total prize earning of $7 million, Mark Knowles has decided to retire and enjoy family life.

The House should vote the gambling issue

THE much awaited letter from House Speaker Dr Kendal Major informing him of North Abaco MP Hubert Ingraham’s resignation from the House arrived on the Governor General’s desk yesterday morning.

Veteran baseball player's MLB quest

ANOTHER minor league season has ended for Antoan Richardson.

Safety August Campbell making his presence felt with Duke Blue Devils

THE Duke Blue Devils split their first two games of the 2012-13 NCAA football season and August Campbell is already staking a claim as a prominent member of the defensive unit.

Mortimer moves on with new position

While Dentry Mortimer has moved on with a new position as the pro tennis coach at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows, the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has announced that the former first vice president and director of their junior development programme has been replaced by Kim O’Kelley and Giorgio Baldacci.

Minnis puts ball in PLP court over oil

WITH the Bahamas Petroleum Company fulfilling all its required licence and regulatory obligations for another three year licence, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis called on Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday to find the “testicular fortitude” and make a decision with regards to the licensing of offshore oil drilling without having to “pass the buck” to the Bahamian people via a national referendum.

Former minister denies claims over public funds

ALLEGATIONS that former Education Minister Desmond Bannister sought to use public funds to politically influence the electorate in Andros were denounced as a complete falsehood by the senator yesterday.

Controversial pastor visit questioned

A LOCAL clergyman yesterday questioned the integrity of any religious body supporting the ministry of mega-church senior pastor Eddie Long who is hosting the Spirit and Truth Conference at the Atlantis Resort today.

Another prisoner hospital escape

A 22-year-old suspect has escaped police custody following a visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital Saturday night, The Tribune has learned.

Man shot in groin by 'rival'

A 29-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital today after being shot multiple times in the groin by a “love rival,” The Tribune has learned.

15-year-old accused of committing murder

RELATIVES of a 15-year-old arraigned on a murder charge yesterday asked the court for the boy to be protected from a remand prisoner accused of a murder that the boy had witnessed.

Minister defends guns in schools

GIVEN the crime rate, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said, there is nothing wrong with police officers carrying guns in schools – provided they have the proper authorisation.

Suspects in court after raid on 'strip club'

A NIGHTCLUB owner and nine women found in a strip-club during a raid by police over the weekend were arraigned in Magistrate’s court yesterday afternoon.

Fishermen: 71% see catch size declines

Some 71 per cent of Bahamian fishermen have seen a reduction in catch sizes and values in recent years, one prominent industry representative yesterday saying this was the story reported by “every returning vessel”.

Ingraham hands back cash assigned to seat

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday returned more than $100,000 assigned to the North Abaco seat, which he resigned last month ahead of an impending by-election.

Residents ask port authority to move towering wall of dirt

FREEPORT – In the interest of public safety, the Grand Bahama Port Authority has asked Bahama Rock to move the stockpile of dirt just west of its plant further from the Warren Levarity Highway.

Fishing seen as 'last rung on the ladder'

Attracting younger Bahamians into the fishing industry is “a huge concern”, the head of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance said yesterday, with the profession often viewed as “the last rung on the ladder”.

Oil driller: 'Very strong case' for Bahamians to back oil exploration

The Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive yesterday said there was a “very strong case” for the Bahamian people to vote in favour of oil exploration, arguing that there were few alternatives that could match its projected $30 billion impact on government revenues.

Gov't 'refused' to give oil driller full compliance

The Government yesterday said it had “refused” to provide the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) with documentation confirming it was in full compliance with its licence terms and conditions, saying there were “outstanding” environmental issues that needed to be addressed.

FNM leader hits out over rate of murders

AS the murder rate hit 86 for the year, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis called on the governing PLP to do a better job in tackling crime.

Followers must stop gambling

SIMEON Hall yesterday said religious bodies in the Bahamas will only be successful in their anti-gaming campaign if they can persuade their own followers to stop gambling.

Meeting to discuss Cable Bahamas price rise

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority will hold the first in a series of town meetings on the proposed Cable Bahamas fee increases tonight at 6.30pm at the Holy Cross Anglican Church.

Minister presents seed money for junkanoo

FREEPORT – Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson told Junkanoo leaders on Grand Bahama they now have a minister with a new vision for the country’s signature cultural event.

Will referendum score the required numbers?

While in a restaurant  recently, a friend and her party happened to be seated at the table next to mine.

Tackle the causes, not the results of crime

A t the time of writing this I am at the 58th American Society for Industrial Security Conference here in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has been a busy first two days, with classes starting from Sunday, and we are still at it.

Xaviers aiming to win its first title

COACHED by Nelson Joseph, Xavier’s basketball team is stacked with a lot of talent this year and looking to win its first title in some time in the Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools Basketball League.

Rival carriers to fill Spirit's 10 per cent 'market breach'

A senior Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) executive yesterday said the airport operator expects rival carriers will “fill the breach” and pick up the 10 per cent market share being relinquished by Spirit Airlines on its Nassau-Fort Lauderdale route.

Rock solid love

Maggie Bain, relationship and intimacy coach and founder of Rock Solid Love, is relaunching her business in the Bahamas, with a new website and a new relationship

No FNM victimisation

I wish to respond to a letter to the editor which I suspected was written by a coward PLP letter writer whose aim and objective are to sow seeds of disunity in the FNM. The letter was not signed by the suspected PLP but “A loyal FNM and Minnis Supporter.”

The money makers

The contents of this letter are for those persons, who are aggrieved and will most likely lose money due to the incompetence, malpractice and negligence of attorneys and business persons in and out of the Bahamas.

Pastors' visit to cabinet

Is it possible to know the names and denominations of the several pastors who recently met in the Cabinet Room and who subsequently participated in a luncheon in the west?

Anger as relatives are hired by ZNS

OUTRAGE over the staff shake-up at ZNS has reportedly reached a new pitch with the revelation that hirees include relatives of a Cabinet minister and a senior executive appointed by the PLP.

Police raid 'strip club'

A NIGHTCLUB was shut down over the weekend during a raid by police who were tipped off that the West Bay Street spot was a strip club.

Government confirms oil driller's licences

The Government has confirmed that oil explorer Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has fulfilled all its required licence and regulatory obligations, effectively renewing the oil explorer’s licences for another three years.

Two held after latest pair of armed robberies

TWO more armed robberies were recorded over the weekend - with two teenage boys arrested in connection with one of the attacks minutes after it took place.

Mortgage Plan to have 'zero' lending stimulus impact

THE Government’s $10 million contribution to the Mortgage Relief Plan will only go to bank profits and have “zero” impact in stimulating new lending, a top accountant saying Bahamians’ debt burdens will be a “drain on the economy for many years”.

US citizen drowned

POLICE are investigating the death of a man thought to be a US citizen who drowned in waters at Exuma.

BFS chief 'unaware' of any purchase deal

BAHAMAS Food Services’ (BFS) top executive has told Tribune Business he is ‘unaware’ of any potential deal to acquire the leading food distributor, despite market talk that a purchase offer was being discussed.

Bannister claims schools 'unsafe'

FORMER Education Minister Desmond Bannister has accused the government of neglecting to complete school repairs before the start of the new term, leaving schools across the country “unsafe”.

Organisers hail economic benefits of Speed Week

LONG before the checkered flag is waved and some of the world’s fastest, hottest cars blur past, Bahamas Speed Week’s economic impact is gearing up with nearly a dozen local businesses being fuelled by event-related contracts for everything from catering to bleachers, sanitation to logistics.

Bahamian fishing vessels top region for productivity

BAHAMIAN fishing vessels are the most productive in the Caribbean due to the “high market value” of crawfish and their other catches, a study has revealed, although less than 18 per cent of the industry’s workforce has received formal fisheries training.

Bahamas urged: Alter 'comparative advantage'

The Bahamas must alter its “comparative advantage” and target new industries to generate economic growth, a US-based scholar and fellow academics have argued, with tourism’s “compartmentalisation” limiting its benefits.

Firing can lead to them thriving

MANY employers struggle with the decision of whether or not to terminate employees who have proven themselves as liabilities rather than assets.

Nygard rewards Golden Knights with $10,000 each

Just as he did after the success of the “Golden Girls” – the women’s 4 x 100 metre relay team that won gold at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia – Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard did it again - this time for the “Golden Knights” – the men’s 4 x 400 relay team that clinched the victory over the US at the 2012 London Olympics.

Men's national volleyball team to share Nygard's $10,000 reward

MEMBERS of the men’s national volleyball team are thankful for the support they got from Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard yesterday.

'Lack of manners hurting future of our children'

IF left unchecked, the lack of the “proper socialisation” among Bahamian children will compromise their future, Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin said.

US embassy welcomes professor from COB

ON Friday, September 7, Hugo Zarate, Associate Professor at the College of the Bahamas, met with US Charg� d’Affaires John Dinkelman to discuss his recent participation in the US State Department’s Study of the United States Institute programme on media and journalism hosted by the University of Ohio.

Prison inmates take part in annual basketball tourney

It was a special day on Saturday as inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison came together to participate in their annual basketball tournament.

DNA leader wants schools to raise D grade average

THE school year has officially begun and I am sure all right thinking persons wish only the very best for our students who are here and abroad.

Man denies first murder of the year

A MAN has pleaded not guilty to the country’s first killing of 2012.

Caribbean must resist the reduction of aid from EU

EXCEPT Haiti, all the Caribbean countries that are members of the 79-member African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group are in danger of losing the level of aid they receive from the European Union (EU) under a differentiated approach being considered by the European Commission.

Is the Bahamas becoming increasingly unequal?

IN a recent “Insight” column, Ms Alison Lowe took on the question of inequality in The Bahamas.

The weasel clause

When you receive an offer to purchase, your first thought will be the price. If it’s full price, you’ll be excited. And you should be, provided there’s no “subject to” clause(s).

Bahamas Petroleum 'has met its licence obligations'

The Government has confirmed that oil explorer Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has fulfilled all its required licence and regulatory obligations, effectively renewing the oil explorer’s licences for another three years.

First Bahamian Baha Mar sale recorded

REALTOR Mario Carey has recorded the first Bahamian sale of one of Baha Mar’s 307 luxury residences.  The private, freehold residences are available for sale and located within each of Baha Mar’s hotels, and Mr Carey reported the first local sale of a residential unit within the $3.5 billion resort campus one week after his firm hosted a formal presentation on them.

Speed Week revs up its economic impact

Danny Ferguson (left) Bahamas Speed Week’s logistical guru is photographed with Brendon Foulkes, Speed Week’s Bahamas Hospitality & Entertainment Director; Jimmie Lowe, president of Bahamas Speed Week and Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of Works. Ferguson is the go-to guy for everything from police coordination, coordination with governmental Ministries resulting in site improvements - paving, landscaping, lighting, the track - banners, the circuit, for human safety and for the security of rare cars.

Financial conference aims to beat 220-delegate count

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Woman accused of conspiring to kill her husband

A WOMAN accused of conspiring to kill her banker husband has had her case fast tracked to the Supreme Court for trial, while her co-accused had charges against him discontinued.

Elderly man's home destroyed in blaze

A fire ripped through a single-storey, wooden structure on Flint and East Streets early yesterday morning, completely destroying an elderly man’s home.

Students evacuated after school fire

STUDENTS of the LW Young High School had to be evacuated after an electrical fire broke out at the school on Bernard Road yesterday.

Customs union to meet with the government on Monday

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson says the Bahamas Customs and Immigration Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) and the government will meet on Monday.

'Cop took cash to get rid of traffic tickets'

A POLICEWOMAN has denied taking $1,300 from a woman promising to expunge her traffic tickets from the police’s system.

Man faces attempted murder charges

A MAN is accused of chasing down two men and shooting them near a service station in East Bay Street.

Pair held over botched Bahamian human smuggling operation

A MAN and a woman were taken into custody in Florida after a botched Bahamian human smuggling operation.

Police Emergency Numbers Service Restored

POLICE officials yesterday placed the blame for a malfunction of the 919 emergency number on the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

BFS may have a perspective buyer

THE Gladstone Road based food wholesaler Bahamas Food Services (BFS) may have a perspective buyer as some in the business community have suggested, although BFS manager Don Carnine told Tribune Business that he had no knowledge of such developments.

Bahamas can learn from Condoleezza's lesson

FORMER US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gave a stirring speech at last week's Republican National Convention in Tampa that focused on education in America.

Lottery referendum

The referendum on numbers and/or lottery seems being approached totally backwards and will not be in compliance with The Constitution.

Offering support to Dr Minnis

There seems to be a whole lot of concern about the leadership style of the Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis

A tribute to Hubert Alexander Ingraham

IF from a log cabin in the backwoods of Kentucky the sixteenth president of the United States could step forth, there was no reason why 203 years later Cooper’s Town, Abaco, could not produce from similar circumstances the second prime minister of the Bahamas.

Regarding the Olympics

It seems every time I open a newspaper or turn on the TV I hear some woeful tale of sad defeat from an athlete who failed to measure up to their own Gold metal standard at the Olympics.

All is not well at Lynden Pindling International Airport

I am writing this letter hoping to get some swift action with regards to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). I am writing this letter hoping to get some swift action with regards to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

Lyford Cay financier 'vanishes' in $22m battle

Controversial Lyford Cay financier, Viktor Kozeny, has responded to attempts by the Czech authorities to seize $22 million of his alleged assets by seemingly ‘vanishing’, attorneys denying he has any ownership interest in the company to which the funds belong.

Resort brand eyes seven-eight strong Bahamas portfolio

Guy Harvey Outpost is looking to brand three-four more properties and take its collection of Bahamian resorts to between seven and eight, a co-founder yesterday saying it had established a northern Bahamas “trifecta” through its agreement with Old Bahama Bay.

Gov't probes firsttime buyer Stampduty complaints

A key Ministry of Finance adviser yesterday said he had asked government officials to probe whether there was “any merit” in complaints that the first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption was being misinterpreted, agreeing that the situation might need to be clarified.

No relief for more than 3,000 delinquent mortgage borrowers

THE Clearing Banks Association (CBA) estimates that roughly 800-1,000 delinquent mortgage borrowers could benefit from the Government’s relief plan, but its chairman yesterday acknowledging that there were more than 3,000 who, “in all likelihood”, would not benefit from the initiative.

SEC levies fraudcharge againstFreeport resident

A Freeport resident has been charged by US regulators with perpetrating a securities fraud that increased two companies’ stock prices by 600 per cent and 300 per cent respectively.

West End becomes the latest Bahamas Outpost

The Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour yesterday became the third northern Bahamas addition this year to Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts’ Expedition Properties Portfolio, via a branding and marketing agreement.

Business advice is a free gift

While studying for my MBA at the University of Liverpool, I was introduced to a variety of celebrated business names.

Mortgage plan 'what Banks already doing'

THE Government’s mortgage relief plan is “not in conflict” with current bank lending practices, according to Clearing Banks Association chairman Nathaniel Beneby Jr, who added that most of what was in the plan “banks have been following in any event”.

Government eyes 'cap' on salary deductions

THE Clearing Banks Association’s (CBA) chairman yesterday said the Government’s proposed Borrowers Protection Bill aimed to put a “cap” on salary deductions, noting that a company would only be able to approve a certain percentage of a person’s wage to go towards loan payments.

Bahamas and US move to counter piracy

US Chargé d'Affaires, John Dinkelman, and US State Department specialists met Bahamian officials yesterday to launch talks on counter-piracy cooperation in cases involving Bahamian flagged vessels.  

Link-up to fight pirates

WITH modern day pirates costing the international economy some $12 billion per year, the Bahamas and the United States have opened discussions to fight against maritime piracy, said Minister of State for Aviation and Transport Hope Strachan.

'We needed finish, we just didn't have the energy'

AT one point, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation women’s national team was the cream of the crop in the region. Now, they’re struggling to survive among their peers.

Mortimer removed from BLTA executive board

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) stated that first vice president Dentry Mortimer has been removed from the executive board and as chairman of the junior development programme with immediate effect, according to a press release late Wednesday night.

Tractor diver named after pool death plunge

FREEPORT – Police have officially released the identity of the tractor operator who was killed Tuesday evening in an industrial accident.

Divorce fuelling mortgage arrears

DIVORCE and separations are a "major contributing factor" to the high number of mortgage delinquencies in the country, according to one top banking official.

Officer denies killing Haitian after chase

THE HAITIAN community in Andros were reportedly up in arms yesterday claiming an Immigration Officer had chased and killed a man, although police later said the man died of natural causes.

Mortgage Relief Plan to receive applications starting from Monday

THE government’s Mortgage Relief Plan will begin accepting applications next Monday in an effort to put a dent into the crisis that now sees more than 4,000 mortgage accounts in arrears.

Government pays $250,000 to deal with work permit delays

THE Government has invested $250,000 into a new computer programme designed to speed up the work permit application process at the Ministry of Immigration.

Bahamas in discussions over disaster plans

THE Bahamas has entered into discussions with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to draft an evacuation policy in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

Supreme Court jury asks to visit scene of gasoline theft

FREEPORT – A Supreme Court jury has asked to visit the Police Force Garage, from where some 200 gallons of gasoline disappeared in November 2010. The on site visit is scheduled to take place on Friday.

919 emergency number malfunctioning

THE Police announced yesterday that the 919 emergency number is malfunctioning.

Cutlass victim tells lawyer she has screw loose

A MAN testifying in Supreme Court about an attack on his life by a cutlass-wielding man told the defending attorney cross-examining him yesterday that she had a screw loose in her head.

Two-year deal between resort and cruise line

FREEPORT – Charles Kinnear, president of Celebration Cruise Lines, announced that the company has signed a new two-year contract with the Grand Lucayan Resort.

DNA deputy demands answers on roadworks progress

AFTER a series of news reports which set the New Providence Road Improvement Project completion date in early 2013, DNA deputy leader Chris Mortimer is asking for a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis to discuss the project.

Plan aims to protect fisheries and aquaculture

BELIZE CITY – More than 60 high-level delegates from 19 countries spanning the Central American and Caribbean regions concluded a milestone meeting in Belize with a comprehensive road-map for collective action in tackling their biggest obstacles in fisheries and aquaculture.

Deputy FNM leader hits out at casino mogul

DEPUTY FNM leader Loretta Butler-Turner has lashed out at international casino mogul Phil Ruffin, telling him to keep his nose out of Bahamian politics.

Security officers to have new bosses

FREEPORT – About seven of the 11 security officers at Old Bahama Bay will be transferred to work under a new management group that is now managing the resort in West End.

Bahamas National Pride Association courtesy call

BOARD members of the Bahamas National Pride Association paid a courtesy call on Ken Dorsett, Minister of the Environment and Housing.

POLICE EMERGENCY NUMBER MALFUNCTIONING

Police wish to inform the general public that the EMERGENCY number 919 is malfunctioning

Sister Sister Breast Cancer Group Prayer Breakfast

THE Sister Sister Breast Cancer Group is setting aside time this weekend to show gratitude to God for their successful twelve year journey.

A sermon for students

SCHOOL doors may be open for students, but the members of the St Peters Anglican Parish, North Long Island still showed their kindness by putting together a recent “Back to school” service.

Who will be next?

We continue to hear the sad news of sudden deaths, or slower but still painful deaths. How can we help to prepare ourselves and others:

The mimicking spirit

Just about everyone has sometime or another experienced a relationship in which the person they originally met seems to have so much in common with them.

Xpose 2 to combat the enemy

THE CHURCH of God of Prophecy is revealing the plans of the enemy in every way possible with “Xpose 2 - Out of the Box”.

How do your predictions match up with Renaldo's Ramblings?

For the purpose of this column we’re assuming that I picked the right winner of last night’s game correctly.

Tractor driver drowns in pool

FREEPORT – A young man was killed when the tractor he was operating dropped into waters some 60ft deep at a rock quarry plant on Tuesday evening.

Gang turf war fears

A SERIOUS wave of violent crime could be about to sweep the capital, a former senator and longtime community activist warned yesterday.

Fear over $100 counterfeits

FREEPORT – Police have discovered that counterfeit notes are in circulation here in Grand Bahama after fake Bahamian $100 currency turned up at several businesses.

Brookfield 'not interested' in selling Atlantis

The Brookfield Asset Management executive directly responsible for the Atlantis and One & Only Ocean Club resorts yesterday moved to end speculation it was seeking an exit route, saying the company was “not interested in selling” the flagship Paradise Island resorts.

IDB: $65m road project loan finally approved

THE Inter-American Development Bank yesterday finally approved the $65 million in supplementary financing for the troubled New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP), noting that the estimated overall final cost to complete the construction works was in the order of $190.9 million.

$6m marina 'initiates' PMs'vision for Nassau harbour

The developers behind a $6 million marina in Nassau Harbour yesterday said they hoped it acted as “a catalyst” to further redevelop downtown, telling Tribune Business the project was 70 per cent complete and likely to create 30-40 full-time jobs.

Tying cable rise to USO 'breach of natural justice'

Cable Bahamas has urged regulators not to link its proposed 27 per cent basic cable TV fee increase to the company’s universal service obligations (USO), warning that to do so would “be a breach of natural justice” and open URCA to “scrutiny of its integrity”.

PI resort auction delayed; buyer 'interest high'

The auction sale of a Paradise Island resort has been put back by one week to September 13, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with interest in the property - priced at a base $6 million - said to be “significantly high”.

Bahamas sending 20-strong trade mission to Haiti

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman will this coming Monday lead a 20-strong private sector delegation to Haiti, telling Tribune Business yesterday he was “pretty enthusiastic” about the potential business opportunities that could be opened up.

Storage becomes a flash driver

Thumb drive, mobile drive, jump drive, fish stick..... These are the many names for memory storage devices, which have long eclipsed the floppy disk in terms of storage capabilities.

Cable still facing 'shortfall' despite 27% rate increase

Cable Bahamas believes its proposed 27% basic cable TV rate increase is the only way to “safeguard the product’s financial viability”, having predicted that the shortfall below its 10.86 per cent capital return target would “double” for 2011.

Retailers find Back to School sales flat

BACK-to-school sales for 2012 were relatively flat in comparison to last year, according to retailers, one telling Tribune Business: “It was business as usual”.

Ultimate goal: by 2017, field Bahamian team at World Baseball Classic

GRATEFUL for the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in baseball at the international level, the Bahamas’ leading players on the baseball diamond hope to represent the country the next time they appear at the World Baseball Classic.

'King' Snake' tourney to be the 'biggest edition to date'

WITH the newly aligned sporting calendars between the GSSSA and BAISS, the first title contested on the academic year, the Austin “King Snake” Knowles National Championship is expected to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date.

Victim shows cutlass wound

A MAN pulled up his shirt in Supreme Court to show the jury the scars he received when he was chopped by a cutlass-wielding man he claimed wanted to take his life because of something he had witnessed.

Diplomatic roles filled

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday announced the first of his party’s diplomatic appointments since taking office in May.

Cable bahamas price hike plan sparks anger

BAHAMIANS are already speaking out over the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s revelation that Cable Bahamas seeks a near 30 per cent price increase to their basic cable package.

Man held by police over drugs find

A 36-year-old man was taken in for questioning after officers discovered a quantity of drugs.

Chefs put Bahamas on the menu

TWO Bahamian chefs are set to showcase their Bahamian pride at this years’ International Exhibition of Culinary Art – better known as the Culinary Olympics – in Erfurt, Germany next month.

A new date for gambling debate

A NEW date has been set for the mock referendum planned by the Progressive Young Liberals, who are inviting all young Bahamians to be part of the debate on gambling.

Family offers reward for pet

A DISTRAUGHT family is offering a reward to anyone with information about their beloved pet, which disappeared without a trace on Monday.

Tsunami alert issued - but Bahamas safe

DESPITE an official warning being released, at no time was the Bahamas in danger of being hit by a tsunami, the Meteorology Department has said.

Finter officer passes Series 7

A Finter Bank & Trust (Bahamas) fund officer, Herbert Bischof, has passed the Series 7 examination in the US after studying with the Nassau-based Securities Training Institute (STI).

Appreciating How You Were Created...

SOME say one of the greatest gifts God has given to his believers is the gift of “uniqueness.” Christian acknowledge that no one is the same, and to appreciate and love who you are as a person, is a rewarding feeling.

Why is it important to have 51 per cent?

WHY IS it important for the Bahamas government to try to renegotiate a contract, signed by the Ingraham government, to regain controlling shares in Bahamas Telecommunications Company?

A report on reform

This letter is penned in honour of Pat Bain, a former President of the National Congress of Trade Unions and of the Bahamas Hotel Catering & Allied Workers Union (BHCA WU), who, had he lived, would be celebrating his birthday today.

Alcohol destroying Bahamas

Bootlegging was the smuggling and selling of alcohol at exorbitant prices

A need for peace

Bishop Fulton J Sheen (1895-1979), one of the most remarkable Americans of the 20th century once remarked: "Unless souls are saved, nothing is saved; there can be no world peace unless there is soul peace."

Underachievers

In the aftermath of the PLP’s self imposed “100 day challenge”, the Rt Hon Perry G Christie claims to be very pleased with their accomplishments

Paint the Target

PAINTBALL is the newest activity on the block. Promoters of the game are pushing back on the misconception that it teaches gun use and promotes violence.

Shakespeare embraces Caribbean acts

THEATRE festival Shakespeare in Paradise is back in its fourth year with an aim to promote an appreciation and awareness of theatre in the Bahamas.

Summer Madness

JAMES Catalyn and Friends will present its 30th Summer Madness Revue next week.

Gardening in September

This is the time of year when many Bahamians turn to The Weather Channel every morning to check on any tropical disturbances in the Atlantic.

Major Boy Dunna

EVERY music lover can agree that they have heard the sounds of “Bahama hama hama” going off on the best radio stations in the country.

Increase The Peace: A Success

PROMOTERS of the recent Increase The Peace concert did exactly what they promised to do, which was to deliver a good show.

Bahamian deal for South Ocean derailed

The Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) yesterday said it was in the process of returning $130,000 to its members, after its plans for a two-year deal to lease the South Ocean resort’s golf course appeared to have been derailed by a $30 billion asset manager’s offer to purchase the property.

Air arrivals up 11%, but 'not where we want to be'

TOURISM minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said that while air arrivals were trending upwards by up to 11 per cent, “we’re still not where I want us to be”. He told Tribune Business he was looking at increasing the numbers, particularly out of the Florida market.

Cable: 27% price rise to offset basic TV losses

Cable Bahamas will continue to “incur a loss” on its basic cable TV package without its proposed 27 per cent price increase, the BISX-listed communications provider arguing that current revenues were insufficient to cover service costs.

Mortgage relief criticisms 'legitimate enough', says leading plan architect

A leading architect of the Government’s mortgage relief plan has described criticisms that it will not have the advertised effect as “legitimate enough”, while arguing that it would “be a good start” even if just 20-25 per cent of delinquent borrowers were assisted.

Creating value from scarcity

MARKETING REVOLUTION: Every Christmas the toy companies play a wonderful trick on us parents that “forces” us to double the money we spend.

Commission meets with accountants

Accountants believe increased competitiveness and a better-regulated industry should follow from the Securities Commission’s commitment to meaningful dialogue with capital markets stakeholders.

URCA: Cable price increase 'not totally out of sync'

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) announced yesterday that it has commenced public consultation on the communications regulator’s review of Cable Bahamas’ proposed 27 per cent increase in its monthly charge for basic cable TV service.

BTC requests more time on outage investigation

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Fears of rat infestation at main post office

CONCERNS were raised yesterday that the country’s main post office could be infested with thousands of rats.

'No tsunami danger' for Bahamas

DESPITE a official warning being released, at no time was the Bahamas in danger of being hit by a tsunami, the Meteorology Department has said.

Bahamians to play for Great Britain

Although their paths have not crossed yet as the two pioneers for the Bahamas in professional baseball, Albert Cartwright and Antoan Richardson will come together and display their talents together as members of Great Britain’s team at the World Baseball Classic.

Arianna goes pro

AFTER her stellar senior year at Auburn University and her second outing at the Olympic Games in London, England, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace has decided to continue in the sport as a professional swimmer.

Cable Bahamas seeks 30% price hike

CABLE Bahamas is seeking to raise the price of its basic cable package by nearly 30 per cent, prompting the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority to call on Bahamians to weigh in on the proposed increase.

Drugs case delayed again

THE four-year-old drug case involving a contractor and a woman, accused of possessing dangerous drugs with intent to supply, experienced another delay yesterday.

Oil vote to be held next year

THE promised referendum on oil drilling is likely to be held some time next year, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.

$1m plea to help girl after leukaemia fight

THE father of a 4-year-old child recently diagnosed with leukaemia, yesterday made a passionate appeal for the public’s help in settling more than $1 million in medical expenses for his daughter’s treatments.

Union: we did not take action

A UNION boss has insisted Customs and Immigration officers did not take industrial action on Monday.

1,100 Bahamians likely to qualify for mortgage relief

WITH the government’s mortgage relief programme slated to begin in less than a week, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he expects 1,100 Bahamians to be eligible to qualify for assistance.

Man admits guilt in $1m drug case

ONE of two men arraigned in connection with a $1 million drug seizure in Inagua pleaded guilty to drug possession charges.

Laing hits back in war of words over temporary work

OPPOSITION Senator Zhivargo Laing has hit back at Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell in the ongoing war of words over the former government’s temporary work programme.

Minister's praise for modern school facility

FREEPORT – Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville agree that the newly-relocated Lewis Yard Primary School with be a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

PM: Crime fight must be redoubled

WITH the murder count up to 85 and a recent string of home robberies, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the effort to combat crime must be redoubled.

New government pushes green energy policies

THE new Progressive Liberal Party government issued its first statement on the future of energy in the Bahamas recently, and all signals were positive.

Tax justice and what it would mean for the Bahamian economy

IN July, the Observer newspaper in Britain published an exhaustive study by the Tax Justice Network asserting that at least $21 trillion of unreported private financial wealth was hidden in secret tax havens by the global super-rich elite at the end of 2010 – a sum equal to the combined size of the American and Japanese economies.

Looking at Bahamian education

THIS past summer, scores of experts from around the country sat down in a hotel ballroom at great expense to figure out how to “transform” our failed education system. It was the first major re-evaluation of Bahamian schools since a national task force was set up in January, 1993.

Man shot dead, three held

A MAN was found shot dead last night in the latest murder to affect the country.

Killed while playing game of dominoes

A 29-year-old father became the country's latest murder victim after he was shot in the head while playing dominoes late Monday night.

DESIGNER 101: You don't get paid to watch TV

I have never heard of anyone who gets paid to watch TV. So instead of watching TV or spending hours on Facebook you could be making gorgeous designer handbags or painting up a slew of ready-made clothing, shoes, bags and craft. Have you noticed recently that the folks making the movies are getting rich off of those who just want to sit in front of the television?

Anger as waste piles up

RESIDENTS of Eastern New Providence are speaking out about the lack of garbage collection over the last two weeks.

'Relentless Debbie'

Golden Girl Debbie Ferguson says there is more to her than what meets the eye.

'Diabetes is real'

THE Bahamas Diabetes Association received a boost in support last month with the creation of a new charity fund.

Cutlass suspect missing lawyer

A MAN on trial in connection with a cutlass attack on another man said he has not seen or heard from his lawyer since December last year.

Trio accused of robbery

THREE men accused of committing a food store robbery in Nicholls Town, Andros were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

PM to name date 'soon' for vote

WITH former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s resignation taking effect last Friday, current Prime Minister Perry Christie said he will “soon” be in a position to announce a date for the North Abaco by-election.

Strike fears grow at airport

CONCERNS were raised over talk yesterday of a possible Customs and Immigration strike at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Contractors angry over late payouts

POLICE were called to the Ministry of Works early yesterday morning after several angry contractors stormed in demanding three months of overdue pay, The Tribune has learned.

'President's Cup' to decide softball's best

PREPARATIONS are underway as the local governing body for softball gears up for the climax of the Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) season.

'Big Youth' fighting his way up pro boxing ladder

SINCE signing him to a three-year contract, Todd Rouse said his TKO Promotions Company has been slowly moving light heavyweight Ryan ‘Big Youth’ McKenzie up the ladder in the professional ranks.

NDA to hold annual general meeting

THE Nassau Darts Association (NDA) yesterday sent out notice of its annual general meeting to all NDA team captains and players. The meeting is all set for 8pm tonight at Club Waterloo, East Bay Street.

Effects of neutering on behaviour

Everyday I am asked by concerned clients about the effects neutering will have on their pet’s behaviour.

High jumper still going through 'growing pains'

It wasn’t the type of year or performance at the 2012 Olympic Games that Donald Thomas anticipated.

Albany: Bahamians to get 95% of 650 new construction jobs

ALBANY’s developers yesterday said its newly-launched Marina Residences would create 650 construction jobs over the next 18-24 months, telling Tribune Business that approximately $370 million in economic activity had been generated from lot sales.

Gulf Union recovery 'not less' than 45%

Liquidators for Gulf Union Bank (Bahamas) are predicting that depositors/creditors will recover “not less” than 45 per cent of what is owed to them, having reduced its insolvency by $5.836 million over the past 14 years.

$30bn fund offers to acquire Hilton, South Ocean hotels

A $30 billion New York-based asset manager has made offers to acquire the British Colonial Hilton and South Ocean resort properties, the Prime Minister confirmed yesterday, with both New Providence hotels on the market for sale.

PM confirms Gov'ts Genting courtship

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday confirmed that the multi-billion dollar Genting Group was assessing various investment opportunities in the Bahamas, as sources suggested it had offered to take a 50 per cent equity stake in Kerzner International’s former Paradise Island properties.

Bahamians urged: Alter behaviour to revive economy

Bahamians must “change their behaviour patterns” to lift the economy out of the doldrums, a leading businessman arguing that based on per capita income most were “worse off than they were 20 years ago”.

Probe into baby's death

POLICE are still unsure if any charges will be brought in connection with the 17-month-old boy who drowned in a well on Saturday.

Verdict due in drugs case

THE verdict in the four-year-old Lamm drug case is expected to be handed down today in Magistrate’s Court.

Customers' anger over latest BEC power outage

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation explained that a cable fault yesterday resulted in a lengthy power outage affecting scores of customers in western New Providence.

650 extra jobs for Bahamians at Albany

THE newly-commenced development of marina residences at Albany, a luxury resort in south-west New Providence, is set to create an extra 650 jobs for Bahamians, bringing the total number of jobs available at the resort to more than 1,000.

Minister hails start of new school year in GB

FREEPORT – As many as 8,000 students returned to school in the public education system on Grand Bahama yesterday.

Police delight at first day of back to school

THE new school year opened successfully across the country, according to police.

Mitchell hits back at Laing criticism

THE “mismanagement” of the country’s economy under the former administration has led to $500 million deficit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said.

Exemption permit delay hurting manufacturers

Bahamian manufacturers are paying more than necessary in import duties due to delays in exemption permit renewals, a government minister has been told.

Bahamas considered investment risk

BUSINESSMAN Frankie Wilson, one of the lead negotiators in the Christie government’s efforts to regain the majority shares in Bahamas Telecommunications from Cable & Wireless, admits that foreign investors are now looking at the Bahamas with a jaundiced eye.

The Bahamas is becoming increasingly unequal

Nellie Day – remember her? She wrote an article claiming that the majority of Bahamians live in shacks made of straw and wood, while a wealthy elite can afford mansions made of concrete, strong enough to withstand a hurricane.

Singer Terez Hepburn dies after stroke

LOCAL entertainer Terez Hepburn has died after suffering a stroke last Friday night, The Tribune has learned.

'PLP fails to invest in Bahamians'

SHADOW Finance Minister Zhivargo Laing accused the government of leaving hundreds of Bahamians without hope as the Ingraham administration’s temporary work programme comes to an end.

Suspect shot dead by police

POLICE shot and killed an armed robbery suspect and are on the hunt for his accomplice after a man was taken hostage early yesterday morning.

$2.5m worth of cocaine found, two arrested

A Dominican and Turks Islander are expected to be arraigned today after they were accused of possessing more than $2.5 million worth of suspected cocaine.

No injuries in plane alert

SKY Bahamas passengers, headed to Abaco, panicked when it was announced that their aircraft was experiencing mechanical trouble, company CEO Captain Randy Butler has confirmed.

FNM picks Darron Cash as acting chairman

The FNM Central Council has affirmed its support of Darron Cash as acting national chairman.

Embassy official thanks Bahamas for rescue system support

US Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman officially recognised Bahamian registered companies and ships that consistently demonstrate strong participation in the United States Coast Guard’s Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system.

CA Smith bows out from OAS

CORNELIUS A Smith, Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the Organisation of American States, has officially demitted office after five years of promoting the country’s interests at the world’s oldest regional body.

Seeking answers of protection of Bimini ecology

BIMINI residents are seeking an update from government on the status of their bid to enhance the protection of that island’s unique ecology.

Man robbed and raped

POLICE are investigating the alleged rape of a 47-year-old man early Saturday morning on Gladstone Road.

Why the Caribbean must back Australia and Finland

THE 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries will be supporting Australia and Finland for two of the ten non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) when elections are held in the UN General Assembly in New York in October. There is good reason to do so.

Teenager killed by shot to face

A 19-year-old became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot in the face as he sat in a car in front of his home.

Baby dies after falling into well

TRAGEDY struck an inner city community after the lifeless body of a 17-month-old baby was found in a well near the home he shared with relatives.

Roads project: over 1,000 design changes

More than 1,000 design revisions have been made to the New Providence Road Improvement project since it was conceived a decade ago, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also revealing that further unanticipated construction material costs will total almost $30 million worth of overruns.

Atlantis booking paceup 7% on 2011 figures

The Atlantis resort’s booking pace was 7 per cent ahead of 2011 comparatives for August, its operator telling Tribune Business it was confident that 2013 group business would “match, if not exceed” this year’s levels.

Private inspectors mulled for Gov't housing initiative

The Government is mulling whether to hire private inspection firms to assess construction work on its housing programme, the minister responsible telling Tribune Business it was moving to “really strengthen quality assurance” and controls.

CHAMBER VOICE: Embrace our workplace differences and unite

Age Discrimination…Does it exist in the Bahamian corporate community?

Stamp exemption 'exploited' for tax avoidance

The first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption was “not designed for what some attorneys” are using it for, one Bahamian lawyer saying their interpretations were resulting in “huge revenue leakage” and something that was “fiscally unsustainable”.

Knowles, Malisse eliminated in first round

MARK Knowles may be done as a player at the US Open. But he’s still hanging around in Flushing Meadows doing some coaching chores.

Wins for 'Reno' and 'Big Youth'

They are in different camps and weight categories, but Taureano ‘Reno’ Johnson and Ryan ‘Big Youth’ McKenzie both produced another successful showing at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, on Saturday night.

Tough loss for national volleyball team

THE Bahamas will return from the 2014 FIVB World Volleyball Women’s NORCECA First Round Group A qualifiers winless after losing the bronze medal game to host Suriname in three straight sets for the second straight time.

Bahamians making early impact with Hurricanes

THE relationship between the Bahamas and Holland College Hurricanes continues to foster as a talent pipeline as the latest group of recruits are making an early impact on the budding football programme in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

IDB: Road overruns 'exceed expectations'

The size of the $239 million New Providence Road Improvement Project’s cost overruns “exceed usual expectations”, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has admitted, agreeing that Bahamian contractor capacity needs to be assessed when drawing up major infrastructure contracts.

Stories for September 2012

Saturday, September 29

Friday, September 28

25% qualify for assistance

Thursday, September 27

Wednesday, September 26

Tuesday, September 25

Monday, September 24