Sunday, June 30
Port rewards top scholars
Grand Bahama’s top graduating seniors received their Top Achievers scholarships from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) as commencement exercises drew to a close.
sports in brief
CYCLING
Tourism future 'uncertain' without education focus
The BAHAMAS Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, Stuart Bowe, told teachers participating in its 10th annual summer educators’s internship programme that the industry faced an “uncertain future” without serious commitments to education.
Saturday, June 29
Charged with trying to kill DPM's aide
TWO men with the aliases ‘Boo Boo’ and ‘Smiley’ have been accused of trying to kill the Deputy Prime Minister’s aide.
Drowning tragedy at Goodman’s Bay
Tragedy struck a Nassau family yesterday when their son drowned and their daughter was left fighting for her life.
PM praise for ferry, casino developments
THE commissioning of a new speed ferry to Bimini and the opening of the Resorts World Bimini Casino was praised by Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday for showing the confidence of the developers in both the Government and the people of the Bahamas.
FIVE-YEAR-OLD SHOT NEAR EAST STREET
A five-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot outside of his home yesterday evening.
Miller: Former BEC chairman Phenton Neymour is ‘clueless’
BEC chairman Leslie Miller has lashed out at former chairman Phenton Neymour in the on-going argument over operations at the country’s electricity corporation, dubbing him “clueless” and an “imbecile.”
Deputy PM hits back at Turnquest over crime record
THE former Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest’s “paralysis in awakening the nation” to the severity of crime played a role in its escalation, according to Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.
Friday, June 28
Supreme Court justices sworn in
CHIEF MAGISTRATE Roger Gomez and Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethel were sworn in as justices of the Supreme Court by Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes yesterday.
Anti-crime campaigner hopes more parents will be arrested
THE REV CB Moss, president of Bahamas Against Crime, said “hopefully more parents will be arrested” after a 50-year-old mother and her three sons were arrested when police found items, believed to have been stolen, in their home.
Minnis: Come clean on crime
FNM Leader Hubert Minnis yesterday called on the government to “come clean” over dishonest campaign promises after a recent admission on violent crime.
Miller vows to switch off hotels owing money to BEC
WITH some of the “major hotels” in the country “grossly negligent in paying their bills” – one owing as much as $10 million, BEC Chairman Leslie Miller vowed yesterday the corporation will “deal with” those hotels this summer and “we will turn them off.”
Archbishop speaks out over lawsuit
RETIRED ANGLICAN Archbishop Drexel Gomez said yesterday he is “very concerned” about the Anglican Church and its future involvement in education after parents of St John’s students filed a law suit against the Anglican School.
Majority investor 'seriously concerned' over BISX listee
The majority shareholder of a BISX-listed company yesterday said it was “seriously concerned” that the value of its multi-million dollar investment is being steadily eroded, following a $2.607 million net loss for the year to end-September 2012.
Landmark statue ‘sold for scrap’
A FORMER landmark rescued for renovations by a local artist has reportedly been sold as scrap metal and shipped off the island, a well-placed source confirmed.
Media must protect child identities
THE NEED for the media to protect the identities of victims of child abuse was raised by members of the National Child Protection Council yesterday.
Petition calls for end to discrimination
SUPPORT is steadily growing for an online petition that seeks to ensure discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal in the Bahamas.
Extending BTC monopoly will 'harm Bahamians'
Extending the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) cellular monopoly will “be harmful to the Bahamian economy and the Bahamian people”, a former Cabinet Minister warned yesterday.
Bahamas 'rises from captives extinction'
The Bahamas has “risen from extinction” in captive insurance, a leading industry player said yesterday, with this nation’s growth rate over the past three years “exceeding any other jurisdiction”.
BEC owed $3m by roads contractor
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) plans to pursue large corporate customers who have built-up multi-million dollar arrears, its executive chairman yesterday accusing the major roadworks contractor of owing $3 million.
Coke bottler eyes $300k upgrade to new Freeport HQ
Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas), the Coca-Cola producer, yesterday said it was close to sealing the purchase of a new base for its Freeport operations, and expects to invest $300,000 in upgrades to the property.
Three in hospital after shootings
POLICE are investigating two separate shootings and a stabbing that left three men in hospital.
ACCORDING TO ME: Enemy of our state
WHEN governments identify a citizen who they allege has committed crimes against the nation, that person is referred to as an enemy of the state. Well for this column I invite you to broaden your scope of thought about that term of reference, because in a different sense here in The Bahamas, many of us are identifying the enemy of our state – our state of being, that is.
Albert Cartwright selected to play in All-Star game
The ultimate goal is to make it to the Major League. But for now, Albert Cartwright is content with just being one of the best players in the minor league making his debut in the 2013 Eastern League All-Star Game.
Knowles and Hewitt lose in first round
IT wasn’t the type of post-retirement performance that he expected, but Mark Knowles was just thrilled to have been back on the big stage at Wimbledon.
Bodybuilding: 'This show is going to be very big'
AS a prelude to the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation’s 40th Independence Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, 18 competitors are expected to travel to compete in the Grand Bahama Bodybuilding Championship at the Regency Theatre on Saturday night.
BEC targets GB expansion
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) executive chairman yesterday revealed it was exploring the possibility of servicing East End in Grand Bahama, adding that there was “excess” generating capacity in Abaco to do so.
Anna Nicole movie to tell story of Nassau resident
PREMIERING this Saturday on the Lifetime Channel will be a film about the life of notorious former Nassau resident, the late Anna Nicole Smith.
Pastor: Let Bahamians define marriage in the constitution
CEDRIC Moss, pastor of Kingdom Life Church, is urging the government to allow Bahamians to make the call on how marriages are defined in the constitution by way of a national referendum.
Cocaine conviction thrown our on appeal
THE Court of Appeal has thrown out a local pilot’s cocaine conviction and three-year sentence.
Officer's evidence discussed in court
AS the Constable Jimmy Ambrose murder retrial continued yesterday, legal discussions followed the evidence of a policeman who claimed to recognise a sealed container handed to him by a pathologist.
Wear your colours with pride
BAHAMIANS are encouraged to wear their national colours with pride today, as the celebrations to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence gear up.
Gospel church honours Wilson for his work for the nation
FRANKLYN R. Wilson, CMG, is another father who was honoured by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church at a celebration to mark The Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence. The Tribune is running the church’s profiles of the fathers it honoured.
Cardiologist choses to join fabulous fathers list
DR CONVILLE S Brown, another honouree from Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church’s recent ‘Celebrating Our Fathers,’ event, returned to The Bahamas as the youngest, qualified and American Board-Certified Internist and Cardiologist in the Caribbean in July, 1990.
Bahamians marched for Mandela
TO mark Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, government ministers, opposition MPs, trades unionists and priests in The Bahamas took part in a church service and march at St Agnes Anglican Church on Blue Hill Road.
Huge concert in Freeport tomorrow
FREEPORT – Some of the country’s best entertainers will perform in Grand Bahama at the ‘All Bahamian Things’ Concert set for Saturday, June 29, at the Goombay Park in the International Bazaar.
Bahamian colours for funeral of anthem singer
Carlton Dwayne ‘CJ’ Cartwright, 11, will be buried in style in an independence themed coffin.
Thursday, June 27
Officer 'was at point of death'
THE physician who performed surgery on a wounded policeman during early morning hours said the officer appeared to be at the point of imminent death.
Call to ditch training agency bill
LORETTA Butler-Turner, FNM deputy leader, wants the government to abandon moving ahead with its highly-touted National Training Agency (NTA) Bill.
Return of row over that slap
HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major tried to stop one of his party colleagues from discussing the incident in which FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner slapped Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins.
Cancer victim in tears as he tells Urban Renewal officers of plight
URBAN Renewal officials got a glimpse at the real pressures facing many Bahamians yesterday when they spoke to a resident of Pinewood Gardens.
‘We eat our own in this country’
HOUSE Speaker Kendal Major criticised the recent shootings of police officers, saying the Bahamas has become a country where no one is safe and where we “eat our own”.
Landmark statue goes missing
A FORMER landmark that was rescued for renovations by one local artist is now missing.
'Be sensitive over $465m Gov't borrowing'
The Government and private sector must be “sensitive” to prevent the former’s planned $465 million borrowing over the next 12 months from ‘crowding out’ other capital markets fund raisings, a top investment banker has warned.
'Full throttle' on 75% time cut for deeds recording
The Registrar General’s Department is aiming to slash the time required to record deeds and documents by more than 75 per cent, with the Bahamas bidding to break into the world’s top 10 for ‘ease of doing business’.
BTC attacks Cable's 'double rate subsidy'
INAGUA was described yesterday as an “eco-tourism hub”, with the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) executive chairman telling Tribune Business the organisation had prepared a draft plan for the number and types of jobs that could be created via nature-based experiences there.
Inagua's 'eco tourism hub'
INAGUA was described yesterday as an “eco-tourism hub”, with the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) executive chairman telling Tribune Business the organisation had prepared a draft plan for the number and types of jobs that could be created via nature-based experiences there.
'Strong Bahamian connection' for university basketball programme
The University of Houston’s Basketball programme will have a strong Bahamian connection this fall after the transfer of LJ Rose to the Cougars.
Ballin' by Da Beach girls basketball camp starts on July 1
FOR the fourth consecutive year, one of the Bahamas’ rising stars in the coaching ranks of women’s basketball is all set to stage her clinic, which continues to grow in popularity and stature with each edition.
'Proper send off' for CAC team
JUST days before they depart for the first international meet of the summer, the CAC Age Group team was given a proper send-off by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
Man wanted for questioning
POLICE are asking for information concerning the whereabouts of Gerard Nairn.
Boy sang his sisters to sleep the night before his death
FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday hailed Carlton Cartwright as a stellar student with great potential.
Cultural explosion for Independence anniversary
WHEN Commonwealth Brewery bosses gathered round a table to figure out a meaningful way to celebrate this year’s 25th anniversary of Kalik they decided they wanted to marry it with the 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations in The Bahamas.
Figurehead for bank is latest in list of honoured fathers
NATHANIEL G Beneby is the latest father to feature in The Tribune who was honoured by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church to mark The Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Praise as Bahamians show off real pride in their country
CHARLES Carter, co-chair of the 40th Anniversary Independence Secretariat, praised the “wonderful patriotism Bahamians are showing all over our archipelago” as July 10 closes in.
Owner says auto shop may relocate
GARDEN Hills MP and Speaker of the House of Assembly Kendal Major says he is in talks with the owner of Strachan’s Auto, who is willing to relocate his business in the aftermath of this week’s fire.
Independence secretariat sends its heartfelt condolences to family
THE Secretariat for the 40th Bahamas Independence Celebrations sent its “heartfelt condolences” to the family of 11-year-old Carlton Cartwright Jr, who sang the National Anthem during an independence flag-raising ceremony and died less than two weeks later.
Police tuning up for summer camp
MORE THAN 4,000 children will participate in this year’s Royal Bahamas Police Force Summer Camp, which officially begins next Monday.
Firm offering energy audits
A BAHAMIAN business consultancy is offering “energy audits” for Bahamians looking to acquire residential solar solutions.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Design methods to blast away stress
If you ask what is the most important key to happiness or contentment, aside from peace within, I would have to say avoiding stress and negativity.
Cabinet to decide FATCA approach by next week
The Cabinet will decide by next week how the Bahamas will comply with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), with the financial services industry preferring the Model One Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA).
Companies registry upgrades to boost Asian penetration
Online incorporations at the Companies Registry will give the Bahamas “much more of an upbeat message” to use when it begins “concentrated” efforts to penetrate the Asian financial services market in 2014, Tribune Business was told yesterday.
Student chefs to show 'Flare'
Student chefs are busily preparing their plantains for battle in Island Flare’s third annual Food Fight.
AML Foods raises $11k for charities
AML Foods has raised 11,000 for Hands for Hunger in New Providence and the Grand Bahama Red Cross’s Meals on Wheels Program.
Wednesday, June 26
The Ultimate Gospel Music Experience
By ALESHA CADET
Building a cultural institution
By Canon Sebastian Campbell
No shame only power - Helping people understand their importance
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Communication, sharing and love are the secrets to wedded bliss
By ALESHA CADET
FORWARD, UPWARD AND ONWARD How to lead by example
By Rev. Angela Palacious
Briefly
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Jehovah's Witnesses begin 'God's Word Is Truth!' conventions
JEHOVAH’S Witnesses in the Bahamas are holding three three-day conventions beginning the first weekend in July and are already engaged in a campaign to invite the public to attend.
Father, teacher and senior police officer
OUR coverage of the ‘Fabulous 40’ fathers honoured by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church for the 40th Anniversary of Independence continues with John Wesley Ferguson, who was born on July 1, 1955 in Nassau, to Bishop Cephas and the late Clothilda Ferguson.
Rewards for bad behaviour
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Lawyer told he cannot withdraw
JUSTICE Bernard Turner yesterday denied an application by Kofhe Goodman’s counsel to withdraw as an attorney in the Marco Archer murder trial.
Your vote could help duo compete in Ironman
A BAHAMIAN woman and her disabled cousin are asking people for their support in fulfilling their ultimate dream of completing one the world’s toughest physical challenges.
Officers whose car was stolen may face 'severe consequences'
ASSISTANT Police Commissioner Leon Bethel vowed that if the two officers who allowed a handcuffed suspect to free himself and steal a patrol car are found to have not followed the proper procedures laid out by the Police Force, they will face “severe consequences.”
DPM: No one safe
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday the attack on his body guard proves that no one is “safe” from the unrelenting scourge of crime in the country.
Tragedy of proud boy who died after singing anthem
A 11-YEAR-OLD boy who sang the National Anthem during a National Independence Flag-raising ceremony died less than two weeks later.
Port in 2.5% tariff rate rise forecast
The Arawak Cay port’s tariff rates are expected to increase by 2.5 per cent per year from 2016 onwards, it has been revealed, matching the Bahamas’ long-term inflation rate.
Digicel urges mobile termination re-think
A cellular operator beating on the door to invest in the Bahamas has urged regulators to introduce mobile call termination rates prior to the sector’s liberalisation, arguing it will “enhance competition” when it arrives.
US prison 'terror' behind financier's guilty plea deal
Bahamas-based financier, Derek Guise Turner, claims he only pled guilty to fraud after being “terrified beyond measure by the barbaric conditions” that existed in his US prison.
'Significant' ruling defines manager staff
A leading unionist yesterday described as “very significant” a ruling in which the Court of Appeal changed its mind, as it helped to define who was a ‘managerial’ employee.
Readers support Bimini group
TRIBUNE readers are supporting the group of Bimini residents who are fighting to protect their environmental heritage.
Young Bahamians get a chance to star in an explosion of art
ATLANTIS Resort is hosting the Island Explosion Art Show featuring the work of young aspiring artists.
In the studio with Sammie Starr
HAVING worked with a lengthy list of local artists in his recording studio, Bahamian singer Sammie Starr said he still hopes to work with many more musicians in the future.
Bahamian pride comes to the fort
THE COLOURS of the Bahamian flag were in full bloom at Fort Charlotte last Sunday.
Bahamian artist welcomes you to home sweet home
ART enthusiasts joined Nastassia Pratt last Thursday at Popopstudios as she presented her new solo exhibit entitled “Home Sweet Home.”
Ya Hear?
Ya hear Kim and Kanye engaged?
'The girls all competed very well' at BAAA Nationals
WHEN the sun settled on Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations National Track & Field Championships in Grand Bahama over the weekend, Auburn Elite sprinters Sheniqua ‘Q’ Ferguson and Anthonique Strachan emerged as the new national champions.
Strikers boxing club officially opens
Ronn Rodgers, a product of the Champion Amateur Boxing Club, has returned home and decided to make his contribution to the development of the sport by opening his own boxing club.
Wimbledon: Knowles and Hewitt await 1st round match
AFTER nine weeks off the circuit, Mark Knowles is back on the big stage, playing once again in the men’s doubles competition with Australian Lleyton Hewitt.
Bianca aims to make her mark on the world stage
She is the new face on the runway for the Bahamas in the women’s long jump But, for Bianca Stuart, her goal is to make her mark on the global scene.
Track and Field Championships results
The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations 2013 National Track and Field Championships was held at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex over the weekend. The following results were posted:
First-time buyers: 50% losing Stamp Tax break
The Government may have disqualified 40-50 per cent of the first-time home buyer market from obtaining Stamp Duty exemptions on their purchases, a leading attorney warned yesterday.
Minister pushes skills training
A Cabinet Minister used a panel discussion at the Caribbean Growth Forum’s regional workshop to press the case for education and skills development.
BTC can 'equal' $807m Macau unit
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) majority shareholder believes the company can be developed into “a world class service” provider equivalent to its Macau business, which it sold last week for $806.8 million.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Putting logos in perspective
I recently read a great article on Fastcodesign.com that, I think, puts logos in the proper perspective.
PM talks to IDB on 'new life' in Inagua
PRIME Minister Perry Christie revealed yesterday he had held discussions with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) over providing financial assistance to help bring “new life” to Inagua as an island destination, capitalising on its wildlife resources.
Energy, security are IDB's Bahamas focus
The Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) president yesterday said areas such as energy and citizen security were among the bank’s priorities in its 2014-2017 Bahamas country strategy.
Chinese University to offer scholarships
A PRESTIGIOUS Chinese university has announced plans to award Bahamian students with full scholarships to obtain bachelors and masters degrees.
Deputy PM says government hopes to hire contractors who live in urban communities
DEPUTY Prime Minister Phillip ‘Brave” Davis said the government hopes to hire contractors who live in “urban communities” for the small home repair programme.
St John's students hold graduation celebration
SOME St John’s College students reportedly celebrated their graduation on Monday night with a gathering at Zion Baptist Church following the cancellation of their official ceremony.
Cause of Strachan's Auto fire unknown
THE cause of Monday’s major fire at Strachan’s Auto on Solider Road remains unknown, police say, with Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett telling the press he “looks forward” to the official report.
Voice call network rated best in region
BTC’s primary network for voice calls was ranked as best in class in the region according to it’s network supplier, which benchmarked the network’s performance against other carriers around the world.
$320,000 handed to community causes by BTC
TO mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company announced it is investing more than $320,000 in several community programmes and charitable causes, as well as launching a series of BTC customer discounts via speciality promotions.
Gibson: New NIB director may be as early as next week
The new NIB director could fill the post as early as next week as the government moves to negotiate a contract of employment with the frontrunner, according to Labour Minister Shane Gibson.
Stenographer reads testimony of policeman who later died
A STENOGRAPHER that recorded the testimony of an ex-policeman who witnessed the murder of a colleague outside a nightclub gave evidence in Supreme Court yesterday.
Countdown to Independence continues
CELEBRATIONS across The Bahamas are being ramped up this weekend with just two weeks to go before July 10, 2013, the date of the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
'Criticism does not affect us'
SCATHING criticism from the government over the quality of mobile services has had little impact on the day-to-day operations at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, CEO Geoff Houston said yesterday.
Neymour hits back at Miller over allegations
PHENTON Neymour, the former Minister of State for the Environment with responsibility for BEC, has slammed current BEC chairman Leslie Miller for his remarks during the recent budget debate.
Youth Alive 2013 announced
THE first six months of 2013 have come and gone and the issue of youth crime, violence and negative behaviour still captivates our airtime and attention.
Chamber of Commerce seminar for businesses
FREEPORT – The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce hosted a seminar for small business operators in Grand Bahama yesterday.
Helping the 'Ican' attitude
THE Royal Society of St George has made a donation to Tehranique Miller, founder of the after school “ican” programme for children.
Tuesday, June 25
‘Critical’ to halt bush medicine exploitation
THE Bahamas’ genetic resources, particularly ‘bush medicines’, have been “exploited” in the past with no compensation or recognition being paid, noted historian Dr Gail Saunders said yesterday, describing the need for intellectual property protection as “critical”.
Kudos to Dr Minnis
EDITOR, The Tribune.
70-year-old dies from gun injuries
A 70-year-old grandmother died Sunday after she was shot multiple times last month, taking the country’s murder count to 57 for the year.
Greenslade waits on AG decision
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday he is waiting for the Attorney General to “make a decision” in the Aaron Rolle matter before he makes any comments on what will happen or will not happen to the officers in question.
Police car stolen by prisoner left alone in back seat
A POLICE car was stolen yesterday – after a suspect left alone in the car used the key in the ignition to drive away.
Officer in hospital after robbery bid
THE Deputy Prime Minster’s aide was shot during an attempted robbery yesterday, prompting an island-wide search for two suspects.
Fisherman's call to RBDF on poaching
A VETERAN Bahamian fisherman claims foreign poachers could put him out of business.
Dealer's expansion put 'on the shelf'
A leading Bahamian auto dealer yesterday disclosed he had placed western New Providence expansion “on the shelf” as a result of the Budget’s tax increases, as some in the industry reported losing up to $800,000-$1 million per year.
Bahamas' IP regime to be 'trailblazer'
The Bahamas is developing “cutting edge, trailblazing” intellectual property (IP) rights protection for its cultural industries and uniquely Bahamian products, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.
Cable blasts BTC on roaming call 'block'
Cable Bahamas has urged regulators to intervene in its long-running dispute over the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) alleged ‘blocking’ of calls to international mobile roaming customers, demanding that it provide call termination on a “cost oriented basis”.
Making the transition from 'TWEEN' to 'TEEN' a little bit easier
UNDER the theme ‘He makes everything beautiful in his time,’ Esteem Productions will be hosting ‘The Swan Girls Club’ from July 1 to July 26 at the British Colonial Hilton.
Wreck salvage 'disillusion' on year-long approval delay
The Government’s failure to comply with its own legislation has left wreck salvagers and their financiers “frustrated and disillusioned with the Bahamas”, and could cost this nation both its heritage and a multi-million dollar industry.
Wilson questions Cash over BTC comments
FNM chairman Darron Cash’s comments about BTC prove he “doesn’t know what he is talking about” according to Frankie Wilson, the lead negotiator in the government’s efforts to regain majority shares in the company.
Father and dedicated policeman
RETIRED Deputy Commissioner of Police John S Rolle is The Tribune’s latest honouree to feature from Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church’s chosen list of 40 fathers to honour in the year of the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Banks chief warns COB students over ethics
The outgoing Association of International Banks & Trusts (AIBT) chairman has spoken candidly to young College of the Bahamas (COB) students on the importance of business ethics.
Paving success with kindness
As the Bahamas’ first National Women’s Month wound down, a female pioneer in business, financial services and civic life ramped up her advice to women.
'We should be proud of our Davis Cup team'
Team captain John Farrington said the public should be proud of the Bahamas men’s team that fell one match shy of advancing out of the American Zone III Davis Cup tie in La Paz, Bolivia, over the weekend.
Sports in brief
MARK Knowles will come out of a brief retirement this week when he plays in the men’s doubles match with Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt in the prestigious Wimbledon Grand Slam Tournament at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.
NPSA: Lady Hitters rout Sigma Bracketts 12-5
THE Lady Hitters remained on top of the standings in the women’s division of the New Providence Softball Association with a 12-5 rout over the Sigma Bracketts in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday night.
Swift high point winners
SWIFT Swimming captured the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2013 RBC Swimming Nationals at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex over the weekend. And their victory came with the following facts:
Two arraigned over home invasion robbery
TWO men were arraigned yesterday in connection with an early morning home invasion in which a family was robbed of more than $47,000 in cash, jewellery and other assets.
New single pays tribute to Bahamians for anniversary
FREEPORT – As the country prepares to celebrate its 40th Anniversary of Independence, Bahamian Reggae artist Jah Troy has released a new song paying tribute to Bahamians.
'Alarming depreciation in respect for women'
The Women’s Association of The Free National Movement has written an opinion piece/letter for publication:
Church concern over rise in child abuse
THE Bahamas Methodist Church has expressed concern over the continuing increase in child abuse cases around the country.
Cash for Gold: Enforce the existing laws
A BAY Street store that specialises in second-hand goods urged government to strengthen police enforcement of existing laws to put a stop to what it called “unscrupulous dealers who look the other way when gold jewellery or scrap metal is brought in and exchanged for cash.”
Earthcare gives support to Save the Bays group
environment group Save The Bays yesterday announced that a local group with 400 members and a history of grass-roots activism has joined its campaign.
40% of students exposed to illegal drugs
A 2011 Secondary School Drug Prevalence Survey indicated that 40 per cent of high school students are exposed to illegal drugs, usually by friends.
From island to island, flag's journey continues
PETTY Officer Gladstone Moss and Constable Gilbert Knowles are well used to having to evoke patriotic sentiments in Bahamians raising the national flag at state and military funerals.
'Bahamas has not done enough to train youth'
FREEPORT – Maurice Moore believes the Bahamas has not done enough in the area of training, and said both the PLP and FNM governments could have done more.
Appeal court hears debate on drug trial evidence
THE Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether sufficient evidence was produced in a drug trial for a pilot to be convicted and sentenced for possession of $250,000 worth of cocaine.
Gibson seeks to build core competencies
BUILDING core competencies in career public servants is the best way of reinforcing employment equity in the sector, Minister of Labour Shane Gibson said.
Enlightened sexism
According to men, women, especially if they are in positions of power (relatively speaking of course) are insane or not quite feminine.
Monday, June 24
VIDEO: 'Inferno' sends smoke across the capital
SOLDIER Road residents watched in horror this evening as an ‘inferno’ ripped through Strachan's Auto, sending clouds of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Organisation hosts events in an effort to raise continued awareness of prostate cancer
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Grading PLP Governance
THE Bahamas has become more polarised since the election of 2012, with certain members of both major political parties stoking the embers of the fiery political divisions now consuming the electorate due in large part to their high-strung rhetoric and histrionics.
Will the real Christie government please stand up?
ONE WONDERS if this nation realises the necessity of providing a first class telecommunications service if it is to maintain and strengthen its reputation as a financial centre?
Man hurt in hit and run
ABACO police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who struck and left a pedestrian injured on the S C Bootle Highway in Crown Haven.
Hunt for two men after teenage boy is shot
POLICE are on the hunt for two men who shot a 17-year-old boy over the weekend.
Chipman concerned over detention centre conditions
AMID allegations of abuse at the Carmichael Road detention centre and a call by United States government officials for an investigation, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Chipman said he may visit the centre today for a “first hand look”.
FNM CLAIMS DEAL DONE ON CONTROL
FNM Chairman Darron Cash yesterday accused the government of having secretly struck a deal with BTC to extend its monopoly on the telecommunications market in exchange for controlling interest.
Business Licence's 'stupid bureaucracy' hits private sector
A leading businessman is complaining that the Government is adding insult to an “already crushed” private sector’s injury through the “bureaucracy” accompanying Business Licence payments
Renewable provider proposes solar for 25% BEC needs
A BAHAMIAN renewable provider has presented the Government with an “energy mix” proposal to allow for 25 per cent of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) daytime generating capacity to be derived from solar power.
40-50% energy cost 'slash' via production privatisation
The Bahamas Renewable Energy Association’s president has hailed proposals to privatise electricity generation as having the potential to slash energy costs by 40-50 per cent and make this nation a regional leader.
FINCO net income triples despite $100m bad loans
Despite an almost $100 million-strong non-performing mortgage portfolio, Finance Corporation of the Bahamas’ (FINCO) 2013 first half net income more than tripled on the back of reduced operating costs and loan loss provisions.
BEC grid stability key for renewable tie-ins
THE Bahamian electricity grid’s stability is key to incorporating renewable power sources into this nation’s energy mix, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) general manager has told Tribune Business.
Bahamas hosts reception for CARICOM event
THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrated 40 years of cooperation and strengthening of ties among member countries.
'Remove red tape' on foreign capital start-ups funding
The Bahamas has been urged to remove “the red tape” that prevents foreign investors financing local start-ups and entrepreneurs, a leading small business consultant warning it was stifling innovation.
'Bottoms up' to small business
New entrepreneurs must get into the game by conducting comprehensive market research before they develop practical business plans.
CHAMBER VOICE: Co-operation is key to success
Ours is an environment that is heavily dependent on government for information and assistance to promote and grow industry.
BEC chief calls for 'measured' renewable plan
THE Bahamas should take “measured steps” towards renewable energy integration, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) general manager believes, agreeing that the proper legislation and a National Energy Policy needed to be implemented beforehand.
AML switches $1m from expansion to energy efficiency
AML Foods says the Budget’s tax increases, coupled with Value-Added Tax (VAT) uncertainty, have pushed it to switch $1 million earmarked for food store expansion into energy efficiency.
Swimmming results
Here’s a look at the final results of the individual performances in the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2013 RBC National Swim Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex
Sands says Grand Bahama has 'earned right' to consistently host Nationals
THE decision by the BAAA to host the BTC Open Nationals in Grand Bahama was met with some ridicule due to the recent completion of the new Thomas A Robinson stadium. However, BAAA president Mike Sands said the nation’s second city has earned the right to consistently host the top local meet on the organisation’s calendar.
Roberts, Evans lead the way at swim nationals
JOSHUA Roberts erased five records and Joanna Evans picked up two to help Swift Swimming retain their title, while turning in some of the more impressive performances at the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2013 RBC National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex over the weekend.
Junior Baseball League of Nassau captures four of six divisions
THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau emerged as the dominant team of the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s 11th Andre Rodgers National Championships.
Davis Cup: Bahamas will stay in Zone III
TEAM captain John Farrington made an adjustment to the line-up, but it still wasn’t enough for the Bahamas men’s national team to prevail in Zone II of the BNP Paribas American Zone Davis Cup tie.
Anthony 'Biggie' Colebrooke gets the victory
RIGHT on the heels of its National Road Race Championship, the New Providence Cycling Association hosted its second biathlon event for the season with Anthony ‘Biggie’ Colebrooke picking up the victory.
Top junior tennis players to compete in Nationals
IT’S win or go home as the best junior tennis players in the country are all set to compete in the Junior Nationals Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Center this weekend.
'Golden girl' retires
THE women’s 100m national record holder, who rose to prominence as a member of the “Golden Girls,” returned home to officially bring an end to a storied career.
A nation in full bloom
CONTINUING our look at The Bahamas’ national symbols, The Tribune focuses on the national flower and the national tree.
1,000 sign petition to stop dock construction
MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on the government to stop reported plans for the construction of a dock from Bimini’s shoreline which could cause “catastrophic” damage to the environment.
Valentine Grimes: Attorney, banker, businessman and politician
MOUNT Tabor Full Gospel Church recently honoured its own choice of ‘Fabulous 40’ fathers at an event as part of the 40th Anniversary of Independence. The Tribune has been publishing the church’s profiles of the fathers it chose, continuing with Valentine Grimes.
Events to mark 40 years
ARTS and crafts, food, wine and Bahamian music feature in a two-day festival to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Bahamas historical society puts Sir Orville Turnquest in the spotlight
THE Bahamas Historical Society is remembering 40 years of independence with a meeting about Sir Orville Turnquest.
Freedom Farm withdraws from 11th Andre Rodgers National Championships
ABSENT from the medal round in the 11th Andre Rodgers National Championships were perennial powerhouses Freedom Farm Farmers.
Small fish but a huge success at Fish 'n' Feast
IT WAS billed as the first annual Palm Cay Fish ’n Feast, and even if the biggest fish weighed in at just under three pounds, the event was everything organisers hoped for.
Sunday, June 23
We are in need of sifting
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Saturday, June 22
LAWYER: ST JOHN’S TO BE SERVED WITH COURT SUMMONS OVER GRADUATION, PROM
ST John’s College was set to be served with a court summons yesterday, following the cancellation of this year’s graduation ceremony and prom, according to the lawyer representing the graduating class.
Friday, June 21
ACCORDING TO ME: Pride interrupted
I AM a Bahamian whose national pride has been interrupted. It’s been interrupted by a group of persons commonly referred to as the government, who in just 13 short months, has managed to set our country back many years.
'Revolving door for criminals' says AG
IN THE Senate on Wednesday Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson acted as though she had made an unusual discovery.
'No evidence' of child prostitution
FOLLOWING Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe’s revelation that the government was investigating reported incidents of prostitution involving young boys at Prince George dock, the government now says “there is no evidence” of child prostitution in the country.
Teenager accused of raping pastor's wife
A TEENAGER was charged in Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon in connection with the robbery and rape of a pastor’s wife.
PM: BTC could retain monopoly after March 2014
PRIME MINISTER Perry Christie said yesterday there is a possibility that BTC will retain its telecommunications monopoly beyond March 2014.
AG’s office ‘working on’ unlawful killing case
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said her office is working diligently on the Aaron Rolle “unlawful killing” case.
'Why suggest ban with no consultation?'
CASH for Gold operators yesterday criticised the government over recent threats to ban trade without any consultation with an industry they claim has kept the country afloat during hard economic times.
BNT targeting $32m over 'best kept secrets' plan
The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is aiming to raise $32 million to finance its latest five-year plan, its executive director yesterday disclosing it planned to unlock this nation’s “best kept secrets” for tourists.
BTC: $100m 'investments outstrip depreciation'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday hailed the $10 million year-over-year increase in the value of its ‘fixed’ assets as “a positive sign”, a senior executive saying it showed “investment is outstripping depreciation”.
Gov't targets 40% renewables by 2030
THE Government is pushing to have at least 40 per cent the Bahamas’ energy needs come from renewable sources by 2030, a senior official said yesterday, telling Tribune Business that it “makes good sense” for the country to move in that direction.
Container Port income up 137%
The Freeport Container Port saw its year-over-year operating income more than double in 2012, its majority owner has revealed, increasing by 137 per cent on the back of rising shipping container volumes.
Balmoral unveils $3m office space
The Balmoral’s principal said yesterday he will “know in the next month or so” whether its planned $2.5-$3 million investment in commercial office space has hit the correct price point.
'Govt must do what it can to lower crime rate'
PROMINENT politician Cynthia “Mother” Pratt voiced her support of the government’s efforts to fight crime, explaining that legislators “must do what they can do” to lower the country’s persistent crime rate.
Chairman praises nation's youth
THE future success of The Bahamas lies in the quality of its young people.
Court cases delayed
TESTIMONY in two high-profile Supreme Court murder cases was delayed by legal and private discussions yesterday.
Injured Barry 'disappointed' to miss nationals
One of the marquee matchups in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations Nationals this weekend will be minus one of the principal competitors after high jumper Trevor Barry withdrew from competition due to injury.
Swimming championships underway
THE Bahamas Swimming Federation’s Royal Bank of Canada National Swimming Championship got underway at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex last night.
Two wins set up Davis Cup Playoff possibility for Bahamas
THE Bahamas men’s team pulled off their first two victories to set them up for a possible shot at advancing to the playoffs in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie for a chance at getting promoted to zone II next year.
London Landfall boosts the brand
Bahamas Landfall: London has celebrated the country’s 40 years of independence, emphasising its security as a financial services jurisdiction to more than 100 intermediaries and Friends of the Bahamas..
BTC blasts 'appalling' union leader's claims
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday branded a trade union leader’s attack on its labour policies as “frankly appalling”, describing them as “irresponsible” and unwarranted.
Financial sector boost via perpetuity 'honour'
The Bahamian financial services industry may obtain a competitive advantage from a recent precedent established by the Supreme Court, which proves the judiciary will “honour” the law enabling old trusts to continue ‘in perpetuity’.
PM hints at BTC monopoly extend
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday hinted that the Government could be open to extending the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) cellular monopoly if Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) relinquished majority control of the company.
FInal LPIA phase to beat deadline
THE Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is primed to become the most “modern and progressive” facility of its kind in the region, its chief executive yesterday revealing that the expansion project’s Phase III was set to be completed ahead of schedule.
GB Chamber unveils first SME workshop
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), will present its first Business Workshop for the year on Tuesday, June 25.
A father, teacher and leader in the field of education
Cecil Jeffrey Thompson is the latest profile published by The Tribune from the ‘40 Fabulous Fathers’ honoured by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Young boy injured in accident
A YOUNG boy was involved in an accident near Goodman’s Bay last night.
PM says institute will protect food security of the nation
AN Agriculture and Marine Institute will be established in North Andros to ensure the food security of the country, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.
Minister urges graduates to continue learning
MINISTER of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald was the guest speaker at the 2013 graduation ceremony of St Andrew’s School.
Bahamas avoids serious consequences after upgrade in trafficking report
“Serious consequences” could have arisen had the Bahamas been again classified as a Tier Two Watch and subsequently downgraded on the United States’ Trafficking in Persons report, National Security Minister Bernard Nottage said.
Shipyard sponsors 40th celebrations
Freeport, Grand Bahama – As the nation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence nears, Grand Bahama Shipyard has come on board as a corporate sponsor of the upcoming celebrations.
$30,000 to repair storm shelters
THE Salvation Army of the Bahamas has received $30,000 from the US Agency for International Development/US Office of Foreign Affairs/Latin America and the Caribbean (USAID/OFDA/LAC) to assist in repairing storm shelters in the Grants Town and Mackey Street areas.
Thursday, June 20
Briefly
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Meet the face of Cable Bahamas
A 15-YEAR-OLD music sensation has been signed up as the new face of Cable Bahamas.
Community co-operation is the only answer to crime
ALTHOUGH our crime problem has taken years in the making, Prime Minister Christie campaigned in the 2012 general elections on the promise that if given the government his party would produce a crime free country.
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Man in court in connection with rape of pastor’s wife
3.15pm: Thorne Cooper, 18, of East Street, has appeared in court to face charges in connection with the rape of a pastor's wife.
Govt probe into Blackbeard’s Cay
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the government is “looking at all the circumstances” surrounding Blackbeard’s Cay, following criticism from environmentalists over a reported lack of important legal and regulatory requirements for the development.
Gold jewellery melted down within an hour, says Bell
MINISTER of State for National Security Keith Bell yesterday accused some cash for gold operators of melting down stolen gold jewellery, within an hour of receiving it, to prevent being prosecuted and arrested.
Bahamas in US report on forced labour and sex trafficking
THE BAHAMAS is still a destination, source, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking, according to a US state department report.
US representatives to probe abuse claim
TWO Florida state district representatives are calling on the United Nations to investigate allegations of abuse of Cuban nationals at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre
Man granted nolle accused of gun smuggling
THE MAN who was granted the “gift” of a nolle prosequi by then-acting Attorney General Jerome Fitzgerald had been suspected of smuggling guns into the country, Senator Desmond Bannister revealed yesterday.
Port's $21m offering 'beats' market price
The Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) planned $21 million preference share issue, set to come to market next week, will have debt servicing costs two percentage points lower than projected.
Cable's 'amazing' Internet beats forecast almost 10%
Cable Bahamas saw “amazing” Internet revenue growth in 2012 that beat projections by almost 10 per cent, a senior executive telling Tribune Business yesterday that it was “hitting most of our target numbers for 2013”.
Ex-BTC chair has 'no doubts' on privatisation
A FORMER Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) chairman has “no doubt” that its privatisation through the sale of a controlling 51 per cent stake was good for the Bahamian economy, as it eliminated politics from its operations.
Ex-Governor: 'Big dangers' from 70% debt
THE Bahamas’ debt-to-GDP ratio could “very quickly” breach the 70 per cent ‘danger threshold’ if it continues to accumulate debt at the rates seen over the past decade, a former Central Bank Governor has warned.
Fund firm denies Swiss bank claims over $17.7m loss
A Bahamas-based fund administrator has denied relieving a Swiss bank “of any financial responsibility” for a $17.7 million transaction now at the centre of heated litigation in the New York courts.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Encourage the budding genius
Does your budding genius child sit late into the night crafting sketches?
Copper exports ban 'alarmist'
BANNING copper exports was yesterday described as “an alarmist approach”, with one leading operator disclosing that it did not form the bulk of the industry’s exports.
Baseball: 11th Annual Andre Rodgers National Championships opens today
Over 800 student athletes throughout the country will descend on the nation’s second city as one of the most populous sporting events in the Bahamas opens today.
Bahamians are warned: 'Free ride' is over
Bahamians must get used to “paying for what we get” in terms of government services, a former Central Bank governor suggesting many had enjoyed a ‘free ride’ for too long.
Fire-damaged branch's 40% expansion moves up
COMMONWEALTH Bank executives yesterday confirmed that plans to expand its fire-damaged Oakes Field branch by 40 per cent were being brought forward, with the upgraded site set to re-open before year-end.
Car dealer hosts mechanic seminar
Freeport Jet Wash last week hosted a parts training session for all registered mechanics on Grand Bahama.
Regulator teams With BFSB over captive briefing
The Insurance Commission of the Bahamas (ICB) is teaming up with the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) to host an industry briefing on captive insurance next Wednesday.
Three guilty of drug charges
THREE of five defendants in an $850,000 drug-smuggling plot were convicted of the four drug charges they faced in Magistrate’s Court.
Miller: Neymour quick to criticise over BEC
FORMER BEC minister Phenton Neymour never called a meeting with any of the management or executives of the company, yet is quick to criticise current leaders of the organisation, MP Leslie Miller charged.
Showing the colours for Independence
Since the countdown to the 40th Anniversary of Independence started, she has been wearing Bahamian colours: aqua, yellow and black.
Chipman claims Rahming will be 'swapped out' of DC post
ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman yesterday blasted the government for its management of the foreign service and handling of diplomatic appointments.
Jury hears of police chase
THE jury in a trial where three men are accused of murdering a police constable heard evidence from an officer who allegedly chased one of the defendants.
Bell: CCTV fully ready next month
THE police’s new CCTV system will become fully operational by next month, Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday.
Woman injured in crash dies of wounds
FREEPORT – A female driver who was seriously injured in a car accident on Sunday has died, pushing the traffic fatality count on the streets of Grand Bahama to seven.
Nottage: Tourist robberies have sullied our reputation
ADMITTING that recent robberies of tourists have “sullied the good reputation” of tourism policing, National Security Minister Bernard Nottage said the government and police are committed to “keeping our city centre safe.”
FNM 'praying' that PLP delivers on its promises
THE FNM is “praying and hoping” that the PLP government delivers on its promises to the Bahamian people, but questions if it is capable of doing so.
Daddy Harry - a founding patriarch of priest order
MOUNT Tabor Full Gospel Church is honouring ‘Fabulous 40’ fathers to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence. The Tribune is publishing the church’s profiles of the fathers.
'Get up off your rump and do something'
URBAN Renewal 2.0 co-chair Cynthia “Mother” Pratt hit out at the “naysayers” of the programme – calling on those who criticise it to “get up off your rump and do something” to help the country.
Kalik backs festival of the Bahama Islands
ARTISTS, dancers, musicians, craftsmen and storytellers from across the archipelago are coming together for Kalik’s family-friendly Festival of The Bahama Islands.
Judge directs jury to acquit man of armed robbery, kidnapping charges
A JUDGE directed a Supreme Court jury to unanimously acquit a man of armed robbery and kidnapping charges yesterday.
Bill 'clarifies' Stamp Tax exemption concern
The 2013 Stamp Tax amendments appear to eliminate a key concern for the real estate industry by making it clear that mortgage and conveyancing values will not be combined to disqualify first-time buyers from getting the duty exemption.
'I believe there is a gold medallist to be discovered for the next Olympics'
The performances of young Caribbean athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games served as one of the inspirations for the government’s quest to heavily invest in sports development.
Ministers laud benefits of Bahamas' sports tourism
Sports tourism was a topic of note during the 2013/14 Budget Debate for the ministers who share the platform.
BICA president first woman to be re-elected
The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) has re-elected Jasmine Y. Davis as its president. She is the first female BICA president to be elected to serve for a second term.
Emerald Bay takes Caribbean top spot
Sandals Emerald Bay has clinched the Caribbean’s top spot at the TravelAge West WAVE Awards.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The 'pimp' slap heard around the archipelago
SO, I have decided to grade the PLP—after one year in government—next week. And yes, the ministerial report card will be completed for publication in a few weeks.
Wednesday, June 19
DRUM UP THE SPIRIT AND PUT INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS IN TOP GEAR
By Rev Canon S. Sebastian Campbell
Hospital Lane residents get the call - each one, reach one
PASTOR Sharon Nairn of The New Unity Fellowship Int’l Ministries and gospel artist Mr J, president of Mr J Int’l & Entertainment, have joined forces to reach the community of Bain & Grants Town with an outdoor street concert.
G5 Women's Conference... "Glamorous Girls Giving God Glory"
By ALESHA CADET
Surpassing expectations: Part 1
By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious
Briefly
EDITOR, The Tribune.
'THE FALLEN' ADDRESSES ISSUES WE CAN ALL RELATE TO
THE CHURCH of God of Prophecy Love Centre is set to present a new production which addresses social issues in The Bahamas. A play called ‘The Fallen’ will be showcased on June 28 at the centre beginning 7.30pm.
High net worth growth of 10% can aid Bahamas
The 10 per cent rise in the collective wealth of the world’s high net worth individuals (HNWIs), which hit $46.2 trillion at end-2012, shows the Bahamian financial services industry still has much to play for.
Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association 'energised'
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association, under the auspices of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, is energised and ready for the BTC Senior Nationals Track & Field Championships June 21-22 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.
Naughty or nice? Are you a saint or are you a sinner?
‘SENSUALITY’ is the focal point of the Sinners N Saints Masquerade Lounge event, which is presented by Vixen Corsets & Apparel.
Meah Foundation is transforming suffering and pain into hope and wisdom
MEMBERS of the Meah Foundation are asking Bahamians to join them for a fun and exciting night of music on Charlotte Street, this Saturday.
ANUSCHKA IS HOPING THE PURE MAGIC OF JAZZ BLOOMS ACROSS THE BAHAMAS
NOW that her first self-produced concert has proven to be a success Bahamian singer Anuschka Wright is looking forward to hosting more events that will help develop the jazz community in the Bahamas.
Take heart Bishop Boyd, stand firm!
“Stand firm, Bishop. You are a voice in the wilderness.”
Official event cancelled? Class of 2013 goes it alone
FREEPORT – The class of 2013 at Jack Hayward High School attended an impromptu graduation ceremony held in Hawksbill on Tuesday, after their official event was cancelled by the school’s administration.
Minister wants an end to cash for gold
NATIONAL Security Minister Bernard Nottage called for the closure of the country’s cash for gold stores, as well as a ban on copper exports, in light of statistics showing that more than half of all armed robberies are involving jewellery or copper.
Lawyer claims threat by investigator
TESTIMONY in yesterday’s session of the Marco Archer murder trial was preceded by the defending lawyer’s claim that the investigator in the case was threatening him.
Minister: Maybe it's time to consider gun buy-back scheme
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday “maybe it is time” to consider a gun amnesty period or gun buy-back initiative in the Bahamas.
Parents to sue over cancelled graduation
THE lawyer representing the graduating class of 2013 at St John’s College said yesterday she will file legal action, on behalf of her clients, against the school on Thursday.
PM pledges radical action to take on crime
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday charged that the government will have to take radical action to positively impact the nation’s crime problem.
Attorney General now to decide on unlawful killing charges
A JUDGE has called for cameras to be installed at every police station and all interviews with suspects to be recorded in an effort to ensure officers follow proper procedures and prevent police brutality.
Bahamas Waste suffers 72% profit fall in 'terrible' Q1
Bahamas Waste’s managing director yesterday said it endured a “terrible” 2013 first quarter with net income down 72.3 per cent, due to a combination of key cost increases and reduced residential rates.
Cash for Gold firms question closure 'jump'
NATIONAL Security Minister Bernard Nottage said yesterday that he wanted ‘Cash for Gold’ enterprises to be closed down, a move one operator said would only hurt Bahamians legitimately selling or pawning jewellery to “make ends meet”.
Auto industry urges $15k low threshold
The Government was yesterday urged to increase the lowest auto tax bracket threshold from $10,000 to $15,000, on the grounds this would enable Bahamians to better afford more efficient, environmentally friendly new vehicles.
Licence fee rises 'will not break' private sector
The “marginal” Business Licence fee increases are “unlikely to be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back”, a former finance minister said yesterday, praising the 2013-2014 Budget for “hitting more than the right notes”.
Developers eye $90m San Salvador project
A third-party developer is in talks with the Government over a proposed $90 million investment to expand San Salvador’s Club Med property and wider tourism industry.
An 'art explosion'
ART students on the island of Eleuthera took part in their first Annual Art Explosion exhibition at the Haynes Library, Governor’s Harbour.
Your chance to join in week-long junkanoo festival
OPEN participation will be a major aspect of the week-long Junkanoo Festival to be introduced by the government.
Historic tapestry makes its way back to the Bahamas
LYFORD CAY International School (LCIS) and Baha Mar welcomed home an historic tapestry on June 11 at the LCIS Annual End of Year Art Show - Mosaic.
New York and Vancouver will feature the winner of this year’s supermodel of the Bahamas
NEW York Fashion Week will feature this year’s Supermodel of the Bahamas - and the 14 men and women who are competing for the 2013 title are about to be named.
'Basketball smiles'
BASKETBALL Smiles, back for its 14th consecutive year, brought another week of “smiles and hope through basketball” to a number of local boys and girls at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
Athletes get set for BAAA Nationals, final trials for Worlds
WITH the IAAF World Championships in Athletics looming over the horizon, about seven athletes, including Michael Mathieu and Shaunae Miller who double up in the 200 and 400 metres and Sheniqua ‘Q’ Ferguson, who has a double dip in the 100 and 200m, have already attained the A qualifying standards so far this year.
Tough road ahead for Jay Major
There aren’t too many goals that Jay Major has set that he has not been able to achieve in cycling.
Davis Cup: Bahamas vs Bermuda
AFTER a day off on Tuesday to get acclimatised to the high altitude in Bolivia, the Bahamas will be back in action today in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie.
Gov't assesses wrecked auto ban, disposal fee
A leading dealer yesterday backed a Cabinet Minister’s suggestion to ban the importation of vehicles without proper titles, disclosing that the Government was looking to prohibit both wrecked autos and introduce an ‘environmental/disposal fee’ for older cars.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Joint ventures have more than one side
In this article I’m going to give you some insider secrets to making joint ventures work.
PM promotes 'close' Out Island projects
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the Government was “very close” to granting final approval for the $8 million purchase of Exuma’s February Point development by Florida-based developer, John McGarvey.
Grid tie-in key to renewable energies
LEGISLATION permitting renewable energy grid tie-in is key to the sector’s growth in the Bahamas, one provider yesterday estimating that households could see a 15-30 per cent reduction in energy consumption via solar water heaters.
Wendall Jones hailed for work in journalism
THE Tribune continues its coverage of Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church’s choice of ‘40 Fathers’ to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence with the church’s profile of Wendall Jones, who has contributed to the changing face of journalism in The Bahamas.
Juvenile charged in connection with shooting
A JUVENILE boy was charged with manslaughter yesterday in connection with last week’s fatal shooting of a 23-year-old Key West Street resident.
Officials consider merging mental health services
OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Health are exploring an initiative to integrate mental health care services into primary health care facilities as part of a new model of care for patients with mental health concerns.
Police had 'no reason' to conspire against accused
A POLICEMAN who claimed he, like his colleague, saw Stephen Stubbs with what was believed to be a black firearm outside Club Rock, said he had “no reason to conspire” against the defendants in the high-profile murder case.
Arrests in connection with drug finds
POLICE in the capital arrested three men in connection with two separate drug finds.
Murder suspect who damaged ankle device must pay $2,000 fine - or go to jail
A $2,000 fine or three months prison was the sentence a teenager received yesterday after pleading guilty to damaging an electronic monitoring device.
Griffin: Budget aggressively deals with social issues
THE government’s 2013-14 budget contains an “aggressive, socially-driven, agenda that will wipe every tear from every eye,” Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin said.
Ministry says changes in payments could prevent end-of-month queues
OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development said a pilot study of the Proxy Means Test that will be used as part of the Conditional Cash Transfer System of the Bahamas Social Safety Net Programme went “extremely well” – despite some minor issues.
Join fun, run and walk to mark anniversary
BAHAMIANS are encouraged to join in a national fun, run and walk to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Embassy and kids in beach clean-up
VOLUNTEERS from the US Embassy partnered with Woodcock Primary School, Young Marine Explorers (YME) and Bahamas Waste to clean up the popular beach at Goodman’s Bay in observance of World Oceans Month.
True colours
THE 40th Anniversary of Independence offers Bahamians a chance to bond as they reflect on their past and look to the future.
The tale of a wedding Bahamian style
AS the laughter continues to live on in his shows, the cast and crew of James Catalyn and Friends are excited to stage their first production of the year, “A Weddin’ Tale.
Five injured in car crash
FREEPORT - Five persons, including three children, were injured in a two-car collision on Sunday.
Incumbent re-elected as area VP for BUT
FREEPORT – Incumbent Quinton LaRoda was re-elected to serve a third consecutive term as area vice-president for the Bahamas Union of Teachers.
Tuesday, June 18
Call for action on crime and the economy
IT should come as no surprise to the hierarchy of this country’s PLP government that its record after just over a year in office has come under intense scrutiny.
Regulatory reforms top private wealth challenge
Regulatory changes are the greatest challenge for private wealth management firms, a report by Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management has found.
• Attorney General now to decide on unlawful killing charges • Coroner calls for measures to protect suspects • Officers 'should receive training'
By SANCHESKA BROWN
classical music takes centre stage for free concert
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
IT'S MISSION POSSIBLE FOR THEODORE ELYETT! Bahamian Designer Theodore Elyett Wins Mission Catwalk Season Three!
By ALESHA CADET
Recommendations from coroner
A CORONER has opened the door for court action to be taken after the death of Aaron Rolle. The recommendations from Jeanine Weech-Gomez, Her Majesty's Coroner (acting) were revealed this afternoon.
‘Why has rent budget gone up by $10m?’
ACCUSING the government of engaging in a “rental spree,” Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis demanded to know why the government’s budget for rental accommodations has increased by more than $10 million in their proposed 2013/2014 budget.
Minnis asks for answers on crime stats
OPPOSITION Leader Hubert Minnis has questioned why “one of the earliest actions” taken by the government with regards to crime was to “change the method of recording and reporting serious crime”.
Jury hears evidence of accused holding gun
A POLICEMAN told a jury he saw Stephen Stubbs with what was believed to be a black firearm outside Club Rock on the night he heard gunshots while conducting surveillance at another club.
Man charged with murder damaged ankle bracelet
A MAN, after being charged in connection with a recent homicide that occurred eight days ago, admitted to damaging an electronic monitoring bracelet in March of this year.
Mitchell says Cuban abuse video aired on TV is a hoax
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell yesterday confirmed that a South Florida news report depicting abuse against Cuban nationals at the detention centre was staged.
Bishop stands firm over graduation cancellation
ANGLICAN Bishop Laish Boyd is standing firm on his decision to cancel graduation and prom for the 2013 class of St Johns Anglican School – despite the public outcry and in the face of threatened legal action by the students.
Fund's 'flagship' targets 10% pts occupancy growth
The Bahamas Property Fund is targeting a 10 percentage point increase in occupancy rates at its flagship downtown Nassau building to 80 per cent by year-end, having successfully leased “a couple thousand square feet” for 2013 to-date.
Communications in 6% licence burden 'hit'
The 2013-2014 Budget will make the communications sector one of the Bahamas’ most heavily taxed industry, a major player estimating that its various licence fees now equalled around 6 per cent of total annual revenues.
Cable 'not given up' on 27% TV price increase
A Cable Bahamas executive yesterday suggested its application for a 27 per cent increase in basic cable TV prices would have been approved “in any other jurisdiction”, indicating the company had not given up on efforts to persuade regulators to reverse their rejection.
Study 'backs' wind powered water plant expansion
A RENEWABLE energy provider has seen “better than expected” results from its 12-month wind study on Eleuthera, its president yesterday expressing optimism about the possibility of expanding its wind-powered desalination plant concept to other Family Islands.
Gov't told: 'Fine tune' first-time buyer tax break
A leading attorney yesterday said there was still time “to fine-tune with certainty” the latest first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption, as he admitted the profession had been unable to “decipher” the Prime Minister’s Budget statement on the subject.
Masters degree progammes to be offered in Grand Bahama
FREEPORT – Barry University will be offering three Masters Degree programmes in Grand Bahama by January 2014, it was announced yesterday.
Meta-Davis Cumberbatch's legacy lives on
THE late Meta Davis-Cumberbatch almost missed her calling as a pioneer in the arts, when she was sent by her parents to Bristol University in the UK to pursue medical studies.
Showtime Basketball Club wins championship titles
LIVING up to their name, the Showtime Basketball Club put on a show at the HOYTES Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Basketball Classic in Grand Bahama.
Petty returned unopposed as president of the BPATFA
DESPITE being one of three officers who had a vote of no confidence by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, businessman Harrison Petty has been returned unopposed as president of the Bahamas Parents Association of Track and Field Athletes.
Davis Cup: Bahamas 2-1 against Panama
The Bahamas split its pair of singles and won the doubles to secure a 2-1 decision over Panama as they opened play in the American Zone III Davis Cup tie at the Club de Tenis La Paz in La Paz, Bolivia, on Monday.
Chamber unveils new Board faces
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) will face some of the most pressing decisions in its history with familiar faces at the top and a slew of new directors following its recent annual general meeting (AGM) and election of officers.
BTC wins global telecoms award
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has been awarded the Global Telecoms Business (GTB) award for ‘Business Service Innovation’.
RICHARD COULSON: Bahamas shown way to 'think out of the box'
To get a better perspective of our wonderful little country, I sometimes have to get away from Nassau.
Reef's November opening to prime GB 'turn around'
GRAND Bahama is primed for a tourism “turnaround”, with the 400-room Reef Village targeted for a November 2013 opening.
Water Corp owes BISX-listed firm more than $10m
THE Government is aiming to undertake more $14 million in sewerage infrastructure works on New Providence, the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday, once the work is masterplanned.
Striping firm overhauls Exuma's road markings
Bahamas Striping has overhauled George Town’s roads with new traffic control markings. Over several days and two trips, the Bahamian striping company laid down stop junctions, a zebra crossing, and centre and edge lines enhanced with high visibility retro-reflective road studs or ‘cats eyes’.
PM: Country needs strong father figures
THE country needs strong fathers and father figures in the lives of its young people, said Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Banquet occasion to say farewell to St Bede's
THE Roman Catholic School Board, administrators, faculty, teachers, parents and students said farewell to St Bede’s Catholic Primary School at a banquet at SuperClubs Breezes.
Health minister: Hospital's new critical care block does not have enough beds
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said the critical care block under construction at the Princess Margaret Hospital is “inadequate” considering the needs of the country’s growing population – as it will only have 20 beds.
The official coat of arms of the Bahamas
A COAT of arms is a design or symbol on a shield, which is unique to an individual person, family, corporation, or state.
American Express card sales in Bahamas jump by four per cent
AMERICAN Express credit card sales in the Bahamas jumped four per cent to $217 million last year, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe announced yesterday.
Lady Foulkes encourages Bahamians during China visit
THE Governor General’s wife Lady Joan Foulkes met with Chinese officials in Beijing yesterday and urged Bahamians studying there to learn languages in an effort to gain a competitive edge.
Exhibit shows a new look for nation's Coat of Arms
PHOTOGRAPHER Roland Rose has produced an update of The Bahamas’ Coat Of Arms as the country celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Flag raised in Acklins and Crooked Island
FLAG raising ceremonies were held in Acklins and Crooked Island on June 12 as the countdown continues to July 10, The Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence. Accompanying the flag was Father Sebastian Campbell, a Commissioner of the 40th Independence Celebration Commission.
Father and leading light in Bahamas Defence Force
THE Tribune is continuing to run profiles of the fathers selected by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church for its anniversary celebration. Today, the Third Bahamian Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Clifford Wellington Scavella.
Community health centres to open in Exuma, Abaco
THE opening of two newly constructed community health centres in Exuma and Abaco will reduce the social, financial and time burden on those who until now, had travel to New Providence to seek care, Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez said. Both facilities are scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of the new budget year, Dr Gomez said.
What is the true meaning of Father's Day?
FATHER’S Day always sparks nostalgic notions of paternalism and fatherhood without ever really addressing what Father’s Day is meant to be about.
RBC donates $35,000 to BSF for Swimming Nationals
FOR the 30th consecutive year, the Royal Bank of Canada has pledged their financial support to the Bahamas Swimming Federation for their National Swimming Championships this weekend, cementing the longest partnership of any sporting body and corporate business in the country.
Are You Clear? The Power of Clarity
The thoughts you think, the words you speak, and actions you take, relate to your sense of clarity.
Monday, June 17
Scholarships awarded to graduating seniors in Grand Bahama
FREEPORT – The Grand Bahama Authority awarded scholarships to graduating seniors through its Top Achievers awards programme.
NCAA: Tight end Marvin Saunders commits to Seminoles
THE decision to pursue a career on the gridiron fulltime has paid great dividends for one Bahamian prospect as he accepted an offer from an elite NCAA programme to conclude the recruiting process.
Green group seeks impact study for Blackbeard's Cay
ACCUSING the Bahamas government of allowing Blackbeard’s Cay to overlook important legal and regulatory requirements, environmental group reEarth called on the developers to produce the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
Call to set up independent organisation
THE government has been urged to establish an independent National Crime Forum where all voices can be heard.
Why the crime epidemic, and what to do about it?
FOR the past few years, the Bahamas has been facing a powerful surge of violent crime, murders, home invasions and other destructive acts.
Why blame the Anglican Education
ON FRIDAY evening, the Anglican Central Education Authority drew a line in the sand.
Uproar over decision to cancel graduation
PARENTS and students of the graduating class of 2013 of St John’s College are up in arms about a decision by the Anglican Central Education Authority to cancel this year’s graduation ceremony and senior prom.
Baha Mar forecast down
THE poorly performing stopover visits so far for The Bahamas in 2013 will prompt a downward revision of mega resort Baha Mar’s growth forecast for 2013, currently at 2.5 per cent.
$200m project grows 'in leaps and bounds'
A MAJOR eastern New Providence development has witnessed a “dramatic turnaround” in terms of marketplace perception, a senior executive telling Tribune Business the project was moving ahead in “leaps and bounds”.
QC tells Gov't: 'Take next big step' over transparent planning
A well-known QC has urged the Government to “take the next big step” by following through on commitments to a transparent planning process, warning that unregulated development threatened to cause “chaos” in the Bahamas.
Aircraft loss delays Sky’s Andros plans
Sky Bahamas yesterday said the loss of the aircraft involved in last week’s Abaco accident would cause it to delay planned expansion to north and south Andros by one month.
Dealer 'wiped out' by auto duty changes
A former leading used car importer said his business had been “wiped out” by the previous ‘engine size’ duty structure, telling Tribune Business he had shifted focus to his steakhouse restaurant venture.
Super Value: 131% fee rise 'big pill to swallow'
Super Value’s owner has described the impending 131 per cent increase in its annual Business Licence fee to $3 million as “a big pill to swallow”, and fears it will increase the cost of living.
Investments 'vulnerable to political pressures'
Investment projects have been “vulnerable to political pressures” because the Bahamas lacks a national economic development plan, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has warned.
Investment Authority to shed 'low-value' image
The Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) is to be transformed into a “full-service investment management agency”, shedding its current “low value-added” and reactive approach.
CYCLING: Jay Major wins title
JAY Major outsprinted arch-rival Anthony ‘Biggie’ Colebrooke in another battle between the two rising young stars to win the New Providence Cycling Association’s Road Championship title on Saturday morning.
Independence events coming up this week
EVENTS scheduled for this week include the Ultimate Gospel Music Experience from June 20 to June 23; A Rush to Independence on Friday, the Grand Bahama Regatta from June 21 to 23 and, on Saturday, an urban band performance in Bain Town, Theatre in the Park at Centreville Park, Culture in the Square in Rawson Square and the Bahamas Salsa Social Network’s ‘Dance for Life masquerade gala ball. On Sunday the Patronal Festival of the Anglican Diocese is being held, and prayers for the nation on the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Red Cross gospel event
THE Bahamas Red Cross has planned a gospel event under the theme ‘Gospel in the Gardens’.
A businessman and a community leader
CONTINUING our series on the 40 men selected by Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church, honouring ‘Fabulous Forty’ fathers for the independence anniversary, today’s profile is on William McCartney.
Sandals gives donation for flooding victims
SANDALS Royal Bahamian donated several bags of linen and towels to the Red Cross last week to aid victims of the recent flooding throughout the Bahamas.
Development 50% sold before first shovel put in
SALES of high-end Bahamian properties have seen a “solid upturn” year-over-year, a leading realtor noting that continued development in western New Providence was sparking increased interest in that area’s luxury communities.
CHAMBER VOICE: Conferences are a web of productivity
As we continue to explore avenues for increasing productivity and efficiency, The Chamber Voice shifts its focus to how technology can aid this process.
The national flag's story
IN the run-up to the 40th Anniversary of Independence, The Tribune is looking at the country’s National Symbols, starting with the flag.
BLTA completes inner city programme
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association completed its new inner city programme in the Farm Road community over the weekend.
Mark Knowles to play one more tourney
FORGET retirement. Former touring pro Mark Knowles has decided to take down his tennis gear and come out to play one more tournament.
Bahamian flag continues journey around islands
WITH just over three weeks to go before The Bahamas celebrates its 40th Anniversary of Independence, the National Flag journey continues around the islands this week.
Bran: Name those who maintain shanty towns
DNA Leader Branville McCartney is calling on the government to divulge the names of the “protectors” and “elites” who maintain shanty towns for illegal immigrants on New Providence and state what sanctions will be levied against them.
Supt Dean named Father of the Year
SUPT of Police Stephen Dean was named Father of the Year on Sunday by the Church of God of Prophecy on Meadow Street.
Wanted man now in custody
POLICE are reporting that Kevie Cambridge, a person wanted for questioning in a burglary and rape incident on Harbour Island, is now in police custody.
Sports in brief
THE Bahamas Bowling Federation has announced that its trials for the Tournament of Americas is scheduled to start 7pm Wednesday.
70 teams to compete in Street Legends
OVER the weekend, more than 70 teams from throughout New Providence came together at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium for the official opening of the Street Legends and Urban Renewal’s Season 4 Community Basketball League.
FIBA U-16: Bahamas in 60-58 win over Mexico, 7th place overall
ONE day after missing out on an opportunity to climb up the ladder, the Bahamas national team made sure that they didn’t end up at the bottom of the pile of the FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship in Maldonado, Uruguay.
BKA to host National Karate Tourney next week
MARTIAL arts will be one of several sports to take centre stage this weekend and as the Bahamas Karate Association prepares to host elite competitors across the region.
Sunday, June 16
US diplomat returns to church one week after mugging
ACTING US Charge d’Affaires John Armstrong yesterday downplayed the impact that the recent attack on a senior diplomat might have on relations between the US and the Bahamas.
This doesn't add up
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Arrogance in our Parliament
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Briefly
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Bahamas targets commodities hub
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) believes this nation has positioned itself as a viable base for commodities traders, one of the world’s largest independent firms in the sector having established a base in Nassau.
Saturday, June 15
Court halts Peter Nygard work in Clifton Bay area
THE Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay has won a court ruling halting construction works in the Clifton Bay area by Peter Nygard.
Heartbreak as man, 23, dies in ‘accidental shooting’
FAMILY members and neighbours of a 23-year-old Key West Street resident were left devastated after he was shot and killed in what may have been an accidental shooting yesterday.
Friday, June 14
Rollins is a one-term MP
The talk of the entire commonwealth nowadays is the slap that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP for Fort Charlotte Dr Andre Rollins got from Free National Movement (FNM) MP for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner in the House of Assembly several days ago.
It's better in the Bahamas - promising beginnings
NOT too many moons ago — during the Pindling era – young Bahamians were encouraged to aim to be entrepreneurs. Success meant owning ones own business and hiring others.
Fire truck blaze at Bimini police station
A shed at the rear of a police station in Bimini was completely destroyed when a fire truck caught fire.
BPSU leader wants rollins out over ‘union-busting tactics’
BAHAMA Public Service Union president, John Pinder is calling for the immediate removal of Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins as chairman of the Gaming Board, citing “union-busting tactics” allegedly used by Dr Rollins, who he claims, “acts like a dictator.”
Foreign exchange call for police officers
THE government has been urged to establish a police exchange programme that would see foreign officers deployed here in a bid to reverse the continuing escalation of violent crime.
Bahamas Waste 'criticised for trying to help'
IT was disappointing to see the goodwill of a private corporation met with criticism, according to Francisco de Cardenas, general manager of Bahamas Waste.
Butler-Turner and Rollins apologise
FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said she was compelled to apologise for slapping PLP MP Dr Andre Rollins after realising that such actions went against the grain of what she stands for.
Sky Bahamas flight skids off runway in crash landing
SKY Bahamas CEO Captain Randy Butler was thankful that the 21 passengers and three crew were able to walk away from a crash landing in Marsh Harbour, Abaco yesterday.
Dorsett raises concern over disease risk
ENVIRONMENT Minister Kenred Dorsett is concerned that unregulated shanty towns could spark an outbreak of cholera placing the country’s main industry of tourism in jeopardy.
'Shocking' 26% new auto sales decline
Bahamian auto dealers yesterday described the 26 per cent decline in 2013 first quarter new car sales as “a bit shocking”, with volumes dropping by more than units year-over-year.
Arawak Homes unveils 12-year low prices
ARAWAK Homes is set to launch its newest line in home models by month’s end, its president telling Tribune Business that proper land planning had allowed it to offer properties at price points representing a 12-year low.
Retail 'pioneer' targets more Atlantis expansion
One of Atlantis’s retail ‘pioneers’ yesterday said he was aiming to establish a second store at the Royal Towers within three years, the recent expansion of his inaugural outlet having sparked a 20 per cent sales increase.
'No appetite' to avoid $100m in tax increases
A leading businessman yesterday said the 2013-2014 Budget’s $100 million worth of tax increases would not be required if the Bahamas had the “appetite” to tackle the “deeply ingrained” culture of government dependency.
Bahamas first WTO offering 'ludicrous'
A Cabinet Minister yesterday described the Bahamas’ first World Trade Organisation (WTO) offer as “ludicrous”, as it effectively closed the Bahamas’ two largest industries - tourism and financial services - to foreign ownership.
Murder retrial hears evidence
A POLICEMAN told a jury in a high-profile murder retrial that the “spent casings” of a firearm found outside a nightclub were from either a pistol or a revolver.
More regatta funds 'will bring a good reward'
THE regatta community has petitioned for an increase in funding for years and, according to the minister of agriculture, marine resources and local government, they should expect that increase in due time.
International softball back on field to Olympics?
WHILE local softball attempts to regain its status as a powerhouse in the region, international softball appears back on the path to the Olympic Games.
STUBBS OPINION: Getting swim complex ready for nationals
The Bahamas Swimming Federation is all set to host its National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex June 20-23. And once again, the championships will be sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada.
'Golden Knight' Miller makes A cut in 400
QUARTER-miler Ramon Miller became the latest Bahamian to attain the A qualifying standard for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, when he finished second in his specialty in the 400 metres at the Exxon Mobil Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway.
Sports in brief
THE Bankers Softball League continued its regular season at the Bankers Field, Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, with Fidelity out-slugging BAF 15-12 on Wednesday night.
Lowe's supports BSF's RBC National Swim Championship next weekend
LOWE’S Wholesale Drug Agency Limited, celebrating its 60th anniversary, has come on board to assist the Bahamas Swimming Federation in the staging of their 42nd Royal Bank of Canada National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swimming Complex next weekend.
USA in 69-point win over the Bahamas
SEBASTIAN Gray was the only player to score in double figures for the Bahamas, but it wasn’t enough to stop the United States of America in their 69-point massacre on day three of the 2013 FIBA Americas Under-16 Boys Basketball Tournament.
Growth workshops target small firms
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is teaming up with the Ministry of Financial Services to assist small and medium-sized Bahamian businesses (SMEs) that want to grow and expand.
Royal Bank readies for Freeport Expo
BC Royal Bank of Canada and RBC FINCO will tomorrow stage its 2013 Home & Auto Expo at their Freeport Branch on East Mall & Explorers Way.
'Enclave' tourism cannot beat crime
The Caribbean has often suffered from a surfeit of unemployment and economic malaise, both of which are linked to rises in criminal activity. Yet when one compares the rate of criminal activity aimed at tourists in the Caribbean to other similar destinations, one the Caribbean is doing an exceptionally good job in ensuring the safety of visitors. Chesney-Lind and Lind (1986) found that visitors to Hawaii experienced more violent and non-violent crime than did residents.
800 apply for Gov't housing
MORE than 800 persons have registered for Government homes since April 2013, Minister of the Environment and Housing, Kenred Dorsett, revealed yesterday.
Cable hits back at BTC's own alleged 'anti-comp actions'
Cable Bahamas yesterday hit back at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) with its own accusations of alleged “anti-competitive behaviour”, as the battle for broadband Internet market dominance heats up.
Minister touts new industry hires from reinstated incentive
AMENDMENTS to the Industries Encouragement Act has boosted manufacturing sector employment, the Minister of Financial Services said yesterday, adding that this was key to the economic development of the country.
Juveniles arrainged in connection with alleged assault on officer
FOUR Grand Bahama juveniles have been arraigned in connection with an alleged assault on a police officer at the Jack Hayward High School last week.
Police Summer Youth Programme to be launched on Monday
ON Monday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force will launch its annual Summer Youth Programme under the theme ‘Celebrating our heritage as we engage our youth for a safer Bahamas’.
Reaction 'will shape social values of nation'
THE public’s reaction to physical and verbal conflict between parliamentarians will frame socio-cultural values in the country going forward, according to sociologist Joey Gaskins Jr.
Man arraigned on airport drug bust
A MAN was arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday in connection with a drug bust at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Roberts on slap: I would not have been able to turn the other cheek
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he would not have been able to “turn the other cheek” if FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner had struck him on the face – promising that the event could have turned into a “nasty scene”.
No threat from 'super mosquito'
HUGE “super-mosquitoes” expected to infest the state of Florida this summer will not impact the Bahamas according to Andrew Thompson, assistant director at the Department of Environmental Services.
A leading light of the Bahamas
SEAN McWeeney QC served as Attorney General of The Bahamas from January 1989 to August 1992. He also served as a Senator from 1985 to 1992 and as Leader of the Government in the Senate in the latter part of his parliamentary tenure.
Thursday, June 13
Father of modern day junkanoo
MOUNT Tabor Full Gospel Church is honouring 40 fathers, in a celebration it has dubbed the ‘Fabulous Forty,’ at the Sheraton Hotel, Cable Beach tonight. The Tribune continues to run profiles of the fathers selected by the church.
BREAKING NEWS: Sky Bahamas flight skids off runway
A Sky Bahamas flight skidded off the runway in Marsh Harbour this afternoon as it attempted to land in a heavy rain storm.
Walking in love when it’s hard to do
IS IT possible to still demonstrate God’s love even though it may be difficult to do so? For Christian believers it is a must, as they are called to a higher standard of living despite the hurt they may encounter.
Caught on camera - the burglar who only got away with snacks
A BURGLAR got away with a soda and some leftover food after breaking in to Summer Breeze Pool Service on Winchester Street last night.
Call for special committee to investigate nolle prosequi
MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn said the Opposition plans to move ahead and request a “special committee” to investigate the circumstances surrounding the nolle prosequi signed by then acting Attorney General Jerome Fitzgerald.
Government concern over ankle bracelets
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday the government is “concerned” about the effectiveness of the ankle bracelet monitoring system and greater restrictions need to be placed on offenders.
57 years in jail for hacking lover to death with cutlass
BEFORE sentencing Prince Hepburn to 57 years in jail for hacking to death Nellie Mae Brown-Cox, a judge told him that in the circumstances of his case, he could have walked away from that relationship as he had walked away from his wife and children.
‘I slapped Rollins after lewd remark’
FNM DEPUTY leader Loretta Butler-Turner said she has no regrets after slapping PLP MP Dr Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly yesterday.
FNM Deputy, MP speak before House
FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner apologised in the House of Assembly this morning for slapping Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.
Oakes estate eyes solar power plant
The late Nancy Oakes’ estate has submitted to the Government a proposal to develop a solar power plant on the hundreds of acres it owns in southwestern New Providence, Tribune Business can reveal.
BTC blasts Cable on alleged $150k contract breach
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday accused Cable Bahamas of anti-competitive behaviour intended to cause it “loss of market share” in broadband Internet, claiming its main rival had breached their $150,000 advertising contract.
Commission forces Benchmark into broker 'guarantee'
BISX-listed Benchmark (Bahamas) has been forced to “guarantee” its broker/dealer subsidiary will meet all financial obligations for “at least 12 months”, after regulators expressed concern over whether it was a ‘going concern’.
Tax policy changes cause 'major angst'
Constant tax policy changes are causing “an enormous amount of angst” in the Bahamian business community, the Government has been warned, causing many businesses to ‘sit on the fence’ and postpone expansion plans.
Budget forces AML into focus on franchises
AML Foods plans to refocus on developing and strengthening its ‘low volume/high yield’ franchise offerings, its chairman telling Tribune Business yesterday that its food store businesses had been unfairly targeted by the Government’s 2013-2014 Budget.
Bahamas routs Mexico 77-54
Following a disappointing loss on day one, the Bahamas bounced back to deliver a dominant performance of their own on day two for their first win of the FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship Tournament.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Find inspiration all around you
The weekend is approaching and you should be preparing to have some fun, but you’ve just checked your e-mail and discovered numerous lingering deadline projects, one after the other.
Businesses eye reduced costs through number portability
NUMBER portability should provide significant cost savings for business looking to change service providers, while allowing them to retain their existing numbers, a senior private sector official said yesterday.
AML to invest $80-$125k per Dominos store
AML Foods plans to completely remodel its 11 Dominos Pizza franchise locations over the next two years, executives telling Tribune Business the company will invest $80,000-$125,000 per store as part of its theatre design roll-out.
Striping firm breaks ground on $400k HQ
Bahamas Striping, the road marking company founded from a Self-Starter programme grant, has broken ground on its new $400,000 headquarters and manufacturing plant.
Maritime graduates join growing sector
The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) chairman has told 39 graduates from the Maritime Cadet Corps programme that they are entering one of the world’s growing industries.
Grand Cross award for Rotarian
BAHAMIAN Rotarian Barry Rassin has been recognised by The Order Of Malta with the award of the Grand Cross for his humanitarian work, both at home in the Bahamas and abroad.
Celebrate independence year round
Procrastination, slunking, tardiness, sloth - call it what you like - it is inherent in our culture.
Church reaches out to children through sports
ABUNDANT LIFE Bible Church wrapped up its sports camp this week at CH Reeves Junior High School, after several days of intense Flag Football action.
Baseball championship to bring Bahamas economic boost
THE Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championship is expected to bring an economic boost to the local economy.
BGF hosts amateur event
THE Bahamas Golf Federation hosted its National Amateur Champions Tournament, which comprised of the Prime Minister’s Cup, President’s Cup and the National Amateur Championship.
Bahamian composers to be celebrated
TEN Bahamian composers will be celebrated over the course of 20 diverse Bahamian songs in a concert to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Former director of culture says PM's Mardi Gras plan doesn't make sense
FOLLOWING the prime minister’s announcement of a week-long Bahamian Carnival, former Director of Culture Nicolette Bethel criticised the plan saying it doesn’t make sense.
Flag continues its journey
THE National Independence Flag journey continues over the weekend, and more events are scheduled to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
Murder retrial to start
A HIGH-profile murder retrial is scheduled to commence today after jury selection was completed yesterday in the Supreme Court.
Police staff: Gibson must apologise for bias claim
THE Police Staff Association has demanded an apology from Labour Minister Shane Gibson, who they claim implied the force is “politically biased” during his speech in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The gift of a father
Father’s Day falls during the season in the church when the Sundays are numbered as they follow after Pentecost Sunday. It is such a blessing to be in the presence of a father who is filled with the power of God and who is a loving presence in his home.
National independence prayer for anniversary
A NATIONAL independence prayer has been created to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Brass Band player for more than 40 years
TONIGHT, Mount Tabor Full Gospel Church is honouring ‘40 Fathers’ in a celebration it has dubbed the ‘Fabulous Forty’. The Tribune is continuing to run profiles on the fathers selected by the church for honour, in the run-up to the 40th anniversary. Today, Leon Williams.
Kalik gives support to Crab Fest
AS ANDROS Town readies itself for this year’s Crab Fest, Kalik, the Beer of the Bahamas prepares to offer its support once again.
The joy of the lord is my strength
WHERE does the strength of believers come from? It is found in the joy of lord which is the strength of everyone who believes in Christ Jesus.
Relocation 'Giving' gift store a boost
The Art of Giving, one of Freeport’s leading boutique gift shops, has moved to a new downtown location at No. 9 Seventeen Plaza.
'Release business plan for Blackbeard's Cay scheme'
A PROMINENT local entrepreneur called on the government to release the full business plan for Blackbeard’s Cay saying the move would serve the public interest as details revealed so far do not add up – at a time when the country cannot afford a failed project.
Wednesday, June 12
We must connect as one people
The negative and agonising impact of crime in our country can be felt throughout the archipelago, and – it is the number one subject among residents.
Prince Hepburn jailed for 57 years for Nellie Mae Brown-Cox murder
PRINCE Hepburn has been sentenced to 57 years in jail for hacking to death Nellie Mae Brown-Cox, the woman he intended to marry upon the conclusion of their respective divorces.
FNM deputy slaps PLP MP in House
FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner slapped PLP MP Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly today claiming he had said ‘nasty things’ to her.
'Oh what a tangled web we weave . . .'
“It’s better in the Bahamas” — or is it?
Wilson 'back as BUT president'
Unofficial results of the BUT general election last night revealed that incumbent president Belinda Wilson has been reelected as president of the union for the third time.
Bahamian artists’ “Hector Pieterson: A choreo-poem’
Bahamian-American multidisciplinary artist Alexis Caputo was commissioned by South African Dance Company, Lesole’s Dance Project to write a Choreo-Poem in honour of Youth Day Commemoration in South Africa and Emancipation Day in the United States of American Juneteenth.
Body of fisherman is found off Potter’s Cay
POLICE are investigating the discovery of a body found floating in waters off Potter’s Cay dock, yesterday afternoon.
'I have been discriminated against for my sexuality'
REFUTING the government’s claim that there is no discrimination due to sexual orientation in the Bahamas, human rights activist Erin Greene complained that the records don’t exist because police refuse to take complaints from the gay community.
Sex attack suspect on bail
CHRISTIAN People’s Movement leader Stephen Serrette will have to be electronically monitored as a condition of the $10,000 bail granted him by a judge yesterday ahead of his trial on a charge of sexually assaulting two under age boys.
‘Unions must fight for BTC’
IF union leaders want BTC re-Bahamianised they will have to fight for it themselves, Labour Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday.
Drug arrest at airport
A 26 year old male of Marsh Harbour, Abaco is in police custody after being found in possession of four and a half pounds of suspected marijuana.
Speaker says MPs ‘acting like children’
HOUSE Speaker Kendal Major suspended parliamentary proceedings and issued a scathing reprimand to arguing members on both sides of the House of Assembly last night, accusing them of “acting like children” – to the detriment of the national interest.
Police stop rap star
GRAND BAHAMA police have been accused of “going out of their way to be difficult” by organisers of a concert featuring international rapper Meek Mill.
Event promoters unhappy after rapper stopped by police
AMERICAN HIP HOP recording artist Meek Mill got more than he bargained for when he came to the Bahamas over the weekend to headline a major concert in Grand Bahama.
'Optimistic' five new oil licences approved in 2013
The Government is expected to decide this year whether to approve a further five oil exploration licences, with its current licensee aiming to secure a joint venture partner “after the summer”.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Business is more than the money
There are several bad reasons to enter business. One of the worst is just to make money.
Mortgage Corp may need $117m capital inject
The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC) needs a capital injection of more than $117.129 million to enable it to meet all bond principal and interest payments when they become due.
Violent crime and its grip
In this paper, published in Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, which was chosen as a Highly Commended Award Winner at the Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2013, Dr Nikolaos Karagiannis and his colleague from Winston-Salem State University’s School of Business and Economics, Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, analyse the economic impact of crime on tourism in the Bahamas and wider Caribbean.
Bahamian firm views award as growth platform
A Bahamas-based provider of specialist wealth management software yesterday said its selection as the sector’s top performer was “a nice pat on the back”, and could provide a springboard to win new clients and markets.
Sandals helps flood victims
Sandals Royal Bahamian last week donated several bags of linen and towels to the Red Cross to aid victims of the recent flooding throughout the Bahamas.
Minister seeking to 'level playing field' on redundancy
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson yesterday emphasized the need for a strengthened social safety net for workers in cases of redundancy, telling Parliament his ministry was looking at ways to “level the playing field” and ensure measures were in place for employees to receive compensation.
Bid to snatch Kozeny's $22m was 'doomed'
The Czech authorities’ bid to seize $22 million allegedly belonging to Lyford Cay financier, Viktor Kozeny, has been “doomed” by the defective service of court documents on him in the Bahamas.
Port expects $43m offer 'gobbled up'
The Arawak Port Development Company (APD) believes its upcoming $43 million private placement will be 100 per cent “gobbled up” by investors, telling Tribune Business yesterday it was seeking the “optimal” low cost solution.
Talent shines in E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival
THE FINAL leg of the race for the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival 2013 ends Friday in South Andros.
Standing solo in the jazz spotlight
JAZZ MUSIC will take centre stage during Bahamian singer Anuschka Wright’s first concert.
Artist illustrates God's creative process
FROM THE few details provide in the creation story about how man was actually made, it is known is that he was designed from the dust of earth.
Things to do
JoAnn Callender in Concert: A Celebration of Bahamian
Undersized Bahamas ‘manhandled’ by Argentina, 74-53
Before they left, the Bahamas Basketball Federation knew that if there was one disadvantage for their national boys’ team, it was their size.
Quinn Russell: Globe trotter with island roots
QUINN RUSSELL’s multicultural upbringing sparked his fascination with world travel, architecture and culture. It gave him the hunger to get out and explore the world; to collect and share experiences.
'Tank' reflects on fight defeat
SHERMAN “The Tank” Williams said he was disappointed Saturday night in Carson, California - not so much with the outcome of his fight against Gerald ‘Gallo Negro’ Washington - but with the fact that he wasn’t able to get on the inside as he has done in the past against previous compatible opponents.
Sports in brief
THE Eleuthera Junior Baseball League of Rock Sound played its final game in the junior divisions of the 2013 Championship Series in Spanish Wells on Saturday.
Reward offered for information on animal killings
FREEPORT – The Humane Society of Grand Bahama is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing of several farm animals at the St Georges’s High School.
Bethel likely to take NIB post
ALTHOUGH officials have yet to name a new National Insurance Board director, a former senior employee has emerged as the front runner to fill the post, The Tribune understands.
Mitchell: Don't jump to conclusions over visas
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell cautioned Bahamians not to jump to conclusions over the temporary suspension of non-immigrant visa services at the US Embassy.
Gibson: Govt to approve pay
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson wants executive salaries and compensation packages at all government-operated facilities to have Cabinet or Ministerial approval.
Memorable moments in history
INDEPENDENCE Day, a music and cultural display and a junkanoo parade called ‘A Nation is Born,’ are featured in part two of our 40 memorable independence moments marking the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Murder trial delayed for a week
TESTIMONY in the Marco Archer murder trial has been suspended for a week due to a death in the family of a juror.
Call to remove dumpster piled high with waste
THE remaining dumpster at Pinewood park and the unsightly garbage around it should be removed immediately to prevent people from putting from large amounts of trash around the area, according to one resident of the Pinewood constituency.
Crowds gather for flag tour
ON the second leg of its national tour, the 40th Anniversary Independence Flag landed in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island, carried by the Air Wing of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to an enthusiastic crowd ranging from toddlers to senior citizens.
Sandals staff consider strike action
REPRESENTATIVES of line-staff at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort met last night to decide when its membership will initiate strike action, union chief Obie Ferguson said yesterday.
Ya Hear?
Ya hear 2 Chainz robbed at gunpoint?
Revelation, Asue Thunderbird champions of South Andros Regatta
REVELATION and the Asue Thunderbird emerged as champions of the South Andros Regatta over the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day holiday weekend.
Tuesday, June 11
TOUGH CALL: Lesssons from the floods
Pat Rahming is one of the country’s leading architects and storytellers. This guest column developed from an online conversation immediately after the recent floods.
Cuban Ambassador calls for greater cooperation among Caribbean nationals through art
H. E. Ernesto Soberon Guzman, Cuban Ambassador to The Bahamas, told attendees at the Opening Night Film and Reception for the fifth edition of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase at Galleria Cinemas West on June 3 that the occasion should serve “to show the proportions that art contributions can reach in our nations’ wellbeing.
Pushing through the good days and bad
WRITER, singer, live sound engineer and producer Showtime Shaddy shared with In Ya Ear the challenging, yet exciting experiences of heading up a recording studio.
A celebration of Bahamian composers
Bahamian songbird JoAnn Callender will lead a cohort of contemporaries in a celebration of Bahamian composers. The concert is an official event on the 40th anniversary of independence calendar.
Is it better?
“ˆIt’S better in the Bahamas” — or is it?
Jamaican national charged with drug possession
By DENISE MAYCOCK
It's time for communities to unite
AT LAST, government has awakened from its Rip van Winklian sleep to sound the alarm that there is indeed a crime problem that threatens this country’s future as a tourist resort.
PM's praise as students graduate in Abaco
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said it warmed his heart to be at the graduation ceremony for the 13 students of Every Child Counts, in Abaco yesterday.
Judges 'must be held accountable'
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson recommended yesterday that judges be held accountable for long delays in “rendering judgments.”
Five years in jail for robbing phone card vendor
A MAN who admitted to mugging a phone card vendor, asked a judge for a chance to turn his life around before a five-year sentence was handed down to him.
An end to discrimination - except over sexuality
ATTORNEY General, Allyson Maynard Gibson said yesterday the Constitution should be amended to end all forms of discrimination, except discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Govt to seek help to deal with crime
THE government is in talks with the US Embassy for assistance with all law enforcement agencies, National Security Minister Bernard Nottage said yesterday.
Two more tourists victims of robbery
TWO tourists were robbed in the area of Woodcock Primary on Hospital Lane yesterday, the latest example of a distressing increase in tourist related crimes on the island. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on Monday.
Delays after US diplomat is robbed
THE interruption of US visa services because of the assault and robbery of the American Embassy’s vice consul has sent “shock-waves” through the Bahamas, the opposition FNM said.
FOCOL meets Ministry over licence 'tripling'
Freeport Oil Holdings Company’s (FOCOL) largest shareholder yesterday urged the Government to “consider very carefully” the impact Business Licence fee increases would have on its hundreds of Bahamian investors, adding that the firm’s payment was set to “triple” to around $3 million.
Moody's: Tourism, domestic demand woe make Budget too 'optimistic'
A Wall Street rating agency yesterday effectively warned the Christie administration its Budget sums were unlikely to add up, with the tourism industry - down 18 per cent from its pre-recession visitor spending peak - set to lag the overall economic recovery.
Housing securitisation plan like 'junk bonds'
A former Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC) chairman yesterday likened plans to ‘securitise’ its loan portfolio to “junk bonds”, warning that this nation was already suffering a ‘sub-prime mortgage crisis’.
BTC confident of retaining fixed 'lion's share'
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday said it welcomed the imminent arrival of number portability on September 3, adding that it had retained “the lion’s share” of fixed-line customers despite Cable Bahamas’ market entrance.
Housing re-start is 'breath of fresh air'
THE Government’s plan to kickstart its housing programme will be a “breath of fresh air” for many small and medium-sized contractors , the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president said yesterday.
Rogue drivers undermine compensation fund plan
Establishing a fund to compensate Bahamian victims of ‘hit and run’ and uninsured drivers could be prohibitively expensive, insurance companies have warned, given that an estimated 25 per cent of vehicles are not ‘playing by the rules’.
URCA unveils consumer protection regulations
THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) yesterday released its draft consumer protection regulations, which seeks to address contracts and services, customer complaints handling ands billing and credit management.
Number Portability to launch Sept. 3
THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) said yesterday that number portability for landline services would be launched on September 3, creating a “strong competitive enabler” in the telecommunications sector.
Deal signed for water and sewage at Baha Mar
THE Water and Sewage Corporation has signed a series of agreements with the Baha Mar mega-resort for water supply and sewage treatement.
Bran: If govt can't protect citizens, it ought to quit
THE most fundamental responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens, DNA leader Branville McCartney reminded the present administration.
Jury problems hinder court cases - Gomez
PROBLEMS assembling juries are complicating the trial of criminal cases, State Legal Affairs Minister Damian Gomez said yesterday.
ATLANTIS LOCAL launched
IN ORDER to create a stronger connection and improve ties with the Bahamian community, the Atlantis resort has launched a new social media presence called ATLANTIS LOCAL.
Mortgage Corporation chairman rejects claims over NIB borrowing
BAHAMAS Mortgage Corporation chairman Alex Storr said remarks by his predecessor about government borrowing $10 million from the National Insurance Board to fund home construction were reckless and disingenuous.
July 4 new trial date for men accused of tourist's murder
JULY 4 is the new date when four men charged in connection with the murder of an American tourist will have their case fast-tracked to the Supreme Court for trial.
Trio post A qualifying times for IAAF Worlds
ON the eve of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships, Derrick Atkins, Michael Mathieu and Sheniqua ‘Q’ Ferguson turned in A qualifying times for the IAAF World Championships as they led a field of Bahamians at the Star Athletics Sprint Series in Montverde, Florida, on Saturday.
Memorable moments from 40 years of history
INDEPENDENCE, a new flag, a national anthem, Jumbey 73 - these are among the milestones as we continue out countdown to the 40th Anniversary of Independence with the first part of our flashback to 40 memorable independence moments.
Girls' Brigade marks 55th anniversary
FOR THE past 55 years, the Bahamas Girls’ Brigade has been an activity community organisation, shaping the lives of young women. For its 55th anniversary, the organisation is celebrating its accomplishments.
'We are focused on young people in developmental agendas'
WHILE the development of infrastructure dominated much of his contribution to the 2013/14 Budget debate, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson also outlined several areas of sport which will be impacted under his ministry’s portfolio.
MLB: New York Mets select Jervis 'Champ' Stuart
Another young Bahamian player begins his path to professional baseball in earnest after his selection in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.
Talking Bahamian
‘STOP Skinnin’ Up Ya Nose at We Language’ is the title of one of the sessions at a conference marking the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
Murder retrial jury selection today
JURY selection in a high-profile murder retrial is expected to continue today in Supreme Court.
Unified bus system moving closer
STATE Transport and Aviation Minister Hope Strachan believes the government is closer to implementing a unified bus system.
The Reverend who went from fisherman to church pastor
CONTINUING Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church’s list of ‘Fabulous Forty,’ fathers to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence - Rev Havard S. Cooper
GB Sports Hall of Fame
THE third edition of the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will feature 35 athletes, administrators, officials and personalities during a gala show at the Regency Theatre in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on July 6.
Monday, June 10
Water Corp signs $7.5m water treat plant deal
The Water & Sewerage Corporation yesterday signed an agreement to provide Bah Mar and western New Providence with wastewater treatment services through a $7.5 million plant off Gladstone Road.
Condemning the victims while we cloak the predators
By IAN BETHEL-BENNETT
New showing time for documentary
Torrential rains washed out the public screening of the documentary on the women’s suffrage movement in the Bahamas last month; however, organisers are set for a new showing this week.
Are you standing in your own shoes?
By MICHELLE MILLER
Questions to the former and present governments
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Brewery faces $2.5m cost rise via Budget
Commonwealth Brewery has warned that the 2013-2014 Budget’s tax and fee increases will have “a significant impact” on the company, increasing its annual costs by around $2.5 million.
Will politics continue to divide this country?
WE HAD several calls over the weekend from a few Bahamians concerned about a statement made in the House of Assembly last week by Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell. Among the callers was a man who we have always thought of as a “true, blue” PLP.
Hundreds march for Labour Day
“CAN you imagine a Bahamas where there were no labour laws?” Labour Minister Shane Gibson asked the hundreds of workers and unionists who marched in a parade on Friday’s holiday, which was renamed in honour of the late Sir Randol Fawkes.
Miller: top hotel owes BEC $10m
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation chairman Leslie Miller said one of the country’s hotels owes BEC as much as $10 million in unpaid light bills.
Police officer attacked at high school
TWO police officers have been violently attacked in separate incidents – one by a female student at a high school in Freeport.
Call to look closely at plans to borrow from NIB
A FORMER Bahamas Mortgage Corporation chairman yesterday called on executives at the National Insurance Board (NIB) to look carefully at the proposed investment announced by the government to borrow millions of dollars from NIB to construct over 100 homes.
Report due on 'sabotage'
THE preliminary report into a case of sabotage at BEC’s Clifton Pier Power Plant is expected this week, with initial indications suggesting the wires were cut by “professionals”, chairman Leslie Miller said.
Rally held to address crime
“WHERE is the plan to address this high level of crime?” Bahamas Against Crime executive director Rev CB Moss demanded to know yesterday afternoon while leading an anti-crime rally in a rainy Rawson Square.
Police officer attacked at high school
TWO police officers have been violently attacked in separate incidents – one by a female student at a high school in Freeport.
US diplomat robbed and assaulted
POLICE have captured a man who they believe assaulted and robbed a 74-year-old US Diplomat on West Hill Street.
Body of baby found, two women found dead, man killed by police
POLICE are investigating the discovery of three bodies – one of which was an infant found at the public dump on Saturday, as well as the death of a Fox Hill man who was shot by police on Friday night.
Insurer's flood claims equal 30% of profits
A Bahamian insurer believes its net loss from last month’s flooding in New Providence will equal 30 per cent of its projected 2013 profits, and be greater than that incurred from Hurricane Sandy.
Atlantis: BEC gives $75m Gov't taxes 'run for their money'
ATLANTIS’s top executive believes the resort could end up spending $69-$70 million on electricity this year, a sum close to what it pays the Government in taxes.
Atlantis 'refreshing' for 24% repeat ratio
Atlantis needs to reward its 20-24 per cent repeat visitor ratio with product that is continually refreshed, the resort’s top executive disclosing it was investing $25 million to upgrade The Cove and Royal Towers.
Business Licence rises 'discourage' firms from growing
The Government’s Business Licence fee reforms will act as a disincentive for Bahamas-based companies to expand and become “bigger”, a well-known businessman has warned.
Insurers to seek 'restricted driver' judgment stay
Bahamian motor insurers will likely seek an injunction to stop a Court of Appeal ruling that invalidates ‘restricted driver’ clauses from taking effect, warning that it “attacks the heart” of risk underwriting.
Gov't borrows $841m in just nine months
The Government borrowed $840.5 million over the first nine months of the 2012-2013 fiscal year to finance its deficit and capital works projects, it has been disclosed.
'Challenges' delay $2.3m Ocean Club condo's seizure
The receiver for an alleged $22.6 million fraud has applied for a summary judgment against two Paradise Island residents that would seize their Ocean Club Estates condo - one of the best recovery sources for investors.
Police find body on beach
FREEPORT – Police have yet to identify the body discovered in the Hunters area on Thursday.
FNM accuses ZNS of 'shameful political bias'
THE FNM its threatening to tell its supporters to boycott ZNS as a result of the “blatant and shameful political bias” demonstrated by the country’s television network.
'The Tank' falls to Gerald Washington
SHERMAN “The Tank” Williams may have taken on more than he could handle against former pro football player Gerald Washington.
Bail to join UCLA Bruins
THE long-awaited NCAA basketball debut of Wannah Bail is nearing fruition as Bail will take his game to a PAC-12 powerhouse this fall.
Stingrays, Comets get set for Toronto
ON Tuesday, the CV Bethel Stingrays boys and girls and Queen’s College boys teams will get a chance to compete in the 3rd annual Toronto International Track and Field Games at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Centre.
Miller, Gibson break national records
HURDLER Jeffery Gibson and quarter-miler Shaunae Miller produced national records and ran under the A qualifying times for the IAAF World Championships with two of the four All-American performances to lead the seven-man Bahamian contingent at the NCAA Championships this weekend.
Honours system passed to reward Bahamians
BAHAMIANS will get the country’s new “honours award” this year, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.
Dr Bain joins the Fabulous Forty
OUR series reporting on Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church’s ‘Fabulous Forty,’ fathers, highlighting fatherhood in The Bahamas, continues with Dr Hervis Bain.
Offer to re-open second Grand Lucayan property
A ‘major’ hotel group has offered to open and manage the Grand Lucayan’s 192-room Lighthouse Point property, a Cabinet Minister has disclosed. according to Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle.
Government urged: Pay small business promptly
The Government must promptly pay small business vendors and inform them of the qualification criteria/standards pre-bid, a well-known consultant has warned, otherwise they will be “in a worse state than before”.
Home applications dwarf Gov't new builds five-fold
THE Government plans to kickstart its housing programme by building more than 120 homes, although this is equivalent to just one-fifth of the 600 applications received to-date.
Bad loans and credit decline threaten growth
Difficulties in one bank’s commercial loan portfolio seemingly sparked a $38.7 million deterioration in the sector’s ‘bad credit’ position during April, another month in which the Bahamian economy was “relatively subdued”.
18-member team for 8th IAAF World Youth Champs
FOLLOWING the completion of its trials over the weekend at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations on Sunday ratified its biggest team ever - 18 members - for the 8th IAAF World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Catching fish on camera
SPECTACULAR images of a Great hammerhead in Bimini and an Oceanic white tip shark near Cat Island were among the winners of the University of Miami’s Annual Underwater Photography Contest.
AG requests more time
THE Attorney General’s office requested more time to produce a Voluntary Bill of Indictment for two men accused of the hold up and near-fatal shooting of a senior police officer.
Team Bahamas in FIBA Americas U-16 Boys Championships
What they lack in height, head coach Quinton ‘Three Ounce’ Hall is hoping that his national team will make up with their speed when they compete in the 2013 FIBA Americas Under-16 Boys Championships in Punta Del Este, Uraguay, this week.
Sunday, June 9
Nottage: We must encourage diversity
MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage urged local and regional law enforcement agencies to match or exceed the diversity and co-operation exhibited by transnational organised crime groups operating across borders.
Saturday, June 8
Friday, June 7
BEC discounts for those who pay off arrears
A staggering 90 per cent of BEC residential customers are in arrears worth a total of some $26 million, according to Bahamas Electricity Corporation chairman Leslie Miller.
Woman found stabbed to death
The body of a woman was found dead with stab wounds in waters at Montagu Beach on Friday morning.
Thursday, June 6
Four departments generate over 50% of Gov't savings
More than 50 per cent of the Government’s $162 million expenditure savings in the 2012-2013 fiscal year came from just four ministries/departments, a Cabinet Minister disclosed yesterday, while admitting that revenue projections had been “over-optimistic”.
Policeman flown to Nassau after being hit by bottle
A 31-year-old police officer was flown into Nassau today for medical treatment after he was attacked by a group of men at a bar in Bimini.
Will the security of the Bahamas be put at risk?
FOREIGN AFFAIRS Minister Fred Mitchell’s statement in the House of Assembly yesterday is enough to give every serious-thinking Bahamian nightmares.
BEC Chairman: Several companies could be responsible for oil spill
FOLLOWING reports of a “huge oil spill” in the Clifton area near the BEC power plant, BEC chairman Leslie Miller pointed out that there are several companies in that area that could be responsible for the spill.
'Turf war' between gangs in fleming St
A TURF war between rival gangs has made crime in the Fleming Street area worse than ever before, it was revealed during a police walk-about yesterday.
MP says PLP borrowed $1 Billion in two years
FNM MP for St Annes, Hubert Chipman said yesterday the country’s debt will rise to $5.5 billion – one billion of which was borrowed by the PLP in less than two years.
Mitchell hits out at newspaper editorial on former PM
FOX Hill MP Fred Mitchell yesterday lashed out at a daily newspaper after it published an editorial that lauded the accomplishments of former prime minister Hubert Ingraham.
Minister to seek new funds in the Middle East, Asia
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday announced that he will spend a substantial amount of time in the Middle East and Asia hunting down new funding sources for the “capital-starved” country this fiscal year.
Suggestion made about investigator
A JUDGE being “incompetent” and an investigator “sweethearting” with a woman residing at Yorkshire Drive were some of the suggestions the jury heard on the 33rd day of the Marco Archer murder trial yesterday.
Man charged with murder after eluding police for 18 days
FREEPORT – After eluding authorities for 18 days, wanted fugitive Jonathan Cooper was arraigned on Wednesday in the Freeport magistrate’s court accused of murdering a Garden Villas man.
Legal action threat to BEC, oil firms
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and the major oil companies were yesterday warned they may face legal action related to ongoing oil spills and environmental issues at Clifton Bay area, a well-known QC accusing them of maintaining “a fortress mentality”.
Projected BEC loss cut in half to $22m
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) executive chairman has slashed its projected 2013 financial year loss by over 50 per cent to $22 million, adding that half its disconnected customers owed less than $2,000.
'Renew' energy security through oil royalties
THE Bahamas could turn “oil into cash” and finance renewable energies from the royalties generated if ‘black gold’ is discovered beneath this nation’s waters, an oil explorer suggested yesterday.
Tax amnesty yields $9.1m
The Government’s real property tax amnesty has yielded $9.1 million in extra revenues during its first three months, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, with more than 1,000 taxpayers “settling” their outstanding bills.
Gov't targeting 20% procurement savings
The Government is targeting savings of up to 20 per cent through planned public procurement reforms, while aiming to annually award the same percentage value to Bahamian small businesses.
Stores 'are in compliance with price regulation laws'
STORES around the Bahamas are in compliance with price regulation laws for bread basket items according to Sidney McKenzie, chief inspection officer for the Ministry of Labour and National Insurance.
Bahamas top renewables testing bed
THE Bahamas cannot continue to spend around $1 billion a year on fuel imports, the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission’s director yesterday arguing that this nation provided the perfect testing ground for most alternative energies.
Banquet to honour '40 Fathers' for Independence
AS the 40th Anniversary of Independence nears, Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church, in conjunction with the National 40th Independence Celebration Committee, is hosting a banquet to honour its own list of ‘40 Fathers’ at the Sheraton Beach Resort on Cable Beach on Friday, June 14.
Minister addresses sporting issues in Budget
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson lauded his administration’s budget as one that “seeks to give people who have not had a chance yet, a fighting chance, so they can make it.”
Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp partners with ministry
AFTER more than two decades, the Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp continues to improve and looks to expand its reach this year further than it has in any previous edition.
Richardson 'deserves to show what he can do at next level'
AS he continues to work toward another opportunity in the Major Leagues, Antoan Richardson’s play has garnered support from several minor league beat writers in the Minneapolis area.
AG mobilises JP powers to Family Island administrators
ALLOWING access to the Registrar General’s services from e-Government portals will help Family Island administrators use basic Justice of the Peace powers to confirm births, deaths and marriages, Attorney General Allyson Mayndard-Gibson said.
$60m public pensions to exceed inflation
The over-$60 million public sector pension obligation will grow faster than inflation in the near term, it was revealed yesterday, and “will impose an increasing burden” on the Government’s finances without major reform.
Six charged with possession of dangerous drugs
FREEPORT – Six persons were arraigned on drug possession charges in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court.
Baha Mar 'accounted for five per cent of Bahamas annual domestic product'
A NEW economic impact report prepared by Oxford Economics, one of the world’s largest providers of economic forecasts and analyses, revealed that Baha Mar has accounted for five per cent of the annual gross domestic product of the Bahamas for the past two years.
BPC's share price 'affected by both govt's stances on oil drilling'
SHARE prices at the London-listed Bahamas Petroleum Company have been negatively affected by both government’s stances on oil drilling, company CEO Simon Potter said – adding that the prices will rise if oil is found and that shares will be available to Bahamians in “the next few months”.
Mass rally against crime this Sunday
BAHAMAS Against Crime is hoping all Bahamians who want to see an end to the scourge of violent crime will join them in a mass rally in Rawson Square on Sunday, June 9.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Software on a dime
Everyone likes freebies, prizes, rewards, discounts, sales and mark-downs. Ask any web or graphic designer and they’d tell you that they, too, are a part of this, as free software can truly make their life much easier, especially on the pocket. Why? Because software is not cheap, regardless of what they are trying to accomplish.
UFC: Edwards set to face Fisher in July
YVES Edwards looks to return to the win column when he steps back into the octagon this summer for his second fight of 2013.
Twenty-20 cricket this weekend
THE Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA) is scheduled to continue an active season over the Labour Day holiday weekend by hosting a Twenty-20 event.
Wednesday, June 5
Fred Mitchell: It's important we speak in parliament with one voice
IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday underscored the importance of a unified stance from parliamentarians as the government pushes its new immigration policy.
Recurrent expenditure is '$150 million below forecast'
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Bahamian ambassador fine after Cuba plane scare
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell revealed last night that the Bahamas’ Ambassador to Cuba was involved in an “aircraft incident” but emerged unhurt.
Keeping good company
By Allison Miller
Bahamian graduate continues his calling in youth ministry
By ALESHA CADET
Entrepreneurs 'should get ready' for Baha Mar opportunities
YOUNG entrepreneurs throughout the archipelago should “get ready” for the many opportunities set to come on stream with the opening of Baha Mar in 2014, Robert Sands said yesterday.
Civil Aviation staff honoured for 25 years of service
VETERAN air traffic controllers were honoured at an official ceremony celebrating their contributions over the last 25 years.
Bahamas Anglican Men's Cursillo
The Bahamas Anglican Men’s Cursillo is scheduled for June 6-9. The rector for the weekend is Joseph Hamilton assisted by Trevor Bethel and Carlton Russell. The rector is projecting 33 candidates. The Team Mass was held on Tuesday June 4 at St. Margaret Anglican Church. Spiritual Director Canon Sebastian Campbell was assisted by Fr. Dr. Roland Hamilton along with other clergy. The send off ceremony is on Thursday June 6 at St. Gregory’s Anglican Church and the Clasaura is at 5pm on Sunday June 9 at St. Gregory’s Anglican Church.
Dr Nottage: Drug trafficking is a major problem around the world
DRUG trafficking continues to be a major problem around the world, its proceeds constituting a “fundamental part” of some national economies, Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage said.
TOUGH CALL: Energy desperately needs to be addressed
THE budget proposals relating to BEC are clear evidence of the government’s failure so far to create a new energy model for the country.
PM speaks out after latest murders
AS THE shock of two murders within hours of each other lingered yesterday, Prime Minister Perry Christie said his government will not allow a small group of criminals to ruin the chances of the majority of Bahamians.
$8m grant from Chinese govt ‘will be tabled in house’
MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis yesterday deflected concerns that the decision to accept additional funds from the Chinese government has not been approved by parliament.
Govt pushing for next COB president to be Bahamian
THE GOVERNMENT is pushing for the next College of The Bahamas president to be a Bahamian, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday.
Men shot dead
POLICE are investigating two seemingly unrelated murders that occurred within 24 hours of each other yesterday.
Fidelity: $10m bond offering 'fully placed'
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) yesterday confirmed its recent $10 million bond offering was “fully subscribed”, as it moves to diversify funding sources away from complete reliance on deposits.
BTC targets 12 NP franchises by year's end
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is aiming to have 12 franchise stores in New Providence by year-end, with its projected investment in the nationwide roll-out totalling $2.5-$3 million.
Cable 'on hook' for $8m over US deals
Cable Bahamas and its shareholders are ‘on the hook’ to lose almost $8 million if the Government refuses to approve the company’s acquisitions of three Florida-based communications providers.
'Worried about Baha Mar'
A well-known architect is “worried” about the $2.6 billion Baha Mar project’s prospects for success, arguing that its casino was not an “attraction base”.
Sports in brief
DURING the Inside the NBA show on TNT following game seven of the Eastern Conference Final between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers, the Bahamas got mentioned several times by one of the colour commentators, Charles “Sir Charles” Barkley.
Bracketts knock off Black Scorpions 5-1
The Sigma Bracketts managed to outslug the Black Scorpions to stay in the thick of things in the early standing in the women’s division of the (NPSA) New Providence Softball Association.
‘Basketball Smiles’ camp all set
COACH Sam Nichols, retired head women’s basketball coach at McMurry University, Abilene, Texas, is scheduled to return to town again for his 14th Annual Basketball Smiles basketball camp.
Artist begs,borrows, steals his way
LOCAL artist Tyler Johnston literally begged, borrowed and stole all of the objects in his most recent art exhibition featured at the Liquid Courage Gallery over the weekend.
$5m Blackbeard's Cay rejects permit claim
Developers behind the $5 million Blackbeard’s Cay project yesterday vehemently rejected claims by environmental activists that it lacked the required government approvals and permits, saying: “Everything is in order.”
MARKETING REVOLUTION: 'Tech' out more mutual respect
As marketers, we often have to work with the technical people who develop websites, lead generation systems, design customer response management systems, and keep us abreast of the various forms of social media, such as Facebook.
E-Gov't sees 200 user rise monthly
INTERNATIONAL clients have been the biggest users of the Government’s on-line real property tax (RPT) payment service, a senior official telling Tribune Business yesterday there were 5,000 registered users of the e-government portal.
Money transmission franchise launches
CASH N Go/Bill Express, a franchise of the popular Cash N Go money transmission business, has created six jobs with the launch of its first outlet.
BREA urged: Move to 'full self-regulation'
THE Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) was yesterday urged to move to “full self-regulatory status”, and thereby ensure its members were adhering to global anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
Allen Cay saved from invasive mice
ALLEN Cay has been declared free of damaging, invasive house mice thanks to a partnership dedicated to restoring the cay’s natural environment, seabirds, and endangered iguanas.
Constitutional commission discusses the regulation of political donations
THE creation of legal framework to regulate donations to the country’s political parties was among the ideas presented to the Constitutional Commission yesterday morning.
Infrastructure costs of Baha Mar 'may be lower than expected'
MINISTER of Works Philip Davis said the infrastructure costs associated with Baha Mar may be lower that expected.
DNA: We need 21st century protection of our borders
IF the Bahamas wants to protect its borders from the dangers of modern illegal immigration, it must employ 21st century solutions, DNA leader Branville McCartney said.
Former officer has manslaughter appeal dismissed
NEARLY a year after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for beating a detained man who eventually died as a result of the incident, a former policeman’s challenge to that conviction and sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
Policeman who collected items for analysis testifies in Marco Archer murder trial
THE jury in Marco Archer murder trial heard testimony yesterday from a policeman who collected items for analysis in connection with the case.
Govt urged to implement environmental protection act
A REPRESENTATIVE of Save the Bays – a group of conservationists concerned with the Bahamas’ natural habitat – is urging the government to implement an environmental protection act.
Reports of a 'huge' oil spill in Clifton area
CONCERNED locals reported a “huge” oil spill in the Clifton area yesterday afternoon, but the source of leak has yet to be discovered.
Minister meets with parents over school closure
OVERCROWDING will not be a problem for inner-city public schools as the government moves to close Mabel Walker Primary School at the end of this school year, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday.
Deejaying a stepping stone for 'great things'
JUSTIN “DJ Bugz” Bootle feels no pressure to prove himself, even through he is much younger than most deejays. Before he entered the business, he looked up to many of the veterans, such as Xtra Large, Selector Ty, DJ Fines and Terrible T, just to name a few.
Androsians gear up for crab take over
HUNDREDS of crabs will be released from their habitat to mark the opening of the annual All Andros Crab Fest next week.
Tuesday, June 4
919 number malfunctioning - alternative numbers given
Police have said that the 919 emergency number is currently malfunctioning
To the person who stole our car
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Swift to make splash thanks to GBPA
THANKS to the support of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA), a local swimming club is looking to make a splash in this year’s Nationals, slated to be held June 20-23 at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex.
20 year anniversary for top recording studio
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Cable Bahamas in provision automate
Cable Bahamas has deployed Sigma Systems’ provisioning solutions in its residential voice services throughout Nassau, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.
Full house for inaugural comedy weekend
By ALESHA CADET
FNM deputy concerned over more govt borrowing
LORETTA Butler Turner, FNM deputy leader has raised concern over additional government borrowing after Prime Minister Perry Christie agreed to an $8 million grant from the Chinese government.
Atlantis security to be ramped up after robbery
KERZNER International plans to ramp up security at Atlantis after tourists were targeted for a second time at the resort this year.
School animal killings under investigation
FREEPORT – Police are searching for whoever was responsible for the cruel and senseless killing of several farm animals at the St Georges’ High School.
Tyler Perry ‘wants to work with Bahamas’
PROMINENT United States film-maker Tyler Perry is “prepared to work” with the Bahamas in an effort to boost the country’s tourism industry and economy, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.
PM: $1bn loan from china to be used for infrastructure
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the government is looking to tap into $1 billion earmarked by the Chinese government for the region, to begin a series of infrastructural upgrades throughout the country.
Surgeon says he operated on embattled physician
ANOTHER physician has come forward in support of former MUHC boss Dr Arthur Porter’s cancer diagnosis.
'Across the board' auto premium increase fears
Motor vehicle insurance premiums will “increase across the board” if a judgment, which the Court of Appeal president admitted “may cause some consternation in the motor insurance industry”, ultimately stands.
'Cruise visitors are competitors, not customers'
A well-known architect has questioned why the Bahamas could not find an extra $1 million to upgrade Nassau’s “most visited” attraction when the harbour was dredged, warning: “Cruise ships are our competitors, not our customers”.
Tour operator sees profit wipe-out in Licence fee rise
A Bahamian transportation/tour operator pioneer said yesterday his company was looking at an “almost double” increase in its annual Business Licence fee, adding that the added expense would wipe out its profits.
Top realtors: PM 'will do wonders' with first-time buyer clear-up
Top realtors yesterday said Prime Minister Perry Christie would “do wonders” by clarifying his Budget comments on the first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption, warning that they had only caused more “confusion” and uncertainty.
Court president urges 'innocent' victim fund
A top QC yesterday admitted “there’s no question the time is long past” for the Bahamas to establish a fund to compensate victims of uninsured and ‘hit-and-run’ drivers, agreeing - at least on this issue - with the Court of Appeal’s president.
Bruins fall short in rugby semis
Bahamian Tyler Pritchard was a major factor in the UCLA Bruins thrilling title run which fell just short.
Fry wins first international bodybuilding title
TWO months since moving to Orlando, Florida to pursue her dream of earning a professional card as a fitness competitor, Dawnita Fry clinched her first international victory at the 35th annual NPC Southern USA Bodybuilding in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Team completes NACAC trials
DESPITE the inclement weather over the weekend, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations completed its trials for the North and Central American Championships (NACAC) Age Group at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Bahamas' EPA plan discussed
More than 40 private and public sector representatives have viewed the Bahamas’ draft National Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Plan at a Validation Meeting last week in Nassau.
Bank targets stability, not growth, for 2013
Commonwealth Bank’s chairman has told shareholders that 2013 will not be about growth, but stability and strength.
Sandals strike 'any day now'
LINE-STAFF at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort could strike “any day now”, the president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Obie Ferguson, warned yesterday.
Marinas fear business losses from 15% VAT
The Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB) interim chief yesterday warned that a 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) could cost this nation hundreds of millions of dollars, effectively “driving business out of the country”.
Minister pushes Bahamas as region's top trade hub
A Cabinet Minister has urged the Caribbean and Central America to view the Bahamas as the hemisphere’s pre-emminent trade hub.
Activist hits out at prison conditions
A NATIONAL security plan that focuses only on locking up as many lawbreakers as possible will never bring about a safer society, activist Omar Archer insisted yesterday.
Treaty signed to help monitor firearms brought into country
AS the authorities continue to fight crime, the government yesterday signed a treaty that is expected to better monitor the trade of firearms and ammunition brought to the Bahamas from other countries.
Mosquito fogging underway after the heavy rain
FOLLOWING a barrage of complaints from the public that their homes and workplaces are inundated with swarms of mosquitos following the heavy rains, Minister of Environment Kendred Dorsett said vector control efforts have already begun.
Exuma 'is treated like a stepchild' by government
THE government treats Exuma “like a stepchild” according to Phenton Neymour, former FNM candidate for the island.
DISAPPEARANCE OF ANTHONY HEPBURN 'NOT RECLASSIFIED AS A MURDER'
THE police yesterday confirmed that the disappearance of 72-year-old Anthony “Tony” Hepburn is still a missing person case and has not been reclassified as a murder.
Dr Nottage is back in Nassau and resting
PRIME Minister Perry Christie confirmed yesterday that Dr Bernard Nottage is back in Nassau and resting at home.
Stubbs wants murder retrial battle to go to the Privy Council
STEPHEN ‘Die’ Stubbs wants to take his battle against a murder retrial to the London-based Privy Council after Court of Appeal judges yesterday dismissed his appeal.
Successive govts 'have failed to tackle crime'
FREEPORT – Elder Paul Joseph is calling on all stakeholders to get involved and help identify workable solutions to the culture of crime and gun violence that is gripping the country.
Halkitis: budget correction was not evidence of broken law
STATE Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis brushed aside assertions that a correction in the new 2013/2014 budget was evidence that the government broke the law in the last budget period when giving state ministers a $6,000 a year raise.
PLP chairman praises the 2013/2014 budget
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts praised the 2013/2014 budget, stating that by making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, the government has been able to improve the country’s finances and pull the nation out of the “onerous debt spiral” it was in.
Sir Sean Connery gives his support to Save the Bays
LEGENDARY actor and long-time Bahamas resident Sir Sean Connery has added his voice to the growing numbers supporting Save The Bays, a national movement to protect and preserve marine resources and quash unregulated development that threatens the waters and marine life of the country.
Basketball coaching to feature in ministry's summer camps
THE Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture announced that its annual Summer Employment Programme will run from Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 26 this year.
Defence Force apprehends 128 Haitian migrants
A TOTAL of 128 undocumented Haitian migrants were transported to the capital after being apprehended by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on Saturday afternoon.
Doctor who collected blood from murder suspect testifies
A DOCTOR who collected blood, in accordance with a court order, from the man accused of murdering 11-year-old Marco Archer yesterday denied that he did not properly confirm the identity of the individual.
Monday, June 3
Atlantis security to be ramped up after robbery
By AVA TURNQUEST
TYLER PERRY 'wants to work with Bahamas'
By DANA SMITH
Sir Sean Connery gives his support to Save the Bays
LEGENDARY actor and long-time Bahamas resident Sir Sean Connery has added his voice to the growing numbers supporting Save The Bays, a national movement to protect and preserve marine resources and quash unregulated development that threatens the waters and marine life of the country.
PM: $1bn loan from china to be used for infrastructure
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Outraged at shooting of 70 year old
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Talk to me when I'm grown
By Ian Bethel Bennett
You are born to win but programme to lose
By Michelle M Miller
Grand children inspire new novel for author
By ALESHA CADET
Investors unanimously re-elect Bank's Board
Commonwealth Bank’s shareholders have voted unanimously to return all 10 directors to the Board at its Annual General Meeting.
Realtors unveil nation wide webinar conference
Brokers, agents, appraisers and developers from throughout the country will participate in the first ever Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) Inter-island Webinar & Conference, scheduled for this morning at the Balmoral Club.
Showers and thunderstorms on the way
MORE rain has been forecast, with showers and thunderstorms predicted across the islands for tonight and the week ahead.
Have business owners lost confidence?
LOCAL and foreign investors are probably having more board room sessions about whether this is the right time to invest in this country. So far, the Christie government has done nothing to assure the private sector that they know the direction in which their government’s sails are set.
Losing the war on crime
THE Bahamas will never win this war against crime – never.
Knowles returns to inspire Wildcats
THE Sigma Wildcats saw the return of Linda Knowles in their line-up and now they are starting to live up to the hype as one of the female teams to watch in the New Providence Softball Association.
Two dead, three shot in weekend violence
TWO people are dead and three people, including an 11-year-old boy, were shot after yet another weekend of violence.
$6,000 raise for state ministers was granted despite being ‘error’
A $6,000 RAISE for state ministers – dismissed as nothing more than a “clerical error” by the cash strapped government in 2012 – was nevertheless granted, according to the 2013/14 budget documents.
Suspect charged with planning $2.8m gold robbery believed to be in New Providence
UNITED States authorities are searching for an alleged “violent criminal” they believe is hiding in New Providence.
COB president to step down
BETSY Vogel Boze is to step down from the post of College of the Bahamas president at the end of the year by mutual consent, The Tribune understands.
Cuban inmate escapes from Detention Centre
A CUBAN national is still at large in the country after a group of inmates attempted to escape custody from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed yesterday.
Budget ‘focuses on equipment, not officers’
SERGEANT Dwayne Rolle, Police Staff Association president, said yesterday the government’s 2013/2014 budget focuses only on equipment the Royal Bahamas Police Force needs and not the officers themselves.
Tourism 'starving': The shop is bare
Bahamian tourism is “starving” because it has both failed to develop a unique product, a well-known architect believes, and not invested in creating key “attractions”.
Construction fears over 150% Business Licence fee increase
Most Bahamian construction firms are staring at a 150 per cent increase in their Business Licence tax rate, a senior industry executive warning the Government it was “trying to kill the goose that laid the golden egg”.
Bahamas sees 'minimum' $30m flooding losses
The Bahamas has likely suffered a “minimum” $30 million loss as a result of the heavy flooding that hit New Providence last month, a top insurer has estimated.
Nassau Palm's new owners in $8m upgrades
A private equity group plans to invest $8 million in upgrading the Nassau Palm Resort after completing the downtown Nassau property’s acquisition on Friday.
Manufacturer: 66% Licence rise offset by duty exemption
A Bahamian manufacturer is eyeing a “significant” 66 per cent Business Licence fee rate increase as a result of the proposed 2013-2014 Budget changes, although this is more than offset by the sector’s continued import duty exemptions.
Atkins and Brown fifth and seventh
SPRINTER Derrick Atkins and quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown were fifth and seventh in their respective events as the only two Bahamians to compete in the Prefontaine Classic IAA Diamond League meet at Track City USA in Eugene, Oregon at the weekend.
Sports in brief
THE 2013 Gym Tennis Club Members’ Tournament picked up on Saturday after being postponed during the week because of the inclement weather.
Prime Minister meets with Chinese President
PRESIDENT of China Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Perry Christie in Port of Spain, Trinidad over the weekend.
DNP: Safety a critical component of Downtown revitalisation
THE managing director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, Ed Fields, called on the private sector to get behind the police in their efforts to clean up the Bay Street area.
Four in police custody after shooting of 70-year-old woman
FOUR people are in custody and assisting police with their investigation of an armed robbery in which a 70-year-old woman was shot.
DNA: Crime exposes need for national youth service
THE Democratic National Alliance said the Bahamas must move swiftly to adopt a national youth service programme as part of the fight against crime.
Four men expected in court over murder
FREEPORT – Four men are expected to be arraigned in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the murder of Christopher Outten.
Permanent solar lights purchased for Mayaguana Airport
PERMANENT solar lights have been purchased for the Mayaguana Airport, Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin announced yesterday.
Former minister disappointed with NEMA's family island flood response
A FORMER cabinet minister yesterday said he is disappointed with NEMA and its response to distressed Family Islands – particularly Exuma – in the aftermath of recent flooding across the country.
More than 200 exploit property tax amnesty
Around 200 persons have taken advantage of the Government’s real property tax (RPT) amnesty to-date, a Cabinet Minister has disclosed.
AML: $2m in extra tax equals 60% of profits
AML Foods is facing a $2 million increase in its annual tax bill due to the Budget, a sum equivalent to 60 per cent of its projected net income.
CHAMBER VOICE: Relaxation makes better workplaces
A relaxed workplace can, and will, benefit your business by enhancing job satisfaction and reducing stress. Stress can cause early burnout, health problems, inability to focus and workplace conflicts.
Rubis to re-brand 31 former Texaco sites by September
RUBIS plans to “ramp up” its brand promotion in the next two to three weeks, as it gets set to re-name 31 Texaco locations beginning this August.
Sunday, June 2
Red Stripe, Eudeva dominate regatta results
LUNDY Robinson, skipper of both the A Class Red Stripe and B Class Eudeva, dominated the 2013 National Family Island Regatta that was held last month in picturesque Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, Exuma.
Briefly
THE Boy Scouts St Thomas More Troop 46 Bahamas enjoyed an educational tour of the Bahamas National Trust Retreat.
Sooner or later the chickens will come home to roost
EDITOR, The Tribune.
MasterCard initiative sees 55% Bahamian merchant increase
The number of Nassau/Paradise Island retailers participating in MasterCard’s Priceless Bahamas programme has increased by 55 per cent since it started in 2008, this year’s version featuring 56 merchants with 70 locations.
Saturday, June 1
70-year-old grandmother shot in armed robbery
RELATIVES are struggling to understand why a 70-year-old grandmother was shot at her residence during an early morning armed robbery.
Millions in flood insurance claims
MORE than 200 Bahamians are expected to file claims worth a total of over $3 million with just one firm as a result of the flooding that affected much of the country, according to its claims manager.
FOUR MEN IN COURT ON MURDER CHARGES
FOUR men accused of committing two of the country’s most recent murders were arraigned yesterday.
Strike action by workers approved
STRIKE action by workers at Sandals Royal Bahamian resort has been approved.