The Tribune

PM promises start on inagua airport

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

INAGUA – PRIME Minister Perry Christie has promised to start the process of constructing a new airport at Inagua.

While the runway at Inagua International Airport in Matthew Town is said to be in good condition, Mr Christie said there needs to be considerable work done to the terminal which has several structure deficiencies.

He was not able to say what the works would cost taxpayers or whether officials planned to relocate the airport.

He made the announcement at the official opening of the new $20 million OPBAT aircraft hangar which is within walking distance of the airport.

“We had promised,” Mr Christie said, “and had plans done in the period 2002-2007 to build a new terminal building. We lost the elections and they weren’t proceeded with. So in coming down here and looking at the extent to which the Americans have invested on this island, the very least we can do for an island that receives international flights is to have a terminal building that is consistent with what these people deserve and ought to expect.

“The Minister of Transport will have her people look at those plans from the point of view of what regulations are required to be in those buildings and to see if they meet the test. Once she has done that and we have them approved we’ll move to contract,” Mr Christie said.

Arrest in connection with $39K drug haul

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Drug Enforcement Unit officers arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with a $39,000 drug haul.

The DEU seized the suspected marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash during a search of an apartment at Santa Maria and Pinta Avenues shortly after noon on Thursday.

Inspector Terecita Pinder said that among the items discovered were one black Smith & Wesson pistol with 14 0 ammunition, 13 wrapped packages of suspected marijuana, one block package of suspected marijuana, one zip lock bag with suspected marijuana, one roll of plastic wrapping, scissors, a digital scale and $4,355.75 in cash.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned before the magistrates’ court on drugs and firearm possession related charges.

Man asks judge to help him find attorney

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of murdering a man by running him over with a car asked a Supreme Court judge to help him find an attorney to represent him as he awaits retrial.

Tyrone Francis Jr told Justice Roy Jones that he no longer had legal representation and could not afford an attorney.

Justice Jones acknowledged the request and scheduled a status hearing for June 14, when a retrial date will be issued.

Francis was accused of intentionally causing the death of Jonathan Linden on October 10, 2009.

Justice Vera Watkins directed jurors to acquit Francis Jr of murder on November 15, 2011.

The Crown challenged that ruling last year. Francis remains on bail.