Wednesday, April 30
Girlfriend will regret the NBA firestorm
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Emmanuel Gospel Chapel celebrates 6th Annual Community Fun Day
The Emmanuel Gospel Chapel, located on Emmanuel Drive in the Malcolm’s Allotment Community, celebrates six years of ministry in the form of a community fun day.
Keep up the pressure, Dr Minnis
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Easter - History and Significance
By Rev Canon S Sebastian Campbell
Calvary Deliverance wraps up Daughters of Purpose retreat
Calvary Deliverance Church recently wrapped up its annual “Daughters of Purpose” retreat.
Politics must be more than just sweet talk
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Out of the dark and into God's marvellous light
By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious
Religious show celebrates TV premiere
JOY FM’s TV show, “Rock It”, which aims to give audiences an in-depth look into the lives of some of the Bahamas’ most influential Christian personalities, is set to begin airing on Cable 12 this Sunday at 6.30pm.
Economic development and deepening reform in China
YOUR SAY by Chinese Ambassador Yuan Guisen
Palm Cay condo offer exceeding sales goal
An oversubscribed offering resulted in all eight residences in Palm Cay’s second phase Anchorage condominium project being snapped up at the weekend, and created a waiting list for more.
Which one was joking?
EDITOR, The Tribune
Broker targeting 3,000 clients for cyber cover
NUA Insurance Agents & Brokers is targeting up to 3,000 clients with its newly-launched cyber liability insurance coverage, a product designed to give businesses protection from online exposures such as e-theft.
Jalam presents 'Humble Servant'
THE BALLROOM at the British Colonial Hilton was filled with the sounds of contemporary reggae as Bahamian singer Jalam presented his new album, “Humble Servant”, last Saturday.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: AVVY
BAHAMIAN musician Avvy, known for his popular hit “Dirty Nagua Rake”, is embarking on a new phase in his career.
A look into 'PROSO': C.O.B. students explore social issues through art
SECOND-YEAR College of the Bahamas (COB) students ended their semester last Thursday with an exploration of social issues through art.
Stadium renovations on target for the World Relays
With the deadline for the inaugural International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2014 fast approaching, the renovations to the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium are progressing on target.
Court transcripts highlighted among Swift Justice failings
INTERNATIONAL Development Bank consultants have compiled a scathing review of the government’s highly touted Swift Justice Initiative (SJI), at the heart of their study the court reporting and transcription system.
$25,000 reward to find killers of British man
FREEPORT - A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for the murder of British citizen Edgar George Dart. Dart, 56, was shot and killed three weeks ago while visiting his mother in Grand Bahama.
Builder 'who failed' is awarded contract
FORMER Minister of Works Neko Grant yesterday blasted the government for its decision to award a new building contract to a “non-performing contractor”.
Experts say there should be no V.A.T. until April 2015
THE IMPLEMENTATION of a Value Added Tax should be delayed to April 1, 2015, New Zealand VAT tax expert Dr Don Brash said yesterday.
Burned body found
POLICE discovered the burned body of man behind a church off Cowpen Road yesterday. According to reports, a worker alerted police to the discovery at Refuse Court around 10am.
Police 'beat my brother'
AN EAST Street family yesterday condemned the behaviour of police officers that led to the hospitalisation of a man with internal bleeding. Last night, 34-year-old Leslie Louis said he now suffers from frequent dizzy spells and “heaviness” in his head since he was allegedly beaten by police at a family meeting to prepare for his mother’s funeral.
North Andros Principal who was guilty of manslaughter to leave school
NORTH Andros High School Principal Stephen Sands, who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his former girlfriend in the 1980s, will remain principal for the rest of this term – but he will be reassigned to a Ministry of Education office this summer.
‘V.A.T. will force the price of bread basket items to go up’
DESPITE assurances from the government that food prices will not rise with the introduction of Value Added Tax, New Zealand Tax Expert Dr Don Brash said yesterday that the costs of bread basket items will increase to some extent.
FNM 'Will Make Healthcare A Priority'
IN his remarks to participants at the 10th Annual Eight Weeks to Wellness Community Programme on Monday, Opposition leader, Dr Hubert Minnis, told the more than 120 graduates that the “FNM will make healthcare a priority and will continue the remaining phases of our health plan”.
Teenage murder victim named
POLICE sources have identified the teenage boy who was killed in a shooting incident at Chippingham on Monday night as Braven Hanna.
Party gives Washington guests a flavour of The Bahamas
INTERMITTENT rain failed to dampen the spirits of an estimated 100 guests who turned out for a night of fun, food and dancing in the gardens of the Embassy of The Bahamas, in Washington, DC, on Saturday.
Bahamas to host 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers
THE Bahamas will be the venue for the 19th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) from June 22-26 at Atlantis Resort.
PM highlights importance of tourism at Mexican conference
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday highlighted the importance of tourism to The Bahamas during a visit to Mexico.
The adventure begins for first ever Bahamian theme park
THE Bahamas’ 41st Anniversary of Independence will see the opening of the country’s first ever theme park.
Three men cleared of fatal stabbing of Canadian tourist
A JURY acquitted three men yesterday of the near-fatal stabbing of a Canadian tourist near a nightclub on Christmas Day 2010.
Objections to chain of custody in drugs trial
THE lawyer of two men and a former policewoman, accused of conspiring to possess $64,000 worth of cocaine, objected to a forensic examiner giving evidence yesterday about items she received from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Search called off for overboard cruise ship passenger
THE US Coast Guard last night suspended its search for a 30-year-old American who reportedly jumped off a cruise ship sailing between the Bahamas and South Florida on Sunday.
DNA: Fees could have been saved if govt had listened
THOUSANDS of dollars in consultancy fees could have been saved if the Bahamas government had listened to recommendations about Value Added Tax (VAT) from the local business community, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney said yesterday.
Multi-billion developers eye Ocean Club purchase
An Argentine developer and his Ukrainian-born billionaire partner are the duo seeking to acquire the One & Only Ocean Club from Brookfield Asset Management, Tribune Business can reveal, although no deal has been sealed yet.
Broker submits eight defences to S.E.C. claims
A former Bahamian broker/dealer and its principal have submitted eight defenses to allegations by US regulators that they participated in an “illegal unregistered offering and sale” of securities that netted $11.4 million for clients.
'Non-negotiable' tax reform complements
A Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday described improving the Government’s financial reporting to meet international standards as “non-negotiable”, and urged the Bahamas to follow New Zealand’s lead by legislating fiscal responsibility.
Rival operators 'clamouring' for Baha Mar chance
A key Cabinet minister said yesterday that Morgans Hotel Group’s move to terminate its management agreement with Baha Mar was not “overly concerning”, suggesting that other brands would be “clamouring” to get on-board with the $2.6 billion development.
Baha Mar 'discussed' Dec. 1 opening delay
Baha Mar discussed delaying its target December 1, 2014, opening date with at least one of its proposed resort operating partners, court documents have revealed.
Donald Sterling is banned for life by the N.B.A.
NEW YORK (AP) — Issuing about the strongest rebuke that he could, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life on Tuesday for making racist comments in a recorded conversation, the first step toward forcing a sale of the club and permanently removing Sterling from the league.
Three new champions crowned in Baptist Basketball Classic
THREE new champions, one from St John’s and two from the Eagles Nest, were crowned on Saturday as the Baptist Sports Council concluded its 2014 Basketball Classic at the DW Davis Gymnasium.
A 'dazzingly successful tour' of Queen's baton through Nassau
THE Bahamas Commonwealth Games Association, the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture have staged a “dazzlingly successful tour” of the Queen’s Baton through the streets of New Providence, in preparation for the XX Games, scheduled to begin on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Inmates giving Baillou Hills Sporting Complex 'facelift'
AFTER a massive construction of a new sporting facility at Her Majesty’s Prisons, Fox Hill, Senator Greg Burrows decided to engage the prisoners in a facelift for the softball facilities at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
Bid to improve cyber security
THE government said it has embarked on the development of a national cyber security strategy that will further strengthen the country’s data protection capabilities by strengthening cyber crime legislation in the Bahamas.
Tea Time at the BNT
THE Bahamas National Trust’s “Take Time For Tea” event last Sunday attracted scores of individuals who enjoyed an afternoon of great music and delicious teas.
BTC's Text2Win contest
SCORES of Bahamians gathered at the Mall At Marathon over the weekend to find out who would walk away with the 2014 Kia Rio, the main prize in the BTC’s Text2Win contest.
Mother and child 'grow together' in new exhibition
TO illustrate and celebrate the sacred bond that exists between a mother and daughter, Bahamian ceramicist Jessica Colebrooke is presenting her 2014 Mother & Child exhibition, subtitled “Growing Together”.
Gov't still eyeing Land Registry plan
The Government is still aiming to develop an “integrated and comprehensive” package of reforms that would create a Bahamian Land Registry, a Cabinet Minister telling Tribune Business this was part of wider economic development and planning efforts.
'Tsunami of disregard' for statutory process
Bahamian law has been repeatedly ignored to the benefit of wealthy developers due to a “culture of subservience” among civil servants, attorney Fred Smith, QC, told the Supreme Court.
Central Bank warning: recovery 'very fragile'
The Central Bank of the Bahamas yesterday warned that this nation’s recovery remained “very fragile”, with official government data suggesting the economy grew by “a mere” 0.7 per cent in 2013.
Exuma Advisory Council to hold second meeting
Another meeting of the Exuma Advisory Council has been called by the island’s Chamber of Commerce next month, this time to be held at Sandals Emerald Bay.
MARKETING REVOLUTION: Headlining your major products
You should strive to make your products and services newsworthy. If you say it, it is either based on sales or you are bragging, but when The Tribune or the BBC reports it, it is news, fact, and a positive affirmation for what you are doing.
Dredger arrival sparks renewed Bimini concern
Environmental activists were outraged yesterday after a mammoth dredger arrived off Bimini, and expressed fears that construction of a controversial cruise ship terminal was pressing ahead in contravention of the Court of Appeal’s warning.
Celebrating the History of Jazz in the Bahamas
Jazz has a rich history in the Bahamas, which will be showcased all day today at the UNESCO International Jazz Day in Pompey Square.
Tuesday, April 29
US sanctions raise concerns for foreign investors
LONDON (AP) — United States sanctions targeting the president of Russia’s largest oil company could complicate the operations of Western oil companies with important investments in Russia, such as BP and Exxon.
No help to be found from Haiti
EDITOR, The Tribune.
The Prime Minister of foreign affairs
EDITOR, The Tribune.
The Ultimate Shopping Party is back
THE Little Pink Party is gearing up for it’s ultimate girls day out event – “In Full Bloom”.
Minnis will not be harmed by his gaffe
Malaysia has become a household word in the past few weeks in The Bahamas due to Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis comparing the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration to the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.
Banking upheaval
Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and FirstCaribbean Bank are all presently down-sizing.
Are you sabotaging yourself?
You are either your best friend or your worst enemy. If you are living the latter position, then the habit of taking one step forward and take three steps back becomes like a mini prison.
Tiffany Rahming fulfils dream of opening a school
TIFFANY Rahming vowed that when she became a teacher more than a decade ago that she would tread a path of excellence – imparting wisdom, providing direction and shaping the dreams of students.
Shaquille Cleare makes move to Big 12
After a pair of disappointing seasons, Bahamian collegiate basketball player Shaquille Cleare will continue his NCAA career with a new programme in the Fall 2015 semester.
'Legalising marijuana in the Bahamas should not be up for discussion'
THE estimated multi-billion dollar medical marijuana industry should not be up for discussion in The Bahamas, according to Rev Dr Randford Patterson.
Man held after alleged rape at hotel
POLICE have a 28-year-old man in custody in connection with the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at a hotel over the weekend.
$1m of lime trees ordered for agriculture institute
AGRICULTURE Minister V Alfred Gray defended the Christie administration’s decision yesterday to order $1m worth of lime trees from California for research and development purposes at the Agriculture and Marine Science Institute in North Andros.
Manhunt for escaped prisoner
AUTHORITIES have launched an intensive manhunt for a man they described as “armed and dangerous” who escaped from the Grove Police Station on Baillou Hill Road over the weekend.
It's your land - but you're not entitled to know how much is being given away
FIVE to 10 applications for crown land are typically given to the Department of Land and Surveys daily, Acting Director Richard Hardy told The Tribune yesterday.
Turks and Caicos said no to VAT due to impact on cost of living
THE TURKS and Caicos rejected Value Added Tax proposals because of its projected impact on the cost of living, according to a government minister.
Murder victim shot in the face
A TEENAGER was shot in the face and killed last night - becoming the latest murder victim in the country.
FNM deputy: I'd back payroll tax
FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner suggests that a payroll tax coupled with another revenue generation scheme like a national lottery should be implemented rather than the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT).
Search continues for man who 'jumped from cruise ship'
US COAST Guard crews have spent a second day scouring waters for 30-year-old James Miller, from Charleston, South Carolina, who apparently jumped off the Bahamas Celebration cruise ship on Sunday morning. The ship was sailing from Grand Bahama to Fort Lauderdale and was 27 miles east of Florida’s Delray Beach when he was reported missing.
Building leaders from the inside out
MORE than 200 mothers and daughters are expected to attend a conference this weekend with the aim of improving upon their unique bond while also promoting self-esteem in young girls.
Spreading the Bahamas word at U.S. mall
THE Bahamas launched a new marketing initiative, Mall Domination, at the Broward Mall, Plantation Florida, this past weekend.
Decision likely today over lawyer's contempt case
CONTEMPT proceedings against Geoffrey Farquharson are expected to reach a conclusion today when Justice Bernard Turner determines what action, if any, the court will take regarding the lawyer’s conduct during the Marco Archer murder trial.
Suspects say not guilty to $64,000 question
A POLICEWOMAN was taking $64,000 worth of cocaine to a “boy” whose name she wished not to reveal, a magistrate heard in a trial yesterday.
Free eye surgery for more than 100 patients to treat cataracts
MORE than 100 cataract patients will receive free eye surgery as the project enabling local partnership with a team of doctors and nurses from China begins this week.
Two die in Acklins as tyre blows on car
THE COUNTRY’S traffic fatality count now stands at nine after two men were killed in a traffic accident in Acklins early yesterday.
Hard Rock Café to reopen 'in the next few weeks'
Hard Rock Café (Nassau) is set to reopen at its former Charlotte Street location “in the next few weeks” the franchise’s parent company announced yesterday, revealing that the building’s landlord will be the new franchisee.
CARIFTA coach: It was a total team effort
HEAD coach Andy Knowles said he knew sooner or later the Bahamas would emerge as champions of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.
Price control abolition 'all politics'
THE Retail Grocers Association head suggested yesterday that the price control abolition issue was “all politics”, claiming that successive governments had passed on abolishing price control for fear it would be used as a political football against them.
Fishermen to query VAT impact on industry 'as a whole'
FISHERMEN are preparing to forward a list of queries to the Ministry of Finance relative to how the industry “as a whole” will be impacted by the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT), the head of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance also expressing concern that they were not getting “fair market value” for certain products.
Who will be the national basketball champions?
BEFORE the attention shifts to international play this summer, the battle for local basketball supremacy and the bragging rights of national champions will be decided when the Bahamas Basketball Federation hosts its marquee event.
VAT exemptions 'not in best interest of gov't or businesses'
EXEMPTIONS under the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) systems would “not be in the best interest of the government or businesses” according to the head of the Retail Grocers Association, who argued that the potential to recover only 20-25 per cent of their inputs would eventually drive some retailers out of business.
Monday, April 28
Consul General attends service for Bahamian pastor
FORRESTER Carroll, Bahamas Consul General in New York, attended the 25th pastoral anniversary service for Bahamian-born Rev Dr Jeffrey Ingraham at Calvary Baptist Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Sunday.
Are your health problems caused from subluxations?
By The Bahamas Association of Chiropractic
Acne: Version 2.0
By Sarah Beek
Medical lab technology in the Bahamas
By Bonnie Culmer
Caribbean cancer care programme in the works
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Dr Baldwin Spencer announced that the Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean, a multi-party strategic partnership to create a state-of-the-art Caribbean cancer control programme, has joined forces with cancer management provider Elekta.
Madman across the room
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Jamaica beats Bahamas with Freedom of Information
TODAY, Mrs Alison Bethel McKenzie arrives in Nassau on her way to Jamaica to represent IPI at the two-day World Press Freedom Day conference, hosted by UNESCO. The conference opens in Jamaica on Saturday and is expected to attract wide media coverage.
Summons issued for absent lawyer
THE Court of Appeal has issued a summons for a lawyer to explain his absence from the hearing of his client who is contesting a 40-year prison sentence and conviction for the murder of his mother’s boyfriend.
LGBT community: Too tiny to count?
THIS is the second time in my life that I’ve agreed with the Bahamas Christian Council on an issue. Our first mutual agreement came earlier in our conversation when Rev Patterson said that Bahamians were too passive. Try not to be too shocked, times are changing. As the vocal religious community shouts at an even smaller yet silent advocacy grouping, has anyone ever bothered to ask the Bahamian people how they feel?
Search in Bahamian waters for man missing from cruise
A MAN has been reported missing from the Bahamas Celebration cruise line after reportedly falling overboard in waters off Florida’s Delray Beach.
Two U.S. tourists arrested over marijuana
TWO American tourists are in police custody and will appear in court this week after they were found with marijuana in their possession.
Mitchell: FNM criticism is an attempt to deflect
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell says the FNM’s criticism of his latest diplomatic note to the Malaysian government is another attempt by the party to deflect from their Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ “insensitive” comments where he likened the government to the lost flight MH 370.
Mortimer's Passage to become full-length feature
AWARD winning filmmaker Kareem Mortimer is seeking to take his shortfilm Passage to the next level by developing it into a feature film called Cargo.
Human rights discussed by Ambassador in meeting
DR Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, met Ms Tracy Robinson, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights President and Commissioner responsible for the Bahamas, on Wednesday for a discussion of the work of the Commission and human rights matters of interest to the Bahamas.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: 'Unnecessary witch-hunt' against school principal
Of late, there has been quite a bit of chatter about the appointment of North Andros principal Stephen Sands to his post, particularly in the wake of the revelation that he had been convicted of the manslaughter of his girlfriend in a domestic violence dispute more than 30 years ago.
'Freedom of Information Act crucial to V.A.T. implementation'
THE passing of a Freedom of Information Act and a Fiscal Responsibility Act were important in establishing trust in New Zealand residents over their government’s efforts to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) and other fiscal reform initiatives, New Zealand VAT experts said.
Two men killed in weekend shootings
INVESTIGATORS say they need the public’s help in solving two separate shootings that resulted in the deaths of two men over the weekend.
Businesses will give alternatives to govt this week
THE movement of any Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation could be delayed as the government awaits a final report on alternative tax measures from Bahamian business owners.
Five people in hospital after spate of gun attacks
AUTHORITIES are investigating several shooting incidents that occurred over the weekend that have left five people recovering in hospital.
CARIFTA history makers come home in triumph
The 2014 CARIFTA Swimming Championships will go down in the annals of Bahamian sports history as the event which officially solidified the country as a regional powerhouse in the sport.
Tearful reaction to movie telling the story of how every child counts
NO HEART was left untouched or unmoved in the audience of the world premiere of an international documentary film featuring a special needs school in Abaco that refuses to leaves any child behind.
New chairman appointed by Lyford Cay Foundation
THE LYFORD Cay Foundation has elected a new chairman, Basil P Goulandris, who will be filling the position left vacant with the death of long-time chairman Manuel J Cutillas. Mr Goulandris has been an actively involved director of the LCF since 1997.
Consul General praises Bahamian students abroad
BAHAMAS Consul General Randy Rolle recently met Bahamian students at the Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Other students from the University of Arkansas and Fayetteville also attended the meeting, which included representatives from a Caribbean scholarship association.
Talk,Test,Treat!
THE Ministry of Health held its first Annual STI Awareness Symposium under the theme “Talk, Test, Treat”.
COB, Canadian university discuss link up
DISCUSSIONS are taking place between the College of the Bahamas and a Canadian university to link up in increasing assistance to a special needs school operating in Abaco.
Olympic judoka joins Queen's Relay
IN addition to being the first Bahamian to win a judo match at an Olympic competition, 19-year-old Cynthia Rahming this week found herself in the international spotlight when she participated in the Queen’s Baton on its relay around the world ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this July.
Sailing to success at Family Island Regatta
EXUMA was the venue for the 61st National Family Island Regatta over the weekend, with sailors and spectators flocking to the event.
Epworth Hall renamed The Sir Duward Knowles Auditorium
THE Ebenezer Methodist Church family showed their appreciation to Sir Durward Knowles for his support, not only to their church, but to the community at large.
Volume of potential V.A.T. registrants a 'concern'
THE Tax-Coalition’s co-chair has expressed concern as to whether the government will be able to deal with the volume of business who would likely look to become Value-Added Tax (VAT) registrants, noting that the government could face “big problems” if it was unprepared to deal with the volume of registrants.
'Golden Knights' link up for victory over U.S. again
THE men’s 4 x 400 metres struck another blow to the United States as the same quartet of Michael Mathieu, Demetrius Pinder, Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown and Ramon Miller pulled off the victory at the Penn Relays over the weekend in Philadelphia.
Tax experts support one rate, no exemptions V.A.T. framework
A “one rate, no exemptions” Value-Added Tax (VAT) framework has worked “extremely well” in New Zealand according to tax experts from that country, noting that such a move would broaden the tax base and minimise compliance costs.
Hotels see 'slight' Q1 room occupancy rise
MAJOR Nassau/Paradise Island hotels saw a “slight increase” in room occupancy rates during the first quarter of this year, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) noting the the first quarter’s performance was affected by an “unusually large” number of flight cancellations and a reduction in room inventory.
'Greater confidence' if govt followed New Zealand tax reform model
THE government’s tax reform process would engender “greater confidence” if it followed exactly the same model of private sector engagement as New Zealand, the tax coalition’s co-chair stating, “We’re on a completely different path”.
Max X Orange wins inaugural 12-and-under all-star game
IN just a few swings, the inaugural Gatorade Maximum Development Sports Academy 12-and-Under All-Star Game went from a defensive struggle to a power-hitting display for rising star James Rolle.
Sunday, April 27
Black Tuesday anniversary recalled
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday recalled the 49th anniversary of Black Tuesday.
Discussions are held over access to Fulbright scheme
RENEWED access to the Fulbright Programme for Bahamian students was discussed during a meeting at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US State Department on Thursday.
Killer left to walk among us
EDITOR, The Tribune.
ZNS issues in Northern Bahamas
THE Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas yesterday apologised to its customers in the Northern Bahamas, advising them that the corporation is experiencing technical difficulties with its satellite uplink earth station which is affecting the transmitting signal strength in the islands.
New Zealand and the Bahamas
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Briefly
Something may be wrong in your neighbourhood. There’s too much violence, or there’s an ever-present threat. Perhaps a child or adult you know was robbed. Maybe you’ve seen signs of drug dealing.
The sensitive PM
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Saturday, April 26
PM urges academics to Bridge gap between higher education and public policy
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday urged visiting University of the West Indies academics to consider bridging the gap between higher education, particularly academic discourse and research, and public policy.
Two charged in connection with $1.5m drug seizure
A MAN celebrating his 24th birthday yesterday found himself before the Magistrate’s Court facing charges in connection with a $1.5 million drug seizure off the coast of Long Island this week.
New Zealand VAT success due to ‘education, almost no exemptions’
NEW Zealand Value Added Tax (VAT) experts emphasised yesterday that a strong education campaign and “virtually no exemptions” are responsible for their country’s successful implementation of VAT.
‘SIGNIFICANT’ RISE IN SYPHILIS CASES
THE number of syphilis cases among other reported instances of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) is on the rise in the Bahamas, said Ministry of Health officials yesterday.
Man dies after shooting
Police are investigating after a man was shot dead on Friday night - the fifth homicide in 72 hours.
Bahamas CARIFTA swimmers make history with win
The Bahamas swimming team has made history by winning their first CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Aruba.
Friday, April 25
Five in custody over murder of 20-year-old
POLICE have five men in custody for questioning into the murder of a 20-year-old man on Thursday night. The victim was gunned down shortly after 9.30pm as he walked through Wilson Track with another man.
Stars hail a place like no other
THE Bahamas has received five-star reviews from actresses Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton, who are still raving about their time on the island months after shooting portions of Fox Studio’s feature film The Other Woman on location in Nassau.
GOLD RUSH: Team Bahamas earns 38 medals, 16 gold
Team Bahamas continues its stellar performance at the 29th CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Aruba and appears on pace to claim the overall meet title headed into the final day of competition today.
Plea not to upload pictures of murder victims to Internet
A HIGH ranking Royal Bahamas Police Force official is appealing to social media users to refrain from uploading pictures and videos of murder victims to the Internet, noting an increase of such postings in recent times.
Resorts World Bimini opens casino training school
Resorts World Bimini will open a Casino Training School on the island next month to recruit and train a steady influx of Bahamians in a variety of table games.
FNM: Diplomatic note was 'highly inappropriate'
THE FNM said yesterday that it found it “most unfortunate and highly inappropriate” that Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell would elevate “unscripted remarks” by its leader to the level of diplomatic correspondence with the countries affected by the loss of Malaysian Flight 370.
Murder victim Edgar George Dart hailed as hero by family
British citizen Edgar George Dart, who was shot and killed while in Grand Bahama, is being hailed as a “hero” by grieving family members.
Bid to attract tourism to Bain and Grants Town
COMMUNITY leaders have launched an inner-city tourism board in a bid to increase Bahamian ownership in the hotelier-dominated industry.
Moss: Leaders were warned over crime
BAHAMIAN leaders in every sector of society failed to address crime warnings nearly 10 years ago, according to Rev Dr CB Moss, who said the country was “reaping the bitter fruits of our neglect”.
'Attempted break-in' at RBC Cable Beach
The Royal Bank of Canada on the Cable Beach strip is currently in lockdown after an 'attempted break-in' this morning.
San Salvador sex attack suspect charged
A MAN accused of raping a 17-year-old American girl on Easter Monday was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Christian president speaks out over porn industry
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Rev Ranford Patterson yesterday accused Bahamians of being “too passive” upon learning of the establishment of a local porn industry.
Man gunned down while walking in the street
AUTHORITIES are trying to determine a motive behind the fatal shooting of a man who was taking a leisurely walk with a woman friend on Wednesday night.
Guilty of stabbing girlfriend to death
DOUGLAS Pratt faces life imprisonment after being found guilty yesterday by a Supreme Court jury of murdering his girlfriend because she refused to continue a relationship with him.
Sands Beer 'Man in the Boat' sculling competition today
WITH about 57 boats lined up to compete in the prestigious 61st National Family Island Regatta in beautiful Elizabeth Harbour in George Town, Exuma, commodore Danny Strachan said they are enthused about the level of competition to expect this weekend.
Paul sets sail for the Youth Olympics
WITH a pat on the back and some valuable instructions from legendary sailor Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles, Paul de Souza said he’s all geared up to compete in the Second Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, August 16-28.
'Killings have become commonplace'
FREEPORT – Elder Paul Joseph of Grand Bahama said that killings have become commonplace in Bahamian society, where citizens are being gunned down and murdered almost every week. He said that some 992 murders have taken place in the country since 2000.
Final respects paid to music icon
LOVED ones paid their final respects to music icon Bradley “Brad” Lundy Sr. yesterday.
Man wanted for questioning
Police have issued an all-points bulletin for an Abaco man who is wanted for questioning in connection with shopbreaking. Mandel Cox, 26, of Cooper’s Town, is wanted by police. He is 5ft 10in, with a low hair cut, slim build and dark complexion. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Couple robbed by armed masked men
FREEPORT – A couple was robbed by armed masked men early Thursday morning in the Malibu Reef area, police reported.
Recusal application to be heard in open court
THE Supreme Court Judge hearing judicial review proceedings in the long-running dispute over development at Nygard Cay has ruled that an application to recuse herself from the case must be heard in open court as a matter of public importance.
Police still probing visa irregularities
POLICE are still investigating suspected visa irregularities at the Bahamas Embassy in Haiti, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Ferguson said this week.
$30m Four Seasons development negotiations 'well advanced'
THE government is expected to meet next week to “wrap up” a Heads of Agreement to pave the way for a reported $30 million Four Seasons branded luxury resort development in Eleuthera.
Timber company at 'dead stop' over equipment duty snag
AN Abaco-based timber company said yesterday that its operation had come to a “dead stop” after duty concession issues led to the delay of a shipment of $400,000 worth of vital equipment, its principal telling Tribune Business, “We’re stuck and can’t do anything”.
Cotton Bay development eyeing hotel and golf course in 2015
THE Cotton Bay Estates developers expect to have a hotel and golf course constructed by next April according to Prime Minister Perry Christie who noted that $90 million had been invested in the development to date.
'Lucrative opportunity' in vacation home rental market
THE vacation home rental market in the Bahamas can be tapped for further growth, according to a local businesswoman who described it as a “lucrative opportunity” and urged the formation of an association to ensure proper rental standards and repeat business.
Thursday, April 24
VIDEO: B.B.C. news features Bahamian family's Commonwealth judo hopefuls
Head of the Bahamian Judo Association D'Arcy Rahming is the father of three judo champions - and two of his children will be representing the nation at this year's Commonwealth Games.
Judges could learn from overseas
EDITOR, The Tribune.
A day for equality
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Bahamians urged to fight for their natural heritage
THE Coalition to Save Clifton (CSC) has launched a series of free water tours in an effort to highlight the country’s rich natural heritage and raise awareness about the many threats confronting it.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES: Atlantis Toastmasters head to Miami
Atlantis Toastmasters. - The Great Persuaders of Atlantis Toastmasters Club 8720 has the honour of representing The Bahamas and Atlantis, Paradise Island at the upcoming District 47 competitions set for April 25-27 in Miami, Florida.
Mitchell is embarrassing the country
EDITOR, The Tribune.
12-and-under National All-Star Game all set for tonight at the Freedom Farm
MAXIMUM Development Sports Academy is scheduled to host the inaugural 12-and-under National All-Star Game 7pm April 25 at the Freedom Farm Baseball Complex in Yamacraw.
Douglas Pratt guilty of murder
Douglas Pratt has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, in a unanimous decision by the jury.
Politicians out of touch with the people
SPEAKING at the opening of the Bahamas Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s post-election seminar three weeks ago, Prime Minister Christie announced that he thought this was the “appropriate time to consider” the construction of a new parliamentary building that would house both the House of Assembly and the Senate.
Decision over future of school principal next week
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald will announce what will happen to North Andros High School principal Stephen Sands, who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of his former girlfriend more than 30 years ago, before a cabinet meeting next week.
Low turnout for protest against power costs in Grand Bahama
The Coalition for Concerned Citizens (CCC) is determined to continue its fight in lowering the cost of power on Grand Bahama, despite a low turnout of supporters at Tuesday’s demonstration.
Govt sends diplomatic note over Minnis airline comments
THE Government of the Bahamas yesterday issued a diplomatic note to the Governments of Malaysia, China, and the United States to distance itself from remarks made by Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis who remarked that the Christie administration “is more lost than the Malaysian Airline the world is looking for”.
$35m loan to pay for Critical Care Block equipment
WHILE the Critical Care Block at Princess Margaret Hospital is largely complete, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez says he will soon seek approval from Parliamentarians to secure a $35m loan to purchase equipment for the facility.
MARCO'S LAW: No date for legislation to come into effect
DESPITE the passing of Marco’s Law last year, legislators have yet to formulate regulations for the Bill which is expected to see the implementation of the Marco alert system and a sexual offender’s registry, according to a senior Cabinet Minister.
Tourism minister speaks out over assault on U.S. girl
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday he is “very concerned” about the sexual assault of a 17-year-old American girl who was strangled to near unconsciousness and forced to perform a sexual act on a middle-aged man on San Salvador.
$1.5m haul of drugs seized
POLICE arrested two men in connection with a $1.5m drug seizure yesterday.
Deputy PM admits Abaco airport opening will be delayed again
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis says the opening of the multi-million airport at Abaco is expected to suffer yet another delay, this time to next month.
Three men killed in shootings
TWO Pinewood Gardens men were gunned down in separate incidents hours apart and a 41-year-old was shot dead taking the country’s murder count this year to 34.
US Customs ruling could bring financial boom
A RULING by the US Customs service could bring a financial boom to The Bahamas.
Change of lawyer in manslaughter appeal
A MAN has privately retained a lawyer to assist him in challenging his conviction and 18-year-sentence for manslaughter after his previous lawyer asked the Court of Appeal for leave to withdraw.
Join BNT celebration of Earth Day
ALTHOUGH Earth Day was on Tuesday, the Bahamas National Trust will celebrate this worldwide event on Saturday, with a public-supported park restoration project at Harrold and Wilson Ponds.
Mitchell: Male health a factor in lifespan reduction
HEALTH statistics on Bahamian men were a major factor in a two-year drop in overall life expectancy recorded by global health agencies, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday.
Administrator says office for district council is a win for Cat Island
THE building which once housed the Ministry of Education’s teacher’s cottage in New Bight, Cat Island, has been refurbished and is now the home of the Cat Island District Council Office.
CARIFTA SWIMMING: Bahamas among top performers
Prior to the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, head coach Andy Knowles said he expected his 36-member team to “compete with the top tier teams this year” at the 29th edition of the meet.
Concerns raised over 'vague' bill for medical industry
A TOP natural medicine practitioner criticised the government yesterday for “not seeking input” from alternative medicine practitioners before drafting and debating in Parliament a “vague” Bill to amend the Medical Council Act.
Before and after Easter
WHEN we think of before and after situations our minds may run on the medical makeovers that are being televised regularly on certain channels. There are so many drastic changes which may be made to facial features that persons seem hardly recognisable after it is over.
Easter
THIS is the day the church celebrates the feast of Christ’s resurrection, of which Easter is the oldest and greatest feast in the church.
Gospel artist V-Mac's Eleuthera tour to target youth in wake of triple tragedy
In the wake of the deaths of Bobby Thompson, 32, Pachino Simmons, 28, and Harry Sands, Jr, 19, gospel recording artist and founder of 242Untapped Vincent ‘V-Mac’ McDonald, is taking his Declaration Tour to the island of Eleuthera, hoping to keep the youth there on track in spite of the triple tragedy.
Graham Thompson, Nestle Milo on board as World Relays Bahamas sponsors
WITH only weeks to go before the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2014, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has announced two additional sponsors - Graham Thompson Attorney’s and Nestle Milo - who have signed on to be a part of the biggest sporting event in The Bahamas’ history.
Elections next month after G.B. Christian Council rift
FREEPORT – Nominations for executive positions in the Grand Bahama Christian Council are underway, with elections set for May 13. Bishop Ricardo Grant, one of the six past presidents who are acting as the interim Council, said they will continue as advisers following the election.
Families of Murdered Victims to stage march
OPERATORS of a popular Facebook group, with Families of Murdered Victims will be staging a march on Rawson Square to demand that persons who are charged with murder are not given bail, and that the death penalty is carried out.
Government praise for charter service to island
PRIME Minister Perry Christie, MICAL MP Alfred Gray, and Minister of Transport Glenys Hanna-Martin led the chorus of praise and thanks for Captain Larry Brown, president of Le Air Charter Services for providing air support services to Mayaguana when Bahamasair, the national airline, suspended services to that southern island more than five years ago.
Verdict due in Pratt case
A SUPREME Court jury is expected to pass judgment today on 27-year-old Douglas Pratt, who is standing trial in connection with the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend on Adelaide Beach.
Cable Bahamas 'pretty pleased' on Florida growth
CABLE Bahamas said yesterday that it was “pretty pleased” with the growth level on its recently acquired Florida business, its president and CEO telling Tribune Business that the the communications provider had already contracted its 2014 growth in the first quarter of this year.
'Big boom' in high-end vehicle purchasers
A leading auto dealer said that he had seen a “big boom” in high-end vehicle purchases coming off last month’s BMDA car show, telling Tribune Business, “I can’t keep them in stock”.
Big Game eyes strong boating season
THE Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina saw a “sellout” Easter weekend, its general manager describing it as “one of the highlights of April”.
Cable Bahamas eyes 1,500 more customers to broadband subscription
CABLE Bahamas said yesterday that it was looking to add another 1,500 customers to its broadband network, executives noting that the company had gained a 26 per cent market share in landline services in just two years.
Wednesday, April 23
Man killed in afternoon shooting
A MAN has been killed in a shooting incident off Market Street on Wednesday afternoon.
Bishop Lonford Bethel installed as Highway Church of God General Superintendent
THE Highway Church of God (Bahamas) recently marked a glorious note in its history with the installation of Bishop Lonford L Bethel as its fifth general superintendent.
Advertising and its importance
By Diedre Bastian
Briefly
EDITOR, The Tribune.
St George's Church observes Feast of Title
MEMBERS of the St George’s Anglican Church, also known as the “Valley”, will continue to observe their Feast of Title of Patronal Festival with two nights of mission under the theme “Stewardship – Service in the Church and the Community”.
LYFORD CAY FOUNDATION GRANTS $12,500 TO BAHAMAS ALL-STARS
THE LYFORD Cay Foundation recently granted $12,500 to Bahamas All-Stars Youth Development Organisation, which will allow the organisation to purchase new musical instruments.
Four in custody after man shot dead
Four males aged 35, 30, 18 and 17 are in custody assisting police with investigations into a shooting incident that left a man dead on Tuesday.
Sketch Carey prepares to take ‘Bahamas to the world’
ONE of many local artists seeking to solidify their place in the world of music, Sketch Carey is working diligently to make his mark.
One-on-one with the Baintown Bois
THE rapping Bahamian group known the Baintown Bois have shared their history and some of their most memorable moments with In Ya Ear.
Organic beauty brings colour to Je-Rome Miller's exhibition
THE organic beauty of the environment, a common thread in Je’Rome Miller’s artwork, is also a prominent feature in the artist’s eighth annual exhibition The Gift of Life…Seeing Colors.
A colour of harmony at COB
FOR THE 25th time, The College of the Bahamas’ (COB) School of Communication and Creative Arts invited Bahamians to celebrate an evening of visual and performing arts at the Colour of Harmony festivities.
Man in custody following triple shooting
AUTHORITIES confirmed yesterday that a 22-year-old man was in custody with several other men who were being questioned in connection with a Montel Heights shooting incident.
Lack of stenographer at heart of appeal
TWO men are appealing a judge’s ruling that their right to a fair trial would not be in jeopardy without the presence of a stenographer.
Bran: Bahamians were warned about 'late again' government
WITH issues over important national issues remaining unclear, Democratic National Alliance leader Branville McCartney said yesterday that Bahamians were warned two years ago about the Christie administration’s “incompetence.”
‘Selfies’ with Rick Ross jewellery that could cost workers
TWO Atlantis Resort employees are under investigation after allegedly breaking into the hotel suite of hip-hop artist Rick Ross and taking “selfies” of themselves adorned in the rapper’s jewellery worth thousands of dollars.
Pinder says pledge to repeal tax was reckless
FINANCIAL Services Minister Ryan Pinder yesterday said it was reckless for opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis to promise repealing any tax introduced by the Christie administration that causes suffering.
U.S. girl victim of sex attack
A 17-YEAR-OLD American girl was left traumatised after she was strangled to near unconsciousness and forced to perform a sexual act on a middle-aged San Salvador man.
'Fraser case highlights major flaw in legal system'
GIVING convicted sex offenders the same legal rights around children that others have exposes a major flaw in the Bahamas’ legal system, a well known attorney said yesterday.
No apology from Minnis for airlines comment
FREE National Movement leader Dr Hubert Minnis says he will not apologise for recent comments in which he likened the Christie administration to the missing Malaysian Airlines flight.
Stab wounds 'may have been self inflicted'
THE stab wounds a man received the night his girlfriend was fatally stabbed on Adelaide Beach could have been self-inflicted, a jury heard yesterday.
Sports in brief
Drexel Maycock picked up a bronze medal in the under-20 boys’ discus on the final day of competition at the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Martinique on Monday. However, his performance of 49.31 metres was not included in the report as his result was not posted up to press time.
Bahamian artists give their perspective with new exhibition
FREEPORT- Acclaimed artists Max Taylor and Claudette Dean staged their joint art exhibition on Saturday evening at The Grand Gallery. The exhibition, entitled Perspectives - The Real & The Imagined displayed a wide range of works including oil on canvas, acrylic, ceramics, charcoal sketches and woodcuts.
Welcome laughs at the Hibiscus Hotel
CAST and crew members of a new comedy entitled Hibiscus Hotel are well on their way to performing the play’s launch on the poolside stage at Jacaranda House next month. The gala opening night and initial performance will take place on Friday May 2 and performances will continue to Saturday May 10.
Superman returns
After a year of rehabilitation from a knee injury he suffered at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, national triple jump record holder Leevan “Superman” Sands is back.
Seawall construction under way in Cat Island
Ministry of Works and Urban Development officials led by Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs and representatives of Urban Renewal 2.0 toured a seawall project in Cat Island Wednesday, April 16.
Luxury retailers given a flavour of the Baha Mar experience
LUXURY retailers have been given a glimpse of the Baha Mar lifestyle.
Running water at last thanks to Urban Renewal programme
THE lives of three Cat Island families have been improved after work by the Urban Renewal Small Home Repairs Programme.
Ya Hear?
• Ya hear rapper Lil Kim announced she is having a baby girl?
Hunt for three men in Andros
POLICE in Andros are hunting for three men who are wanted following an incident at Lowe Sound on Sunday.
Traffic victim identified
A recent victim of an Eleuthera traffic accident has been identified as 28-year-old Pachino Simmons, of Governor’s Harbour.
Sandals donates linen to Unity House
SANDALS Royal Bahamian donated six large bags of linen to Unity House last Thursday, as it continues its efforts to help those in need within the community.
Welcome way to highlight unwelcome new species
THE Bahamas National Trust recently brought fun to the Discovery Club programme by challenging its 41 Discovery Clubs nationwide to create attention grabbing Public Service Announcements to increase awareness of invasive species and the problems that these unwelcomed guests can cause.
'No business sense' for Bahamasair out island route expansion
A leading Bahamian airline executive yesterday said that it made “no business sense” for Bahamasair to continue to expand to less profitable out island routes, noting that the government-subsidised airline created an “uneven playing field’ for domestic carriers.
Pineapple Air eyes route expansion and larger aircraft
PINEAPPLE Airline executives said yesterday that the airline was looking expand its existing fleet with larger aircraft and resume service on several of its previous routes.
Bahamas secures additional 'sponsored exemption' under FATCA
THE Bahamas has secured “sponsored exemptions” from the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) for Foundations, Financial Services Minister Ryan Pinder recently revealed, telling Tribune Business that six vendors had made the preliminary short list to build a FATCA reporting system.
NAD eyes 'robust' summer travel season
NASSAU Airport Development Company (NAD) executives saw an almost three per cent performance increase “across all sectors” during the four day Easter period compared to the same holiday period last year, its CEO telling Tribune Business that that the airport operator was looking forward to a “robust” summer traveling season as well.
'Rogue operators could impact taxi industry'
ROGUE taxi operators could tarnishing the industry’s reputation according to a union leader who yesterday renewed calls for the industry to become self regulated, telling this newspaper, ”We don’t know who is in the business”.
TAGLaw bolsters offshore presence with addition of Bahamas firm
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA – TAGLaw, an international alliance of independent law firms, has recently named Delaney Partners as its member for the Bahamas. John K. F. Delaney QC, former Attorney General of the Bahamas, founded Delaney Partners, which has quickly established itself as a leader in offshore services and a variety of financial practice areas.
Guess who's coming to dinner? B.B.C. World News
Remember how I’m always writing the importance of stories in marketing and the value other people put on them.
Passing the Queen's Baton around Nassau
THE Bahamas became the 56th country to host the Queen’s Baton at the weekend on its relay around the world before the Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 23.
'Rediscover Your Ability to Dream'
SINCE he rose to prominence as a public figure, Myron Rolle has served as an inspiration through his foundation and a myriad of programmes which embody his extensive list of accomplishments both on and off the football field.
Davis: Cabinet 'considering recommendations' on BEC restructuring
CABINET Ministers are currently deliberating over recommendations made regarding the restructure of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has confirmed.
Tuesday, April 22
Traffic problems
EDITORS, The Tribune.
PLP missed chance to apologise
EDITOR, The Tribune.
BTVI students receive international certification
FIVE students of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute now have international certification in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Briefly
THROUGHOUT American history, most presidents had small personal staffs. They steered through political waters as amateurs, relying on experience, instinct and conversations with friends.
Pineapple Air announces partnership with local musician
Pineapple Air has announced a partnership with local musician Avvy Bahamas. By partnering with Avvy, the locally owned airline hopes to revamp its brand and widen its customer base between Nassau, Bahamas and Eleuthera.
Shameful words from Dr Minnis
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Island-wide manhunt on Exuma
POLICE in Exuma have intensified their island-wide manhunt for 33–year old Denardo Smith AKA ‘Fat Boy’ of Hartswell and Williams Town, Exuma.
‘Confessions of a woman saved by grace’
BAHAMIAN ENTREPRENEUR Keithra Morley said her new book Confessions of a Woman Saved by Grace is expected inspire women of every age to live life to the fullest.
Doctors Hospital corporate blood drive: Helping others save lives
A desperate attempt to save a life and a call to lend a helping hand to someone in need is what the Lyford Cay International School set out to do when they participated in Doctors Hospital’s Corporate Blood Drive programme for the second time this year.
Family desperate for support as 11-year-old Amos battles leukemia
DESPITE THE shocking diagnosis of leukemia, 11-year-old Amon Martin is remaining strong as he battles the life-threatening disease.
Runway is completed at airport after fatal crash
FOR the first time in five years, Bahamasair will start making regularly scheduled flights to Mayaguana.
Man on bail for murder held after robbery
POLICE arrested a 39-year-old man on bail for a triple murder moments after he robbed a woman at gunpoint early Sunday morning in the Faith Avenue area.
FNM leader under fire over missing airline comment
THE “ill-spoken” comparison by opposition leader Hubert Minnis of the lost Malaysian airline to the PLP government was criticised by Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday.
Fishermen help to catch 130 Haitian immigrants
POLICE and local fishermen in Ragged Island picked up more than 130 Haitian immigrants moments before they landed Sunday evening.
Bahamian woman charged in U.S.
A 44-year-old Bahamian woman has been charged in a Florida court with aiding the escape of a man wanted for more than a dozen sexual offences in Osceola County.
Three deaths on roads in Eleuthera in single week
TEENAGED motorcyclist Harry Sands Jr became the country’s seventh traffic fatality for the year after he lost control of his bike in Eleuthera over the holiday weekend.
Three shot in drive-by
POLICE confirmed late last night that three men had been shot in a single incident in Montel Heights.
Minnis vows to repeal tax
OPPOSITION leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday promised to repeal any tax introduced by the Christie administration that causes “pain, suffering and undue stress” to the Bahamian people if the FNM is elected in the next general election. He added that the signs of a suffering nation would show in the complaints and lifestyle changes of residents.
$3m marijuana haul discovered
DRUG Enforcement Unit officers discovered $3m worth of marijuana near the Ragged Island chain of cays last week.
EARTH DAY: Rebuilding coral reefs
A programme aimed at replenishing coral reefs by undersea farming and forestry won plaudits this week from the national environmental movement Save The Bays which renewed its pledge to support its creator, The Nature Conservancy.
Invasive species and their threat to the Bahamas
Small island states such as The Bahamas are especially vulnerable to invasions by non-native or alien species.
PM seeks to turn junkanoo into money earner for practitioners
JUNKANOO could bring a financial boost to Grand Bahama, said Prime Minister Perry Christie.
EARTH DAY: Bahamian group calls for environmental legislation
A BAHAMIAN environmental group is calling for better ways of tackling pollution to protect the world around us.
CARIFTA GAMES: Our golden moment
After finishing second at the 42nd CARIFTA Games last year at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, the Bahamas slipped out of contention at the 43rd games held over the weekend in Fort De France, Martinique.
SARAH BEEK: Preventing acne of the body
Blackheads and whiteheads can appear anywhere on the face, chest, back, or even lower. Blackheads occurring on the body are most common in those with genetically oily skin.
You are the change you are looking for!
Everywhere you turn, people are looking for change; craving an improved disposition, especially in their personal life or their outer circumstances. Yearning and wanting is how they spend most of their time. They are waiting for change to happen to them as oppose to them happening to change.
BNT in nature-based tourism push
THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is seeking to develop and promote nature-based tourism in Inagua and Andros, its executive director describing the potential economic impact as “tremendous”.
Treasure Cay in vacation rentals decline due to lack of airlift
TREASURE Cay has seen a loss of 25 per cent drop off in its vacation rental market due to the unavailability of affordable airlift to the destination, a local resort operator telling Tribune Business, “It’s hurt the economy terribly”.
Gov't uged to 'expedite' decision on final VAT rate
A leading small business consultant has urged the government to ‘expedite’ its decision on a definitive Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate.
Cabinet approves FATCA model 'in principle'
CABINET has approved “in principle” the Model 1 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
World Relays to generate 3,500-5,000 room nights
LOCAL organisers of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) inaugural World Relays set for next month estimate that 3,500 to just over 5,000 room nights will be generated from just over 1,000 confirmed athletes and coaches and delegates alone.
FINANCIAL FOCUS: The looming pension gap
Last Monday, both daily newspapers carried stories about our looming pension crisis which seemingly continue to fall on deaf ears. This is a topic which I, and others, have been warning of for years… yet nothing tangible has been done.
Giants win four straight for NPBA title
THE Commonwealth Bank Giants are the New Providence Basketball Association men’s 2014 champions. How they did it was a different story. Who would have thought that after watching the Mail Boat Cybots take an insurmountable 3-0 lead that they let their championship title slip away from them.
Two teams vie for BSC championship series place
WHEN the Baptist Sports Council resumes its 2014 Basketball League postseason play tonight at the DW Davis Gymnasium, two teams will be vying for a chance to get into the men’s championship series.
An apology - letter to the Business Editor
ON April 7, 2014, an article appeared in The Tribune Business Section regarding the Orchid Bay legal matter in which I was critical of an ex parte decision made by Supreme Court Stephen Justice Isaacs, and thus by extension of Justice Isaacs.
Violence against women and the responsibility of the state
Violence against women has been described as “one of the most pervasive and systemic human rights violations in the world”.
MAXD to host inaugural 12-and-under National All Star game
MAXIMUM Development Sports Academy was a trailblazing concept when it was established less than a year ago and the institution continues its effort in creating avenues for young baseball players to showcase their skills.
Monday, April 21
Lady Pindling would not be a good choice
EDITOR, The Tribune.
The homosexual and bisexual plague
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Briefly
Attorney’s Call For Government Intervention in GBPA Matter “A Bit Unusual”
The straight dope
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Police apprehend more than 120 Haitian immigrants
More than 120 Haitian immigrants have been apprehended by police off Ragged Island.
Sunday, April 20
Man on bail over triple murder arrested after armed robbery
A man on bail over a triple murder has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery on Sunday.
Saturday, April 19
Briefly
The US – Caribbean’s friend or unintentional foe?
FOUR ARRESTED AFTER HANDGUN FOUND IN MAJOR POLICE OPERATION
Two men aged 27 and two others aged 33 and 22 are in custody after they were found in possession of a handgun on Friday.
Friday, April 18
SEVEN ARRESTED BY MOBILE DIVISION OFFICERS
Police Mobile Division saturation patrols arrested seven people in the last 24 hours.
Thursday, April 17
Marijuana users do not 'function perfectly'
“THERE is no such thing as being inebriated from weed. You can smoke all day long and still work, still drive, still talk, basically you can still function perfectly. But drink straight for two hours. You won’t be able to stand, talk or function at all. Yet weed is illegal... How did this planet get so stupid?”
Police concern over firearms after latest shootings
CENTRAL Detective Unit Chief Paul Rolle said police were concerned with the levels of illegal firearms on the streets following two shooting incidents, one of which claimed the life of a man.
Man's sentence halved for drug possession
A MAN was told by the Court of Appeal yesterday to “go and sin no more” after they cut in half his four-year sentence for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Sex crime suspect arrested in Exuma
A 70-year-old man wanted for more than a dozen sexual offences in Florida was arrested in Exuma Saturday night, after being on the run for almost a year.
Another boycott to be held to protest cost of power
FREEPORT – The Coalition of Concerned Citizens is expected to initiate another “lower the cost of power” boycott and protest next week against the Grand Bahama Power Company/EMERA.
Hepburn appeals conviction in killing of Nellie Mae
PRINCE Hepburn, who is contesting his murder conviction on the basis that he was suffering from “diminished responsibility” at the time of Nellie Mae Brown-Cox’s killing, will have to wait nine weeks before his appeal is heard.
Minnis: Govt more lost than missing airline jet
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis questioned yesterday whether a “gag order” was put on Prime Minister Perry Christie by the “higher ups” in the Progressive Liberal party for allegedly embarrassing the organization.
Immigration officer 'drove getaway car'
AUTHORITIES say they have two persons in custody, including a woman immigration officer, who they believe drove a getaway vehicle during the armed robbery of an off duty police officer.
Prime Minister hails 'finest nature preserve in the Bahamas'
THE lath house, freshwater wetland display, edible history section and weather station were on full display at the opening of the second phase of the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, where donor Shelby White gave the Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment an exclusive tour of the Preserve.
NEMA conducts water rescue training on Long Island
THE National Emergency Management Agency conducted a Water Rescue Training and Equipment exercise on Long Island, in an effort to equip residents with survival skills in the event of an emergency at sea.
Blog names Bahamas as one of ten most disappointing destinations
A BLOG post naming the Bahamas one of the ten most disappointing destinations in the world has been “liked” more than 20,000 times on Facebook and shared more than 3500 times.
College reaches out to partners internationally
THE College of the Bahamas has been reaching out to form links with other educational establishments around the world.
'Three held' over British resident's murder
FREEPORT - Three Grand Bahama men are being questioned by police in connection with the murder of British resident Edgar Dart, The Tribune understands.
Life expectancy shows slight rise
THE life expectancy at birth for Bahamians has risen slightly according to a report released by the Department of Statistics yesterday.
KB album sales to help environment
LOCAL musician Kirkland Bodie (KB), will donate the proceeds of his fourth “KB and Friends Album” to Friends of the Environment that provide environmental education through field trips, summer camps and after school programmes.
Back to court for bid to extradite drug suspect
THE EXTRADITION-case of accused drug lord Melvin Maycock Sr and others should go back to the Magistrate’s Court, the London-based Privy Council ruled yesterday.
Giants force Game 7
The defending champions Mail Boat Cybots won the first three games of the New Providence Basketball Association best-of-seven championship series.
'Airport delays highlight government incompetence'
THE DNA has hit out at continuing delays over the opening of the Marsh Harbour International Airport, saying it highlighted government incompetence.
Aquinas team wins contest with green thinking
AQUINAS College’s team won the Earth Day competition by transforming waste matter into fuel, water and electricity.
Private aviators told: ‘Stop bashing Bahamas’
Private pilots were yesterday urged to stop “bashing the Bahamas” over their increased tax burden, one of its Flying Ambassador’s describing this nation as “still the number one destination” for the industry.
Superwash invests $3m in 10th outlet
SUPERWASH is investing $3 million in a new “state-of-the-art” laundromat off the Charles Saunders Highway, its president telling this newspaper yesterday that the new location would likely create 10 jobs when it opens in September 2014.
Bahamas First makes 'major' fraud dent
Bahamas First believes it has made a “significant” dent in the fraudulent use of insurance ‘cover notes’, having received no Road Traffic Department queries since its new system was launched last September.
Coalition 'somewhat miffed' over Gov'ts payroll tax model
The Tax Coalition is “somewhat miffed” at the Government’ seemingly conducting ‘closed doors’ economic modelling to debunk its payroll tax proposal, its co-chair yesterday hitting back by arguing the was Jamaica’s “most efficient” form of taxation.
Union: Make worker severance benefits 'priority' creditor
A leading union body has called for changes to the Employment Act that would make employees, and their severance pay/benefits, priority or secured creditors of Bahamas-based companies that went into liquidation.
Four teams clinch berths in best-of-3 divisional finals
THE Baptist Sports Council’s 2014 Basketball Classic is now down to the final four teams in the men’s division. Still alive at the completion of the best-of-three first round playoffs are respective pennant winners Macedonia and Men of Vision, along with the Hope Centre and the Eagles Nest.
YESI team to train under Real Madrid
A LOCAL soccer club and its players continue to benefit from the networking opportunities created by their partnership with the largest youth soccer club in the world.
Make widespread tax rises 'last resort'
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president has warned that “across the board tax increases should be a last resort” when it comes to fiscal reform, with this nation’s relatively high prices driving lower resort occupancy levels.
Wednesday, April 16
Inappropriate actions by Mitchell
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Calvary Deliverance Church hosts 21st annual W.O.I. Conference
THE leadership and the family of Calvary Deliverance Church, East Street South, has extended an invitation to all women for the church’s 21st Annual Women of Integrity (WOI) Conference.
Not an unusual leadership
Reponse to Nassau Guardian editorial: “The eternal PLP leader”
Be healed
By Rev. Angela C. Bosfield
Designing complementary values to greater effect
By Deidre Bastian
Dangerous path for pilots
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Clergy endorse Anglican Church Men's Conference
Plans are progressing steadily as the Anglican Church Men prepare for their 41st Annual Diocesan Conference which is set for April 30 – May 4 in West End, Grand Bahama.
Reparations up in smoke
SLAVERY--TEN REPARATIONS DEMANDS
Workshop aims to tackle violence against women
SENIOR officials from a number of essential governmental ministries, corporations and agencies and private sector partnerships began meeting Tuesday at a “Skills Building Workshop for Human Rights-Based Monitoring on State Action on Gender-Based Violence”.
Broker to launch cyber insurance
A Bahamian insurance broker will next week launch a cyber liability product that can offer $1 million worth of coverage for just a $%400 premium.
An Easter faith
By Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell
Grant is a sign of confidence in Andros handicraft association
PRESIDENT of the South Andros Handicraft and Manufacturing Association (SAHMA) said recently that the launch of the South Andros Coastal Restoration and Coconut Project was “quite an expression of confidence in the management and operation of SAHMA.
Praise for gay rights stance
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Mitchell in discussions during Washington trip
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Fred Mitchell, recently spent two days in Washington, DC, participating in meetings at the US State Department and with Members of Congress who serve on committees with oversight on matters of special interest to the Bahamas and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Why did Randy Fraser apologise to nation?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Diplomatic service is essential
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Fun and Friendly Entertainment at the 2014 Catholic Games
By ALESHA CADET
Palm Cay marina in 'major success'
Palm Cay’s marina has “enjoyed amazing success”, its dockmaster attributing this to a southern New Providence ocation that makes it a ‘jumping off point’ for boaters heading to the Exumas.
An Easter message from Bishop Laish Boyd
By THE RT. REV’D. LAISH BOYD, BISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN
Former beauty queen pursues singing dream
AFTER capturing the Little Miss Bahamas title four years ago, a former beauty queen Angel Knowles is pursuing another dream.
Minnis should call a convention
Critics and naysayers of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis are becoming restless with him because there will not be a convention held in the two years since he was elected leader on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at a one-day convention held at the Holy Trinity Activities Centre in Stapledon Gardens.
Marijuana and its effects
Thank you for allowing me space in your valuable paper to give my views and warning on the brain-altering and addictive plant marijuana.
The question of recognising marijuana for medical use
THE use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, says National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage, is a knotty issue that will soon have to be debated. Government is now feeling the pressure as the police discover more and more fields of marijuana growing in remote areas, not only on New Providence, but in the Family Islands, particularly Grand Bahama.
Young artists hatch Easter egg designs
THREE lucky youngsters who competed in the Graycliff Chocolatier’s Easter Egg Contest will saw their creations made into chocolate treats which are being displayed to the public.
The National Dance School of the Bahamas ‘Dream in Colour’
The National Dance School of the Bahamas held its annual recital last weekend, bringing together hundreds of parents and supporters for a full house.
Zooming in on the environment
NOW that the biggest local art tour has come to a close, Bahamian photographer Dominic Cant is focusing his lens on a unique project that will raise funds for Bahamas National Trust.
Bahamians suspected of trying to take proceeds of crime onto flight
TWO Bahamian men are in police custody after they were arrested attempting to board a plane to Jamaica with money suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
'No reason to question character of principal'
MINISTRY of Education officials have never had reason to question the character and leadership of an Andros high school principal convicted of manslaughter more than 30 years ago, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday.
Beach volleyball team fifth overall in Olympic qualifier
The Bahamas’ team of Rajahl Moxey and Gaege Smith came so close to qualifying for a spot in the beach volleyball competition at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
Benefit event by bank raises $6,000 for children
BANK of the Bahamas recently presented cheques totalling more than $6,000 to three children’s homes, including the Ranfurly Home for Children, the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home and the Children’s Emergency Hostel.
Baha Mar launches casino training programme
YESTERDAY, Baha Mar announced another opportunity for training and recruitment in its continuing efforts to recruit Bahamians to fill the more than 4,000 positions at the luxury resort which will be home to the largest casino in the Caribbean.
Lecturer launches writing workshop
ENCOURAGING students and the nation to view writing as an art and profession is one of a number of reasons behind a lecturer’s founding of a writing workshop.
Major haul of guns seized
FREEPORT – Following a major firearm seizure in Exuma, a Bahamas Customs official expressed concerns about the new smuggling techniques that are being employed by gun smugglers in the Bahamas.
Manslaughter re-sentence delay
THE Court of Appeal has given the Crown and appellant’s counsel a week to research authoritative cases on whether the country’s second highest court is responsible for resentencing a man for manslaughter.
NO DATE FOR REFERENDUM: Nottage cites lack of campaign to educate public
THE lack of a public education campaign could be blamed for delays in any expected changes to the country’s constitution, a senior Cabinet Minister has confirmed.
Commissioner: Country ‘in a bad place’ with crime
DESPITE a decrease in overall major crime figures in the Bahamas, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade admitted that the country is still “in a bad place.”
Contracts signed for two new Bahamian ships
CONTRACTS have been signed for the construction of two new ships that will be operated and managed by the Campbell Shipping Company.
Project seeks to improve life in South Andros
A NEW project has been launched with the aim of helping to improve the South Andros community.
Brazilian diving team visits Deep Water Cay
THE Deep Water Cay team of East End, Grand Bahama, recently welcomed a Brazilian team of divers visiting the islands of the Bahamas with the Ministry of Tourism.
'Hold up, wait a minute' - Meek Mill is back
LIKE the international rapper Meek Mill says in his popular “Dreams & Nightmares” song, “Hold up, wait a minute, y’all thought I was finished.”
Rock Sound Homecoming 2014
EVEN IF you’re not from the Family Islands, there is always something about homecoming and regatta festivals that create a sense of community spirit.
In the mix with DJ Sampler
HIS CREATIVE technique and energetic flow are the hallmarks that make DJ Sampler one-of-a-kind.
Taxi drivers want promise kept over franchise holder control
RICHARD Johnson, President of the Public Service Drivers Union, yesterday called on the government to “keep their promise” and allow the industry to be owned and controlled entirely by franchise holders.
Cruise conference brings chance to encourage more visitors
THE annual Cruise Shipping Miami Conference and Exhibition remains the largest and most valued business platform for the global maritime industry.
Glinton takes up post as new president of Bahamas National Trust
THE Bahamas National Trust held its annual general meeting and spring council meetings to elect its new council and officers for the year and to review current issues and work being done by the trust.
Staff changes at ZNS
THE board of directors of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas has announced several managerial staff appointments at ZNS’ Northern Service made necessary by the imminent retirement of veteran broadcaster Byron Stubbs.
Businesses 'damaged' by 35-40% freight cost rise
A well-known manufacturer has warned that all Bahamian businesses have been “damaged” by a 35-40 per cent increase in ocean freight rates in the past 18 months, with fiscal reform uncertainties also undermining employment prospects.
Bahamas First 'fully expecting better' 2014
Bahamas First yesterday said it was “fully expecting this year will be better” than 2013, when total comprehensive income rose 13.2 per cent despite an almost-$2 million hit from May’s floods.
'Severely hampered' over legal action against Alliance
Liquidators for an alleged multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme have been “severely hampered” by a lack of financing in their efforts to recover a $5 million investment, and pursue legal action, against a BISX-listed company’s main affiliate.
Blackbeard's Cay 'opened four months' before key dolphin licence filed
Environmental activists yesterday alleged that the multi-million dollar Blackbeard’s Cay project opened its doors more than four months before it applied for a ‘premises licence’ for its captive dolphin encounter.
BFSB, regulators to attend captive forum
Representatives from the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and the Insurance Commission of the Bahamas (ICB) will attend the annual Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS) Conference, which takes place in Denver from April 27 – 30.
Resorts report high Easter occupancies
OUT Island resort properties are reporting high occupancies for the Easter holiday weekend, Sandals Emerald Bay Resort telling Tribune Business it would be full due in large part to the island’s annual regatta coinciding with its reunion week.
'Dashing' strategies to get yourself noted
Fuahea Semi was an athlete from Tonga who wanted to attend the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as an athlete.
Athletes share the spotlight
OVER the last few weeks, the Bahamian athletes have shared the spotlight in a number of meets, including the Auburn Tiger Track Classic at the Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and at the Spec Towns National Team Invitational at the Spec Towns Track in Athens, Georgia.a
'Most exciting' flag football week
Week five in the Bahamas Flag Football League was the most exciting week so far this season.
Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission connects with sports community
THE Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) connected with the local sports fraternity in a fundamental way during its annual seminar over the weekend at SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas.
Airfare credit in 30-day extension
IN an effort to help boost demand and fill room inventory through May and into June 2014, the booking window for the $250 instant airfare credit will be extended for 30 days, according to tourism director general David Johnson.
Bahamian students win arbitration competition
Two Bahamian students won a trip to Miami for an arbitration event, where they gained expertise from the world’s leading practitioners.
Beach clean-up at Coral Harbour
THE Lyford Cay International School community came together on Saturday, April 12, to participate in a school-wide beach clean up at Coral Harbour.
Tuesday, April 15
Family Island students take first, second and third places in National Young Chef Competition
Aspiring Chef Selva Hudson of NGM Major High School in Long Island emerged as winner of the National All-Island Junior Young Chef competition sponsored by Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood Flour.
Family Life Commission to host 2nd Catholic Games
THE Archdiocesan Family Life Commission is scheduled to host its second annual Catholic Games on Aquinas College grounds, Gladstone Road, starting at 9am on Saturday, April 26.
Scholarship Fund for Maritime study
AN anonymous donor recently established a scholarship fund at the LJM Maritime Academy for the benefit of any graduate of the CH Reeves Junior High School wanting to pursue a course of study at the Marine Academy.
Bahamas waste eyes 20% rise in recycled supplies
By NEIL HARTNELL
An entrepreneur's vision
SHE is a self-made, successful businesswoman, and now Raquel Beneby-Hart is aiming to help others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams with a new book she has published.
Civic groups come together for 'Protect Women and Children' event
WITH women and children becoming the victims of abuse on a daily basis in the Bahamas, one local group set out to highlight the serious issue with a very public initiative.
Daughter of principal calls for forgiveness of ex-convicts
THE daughter of a North Andros High School principal convicted of manslaughter over 30 years ago defended her father’s character and qualifications yesterday as she called on critics to forgive and respect rehabilitated ex-convicts.
PM opens new phase of plant preserve
PHASE two of the Leon Levy Plant Preserve was officially opened by Prime Minister Perry Christie in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, on Friday.
Ministry hosts 40th birthday party for US filmmaker
HOLLYWOOD celebrities flocked to the Bahamas recently as the Ministry of Tourism hosted the 40th birthday party for film producer Will Packer at Sandals Island.
‘Payroll tax not a viable option’
BAHAMIAN workers would face grave reductions in take-home pay if a payroll tax were implemented instead of a Value Added Tax (VAT), the three leading government voices in financial affairs, including the Prime Minister, agreed.
US men told to pay up or go to jail
PAY THE fine or do the time was a magistrate’s order to five Americans yesterday who pleaded guilty when charged with possession of dangerous drugs.
Businessman doubts government ability in WTO negotiations
LOCAL businessman Ethric Bowe was doubtful that the government can adequately negotiate the Bahamas’ interests ahead of World Trade Organisation entry next year.
FNM deputy criticises delay in webshop laws
FNM DEPUTY leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday criticised the Christie administration for failing to table in Parliament regulations to legalise and tax web shops in the country.
US pair failed to delcare $26,000
AN American couple accused of making a false declaration to a US Customs officer readily chose to walk free with a warning and forfeit $26,000 in winnings from a casino when arraigned before a Magistrate yesterday.
Murdered woman named
THE elderly woman who was found dead and partially decomposed had a history of “mental illness,” according to police sources.
Another fire breaks out next to dump
FIREFIGHTERS battled an aggressive fire near the New Providence Landfill yesterday, sending thick plumes of smoke into nearby homes and neighbourhoods.
'British man's killers could commit other crimes'
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade is concerned that without the public’s assistance, the men responsible for brutally murdering a wealthy British farmer in Grand Bahama last week will commit other crimes.
Debate to open on marijuana?
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage says the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes is an issue that the government will soon be confronted with as authorities continue to combat the illegal production of the drug throughout the country.
Devouring the best at Abaco Food Festival
ABACO has carved out a new niche tourism market that is drawing food lovers to the island.
Reaching out to children with autism
IT only took a small group of the estimated 35,000 children with autism and other special needs a moment to steal the hearts of the Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes in one of the most touching courtesy calls in the history of Government House.
Recycling lessons for high school students
THOUGH not so pleasant to most people, waste can actually help lower the cost of business and improve our environmental omissions.
Students plant mangroves and learn about lionfish
STUDENTS attended a mangrove planting exercise and lionfish demonstration at the weekend.
MICHELLE MILLER: It’s your life – What’s your blueprint?
Everything that becomes a reality starts with a blueprint of sorts. Be it an aeroplane, a yacht, house, clothing, a business etc.
Bail decision delayed in firearms case
CHIEF Magistrate Joyanne Ferguson-Pratt stood down her decision on bail yesterday for two men accused of possessing a number of unlicensed firearms and assorted ammunition that were found in furniture and appliances.
Coalition co-chief queries Gov't's 16% payroll tax finding
The Tax Coalition’s co-chair yesterday queried how the Government had calculated that a 16 per cent payroll tax would be needed to match the revenues generated by a 10 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT), calling on it to share its findings with the public.
Stopover visitors off 11%.... As Gov't tax take up $264m
Total stopover visitors to the Bahamas have fallen by 11 per cent during a period when the Government’s tax take from the hotel/tourism industry has risen by $264 million.
Joint venture seeks oil explorer licence
A joint venture has submitted a licence application to explore for oil in eight areas north of Grand Bahama, a notice published by the Government revealed yesterday.
Hotels: VAT may 'dwindle' key market share to 19%
Bahamian hotels have warned that their market share in a key visitor demographic could “dwindle to less than 19 per cent” were the initial Value-Added Tax (VAT) proposal to be implemented, Tribune Business can reveal.
'Tremendously sad' if multi-billion opportunity missed
The Bahamian economy would receive a much-needed multi-billion dollar injection if international wreck salvaging companies were permitted to work in its waters, one operator yesterday warning it would be “tremendously sad” if this opportunity was not exploited.
Nassau hotels eye strong Easter peak
Major Nassau/Paradise Island hotels are reporting high occupancies for the Easter holiday period, one executive confirming to Tribune Business yesterday that it was seeing strong performance from its leisure business for the Spring Break/Easter period.
Gov't 'finalising' GB casino operator
THE Government is “finalising matters” with an operator to run the Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort’s casino,. a senior tourism official confirmed yesterday, noting that it was now in the “due diligence” stage.
Sell strategies for long-term success
Here are three things you can do immediately to make a difference, and be seen as credible and potentially invaluable.
'Gem' set to sail in honour of Sir Durward Knowles, Cecil Cooke
AS the Bahamas continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sir Durward Knowles and Cecil Cooke winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal, another member of the sailing community seeks to honour the feat at the upcoming National Family Island Regatta.
All Filipino Friendship Games every Sunday
THE OFWI All Filipino Friendship Games season two has begun under the supervision of president Dr Leo M Ignacio, with games every Sunday at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The games got started in February, 2013, to experience the fun and excitement playing with other Filipinos in the Bahamas. The events are basketball for men and volleyball for women.
77% of Bahamians do not have pension plan
SEVENTY-seven per cent of Bahamians don’t have money tucked away for retirement, according to financial experts.
BTVI students get a closer look at Baha Mar development
A GROUP of students from The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute recently got an idea of the scope and possible impact of the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar development during a recent tour of the Cable Beach development.
MINISTER OF EDUCATION TALKS WITH STUDENTS DURING ISLAND TOUR
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, accompanied by Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, Picewell Forbes and senior officers of the Ministry, conducted a tour of the South Andros and Mangrove Cay District.
Commonwealth Bank Giants stay alive
Jeffery Henfield said the Commonwealth Bank Giants were not yet ready to end their postseason in the New Providence Basketball Association.
Baha Mar exceeds local award promise by $39m
BAHA MAR executives revealed yesterday that nearly $39 million more than their $400 million pledge had been awarded to Bahamian contractors to-date, adding that $715 million in bids had been tendered up to mid-March.
250 young Grand Bahamians enrol in training programmes
FREEPORT - Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville commended the 250 young Grand Bahamians who have enrolled in programmes offered by the National Training Agency in Freeport.
Monday, April 14
What is sunburn
By Sarah Beek
The Brown Bag Initiative
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
'Hoppping into health and safety' at COB
By ALESHA CADET
A superior health approach for life longevity
By the Bahamas
54 earn certificates at security training course
BAHAMAS Against Crime recently held its 8th Security Officers Training Course and a total of 54 graduates received certificates at the graduation which was held on March 28, 2014, at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre.
Guy Harvey brand returns to Bimini
Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges yesterday announced that Bimini Sands Resort & Marina had become the latest Bahamian property to join its branded Expedition Collection.
Webshops are still in limbo – status must be settled
IN this column, we have already dealt with the two questions that Bahamians were asked to answer in the gambling referendum on January 28 last year, but in view of comments made by gambling chief Craig Flowers, in a radio interview last week, we return to the subject today.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The state of our food supply
RECENTLY, I was very happy to see that current administration launched the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), which has been touted as an agricultural and marine resources institute that will have wide ranging impact on the economy and put our food security at the top of our developmental agenda.
Three believed to have drowned
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected drowning of a four-year-old boy, a man believed to be in his 20s and a 55-year-old man in separate incidents this weekend.
PM's intervention 'has not harmed integrity of banking industry'
PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s bid to assist embattled tax consultant Ishmael Lightbourne has not threatened the integrity of the banking industry, according to RBC Bahamas managing director Nathaniel Beneby.
Man killed in house fire
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire that claimed the life of a 59-year-old man over the weekend.
VIDEO: New RBDF ships to make maiden voyage next month
THE first of nine new Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels will make its maiden voyage next month, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday.
Armed raid on PI hotel: Two in custody, hunt for further two suspects
POLICE are on the hunt for suspects, in addition to the two already in custody, for an armed robbery at a Paradise Island hotel on Saturday night, the head of the Central Detective Unit confirmed yesterday.
Sex offender Fraser launches new church
CONVICTED sex offender Randy Fraser was officially installed as pastor elect at the commissioning of his new ministry yesterday.
Principal a killer in past
THE appointment as principal at a North Andros high school of a man convicted of manslaughter has put vetting processes at the Ministry of Education under fire from alarmed parents on the island.
Body of partly naked woman found dead
THE country recorded another murder over the weekend after the discovery of a woman’s partially nude body in bushes yesterday morning.
Handguns recovered
TWO fewer guns are on Nassau’s streets after police uncovered two handguns in separate incidents on Saturday.
A day in the life of Chis Brown
NORTH Eleuthera — The International Amateur Athletic Federation’s “Day in the life” of quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown came to a close on Friday with school visits to North Eleuthera High, Spanish Wells All-Age and Harbour Island All-Age Schools.
Group launched to end street harassment
A GROUP officially launched today is seeking to bring an end to street harassment.
1,500 in fun run/walk
MORE than 1,500 people took part in the “Sweet Sixteenth” Atlantic Medical Fun Run/Walk at the weekend.
BORCO defends marine operations safety
FREEPORT – The Bahamas Oil Refining Company is again defending the safety of its marine operations in Grand Bahama, following recent claims made by BMPA and IMPA officials.
Students shine in Model United Nations session
TOP students from 18 public and private Bahamian schools recently took part in the 17th Annual Model United Nations Session at the Breezes Resort on Cable Beach.
Party issues ten demands for reparations
THE African People’s Socialist Party-Bahamas has requested that the National Reparations Commission consider and adopt its case against Europe for Reparations for the genocide of the indigenous people and the enslavement and colonisation of African people in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Food retailers: Price controls 'must double'
Food retailers have warned that price control margins must “at least double” to help the industry thrive again, with an almost-10 percentage point increase from current levels “ the bare minimum that it takes to secure our survival”.
FINCO consolidation hits BISX-listed fund
FINCO’s planned consolidation has hit a BISX-listed fund’s ambitions of reducing the vacancy rate at its flagship property, its administrator conceding this would now increase to almost one-third of available space.
Financial sector not growing enough to cope with 100 job losses
The Bahamian financial services industry is not growing at a fast enough rate to absorb the more than 100 job losses announced year-to-date, the Opposition’s finance spokesman fears.
'Onerous' demands revive Business Licence outsource
The private sector is set to “re-engage” the Government over its proposal to take over the Business Licence process, amid renewed business cries about the “onerous” requirements they must meet.
Civil service pension deficit may 'explode'
The Government’s unfunded civil service pension liabilities will “explode” unless urgent reform action is taken, a senior accountant suggesting these could mean the national debt is really as high as $6.5 billion.
Giants avoid being eliminated
JEREMY Hutchinson and Gamaliel Rose provided a 1-2 punch as the twin towers helped the Commonwealth Bank Giants stave off elimination against the defending champions Mail Boat Cybots on Saturday night.
Gov't urged to 'level investment incentives'
THE Government needs to “level the playing field” and offer Family Island business operators the same concessions and incentives as those granted to foreign developers, the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s president has argued.
VAT to impact 'acute' Out Island cash flows
THE proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) regime will likely exacerbate the more “acute” cash flow issues facing Family Island businesses, a well-known attorney has warned.
Manufacturers 'out of business' with no tariff guards
Domestic Bahamian manufacturers and their 15,000-strong workforce will be “out of business” without tariff protection, a senior industry executive agreeing this had to be balanced with consumers’ needs.
Port chief: Tropical's sale to benefit Bahamas
TROPICAL Shipping’s $220 million sale to Seattle-based transportation provider, Saltchuk, will provide the company with much stronger capabilities within the US and a capital base for investment in new ships and services, the Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) chief executive believes.
Champions crowned in bowling championships
THE Bahamas Bowling Federation’s 2014 Bahamas Bowling National Championships concluded at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Centre with the crowning of a new ladies’ champion Xynea Johnson and a familiar face, Lee “9 lives” Davis, who was back in the winner’s circle on the men’s side for a fourth time.
Radio spectrum fees $500k below target
Radio spectrum fees are generating almost $500,000 less than they should be, due to the existence of “legacy arrangements” with certain operators.
Auto industry fears taxation 'realignment'
The Bahamian automotive industry has warned that it will have to “realign” due to the combined impact of Business Licence fee increases and the proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT), a development that could result in job losses and reductions in business size.
Sunday, April 13
Did Gov't just issue $300m in junk bond debt?
The Government recently borrowed $300 million in the form of a US dollar bond issue. The minister of state for finance, Michael Halkitis, announced that the bond issue was oversubscribed and that institutional investors were willing to lend Government up to $6 billion. He further stated that the Government was pleased, and somewhat surprised, by the relatively low coupon rate (rate of interest that has to be paid on the bond) of 5.75 per cent instead of the expected 6.5 per cent rate. Mr Halkitis implied that this demonstrated the faith that investors have in the creditworthiness of the Bahamian government.
They laugh, we pay
EDITOR, The Tribune.
BTC being run in whose interest?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Rising prices
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Armed robbery at Paradise Island hotel
Police are investigating an armed robbery at a Paradise Island hotel on Saturday night.
Four-year-old believed to have drowned
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent drowning death of a four-year-old boy that occurred on Saturday.
Look a true patriot in the eye
IF you ever doubt Mark Roberts’ patriotism, you only have to look in him the eye.
Saturday, April 12
Jobs to go in RBC shake-up
JOB losses are imminent at RBC Royal Bank as it moves to better manage operating costs in a low-growth environment, managing director Nathaniel Beneby confirmed yesterday.
Marijuana plants worth $7.5 million are discovered in Grand Bahama
FREEPORT – Some 75,000 marijuana plants, worth an estimated $7.5 million, were discovered growing in the pine forest of Grand Bahama.
Friday, April 11
Two of four accused in murder of Kurt McCartney ask for bail
TWO of four persons accused in the killing of businessman Kurt McCartney appeared in the Supreme Court asking for bail.
Family member tells of horror of shooting
FREEPORT – The Dart family had planned to spend the Easter holidays together in Grand Bahama, but that all turned into a “nightmare,” one of the seven relatives held hostage by armed intruders on Tuesday, told the London Daily Mail.
Sprinter Trevorvano Mackey 'not cleared of doping violation'
Sprinter Trevorvano Mackey has not been cleared of a doping violation, according to an official statement by the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission earlier this week.
A reception fit for a 'Golden Knight'
SOUTH Eleuthera — ‘Golden Knight’ Chris “Fireman” Brown couldn’t ask for a better reception as he returned home draped with his silver medal from the men’s 400 metres at the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland.
Stolen cars found in Eleuthera
OFFICERS from the Central Detective Unit are searching for the owners of five Honda vehicles that were stolen from New Providence and resold to residents in North Eleuthera.
Minister responds over pilotage safety claims
FREEPORT – Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin has responded to claims made by an official at the International Maritime Pilots’s Association concerning the safety of pilotage in the Bahamas. She says the country has a remarkable maritime safety record overall.
Jamaican women held over cocaine
TWO JAMAICAN women are in police custody after they were caught, in two separate incidents, attempting to smuggle almost $50,000 worth of cocaine into Nassau.
Criticism for Gray after cascarilla plants removed
THE Chief Councillor of the Acklins’ district council yesterday criticised MICAL MP and Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray for defending the government’s decision to ship cascarilla plants from that island to Andros.
Baha Mar on target for opening date
BAHA Mar is still expected to meet its targeted December 2014 opening, the resort’s Chief Marketing Officer, Denise Godreau, said yesterday.
Call to stop discrimination
THE Bahamas government must work to address discriminatory practices towards persons of Haitian descent who apply for regularisation, an official from the Haitian Embassy said yesterday.
Three in court over airport drug seizure
A DOZEN drug charges were brought against three men yesterday in connection with the recent seizure of more than $1m worth of drugs at Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Man charged with manslaughter refused bail
A MAN accused of fatally stabbing another man was denied bail in Magistrate’s Court yesterday after being charged with manslaughter.
Residents graduate from NEMA course
ABOUT 30 residents graduated from a Safer Building Code Course held on Cat Island, where most of the homes were severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Legal eagles take wing with all-expenses paid flight to Miami
TWO Bahamian law students won an all-expenses paid trip to Miami this week after winning a competition designed to highlight those who created the best arbitration clause.
Renewed Ginn interest ‘breath of fresh air’
A Cabinet Minister yesterday described renewed investor interest in acquiring the former $4.9 billion Ginn sur mer project as “a breath of fresh air”, confirming to Tribune Business that activity had “spiked” in the past three months.
Chris Brown officially opens One Eleuthera Primary School Meet
SOUTH Eleuthera — Officially opening the One Eleuthera Primary School Meet on Thursday, Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown said he’s disappointed that the athletes are still competing on the grass track at his alma mater at the Preston Albury High School.
Abaco councilllor says destruction is 'heartbreaking'
ABACO’s Chief Councillor today labelled as “heartbreaking” the destruction of acres of wetlands, slashed by heavy equipment on a site being developed under expansion plans by a resort known as Treasure Sands despite a cease and desist order by government.
BORCO celebrates the power of collaboration
AFTER three years and 1.3 million man-hours, BORCO (Buckeye Bahamas) celebrated the work of both local and international contractors in completing BORCO’s recent expansion.
Insurance awards at ceremony
THE Bahamas Insurance Association held its annual awards ceremony and reception at the Nassau Yacht Club on Thursday.
Stamp Tax policy 'opens the doors' to dishonesty
THE Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) newly-elected president yesterday said it was “grossly unfair” for the Government to levy Stamp Tax based on on appraisal values rather than the instant property transaction’s sales price.
Colina defends 'double book value' CFAL deal
Colina Holdings (Bahamas) yesterday said it paid “a fairly modest multiple” to acquire an affiliate from its majority shareholder, despite the $11.153 million purchase price being more than double CFAL’s net book value.
Taxi sector independence: Gov't 'standing in way'
The Government is “standing in the way” of an independent taxi industry, a union leader charged yesterday, renewing his call for it to provide a ‘comfort letter’ that would unlock multi-million dollar financial backing.
Cable 'uniquely positioned' for cellular offer
Cable Bahamas has effectively confirmed it will bid on this nation’s second cellular licence whenever the auction process begins, its $350 million network investment making it “uniquely positioned to offer first class mobile services to the Bahamian people”.
BREA chief blasts part-time realtors
THE hiring of part-time realtors “should not be the norm”, the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s newly elected president said yesterday, suggesting the court ruling that paved the way for this practice had been misinterpreted.
Bahamas has one more WTO 'step' to achieve
The Government is not rushing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession, a Cabinet Minister stating that the Bahamas had reached the eighth out of nine key steps in the process.
Clubs and Societies
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. - Six awards and five cash scholarships were distributed to the top female graduating seniors from across The Bahamas this past weekend, when the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc held its 36th annual Honours Day Programme under the theme “Developing Global Leaders to Flourish in A Modern Bahamas”. Honour’s Day Program is the signature programme of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter.
WTO: 'Delicate balance' required to sustain domestic industries
The Bahamas must strike a “very delicate balance” in ensuring that locally-owned industries and businesses are sustainable under the liberalised rules-based trading regime that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will usher in, a Cabinet Minister has warned.
Timing it right to have faith in the workplace
Many people in our country profess Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices. In fact, we have often dubbed ourselves a Christian nation.
Tropical Shipping is sold for $220m
Tropical Shipping, one of the major carriers serving Nassau and the Bahamas, is being sold for $220 million to a Seattle-based transportation provider.
Downtown retailer in relaunch 'nook'
Almost seven decades after it opened its doors selling pure Irish linens, The Linen Shop is celebrating its re-launch, bringing back to Bay Street the first book store in the downtown area in more than five years.
Thursday, April 10
Palm Cay adds 20 jobs with eatery
Palm Cay, the real estate development on New Providence’s southeastern coast, has added 20 jobs through completion of its Marina & Beach Club.
TOUGH CALL: Opportunity sailing away
FOLLOWING in the wake of Disney’s blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean movies, two new American television dramas have been produced based on the period when the Bahamas was a pirate republic.
Tolerant, yes - but not weak
A letter to the Editor column of the April 5th edition of the Guardian under the caption “The PLP is making Commissioner Greenslade look weak” by the Whistleblower was, in my opinion, in reference to certain criticisms levelled at The RBPF and its Commissioner by the Prime Minister on a number of occasions recently.
Questions about landfill remediation
The recent serious polluting fires at the landfill which took about three weeks of torture to half of the residents of Nassau clearly indicates that government after government seemingly can’t come up with a solution.
Man in hospital after shooting
A MAN was in hospital last night after being shot in a midday incident yesterday.
Chinese ambassador meets Baha Mar executives
THE Chinese ambassador to The Bahamas has met executives from Baha Mar, the $3.5bn resort due to open in December.
Book fair puts a smile on children's faces
PRE-SCHOOL week continued yesterday as 1,200 toddlers from around New Providence assembled at the Willard Patton Pre-School for a book and literacy fair.
Witness tells of finding body
A WITNESS recalled how an injured man knocking on his door led to him finding the man’s girlfriend dead on a beach some 10 minutes away from his house.
International event hears of pilot concerns
FREEPORT – Nick Cutmore, Secretary General of the International Maritime Pilots’ Association, told the 22nd IMPA Congress in Panama, about the inadequacies in the pilotage industry in the Bahamas.
Minnis: BTC cannot outsource without government permission
FNM LEADER Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday the Bahamas Telecommunications Company cannot outsource Bahamian jobs overseas without the current government’s permission.
Bran criticises FNM over claims
DNA leader Branville McCartney yesterday criticised the authenticity of concerns raised by the FNM over reported downsizing at BTC.
Roberts denies BTC job cuts
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Bradley Roberts has “categorically” denied the Free National Movement’s claim that the Bahamas Telecommunications Company is set to begin a major outsourcing programme that could lead to job losses for Bahamians.
Victim of home invasion shooting is identified
FREEPORT – The man gunned down during a home invasion and robbery in Grand Bahama is British citizen Edgar George Dart, 56, of Manitoba, Canada.
Threat of a riot if police officers in shooting are not removed
FRIENDS OF Wesley Pierre, the man who was shot and killed by police in Exuma on Sunday, have threatened to “riot” if police officers involved in the shooting are not immediately removed.
Terms of WTO membership ‘to be negotiated by Bahamas’
WHEN the Bahamas signs on as a member of the WTO next year the success of Bahamian businesses will depend on the terms negotiated by the government of the Bahamas.
Plan for lower rate for VAT?
THE Christie Administration still plans to implement Value Added Tax in July, but at a much lower rate of around seven to 10 per cent, a source close to the government’s tax reform planning revealed yesterday. Initially, there were plans to introduce VAT at 15 per cent with a forecast to increase revenue by around $160 million each year.
Baha Mar reaches out to Abaconians
BAHA Mar Academy representatives recently travelled to Abaco, reaching out to approximately 170 recent high school graduates and professionals on the first trip of several to the Family Islands that are scheduled over the coming months.
Who will be Miss Teen Bahamas?
Pageant season has returned, and the debut of Miss Teen Bahamas International is just one of the events lined up on the calendar.
Student athletes to test readiness of new TAR stadium
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 has set out to ensure that a uniquely Bahamian presence will be amidst the anticipation surrounding the inaugural event, featuring the top junior athletes in the country.
Food imports 'could be cut by about 15 per cent'
WITHIN five years, the Bahamas could cut food imports by about 15 per cent – saving $200 million in the process – if the government sustains its current push to develop the Agriculture industry.
Women urged: Love yourself from head to toe
DURING January and February, every woman who had a mammogram at Doctors Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Center was automatically entered in the hospital’s ‘Love Yourself From Head To Toe’ promotion.
National Arts Festival visits Abaco
AS the E Clement Bethel National Arts Festival recently started its Abaco adjudications, residents were happy and excited that it is giving Abaconians a change to showcase their talents.
VIDEO: Coalition raises awareness of need to protect women
THE COALITION to End Gender Based Violence and Discrimination yesterday held an awareness event in Rawson Square hoping to get a response from Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Resentencing dates set for three murderers
RE-SENTENCING dates have been set for three men initially on death row for murders that occurred before a landmark case ruling two decades ago.
Government 'blackmailing Freeport into development'
A well-known QC yesterday accused the Government of “trying to blackmail Freeport into development” by dangling the prospect of a repeal of the controversial 1 per cent Customs processing fee in front of select investors.
Middle class 'under threat'
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday warned that the Bahamian middle class was “under serious threat” from business downsizing and tax increases, as Scotiabank (Bahamas) became the latest institution to inform impacted staff of its outsourcing plans.
Triple play provider's purchase has 'no limits'
A Bahamian triple play communications provider last night said it was poised to become “the Caribbean headquarters” for its new majority owner, with local staff numbers increasing to 100 within 12 months of the deal’s closing.
Accountability fear may scupper Gov't financial reforms
A Tax Coalition co-chair has questioned whether the political will exists to improve the quality of government data, due to fears this will “shine a light” on poor spending decisions made in the past.
WTO chief: VAT can generate export boost
A top World Trade Organisation (WTO) official yesterday said that replacing Customs duties with Value-Added Tax (VAT) would place the Bahamas on a ‘level playing field’ with its Caribbean neighbours, allowing for the favourable tax treatment of exports.
Bahamas' WTO talks to conclude in 2015
THE Government is proceeding with preparation for World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession “in the normal course”, the Financial Services Minister said yesterday.
CBC launches the official website of Championship
WITH just over 80 days to go before the region’s best basketball teams square off in the elite FIBA qualifying event for Caribbean countries, the organisers are beginning to galvanise support through the Internet.
Kiwanis Club of Fort Montagu celebrates 50 years
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Montagu celebrated 50 years of service throughout the Bahamas on March 31.
Cycling Club Bahamas events
Hello Cyclists!
HOPE Centre, Macedonia, Eagles Nest and Men of Vision all winners
HOPE Centre, Macedonia, Eagles Nest and Men of Vision all emerged as the winners of their respective games as the Baptist Sports Council played one of their men’s best-of-three playoffs Tuesday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium.
Make your domain your own
I like the Japanese proverb that says: “Tigers die and leave their skins, while people die and leave their names”. If this is accurate, let’s look at the significance of other name types. I am sure you’d agree that practically everyone, and everything is known, labelled, tagged or remembered by names.
Legal challenge planned to Treasure Sands project
The Save the Bays environmental activist group is supporting the Abaco Defenders over its plans to launch a Judicial Review challenge in the courts to block the Treasure Sands resort development.
'Predictable trade' touted as leading WTO advantage
BAHAMIAN producers stand to benefit from a “predictable” trade environment and protection from arbitrary actions through full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, a senior official of said yesterday, noting that terms of accession were not a “one-size fits all arrangement”.
Bahamas intensifies Latin America push
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) participated in the annual Hedge Fund Brazil Forum in Rio de Janeiro on April 3-4. As a sponsor, BFSB was able to field a promotional exhibit during the 3-day event.
Wednesday, April 9
Church celebrates its eldest disciple
On Sunday, scores of friends, family and well-wishers gathered at Christian Discipleship Ministries International (CDMI) to celebrate the life of 104-year-old missionary Elder Maria McSweeney.
'Friends of 2014' named
NINETEEN local businesses, 14 media companies and three local hotels have been named Friends of 2014.
Blood drive for Doctors Hospital
the Lyford Cay school took part in Doctors Hospital’s Corporate Blood Drive programme for the second time this year.
'Partake of the new things'
THE CALVARY Deliverance Church is gearing up for a number of activities that will celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Good stewards
By Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell
National Outreach Conference hopes to 'Empower Change'
By ALESHA CADET
Church bulletins
A Palm Sunday Concert
Transforming spaces 2014 - a review
THIS year’s Transforming Spaces Art Tour has come and gone, but for the next few weeks enthusiasts can marvel at the “high-water mark” left by the multidisciplinary super group of local and international artists who came together for the event’s 10th instalment under the theme of “Water”.
Mother in tears in murder trial
A WOMAN testifying in the Shande Cartwright murder trial could not hold back her tears yesterday when shown a photo of her deceased daughter on a table at the Rand Morgue.
Man admits smuggling drugs
A SECOND of three men recently charged in connection with the $1 million drug seizure in waters off Andros owned up to his involvement in the smuggling plot yesterday.
Three arrested after $1m marijuana and ecstasy find at airport
THREE men, two Bahamian pilots and a Canadian, are in police custody after they were found with more than $1million worth of marijuana and ecstasy at the Lynden Pindling International Airport Monday night.
Gomez accuses Minnis of politicising fire
North Andros & Berry Islands MP Dr Perry Gomez yesterday accused FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis of politicising tragedy in the aftermath of the massive fire at Great Harbour Cay.
Criminal becomes victim as he is hit by car then kidnapped
A MAN was allegedly run over by a car and kidnapped moments after he robbed another man of his cell phone and shoes Monday night.
Bound, robbed and shot dead
FREEPORT – A family man visiting from Canada was shot and killed in a home invasion and armed robbery in the upscale Emerald Bay Subdivision on Tuesday morning.
New song supports the fight against hunger in the Bahamas
BAHAMIAN musician Ordain Moss is proving that there is more than one way to give back. The soulful singer released a new single that aids the cause of fighting hunger in the Bahamas.
Concern over cascarilla plants moved to Andros
ACKLINS MP and Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray yesterday defended the government’s decision to ship cascarilla plants from Acklins to Andros for research at the Agriculture and Marine Institute.
Mackey cleared of doping violation
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission has made an official statement, clearing sprinter Trevorvano Mackey of a doping violation.
Julien Believe takes 'the 242 forward'
BACK with not one or two, but three new songs, Julien “Believe” Thompson is all about “taking the 242 forward”.
National Youth Choir announces new guest artist
The Bahamas National Youth Choir has announced Garrad Rigby as its guest artist for the 2014 concert season.
PM to be keynote speaker at Eleuthera Business Forum
THE second annual Eleuthera Business Outlook, the newest of the multi-island series, has been set for April 24 at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, South Eleuthera with Prime Minister Perry Christie as keynoter speaking on “Charting a Course for Growth in Eleuthera.”
Battle of the marching bands
SCHOOL bands from New Providence and Family Islands, including Eleuthera and Mangrove Cay, Andros, competed in the Bahamas National High School Marching Band Competition.
PM calls for meeting of leaders
PRIME Minister Perry Christie suggested that fellow Caribbean heads of Government meet in the Bahamas “at the earliest opportunity” to discuss the issues of the region at an appropriate forum in both Nassau and Freeport during his lecture at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
International artists choose Bahamas for unique, collective project
IN AN exhibition presented by the Central Bank of the Bahamas last Thursday, an international collective of artists came together to showcase recent works in what they called “Plastico Fantastico”.
Police investigate woman's sudden death
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a woman late Monday night.
Canadian to lead review of road traffic
AN independent transportation consultant has been chosen to spearhead the revision of the Road Traffic Act.
US chamber to give 'fantastic synergies'
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is seeking to establish an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) branch in the Bahamas, its chief executive yesterday saying there were “fantastic synergies” to be realised between both bodies.
No BTC deal 'quid pro quo' on outsourcing
The head of the Government’s negotiating team yesterday “categorically” denied that they agreed “a quid pro quo” that would see hundreds of Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) jobs outsourced in return for regaining majority control.
Union 'vehemently opposed' to Digicel
A union leader yesterday reiterated his “vehement opposition” to cellular giant Digicel winning a licence to operate in the Bahamas, arguing that Bahamians had enough expertise to enter the industry themselves.
BEC to pay $540k trespass damages
The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) was yesterday ordered to pay more than $540,000 in damages to a western New Providence developer for trespassing on its land.
Auto dealers strike 10% 'convert' return
Auto dealers yesterday expressed optimism that they would double their monthly sales average in April as a result of the recent Car Show, with some having already hit their 10 per cent ‘conversion’ return rate.
Patti Johnson High School tourney tips off April 14
FOR the seventh consecutive year, girls’ teams from the primary to senior high schools will get a chance to compete in the Patti Johnson High School Basketball Tournament, which is now in its seventh year of existence.
Commonwealth Bank looks to rebound in game 2
COACH Wadye Watson said it’s always important to set the tune in a championship series by winning the opening game.
FMU coaches: These young girls have a lot of promise
MICHELLE De Los Rios has been so impressed with the level of talent she has seen here that she would love to include at least one Bahamian on her Lions women’s volleyball roster for Florida Memorial University.
Waltiea will be first Bahamian to play in WNBA
AFTER taking a year off to polish up her game in Europe, centre Waltiea Rolle is now headed to the Minnesota Lynx as the first Bahamian to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Treasure salvage licence hopes are 'wrecked'
A senior government official yesterday seemingly ‘wrecked’ salvagers’ hopes for speedy licence approvals, revealing that a moratorium remained in effect and suggesting their motives did not necessarily align with the Bahamas’ national interests.
$485m revenue boost via compliance norm
The Government could increase tax revenues by $485 million per annum if it just brought Customs duty and real property tax compliance up to international norms, a Tax Coalition co-chair yesterday warning its potential fiscal reforms were a recipe for “a failed society”.
Storage facility in $250k upgrade
A Soldier Road-based storage facility has undergone a $250,000.00 refurbishment to upgrade its security features.
Baha Mar project 'gateway to Asia'
THE $3.5 billion Baha Mar development will be the gateway that “opens up” the Asian market for this nation, a leading realtor said yesterday, suggesting that “a lot of moving parts are in place” for the Bahamas to capitalise on it.
Drive business strategies through creative thinking
I am hosting an international Judo tournament and training camp on May 10.
Bahamian passes the Series 7
Pamela Miller has passed the Series 7 exam after training with the Nassau-based Nastac Group.
Bahamian companies earn $150m from BORCO project
After three years and 1.3 million man-hours with zero loss time incidents, BORCO (Buckeye Bahamas) celebrated the work of both Bahamian and international contractors in completing its recent expansion project.
PM to head Eleuthera Business conference
The second annual Eleuthera Business Outlook is set for April 24 at the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, with Prime Minister Perry Christie the keynote speaker addressing the theme: ‘Charting a course for growth in Eleuthera’.
Tuesday, April 8
Sports in brief
EJBL BASEBALL
Pairing wine and food
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Premiere for new Bahamian slavery docudrama
BAHAMIAN filmmaker Andrew Beckford is getting set for the premiere of his new film, “Chained: Island In The Sun”. Mr Beckford recently completed his debut film, which he considers a four-year “labour of love project”. The film – which has the tag line, “A Tale of Courage and Bravery” – will be released tomorrow at Galleria Cinema JFK.
Mackey cleared
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission has made an official statement, clearing sprinter Trevorvano Mackey of a doping violation.
Bahamaland marching away from glory
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Downtown renovations
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Politicians act like children
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Tired of the filth
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Do you put up with sciatica or leg pain?
The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest in the body. When it is inflamed, this condition is called sciatica.
Put the glow back in aging skin
Has your skin been dull, flaky or uneven lately? It could be related to environmental changes, allergies, sun damage, even stress — or it could just be because you’re aging. (Don’t worry, it happens to everyone.) Fortunately, there is something you can do about it: exfoliate!
Bahamian parents encourage autism awareness
PARENTS came out last Wednesday with their autistic children in support of the “Light It Up Blue” event in Rawson Square to show the country that they exist and are not so different from other Bahamian families.
'Night out with the girls' - celebrating the single woman
THE COMMUNITY of single women that makes up the new Single Sisters Network came together this past weekend to celebrate their first “Night Out With The Girls” event at the Trinity City of Praise courtyard and lounge.
US Embassy supports Bahamian participation in domestic violence course
Eight Bahamian officials from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Social Services participated in the Intervention Strategies for Domestic and Gender-based Violence course held at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador, El Salvador from March 24-28, 2014.
Women’s organisation inspires youngsters at children’s home
IN KEEPING with it’s mandate to improve the welfare of Bahamian children, the JUGS (Justice Unity Generosity and Service) women’s organisation recently held a seminar to inspire the young residents of the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home.
Fatal stabbing trial to begin
A MAN is expected to stand trial today for murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of his former girlfriend on a beach in southwestern New Providence.
Two charged with murder in Freeport
FREEPORT – Two men have been charged with the murder of Sean Andrew Smith, the young man who was shot dead in Garden Villas last Monday.
Man accused of unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl
FREEPORT – A Grand Bahama man was charged in the Freeport Magistrate Court on Monday with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a female minor.
Inner-city residents face greater risk of disease
INNER-CITY residents have a greater risk of contracting diseases transmitted by insects and other organisms, according to health officials, who yesterday marked the 2014 World Health Day under the theme “Vector-borne diseases: small bite, big threat”.
Cybots win the opener
The Cybots defeated the Commonwealth Bank Giants 100-93 last night in game one of the 2014 New Providence Basketball Association best-of-seven championship series at the AF Adderley Gym.
Man admits raping pastor's wife in church
A PASTOR’S wife did not have to relive the experience of being sexually assaulted when the man accused of raping her in a church pleaded guilty before the start of trial yesterday.
Mentally ill man shot dead by police during escape bid
POLICE shot and killed a mentally ill man moments after he stabbed an officer in the eye while trying to escape police custody.
Fears of mass lay-offs at BTC
FNM deputy leader Loretta Bulter-Turner has questioned whether mass lay-offs for scores of BTC employees is imminent as the company reportedly prepares to outsource its call centres to Panama.
The teenager who won fight for her life
WHILE most 18-year-olds were getting ready for college, buying their first car or moving out of their parents’ home, Joyce Brennen was readying herself for the biggest fight of her life – her battle with cancer.
Marine pilots to voice concerns at meeting
THE Bahamas Maritime Pilots Association plans to voice its concerns regarding recent challenges with BORCO during an international meeting in Panama this week.
Readers say no to plans for new House of Assembly and PM's residence
Tribune readers are not in favour of the government’s plans for a new House of Assembly and Prime Minister’s residence.
Are you becoming your best self?
The first step to becoming your best self is learning how to “be”. Be strong. Be confident. Be true. Be you.
Falling debris forces post office closure
DEBRIS fell from the ceiling inside the Post Office, workers discovered yesterday when they arrived at work – forcing the suspension of postal services at the building today.
Coalition seeks to end gender-based violence and discrimination
A COALITION of groups will be hosting an awareness event in Rawson Square tomorrow in a bid to end gender-based violence and discrimination.
Police hunt for man accused of stabbings
POLICE are still on the hunt for the person or persons responsible for stabbing a man to death and critically injuring another man on Saturday.
Berry Islanders praised for tackling massive bush fire
FIRE Services Chief Walter Evans yesterday praised the Berry Islands community of Great Harbour Cay for extinguishing a massive bush fire that ripped through 200 acres of land last week.
'Environmentally progressive policies would help business'
THE cost of doing business in the Bahamas would be greatly reduced by the adoption of environmentally progressive national policies, a Chamber of Commerce director says.
'Finance training crucial for businesses'
CONTINUED growth and development of Freeport’s small and medium-sized business sector has been the focus of The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited coming into the 2014 business year.
Barbecue contest getting 'Smoking Hot'
THE Smoking Hot Barbeque Competition is set to grow in its second year by attracting international audience members to Nassau, which organisers called the best location for a barbecue competition.
Bahamas must 'make best case' for itself on bank consolidation
The Bahamas must continue to “make the best case” for itself in the face of continuing industry consolidation, a top financial executive saying she did not subscribe to “the gloom and doom” surrounding recent local downsizings.
WTO 'will never' interfere with fiscal reforms
The Bahamas’ World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations “will never” interfere with the Government’s fiscal reforms, the Minister responsible indicating the membership push would be delayed if necessary to assist the latter goal.
'Revolt' pledge over BTC outsource claims
A union leader yesterday promised “a revolt” if the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) tried to outsource even one job, as company insiders suggested there was “a lot of truth” to claims it is planning to move key back office functions offshore.
Baha Mar 'absolutely confident' on opening
WITH only several months to go before the targeted opening date, the $2.6 billion Baha Mar development is continuing to make “very good progress”, a senior executive telling Tribune Business he was “absolutely confident” the development would meet its December 2014 opening deadline.
Legnani: I'm definitely pleased with what I've seen
IT’S a new venture in a new location and a new stadium by the International Amateur Athletic Federation and, from all indications, Anna Legnani and Stefan Thies could not be more happier with the progress they have seen as the inaugural World Relays draw nigh with about 50 days to go.
The unknown plight of the Bahamas' 77%
Two weeks ago in this column, I wrote: “Recently, the local press carried stories about growing unrest at the Central Bank of the Bahamas. Apparently, management at the Central Bank is trying to restructure pension arrangements so as to ensure a more sustainable plan going forward.
Bahamas Realty in top network award
Bahamas Realty has received a Member Achievement Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), a global network of more than 500 top real estate firms.
Food retailers urged: Make price control case
The Bahamian food retail industry was yesterday asked to ‘make the case’ for an increase in its price control margins, a senior industry executive conceding that the restrictions were “not going to go away”.
Bahamas' salvage licence credibility wearing thin
I represent one of the 18 salvage companies that have applied for an exploration licence since the lifting of the moratorium was announced, and paid the required Government fee of $1,000.
Awards for out student athletes in Canada
An outstanding year, both on and off the gridiron, led to several post-season awards for Bahamian student athletes in Canada.
1-2 punch in Olympic beach volleyball qualifier
RAJHAL Moxey and Gaege Smith are hoping that their second appearance in Trinidad and Tobago for the final NORCECA Youth Olympic Beach Volleyball Qualifying Tournament will get them a spot in the second Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China.
Monday, April 7
BSC postseason starts tonight with best-of-three series
THE Baptist Sports Council completed the pennant and playoff picture in its 2014 Basketball Classic at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday.
Numbers just don't add up
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Democracy does not live in the Bahamas
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Slaves to a new 'massa'
BAHAMIANS are not adequately critical of authority. We are subservient to it. We fear it. We are awed by title, wealth, social station, pomp and circumstance.BAHAMIANS are not adequately critical of authority. We are subservient to it. We fear it. We are awed by title, wealth, social station, pomp and circumstance.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: A not-so-sunny outlook on banking, politics
EVERY now and again, I like to feature Bahamians who are making sense in their everyday lives and offer sensible input in issues of national concern. I have a great appreciate for anyone who speaks from the heart and candidly. Today, one such person is former independent candidate for Bamboo Town Craig Butler, who levelled scathing criticisms at the current government and expressed some disappointment in the mishandling of certain matters of national importance.
CARIFTA team selected after final trials
Following the completion of their final trials over the weekend at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has selected an 81-member team for the CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend in Martinique.
'Bahamas can lead region over reparations'
REPRESENTATIVES from the African Diaspora and the House of Rastafari believe that the Bahamas government is in a unique position to lead the region as talks over reparations are set to begin today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PM in Trinidad for lecture
PRIME Minister Perry Christie will deliver a lecture today at the Saint Augustine’s campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
Police seek help over robberies
POLICE are asking for the public’s help in solving five robberies that took place on Saturday and Sunday. The first incident took place around 1am on Saturday.
Union president calls for removal of Rollins as gaming board chairman
BAHAMAS Public Services Union President John Pinder says he will continue to advocate for the removal of Gaming Board Chairman Dr Andre Rollins in the midst of several decisions which had to be reversed by Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Minnis: Berry Islanders left to battle bush fire on their own
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday the government left the people of the Berry Islands to battle a massive bush fire alone for three days, before they “even noticed or sent help”.
RBDF say tyres used to burn bodies - but police say deaths not yet classified
FORENSIC Officers are working to determine the race, age, sex and cause of death of the four badly burned bodies discovered last week on Anguilla Cay.
SUSPECT KILLED DURING ESCAPE BID
POLICE in Exuma are investigating the death of a 33-year-old man who was shot and killed after he escaped police custody on Sunday.
Three in hospital after separate shootings
THREE MEN are in serious condition in hospital following three separate shooting incidents over the weekend. The first shooting took place around 1am Saturday.
Stabbed to death for a plate of food
TWO men were stabbed to death during the weekend in two separate incidents, one an act of retaliation and the other following an argument over a plate of food at a children’s party.
Bahamas Humane Society makes plea for homes for cats
IN November, 2013 the Bahamas Humane Society responded to a desperate plea for help from the owner of 47 cats who was about to be evicted unless she removed them immediately. Now the Bahamas Humane Society is making its own plea for the public’s help in finding them homes.
'Day in the Life of an Athlete' on track today
SINCE the introduction of their ‘Day in the Life of an Athlete’ programme in 2003, Anna Legniani said they’ve been able to showcase some of the best talent around the world.
'Reno' Johnson: All I want is a fair chance
“All I want is a fair chance, all I want is a fair chance, all I want is a fair chance,” were the sentiments echoed by Taureano ‘Reno’ Johnson to the referee throughout the latter rounds of his 10-round bout against Curtis Stevens at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday night.
Giants v Cybots tonight
THE 2014 New Providence Basketball Association will again be decided between a pair of familiar foes, perennial contenders and the last two league champions.
Sands lands win at golf tournament
THE Sands team recently held its 4th annual golf tournament at the Fortune Hills Golf Course in Grand Bahama.
Deep Water Cay sets a new fly-fishing record
DEEP Water Cay recently broke its fly-fishing record with a 14.6lb bonefish caught by “Big Jim” Easterling, visiting from Texas.
PM highlights need for financial services measures
ECONOMIES of the Caribbean region are gradually changing from being goods-based to becoming service-based, it was reported last week at an international conference.
First night flight to Bimini
THE first international night flight into Bimini took place at 9pm on Friday, Minister of Transport Glenys Hanna-Martin announced.
Can we become more independent?
THE Bahamas was among other countries that met in Malta to devise ways of becoming more independent, at the XXII Commonwealth Auditors General Conference held March 24 to 27.
Public Servants receive training in gender-based violence
A Bahamian delegation recently participated in a training course in the Prevention of Gender-based Violence co-sponsored by the US Embassy and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA).
Guide to marine protected area published
ONE of the Bahamas National Trust’s international partners, the American Museum of Natural History, recently published a new booklet - the Guide to the Science of Marine Protected Areas in the Bahamas.
Two in custody over drug possession
Two men are in police custody after they were arrested for possession of dangerous drugs.
Receiver 'perplexed' by court's verdict
A well-known accountant has described a Supreme Court judge’s decision to remove him as the receiver for a multi-million dollar Abaco resort/marina development as “baffling and perplexing”, adding that the verdict was “detached from reality”.
IDB: Gov't 'failing' on public finances, tenders
The Government’s financial management systems do not provide “value for money” on public procurement, and fail to co-ordinate its Budget with payroll, having reached capacity.
Bahamas potential 'centre of choice' on cruise disputes
The Bahamas has “a very good chance of being the arbitration centre of choice” for the thousands of employment-related claims generated annually by cruise ship crews, an industry expert believes.
VAT 'straw to break back' of food retail
Food prices would have increased by more than 7 per cent under a 15 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT), with a sector body warning this tax in any form will be the “straw to break the back of our industry”.
BFSB targets next generation progress
The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) is preparing to launch its latest human capital development initiative - The Bahamas Millennials Society, a networking and mentoring club of financial services industry ‘millennial’ workers.
CARICOM treaty gives Bahamas arbitration base
CARICOM’s founding treaty could provide the basis for a Bahamas-based regional arbitration centre, bringing the local economy “full circle” by supporting financial services, trade and industry.
Bahamas needs 'right people' for arbitration hub success
THE Bahamas must have “the right people” with the required knowledge and expertise if it is going to be taken seriously as an international arbitration hub, an international believes.
KRyS bolsters Bahamas office KRyS bolsters Bahamas office
KRyS Global, the insolvency and forensic accounting specialist, has added Michael Schulz to its Bahamas office.
New banking entrant eyes 'legacy' boost
THE co-founders of a newly launched private bank believe it is “well-positioned” to emerge as a leader among boutique institutions in the next few years, telling Tribune Business they hope to distinguish themselves in investment performance and execution.
Long verdict waits do 'the most harm' to legal standing
The often-lengthy time taken by the Judiciary to render judgments “does more harm” to the Bahamas’ reputation “than anything else”, a Cabinet Minister has warned.
Sunday, April 6
A quiet revolution
EDITOR, TheTribune.
Beach volleyball champions in spotlight
THE team of Muller Petit and Renaldo Knowles proved why they are one of the best combos in the country to play beach volleyball.
Fiscal incompetence and VAT
EDITOR, The Tribune.
An investment to bear fruit
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Reparations for Haiti's child slaves
EDITOR, The Tribune.Re: Mitchell leads delegation to Haiti for immigration talks.
PM's efforts to assist Lightbourne
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Intervention call is a bit unusual
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Saturday, April 5
US Embassy denies taking QC student into custody over ‘tweet’
THE UNITED States Embassy yesterday denied taking a Queen’s College student into custody after she allegedly tweeted that she was responsible for the shooting at Fort Hood’s US Army Base on Wednesday.
Four burned bodies: Foul play suspected
FOUR badly burned bodies, which were discovered last week on Anguilla Cay and were the cause for much confusion, were brought to New Providence yesterday.
Man jailed over $1m drug seizure
A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison and fined $25,000 yesterday after owning up to his involvement in the $1 million drug seizure in waters off Andros two days ago.
Man charged in 15-year-old girl’s murder
FREEPORT – A 34-year-old Eight Mile Rock man was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Alexis Aliea Smith, who was shot dead outside a nightclub in Eight Mile Rock last Sunday.
Friday, April 4
Man dies in traffic accident
A 74-year-old man died in a traffic accident while walking on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on Thursday. According to reports, the victim was walking along the highway shortly after 6 am when he was struck and killed by a 1996 Silver Toyota Sprinter driven by a 23-year-old man. His death constituted the fourth traffic fatality of the year. “We understand that the pedestrian was crossing the thoroughfare and the Toyota vehicle was travelling east-bound on Tonique WIlliams-Darling Highway,” Superintendent Craig Butler, officer-in-charge of the Traffic Division, said, adding: “The driver is a bit shaken as a result of the accident. He’s seeking medical attention and (we will) interview him as it relates to the current particulars of the event.”
Child abuse 'increase during summer vacation'
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Man in court in connection with stabbing
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Investigations into armed robbery
POLICE have issued a public appeal for any information that may assist investigations into an armed robbery at a Fox Hill food store this week.
Man jailed over $1m drug seizure
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Stabbing suspect is 'shot making escape'
A MAN who is suspected of stabbing a woman in the head during a housebreaking was shot by the victim’s neighbour as he tried to make his escape.
Sol Kerzner to step down as chairman
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter
Kurt McCartney murder trial set for 2015
By LAMECH JOHNSON
Man fights for life after knife attack
A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed Wednesday night.
Suspect put on suicide watch
A MAGISTRATE ordered a bus driver to be put on suicide watch at Her Majesty’s Prison after he was charged with importation of firearms and multiple related offences.
BTC give $1.7m compensation after service outage
BTC has announced a $1.7m compensation package for customers following the Bahamas-wide disruption that left people out of service for nearly 24 hours last month.
Pair jailed for smuggling iguanas
TWO Romanian women accused of smuggling 13 critically endangered iguanas from the Bahamas into London were sentenced yesterday to one year in prison.
PM pays tribute to Dr Earle Francis
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday remembered Rev Dr Earle Francis as an exemplar in the religious community who served the country in magnificent ways.
Two charged over $17m drug haul
TWO Jamaican men were arraigned yesterday in connection with the recent discovery of nearly $17 million worth of marijuana plants growing in the pine forest in East Grand Bahama.
Pledge to help tackle money laundering
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has pledged the country’s full support regarding anti-money laundering initiatives along with a concerted effort to combat the financing of acts of terrorism. Mr Christie said serious attention to the financial services sector in particular was important as more countries in the region are moving away from being based on goods to a delivery of services.
‘Christie embarrassed himself and the nation’
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday Prime Minister Perry Christie “embarrassed” himself and the nation when he said Bahamians should “line up and come to him for advice”.
PM defiant over Lightbourne row
PRIME Minister Perry Christie remained defiant as he faced public criticism for his attempt to help Mr Ishmael Lightbourne, government’s VAT co-ordinator, with his financial problems.
Cycling Club upcoming events
Saturday April 12th, 2014. - Grand Bahama-Pollo Tropical 5th annual ‘Ride for Charity’.
Building a better mousetrap
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis opened the 17th annual Southeastern Consortium of Minorities Engineers Mousetrap Car and Bottle Rocket Competition, which was held at the Jack Hayward High School grounds in Grand Bahama last weekend.
Tourist denied bail over death threats
A NEW England tourist was remanded to prison without bail yesterday after being charged with multiple criminal offences, including threats of death and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Books donated to prisoners
FORMER gang leader Drexel Deal donated more than 300 copies of his new book, “The fight of my life is wrapped up in my father”, to Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday.
Greenslade: Accused officer to have his say over jailhouse wedding
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday that the assistant superintendent set to be charged for authorising a jailhouse wedding will have a chance to defend himself in court.
Sandals donates doors and linen to Bain and Grants Town
SANDALS Royal Bahamian donated almost 50 bags of linen and more than 40 doors to the Bain and Grants Town Advancement Association last week.
Nassau man charged with GB housebreaking
FREEPORT – A New Providence man has been charged in connection with a spree of housebreaking and stealing incidents on Grand Bahama.
Andros restoration project to be launched
THE South Andros Handicraft and Manufacturing Association will hold an official launching ceremony of the “South Andros Coastal Restoration and Coconut Project” on Thursday, April 10, at 10am at the Craft Centre in Motion Town, Long Bay Cays, South Andros.
GB Christian Council speaks out over recent murders
FREEPORT - The Grand Bahama Christian Council has expressed concerns over the recent murders in the past few days in Grand Bahama, especially the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in Eight Mile Rock.
Web shops hand out $100m in unregulated mortgages
The web shop industry has issued close to $100 millionworth of mortgages that are outside the Central Bank’s regulatory purview, a leading consultant to the industry yesterday adding that this was costing commercial banks $500,000 in fees per annum.
'Irresponsible' to tap Mortgage Corp over government housing
The Minister of Housing yesterday said it would be “irresponsible” for him to use the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation to finance the Government’s affordable homes programme, conceding that its cash-strapped status had proven “a tremendous challenge”.
Realtors: Housing deal is 'pregnant with opportunity'
Bahamian realtors believe their new agreement with the Ministry of Housing is “pregnant with opportunity”, as they yesterday expressed concern about the island Land Use Plans imposed by recent planning legislation.
Realtor deal 'bodes well for explosive housing industry'
A Cabinet Minister yesterday expressed hope that his Ministry’s agreement with Bahamian realtors would pave the way for “an explosive housing sector”, and ultimately help cut the 7,000-8,000 strong waiting list for affordable housing.
Bahamas targets Tuesday for FATCA deal completion
The Bahamas is aiming to complete its FATCA Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) this coming Tuesday when a high-level team visits Washington, a Cabinet Minister yesterday disclosing this nation was pushing for another key product to be exempt from reporting requirements.
Hard Rock liquidator faces 'major claims'
The Hard Rock Cafe franchise’s liquidator yesterday suggested its remaining assets were dwarfed by liabilities owed to creditors, and warned the Bahamas was “shooting itself in the foot” by not providing greater protection to workers.
Xavier, Keianna get TOP awards
THEY not only excelled in their specialties, but both Keianna Albury and Xavier Coakley showed their versatility in other events for the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ 2014 Scotiabank National High School Track and Field Championships two weeks ago.
Minister gives blessings to newly formed regatta committee
MINISTER of Agriculture and Local Government V Alfred Gray gave his blessings to the newly formed committee for the All-Andros Regatta as they embark on “bringing back” the popular sailing competition to the island during the Independence holiday weekend.
Freeport not in violation of WTO
FREEPORT’S free trade zone status and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) are not in violation of any World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership rules, a Cabinet Minister says, arguing that the Bahamas could be significantly disadvantaged compared to regional counterparts if it does not join up.
SME legislation waiting on national plan 'compatibility'
THE legislative reforms designed to revitalise the Bahamas’ small and medium-sized (SME) business sector is now ready, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, adding that steps were being taken to ensure the draft Bill was “compatible” with the country’s long term strategic development plan.
Institute teams with UWI for Centre of Excellence
The University of the West Indies and the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services (BIFS) are co-operating on the creation of a Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Financial Services.
Bahamas falling behind on aircraft registry
The Bahamas risks falling behind in the fast-growing aviation sector, which accounts for $107 billion in regional revenue, if it does not keep pace with other countries that are making it easier and more attractive to do business, a local aviation law expert has warned.
Value of your vacation time
Some might question the value of writing on the importance of employees taking vacation time and seeking opportunities to refresh themselves.
Waltiea Rolle on fire in Bulgaria
THE quarterfinal round of the Women’s Bulgaria League began on April 1 with Waltiea Rolle and the Haskovo ladies facing Montana 2003. This matchup is one of the fiercest in the league. These two teams met back on March 8 in the Bulgaria Cup Final with Montana 2003 coming out on top with a 75-64 finish in the OT win.
Avengers reach out to children's home
ALTHOUGH they are relatively new in the Bahamas Flag Football League, the Avengers Flag Football Club are not just trying to display their talent on the field, but off as well.
Stingers tie series
The Mail Boat Cybots are back to defend their title in the New Providence Basketball Association.
Sports in brief
THE Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) is scheduled to hold a meet-and-greet cocktail reception 7-9pm tonight at SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach. The event is a prelude to the BADC’s Anti-Doping Workshop slated for 8:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday at the resort.
New venue for beach volleyball tourney
THE Scotiabank Defenders’ fourth annual beach volleyball tournament has a change in venue and hopefully there will be more teams coming out to participate.
Thursday, April 3
Show pride in white Bahamians
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Briefly
SCORES of European and African leaders and officials gathered in Brussels on Wednesday for a major summit meeting overshadowed by bloodletting in the Central African Republic and lingering postcolonial resentments.
Has PLP hamstrung Greenslade?
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Pay from his own pocket
EDITOR, The Tribune.
$1m gift
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Web shops affect financial scruitiny
WEB shop gaming regulations will come under international scrutiny once enacted as the Bahamas readies itself for another round of regional assessments on its financial services sector.
Call for hotel staff to file dispute
FREEPORT – Minister of Labour Shane Gibson is advising those redundant employees of the Grand Lucayan Resort to immediately file a trade dispute with the labour department if they are not being paid in accordance with the industrial agreement.
FNM MP questions lack of overview of Urban Renewal
FNM MP Peter Turnquest has called into question the viability of Urban Renewal 2.0 in the absence of a comprehensive overview of the programme for the last two years.
Hard Rock staff urged to file labour complaint
FORMER employees of the Hard Rock Café were yesterday urged to report to the Department of Labour and file any complaints regarding the entitlements that they are due in accordance with the law.
Mitchell says US alert issue should be put to rest
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said the issue of the US Embassy warning Americans about crime in the Bahamas should be put to rest.
Three arrests after $1.2m marijuana find
THREE men are in police custody after they were caught attempting to smuggle more than $1 million worth of what is suspected to be marijuana into Andros early yesterday morning.
Man faces court on murder charge
A MAN with a pending Magistrate’s Court case found himself facing a murder charge in connection with the country’s 81st murder for 2013.
Nottage on defensive over jailhouse wedding
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage was yesterday on the defensive following demands from the FNM for answers over which government official authorised a wedding of a man being held at the Central Police station.
Locks changed at Lightbourne home despite PM's intervention
THE home of VAT co-ordinator Ishmael Lightbourne yesterday had new locks fitted and the family were seen taking boxes away from the property – despite Prime Minister Perry Christie’s intervention to try to prevent the bank from taking possession of his home.
Coral nurseries set up at Atlantis
CRAIG Dahlgren, coral reef biologist, with volunteers from The Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, BREEF and Atlantis’ Water Features Department, teamed up to continue research on coral propagation at Atlantis.
College hosts foreign languages day
THE College of the Bahamas Foreign Languages Department in the School of Communication and Creative Arts hosted its ninth annual Foreign Languages Day on Independence Park at The College’s Oakes Field campus.
Essay on Sir Etienne Dupuch wins US Embassy contest
US Chargé d’Affaires John Armstrong visited Doris Johnson Senior High School to formally recognise 11th grade student Durante Charlow, one of the three top winners of the US Embassy’s 8th Annual Martin Luther King Jr essay contest.
Security officers trained to drive defensively
THANKS to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Security Officers at Wemco Security have recently completed a defensive driving course.
$1.5m project branded a downtown 'pioneer'
The developers behind a proposed $1.5 million mixed-use Bay Street property believe they are “pioneers for downtown Nassau real estate” by bringing residential living back to the city’s heart.
GB port authority business manager gives keynote speech in china
DEREK Newbold, Grand Bahama Port Authority’s business development manager, was recently a keynote speaker at the Boshang/DBBG International Business Conference in Shenzhen, China.
Sandals Foundation donates computers to school
ANOTHER Exuma school has had its technology upgraded by the Sandals Foundation.
Tourist held over handgun possession and death threats
A 57-year-old tourist is in police custody after he was arrested Tuesday afternoon for threats of death, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Mitchell silent over visa probe
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday remained tightlipped over the investigation into suspected visa irregularities at the Bahamas’ Embassy in Haiti.
'Protecting environment for unregulated development a matter of Bahamian rights'
THE fight to protect the environment from the scourge of unregulated development is ultimately a struggle to defend the rights of each and every Bahamian, a top environmental lawyer told CV Bethel students.
Shipyard helps promote nation
GRAND Bahama Shipyard helped Cruise Shipping Miami celebrate the 30th anniversary of its cruise ship convention by hosting a “Bahamian style” reception for participating clients.
Winners named for Antique Auto show
The Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas held its 27th Annual Antique Auto Show last weekend.
VAT revisions can 'cripple business'
The proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) assessment process could “potentially cripple a business” if has to pay an inaccurate sum to the Treasury for months, creating a “huge potential injustice”.
Tax outsource 'disaster' if plan not thought out
The Government’s plan to outsource collection of $557 million in unpaid real property tax to the private sector will “end in disaster” if not well thought-out, the principal of a Bahamian debt collection agency has warned.
Downtown 'still on track' despite Hard Rock closure
Downtown Nassau’s revitalisation “remains on track” despite the Hard Rock Cafe’s collapse into liquidation, the organisation leading this effort yesterday saying over 100 new restaurant and bar jobs had been created since 2008 despite the recession.
Bahamas yet to fully satisfy global money laundering standards
The Bahamas has yet to fully satisfy the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) that its anti-money laundering/counter terror financing regime meets the required standard, with this nation remaining on “regular follow up” monitoring.
Mantas Water Polo Club brings home the silver
THE Bahamas Mantas Water Polo Club recently participated in the First Annual Florida International Water Polo Tournament in Pompano Beach. The Bahamas sent two teams in the 13-and-under and 10-and-under divisions.
BTC title sponsor for the BAAA CARIFTA Trials
BTC has come onboard as the title sponsor for the 2014 Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ CARIFTA Trials as the organisation prepares to field its team for the region’s annual elite meet for junior athletics.
Bahamas submits bid to host 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
Following a visit by one of the leading beach soccer programmes in the FIFA community, the Bahamas Football Association and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture have strengthened their resolve in the lofty goal of hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Night flights start today for Bimini
Night fights will start arriving on Bimini today, marking completion of another phase in Resorts World’s $150 million investment on the island.
FOCOL electsa new Board
Focol Holdings (FOCOL) has elected a new board of directors.
Bahamas has 'long way to go' on energy reform
A sustainable energy plan is needed to transform the industry, a prominent environmental attorney yesterday suggesting the Bahamas has a “long way to go” with regards to much-needed reform.
Scotiabank chiefs visit Prime Minister
Scotiabank’s senior vice-president and head of the Caribbean region, Bruce Bowen, along with Scotiabank (Bahamas) managing director, Sean Albert, have paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Perry Christie.
PM confirms Freeport tax roll back
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday confirmed the Government was looking to roll back the new and increased taxes levied on Freeport in the 2013-2014 Budget, emphasising that the administration was “flexible” on the matter.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Choosing the correct host
If you are new to the world of websites, you might have overheard the expression ‘Web hosting’ and questioned its meaning. In its simplest form, a website host is really just a computer connected to the Internet that offers space storage, connectivity and typically enables websites to be viewed by Internet users 24 hours per day.
Domestic arbitration deal is finalised
A Cabinet Minister said yesterday that a Bahamian international arbitration centre would be built around the “three pillars” of trade, maritime and financial services, confirming that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been finalised for domestic arbitration.
Wednesday, April 2
Anglican Cursillo to host three-day workshop
THIS coming Saturday, the Anglican Cursillo Secretariat will put on three-day weekend workshop for Cursillistas in the Diocese. Topics include, “What is Sponsorship?” New and old Cursillistas will find out that it is about way more than recruiting, just as the Cursillo Movement is much more than numbers of people. Cursillo is all about transforming environments by providing the backbone for Christian life.
'Accepting Jesus Christ will not give you a better quality of life'
By Kevin L A Ewing
Fool for Christ
By Rev Angela Bosfield
11 ways to motivate for better performance
By Rev Canon S Sebastian Campbell
Andros couple celebrate 60 years of marriage and service to God
REV Dr E John and Lucine Newton have reached a major milestone in their lives; the couple are celebrating 60 years of marriage.
Bahamian pastor releases new song 'I Refuse To Die!'
BAHAMIAN pastor Dr Mattie Nottage has officially released her brand new song “I Refuse To Die!”, written for a dramatic comedy bearing the same title. Dr Nottage released the CD during the presentation of the stage play, “I Refuse To Die: Don’t Bury Me, I’m Not Dead Yet”, which opened last week at the Believers Faith Outreach Ministries’ multi-purpose facility.
Clergy endorse Anglican Church Men's conference
Plans are progressing steadily as the Anglican Church Men prepare for their 41st Annual Diocesan Conference which is set for April 30 – May 4 in West End, Grand Bahama.
Long Island Anglicans celebrate confirmation service
By ALESHA CADET
Everyone should pay their bills
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Don't gloat at Lightbourne misfortune
EDITOR, The Tribune.
BSC to complete basketball action
WITH all but one of the pennant titles already decided, the Baptist Sports Council will complete its 2014 Basketball League’s regular season action at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday.
The true cost of VAT
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Eleuthera's Pineapple Jam lineup 'entirely exciting'
As if a free afternoon and evening of the best of Eleuthera’s local bands was not enough, the Pineapple Jam has now landed the hot New Providence-based musical act Willis and the Illest.
Eleuthera comes to life with 'All That Jazz'
JAZZ lovers flew in from Nassau and all over the Bahamas last weekend to celebrate Eleuthera’s second annual Jazz Festival.
Transforming Spaces 2014 kicks off
THE Transforming Spaces Art Tour 2014 starts today with a number of activities to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary.
Queen’s College wows with ‘Guys and Dolls’
MUSICAL lovers are calling for an encore presentation of “Guys and Dolls”, after Queen’s College pulled off a successful three-night run of the beloved classic last week. The school performed its version of the popular musical at the Geoffrey Brown Auditorium on the school’s campus.
Fashion for a cause celebrates triumphant return
A TEAM of nearly 100 models is what Bahamian Kendrick Kemp envisions when he next hosts his Fashion For A Cause, an event with a two-fold purpose.
Death of girl, 15, at bar 'reflects wider problems'
A WEEKEND incident involving a 15-year-old girl who was shot to death outside a bar reflects wider social problems that need to be discussed, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday.
Commissioner hits out - but still no answers over dead bodies
POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade yesterday neither confirmed nor denied whether officials discovered four bodies on a cay near Cuba earlier this month.
Pastor accused of scam says he was framed
A BARBADIAN pastor accused of scamming Bahamians into giving him their prized possessions in exchange for prayers and a “word from God” says he was framed in a plot that sought to ruin his reputation forever.
FNM deputy wants answers from ministry over jailhouse wedding
FNM Deputy leader Loretta Butler Turner is demanding from the Ministry of National Security a full explanation of the events surrounding a wedding at the Central Police Station, including the authoritative figure who sanctioned the act.
Two held as baby rushed to hospital with burns
A MAN and woman are in police custody after their baby boy was rushed to hospital for third degree burns that covered nearly 30 per cent of his body.
'$1m of marijuana' seized
Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers confiscated over $1m worth of marijuana early this morning.
'I hoped for a miracle' after fatal shooting
ALPHEA Jones said she knew her daughter was dead the second she saw her lying on her bedroom floor, but held on to hope that a miracle would bring her back.
Ruling in delayed in murder case
THE COURT of Appeal has delayed its ruling in the appeal of a former prison officer contesting his conviction and 40-year sentence for murder.
S&P wants fiscal ‘package’ by Q3
A leading Wall Street rating agency yesterday would “not exclude the possibility” that the Bahamas could lose its ‘investment grade’ rating, indicating that it wanted to see a comprehensive fiscal reform package by the 2014 third quarter.
QPID gives us his 'Peep Ghost'
KNOWN for his hit song “Stupidvisor”, Bahamian singer Clay “Qpid” Adderley is back with another creative rake n’ scrape banger entitled “Peep Ghost”.
Artist Spotlight: Kim Welcome
A FUSION of contemporary jazz, soul and pop, with just a touch of Goombay, characterises the style of the Bahamian songstress known as “Kim Welcome”.
Nation's leaders invited to mass 'washing feet' experience
LOCAL artist Nadine Seymour-Munroe is calling on the country’s political and religious leaders to show that they are servants of the people by participating in her latest project.
'The Cinemas' to air on local television
“THE CINEMAS”, a new movie review show, aims to reach a wider audience when it is aired on local television starting next week.
TOUGH CALL: The history of healthcare in the Bahamas
DR HAROLD Munnings is about to publish a book on the history of healthcare in the Bahamas.
Social work champion wins Woman of Courage Award
Andrea Archer has been officially recognised as the Bahamas’ 2014 International Woman of Courage.
Two US citizens charged over rifle find
TWO American citizens were charged on Monday after failing to declare two rifles when they entered the Bahamas on a private boat.
40 species spotted in birding outing
THE recent field trip by the Grand Bahama Birding Group to the western end of the island resulted in several “lifebirds” for members of the group.
Crisis Centre was right to turn down Miller donation, say readers
The Bahamas Crisis Centre was right to turn down a $1,000 donation from Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, according to the majority of voters in the tribune242.com poll.
Darville urges social workers to stay focused on those in need
ADMITTING that there are some troubled youth who seem focused on a life of crime and bad behaviour, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville on Monday encouraged social workers to remain focused and determined in their obligations to make a positive difference in people’s lives, particularly those in need.
Police stage walkabout in Garden Villas following murders
GRAND Bahama Police conducted a walkabout on Tuesday in the area where two young men were gunned down and killed on Monday.
BTC to have Bahamian majority at board level
PROVISIONS have been mutually agreed upon between Cable and Wireless and the Government to ensure that Bahamians are at all times the majority on BTC’s board of directors.
US Embassy speaker to address Chambers of Commerce
US Embassy speaker José Raul Perales is scheduled to speak at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation first National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce on Thursday at SuperClubs Breezes.
BAHA MAR 'LIGHTS IT UP' FOR WORLD AUTISM DAY
BAHA Mar, the new luxury resort destination in the Bahamas, will be bathed in blue light this evening in recognition of World Autism Day.
Trying to turn young people away from drugs
THE Bahamas National Drug Council has partnered with the Grand Bahama Power Company to launch an anti-drug initiative to encourage young people to lead drug-free lives.
'Creativity crucial to financial services'
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said that creativity and innovation are the determinants of success in the financial services sector.
Payment made to end TV signal piracy' claims
Satellite Bahamas and its principals last night joined DIRECTV in filing a proposed motion to dismiss the latter’s ‘TV signal piracy’ case against them, after an unspecified sum of money was transferred to a US bank.
Hard Rock closure hits 38 employees
The Bahamian Hard Rock Cafe franchise continued operating for almost three months after its rights to use the brand were terminated, as its 38 former employees yesterday blasted its failure to give them due severance pay.
Gov't urged: Delay WTO accession to'align all stars'
The Government was yesterday urged to delay this nation’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession and bring it into line with Value-Added Tax (VAT) implementation, giving the Bahamas a perfect opportunity to “align all the stars”.
Bahamas can be arbitration hub 'within 5 years'
The Bahamas has the potential to establish itself as a leading arbitration hub within three-five years, an international executive said yesterday, ahead of a conference that will discuss creating a Bahamian international commercial court for the Americas.
Shipyard assists 30th anniversary celebration
Grand Bahama Shipyard helped Cruise Shipping Miami celebrate its 30th convention anniversary by hosting a reception for participating clients, Bahamian style.
'No Bull' Ballers bring home title
The Noble Preparatory Academy Ballers proved that they are a team to reckon with, not just in New Providence, but in the Family Islands as well.
Investors get approval for 'first-of-a-kind' oil conversion plant
A publicly-traded UK company has increased its equity stake in a proposed Grand Bahama-based oil recovery plant to almost 36 per cent, with the latter believing changes to its development plan will be “commercially beneficial”.
BOC presents Sir Durward’s ‘Captain of Industry’ for COB library
A NUMBER of books, including Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles’ latest copy of his new book - ‘Captain of Industry’ - was presented by the Bahamas Olympic Committee to the College of the Bahamas for the Harry C Moore Library.
Banding together to be a Mastermind
I met Pete Mitchell in a lounge that had been set up for networking during a marketing seminar in Chicago. We chatted for a while on our businesses, and the most effective tools we were using.
Office development set to create 200 building jobs
A newly-launched western New Providence office development has generated an “impressive” level of interest in the past two days, its broker yesterday revealing it should break ground later this year and create roughly 200 construction job.
Athletes, sign up today for final CARIFTA trials
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is still looking for more athletes to sign up to compete in the final trials for the CARIFTA Games, especially in the newly created under-20 girls’ division.
U-14 national tennis teams finish 6th and 10th in world
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s under-14 national tennis team recently returned home after a week of competition in the World Junior Tennis pre-qualifying event in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Tuesday, April 1
Hawksbill Agreement
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Director of Youth urges aspiring students to follow their passion
ASPIRING cosmetologists were on Monday told that they would only succeed in the field if they are passionate about it and exude excellence.
Important to refuse donation
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Words, words, words
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Following the Butler tradition
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Sweating it to the sounds of junkanoo
WITH the goal of building healthy physiques and turning the Bahamas into a healthier nation, the trainers at Caribbean Sweat Fitness are on a mission to get the country “moving”. And they are doing it with the help of Junkanoo.
Bahamian matchmaker - life coach helps men find true love
WHILE many women believe a good man is hard to find, there are also quite a few Bahamian men out there who share the sentiments of R&B artist Bobby V, who once sang “finding wifey ain’t no easier”.
The launch of 'Straw' - Bahamian author publishes second edition of best-selling book
WITH the launch of the second edition of her book “Straw” – an exploration of the local straw craft industry – Bahamian author Karen Hamilton is calling on vendors to stand up and face the challenges of today head-on.
Body of woman found in water at Potter's Cay
The body of woman was recovered from waters at Potter's Cay dock this morning, at around 10am.
$500,000 of fertiliser donated to the Bahamas
CLOSE to $500,000 worth of “high grade phosphate” fertilisers have been donated to the Bahamas by the Government of Morocco and is now available for purchase “at a very reasonable price,” two government ministers announced yesterday.
Businessman launches new political party
A NEW political party promising to liberate Bahamians while maintaining an “open style of governance if elected” has been formed.
Hard Rock Cafe 'to close'
STAFF members at Hard Rock Cafe have reportedly been called to a morning meeting today amid fears that it is to close down.
Miller on power cuts: Sometimes things just happen
BEC CHAIRMAN Leslie Miller yesterday blamed the recent power outages throughout New Providence on “engine trips” at both the Clifton Pier and Baillou Hills Power Station.
Court dismisses extradition appeal as 'premature'
THE Court of Appeal dismissed a “premature” application for a man fighting extradition to the United States in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a woman at a university he attended.
BTC: No fears in face of greater competition
WITH the government now able to move freely towards liberalising the communications sector, executives at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd said they have no concerns regarding competition from additional service providers.
Artist home from Rome after giving portrait to Pope
Celebrity Artist and Tribune Cartoonist Jamaal Rolle can cross off another major event on his bucket list - presenting a portrait to Pope Francis during a papal audience in Vatican City.
Man held after murder of 15-year-old girl
POLICE have a 35-year-old man in custody in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old girl in Grand Bahama on Saturday morning.
Two dead in GB shootings
TWO men were killed yesterday in separate shootings in Freeport - and a third was last night lying in hospital with serious injuries.
MP urges Parliamentarians to work together
PRIME Minister Perry Christie encouraged parliamentarians to work together during a two-day seminar held at Atlantis on March 27-28.
DC Pratt to train in Thailand
As he continues to blaze a trail for Muay Thai in the Bahamas, DC Pratt’s path will take him to the country of the sport’s origin.
'Tank' makes pit stop in New Zealand
ON his way to Oberhausen, Germany, for his first fight for the year, Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams made a pit stop in Auckland, New Zealand, where he got a chance to act as a goodwill ambassador for the Bahamas.
'Punished for being a bold, independent thinker'
MARVA Moxey, third child of Ed Moxey, creator of Jumbey Village, told those gathered to pay tribute to her 80-year-old father Friday night of the hardships the family suffered because they were Moxeys – particularly the children of the former PLP parliamentarian.
Police seek man in incest investigation
A 35-year-old Abaco man is wanted by police for questioning in connection with incest.
Mitchell hails 'successful' discussions with Haiti
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, said the Government of the Bahamas enjoyed “successful” bilateral discussions with Haiti during a recent meeting held there on March 27.
Gospel Fest to celebrate 50 years of tourism
WORLD-renowned gospel and religious leaders will bring attention to the Bahamas’ Religious Tourism offerings when the Ministry of Tourism hosts Gospel Fest on Good Friday.
Woman in shock after handbag snatched
AN elderly Shirlea woman was put to bed in shock yesterday after her handbag was snatched from her arm as she struggled to take her groceries from the trunk of her car that was parked in her driveway.
FNM leader visits Exuma
FREE National Movement Party Leader Dr Hubert Minnis continued his Family Island tours when he and party officers visited the island of Exuma.
Taking harassment off the streets
BAHAMIANS going to work on Monday morning will have encountered a host of messages aiming to tackle the problem of street harassment.
Are you stuck in a stale style of living?
MANY are quick to change styles when it comes to clothes, hair, bags, cars and other trendy fashions. But when it comes to getting below the surface and addressing the style in which they move through life, they don’t even give it a second thought.
Double murder appeal delayed by outstanding transcripts
THE appeal hearing of a man contesting a double murder conviction has delayed by 10 weeks due to outstanding transcripts from his Supreme Court trial.
Man questions number of charges against him
A MAN asked a magistrate why so many other charges were brought against him yesterday concerning an armed robbery of which he is accused of committing.
Brewery volumes down 2% on 'Major' smuggling rise
Commonwealth Brewery yesterday attributed its almost-2 per cent sales volume decline in 2013 to a “significant increase” in beer and spirits smuggling, its chief executive warning that this was “bad” for both company and the Government.
Gov't 'nullifies' approvals for $45m project
A proposed $45 million Cable Beach real estate development may have some unexpected roadblocks to overcome, after senior government officials yesterday told Tribune Business its ‘approval in principle’ had been “nullified”.
Bahamian expats in rum 'ramp up'
Two Hong-Kong based Bahamian entrepreneurs are seeking to “ramp up” their rum distribution business within the next six months, as they aim to capitalise on Asia’s growing interest in premium and fine spirits.
Bank: 'worst' over in 2014 despite $4.2m loss
Bank of the Bahamas International yesterday expressed confidence that “the worst” of its net losses and bad loan provisions will be behind it after 2014, following a quarter in which shareholders incurred a further $4.172 million in ‘red ink’.
Bank consolidation for former John S George HQ
Bank of the Bahamas International is exploring the consolidation of key back office functions at the former John S George head office in Palmdale, its managing director told Tribune Business yesterday.
Bahamas enjoying 15% funds growth
THE Bahamas saw a 15 per cent year-over-year increase in funds registered and domiciled in this nation in 2013, the Financial Services Minister said yesterday.
Tax reform clouded by critical missteps
For several months now, I have deliberately excluded myself from the ongoing discussions over the pending implementation of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) regime. Several years ago I wrote a four-part series on taxation options for the Bahamas, in which my conclusion was that:
Sales training will never end
It costs money to provide your people with professional training. The better the training, the more money it costs. The bigger and more important the outcomes, the more you are likely to spend.
Law firm gains top rankings
Chambers and Partners, the London-based legal services referral and ranking service, has given Graham Thompson & Company, a top ranking with a ‘BAND 1’ designation for its Bahamian and recently-opened Turks and Caicos Islands office.
Bahamas aims to complete FATCA by next week
The Bahamas is aiming to finalise its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) inter-governmental agreement (IGA) with the US next week, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.
Jones and Colonials come up short in championship bid
JONQUEL Jones’ initial season as a member of the George Washington Colonials women’s basketball programme came up short in their championship bid in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament this weekend.
Cybots, Giants take 2-1 lead
ALTHOUGH he wasn’t 100 per cent, shooting guard Ricardo Pierre felt he had to come back and make a contribution to the Commonwealth Bank Giants in game three of their New Providence Basketball Association men’s semifinal playoff series.
