Stories for February 2015

Man shot dead named as Sean Neville - son of Dr Mike Neville

A MAN was shot dead on Friday night in the Culbert's Hill area off Prince Charles Drive.

Prison kitchens await Bethany Rigby for part in Hillary Cargill murder

A SUPREME court judge yesterday granted a convict the opportunity of pursuing her life's interests while behind bars.

'Police should investigate prison sick notes' says former senior officer

FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson yesterday called for the government to allow the Royal Bahamas Police Force to investigate recent claims by government officials that one doctor allegedly provided 69 prison officers with sick notes in one day.

Death of Sir Jack Hayward is 'end of an era'

ARCHDEACON Harry Bain said the death of Sir Jack Hayward “is truly the end of an era,” and urged executives at the Grand Bahama Port Authority to demonstrate the same commitment, passion and vision that Sir Jack did, for the further development of Freeport.

BTC and unions to meet again on separation packages

BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union president Bernard Evans said yesterday that Thursday's meeting with Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) executives "did not produce results but was promising".

American Cruise Ship Passenger Drowns At Castaway Cay

POLICE are investigating the apparent drowning of an American cruise ship passenger off Castaway Cay in the Abacos on Thursday.

CARICOM talks end without consensus on candidacy posts

REGIONAL talks ended today with no consensus on candidacy for posts in the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of the American States (OAS).

Comets blaze to BAISS victory and end SAC's 26-year streak

THEY painted the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium green and white on Friday as the Queen's College Comets rushed onto the field to celebrate their victory as St Augustine's College's long stranglehold on the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools' Track and Field Championships was finally broken after 26 years.

Stop the Cari-go-round and present a united front

The Caribbean must settle on one candidate for Commonwealth Secretary-General and show coherence, says Reginald Dumas

Mitchell files complaint over radio show

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has received a letter from the government requesting an investigation of comments made on a radio talk show last week by lawyer Fred Smith.

PhDs at COB?

I am reliably informed that at the 2015 Bahamas Business Outlook Forum, the first two questions asked of Dr Rodney Smith, President of The College of The Bahamas by two persons in the audience were: Where are the PhDs at COB?

Who will speak on behalf of Bahamians?

I write regarding the ongoing discussions of the recent enforcement of Immigration policies in the country. I note with interest that for the most part, both local dailies have taken the pro-immigrant position at every opportunity.

Prison kitchens await Bethany Rigby for part in Hillary Cargill murder

A SUPREME court judge today granted a convict the opportunity of pursuing her life's interests while behind bars.

UPDATED: Doctor 'signs sick notes for 69 prison staff in one day'

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage has claimed that one doctor allegedly provided 69 prison officers with sick notes in one day and that the doctor in question was not in office on the day the notes were written.

Christie puts focus on youth at CARICOM opening

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday opened the 26th Inter-Sessional CARICOM meeting laying out several strong expectations of commitments from heads of government, chief among them a regional investment in development of human capital.

12 years in jail for sex attack on young girl

PROBATION is not an appropriate sentence for a man convicted of sexually assaulting a minor and aiding her into a forced abortion, a judge ruled yesterday.

Alleged rape victim sues top government officials

A JAMAICAN woman alleged to have been raped by an immigration officer has filed a civil suit against the government seeking damages for battery, assault, false imprisonment and the breach of her constitutional rights.

Pilot told alert to ‘shut up’: Warning system switched off in Munroe crash

THE pilots of the Learjet that crashed and killed all nine on board in Grand Bahama last year disabled the plane’s “terrain awareness warning system” when it warned them they were flying too low and deliberately failed to adhere to standard procedures, according to the official aircraft accident report of the incident.

Firms ‘getting VAT a lot more’

Businesses are “getting it a lot more” in terms of how Value-Added Tax (VAT) works, the tax’s Comptroller praising the private sector for “tremendous progress” during the transition period.

THE FINISH LINE - Chris Brown Invitational: ‘Something doesn’t add up’

IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there, but more importantly, it’s how you finish. The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to invoke commentary on the state of affairs of the local sports scene, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures as we transgress from one week to the next.

Two more Family Island clubs preparing to make their presence felt in the BAAA

MOVE over Moore’s Island. There are two other clubs from from the Family Islands - Andros and Exuma - who are preparing to make their presence felt in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.

Swimmer Moss ends college career on golden note

ARMANDO Moss couldn’t ask for a better end to his collegiate career with the Musketeers men’s swim team at Xavier University in New York.

French push money laundering, fraud charges against RBC Trust Bahamas

Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Bahamian trust subsidiary is fighting a French prosecutor’s recommendation that it be charged with tax fraud “complicity” and “aggravated money laundering”.

Celebrations to mark 50 years of high school

OLD scholars of the former Freeport High School, now The Bishop Michael Eldon High School, have planned a number of events to celebrate the institution’s 50th anniversary of education in Grand Bahama.

Clubs and Societies 27th Feb 2015

Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas. - Over the past weekend, some of the members of the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas drove to the Palm Cay Development on the Eastern end of the island and set up a Mini Antique Auto Show on the grounds of the Palm Cay Marina.

Carnival bands unite to form association

LEADERS of 28 bands have “united” to form the Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association (BCBOA).

Taxi union blasts political interference for delays

THE president of the Public Services Driver’s Union (PSDU) yesterday suggested that “political interference” remains the cause for delays surrounding the modernisation of the taxi industry.

Bahama Mama sails into Grand Bahama on maiden voyage

BALEARIA’S fast ferry Bahama Mama may have been delayed for two hours on its maiden voyage to Grand Bahama from Fort Lauderdale yesterday due to rough and windy conditions but the vessel’s state-of-the-art amenities lived up to expectations for the passengers and guests on board.

Murder convict appeals delayed again

THE appeals of three men contesting their convictions for the murder of a policeman have been delayed for another eight weeks.

Govt has ‘beefed up’ witness protection, says Attorney General

THE GOVERNMENT has reinstated the Witness Protection Programme and “beefed up” the Witness Care Unit, according to Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson.

Mitchell says policy did not need to be tabled in Parliament

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2015 tabled in Parliament on Wednesday to grant resident belonger permits was not necessary to support the government’s newly implemented and controversial restrictions.

Officials recommend radar installation for Freeport airport

CIVIL aviation officials have 90 days to respond to the safety recommendations issued by the Air Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit of the Civil Aviation Department following its analysis of the November plane crash in Grand Bahama that killed nine people on their way to a global leadership conference hosted by Bahamas Faith Ministries (BFM).

Bahamas ‘Back to drawing board’ on aviation oversight

The Bahamas was yesterday urged to “go back to the drawing board” on aviation regulation, after the Government’s own agencies effectively admitted that unauthorised charter flights were a lawless ‘Wild Wild West’.

Duo’s securities fraud conviction is quashed

An ex-bank manager and former trader yesterday saw their securities fraud convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal, which found that a magistrate’s earlier ruling “fatally fell into error”.

‘Don’t bite off more than we can chew’ with NHI

THE Government must consider the Bahamas’ economic recovery progress as it moves to implement initiatives such as National Health Insurance (NHI), a leading private sector representative warning: “We have to be careful we don’t bite off more than we can chew.”

Training strategies to empower employees

The level and quality of training provided to employees serving at varying levels is vital to a company’s success.

January push for NHI ‘discomfiting’

The Government’s push to implement National Health Insurance (NHI) by January 2016 is “discomfiting” to the private sector because most of the key details are still unknown, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

QC chases history

We may be on the brink of crowning a new BAISS Track and Field champion as the Queen’s College Comets are in prime position to halt the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine’s 26 straight wins in the meet since its inception.

BTC chief tells fellow utilities: Go pre-paid

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive says both the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) could significantly reduce their receivables by introducing a pre-paid system similar its own.

Taxi union chief fears Baha Mar ‘exclusion’

A taxi union leader yesterday said all drivers should be eligible to do business with Baha Mar, adding that he has been arguing for the same reforms proposed by the resort developer for the past 20 years.

Man wanted in connection with attempted murder

POLICE have issued a wanted alert for Duran Johnson, aka Devon Johnson, in connection with attempted murder.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Ministers get their final grades in Cabinet Report

EVEN if a minister has received a pass grade during these three weeks of the Cabinet Report, note that I will be watching closely and therefore they could either improve or be on a downgrade watch.

Politicians and the tongue

We are used to the lies that politicians feed us every election period. We are used to the endless promises of jobs and opportunities. You would have to be a fool to believe anything that these politicians promise.

No bail granted so far this year for any murder-related case

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson said yesterday that no bail has been granted for the year in any murder or murder-related case.

PM: Carnival to bring in $30m

THE Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is expected to generate $30m for the Bahamas’ economy, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.

Report due on death in custody two years ago

A FULL report, including recommendations, from Department of Public Prosecutions officials regarding the unlawful killing of Aaron Rolle two years ago is expected by the end of the week, Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson said yesterday.

Legislation for immigration policy tabled in Parliament

LEGISLATION to regularise the government’s new immigration policy and establish a legal framework for the Carmichael Road Detention Centre were tabled yesterday.

Arrest over woman’s death in blaze with cord round neck

POLICE have a 21-year-old woman in custody in connection with the “suspicious death” of Ariel Lowe, who was discovered by firefighters with a “black cord” tied around her neck in her home on Carmichael Road on Monday morning.

MONEY UP IN SMOKE: BAMSI contractor had no insurance

WORKS Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday admitted that the dormitory destroyed by fire at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in Andros last month was not insured at the time of the incident due to negligence on the part of the contractor.

Agriculture ministers tour BAMSI development

THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) is “well on its way” to sustaining the food demands of the country according to a delegation of agricultural ministers from CARICOM states.

‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr starts in Spartans’ last four wins

IT HAS been an up and down season for Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr and his Michigan State Spartans, but the freshman guard has found a spot in the Spartans lineup while his team is in the midst of a four-game win streak as the regular season winds down.

VAT returns ‘flowing’, but just 13% are in

The first Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns are “flowing in”, even though just 12.7 per cent of the anticipated 550 January filers had submitted their documents by Tuesday this week.

Davis slams Baha Mar amid ongoing road costs dispute

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday criticised Baha Mar executives saying they have not been co-operative in the continuing dispute over more than $19m for the construction of the West Bay Street diversion and Corridor-7 road projects.

Bahamasair sickout cost airline $820,000

THE Christmas industrial action by Bahamasair pilots over failed contract negotiations with the government cost the airline over $820,000 as of January 20, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed yesterday.

Why bring race into it?

“If you are black and you are poor, you die. Surely a tax is better than death.” What kind of idiotic statement is that in a country of 85 per cent black, ruled by the majority?

ON DA HOOK

WITH the welcome break in the cold weather and high winds this week, several Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) experts and avid fishermen hit their favourite spots across The Bahamas.

Environmentalists warn of damage to Guana Cay reefs

THE once pristine reef system surrounding the tiny island of Guana Cay in the Abacos has suffered extensive damage since construction of the controversial Baker’s Bay development, environmentalists claim.

CARICOM leaders start talks in Nassau today

CARIBBEAN leaders begin talks today in Nassau over key regional issues as the regional body moves to strengthen unity among its members as a voting bloc.

Ambassador tells of Cuba relationship

ERNESTO Soberon Guzman, Cuba’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, spoke yesterday of the bilateral relationship between the countries, highlighting that the neighbours faced the same challenges, including trafficking in people and drugs.

Fast ferry service from Florida starts today

A 1,000-seat fast ferry service between Grand Bahama and Fort Lauderdale starts today, with the arrival of Balearia Bahamas Express’ newly commissioned vessel Bahama Mama.

No answer from Williams on sweetened job cut packages

BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company CEO Leon Williams yesterday could not confirm whether the company was considering “sweetening” the voluntary separation packages being offered to at least 150 workers.

Govt to reveal the approved list of web shop operators in May or June

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday the government expects to announce within a few months the operators that were successful in obtaining Gaming House licences.

Woman accused of jury tampering awaits bail decision

A WOMAN accused of jury tampering will learn today whether she will be granted bail ahead of trial.

Video of child’s beating investigated

A “disturbing” video of the parental beating of a Grand Bahama teen is under investigation by police and social workers.

12 years taken off sentence for killer of 16-year-old girl

THE Court of Appeal yesterday shaved 12 years off a former death row inmate’s sentence for the murder of a 16-year-old girl after determining the re-sentencing judge did not consider the Privy Council’s declaration of the case to be the “worst of the worst”.

Comets take early lead

If St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine is going to extend the longest winning streak in Bahamian high school sports history, the Queen’s College Comets are going to force a comeback effort in 2015.

Bank unable to recover 95% of VAT ‘inputs’

Commonwealth Bank yesterday predicted it would be unable to recover 95 per cent of its Value-Added Tax (VAT) input payments, given that ‘exempt’ revenue streams form the bulk of its income.

B’air, Water Corp eat up $55m in subsidies

Bahamasair and the Water & Sewerage Corporation will collectively consume $55 million in taxpayer subsidies in 2014-2015, the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday revealing that the latter has been allocated a further $15 million for this fiscal year.

DPM says planning application rises show ‘turning economy’

A leading contractor yesterday said it would be three-four months before the sector gained a “true appreciation” for how it would be impacted by signs of an improving economy, amid increases in planning permit applications.

BTC fearing $25-$30m roaming revenue loss

The BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) is looking at a potential $30 million roaming revenue loss in its upcoming financial year after foreign carriers threatened to block their customers from using their phones in the Bahamas.

Survivor of Munich massacre to share his story during visit to Nassau

SHOTS shattered the air, hostages were taken, the world turned upside down in an instant that forever taught people everywhere that terror knew no rules, not even the Olympic Games were safe from hate.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Bridging the technical gap

Have you ever tried explaining technical matters to ‘not-so-technical’ people? Was it a treat? Maybe, but then again, maybe not. Yet it is safe to say that most persons in technical posts are, at some point, faced with the challenge of communicating with persons who know little about technology.

BTC chief projecting 30% mobile share loss

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) chief executive yesterday said the industry “rule of thumb” is that the second Bahamian mobile operator will seize 30 per cent of its market share.

Gov’t gains $20m in web shop ‘back taxes’

The Government has collected $20 million in back taxes and penalties from web shops since November 2014, and expects to announce licence winners under the new regularised regime by May or June 2015.

NCAA: Kentwan Smith posts 6th double double of season

AN active weekend for Bahamian basketball players in NCAA Division I was highlighted by a career high effort on the boards, late game heroics and another disappointing injury in Houston.

Cybots top Pros 81-73, Cheetahs stop Cybot Queens 62-58

IT was a double header in night league basketball action this week with games in both the men’s and women’s leagues.

Gymnasts bring home medals

THE Nassau gymNastics has congratulated its athletes who participated in the Presidential Classic and the Magical Classic Gymnastics meets in Orlando, Florida.

Police arrest woman over death in burned home

POLICE have a 21-year-old woman in custody in connection with the "suspicious death" of Ariel Lowe, who was discovered by firefighters with a "black cord" tied around her neck in her home on Carmichael Road on Monday morning.

What I would tell myself: Women give advice to their younger selves

IF we were all endowed with the gift of foreknowledge from birth, making the right decisions every time in every circumstance would be a simple process. However, that would make for a very boring life with no surprises and no challenges.

TOUGH CALL: ‘Beautiful beyond description’ but Little Harbour faces change

A FEW years ago, I visited Little Harbour on Abaco – a solar-powered community of some 50 homes encircling a picturesque cove near Cherokee Sound.

Farewell to the man who kept the lights on

ABACO’s lighthouse “lifeline” Everette Roberts died last weekend after a long battle with illness.

Copper ban

The response to someone electrocuted by a man stealing copper is to ban copper!

Govt must ban copper export

By allowing copper export the PLP government is not encouraging the development of an industry but crime, a country exports what it produces, copper export is ridiculous, as far as I know The Bahamas does not produce copper.

Will real Christians stand up?

ON July 10, 1973, The Bahamas made a giant step in removing its shackles from the British Empire and becoming an independent nation. In our preamble to the constitution, it states that we are a Christian nation, abiding by Christian principles. This now remains to be seen.

Designs for Pinewood drainage system near completion

OFFICIALS are expected to complete drawings for the new Pinewood Gardens drainage system within the next two weeks, according to the constituency’s Member of Parliament Khaalis Rolle.

Woman shot by police as car flees scene of crash

POLICE shot a woman in the arm after the car she was in nearly hit an officer as it fled the scene of a traffic accident.

Smith: Suspend Abaco plan and clear backlog

GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) president Fred Smith yesterday urged immigration officials to temporarily suspend large-scale operations planned for Abaco until the backlog of applicants seeking to be regularised can be reduced.

Markantonis: Atlantis leaving ‘bitter sweet’

GEORGE Markantonis, Atlantis’s top executive, yesterday confirmed he had tendered his “bitter sweet” resignation from the resort after almost a decade, having accepted a “wonderful opportunity”.

Union to meet BTC executives over cuts

THE Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union is expected to meet with Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation executives on Thursday to discuss “sweetening” the voluntary separation package (VSP) offered to at least 150 workers, union president Bernard Evans said yesterday.

FNM blasts govt over proposed new tax

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday lashed out at the Christie administration over its proposed new tax to facilitate National Health Insurance.

Man gunned down at work

A MAN was shot and killed while at his workplace yesterday afternoon, according to police.

LAWSUIT FILED OVER FATAL PLANE CRASH

THE estate of the only American citizen on board the ill-fated Learjet 36, which crashed in bad weather on November 9 in Grand Bahama, has filed a legal suit against Diplomat Aviation.

Police have no leads over death of woman found in burning house

POLICE yesterday had no leads into the death of a young woman whose partially burned body was found with a “black cord” wrapped around her neck early Monday morning.

Pilots in $1m drug case ask for bail

TWO pilots sought bail – pending appeal – from a Magistrate yesterday moments after he convicted and sentenced them to prison in connection with a $1m drug seizure.

Gov‘t ‘in stew’ on BTC downsize

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) decision to downsize by 150 persons was yesterday said to have put the Government “in a stew” over its earlier claims to have regained majority ownership for the Bahamian people.

1,500 to be using social services debit card ‘by end of month’

NEARLY 1,500 people in New Providence will be able to utilise the Department of Social Services’ new pre-paid debit card by the end of this month, Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin has announced.

Middle class 25% income cut fears

Middle class Bahamians were yesterday warned to brace for a 25 per cent cut in ‘take home’ income once the Government implements National Health Insurance (NHI), a leading surgeon describing the scheme as “an incredible sink hole”.

Thomas clinches berth for 15th World Championships

HAVING clinched a berth for the IAAF 15th World Championships in Beijing, China this summer, Donald Thomas said he’s now looking forward to regaining his berth as one of the top high jumpers on the planet.

Mario Bowleg and CC Sweeting Cobras join elite field of champions after Hugh Campbell victory

MARIO Bowleg and his CC Sweeting Cobras joined an elite field of champions after winning the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic title for the third time.

Can Big Red Machine win 27th straight BAISS title?

WILL the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine succeed in winning their 27th straight Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships or will this be the year that the Queen’s College Comets or any of the other 10 schools finally snap their dominance?

We are the champions

WHILE the senior boys’ teams, minus the Grand Bahama teams, competed in New Providence for the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic title, the girls’ teams were in Grand Bahama participating in the Geneva Rutherford/HOYTES Basketball Tournament.

Best female players set for All-Star Classic at DW Davis this weekend

THEY combined their efforts to lead the CC Sweeting Cobras to victory in the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Monday night. On Saturday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium, Wayde Watson and Mario Bowleg will be on the opposite sides of the court as the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association hosts its All-Star Classic.

Web shop donates computers to school

Students at CR Walker yesterday became the beneficiaries of 20 brand new Dell computers in the third instalment of Island Luck’s nationwide computer drive.

Lanisha Rolle sworn in as new FNM senator

LAWYER Lanisha Rolle was sworn in as the Free National Movement’s newest senator yesterday.

Bid to tackle food insecurity across region

FAO Director General Dr Jose Graziano da Silva yesterday reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to help countries in the Caribbean overcome their “development challenges” and tackle the multiple dimensions of food insecurity in the region.

Gray calls for common agricultural fund

AGRICULTURE, Marine and Fisheries Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday proposed that CARICOM nations contribute to a common fund for agricultural development to bring an end to regional dependency on foreign food sources.

16-year jail sentence for sex with a nine-year-old girl is upheld

THE Court of appeal yesterday affirmed the conviction and sentence of a man jailed for 16 years after a jury found him guilty of forcing a nine-year-old to perform oral sex on him.

Gov’t ‘puts cart before NHI horse’

The Government was yesterday accused of “putting the cart before the horse” on National Health Insurance (NHI) by telling the Bahamian people they would be taxed without knowing the total cost imposed on them.

FINCO’s bad loans increase to $118m

Finance Corporation of the Bahamas (FINCO) saw the value of impaired loans increase by 12.7 per cent year-over-year to $117.591 million in 2014, providing further evidence that this nation’s mortgage crisis appears to be deepening.

6th annual ‘Join Me on the Bridge’ starts women’s rights conversation with the young

GRAND BAHAMA’S annual International Women’s Day celebration, Join Me on the Bridge, now in its sixth year, will host its annual high school essay and art competition to be held on March 8 at the Garden of the Groves.

You throw like a girl: Creating limitations through stereotypes

“YOU throw like a girl!” This is a criticism we hear often. It is meant to say that you should be ashamed of the way you throw. How does a girl throw? Is there one way that defines how a girl throws? Do all girls throw the same way? What does it mean when someone says that to a boy or a man? You run like a girl! That is another ‘slanderous’ statement we hear.

Fog delays 16 LPIA flights

Air traffic was grounded at the country’s main gateway yesterday morning due to the thick fog which blanketed New Providence, with Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) officials confirming that 16 flights were held up for up to two hours as a result.

Wrinkle reigns in NC wrestling

THE Bahamas has a reigning state champion in wrestling.

Gray urges regional agricultural fund

A Bahamian Cabinet minister yesterday called for the Caribbean to create a region-wide Agricultural Development Fund, otherwise it would remain “a food deficit” area.

Gov’t urged: Let VAT ‘sink in’ before NHI

THE Opposition’s deputy leader said yesterday that the Government should allow the full impact from Value-Added Tax (VAT) to “sink in” before its looks to introduce another levy to fund the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

Dear 16-year-old me, here’s my advice . . .

We asked Tribune columnist and life coach Michelle Miller what she what like to say to her younger self. Here is the letter she penned to a teenage Michelle.

Man shot dead at work

A MAN was shot and killed while at work yesterday afternoon.

Progressive and unified agenda required for regional relevance

David Jessop, Director of the Caribbean Council, examines the key international issues facing this week’s CARICOM heads of government meeting in Nassau.

POLITICOLE: Teamwork in filmmaking brings leadership into focus

IN the last 24 hours, we (a cadre of filmmakers and actors) wrapped principal photography on our first collaborative work in independent (short) film.

Rollins the populist

Bahamians who are in the lower economic classes were probably rooting for Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as he exchanged words with Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder last week in the House of Assembly, over the former’s revealed intentions to opposed the PLP’s proposal to introduce a National Health Insurance tax in January 2016.

Open letter on Little Harbour

By this time, it is no surprise to you that most, if not all of us, have serious concerns about your plans for a marina in Little Harbour. You may recall the Prime Minister’s remark upon your purchase of the Abaco Club at Winding Bay cautioning developers that “such projects cannot work unless they have the buy-in of locals”.

Rihanna and misplaced priorities

Baha Men founder Isaiah Taylor along with Bahamians who have a keen interest in PM Perry Christie’s brainchild Junkanoo Carnival are anxious to know who will be the lead act at the imported foreign cultural event.

Reward offered for help in bringing killer of ‘father of the year’ to justice

BEREAVED family members have offered a $3,000 reward for any information that can help police solve the “senseless” murder of a 34-year-old husband and father.

Majestic Tours owner Billy Saunders dies

THE FOUNDER of one of the largest tour operators in the Caribbean passed away yesterday, The Tribune has learned.

Renewed call for copper ban after man electrocuted

TALL PINES MP Leslie Miller yesterday renewed calls for a ban on copper following the electrocution of a man during an attempt to steal copper from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation on Friday.

Mitchell: We will fight smears against country

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday that the government will use every resource to fight any smear campaign against the country.

Conviction overturned for decade-old murder

A MAN’s conviction and 48-year-prison sentence for a decade-old murder was overturned by the Court of Appeal yesterday.

Cord tied around neck of woman found dead at scene of house fire

THE body of a young woman was found badly burned with a “black cord” tied around her neck at her Carmichael Road home early yesterday.

New tax to pay for NHI scheme

THE implementation of National Health Insurance, which is slated for a January 2016 first phase roll-out, “will likely” be financed through a new tax on Bahamians, according to Health minister Dr Perry Gomez.

A LIFE OF CRIME: The wonders and challenges of adolescence

Adolescence is like a new set of clothes: your body is you, it is as perfect as it can be, but with the onset of self-awareness there comes an awkwardness, feelings of uncertainty and self-consciousness.

Paying tribute to Sir Jack

FRIENDS and family gathered yesterday afternoon at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King in Freeport for a memorial service for Sir Jack Hayward, who was remembered as “a privileged, but humble man” and a generous philanthropist who gave much of his wealth to helping others.

‘BTC job cutbacks show the duplicity of government’

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday rejected the government’s clarification that it will not interfere with the Bahamas Telecommunication Company’s plans to offer voluntary separation packages to hundreds of employees.

Cobras strike back to win Hugh Campbell Classic

They fell short in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association playoffs, but the CC Sweeting Cobras peaked at the right time of the year and thrived where their programme often does - the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.

Sporting Mischief & Mayhem: Dan Marino, the Super Winner without a Super Bowl win

BEFORE I begin, let me preface this by giving fair warning to Bahamian Dolphins fans - you know this isn’t going to be pretty.

NPBA All-Star Classic set for AF Adderley gym on Friday

AFTER posting their activities a week ago, the New Providence Basketball Association has confirmed that the Godfrey McQuay All-Star Classic is now set for Friday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium with two additional events included in the package.

Chris Brown Invitational cancelled for 2nd straight year

FORGET the second version of the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational. It’s official. The country’s top quarter-miler said he has to scrap plans for the return of the biggest private meet to come to the Bahamas for the second consecutive year.

Agriculture ministers to discuss strategy

AGRICULTURE ministers throughout the Caribbean will meet to discuss regional strategy in Nassau today.

Former LA Laker takes up consul role in Houston

GOVERNMENT officials yesterday praised the commissioning of former Bahamian NBA player Lynden Rose as The Bahamas Honorary Consul for the state of Texas.

Garden named after leading nurse

THE Sandilands Circle at the Rehabilitation Centre has been renamed in honour of the late Adrella Gibson, one of The Bahamas’ most decorated and qualified psychiatric nurses.

Exuma and Abaco centres to open ‘this year’

THE recently completed community health centres in Exuma and Abaco will open this year, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez confirmed yesterday.

Gomez hails potential of stem cell projects

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said five stem cell projects have been approved for operation in New Providence and Grand Bahama as he touted the benefits of the “revolutionary” industry to the Bahamian economy.

Guest house owner denies Investment policy breach

THE expatriate owner of an Exuma guest house yesterday denied he was running a car rental business in contravention of the National Investment Policy, after such claims were reported to the Department of Immigration.

Roberts: ‘Battle lost’ on VAT inclusive prices

Super Value’s owner yesterday conceded that merchants had “lost the battle” over Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘inclusive’ pricing, with the supermarket chain having printed over one million new price tags to meet the Government’s demands.

Six arrested by police for human trafficking

POLICE arrested six people, including four Venezuelans, on Sunday night on suspicion of trafficking in persons and prostitution.

Shooting victim dies in hospital from his injuries

THE man shot last week in Eight Mile Rock has died in hospital, pushing the homicide count to four in Grand Bahama for the year.

Inquiry to assess evidence in rape case

A PRELIMINARY inquiry will determine if there is sufficient evidence for a senior Immigration officer to stand trial in the Supreme Court on a rape charge.

Woman faced with seizure of her home

THE Court of Appeal yesterday advised a woman in a $300,000 mortgage dispute to negotiate for more time to “put her house in order” before the bank’s eviction notice is enforced.

Bahamas cannot let crime ‘tarnish brand’

Atlantis’s top executive yesterday warned that the Bahamas could not afford “anything that tarnishes the brand”, conceding that the US government’s latest crime report “certainly doesn’t help” the tourism industry.

Baha Mar dismisses taxi ‘copycat’ claim

Baha Mar executives dimissed assertions by a taxi union leader that it was effectively copying his reform proposals for the industry, describing its plans as far more extensive.

Investor: US real estate advisory ‘right on mark’

An American investor yesterday described his government’s real estate advisory on the Bahamas as “right on the mark”, adding; “People’s lives have been ruined.”

Gov’t to regulate unmanned drones

The Minister of Transport and Aviation said yesterday that the Government is proposing legislation to govern the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Bahamas.

Club Monica Track Classic: Athletes qualify for CARIFTA

AT least four athletes surpassed the qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games and Grand Bahama Power Track Club made their presence felt as the Club Monica Track Classic took centre stage at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium over the weekend.

Butler-Turner to join Washington meeting tackling violence against women

LORETTA Butler Turner, the Shadow Minister of Labour and Social Development, will be joining women from Mexico, Central and South America participating in a meeting on the prevention of violence against females in Washington, DC, this week.

SPORTS NOTES

THE Baptist Sports Council is all set to kick off its 2015 AID Basketball Classic at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday. The basketball season is being dedicated to the memory of the late Colin ‘Troppy’ Knowles, a former player, coach and executive of the BSC.

‘Get rich quick’ minority giving Bahamas bad name

Top realtors yesterday admitted to concerns that a US Embassy advisory would negatively impact the industry, with the market paying for a minority of “get rich quick” schemes.

No decision on NHI financing

The Government has yet to decide how its National Health Insurance (NHI) plan will be financed, the Minister of Health yesterday admitting that while the scheme’s 2016 implementation was ambitious, “this is the right thing to do”.

Court overturns murder conviction, 48-year sentence

A MAN's conviction and 48-year-prison sentence for a decade-old murder was overturned by the Court of Appeal Monday afternoon.

INSIGHT: The harsh reality of life behind bars

“Ask the Bahamian people,” pleaded the young man with his hair sectioned into four matted plaits, his voice cracking with urgency and barely audible as it travelled through the screened bars that serve as a barrier between maximum security inmates and the visiting public.

WORLD VIEW: St Kitts-Nevis election fiasco is symptom of a bigger problem

CONCERN was rightly raised over the failure of the Supervisor of Elections in St Kitts-Nevis, Wingrove George, to declare the results of the February 16 general elections until two days afterwards.

Woman found dead in her home after fire

THE BADLY burned body of a young woman was discovered in her fire-damaged Carmichael Road home early yesterday morning with a black cord tied around her neck.

Which is it, Mr Mitchell?

In a recent letter to the press, the Nassau Institute put forward observations about the government’s latest immigration policies.

Under surveillance

I live in Andros, Bonefishing capital of the world. I’m wondering what kind of message we are sending to tourists who are paying top dollars at the peak of our tourist season while green helicopters are flying over our resorts and homes day and night?

Problems facing the Bahamas

I have not written a letter to the editor for many years, but I am compelled to write after an experience last week.

Embassy warns homebuyers

THE US Embassy is urging its citizens to be extremely careful when buying or selling real estate in The Bahamas, noting that there have been instances where American citizens have lost their entire life savings.

US: Crime is now at critical level

ARMED robberies remain one of the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists, according to The Bahamas 2015 Crime and Safety Report compiled by the US government.

Confirmation due this week of Carnival headliner

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe hopes the government will confirm an international artist to headline the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival this week.

Mitchell tight-lipped on Detention Centre claims

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell was tight-lipped yesterday on recommendations made by a local panel about the conditions at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Pedestrian killed after being hit by car

A MAN has died after being hit by a car around midnight last night on Sir Milo Butler Highway, New Providence.

Pilots blamed for Munroe crash

POOR decision-making by pilots caused the Learjet crash that killed Dr Myles Munroe and eight others in Grand Bahama last year, the final report on the incident says.

Human rights group to address the OAS

THE Organisation of American States has granted a local human rights group an opportunity to be heard, in a month’s time, on the controversial implemented immigration policies.

St Georges ‘resistant’ to Port Authority offer

The late Edward St George’s family are “very resistant” to selling their 50 per cent stake in the Grand Bahama Port Authority Group of Companies (GBPA), Tribune Business can reveal.

‘Dan Marino and Friends’ hit Bahamas

The success of the second edition of the “Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend” has left event organisers optimistic about the partnership between the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Last-ditch bid for ‘optional’ VAT pricing

The private sector is awaiting the Government’s formal response to its arguments in favour of Value-Added Tax (VAT) exclusive pricing, amid last-ditch hopes this can be made “optional”.

BISX ‘takes step back’ on key growth plans

The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) has had to “take a step back” on several key expansion plans, as it works to “bridge the gap” between its vision and market reality.

DNA leader tells govt to come clean over NIA

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has said the time has come for the government to “come clean” over its spying on the Bahamian public.

Tourist arrest

AN American from Tampa, Florida, is in police custody after being arrested for possession of dangerous drugs yesterday.

Guns seized

POLICE seized two illegal firearms, quantities of dangerous drugs and arrested 29 people for a number of offences, including armed robbery and theft of vehicles as they intensified their anti-crime operation across New Providence at the weekend.

First VAT filings: ‘Huge discrepancies’ unlikely

The Tax Coalition’s chairman is not expecting “huge material discrepancies” between the private sector and the Government over the first Value-Added Tax (VAT) filings, although he acknowledged: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic championship tonight

NOT a final four, but the final three teams remain standing to decide the 2015 title for the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.

Manhunt launched after latest shootings

POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for suspects involved in two separate weekend shootings.

‘Golden Girl’ Debbie hopes to put her stamp on national stadium at World Relays

SHE has had a history of performing big time wherever she competed locally or internationally. But there’s just one place that veteran sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie would like to enjoy some level of success and that is at home in the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

BTC job cuts ‘show conflicting statements’ of govt

FNM Chairman Michael Pintard said yesterday that the controversy surrounding the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s expected downsizing exercises exposes the “inconsistent and conflicting statements” that the Christie administration is making on national matters.

Survey: Airport continues to improve

PASSENGER satisfaction with facilities at Lynden Pindling International Airport are continuing to improve, an Airport Quality Service (ASQ) survey has shown.

Broker in new battle with SEC

US federal regulators are embroiled in a new dispute with a former Bahamian broker/dealer and its principal - this time over the location where they should give their sworn testimony.

Activist: Govt has failed our country’s children

YOUTH activist Tavarrie Smith yesterday criticised the government for its failure to act in the best interests of this country’s children.

Students focus on disability in the Bahamas

DISABILITIES, among some of the social challenges developing countries like The Bahamas face, are being studied this week by international students in Abaco.

‘Disappointed’ by Freeport Gov’t committee members

The Opposition’s deputy leader is upset that the Government team determining Freeport’s future will be led by non-Grand Bahamians, while warning: “It’s never good to negotiate with the proverbial gun at your head.”

Sports notes

THE Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to hold a Major League Baseball showcase for junior and senior players on Sunday, March 8.

Jonquel Jones helps Colonials to victory

THE front court trio of junior Jonquel Jones, sophomore Caira Washington and freshman Kelli Prange combined for 52 points to lead the No. 24/23 George Washington women’s basketball team past Atlantic 10 rival Fordham (83-65) at the Charles E Smith Center on Saturday afternoon.

Shockers stun Caribs, 77-74

THE College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team was hoping to take the frustration of their three-game losing streak in Miami, Florida, out on the Real Deal Shockers.

Taxi industry modernisation to match tourism upgrades

Baha Mar’s aim in “raising the product and profile” of the taxi cab industry is to ensure it reflects the major tourism-related investments and upgrades in New Providence, a senior executive said yesterday.

Poor decisions by crew caused Myles Munroe plane crash, report says

INVESTIGATORS probing the cause of a small plane crash in The Bahamas that killed a prominent Christian minister and eight others late last year say it was likely to have been caused by bad decisions by the crew during stormy weather.

Police search for suspects in two shootings

POLICE have launched a manhunt in New Providence for the suspects involved in two separate shooting incidents that have left a man and a woman detained in hospital overnight.

Government says Detention Centre report is 'inaccurate' and 'strains credibility'

THE Bahamas Government regarded allegations supported in a report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) as "overstated and inaccurate", in a statement released yesterday.

Baha Mar plans to 'modernise taxi industry'

EXECUTIVES at Baha Mar have plans in place to “modernise the taxicab industry” and end the moratorium on taxi plates, sources at the Cable Beach mega resort revealed yesterday.

PLP Chairman backs Pinder over row with Rollins

PROGRESSIVE LIberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts sided with Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder yesterday following a heated argument Mr Pinder had in the House of Assembly on Thursday night with Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

Murder and attempted armed robbery charges dropped

MURDER and attempted armed robbery charges were discontinued yesterday against a woman accused of having a hand in the slaying of a 45-year-old resident of an Eastern suburb.

Man found not guilty of burglary

A MAN facing up to 10 years in jail if convicted of late-night home invasion walked free from Supreme Court yesterday after a jury returned a not guilty verdict on a burglary charge.

Commission asks Bahamas government to act on mistreatment claims

THE Government has two weeks to adopt precautionary measures set by the Organisation of American States’ human rights commission over alleged conditions at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Three in hospital after Eight Mile Rock nightclub stabbings

POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating a stabbing incident at a nightclub that has left three men requiring hospital treatment for injuries.

Grand Bahama immigration offices closed due to “mould contamination”

THE Department of Immigration offices in the new CA Smith Government Complex in Grand Bahama have been closed since Thursday due to a possible mould contamination problem, The Tribune understands. Staff were informed that the office would be closed for the two days for “sanitising” and reopened on Monday.

Man, 64, dies after Grand Bahama traffic accident

GRAND Bahama suffered its second traffic fatality within 24 hours when a 64-year-old man was ejected from his vehicle when it overturned in bushes on Queens Highway.

No TIN number?

ON January 15, 2015 I visited BAlC to pay the lease on a track of land situated off Cowpen Road.

Money lenders create modern day slaves

I listened and read with concern what the Prime Minister, Perry G Christie said on the news, Tuesday, February 3, 2015 and as recorded in The Tribune, Wednesday February 4, 2015 respectively, concerning the “Money Lenders – Have Created Modern Day Slaves”.

Why can’t govt stop BTC cuts?

The Bahamian staff at BTC were no doubt labouring under the assumption that the Bahamian government is the majority owner of BTC, by virtue of its ownership of 49 percent shares in addition to the two per cent shares which was transferred in the BTC Foundation in 2014.

Lost in the wilderness

Will the Botanical Gardens ever regain their glory and purpose?

IN OCTOBER, while laying out a number of fantastic programmes planned for his department, Kenred Dorsett, the Minister of Environment and Housing, said boldly that “a revitalised Nassau Botanical Gardens can serve as the ‘Central Park’ of New Providence”.

Christie: If Miller wants to walk out, PLP is a revolving door

ALTHOUGH Prime Minister Perry Christie does not believe that Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller is really serious about leaving the Progressive Liberal Party, he says the organisation operates as a revolving door and persons can “walk out or walk in”.

Bahamas shivers through coldest night for five years

RESIDENTS are being asked to brace themselves for more cold weather as The Bahamas islands are expected to experience a second night of 50 degree Fahrenheit temperatures.

Moss vows to fight to scrap VAT

MARCO City member of parliament Greg Moss said he will participate in an initiative to repeal value added tax (VAT) at the earliest opportunity possible as he accused the government of “double taxing” Bahamians.

PM to meet BTC CEO

PRIME Minister Perry Christie expects to meet with BTC CEO Leon Williams sometime this week to discuss the company’s plans to streamline staff in preparation for liberalisation of the mobile services sector.

Immigration officer charged with rape

AN Immigration officer was remanded to prison yesterday and not placed in “quarter guard” custody as his lawyer hoped following his arraignment on a rape charge.

PLP MPs clash in the house

PLP MPs Ryan Pinder and Dr Andre Rollins clashed repeatedly last night in the House of Assembly as debate over the mid-year budget continued.

201 cases of child abuse in half a year

THERE were 201 reported cases of child abuse in New Providence from July to December 2014, 86 of which were reported cases of neglect, according to Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin.

'Sick outs' close doors on stores

THE Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union has filed an application for a strike vote against the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, union president Bernard Evans said yesterday.

KPMG says Gov’t spending ‘far greater than needed’

The Government’s $1.823 billion recurrent spending Budget is “far greater than it should be” when set against the services it is delivering to the Bahamian people, a top accounting firm is arguing.

Jones posts double double in George Washington victory

SOPHOMORE Caira Washington and junior Jonquel Jones combined for 31 points and 30 rebounds to lead the No. 23/24 George Washington women’s basketball team to a 65-57 victory over Atlantic 10 rival VCU at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Wednesday night.

‘Sailing Barber’ Johnson: It was the biggest event I ever had

DESPITE watching his Campari Lady in Red, Lady Nathalie get caught by two boats during the St Valentine’s Day Massacre, Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson still left Montagu Bay over the weekend smiling from ear to ear.

Kerrie and Seminoles fall to Gators in Showdown

KERRIE Cartwright and her Florida State Seminoles lost a hard-fought battle against the No.2 University of Florida Gators, losing 4-3, in the Sunshine Showdown on Wednesday.

Let the eliminations begin

It was a busy day four in the 2015 Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic which featured an early start and the first round of eliminations in this year’s tournament.

How to admire a Bahamian quilt

Bahamians viewed new works of art and some pieces ended up in foreign lands, thanks to the 25th annual exhibition of the Stepping Stone Quilters Guild.

Clubs and Societies 20th February

The Commonwealth Bank Auto Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 10am to 3pm, at the Commonwealth Bank Wulff Road Branch.

Extension granted for murder appeal

A MAN yesterday was granted an extension of time by the Court of Appeal to serve notice against his conviction for the murder of a friend who he believed had double-crossed him.

Mitchell says Immigration ‘acted within law’ in deporting Canadian

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said the Department of Immigration “acted within the statute law” of the Bahamas in its deportation of Canadian resident Bruno Rufa.

‘Illegal migrants should be deported and blacklisted’

MIGRANTS who enter the Bahamas illegally should be jailed, deported, blacklisted and barred from entering the country again, Marco City MP Greg Moss said in the House of Assembly yesterday.

FNM ‘astounded’ by BTC job cuts

LONG Island MP and Shadow Minister for Labour Loretta Butler-Turner said she is “astounded” by the impending staff layoffs at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, adding that “problems” facing the company stem from the management and CEO Leon Williams.

Landfill manager to add 70 more workers

The New Providencelandfill manager yesterday said it expects to add an extra 70 persons to its payroll by summer to work in its new $4 million recycling facility.

Mid-Year Budget mum on $1.5bn ‘titanic iceberg’

A top accounting firm yesterday said the Government’s mid-year Budget statement had effectively ignored the growing $1.5 billion public sector pension fund deficit, despite projections showing it will hit “unsustainable” levels within less than 10 years.

Insurers bracing for ‘significant profit pressure’

A top insurer yesterday warned that the industry was set to face “significant pressure” on profits, with his company unable to “rest on our laurels” despite achieving the sector’s highest possible ratings.

Gov’t extends web shop bid deadline

The Government has extended the deadline for web shops to submit their licence bids by two-and-a-half weeks to March 10, with both sides yet to completely resolve their differences on how the sector’s taxes are to be calculated.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by car

The 53-year-old pedestrian struck and killed in Eight Mile Rock has been identified as Fletcher Minnis, of Jones Town.

Christie highlights lending reform

PRIME Minister Perry Christie opened the IDB Caribbean Governors Meeting in Grand Bahama on Thursday, telling officials that he anticipates reform of the IDB’s private sector lending framework will result in increased financing for a broader range of economic growth producing enterprises within the Caribbean.

Renward Wells denies ‘hush money’ claim

BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells said during a House of Assembly session yesterday that the past few months have been “somewhat tumultuous” for him.

More than 1,000 queue for a few dozen jobs

MORE than 1,000 people queued up outside Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Cable Beach yesterday for the resort’s career fair despite the limited positions available.

THE FINISH LINE: ‘Maybe, it’s time for a true national high school basketball tournament’

IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there, but more importantly, it’s how you finish. The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to invoke commentary on the state of affairs of the local sports scene, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures as we transgress from one week to the next.

Recycling facility ‘on schedule’ at landfill site

OFFICIALS from Renew Bahamas yesterday insisted that despite a recent spate of fires at the Harold Road landfill the company is still “on schedule” with plans to build the nation’s first materials recycling facility.

Trio remanded over $600,000 cocaine discovery

THREE Grand Bahamians were remanded to prison without bail yesterday after being arraigned in connection with Monday’s seizure of more than $600,000 worth of cocaine.

Sandals surprised at 1,000 job fair turnout

Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday said it was ‘surprised’ by the turnout of more than 1,000 persons seeking jobs with the resort.

Court of Appeal upholds sentences on web shop staff

THE Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the convictions and subsequent sentences a magistrate imposed on 13 then-employees of a raided FML web shop belonging to principal owner Craig Flowers.

Sports Notes

BAHAMIAN Shanae Armbrister scored a gme high 25 points and added five rebounds as the Darton State College Lady Cavaliers came from 11 points down with nine minutes remaining in a do-or-die game that determined whether Darton would host the Region 17 Chmpionships as the No.1 seeded team.

Save the Bays invites supports to chill by the dock of the bay

POPULAR environmental advocacy group Save The Bays is putting music where its heart is – in a “Chillin’ by the Dock of the Bay” concert featuring top Bahamian performer Kirkland “KB” Bodie and others.

BTC union moves for strike vote

Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)employees yesterday staged a sick-out in protest at plans to cut up to 150 jobs, with the union representing its line-staff indicating it has applied for a strike vote.

KPMG: Crime ‘catastrophic’ for economy if unchecked

Crime will be “catastrophic” for the Bahamian economy if it continues to grow unchecked, with a top accounting firm calling for a complete overhaul of the education and security/justice systems to combat it.

Call for help to transport dogs to Nassau

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) and the Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) are seeking the public’s help in transferring a number of dogs from Freeport to Nassau amid financial hardship for the HSGB.

Awards for ‘Catch Me If You Can’ regatta winners

AFTER hosting what was considered the biggest St Valentine’s Day ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Regatta in the 28th year of its existence, it was time for Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson to make the presentation to the winners.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Cabinet Report – Top marks or bottom of the class?

Adrian Gibson continues his analysis of the performance of members of the Cabinet - complete with their grades - below and on the following two pages.

Where has our pride gone?

Some people say that pride does not feel any pain. Others say that having too much pride will kill you. Maybe these sayings are true, maybe they are not. But what has happened to the once prideful young Bahamian?

Mourners say farewell to policeman

PRIME Minister Perry Christie joined family and friends of Constable 983 Latorio “Rio” Demeritte to bid farewell to the 25-year-old officer yesterday, stating that despite having lived for just a short time, his memory is evident in those who loved him.

Injunction granted over Canadian’s deportation

ATTORNEY Fred Smith, QC, has obtained a Supreme Court injunction restraining the deportation of Canadian resident Bruno Rufa, who was taken into custody and deported by immigration officials yesterday following an adjourned hearing in Freeport.

Mitchell calls on URCA to investigate radio comments

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday that the government has asked the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) to investigate comments made on a radio talk show by Fred Smith, QC, that allegedly encouraged people to revolt against the Christie administration.

Education director ‘not up to task’, says union chief

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson yesterday called for Education Director Lionel Sands to “do the honourable thing and move on” from his post.

Nearly 1,000 job seekers queue outside Sandals Resort

NEARLY 1,000 people looking for work queued up outside of the Sandals Resort in Cable Beach this morning for the hotel's career fair.

Nottage doubts Miller will quit - but agrees on export ban

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday that he had “difficulty believing” Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller would threaten to leave the Progressive Liberal Party over the government’s failure to ban copper exports.

BAMSI workers not paid, claims Minnis

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday claimed that construction workers at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) had not been paid.

BTC tried to cut 200 jobs

THE government intervened when the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) wanted to cut staff by 200 people last year, Labour Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday, adding that there is nothing the Christie administration can do now to prevent the impending loss of at least 150 workers from the company in March.

BTC wanted to cut 200 jobs pre-Xmas

The Government intervened to prevent the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) laying off some 200 staff before Christmas, forcing the company to delay the process until the New Year.

Nation set to host CARICOM Heads of Government meeting

NEXT week The Bahamas will host the 26th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Melia resort.

Consultant vetted for clean-up of Clifton oil spill

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson yesterday confirmed that her office has vetted an “internationally accepted” consultant to guide remediation for decades of environmental degradation at Clifton Pier.

Top QC: Reduce debt ratios to pre-crash level

A top QC yesterday warned it was vital that the Government allocate a “significant amount” of tax revenues to paying down the $6 billion national debt, arguing that its priority had to be reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio to pre-2008 recession levels.

‘Petty’ minister criticised for failing to attend meeting

ATTORNEY Fred Smith yesterday criticised Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell for displaying “pettiness and immaturity” for declining to attend a scheduled meeting with the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association and a Haitian-American delegation to discuss the government’s new immigration policy.

Documentary highlights work of special needs school

A SPECIAL needs school in Abaco has experienced some impact from the world premiere of a documentary film featuring the institution.

‘Disabled workers should keep benefit’

MEMBERS of the disabled community who can work should retain an invalidity benefit if hired to the workforce, said a member of the National Commission on Disabilities.

ON DA HOOK

WHILE all the focus has been on the amazing Wahoo season and the early start to the Mahi Mahi season, it is easy to overlook fly fishing in The Bahamas, one of the top three destinations in the world for the sport.

Falcons eat up Cudas, 71-45

No Grand Bahama teams, no problem. The 28th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys is still going on at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

Fiscal Responsibility cannot ‘box in’ Gov’t

Fiscal Responsibility legislation will not work if it seeks to “box in” the Government, a leading QC warned yesterday, while noting that such laws worked best in countries with similar governance structures to the Bahamas.

Gov’t targets LPG price reduction

The Government was yesterday said to be “definitely considering” reducing the cost of price-controlled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or cooking gas, amid dealer concerns that such action makes no sense.

Nothing new under the sun

Seems you have problems with discrimination, (Letters, Faceless, 11/2 15).

FNM deputy leader: Will best bidder win mobile licence?

The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday expressed concern over whether the ‘best bidder’ would necessarily win the second mobile licence, given the Government’s “vested interest” in ensuring the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) survives.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Get the message on who you are

So, you have a business and are ready to push your branding and marketing efforts out online, yet you hardly understand the difference between both. You are not alone, because there are many marketing employees who are still challenged with both platforms.

Bahamas All-Stars to face Miami Dolphins Legends

OFFICIALS in the Ministry of Tourism are gearing up for the first-ever Dan Marino and Friends Football game where Miami Dolphins Legends will have an exciting match up against the Bahamas All-Star Team, which includes Bahamian dignitaries, the Bahamas Flag Football League and the Commonwealth Football League.

Sports notes

THE Baptist Sports Council is scheduled to hold a meeting 10am Saturday at Jordan Prince William High School for all teams wishing to participate in the 2015 AID Basketball League.

FNM deputy: ‘No one satisfied’ with BTC

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday said the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) desire to shed another 150 jobs was “not a surprise”, especially given its relatively poor performance post-privatisation.

Man who murdered Cabinet Minister has sentence cut

THE Court of Appeal has reduced the life sentence of the man convicted of murdering a Free National Movement Cabinet minister, a decision that came 18 years after Charles “Chuck” Virgil’s death.

TOUGH CALL: The lessons not yet learned from Greek financial struggle

Greece, as we all know from high school days, was one of the major civilising forces of antiquity. Its modern political history began in the 19th century, when the country was a reluctant province of the Ottoman Empire.

Horse lover wins award for efforts to help animals

CLAIRE Cash, of Nassau, and Phyllis Kemp, of Rock Sound, Eleuthera, are the winners of the annual Bahamas Humane Society B-Humane Award given to people who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist the animals in The Bahamas.

Bimini hotel to welcome first guests next month

THE new 305-room hotel under construction at Resorts World Bimini is expected to have a soft opening next month, with a full opening forecast for nearer the end of the year or early in 2016.

Wahoo Smackdown event postponed because of bad weather

The Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina announced today that due to inclement weather it has rescheduled the Wahoo Smackdown VI tournament - due to have taken place this weekend - to March 12-14.

New HIV strain emerges in Cuba

A NEW strain of HIV that rapidly progresses into AIDS has become an “epidemic” among newly infected patients in Cuba, according to a study released this week.

Cable prices

Following my viewing on television media a night ago, and listening attentively to the discussion on the impending fee hikes of Cable Bahamas products, and their services to the Bahamian public; I personally say no, to such raises, and, for many reasons:

Immigration

I don’t have much to say today; only that it would be my wish that under the (new) immigration rules being touted in recent times requiring all non-Bahamians to have a passport with a residency stamp within it, that the rules do not dictate that these persons should have this passport on them at all times, especially children.

We are all we have got

In 2014, there were, allegedly, some 112 homicides. The majority of these were perpetuated by relatively younger men on other younger men/women known to them or with whom they would have had a personal altercation or relationship. At the rate we have started off 2015 it is highly likely that the homicide level will exceed that of last year. The carnage, seemingly, goes on unabated.

Prime Minister Christie’s vote is needed

THE Tribune is pleased that Sir Ronald Sanders, has reconsidered, and is now back in the contest as Caricom’s nominee for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General.

PAC to submit report on Urban Renewal

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is expected to soon submit a formal report to parliament following an extensive probe into the operations and expenditure of Urban Renewal 2.0, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.

Smith: No problem with idea of Haitian-Bahamian political party

HUMAN rights activist Fred Smith, QC, said he sees no problem with Bahamians of Haitian descent organising to form political parties, insisting that the country is on its way to this group of society emerging as parliamentary leaders.

Govt incompetence blamed for referendum delay

FORMER FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner suggested that the government “incompetence” is to blame for any further delays to the proposed referendum on gender equality.

No leads in double murder probe

POLICE have no leads and no suspects in a shooting incident that left two men dead and two others fighting for their lives in hospital.

Miller: I may quit PLP

MP gives ultimatum over copper exports

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday threatened to quit the PLP if the government does not “stop the export of copper” from The Bahamas.

Oil explorer eyes ‘huge advantage’ even if prices low

The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) says studies have shown it can achieve “robust profitability” in the current low oil price environment, thus giving it a “huge competitive advantage”.

Annual Red Cross Fair seeks to bring in the crowds

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Red Cross Society have announced that on March 28 the organisation will transform the Lower Grounds of Government House into a “fun-filled” environment for the 74th annual Red Cross Fair.

Insurers in ‘state of flux’ over VAT

The insurance industry was yesterday said to still be “in a state of flux” and unsure how to customise its systems for Value-Added Tax (VAT), with the rules governing the industry yet to be finalised.

CIBC lay-offs 30% below projections

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) managed to cut projected lay-offs by 30 per cent through switching employees to other posts, as one-off charges forced into a record $147.8 million net loss for its 2014 financial year.

Gov’t ‘missing forest for trees’ over work permits

The private sector yesterday reiterated its desire to establish a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Immigration Department to assist its work permit policy, amid warnings the Bahamas was “missing the forest for the tree”.

BSF’s inaugural Gala Awards Banquet at Melia March 14

TO show appreciation to their swimmers for tremendous performances in 2014, the Bahamas Swimming Federation will hold its inaugural Gala Awards Banquet at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Saturday, March 14.

Immigration to hold meeting to plan checks in Abaco

THE Department of Immigration will host a multi-agency planning meeting ahead of intensive immigration checks set for Abaco.

Rattlers shake up Saints, 59-53

The CI Gibson Rattlers showed why they are the defending champions of the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.

Man seeks probation for robbery of tourist

A MAN seeking five years on probation for the knife-point robbery of a tourist in a hotel room told a judge yesterday he would have “walked the moon” to avoid what happened two years ago.

The power of poetry

THE US Embassy, in partnership with American poet, author, and motivational speaker, Omekongo Dibinga of UPstander International, facilitated a five-day workshop focused on poetry and spoken word with over 50 students in grades 10-12 at C R Walker High School.

MLB scouts have eyes for talent on MaxD Pro Day

MORE than a dozen scouts from 10 Major League teams were in town to look at a number of players in the Maximum Development Sports Academy’s MaxD Pro Day at Her Majesty’s Prison baseball field yesterday.

TOUGH CALL: The definition of insanity

The Harrold Road dump has been spewing toxic fumes and smoke into the clear skies over New Providence for weeks.

‘I just have to continue grinding and eventually I will get to the next level’

OVER the past few years, Albert Cartwright and Antoan Richardson have been miles apart as they pursued their professional baseball careers. This year, as they continue to ink their names on permanent contracts in the Major League, they will be spending plenty of time together as roommates.

'No concern' over scabies spreading to more schools

EDUCATION Director Lionel Sands yesterday said the Ministry of Education has “no concerns” over scabies possibly spreading to more schools in the country.

Ex-minister ‘in dark’ on F’port committee role

A former Cabinet minister yesterday said he only found out the Government wanted to appoint him to the committee that will determine Freeport’s future when it was announced in the House of Assembly.

Gov’t ‘on course’ to meet fiscal targets

The Government is “on course” to achieve its full-year forecasts for revenue and the fiscal deficit, state finance minister, Michael Halkitis, said yesterday.

Sports notes

THE most valuable player (MVP) from the City Bowling League competition last night was Johann Pyfrom of Telco Enterprises, who crushed the pins for a 246 high game and a 652 high three game set.

‘I can see boxing once again climbing back to top’

WITH their future as competitors in limbo, Valentino Knowles and Lavar Stuart are joining Kayla Johnson in forming a vibrant coaching programme that will be implemented by the Amateur Boxing Federation of the Bahamas at the newly renovated National Boxing Gymnasium at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Direct selling block limits NAGICO targets

A top NAGICO Bahamas executive said yesterday that the underwriter was encouraged by its prospects in the Bahamian market, having beaten all its performance targets to-date.

Bahamas’ WTO accession ‘one of big ticket items’

The Bahamas’ accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, and compliance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), are among the “big ticket items” currently being tackled by the Ministry of Financial Services.

Man cleared of killing Bertha’s employee

A NOT guilty verdict yesterday led to the acquittal of a third man standing trial into the armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee.

Sanders back in running for Commonwealth post

SIR Ronald Sanders, the High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda in London, has been reinstated in the contest for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General after withdrawing his candidacy in December.

51st Heart Ball is ‘a great success’

THE 51st annual Heart Ball proved to be a smashing success, providing guests with an evening of glitz and glamour, while also fulfilling the purpose of raising funds to help children who need urgent heart care.

Breakout Session! Sex: The forgotten remedy

WELCOME to our very first “Breakout Session!”

Author discovers men are ‘emotionally starved’

BASED on the feedback from her latest book, Kelda Rolle has come to the conclusion that many men out there are “emotionally starved and attention deprived” in their relationships.

POLITICOLE: Your country needs you!

SO MANY people talk incessantly about how they want this country to be better.

Fix the traffic lights

Will the bright light who’s responsible for traffic lights fix the timing on the East Bay/Village Road and Shirley St/Village Road lights?

Minnis shows great wisdom

Under the heading “The Unceremonious firing of Senator Hunt”, “The Phoenix” wrote a letter which was published in a leading newspaper today, suggesting that Dr Minnis made a bad decision to ask Heather Hunt to resign.

Support our professionals

The beginning of the year is typically a time for spring cleaning for many of us as we file away the old and prepare for what the new year will bring.

A LIFE OF CRIME: Lost innocence - The age of reason and sexual awareness

At what age do we grow up? At what age do we develop moral reasoning so that we can tell right from wrong?

Turnquest fears for the country’s future economy

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said he was “very concerned” about the country’s economic future as he castigated the government over its lack of detail in the 2014/2015 mid-year budget presentation.

Ministry out of money for repatriations

WITH six more months to go in the fiscal year, repatriations conducted as of December 2014 have exhausted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration’s deportation budget.

Float accident at Haiti Carnival parade kills at least 20

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP) - At least 20 people were killed early today in the Haitian capital after a man on top of a musical group’s Carnival float was electrocuted, setting off a panic in which dozens of people were trampled, witnesses and officials said.

Man accused of burning BAMSI

THE man charged with setting fire to a male dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) last month yesterday claimed his rights were “violated” during the investigative process.

No gospel artists for Carnival

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday denied reports that international gospel artists have been added to the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival line up.

Son charged after woman aged 81 is asphyxiated

A 56-year-old man was charged with murder yesterday in connection with the death of his 81-year-old mother.

UPDATED: Two dead, two injured in shooting

TWO men are dead and another two were left in hospital after gunmen opened fire in the Plantol Street area last night, police said.

Learn how to change your life in 30 days

IS it really possible to change your life completely within the space of just 30 days? Author of the New York Times best seller “It Starts With Food” and Whole30 programme co-creator Melissa Hartwig will tell you how this Thursday.

The Golden Heart Award

THIS year’s Golden Heart Award went to A Bismark Coakley, MBE, for his work with physically challenged children and helping his fellow man. Mr Coakley said he was very grateful for this recognition of his efforts.

Child abuse and neglect includes the mouth

IN the Bahamas, medical doctors and dentists are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and/or the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

MICHELLE MILLER: Are you cultivating your confidence?

CONFIDENCE is an enriching and empowering quality that only appreciates with time. While this is so, recognise that confidence is a personal quality that comes from within.

1600 SHADES OF GREY

IT was the quintessential, pre-Valentine girls’ night out event, complete with laughter, witty repartee, a male auction and prizes and surprises.

Kai Sweeting has designs on success

IN every generation there are persons who seek to redefine the status quo and defy conventionality. Kai Sweeting is aiming to do just that in the Bahamas with her company, Amar Kai Designs.

It’s no joke defending Bahamian sporting pride

EVEN though we don’t celebrate Black History Month like our neighbours to the north in the good old USA, we’ve had many Bahamians contribute in their own way to writing black history throughout the States, especially in sports.

‘It’s not exactly where I want to be but it is a movement in the right direction’

ARIANNA Vanderpool-Wallace is proof that hard work pays off.

‘Golden Knight’ looks to bounce back from injury

During the inaugural International Amateur Athletic Federation World Relays, Ramon Miller suffered an injury competing in the heats of the men’s 4x400 metre relay and he wasn’t aware of how severe it was until he had to withdraw from the final.

Pacers trump Aces, 45-43

ELVIS Johnson hit the biggest shot of the game and his backcourt mate Keanu Rolle added the final dagger as the CR Walker Knights escaped with a 60-58 overtime victory over the St Anne’s Bluewaves.

Butler-Turner asks who will pay the cost of repairs

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday questioned whether taxpayers will have to foot the cost to repair the dormitory that was destroyed by fire at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) last month.

Concern over unauthorised meter removal

FAMILIES For Justice president Rev Glenroy Bethel is raising concerns over an unauthorised meter removal and installation of a temporary meter at a Freeport residence by employees of the Grand Bahama Power Company, claiming that the workers had no order or written authorisation to do so. He further claimed that the homeowner has noticed that the temporary meter is reading much higher.

Tributes to grandmother at murder scene

ORGANISERS of the The Family: People Helping People project honoured the life of Marinetta Hinson, the 66-year-old grandmother who was murdered in her home in Yellow Elder Gardens earlier this month.

Cocaine worth $620,000 seized in Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama Police seized $620,000-worth of suspected cocaine at a residence in the Lucaya area on Monday night. Three men were taken into custody in connection with the drug seizure, police reported.

Eight charged over car theft ring

EIGHT people, including two women – one a young mother of a two-month-old infant - were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with several car thefts in the area.

inspecting the troops

Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling toured HMBS Coral Harbour on Friday.

Mobile ‘HoldingCo’ to be national PPP fund

The ‘HoldingCo’ that will have a 51 per cent majority stake in the Bahamas’ second mobile operator is being structured as a national investment fund, which will ultimately “expand its reach” into private-public partnerships (PPPs) and other economic opportunities.

Trio charged with forgery

THREE men were charged with forgery in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with fake licence discs.

Lightbourn tells govt not to make promises it can’t keep

MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn suggested the government should “refrain from making promises they can’t keep” pointing to the lack of employment growth in the country in recent months.

Mitchell dismisses calls from business for eased restrictions

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday dismissed calls for an easing of immigration policy restrictions to meet the private sector’s demands for foreign talent.

More transparency sought on Georgetown masterplan

A former Cabinet Minister yesterday called for greater transparency over a proposed masterplan for Georgetown’s redevelopment, while also urging February Point’s developers to stop using “Star Trek” language to describe their progress.

Mitchell challenges private sector over work permits

The Immigration Department yesterday challenged the business community to cite one specific example of a company’s growth being inhibited by the refusal of work permit applications.

‘It doesn’t jive’: Gov’t spending outpaces revenue

THE Government’s recurrent spending continued to grow at a faster rate than revenues during the 2014-2015 Budget year’s first half, with the Opposition yesterday arguing that the Prime Minister’s optimism “doesn’t jive” with the fiscal reality.

‘Downward trek’ urged for Gov’t expenditure

THE Tax Coalition’s chairman yesterday described the increase in the Government’s recurrent spending for the 2014-2015 Budget year first half as “cause for concern”, reiterating that real cuts were necessary to achieve the desired fiscal turnaround.

Sports notes

WITH the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association on a week’s break and the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic being played at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, the New Providence Basketball Association will move its games this week to the DW Davis Gymnasium.

Fiscal Responsibility Act ‘not panacea’ if no Gov’t discipline

A FISCAL Responsibility Act will be “for naught” if the Government fails to commit to spending discipline and control, a key Cabinet minister admitted yesterday.

HSBC’s Bahamian data ‘overblown’

Revelations that 55 Bahamian passport holders hold accounts at HSBC Switzerland appear to be “overblown”, the Minister of Financial Services

INDEPENDENCE CUP: BAHAMAS TEAM SELECTED

AN eight-member team, including for the first time boxers from the Strikers Boxing Club, has been selected to represent the Bahamas at the Independence Cup in the Dominican Republic February 18-25.

Young men taught to run or fight

UN to survive; run as hard as you can. But even then the nightmare pulls you back and down.

Buzz with honeybee pollen

THERE are 22 basic elements in the human body, including enzymes, hormones, vitamins, amino acids, folic acids and others. These must be renewed by nutrient intake; no one food contains them all except bee pollen.

Atlantis team to the fore in Ride for Hope

Atlantis employees braved the chilly start and mid-morning rain to make up one of the largest corporate teams in the annual Ride for Hope, cycling a range of distances, earlier this month.

INSIGHT: A cry for humanity from Abaco’s shanty towns

In five days the Department of Immigration is scheduled to begin enforcement exercises in Abaco under the mandate of the government’s new policy.

‘Bring back horse racing’

A FORMER Bahamian hotel executive has called for the government to consider the restoration of horse racing in the country.

The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

Kindly permit me space in your valuable columns to comment on the scheduled Junkanoo-Carnival.

Belonger’s permit

With your kind leave, I wish to add my voice to the current national debate on immigration.

Stubborn decline of Freeport

The latest jobless figures on Grand Bahama from the Department of Statistics reveals that 18.6 of the labour force on the island is unemployed.

Where did the $47.8m go? asked Hubert Chipman

WITH Baha Mar due to open at the end of next month, the Christie government is still haggling over government’s agreement to reimburse Baha Mar in the region of $45.3m as its contribution to the road works on West Bay Street and the airport connector road.

VIEW FROM AFAR: We can find concensus to drive nation forward

IT HAS been some time since I have written this column, which had always tried to focus on matters of national, social, cultural, economic and enviromental concern.

New senator backtracks over public disclosures

THE FNM’s new Senate pick Lanisha Rolle backtracked from an opinion she expressed last year highlighting her grievances with the Public Disclosures Act, telling The Tribune yesterday “the law is something one must comply with”.

Mitchell rejects need for law

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday refuted recent claims that the government’s new immigration policy would prove ineffective due to a lack of legislation and said “no legislation is required” to enforce the restrictions.

‘Ease immigration restrictions to help businesses’

THE Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to ease immigration policy restrictions so private sector businesses can efficiently secure the services of foreign talent.

Call for clarity over cellphone licence

OPPOSITION Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest is calling on the government to clarify details surrounding the set up of the country’s second mobile services provider amid what he believes to be confusion about what will happen to the 51 per cent majority share in the company.

‘Doubtful’ vote will be held in June

CONSTITUTIONAL Commission Chairman Sean McWeeney said it is doubtful the referendum on gender equality will be held in June and admitted yesterday that despite efforts of the commission, it is unlikely the bills will gain the unanimous support of parliamentarians.

Man to be charged over BAMSI blaze

A 50-YEAR-OLD man is to face court today in connection with the fire that ripped through a dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute in Andros last month.

They lost it all - but newlyweds’ dream still comes true

DESPITE losing everything when their sailboat sank off West End last week, Florida residents, Lenny Piciullo and Deborah Fause were married on Friday during a brief ceremony conducted by Pastor Leslie Woodside at Old Bahama Bay.

Bahamian’s death by taser ruled a homicide

THE death of a medical school graduate from The Bahamas while in police custody in New London, Connecticut, has been ruled a homicide, but authorities say that does not mean the officers committed any crime.

Police call for assistance after armed robbery

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in solving an armed robbery that occurred on Friday.

Mystery over dark smoke as landfill denies responsibility

THE entire New Providence landfill, which has been emitting smoke ever since a massive fire occurred at the site about three weeks ago, has been completely soaked and covered with fill, officials said.

Digicel targets 1,300 jobs in network roll-out and launch

Digicel will create an estimated 1,300 direct and indirect jobs via its network roll-out and launch if chosen as the second Bahamian mobile operator, as it takes aim at “a sleepy incumbent”.

Energy subsidies cost Bahamas 1% of GDP

The Bahamas is giving away a sum equivalent to 1 percentage point of gross domestic product (GDP) in pre-tax subsidies to its petroleum and energy sectors, the second-highest number among Caribbean oil importers.

Minister accused of using ‘new rules created out of thin air’

GRAND BAHAMA Human Rights Association Vice President, Joseph Darville, has accused Immigration Minister, Fred Mitchell of using “new rules created out of thin air “ to target children born in The Bahamas.

Navigating round New Providence by kayak

TEN students from Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) and three from Lucayan International School (LIS) in Grand Bahama will hope to complete a Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) first today by finishing a circumnavigation of New Providence by kayak.

‘Ed Sky’ wins on Valentine’s

In memory of the late Edgar Moxey, who was buried last week, Ed Sky was the first of two boats to catch the Campari Lady Nathalie en route to winning her first major regatta.

Arianna strikes gold x2

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Ryan Lochte, an 11-time Olympic medalist, highlighted the closing night of the Arena Pro Swim Series on Saturday by winning the 200-meter individual medley while Michael McBroom, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace and Joao de Lucca picked up their second gold medals.

COB Caribs men’s basketball team ‘will only get better’

HIALEAH, Florida — Sean ‘Bass’ Bastian, the assistant athletic director, said the College of the Bahamas men’s basketball team will only get better as a result of their participation in the Florida National University’s Basketball Classic over the weekend.

Finally, victory in sculling for Leander Nesta

FISHERMAN Leander Nesta found the lucky charm the third time around.

Local Benetton stores re-brand

BENETTON (BAHAMAS) is set to re-brand its stores and launch a new multi-branded clothing boutique this April, after the billion-dollar Italian clothing giant closed retail locations in North America, Canada and the Caribbean as part of a major restructuring to improve profitability.

Digicel: Local ownership no business ‘limit’

Digicel would not have bid on the second mobile licence if it was unhappy with the Government’s insistence that the winner be 51 per cent majority Bahamian-owned, a senior executive saying it did not see this condition as “limiting”.

FINCO profits slump 91.4%

Finance Corporation of the Bahamas (FINCO) saw its profits slump 91.4 per cent for the year ending October 31, 2014, primarily due to a more than four-fold increase in loan loss provisioning to $35.595 million.

Bahamas urged: ‘Don’t spook clients’ on HSBC

The Bahamas must be careful “not to spook” its high net worth clients over last week’s HSBC revelations, with politicians, businessmen and ex-ministers united in their call: “Don’t assume the worst.”

‘I still think we played our heart out in all three games’

HIALEAH, Florida — After shooting the lights out in the first half, the Florida National University Conquistadors powered their way inside in the second half for a 91-57 victory over the College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team.

Digicel aiming to be ‘full service provider’

Digicel will ultimately become a “full service provider” in the Bahamian communications market if it wins the second cellular licence, as it attacks this process with “full gusto”.

Digicel: ‘We’ll cross union bridge when we reach it’

Digicel is unconcerned about trade union hostility towards its bid for the Bahamas’ second cellular licence, a senior executive telling Tribune Business: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Darville: Polymers Ltd not closing down

POLYMERS International Ltd, one of the largest employers in Grand Bahama, is not closing down, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said yesterday.

BTC mobile towers require $20k co-location upgrade

A senior Digicel executive has bemoaned the failure to design existing Bahamian cell phone towers for co-usage, suggesting it will cost $20,000 per location to modify them.

Agriculture trade deal signed with Cuba

THE governments of The Bahamas and Cuba signed an agricultural agreement last Thursday that officials believe will lead to greater trade of agricultural products between the two countries.

Bidder: Mobile licence process is ‘world class’

A leading contender for the Bahamas’ second cellular licence has described the bidding process as “world class”, and among the best of 50 such exercises he has been involved in.

Canadian Proposes to longtime love at Quaint Hanna Hill in Eight Mile Rock

THE saying “It’s Better In the Bahamas” is a fact according to Ontario, Canada natives Kathleen Russell and Michael Hanna, who got engaged and decided to buy a second home on Grand Bahama.

Security staff associations unite over demands for better conditions

EXECUTIVES from staff associations at the nation's top six essential security groups yesterday united to petition the government to put the "backbones" of society first as they showed their frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations for improved conditions.

Civic leader calls for minimum wage increase

FOLLOWING the recent passing of the National Tripartite Council Bill, Families For Justice (FFJ) is calling for the establishment of a task force to ensure that employers abide by the minimum wage requirement.

Man shot and killed in parked car

A MAN was shot in the head and killed in a parked car late on Thursday night, becoming the country's 17th murder victim this year.

$200,000 approved for school roof repairs

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has approved some $200,000 for major roof repair work at the Eight Mile Rock High School in Grand Bahama after teachers last week refused to teach in classrooms infested by mould and pigeon excrement.

Chipman says immigration policy will be 'ineffective' without legislation

THE shadow minister for immigration, Hubert Chipman, claimed this week that the government's new immigration policy will "prove ineffective" due to a lack of legislation.

Fire damaged BAMSI building 'salvageable'

ENGINEERS have advised the government that the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) dormitory that went up in flames last month is "salvageable”, according to Agriculture and Marine Science Minister V Alfred Gray.

Alfred Sears calls for 'sensitivity' in immigration approach

FORMER Attorney General Alfred Sears said the government needs to "exercise the level of sophistication" and "sensitivity" in "harmonising" its local and international obligations while enforcing its new immigration policies.

Minimum wage is 'not enough' says Christie

PRIME Minister Perry Christie this week acknowledged that the country's minimum wage is "not enough" but said the government would raise it "incrementally" as "circumstances would allow".

Poop Deck at Sandyport named Skal Club restaurant of the year

THE Poop Deck at Sandyport has been awarded Restaurant of the Year by the Skal Club Bahamas.

Eleuthera Police station shooting suspects in status hearing

A STATUS hearing was held yesterday for two men scheduled to stand trial in six weeks in connection with a shooting at a Family Island police station.

Valentine’s Day dinner competition winners

ROBERT E Mullings and Raquera Huyler are the lucky winners of The Tribune’s competition to win special Valentine’s Day dinners for two at the exclusive Courtyard Terrace restaurant at the One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, on Saturday night.

What is the worst of the worst?

The relevant legal authorities should explain to the general society what is meant by the term “The worst of the worst”.

Who could headline?

RECENTLY, I have heard some very high figures being bandied around as the sum we will make on the Junkanoo Carnival.

Give Carnival a chance

There are many forms of cultural expressions in The Bahamas. There is energy and excitement of Junkanoo and rake and scrape music. There are masterful Bahamian carvings, sculptures and paintings. There are the performing arts and literary masterpieces.

Not all FNMs are against Carnival

I am FNM. I do not need to quantify that, but I believe the Junkanoo Carnival is a brilliant idea. I am an optimist! Mistakes have been made, but can be corrected. Let us look on the brighter side. This is a Bahamian thing, done by Bahamians.

Mitchell creating relations with Middle East

LAST year, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell announced that he was taking a year off to create relationships that would assist in the development of business and investment for the Bahamas. His first target was the Middle East — specifically the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

No concerns for new FNM senator

LANISHA Rolle, the Free National Movement’s new Senate pick, said yesterday she is “not concerned” about critics who feel she may not be qualified for the position in the upper chamber.

Former Yellow Elder hornets leader says 85% of violent crime down to gangs

A FORMER local gang leader yesterday estimated that “roughly 85 per cent” of violent crime is connected to gang activity and retribution.

Union oppose two of mobile firms

BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) President Bernard Evans yesterday said that his organisation is “vehemently” opposed to two of the three companies that are vying for the country’s second mobile network provider licence.

Have A Heart fundraiser entertains Shirley Street drivers

SHIRLEY Street has been transformed into the entertainment hub of The Bahamas today as Radio House and the Bahamas Heart Association has taken to the streets to raise funds in aid of heart health.

Man found shot dead in parked car off Farrington Road

A MAN was found shot dead in a car on Dudley Lane, off Farrington Road, on Thursday night and police are requesting the public’s help in solving the country’s latest murder.

PM rounds on critics of immigration policy

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday criticised detractors of the government’s new immigration restrictions and said the requirements are meant to “protect the paramount interests of Bahamians”.

Govt will not own 51% of mobile provider

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said that the government will not own 51 per cent of the country’s second mobile services provider as previously reported. He said the shares would instead be owned by “Bahamian investors”.

Children can be provisionally accepted to study

SCHOOL administrators will be able to “provisionally accept” children of non-nationals who do not have a school permit required for the fall semester, Acting Immigration Director William Pratt told The Tribune yesterday.

Police report on BAMSI fire due to be handed over today

A COMPREHENSIVE police report stemming from investigations into the fire that destroyed a dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) last month is expected to be handed over to the government today, according to Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray.

Education chief slams union leader amid scabies alarm

EDUCATION Director Lionel Sands yesterday denied reports that a third school had been quarantined due to a severe scabies outbreak and criticised the Bahamas Union of Teachers president, calling her actions in the matter “way out of line”.

The orphan economy of Cat Island

CAT Islanders have emphasised the critical need for local investment as the island’s “orphan” economy shoulders the impact of an aging, dwindling population and stalled development.

Immigration needs 300 extra staff

ACTING Immigration Director William Pratt said the Department of Immigration needs more than 300 additional immigration officers and clerical workers to handle its current workload and the work that will arise from the “new” school permit policy, which comes into effect this fall.

Two out of three in murder trial are acquitted

A JURY was directed yesterday to acquit two of three men standing trial in the armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee.

Court hears appeal on electricity theft

THE Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether former Bahamas Contractor’s Association president Stephen Wrinkle stole electricity from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.

‘Far too premature’ for PM to claim VAT success

A well-known businessman yesterday said it was “far too premature” for the Prime Minister to boast about Value-Added Tax (VAT) being successful, accusing him of “gloating” over the hundreds of millions of dollars the tax will suck out of the Bahamian economy.

Exuma developer hits ‘warp speed’

A major Exuma project yesterday said it is hitting “warp speed” with its development plans, amid talks likely to result in it handing 150 acres to the Government for Georgetown’s redevelopment.

A flying start

The CV Bethel Stingrays are on a fast track to repeat as champions following day one of the 22nd Annual Government Secondary School Sports Association Senior Track & Field Championships.

Caribs fall to Bucs 91-82 in overtime

HIALEAH, Florida — Game two of the Florida National University’s Basketball Classic at the Bucky Dent Gymnasium was a complete turn around for the College of the Bahamas men’s basketball team.

Buddy Hield on John R Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 list

NAMED at the midseason mark as one of college basketball’s top prospects, Buddy Hield survived another round of cuts as the list of finalists for the prestigious award is dwindled down.

Bahamian group joins Virgin Mobile offer

A Bahamian-led group that previously made no secret of its intentions to bid on this nation’s second cellular licence appears to have become part of the Virgin Mobile (Bahamas) group, Tribune Business can reveal.

GB tour operator named Caribbean Leading Tour Operator

GRAND Bahama tour operator Hadley Forbes has been named the “Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator” by Carnival Cruise Lines.

BAIC admits failing to promote tenants

THE Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation’s (BAIC) newly-appointed executive chairman said yesterday that it was willing to work with Soldier Road Industrial Park tenants who were making efforts to meet their rental obligations, admitting the Corporation had not done much to promote their businesses.

BEC decision: ‘Time for fat lady to sing’

A senior private sector executive yesterday urged the Government to finally make a decision on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) reform, adding: “It’s time for the fat lady to sing.”

IAN FERGUSON: Methods for worker conflict resolution

This week I was reminded by a colleague that we spend as many as 45 of our weekly waking hours with the people we work with. This represents a sizeable percentage of the total number of hours we have during the course of a week, even sometimes surpassing the time we spend with our own families and dear ones.

VAT road bumps ‘fairly normal’

A senior tax specialist yesterday said numerous issues related to Value-Added Tax (VAT) administration still need clarification, a problem typical with the introduction of any new tax system.

Accountants enjoy VAT business boost

Bahamian accountants have seen increased business due to the introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT), the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president confirmed yesterday.

THE FINISH LINE: For Jonquel Jones, the sky is definitely the limit

IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there, but more importantly, it’s how you finish. The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to invoke commentary on the state of affairs of the local sports scene, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures as we transgress from one week to the next.

Sports notes

THE family and friends of the late Ozzie Arnett are scheduled to hold a special service to celebrate his life 5:30pm February 19 in the VIP stand of the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The funeral service for Arnett will take place at a later date to be announced.

Pinder urges minimum wage of $350 a week

JOHN Pinder, National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas President, has praised the government’s recent passing of the National Tripartite Council Bill as a “step in the right direction” on addressing labour issues in the country.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The Cabinet report

SINCE the general election in 2012, many people have been waiting for the much anticipated Christie renaissance. We’re all still waiting.

How is marina allowed?

I was saddened to read, in this morning’s Letters to the Editor, that a commercial marina may be built in Little Harbour, Abaco. I cannot understand why such a thing might be allowed.

PLP uses the church

Some smart aleck within the Gold Rust government of PM Perry Christie conjured up the bright idea of importing the foreign carnival festival to The Bahamas and pumping $9m of the Bahamian people’s hard earned money into it.

The destructive trap of ‘political correctness’

PRINCE Charles, on a six-day tour of the Middle East, kicked up a bit of a desert storm over the weekend when he suggested that persons who make Britain their home should “abide by British values”. In this context he was referring specifically to the radicalisation of British Muslims, who have turned their backs on all things British.

Gov’t targets ‘balanced Budget’ until end-June

The Government is targeting a near-balanced Budget for the fiscal year’s second half, a target that one private sector executive yesterday described as “very ambitious”.

PM says VAT will be a ‘major success story’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he is “absolutely certain” value added tax (VAT) will be a “major success story for the people of the Bahamas.”

Court extends hotel injunction

A SUPREME Court justice yesterday extended an injunction that prevents the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union from engaging in industrial action over an ongoing gratuity dispute with the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

Rift over new FNM choice for senator

LANISHA Rolle has officially been announced as the new Free National Movement senator.

Nation ‘on track’ to reduce deficit

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the government is “on track” to reduce the country’s deficit and increase revenue by the end of the fiscal year.

Increase in jobs not keeping up with growing labour force

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said it would be “incorrect” for anyone to interpret the latest unemployment statistics as suggesting that net jobs have been lost in the Bahamian economy.

Three years for role in kidnap that turned deadly

A MAN will serve a little over three years in jail for his part in a fatal kidnapping and $100,000 ransom attempt that ended with a man being burnt alive.

Bidders for mobile licence revealed

THREE companies have submitted proposals to obtain the country’s second mobile network provider licence, the government announced last night.

CH Reeves Raptors win 7th straight title

THE dominance continued for the CH Reeves Raptors in the 22nd edition of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association Junior School Track & Field Championships.

WIN A VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER AT THE OCEAN CLUB WITH THE TRIBUNE WEEKEND

The Tribune is offering two lucky couples the chance to win a dream Valentine’s Day dinner at the exclusive Courtyard Terrace restaurant at the One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, on Saturday night.

Conquistadors rout Caribs 107-74 in series opener

HIALEAH, Florida — The opening game of the Florida National University Basketball Classic was not what the College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team expected.

St John’s senior boys top Comets 44-43 to win title

The Giants overcame a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Queen’s College Comets 44-43 and sweep the best-of-three series.

SAC senior girls sweep Falcons to win title

THE St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine plowed through the competition en route to an undefeated season and the BAISS senior girls’ basketball title.

Kingsway junior girls are BAISS champions

Kingsway Academy Saints junior girls’ basketball team has been dominant throughout the BAISS season, and that trend continued on their way to the championship title.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Grading the Cabinet

Bernard Nottage Dr Nottage has failed dismally in his role as Minister of National Security. He has the toughest portfolio and, unfortunately, this crime situation is a social issue (parenting, poverty, etc). No amount of police could fix this; the crime dynamic is bigger than police.

Nature lovers aid piping plovers

ENVIRONMENTAL experts and Bahamas National Trust park wardens have been working together in the Joulter Cays, gathering data on the endangered Piping Plover population.

Bid to raise funds for Abaco’s firefighters

RESIDENTS of Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco have organised and launched an initiative to raise needed funds to support their local volunteer firehouse ahead of what experts expect to be a busy fire season.

Sentencing in two weeks for child molester

A JUDGE will determine in two weeks the fate of a man convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage girl whom he compelled to get an abortion after discovering she was pregnant.

Three bidders fight for mobile licence

Just three bidders submitted completed offers for the Bahamas’ second cellular licence by yesterday’s deadline, with two locally-based companies who had previously advertised their interest electing not to participate.

Gov’t is urged: ‘Accelerate’ Fiscal Responsibility pledge

The Government yesterday bowed to public pressure by promising to launch formal consultation on whether the Bahamas should introduce Fiscal Responsibility legislation, with the private sector calling for the process to be “accelerated”.

Minister: ‘110% support’ for Bahamian group to acquire Peace & Plenty

The Investments Minister yesterday said he would give any Bahamian bid to acquire Exuma’s iconic Club Peace & Plenty Resort “110 per cent support”, and favour their offer over any foreign rival.

Businesses have ‘bated breath’ on NHI details

Bahamian businesses were yesterday said to be “waiting with bated breath” for the Government to unveil details on its proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan, after the Prime Minister said May’s Budget would be “a major milestone” in the scheme’s development.

PM touting $600m GDP growth under his Gov’t

The Prime Minister yesterday touted IMF projections showing the Bahamas’ real economic output will expand by $600 million under his administration, while admitting the economy is still not growing fast enough to “absorb” a rapidly-expanding labour force.

On Da Hook

THE Mahi season has begun early this year, just as the Wahoo season did.

‘No inside track’ on cellphone applications

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday defended the integrity of the government’s request for proposals process to operate the second cellular mobile network in the country.

Aces trump Big Red Machine 41-37, even junior boys’ series

IF the first two games in the series were any indication, it will take another thrilling finish to decide the BAISS junior boys basketball champions.

McGreskin new BFA technical director

KEVIN McGreskin has been appointed by the Bahamas Football Association as the new Technical Director of the National Development Programme.

Sports notes

EXECUTIVES, players and fans of the Masters Softball Association have joined the lot extending condolences to Oria Wood-Knowles on the passing of her husband Colin “Troppy” Knowles, who is scheduled to be funeralized this Saturday morning at Mission faith Baptist Church, Baillou Hill Road.

$2m spent on repairs in Urban Renewal scheme

URBAN Renewal spent $2m during phase two of its Small Homes Repair Project to renovate roughly 220 homes, Urban Renewal Commission Co-Chair Algernon Allen said yesterday.

PM slams VAT ‘doomsday prophets and pundits’

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday slammed the “doomsday prophets and pundits” over Value-Added Tax (VAT), lauding its implementation as “remarkably smooth” and suggesting it would serve as a model for reforming other existing taxes.

Jobless increase is ‘storm in a tea cup’

Politicians were yesterday urged to “stop the blame game” over the recent unemployment rate increase, as the Prime Minister described the matter as “a storm in a tea cup”.

Baha Mar on course for opening on March 27

BAHA MAR officials yesterday stressed that the billion dollar mega-resort will open on March 27 as previously announced, despite speculation that construction will not be completed in time.

YOUR SAY: Local government . . . at best, inadequate

“An informed citizen is one who participates fully, understanding that democracy is not only the time spent in a polling booth every five years, but rather, democracy is the active participation of that same citizen in the day to day affairs of his country.” Warren J Levarity – 1967

TOUGH CALL: Small parties threaten traditional political support

After spending the last several weeks in Norwich, a United Kingdom provincial capital of 200,000 people, I have been able to gain some insight into the upcoming British general election set for May 7 - and consider parallels with the Bahamian political situation.

Fix it Fred, fix it

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Frederick Mitchell, and Queen’s Counsel Frederick Smith have been on opposing sides of debates regarding the “new” immigration policies. I have been trying to follow the arguments for and against as closely as possible, and have some straight forward advice for each of them:

Big marina, little harbour

LITTLE Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas... four words that made up a big part of our lives in the early nineteen-nineties. We sailed in with our three-year-old boy, intending to continue the journey South.

Faceless racism

I am so tired of “proving” that I am Bahamian because of the colour of my skin. Who and what is a Bahamian anyway? To anyone is who NOT a Black Bahamian it feels as though you have to be Black, in order to be considered Bahamian, period. And this sentiment isn’t just felt by non-Black Bahamians (ie Caucasian Bahamians, Conchy-Joes, whatever you want to call us), it’s also felt by those who are not necessarily Bahamian at all, but are legally living in this country, and have the right to be here.

McCartney slams inconsistent government

THE government’s “inconsistency” over its immigration policy will only prolong the issue of undocumented persons in this country, an issue that has been “left to fester for generations,” Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said yesterday.

Union will go to court over pensions

BAHAMAS Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) officials yesterday said the union would take legal action against the Central Bank’s board of directors for “unilaterally” altering the terms of employment, causing the bank’s pension plan to come “under attack.”

Crisis Centre speaks out on probation bid for sex offender

CRISIS Centre Director Dr Sandra Dean Patterson yesterday said she is concerned that a lawyer representing a man convicted of sexually assaulting a then 11-year-old girl is advocating a three-year probation term as punishment.

Symonette says Moss incorrect on Bahamian citizenship

FORMER Immigration Minister Brent Symonette yesterday said Marco City MP Greg Moss was “incorrect” when he argued that “undocumented Bahamians” face deportation and statelessness under the government’s new immigration restrictions.

Driver killed in collision with mack truck

A MAN, who was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the street, was killed yesterday after his car smashed into a Mack truck on Zion Boulevard and East Street South.

Carnival told to ‘get it together’

THE organisers of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival yesterday came under fire from a top Bahamian entertainer who urged them “to get it together” as he suggested that politics was interfering with the Festival Commission as they carried out their duties.

Murder victim identified

POLICE have identified a man who was shot dead in the Chippingham area on Friday night. The victim has been identified as Evan Ferguson Jr, 26, of Kenilworth Street.

COB Caribs are all set for the Florida National University Basketball Classic

AFTER reeling off their last three games in the New Providence Basketball Association, the COB Caribs are hoping that their men’s basketball team will have as much success in their three-game series in the Florida National University’s Basketball Classic this weekend in Miami, Florida.

BAISS action heats up today

THE excitement is expected to continue at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium today with the second game in all four divisions in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ best-of-three championships.

Raptors in the lead

The CH Reeves Raptors have taken a 130-point lead over their closest rivals, AF Adderley Fighting Tigers, at the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 21st Annual Junior High School Track and Field Championships.

Murder trial delayed by appeal court hearing

YESTERDAY’S expected continuation of testimony in a trial for armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee did not occur.

Second lawyer challenges Juries Act ruling

A LAWYER has appealed a judge’s ruling against claims that a recent amendment to the Juries Act breached his client’s constitutional right to a fair trial, The Tribune has learned.

Landfill officials say smoke is nothing to do with the site

OFFICIALS from Renew Bahamas yesterday suggested that smoky conditions in the area of the Harrold Road landfill are not the result of recent fires at the site.

QC urges: ‘Start the engine’ on Freeport reform

An outspoken QC yesterday urged Freeport stakeholders to “start the engine” that would devolve the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) quasi-governmental powers and allow them to become its owners/shareholders.

BTC faces 20% income cut via monopoly end

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is bracing for a 20 per cent cut in income over the next four years as a result of losing its lucrative cellular monopoly, it was revealed yesterday.

‘No child will be denied access to an education’

EDUCATION Director Lionel Sands said yesterday that no child will be denied access to an education in the fall semester, despite a new immigration policy requiring non-Bahamians to have a student permit and a passport with a residency stamp.

Unions: Central Bank pensions in jeopardy

TRADE UNIONS yesterday accused the Central Bank of breaking their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and placing the employee pension plan in jeopardy, alleging that changes to the latter had cost some employees up to $30,000 annually.

‘A piece of us’ for sale at nearly $6m

Exuma’s iconic Club Peace & Plenty must continue as a boutique resort, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday describing the property - now formally up for sale - as “a piece of us”.

Cable to BTC controller: ‘We’ve proven ourselves’

Cable Bahamas last night shrugged off efforts by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) controlling shareholder to dismiss the potential competitive threat it poses in the mobile market, saying: “Our record speaks for itself.”

Central Europeans feel crushed by Swiss franc loans

Elvis Constantin Cluci and his wife had planned a second child, their dreams set on a little brother for their 2 ½ year-old daughter. But due to a surge in the Swiss franc that caused the Romanian couple's mortgage payments to rise, not only is another child out of the question but they have had to send their daughter to live with grandparents 100 kilometers (60 miles) away.

Former-AG: Make pension laws ‘national priority’

ENACTING legislation to protect Bahamian pensions ought to be a matter of “national priority”, a former Attorney General said yesterday, comparing its importance to that of National Health Insurance (NHI).

John Bull exploring Abaco store rebrand

JOHN Bull executives yesterday said the luxury goods retailer was exploring ways to re-brand and renovate its Marsh Harbour outlet, in the hope of reopening it in the near future.

Natural hair exhibit sends ‘powerful message’ to women

LAST week’s opening of “The Kinky Project” photo exhibit signified yet another important advance in the natural hair movement here in the Bahamas.

BREAKING NEWS: Traffic fatality on East Street South

Police are on the scene of a traffic fatality.

POLITICOLE: The secrets to a successful relationship

THE worst thing women do that ruins their romantic relationships is … get jealous of other women.

Immigration policy

The announcement of the Government’s new immigration policy appeals to certain emotions and foments a resentment of foreign nationals. In reviewing aspects of the policy, it appears, in what has become a troubling pattern, that the government is prepared to ignore the rule of law.

Bahamians want to know details of Chinese agreements

IN June 2010, there was an interesting exchange in press statements between the then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Opposition leader Perry Christie. Their statements were made just after the Opposition had walked out of the House without voting on the Budget, which among other things would have decreased the salary of parliamentarians.

A LIFE OF CRIME: The primary school years

The good old days. How often I hear that, this great yearning to go back in time.

Union hopes for end to injunction

THE Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) is “optimistic” that a Supreme Court injunction preventing the union from engaging in industrial action over a gratuity dispute with the Melia Nassau Beach resort will be lifted when the two sides meet in court this week.

Murder of grandmother may have been retaliation

POLICE suspect the elderly woman, killed in her home on Sunday morning, was killed in an act of retaliation for a shooting that occurred in her neighbourhood two days earlier.

26% rise in deportations recorded last year

NEARLY 6,000 foreigners were deported from the country last year.

Minnis: Why money for retirees and carnival but not for young doctors?

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised the Christie administration saying it did not believe in Bahamians after young medical students were reportedly told the government had no money to employ them upon completing their exams.

Lawyer seeks probation for man who molested 11-year-old

A LAWYER asked a judge yesterday to consider imposing a three-year probation on his client who was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage girl.

Moss criticises immigration plan

MARCO City MP Greg Moss yesterday criticised the government’s new immigration policy, arguing that persons of Haitian descent who he called “undocumented Bahamians” may be deported under the restrictions.

Crystal Strachan ‘runs with her heart’

IN addition to having a fit body, for Crystal Strachan the benefits of being an athlete include the lessons she has learned when it comes to patience and discipline.

Shavez Hart burning up the track

TEXAS A&M senior sprinter Shavez Hart had another impressive showing on the track for the Aggies this weekend as he rewrote the school record books and the IAAF top list on the season.

Flexing our muscles

WOMEN are being killed in the Bahamas by men who claim to love them. Obviously something is not working. The government, in its glorious wisdom, fights with the international press about its own poor record on detaining people illegally, but cannot dial back the crime they encourage to proliferate.

2015 'Join Me on the Bridge'

“JOIN Me on the Bridge”, an annual celebration held on International Women’s Day, has launched its essay and art competition and is asking both male and female students from Grand Bahama to concentrate on women who inspire others.

RBDF ship did not run aground as claimed

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force yesterday dispelled an “erroneous” report that one of its newly acquired vessels crashed into a reef while taking officers to a funeral for a fellow marine in Andros over the weekend.

Former US marine accused of attempted murder is bailed

AN ex-US marine accused of attempted murder was granted bail from the Court of Appeal yesterday pending the Crown’s challenge to its prior approval by the Supreme Court.

51st Heart Ball hopes to raise $350,000 for children’s surgeries

WHAT started out as an idea by a Hollywood legend is today one of Nassau’s most anticipated charitable events which once again will be held this Valentine’s Day to raise funds for the repair of children’s hearts.

Ebola training session held in partnership with Cuba

OFFICIALS from the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Cuban government launched their weeklong Ebola contingency training programme at the Super Club Breezes Resort yesterday.

Immigration policy exacerbates worker productivity crisis

The Immigration Department’s “closed door” work permit policies are exacerbating the Bahamas’ productivity crisis, a top private sector executive yesterday warning they were making it impossible for companies to hire the “unemployable”.

Business ‘screams’ confirmed: 40% of workers can’t compete

A Cabinet Minister was yesterday said to have conceded what the private sector has “been screaming about” for decades, having admitted 40 per cent of the Bahamian workforce lacks the education to compete in a “merciless” global economy.

The gift of life

WHEN my husband Erskine was admitted to Doctors Hospital during 2013 I visited the blood bank there, as we had sent out an appeal for blood. Unfortunately, I am unable to give blood now, but I did so years ago.

SAC junior boys win opener, 43-36 over Aquinas Aces

THE backcourt duo of Cornelius Clyde and Makarios Russell took over down the stretch as the undefeated St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine held off a strong challenge from the Aquinas College Aces.

16-year-old cyclist dies after collision with car

A 16-year-old boy died in hospital last Thursday after he was hit by a car as he attempted to cross a highway on his bicycle.

Attempted murderers may be jailed for less than ten years

TWO men may serve less than ten years in prison for attempted murder if their claim of serving 31 months on remand prior to trial is verified.

Public is crucial to preventing the spread of scabies

CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Glen Beneby said it is up to the public to prevent the spread of scabies and the influenza virus.

Police force tested last year, says Bell

LAST year tested the courage, strength, resilience and professionalism of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Senator Keith Bell said.

SAC senior girls hold off Falcons

DAWN Dean canned the biggest shot of the game as the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine’s senior girls basketball team avoided suffering their first loss in three years as they held off the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons for a 25-23 victory.

Giants take game one over Comets

THE St John’s Giants took the upper hand in their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ best-of-three senior boys championship series against the Queen’s College Comets.

Saints lead junior girls series 1-0‏ with 42-16 rout of QC Comets

THE Kingsway Academy Lady Saints marched past the Queen’s College Lady Comets as they took game one of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ junior girls best-of-three championship series.

Healthy living made simple

Dr Monique Thompson clears up common myths about nutritional supplements.

Special Olympics Bahamas celebrates its accomplishments

IT was a grand affair complete with specially catered food, balloons and activities, as Special Olympics Bahamas recently celebrated their annual party at the Botanical Gardens.

Cat Islanders targeting cruise port for revival

Cat Islanders were yesterday said to be seeking the Government’s help in developing a cruise port and other facilities deemed essential to reviving an economy “in dire straits”.

Gov’t agrees to build new Cat Island airport

The Government has agreed to build Cat Island’s new international airport, a Cabinet Minister yesterday promising the project was “a priority” and would not suffer any more “unnecessary delays”.

John Bull closes outlet in Abaco

John Bull has closed its Abaco store, sources familiar with the situation have confirmed to Tribune Business.

Fishermen push for mandatory licences

BAHAMIAN fishermen hope the Government “sooner rather than later” will implement mandatory licensing, a leading executive yesterday saying such a move would go “a long way” to regulate the industry and provide a source of revenue for the Government.

‘No VAT rate increase’ promise reassuring

The Tax Coalition’s chairman yesterday said it was “reassuring” to hear government promises that it will not increase the 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate in the immediate future, warning that such action could destabilise the economy and reduce disposable income

Lawyer succeeds in challenging ruling based on Juries Act

A LAWYER yesterday successfully contested a recent amendment in the Juries Act, which reduces the number of peremptory challenges from ten to four in murder cases.

Dynamic duo leads Tigers to title game

FORMER Noble Prep Academy players Shamar Burrows and Livingston Bromwell are thriving in their new surroundings at Ridley College in Ontario, Canada.

Spectacular performances at track classic

RYAN Ingraham provided a taste of what is to come later this year as he led a group of Leap of Faith jumpers to some spectacular performances at the Star Trackers 12th Star Performers Track Classic on Saturday.

Kim on Pure Silk victory: My goal was to finish in the top 10

LPGA rookie Sei Young Kim, playing in her first major for the year, will probably remember her trip to the Bahamas for quite a while.

INSIGHT: PLP 'neglect' of Over-the-Hill

For years, residents of the economically depressed areas of Bain and Grants Town and Centreville have been holding out hope for the revitalisation promised by scores of politicians. The areas are part of the Progressive Liberal Party’s stronghold, but according some residents, they are tired of supporting the party and seeing no real change in their daily lives.

Invest in our people to break this cycle

Hats off to Dr Michael Neville for his “A Life of Crime” Series.

Why let banks treat us this way?

Why are Bahamians so complacent and accepting of the local banks avaricious almost predatory way of doing business in this country?

Revoke this man’s residency

IN 2010, a man (fictitious name Jay) was arrested at LPIA.

Two years on - and no action over Aaron Rolle’s death in police custody

TWO years since the “unlawful killing” in police custody of 20-year-old Aaron Rolle, his family still questions whether there will ever be closure with the case, according to their attorney, Christina Galanos.

Mitchell: Public backs immigration measures

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell is confident the government enjoys the support of most Bahamians for its latest immigration restriction, which mandates that children of non-Bahamians have a student permit to attend school.

‘Government is stalling on equality referendum’

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant believes the government is stalling in its attempts to pass several constitutional referendum bills in parliament that would pave the way for the anticipated constitutional referendum to be held.

Island-wide manhunt after two shot dead on friday

POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for suspects in three separate shooting incidents that have left one man recovering in hospital and two others dead.

Grandmother murdered

RELATIVES of a 65-year-old grandmother who was shot in the head and killed as her home was riddled with bullets early yesterday morning said they were in “complete shock” as the family questioned the circumstances surrounding the “gruesome” incident.

Classes due back today after scabies outbreak

EDUCATION Director Lionel Sands expects classes at schools affected by a recent scabies outbreak to return to normal today.

Chickcharney Challenge: ‘We have to make it even harder next time’

AFTER a successful hosting in its inaugural edition of the Chickcharney Challenge, event organisers are optimistic about its growth and the growth of local obstacle course racing in the near future.

Husband of murder victim accused

THE husband of a woman killed in Exuma was remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with her murder.

Caribs cut Giants down to size

REUBEN Goodman and Alvano Laing canned a basket and a pair of free throws in the final minute as the College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team pulled off their biggest victory of the season as they pack their bags to head off for their first international trip this year.

Operators top Saints, Queens beat Lady Truckers

THE Bommer Gee Lady Operators and the Super Value Cybots Queens pulled off the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association’s double header at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Saturday.

Heart Ball sponsored by web shop A Sure Win

LOCAL gaming company A Sure Win is doing its part to aid in the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation’s work of healing hearts.

Plan announced to update airport processing equipment

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has said the government is moving to improve services at the Lynden Pindling International Airport by updating the equipment used to process items such as passports and work permits.

Bahamian bank ‘hides’ its $1.5m fraud claims

A Bahamian bank is ‘hiding’ its $1.5 million claim against an alleged international fraud - which it unwittingly helped to promote - behind a nominee entity, it is being alleged.

Call for focus on domestic violence

A NASSAU attorney has called for more public “awareness” of the various incidences of domestic violence in the country.

Riding for Hope

BAHA Mar resort and its philanthropic arm, the BELIEVE Foundation, helped to raise funds for cancer initiatives in The Bahamas by joining thousands of cyclists in the ninth annual Ride for Hope yesterday.

Nygard Cay branded as ‘a tragedy’

INTERNATIONAL conservationists have branded the controversial Nygard Cay development a “tragedy” for the Bahamian people and criticised the government for giving preferential treatment to a wealthy foreign investor over the country’s own citizens.

Customs targets $15m ‘border VAT’ monthly

The Customs Department is forecast to collect an average $15 million per month in ‘border’ Value-Added Tax (VAT), a Cabinet Minister pledging the Government would not increase the 7.5 per cent rate “any time soon”.

‘No big improvement’ to $1.3bn bad loans in 2015

The $100 million Bank of the Bahamas ‘bail out’ helped to staunch the industry’s 2014 bad loan bleeding, but “no significant improvement” to this problem is expected in 2015.

Texas fugitives are deported to the US

A TEXAS couple who sailed with their seven children to The Bahamas as their fraud trial neared have been deported and arrested in Miami.

Comito appointed to top hotel association role

THE Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has appointed Frank Comito, former Executive Vice President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), as its CEO and Director General.

Too many forget: ‘Family comes first’

Milo B. Butler & Sons’ president believes too many Bahamians have lost sight of the principle that “family comes first” in today’s ever-more materialistic economy and society.

Third Karl McCartney camp, scouting combine a success

ABOUT 40 prospective American football players turned out to try their hand at developing a more in depth knowledge of football at the third annual Karl McCartney Camp and Scouting combine.

NCAA: Mikhail McLean suffers broken leg

IT WAS a bittersweet weekend for several Bahamian players in NCAA basketball with a major injury for one and key conference wins for others.

Sei Young Kim wins Pure Silk Bahamas Classic after playoff

SOUTH Korean rookie Sei Young Kim won the Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic in dramatic fashion this afternoon for her first LPGA Tour title, holing an eight-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff with countrywoman Sun Young Yoo and Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn.

Three held after woman shot dead

Three men are in custody in connection with a shooting that left a woman dead early Sunday morning.

Manhunt for suspects after three shootings

POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for the suspects involved in three separate shooting incidents that left two men dead and a man detained in hospital on Friday.

Inbee Park and Sun-Young Koo share Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic third round lead

TWO South Koreans, Inbee Park and Sun-Young Koo, are tied for the lead at 11 under par after the completion of the third round of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic this morning at the Ocean Club course, Paradise Island.

Gerina Pillar leads as Lexi Thompson and Stacy Lewis charge at Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic

GERINA Piller leads the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic heading into the final day on Sunday at 10 under par - but a host of players are snapping at her heels after the third round was suspended in darkness this evening.

Bran: PM's comments 'hypocrisy personified'

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has called comments made by Prime Minister Perry Christie during his visit to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States conference in Costa Rica "hypocrisy personified".

$10,000 drugs seizure at airport

POLICE officers seized $10,000 worth of drugs from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on Thursday.

Sun Young Yoo breezes into lead at Pure Silk Bahamas Classic

SUN Young Yoo, of South Korea, battled strong winds to card an impressive round of 69 today with no dropped shots to forge a one-stroke lead midway through the second round of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Husband charged with wife’s murder in Exuma

THE husband of a woman killed in Exuma was remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with her murder.

Pair arrested after shotgun is found

POLICE have taken a 21-year-old male and a 19-year-old female into custody for questioning in reference to a shotgun recovered by police during their latest anti-crime operation.

Coral Harbour man found with marijuana

A 25-year-old Coral Harbour resident is in custody following the seizure of nearly seven pounds of marijuana, according to police.

Fugitive American couple arrested in the Bahamas

A MYSTERIOUS American couple who disappeared after they and their seven children were rescued from a foundering sailboat in Galveston Bay last October have been arrested in The Bahamas.

Global conflict and the art of diplomacy

In turbulent and uncertain times the value of vigorous interaction by governments should not be underestimated, says Peter Young.

Humane Society does a great job

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi

Citizens in waiting

Policy is not law. It cannot override the law. In defending the new education policy, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has referred to the Immigration Act.

Lawyer cites publicity’s effect on jury in child killer’s trial

COURT of Appeal judges were told by convicted child killer Kofhe Goodman’s lawyer that he would seek a deferment of a retrial if the court allowed the appeal against his client’s murder conviction and death sentence due to the publicity of the matter.

Report due in two weeks over fire at BAMSI

GOVERNMENT officials expect a report in two weeks on the fire at the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute and are “moving very expeditiously” to repair the destroyed dormitory, said Minister of State in the Ministry of Works Arnold Forbes.

$50m collected in property tax

THE Christie administration collected more than $50m in real property tax in 2014, as officials aggressively pursue millions of dollars in tax arrears, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.

Miller sues president of BEC union for defamation

LAWYERS on behalf of Bahamas Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday filed papers in the Supreme Court suing the president of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union, Paul Maynard, for defamation.

Virus forces Bahamian Racquel Riley to exit Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

HIT by a stomach virus, Grand Bahamian Racquel Riley withdrew from the 2015 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic this morning when play resumed after the rain-affected first round yesterday.

Dori Carter challenges for lead at Pure Silk Bahamas Classic

AMERICAN Dori Carter stormed into contention at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic this morning as the 60 players stranded by yesterday’s bad weather resumed their first rounds.

Police shoot alleged thief at dock

POLICE shot and seriously injured a man early yesterday morning when he was reportedly caught breaking into several stalls on Potter’s Cay Dock and removing the generators.

‘Carnival is no risk to society’

JUNKANOO Carnival Commission Chairman Paul Major yesterday defended the inaugural festival from critics who argue it would lead to social degradation, and said it was an “undeserving indictment” to “say that Bahamians can’t conduct themselves in a festive atmosphere.”

Trees planted to mark next generation of pupils

LYFORD Cay International School (LCIS) have planted Lignum Vitae trees on their seven-acre campus to commemorate the 13 alumni who have returned to the school as parents.

THE FINISH LINE: We need a national tourney to determine who is truly the best high school team in the country

IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there, but more importantly, it’s how you finish. The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to invoke commentary on the state of affairs of the local sports scene, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures as we transgress from one week to the next.

Pancake takes early lead

American Brooke Pancake shot an impressive 6-under-par to take the early lead before the rain forced officials to suspend play at the 2015 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic with Bahamian Racquel Riley among 60 players left stranded on the greens at Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

Governor General praises nation’s media for positive contribution

TRUE to her pledge to use her high office to promote peace and national unity, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling hosted members of the media to a luncheon at Government House on Mount Fitzwilliam on Wednesday.

Seminar urges focus on domestic customers, not just tourists

SERVICE providers in Grand Bahama were urged this week to remember that their focus should not be exclusively on the tourist sector, but also domestic customers by an expert in the field.

Nottage stresses need for anti-terror training

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday underscored the importance of anti-terrorism training given that the country’s close proximity to the United States made it a prime location for exploitation.

Support for GB Humane Society

THE Humane Society of Grand Bahama has received overwhelming support since announcing last week that it is on the verge of closing because of financial hardship, according to a press statement by the non-profit organisation released yesterday.

$7m contract signed to improve Andros roads

MINISTRY of Works officials yesterday signed a $7m contract to reconstruct a “critically important” stretch of road in North Andros leading up to the recently built Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI).

Milo B. Butler & Sons targeting rebranding ‘over next 12 months’

The Milo B. Butler & Sons group is targeting a re-branding over the next 12 months to “better reflect our great history”, with its second liquor store the first glimpse Bahamians will get of these aspirations.

‘War’ if inclusive prices stay after VAT rate rise

The Government was yesterday warned it will ignite “a real war” should it insist that ‘inclusive pricing’ be maintained following an increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate.

Police appeal for help to find man

POLICE have renewed their appeal for anyone with information on the disappearance of a missing man to come forward.

READY TO RIDE

AS part of the Ride for Hope’s fundraising efforts for the prevention and treatment of cancer in The Bahamas, Glinton Sweeting O’Brien (GSO), a boutique law firm, is continuing its association with the event through sponsorship, volunteering and entering a team.

Davis says progress on BEC partnership rests with PM

AN announcement on the strategic partner picked to manage the Bahamas Electricity Corporation rests with Prime Minister Perry Christie, Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.

Pinder blasts Moss for his criticism of union actions

JOHN Pinder, president of the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas, defended unionists yesterday against the scathing criticism Marco City MP Greg Moss levelled at them in the House of Assembly.

Major not concerned over commission upheaval

BAHAMAS Junkanoo Carnival Commission Chairman Paul Major yesterday said he was “not concerned” that the controversial resignation and subsequent reinstatement of two key commission members would have a negative effect on the commission’s work to promote Carnival.

Law does not support Price Control demands

A well-known businessman yesterday said the law did not support the Price Control Commission’s demands for every food store to hold documents justifying prices for ‘breadbasket’ items.

Bahamians ‘can’t have it both ways’ on economic model

Bahamians cannot have it both ways over this nation’s economic model, a top private sector executive yesterday arguing that free market capitalism could not simultaneously co-exist with “socialist safety nets”.

‘Cyclical rise and fall’ with no succession plan

Bahamian family-owned businesses will continue to undergo “cyclical rises and falls” unless their owners employ proper succession planning, one such group yesterday expressing hope it could act as “an inspiration” to others.

Bahamas requires ‘dozens’ of Junkanoo Carnival-type events

A leading architect yesterday said the Bahamas needs “dozens” of events similar to Junkanoo Carnival annually if it is to boost tourism revenues via cultural experiences.

Junkanoo Carnival set to boost hotels

THE Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival’s top organiser said yesterday that the event would likely create a significant boost for Nassau/Paradise Island hotel occupancies during a traditionally slow period for the sector.

‘We anticipate a number of the top world-class athletes will be present’

WITH the second edition of the IAAF World Relays on the horizon for the Bahamas, the prospective lineup of stars at the event has already become an eagerly anticipated issue with the meet still months away.

Masters Softball Association action off to a flying start

FORGET about the late opening because play in the Masters Softball Association is off to a flying start nonetheless.

Another big win for Jones and George Washington

GRAND Bahamian Jonquel Jones had another big game as the George Washington women’s basketball team produced its best defensive effort in four years and reached the 20-win mark for the second straight season with a 52-35 victory over Atlantic 10 newcomer Davidson.

Clubs and Societies 2/6/2015

Cycling Club Bahamas

IAN FERGUSON: The factors fuelling workplace conflicts

Much thought is given in the corporate world to how employees interact with customers, but often we neglect to focus on the working relationships between team members.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The Carnival mistake

THE importation of carnival – in the form of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival – is a mistake that can only be likened to a forced ripe dilly.

Written ruling published on why death sentence was not imposed

THE Court of Appeal, in a written ruling published on its website yesterday, contended there was “no torture or other aggravating factors” involved in the paid execution of Aleus Tilus to justify imposing the death penalty on the man convicted of the killing.

No to this sex show

The Crop Over Festival in Barbados, which ends with the spectacular Carnival/Kadooment Parade, is the season used to celebrate the ending of the local Sugar Cane harvest, and is distinctly unique from the Carnival festivities in other Caribbean countries.

Immigration crackdown

“On balance, immigrants are not a drag on the economy. As workers, consumers, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers, they invigorate it and contribute healthy economic benefits. Admitting immigrants improves everyone’s standard of living, theirs and ours.” – Julian Simon.

Mitchell accuses activists of ‘rank hypocrisy’

IMMIGRATION MINISTER Frederick Mitchell accused the Grand Bahamas Human Rights Association of “rank hypocrisy” over its stance against the immigration policy and personal campaign against him.

Pure Silk Bahamas Classic

AMERICAN Brooke Pancake set a blistering early pace at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic this morning at the Ocean Club, Paradise Island, with an opening round of 67, six under par.

Price control: Enough warnings, store owners will be prosecuted

THE Price Control Commission yesterday indicated that it is finished giving warnings to local food stores, particularly Super Value, for not having the necessary documents to justify “high prices” on extended breadbasket items.

Gibson defends PLP over jobs

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson defended the PLP job creation record insisting that despite his respect for the latest labour force statistics, which showed an increase in unemployment, more people are being employed as the country’s economy grows.

VAT fines or warnings for 200 businesses

NEARLY 200 businesses were fined or warned by the Value Added Tax Department yesterday for either failing to register for VAT or submitting late applications, according to Financial Secretary John Rolle.

Second school to close doors after scabies case

EDUCATION Director Lionel Sands confirmed that for the second time this week a school would start extermination efforts after a student tested positive for scabies.

Moss seeks answers over ‘tax on a tax’

MARCO CITY MP Greg Moss yesterday said he has a problem with the way value added tax (VAT) is being calculated on goods imported into the country, accusing the government of placing a “tax on a tax” by adding VAT on customs duty.

FORMER MINISTER COMPARES MOVE TO POLL TAX LAW

FORMER Minister of Education Desmond Bannister yesterday said the recently announced immigration requirements for the upcoming school year were lawful, but “morally reprehensible”.

Oil slump rescues Sky from fee hikes impact

Sky Bahamas and its shareholders would be “sitting at the table looking at doing something else” if the sharp decline in oil prices had not offset the latest batch of tax/fee increases, its top executive said yesterday,

Celebrating the Celebration

THE Grand Celebration brought over 1,000 passengers on its maiden voyage to Grand Bahama yesterday, restoring the five-month long absence of ferry service between Freeport and Palm Beach, Florida.

ON DA HOOK

JANUARY ended on a high note with many fishermen still catching massive Wahoo throughout The Bahamas, including this week a 100.6lb monster off Hawks Nest, Cat Island.

Junkamania is coming

AS the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival draws near, more and more activities, celebrations and talented artists are coming to the forefront.

Safety first for Ride for Hope

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday pledged its support in ensuring safety this weekend for cyclists participating in a bike-a-thon to raise money for cancer.

Nine years’ jail over stolen car

A MAN whom a jury believed had fled from police in a stolen car on Independence Day was sentenced to nine years in prison yesterday on a receiving charge.

School forced to close three times in three weeks by smoke from dump

THE Meridian School was scheduled to meet with representatives from Renew Bahamas last night, after the school was forced to close three times in three weeks because of a massive blaze at the city dump.

Two in court for stealing voter’s cards

TWO suspects were charged in court for allegedly stealing voter’s cards from the Parliamentary Registration Department’s voter’s room, according to Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday.

Descendants of Haitians finding it harder to get a job

THE government’s new immigration policy has severely affected employment opportunities for persons of Haitian descent, according to activist Louby Georges, who charged that immigrants cannot fully comply with regulations because there is no supporting legislation.

Symonette: Delay rules on students

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette yesterday said the government should delay implementing its new restrictions that will make it compulsory for students of foreigners living in the Bahamas to have a school permit to attend classes until 2016.

Countdown: IAAF World Relays Bahamas in 85 days

IN 85 days, the Bahamas will again host the greatest track and field relay teams in the world as preparations begin in earnest for the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2015.

Bahamas LPGA Classic tees off

After coming up short in an effort to qualify for the past two years, Raquel Riley will finally have her opportunity to take on some of the best players on the LPGA tour.

Lashann first Bahamian McDonald’s All-American

A LANDMARK achievement for Bahamians on the basketball hardwood, Lashann Higgs continues to add achievements to her star-studded high school career.

PURE SILK BAHAMAS: A hole-by-hole guide

THE Ocean Club course, Paradise Island, was redesigned in 2000 by Tom Weiskopf, twice a major champion who lengthened and opened the layout to the scenic ocean views while infusing the course with tougher strategic features.

Ride For Hope: Top cyclists get in gear

ONE of the most nationally renowned annual flagship fundraising events on the local sporting calendar, the 2015 Ride For Hope Bahamas will have an infusion of top international cycling talent from the United States.

VAT roll-out better than expected ‘despite Gov’t’

The Government must accept that Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) smoother-than-expected implementation to-date is due more to the private sector’s efforts than its own, the Tax Coalition’s chairman said yesterday.

Coke bottler: VAT not to blame for 4-5% sales drop

Caribbean Bottling’s president yesterday said the 4-5 per cent decline in its January sales could not be solely attributed to Value-Added Tax (VAT), arguing that the new levy had “gone over well” given the circumstances.

$2bn current deficit not so problematic

The Bahamas’ annual $2 billion current account deficit is “not as fickle” as many outsiders think, a former finance minister yesterday pointing out that this was traditionally balanced by foreign capital inflows.

Business ‘hardship’ fears over GOV’ts workforce reforms

The private sector is likely to warn that the Government’s proposed minimum wage and redundancy pay reforms will “create hardship” among businesses already reeling from significant tax-induced cost increases.

Economist: Cuba opening a threat to Bahamas tourism

An end to the US trade embargo on Cuba will certainly challenge to this nation’s tourism industry, a leading economist has warned, noting that the latter’s stopover arrivals were second in the Caribbean to the Dominican Republic despite having virtually zero American airlift.

Pro gridiron star Karl McCartney set to host series of clinics, scouting combines

IN an effort to further aid the development of American football in the Bahamas, pro gridiron star Karl McCartney will host another in his series of clinics and scouting combines for local enthusiasts.

Project seeks to make Nassau/PI more vibrant

Nassau and Paradise Island’s tourism industry is undergoing a sustainability assessment that aims to identify areas of improvement that will make the destination more “vibrant”.

Minnis: We must be united if we are to win

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis told supporters at a party retreat in Grand Bahama over the weekend that they must be united and ready to work if the FNM is to win the next general election.

Spend the $9m on students

The natural evolutionary course of Bahamian junkanoo was forever altered about 18 years ago, when “cultural icons” Vola Francis and Gus Cooper began to frequent Trinidad’s Carnival.

Festival to reflect Bahamian culture - but what level of culture?

A LOCAL wag recently quipped that all nakedness would be covered and everyone’s temperatures lowered if our junkanoo performers would in future gyrate up and down Bay Street in their pyjamas instead of the almost-there “costumes” that seem to have so many commentators — ourselves included — bent out of shape.

Recycling facility to be built at landfill site

RENEW Bahamas has formally announced plans to build and manage the nation’s first materials recycling facility at the Harrold Road landfill site.

Money lenders ‘have created modern day slaves’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday chastised lending institutions for breeding a culture of “modern day economic slaves”.

Deputy PM tells New York Times to get its facts right

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday criticised an article published in The New York Times last week about this country’s immigration policy and called on the leading international newspaper to “have the facts right before they opine on any conduct of our government”.

Man gunned down hours before his birthday

A MAN was fatally shot multiple times early yesterday morning while visiting a friend in Bamboo Town – just hours before his 28th birthday.

Immigration rules could be in breach of international law

NEW immigration restrictions for children could violate international law, a regional campaigner for Amnesty International said yesterday.

Police appeal for family of murder victim to come forward

POLICE are appealing to members of the public who have not heard from an “extremely heavy set” male family member since Sunday to contact them immediately.

Coaches impressed with throwers’ performances

THE coaches were quite impressed with the performances of their athletes as they participated in the Throwers All Comers Meet at the College of the Bahamas on Saturday.

Top female golfers on green light for today’s Pro-Am

AMERICAN Stacy Lewis is hoping that her third trip to the Bahamas for the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic will be the charm for her.

32 teams in 32nd Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic

THE excitement is starting to brew for the 32nd version of the prestigious Hugh Campbell basketball tournament for senior boys.

HO Nash junior boys win title

The HO Nash Lions added the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association junior boys basketball title to the junior girls’ crown they captured at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Monday night.

FNM focused on winning women’s votes

THE Free National Movement is focused on winning the female vote, which it lost in the last general election, according to Monique Gomez, president of the FNM Women’s Association.

Canadian accused of working illegally

A CANADIAN resident, accused of working illegally in The Bahamas, was charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Details announced for Sir Jack Hayward memorial service

MOURNERS are expected to gather at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on February 23 to say their final farewells at a memorial service for the late Sir Jack Hayward, who was instrumental in the development of Freeport. Sir Jack, 91, died in Fort Lauderdale last month.

Loftus Roker: Enforce all laws or change them

CRITICAL of the hypocritical nature of Bahamians concerning law enforcement, former Immigration Minister Loftus Roker called on the country to “enforce all laws or change them”.

‘New policies on education of foreigners unlawful’

GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith yesterday said Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell does not have the “power” under the Immigration and Education Acts to impose new immigration restrictions that require students of foreigners living in The Bahamas to have a school permit to attend classes.

jury absent as legal discussions held in murder trial

THE continuation of testimony into the armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee was short-lived yesterday when legal discussions were held in the absence of the jury.

Cleared of murder - but jailed for eight years for manslaughter

A MAN acquitted of murder but convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter was sentenced to eight years in prison yesterday.

Officials to meet jitney drivers to discuss bus stop move

ROAD Traffic Department officials have scheduled a meeting on Thursday with bus drivers over the controversial move of several downtown bus stops, which has caused consternation with drivers and passengers.

The first month of VAT

VAT. Those three letters have been the brunt of many a jest, the subject of many an adverse comment and unfortunately the cause of much National Trauma and Anxiety. Almost the entire year just ended saw frowns and concerns, voiced and withheld. This anxiety was certainly not warranted and for it to have been so is inexcusable. It was placed upon us unnecessarily.

Gov’t sought Arawak Homes settlement ‘far higher’ than judgment

The Christie administration attempted to negotiate a settlement “significantly in excess” of the $4.4 million awarded to Arawak Homes by a Supreme Court judge for land previously seized by the Government.

‘Premature’ to tell if VAT a Ferrari or Lada

Senior private sector executives yesterday warned it was “too premature” to determine whether Value-Added Tax (VAT) will achieve all desired objectives, likening implementation to “driving a used Lada rather than a Ferrari”.

PM: Carnival will be an annual fixture

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday suggested that Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival will be a fixture on the country’s yearly calendar of activities, despite the backlash it has attracted.

RBC Kids golf clinic a blast at Ocean Club Golf Course

BAHAMAS native Raquel Riley and LPGA players Kathleen Ekey and Paula Reto greeted more than 50 enthusiastic boys and girls for the annual RBC Kids Clinic on the driving range at the Ocean Club Golf Course yesterday.

Top economist: Bahamas 20% current deficit a ‘concern’

A SENIOR Caribbean economist yesterday described the Bahamas’ current account deficit of roughly 20 per cent as “concerning”, revealing it was one of the widest she was aware of.

PM: Banks ‘complicit’ on unchecked consumer debt

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday blasted commercial banks and other private lenders for being “complicit” in creating an “out of control consumerist culture” that has left many Bahamians burdened by unsustainable personal debt.

Redundancy pay ‘just not fair’

A trade union leader yesterday said statute law dealing with redundancy pay needed urgent reform because it was “just not fair” to long-serving workers who had remained with the same company for decades.

‘Not one’ employer wants productivity in industrial deals

A trade union leader yesterday expressed frustration that “not one” Bahamian employer has sought to include worker productivity clauses in industrial agreements he has negotiated, arguing that this would benefit the entire country.

Sports notes

THE top player in City Bowling League competition last night was Alfred Burrows of the TK Falcons who mowed down the pins for a gigantic 640 three game set. Raymond Adderley of Carib Construction came in second with another big set of 614. David Slatter, of Telco Enterprises, downed the pins for a 258 high game followed by a 232 from Greg Taylor of the Coca Cola Avengers.

Security solutions which make sense

In today’s business climate, many owners feel pressured to provide some sort of security for their company. I personally believe in the solutions approach to security. Basically, does it solve your security concerns?

Bahamas urged: Maintain investment grade rating

The Bahamas is at a “critical point” in its fiscal reforms and must ensure it maintains its investment grade rating “as best as possible”, a senior Caribbean economist said yesterday.

Local businesswoman has the recipe for success

AFTER exploring the medical and psychology field and not finding true fulfilment, Raideesha Francis went back to her first love – culinary management. Her passion has launched her into a whirlwind of opportunities and she has now tapped into the perfect market niche.

Producer Moya Thompson puts spotlight on world-class Bahamian talent

AS a Bahamian woman involved in the art and culture scene for several years, Moya Thompson has seen and experienced a lot of local talent.

POLITICOLE: What will become of the PLP and The Bahamas?

I’ve never seen or heard anything like this.

A LIFE OF CRIME: The first five years

THE rising tide of serious crime in the Bahamas has reached the point at which a national debate is required to help solve the blight on society.

The Carnival problem

The problem with the Carnival is that there is no problem with the Carnival.

Bahamian Junkanoo

The natural evolutionary course of Bahamian junkanoo was forever altered about 18 years ago, when “cultural icons” Vola Francis and Gus Cooper began to frequent Trinidad’s Carnival.

Trial delayed as accused man is absent

THE Supreme Court trial into the armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee was halted yesterday by the absence of one of three men being tried in connection with the fatal shooting.

Wilchcombe calls for unity in build-up to Carnival

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday called for FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to “know what his role is” and said the Killarney MP should “find ways to unite” and not “divide” Bahamians over Junkanoo Carnival.

Public comments ‘could harm’ BEC bribe probe

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday remained tight-lipped about a Bahamas Electricity Corporation bribe allegation, expressing concerns that further public comments could harm the future of the government’s expected probe into the matter.

Passengers speak out over bus changes

RESIDENTS who rely on public transport for their daily commutes claimed that the only people being affected by the government’s changes to bus stops in downtown Nassau are them.

Mitchell hits back over immigration rules

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration yesterday defended the government’s recently announced immigration restrictions for children, stressing that they were in accordance with the Immigration Act and a part of the Christie administration’s wider policies.

Colleagues in tears as motorcycle police officer is killed in crash

A mid-morning traffic accident in western New Providence yesterday has left a police officer dead.

Suspect identified as third fire in two weeks hits dump

OFFICIALS have identified the culprit behind the third fire to ravage the New Providence landfill in two weeks, Renew Bahamas said yesterday.

School hit by scabies shuts for two days

EXTERMINATION efforts are underway at the D W Davis Junior High School after Ministry of Education officials confirmed five cases of scabies.

Salvation Army promotes health and wellness

WITH the aim to encourage healthy living in the Bahamas, the Salvation Army recently joined forces with several corporate partners to launch an official health and wellness programme.

Immune System Enhancers

THE immune system does a remarkable job of defending the body against diseases and microorganisms, but sometimes it fails and a germ can invade the body, causing one to become ill.

Dangerous dentistry

THE job of the Bahamas Dental Council and the Bahamas Medical Council is to regulate the practices of their respective professions.

Heart disease and diabetes

HEART diseases and stroke are the number one causes of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, at least 65 per cent of people with diabetes die from some form of heart disease or stroke.

Healthy Living Made Simple! Supplementation mythbusters – Part I

WELCOME to another exciting edition of “Healthy Living Made Simple!” where you are educated, encouraged and empowered to live well.

Sustaining one heartbeat at a time

THE BAHAMAS Heart Association is reminding people all month long to thoroughly educate themselves and take proactive steps to prevent the silent killer – heart disease.

Sins of the flesh, not violence and rape

THERE is violence and rape, yet we talk about sins of the flesh. Just over the last few weeks we have had a number of events in the news involving alleged violence towards and denigration of women, yet the Christian Council remained silent.

Is the lack of unstoppable confidence holding you back?

HOW different would your life be if you had the unstoppable confidence to take it to the next level?

Athletes take the spotlight on track

WORLD-leading sprinter Shavez Hart, horizontal jumper Tamara Myers, hurdler/sprinter Devynne Charlton and sprinter Carmiesha Cox were in the spotlight at the Razorback Invitational in the Randal Tyson Track Complex over the weekend.

Lions are champions

Iconic head coach Pattie Johnson added another title to her storied programme as the HO Nash Lions closed out the GSSSA junior girls’ championship series.

Racquel Riley ‘face for the Bahamas’ in 3rd annual Pure Silk LPGA Classic

FOR the past two years, Grand Bahamian Racquel Riley had to watch from the sidelines. But this year, she’s hoping to make the best of her opportunity to play in the third annual Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic after getting the exemption from the Bahamas Golf Federation.

Junior boys force third, deciding game

THE junior boys made it back-to-back wins for the HO Nash Lions yesterday as they extended their GSSSA basketball championship series to force a third and deciding game.

DNA team addresses youth scheme

EXECUTIVES of the Democratic National Alliance joined several community leaders over the weekend to assist the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) with its third annual male youth retreat and mentorship event.

VAT to exacerbate 22% private aviation fall

The Bahamas has no hope of reversing the 22 per cent decline in post-recession private aviation visitors when its policies keep increasing the sector’s tax burden, a leading private aviation guide said yesterday.

Officer: I was bitten and kicked

AN immigration officer testified yesterday to how a “routine apprehension exercise” ended with her being bitten and kicked by a woman known to the Immigration Department.

Charges expected this week over murder of elderly man

CHARGES are expected to be filed in court early this week in connection with the murder of a beloved, retired school teacher in Grand Bahama over the weekend.

Longley is sworn in as new chief justice

HARTMAN Longley was sworn in as the country’s new chief justice during a brief ceremony at Government House yesterday.

Investors want developer banished from the Bahamas

Investors in a controversy-torn Exuma real estate project have been lobbying the Government to revoke its original developer’s permanent residency status, arguing that his continued presence casts “a pall” over their forward progress.

FOCOL to drive 36% profit rise for Sunshine

Sunshine Holdings is projecting its net income will increase by 36 per cent over the next three years to more than $9 million, with BISX-listed FOCOL Holdings driving much of the improvement.

Consultant selected to develop plane registry

THE Government has selected an aviation consulting firm that will develop the framework for a Bahamian aircraft registry, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Union boss: Cable staff set to take strike vote

A trade union leader yesterday said Cable Bahamas employees had agreed to take a strike vote, following Friday’s ‘sick out’ and increasing frustration over the company’s failure to conclude an industrial agreement.

New automated passport control unveiled at airport

GOVERNMENT and aviation officials yesterday announced the official launch of 20 new Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, which would allow for US-bound passengers to be processed “up to four times faster”.

NAD passport reform to boost visitor spend

NASSAU Airport Development Company (NAD) executives said yesterday that the launch of 20 automated passport control (APC) kiosks at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) will improve the overall departure experience and generate more passenger spend.

Master plans underway for four key airports

A Canadian consulting firm is developing master plans for the redevelopment of the Family Islands’ four leading airports, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

$40,000 in food vouchers given to help hungry

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas National Feeding Network yesterday continued to fulfil its promise to combat hunger in the country by donating a total of $40,000 in food vouchers to more than 40 local feeding organisations.

Negotiations suspended amid conflict at teaching union

THE Ministry of Education has suspended negotiations with the Bahamas Union of Teachers for a new bargaining agreement in view of an expected court fight between embattled union president Belinda Wilson and members of the BUT’s executive committee.

Attorney General praises Heather Hunt

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday praised former Senator Heather Hunt saying that she was a demonstration of a woman’s style of leadership to the Bahamian people while she served in the upper chamber.

Another deadline missed to have criminal courts running

THE government has again missed its deadline to have all of the additional criminal courts complete with Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson confirming a new deadline of March.

Police officer killed in motorcycle accident

According to reports, around 9am the officer was travelling by police motorcycle on the airport road near John F Kennedy Drive when he lost control of his bike and crashed into a utility pole.

Wilchcombe aims to promote the ‘true identity’ of Bahamian culture in Carnival

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchombe declared that the number one aim of the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is to promote the “true identity of Bahamian culture”. He said he is “not at all concerned” with any negative issues surrounding the festival.

A smokey forecast

When a Florida weather report can describe the weather in Nassau as “smokey” as it did last week, this should raise alarm bells for the government that something has to be done about the dump on Harrold Road.

Duplicitousness

Who cares anymore who is being “duplicitous” and who said what to whom or why or when.

Dancing the dance

THE Minister reportedly stressed that the Carnival will encourage “Bahamianism” and not “sins of the flesh”.

Fred Mitchell, hero of immigration

For the first time in recent memory, The Bahamas have been featured in a front-page New York Times story, published on January 30, just one day after our annual Business Outlook Conference.

Bahamas sweeps up Haitians, says New York Times

WELL now we’ve done it – big time!

CARNIVAL FEVER: Festival opponents argue ignorantly and illogically while Christian Council is out of touch

IF there is one thing that is predictable about Bahamians, it is our love for complaining and tearing our own down.

Bus passengers are warned to be ready for chaos

PEOPLE who rely on public transportation have been warned to “be ready for the chaos that is coming” due to the government’s changes to bus stops in downtown Nassau.

‘Six fired at Bank of the Bahamas’

FORMER FNM Chairman Darron Cash has raised concerns about layoffs at the Bank of the Bahamas.

‘Restricting education of immigrants a slippery slope’

MAKING it harder for children of immigrants to get an education could create a slippery slope that results in a myriad of long-term social problems for Bahamians, former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette warned yesterday.

Son-in-law detained after elderly man stabbed to death

A 30-year-old American man is in custody assisting police with investigations into the stabbing death of his elderly father-in-law over the weekend in the Hawksbill area.

Three killed at weekend

POLICE were investigating the deaths of two people who were killed in separate incidents yesterday, a 31-year-old mother of three who was found dead in her villa in George Town, Exuma, and a man who was fatally shot in Fox Hill last night.

Pennant winners secure early leads

IN game one of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association basketball championship series, each of the pennant winners took early series leads, with blowouts in girls’ play and a pair of close finishes in the boys’ divisions.

Cybots rout Wreckers 80-58, Queens blast the Operators

IT was Cybots Appreciation Night so head coach Wayde Watson said the best way for his teams to show their gratitude to their fans was to win their New Providence Basketball Association-New Providence Women’s Basketball Association double header.

Price Control chairman hits back at DNA

PRICE Control Commission Chairman EJ Bowe has defended himself from recent criticism by the Democratic National Alliance that he was intentionally targeting “companies owned by members of the DNA” and hit out at the party members for having “short (term) memory”.

Stories for February 2015

Saturday, February 28

Friday, February 27

Thursday, February 26

Wednesday, February 25

Tuesday, February 24