Friday, July 31
Woman charged with murder of her husband
THE wife of a man who was stabbed to death was charged with his murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Govt says Baha Mar statement 'misleading'
THE Christie Administration continued its public feud with Baha Mar Friday, calling the resort's most recent press statement concerning Friday's Supreme Court adjournment of its winding up hearing "misleading”.
28-year-old shot dead in year's 89th murder
A 28-year-old resident of Miami Street became the country's 89th murder victim of the year on Friday afternoon – just three days after he celebrated his birthday.
Guyana and Bahamas compare notes on China’s construction
YESTERDAY The Tribune published an interesting Associated Press article from Georgetown, Guyana on government’s suspension of expansion work being done at Cheddi Jagan airport.
Baha Mar: winding up process “abusive and oppressive”
BAHA MAR issued a statement following the adjournment of the Supreme Court hearing on the government’s petition to wind up the resort on Friday, calling the application “misguided” with fatal flaws and the process “abusive, oppressive and in bad faith”.
Baha Mar petition ruling put off to Aug 19 after CCA objects to liquidators
A SUPREME Court judge adjourned proceedings on the government's petition to wind up Baha Mar to August 19-20 on Friday morning after revelations that Baha Mar's contractor has expressed reservations about the personnel appointed to serve as provisional liquidators for Baha Mar.
US Coast Guard to end search 'at sunset' for missing Florida boat teenagers
MIAMI (AP) - The US Coast Guard will suspend its search at sunset for two teenage Florida fishermen who have been missing for a week, officials said on Friday.
COB Northern Campus set for new buildings thanks to $3m gift
A NEW dormitory and multi-purpose facility will be built at the College of the Bahamas northern campus thanks to a $3m gift from the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
BELL: RULING ON POLICE OVERTIME A ‘HOLLOW JUDGMENT’
STATE National Security Minister Keith Bell yesterday branded the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that mandates police officers be compensated for overtime pay a “hollow judgment”.
Bail granted for tearful Vasyli
A TEARFUL Donna Vasyli received the birthday present she wanted last night when Court of Appeal judges affirmed a Supreme Court judge’s decision to grant $200,000 bail to her on the charge she faces of murdering her Australian husband.
FOUR IN CUSTODY AFTER $1MILLION DRUG BUST
FOUR Bahamians, three men and one woman, are in police custody after they were caught with more than $1m worth of cocaine and marijuana on Wednesday night.
Chamber offer in Baha Mar dispute
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation has come out against the government’s efforts to wind up Baha Mar in the Supreme Court, expressing concern that this will not result in a speedy resolution to the resort’s issues.
Independent MP to start tabling Bills in Parliament
Marco City MP Greg Moss has pledged that he will start using an obscure House rule to begin tabling Bills in Parliament, effectively sidelining the agenda of the ruling PLP party during particular sittings.
Deputy Prime Minister visits Straw Market summer programme
THE STRAW Market Authority has established a summer programme for vendors’ children to provide wholesome and productive activities on site while their parents are at work.
Deputy Prime Minister dismisses Sarkis criticism of Christie
DEPUTY Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis has dismissed Sarkis Izmirlian’s criticism that Prime Minister Perry Christie is not acting in the best interest of the Bahamian people with respect to Baha Mar.
Deputy PM hopes that new BEC board will be named next week
ONE WEEK after signing a transitional services agreement with PowerSecure, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is hopeful that the new board of directors for the Bahamas Electrical Corporation would be named next week.
Call for tougher gun laws after attack on family
CALLS for more stringent gun laws intensified yesterday after a shooting incident in the area of Key West Street left a family of five in hospital, including a four-year-old girl who was shot in the head.
EASTERN ROAD RESIDENT FINDS HOME RANSACKED AND HIS TRUCK STOLEN
AT 7pm Wednesday an exasperated Bruce Maura of the Eastern Road took to Facebook to ask his friends to “please keep an eye out for my white Dodge truck that was stolen, licence number T 40798.”
Concern over exposed power lines in San Souci
A SAN SOUCI resident said she is concerned for her safety, and that of others in her east New Providence neighbourhood, after Bahamas Electricity Corporation workers left live power lines exposed and hanging in trees on the community’s main road.
PM praises Hawksbill Creek Committee
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has praised the Hawksbill Creek Review Committee for “an excellent job” and providing recommendations to aid his government in its deliberation and negotiations to stimulate Grand Bahama’s economy.
Mitchell: ‘Single investor’ posing existential threat to governance
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday declared that there was an “existential” threat to the governance of the country due to the deliberate and improper political interference of a “single investor”.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Hard card Sharkis, air miles Allyson and Carnival’s Chinese arithmetic
It’s safe to say Baha Mar is everywhere. Not only can you see the paused paradise from multiple vantage points throughout New Providence, everybody has an opinion on how this bad “soap opera” is playing out.
THE FINISH LINE: ‘I firmly believe that more recognition needs to be given to our athletes for their achievements’
Last week, the Bahamas Government rolled out the red carpet with the ceremony to name the road from Thompson Boulevard to the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium, the Mychal Thompson Boulevard.
Vanderpool-Wallace to lead Bahamas at FINA Worlds
After watching the team perform two weeks ago at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, Bahamas Swimming Federation president Algernon Cargill is eager to see how well the Bahamian swimmers will perform at the FINA World Swimming Championships next week in Kazan, Russia.
Non-payment of Baha Mar expats ‘very dangerous’
The Government was yesterday warned it had taken “a very dangerous position” in not paying the near-$1.8 million wage bill for Baha Mar’s expatriate employees, amid fears this might be the ‘final straw’ that encourages its already-jittery hotel brands to withdraw.
‘Totally redundant’: Insurers’ NHI fears
Despite the Government seemingly agreeing with two-thirds of its National Health Insurance (NHI) alternative, the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) has interpreted its scheme as making private health insurers “totally redundant”.
Wells, Rose lead race for trophy
HEADED into the final day of competition at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, one pairing of Team Bahamas will attempt to cling to their position atop the leaderboard while others face an uphill climb toward contention.
BBF’s Summer of Thunder opens this weekend
ONE of their most highly anticipated events of the year, the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder is set to begin this weekend, opening with an NCAA team looking to build on last year’s historic season.
Chamber rejects Baha Mar wind-up rationale
The Bahamian private sector yesterday rejected the Government’s position that winding-up Baha Mar is the quickest way to complete the project, instead recommending independent arbitration/mediation as the best route to “salvage” the $3.5 billion development.
Baha Mar to miss winter season in liquidator control
The $3.5 billion Baha Mar project will not open in time to catch the peak winter 2015 tourism season if it is placed under the control of provisional liquidators, a senior private executive warned yesterday.
‘Tone of fraud’ at Post Office Bank
The Auditor-General this week warned of “an underlying tone of fraud” at the Post Office Savings Bank, with customers able to deposit and withdraw sums more than 100 times’ greater than legal limits.
SHOOTING LEAVES FAMILY OF FIVE IN HOSPITAL
UPDATE: Mykia Major reported as "stable" in hospital on Friday. A MAN and a woman were taken into police custody late on Wednesday night following a shooting incident that left a family of five in hospital, including two young children - one of whom was shot in the back of the head.
IAN FERGUSON: Bilingual employees add significant value
With globalisation in full swing and worldwide markets becoming more interdependent, the need for bilingual employees continues to rise. Businesses that take advantage of adding bilingual speakers to their payroll can benefit immensely because these workers can expand their client base.
Chamber seeks $1m threshold for Business Licence verification
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce is calling for the Government to raise the threshold above which companies must have their annual turnover certified by an accountant from $100,000 to $1 million, with $400,000 as a compromise.
Chamber still eyeing role on tax services
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is still seeking to play a greater role in managing private sector tax services, arguing that it could help raise compliance and provide greater efficiencies.
Gov’t urged: ‘Promote the hell out of Freeport’
The Opposition’s finance spokesman has urged the Bahamas to “promote the hell out of Freeport” as a free trade zone, adding: “You can attract more flies with honey than you can with vinegar”.
Thursday, July 30
FNM Deputy: Festival commission ‘gambled’ with taxpayer dollars for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival
FREE National Movement deputy leader Peter Turnquest yesterday said the government’s failure to secure a return on the $11.3m spent to hold Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a “sad indictment” which proves that the Festival Commission “gambled” with taxpayer dollars.
Sarkis: I feel personally attacked by Prime Minister
BAHA Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian said yesterday he felt personally attacked by Perry Christie and the government of the Bahamas, adding that if the Prime Minister applied the same pressure on the China Import Export Bank and China Construction America as they did the resort, “there would already be a deal”.
Man charged with restaurant murder
A MAN was yesterday arraigned in Magistrate’s Court accused of murdering another man after a late-night argument three weeks ago.
Attorney says Police Staff Association prepared to act on ruling
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe yesterday said the Police Staff Association was prepared to act on its Supreme Court ruling mandating police officers be compensated for overtime pay, adding that he was “puzzled” by the lack of official response.
Agreement of co-operation signed between BAMSI and Ocean University of China
ADVANCING the Memorandum of Understanding signed in January, officials from the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute and the Ocean University of China yesterday formally signed an agreement of co-operation that will foster the academic links and the development of the north Andros institution.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Junkanoo Carnival was handled disastrously
THE Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival has evolved into one of the most disgraceful shams we have seen thus far for the year.
Proceedings into Crown’s appeal against Donna Vasyli bail postponed
COURT of Appeal judges yesterday postponed proceedings into the Crown’s appeal against a judge’s decision to grant bail to Donna Vasyli, who is accused of her husband’s murder.
FNM Deputy: Fate of Baha Mar will determine Christie’s legacy
THE success or failure of the Baha Mar resort will determine Prime Minister Perry Christie’s legacy, Free National Movement deputy leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday as he insisted that the nation’s chief ought to be more involved with the negotiations.
Last of Great Abaco’s wild horses dies . . . but Nunki may be cloned
THE LAST of the wild horses on Great Abaco has died, prompting caretakers to collect tissue for possible cloning and hopefully bring back a viable population.
PM: Freeport container port expansion could bring 600 jobs
THE $300 million expansion of Freeport Container Port could result in as many as 600 jobs in Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Perry Christie has revealed.
Four held after police hail 'major' marijuana seizure
POLICE have arrested three men and a woman for possession of a large quantity of marijuana, saying they have "dealt a major blow to the drug traffickers in the Bahamas".
Baby in serious condition after five are shot by armed man
POLICE have arrested a man and a woman following a shooting incident on Wednesday that has left five people detained in hospital, including an infant in "serious" condition.
Govt ‘likely’ to pay Baha Mar wages
ACTING Attorney General Damian Gomez said yesterday “there is a likelihood” the government will pay the salaries of Baha Mar’s Bahamian employees for the work period that ends today.
Dead man found in water at Scotland Cay, Abaco
POLICE in Abaco are investigating the death of a man found floating in waters on Scotland Cay on Wednesday afternoon.
Impressive showing for team Bahamas so far at CAGC
IT HAS been an impressive showing thus far for The Bahamas Golf Federation’s team at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Bahamas to field two-man team for World Rowing Jr Championships
AS they prepare to travel and face off against the sport’s top ranked athletes in international competition and attempt to increase the profile of the sport locally, Bahamas Rowing will field a two-member team to the World Rowing Junior Championships.
Baha Mar ‘improperly forced’ contractors to carry work changes
China Construction America (CCA) has accused Baha Mar of violating their contract by “improperly forcing” it and Bahamian contractors to finance “thousands” of work changes at the $3.5 billion project themselves.
Gov’t ‘disconnected from reality’ on NHI
The Government’s assumptions about National Health Insurance’s (NHI) impact on private insurers are “misplaced, unrealistic and disconnected from reality”, it has been warned, amid fears it is mounting a “hostile takeover” of the sector.
Insurers: NHI costs ‘more than double’ new $400m estimate
The Bahamian insurance industry has warned the Government that National Health Insurance (NHI) costs will be “more than double” the suggested $400 million, adding that the scheme’s implementation as-is will have “consequences of catastrophic proportions”.
‘Shocking’ Gov’t refusal to pay Baha Mar expats $1.8m
Baha Mar yesterday accused the Government of “refusing” to pay its expatriate staff $1.776 million in collective wages that are due today, amid fears this will prompt many upper management executives to quit.
Sarkis: Chinese ‘unfair’ over guarantee demand
Sarkis Izmirlian has refused to provide the financial guarantee sought by Baha Mar’s Chinese partners because he feels they are “not being fair” in demanding he cover the bulk of the $400 million refinancing package.
Antoan Richardson hit by pitch, suffers broken foot
THE injury bug struck once again for one veteran Bahamian Major Leaguer at the most inopportune time to derail his comeback attempt.
Iesha advances to JITIC final
A productive summer for Bahamian junior tennis ace Iesha Shepherd continues as she has now earned the opportunity to play for a regional title.
Junkanoo Carnival a ‘wealth redistribution’
The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festival will amount to nothing more than a big concert if it is unable to generate greater tourism spend, the Opposition’s Finance spokesman said yesterday.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: The clearest method of picture resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels (individual points of colour) contained on a computer display monitor. Sharpness of the image on a display depends on the resolution and the size of the monitor.
Immigration: Blame Bar Council, not us
The Immigration minister yesterday lashed out at suggestions that “inflexible” policies were preventing the Bahamas from becoming an international arbitration centre, adding that it was the Bahamas Bar Council which effectively determined whether foreign attorneys could be brought in.
Bahamas covered Freeport ‘in dirt’
Freeport should not be taken over by central government control, the Opposition’s finance spokesman said yesterday, arguing that its Family Island failures gave the city no reason to believe it would have more success on Grand Bahama.
Wednesday, July 29
Funding boost for ‘The Family: People helping people’ programme
A NEW source of funding is expanding efforts to assist “at risk” teenagers to live a drug- and crime-free life.
Carnival reveals ‘significant’ revenue shortfall
THE Christie Administration failed to secure a return on its $11m investment in May’s highly touted Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, according to the official statistics of the event released by the Bahamas National Festival Commission yesterday.
Govt leaves talks blaming Baha Mar
THE government yesterday blamed Baha Mar’s refusal to provide a guarantee for additional lending as the only element that stood in the way of securing a deal for the completion of the $3.5bn mega resort after the Bahamas delegation left talks in Beijing empty-handed for a second time.
Woman assisting police after her husband is stabbed to death
A 47-year-old Grand Bahama man was found stabbed to death in his home early yesterday in Freeport, pushing the homicide count for the year to nine on the island.
17-year-old boy shot dead outside his home
A TEENAGE boy was yesterday shot multiple times and killed after two gunmen ambushed him and his older brother as they arrived at the home they shared with relatives on Podoleo Street.
Man facing charges over online video ‘death threats’
A 32-year-old man is now facing charges in Magistrate’s court after he allegedly brandished a firearm and made indirect death threats in a video posted on social media.
PLP Chairman blasts Baha Mar director over ‘inflammatory remarks against govt’
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday accused Baha Mar Director and businessman Diosinio D’Aguilar of putting thousands of resort employees at risk due to his “inflammatory remarks”, “creating confusion, making inflammatory remarks against the government and placing thousands of jobs in jeopardy.”
Missing Florida teens strayed from planned route into open ocean
TWO TEENAGERS whose lives were intertwined with the sea remained lost in the Atlantic yesterday, as their families and authorities tried to maintain hope against the fading odds of their survival.
TOUGH CALL: Leaders lost in the political mire
“It’s better to have a debate about where we are going, because frankly whoever is the leader, unless the direction is right, I’m afraid the rest won’t be right.” - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, 2015
Government backs Iran nuclear deal
THE Bahamas government yesterday declared its support for the nuclear deal struck by the international community and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
BCPOU President Bernard Evans wins a third term
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union President Bernard Evans is now set to serve a third term as union president after narrowly beating-out his former Secretary General Dino Rolle for the post.
Prime Minister officially re-opens Eight Mile Rock fire station
VITAL fire services have been restored to the Eight Mile Rock community after a decade.
COB survey says Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival made positive impression
A COLLEGE of the Bahamas survey into May’s inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival events concluded that most participants had a positive impression of the event.
Man back in custody after escaping from Exuma police station
A 23-year-old Exuma resident is back in custody after he escaped from a police station in Exuma earlier this week.
Pilot’s prison sentence increased after his appeal
A BAHAMIAN pilot saw his prison sentence increased by nearly two years after the appellate court dismissed his appeal and granted the prosecution’s argument that his previous sentence was too lenient for his involvement in a $1 million drug seizure.
Gov’t fiscal policy like ‘filling bucket with hole at bottom’
The Government’s fiscal policy was yesterday likened to “filling a bucket with a hole at the bottom”, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that “accelerated” spending cuts were vital to stabilising the public finances.
Baha Mar, Gov’t agree ‘progress’ but nothing else
Baha Mar and the Government last night continued to trade barbs over who was responsible for the $3.5 billion impasse and the delay of any resolution, although they agreed that some “progress” had been made during the Beijing negotiations.
Strachan pulls out of Worlds
A left muscle strain that prevented sprinter Anthonique Strachan from completing the final of the women’s 200 metres at the 17th Pan Am Games last week in Toronto, Canada, will also force her to skip the trip to Beijing, China, for the IAAF World Championships next month.
‘Speedy Seymour’ coming into his own for Muckdogs
ENERGISED by atmosphere, the speedy Anfernee Seymour is coming into his own for the Batavia Muckdogs, two or three bases at a time.
Exumians ‘very excited about having Byron Scott in town’
AFTER spending the past month hosting his 28th annual basketball camp at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, Jeff Rodgers returned to Exuma this week for the third consecutive year to provide an opportunity for the young people on the island to experience the same type of environment to learn the game.
IMF urges Mortgage Relief Plan ‘successor’
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government to abandon its proposed Mortgage Relief Plan and instead create a “specialised agency” to tackle the Bahamas’ bad loan crisis, with private sector credit having dropped to 2009 levels.
Chamber chief: Target 9-10% jobless rate
Cutting unemployment to the “low double digits range” around 10 per cent was yesterday described by the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman as a more realistic goal than the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 50 per cent target reduction.
Carnival chief stands by $50m GDP impact
Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival’s chairman yesterday stood by his projection that the inaugural festival increased Bahamian gross domestic product (GDP) more than $50 million, with the event having a direct economic impact of $19 million.
Gov’t ‘lagging’ over public entity reform
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government to speed up reforms at Bahamasair and the Water & Sewerage Corporation, and eliminate their collective $60 million “drag on the public finances”.
Change in date, venue for CAC Bodybuilding Championships
WHEN the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation hosts the 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships, there will be a change in the date and the venue.
Anthony ‘Marathon Man’ Williams needs money for hip replacement
WHENEVER you discuss road running in the Bahamas, one of the first names that comes to mind is Anthony ‘Marathon Man’ Williams.
Carnival marketing to begin ‘early fall’
The Bahamas Junkanoo Festival Commission’s chairman (BNFC) yesterday said it expects to begin its international marketing campaign for next year’s event by early fall 2015, with the low ratio of foreign to local participants at the inaugural event due to a late promotional push.
IMF ‘discourages’ foreign currency borrowing to boost reserves
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Government to stop borrowing in international currency simply to boost the external reserves, which at $839 million at end-March were “low” and below the ‘three months’ worth of imports’ benchmark.
Angry fishermen make call to arms
Irate Bahamian fishermen are being forced to take the law into their own hands because they are convinced the Government is serious about cracking down on illegal poaching, the Bahamas Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance (BCFA) president said yesterday.
Tuesday, July 28
Paying tribute to Errol Cartwright
It was in 1989 and I was just elected Secretary General of the Free National Movement when the MP for Inagua and Mayaguana, Vernon Symonette, asked me to conduct the election of Association officers in Inagua and Mayaguana.
I pray Izmirlian wins this contest
Seems to me the government with the pronouncements it is now making — including the latest by State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez in questioning the source of Mr Izmirlian’s $200,000 million – is acting as though its winding up petition, to be heard on July 31 by a Supreme Court justice, has already been decided in its favour
Immigration policy kills arbitration
AS LONG ago as 2006, imaginative lawyers like Bar leader Peter Maynard as well as financial executives began encouraging arbitration in the Bahamas.
BAHA MAR LATEST: Government party flies home from China, no resolution
THE government’s delegation to assist with negotiations over the stalled Baha Mar project is en route back to the Bahamas this afternoon.
Therapeutic yoga helps seniors maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit
FOR most people when you say the word ‘yoga’, images of super fit, incredibly flexible people bending themselves into pretzel-like shapes pop into their heads.
New yoga studio aims to create ideal bodies and minds
THE opening of the Cosmosis Yoga Suite & Global Cultural Hub is yet another effort by yoga instructor Mychal Bryan to create a greater appreciation for the physical and spiritual practice in the Bahamas.
Chickcharney Chirren fulfil promise of powered wheelchair donation
EDVENNA Major was sitting in her manual wheelchair at her vendor’s table in Pompey Square, as she does most Saturdays, oblivious to the fact that her life was about to get a little bit easier.
The ‘Heart Matters’ at One Eleuthera Foundation’s health symposium
THE ONE Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is all set and ready to go when it comes to educating Bahamians on the topic of cardiovascular health.
Stop waiting, start stepping
MARIO Cooper lived waiting. Waiting on his father’s acceptance; waiting on his mother’s approval. Waiting on his friends to understand him; waiting for his college professors to validate his ideas. Waiting on his employer to recognise his value and finally; waiting on his wife to respect his efforts.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Breezing your way through pregnancy
IT’S A fact that pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s body. It can tire you out, make you feel sluggish and just plain ‘blah’ sometimes.
Kingdom Girls Summit wants to transform young lives
WITH a mission to bring young girls closer to God, members of the recently established Kingdom Girls Ministry are seeking to make a name for themselves in the Bahamas.
Grand Bahama man, 47, stabbed to death at home
A 47-year-old Grand Bahama man was found stabbed to death in his home early on Tuesday in Freeport, pushing the homicide count for the year to nine on the island.
Power outage after crane pulls down utility pole
SEVERAL businesses and homes were without electricity yesterday after a crane accidentally caught a high tension wire pulling down a utility pole at Harrold Road, according to Leslie Miller, outgoing Executive Bahamas Electricity Corporation Chairman.
BEC takes centre stage at flagship electrical services conference
THE 2015 Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities’ (CARILEC) Engineering and Occupational Health and Safety Conference aims to enhance the electrical services experienced by member countries, said association chairman Hugo Hodge Jr.
Tributes are paid to Alfred Bismark Coakley
ALFRED Bismark Coakley, who made a huge contribution in corporate and charitable circles in the Bahamas over many years, died on Sunday in Doctor’s Hospital following a brief illness. He was 73.
Bahamas moves up to top tier in human trafficking report
THE Bahamas has been listed as a tier one country in the United States’ 2015 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, an improvement on its tier two ranking in 2014.
Man loses job over wanted poster ‘mistake’
AFTER being arrested, questioned and later released by police after four days in custody, Jovan Nixon has lost his job and is still facing difficulty finding employment elsewhere because of a wanted poster that was issued for his arrest.
Teens charged with restaurant robbery
TWO teenagers were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with an armed robbery at the Mahogany House restaurant a week ago.
Man charged with endangering the lives of police officers claims he was beaten in custody
An 18-year-old man charged with endangering the lives of police officers yesterday claimed he was beaten by police while in custody.
$500,000 donation for College of the Bahamas
OFFICIALS still aim to effect the transition of the College of the Bahamas into a university by the end of the year, College President Dr Rodney Smith said yesterday.
How the Internet has changed the way we buy property
The worldwide web may have dramatically transformed the property hunting process but, Mario Carey says, the dependence on a trusted professional with local knowledge has only increased.
Minister praises ‘Fishing for a Future Project’
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday cheered steps taken by the “Fishing For a Future Project” to develop disadvantaged youth into capable seamen.
Portraits draw the crowds to ‘Sports Legends Walk’
ONE of the highlights of last week’s naming ceremony of Mychal Thompson Boulevard was the unveiling of 28 specially commissioned portraits by Jamaal Rolle of Bahamian sporting stars adorning the “Sports Legends Walk” at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.
$24m owed by Baha Mar ‘will affect BEC profit margins
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation General Manager Kevin Basden yesterday clarified that the $24m owed to the financially strapped energy provider by Baha Mar would “certainly” affect profit margins.
Man shot by police at Arawak cay dies in hospital
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after a man shot by an officer at Arawak Cay died in hospital.
Miller: I’m glad to get the hell out of BEC
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller said he is “glad to get the hell out” of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation as its executive chairman amid speculation that a new BEC board is to be installed by the end of the week.
No answers for grieving mother one year after her son’s death
A MOTHER yesterday lamented the stalled pace of investigations into the death of her son nearly one year after he was murdered just a few feet away from his home.
Police identify Fox Hill murder victim
THE COUNTRY’S latest murder victim, who was shot and killed on Sunday night in Fox Hill, has been identified as Alfred Delancey aka “Donkey”.
Baha Mar blasts ‘sham’ CCA offer
THE bitter war of words between Baha Mar and its general contractor continued yesterday with resort executives calling China Construction America’s (CCA) offer to invest $100 million in the stalled project a “sham”.
BREAKING NEWS: Grand Bahama man, 47, stabbed to death
A 47-year-old Grand Bahama man has been stabbed to death at a home in the Heritage subdivision, Freeport.
BAAA to reassess team going to the IAAF Worlds
AFTER looking at the performances of Team Bahamas at the 17th Pan American Games last week in Toronto, Canada, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is expected to re-assess the team going into the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China next month.
Gov’t debt to fall 1.2% pts in five years
The IMF yesterday forecast that despite Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation the Government’s direct debt-to-GDP ratio will decline by little more than one percentage point over the next five years.
Bank: Baha Mar ‘stripped us’ of $2.45bn security
Baha Mar’s main financier last night accused the developer of “stripping from it through the back door” its $2.34 billion loan security, arguing that there was “no possibility” it could restructure via the Chapter 11 process.
Baha Mar’s $408m property tax breaks equal 70% of arrears
Baha Mar’s estimated $407.714 million worth of real property tax breaks are equivalent to more than 70 per cent of the total arrears owed to the Government at the end of the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Baha Mar urges Gov’t: Pressure CCA equally
A Baha Mar director last night urged the Government to apply equally “sustained pressure” on the project’s contractor, which it has accused of “inflexibly pocketing” all the developer’s settlement concessions but not responding with its own.
Obesity: Tackling our big fat problem – Part III
WELCOME back to the third and possibly final part of my spiel on obesity. In parts one and two we defined obesity, looked at its prevalence here in the Bahamas and scratched the surface of how obesity contributes to deaths from noncommunicable diseases.
IMF raises ‘jobless cut’ growth to 7%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday upped the average five-year GDP growth rate that the Bahamas needs to both absorb new workforce entrants, and slash the existing jobless rate in half, from 5 per cent to 7 per cent as it urged this nation to rapidly tackle “structural impediments”.
Title win puts Freedom Farm in World Series
After a dominant performance last week on the road against international competition, Freedom Farm is headed to the 2015 Cal Ripken Major/60 World Series.
‘Golden Sisters’ to mark 15th anniversary of Bahamas’ first gold medal in athletics
COME September 30, ‘Golden Girls’ 4 x 100 metre relay team of Eldece Clarke, Savatheda Fynes, Chandra Sturrup, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie and Pauline Davis-Thompson will celebrate their 15th anniversary of winning the Bahamas’ first gold medal in athletics at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
Young girls shine in ‘Pageant of Hope’
SUMMER 2015 has turned out to be an exciting one for 21 young girls who not only got the chance to visit the Governor General, Clifton Heritage National Park and the National Art Gallery, but also learned about self-defence and participated in a pageant that reinforced a message of inner beauty over outer beauty.
‘Stay humble, stay hungry and stay healthy’
FROM the No.1 overall NBA Draft pick to a possible number one overall pick of the future, Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson lauded the potential of top prospect Deandre Ayton and offered some advice on his path to success.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: NFL preview - AFC North and South
WELL the countdown is on and the NFL season is near. Over the next few weeks I will break down the AFC and NFC conferences division-by-division and who I like to make a playoff run and win the Super Bowl.
PM: BTC dropped calls down to 6,000 per day
THE rate of dropped calls for the nation’s only telecommunications provider is now at 6,000 per day, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Govt announcement on second mobile provider ‘soon’ says Christie
THE Government will make an announcement soon on which of the two remaining contenders in the cellular liberalisation process will move onto the next round, Prime Minister Perry Christie has said.
POLITICOLE: The ‘secret’ society of the Bahamas
The nature of who we secretly are is the reason we can’t gainfully advance our country or the people in it.
BIA chairman hopes VAT impact on dropped coverage will be ‘minimal’
HEALTH insurers have revisited and and adjusted their product offerings to aid consumers in a post Value-Added Tax (VAT) environment, the industry association chairman said yesterday, noting that insurers were hoping for ‘minimal’ impact regarding dropped coverage.
Bahamas to enjoy $250m oil import bill reduction
The Bahamas’ 2015 oil import bill will be slashed in half due to the decline in global prices, it was projected yesterday, saving this nation roughly $240-$250 million.
Albury says VAT is part of a ‘trifecta’ depressing car sales
CONSUMERS are now beginning to feel the true impact of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the cost of living, a local businessman said yesterday.
Monday, July 27
INSIGHT: ‘Let Bahamians finish Baha Mar’
As the wrangling over Baha Mar becomes ever more tense, CEO Sarkis Izmirlian wrote to the president of The Export-Import Bank of China, Liu Liange, on July 23 in an effort to break the deadlock over China Construction America holding the resort “hostage” and asking for a response to his proposals by today. This is what he wrote.
The missing pieces
When Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian announced on Monday, June 29, that the resort had voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 in a Delaware Court, I think it’s safe to say that the prime minister was not the only one who was blindsided.
Is our sovereignty in Beijing or the Bahamas?
OH where, oh where has our sovereignty gone, oh, where, oh where can it be?
Ruling on police overtime pay ‘a game-changer’
FRIDAY’S Supreme Court ruling ordering that overtime pay be paid to police officers who have worked 12-hour shifts within the last two years is a game-changer for law enforcement agencies across the board, Police Staff Association President Dwight Smith declared yesterday.
Contractor offers to invest $100m
THE contractor hired to build Baha Mar has offered to invest $100m in the resort as the row over its stalled progress continues.
Beijing talks off to a rocky start
NEGOTIATIONS in Beijing are believed to have got off to a rocky start over the weekend with Baha Mar representatives refusing to attend meetings amid claims that general contractor China Construction America was not operating in good faith.
Baha Mar wants contractor out
Resort wants local workers to finish building
DESPITE the government’s return to Beijing, Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian is seeking to strike a deal with its Chinese lender to cut the resort’s general contractor, China Construction America, out of negotiations and use Bahamian contractors to complete the project, according to a letter sent to Export-Import Bank of China obtained by The Tribune.
Man shot at party in Fox Hill dies - armed suspect sought
POLICE are have mounted an "intense" search of New Providence for an armed suspect responsible for the shooting death of a man on Sunday night in Fox Hill.
Coast Guard continues search for missing Florida teens
HUNDREDS of family members, friends and classmates took part in a Sunday night prayer vigil for two missing 14-year-olds from South Florida who disappeared while fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
‘Successful start’ but T-Notes miss first $150m target
The Government’s financial advisers believe its new Treasury Note debt security has enjoyed “a successful start”, despite the first-ever offering raising just two-thirds of the $150 million target.
‘Multiple compelling reasons’ for pension industry legislation
The US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) provides “another compelling reason in a litany of compelling reasons” for the Bahamas to finally enact modern pensions legislation.
Lady Wildcats rout Lady Truckers, 13-5
THE Sunshine Auto Lady Wildcats routed the Johnson Lady Truckers 13-5 in the lone game played in the New Providence Softball Association in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday night.
Warriors’ Green: ‘Tum Tum is like a little brother to me’
WHILE in town to participate in the 28th Jeff Rodgers Celebrity All-Star Classic, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green took time out to explore a Bahamian connection of his own - his relationship with Bahamian guard and fellow Michigan State Spartan, Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn.
‘One major regret’ for Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson
DESPITE a 14-year NBA career which included two NBA titles, and watching his sons win their own respective titles in the NBA and the NBA Development League this season, Bahamian basketball icon Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson said there is one regret that remains from his days on the hardwood.
Diamond League: ‘Fireman’ 3rd in 400
CHRIS “Fireman” Brown, still waiting on a decision by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations on whether or not he will run the 400 metres at the IAAF World Championships next month in Beijing, China, competed over the weekend at the IAAF Diamond League Meet in London, England.
Bianca Stuart soars for silver in long jump
PERSISTENCE and hard work has finally paid off for Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart. The national long jump record holder finally won her first major senior international medal at the 17th Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada.
Donald Thomas settles for bronze in high jump
HIS goal was to go to Toronto, Canada, and successfully defend his Pan Am Games gold medal in the men’s high jump. But Donald Thomas had to contend with two Canadians who took full advantage of the home crowd to drop him down to the bronze medal spot on Saturday.
After protest, men’s 4x400 relay team remains in fourth
THE Bahamas will remain in fourth place in the men’s 4 x 400 metre relays and 16th in the final medal standings at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
‘Superman’ returns
If there was any meet that Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands was targeting in his comeback all season long, it was the 17th Pan Am Games. So when he was originally told that he was not on the team, he was outraged. But after a last minute appeal, Sands was given his ticket to Toronto, Canada, and on Friday he made the best of it.
Tribune Business Analysis: Baha Mar’s $400m ‘quickie’ divorce
Divorces are often messy and expensive. And the Bahamas could be in for its biggest yet, if Baha Mar is able to woo its debt financier into agreeing a $400 million separation from its main contractor.
Pintard urges responsible comments by government
FNM chairman Michael Pintard yesterday called on government members to be more responsible in their public pronouncements about the Baha Mar project.
Baha Mar: Contractor ‘obstructing’ settlement
Baha Mar has accused its contractor of “obstructionist tactics” designed to undermine efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement, after it refused to agree to a one-week extension for objections to its bid to dismiss the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection case.
QC ‘terrified’ by Freeport tax grab
An outspoken QC has been “terrified” by what he perceives as the Government’s planned Freeport ‘tax grab’, forcing him to launch a second Judicial Review challenge to its ongoing Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) assessment.
Sarkis: ‘Impossible’ to run Baha Mar through liquidator
Sarkis Izmirlian has warned the Government that its plan to appoint a provisional liquidator will “make it impossible” to immediately open and operate a completed Baha Mar, since it will jeopardise key hotel and retail/restaurant tenant relationships.
Baha Mar rejects claim contractor ‘immovable’
Baha Mar yesterday rejected China Construction America’s claim that it cannot be removed from the $3.5 billion project, as it unveiled a $400 million proposal seeking approval to ‘divorce’ its main contractor.
Harbour Island hopes for energy resolution
Harbour Island’s recent energy supply challenges appear to be moving towards resolution, a resort operator and lead spokesman for concerned businesses has told Tribune Business.
Gov’t partnering with IDB for Andros plan
The Government has partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on a Sustainable Development Plan for Andros, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, incorporating a bid to measure the economic value of the island’s ecosystems.
Sponging industry targets value added
The Bahamas Commercial Spongers Association’s president believes this nation has failed to capitalise on the sector’s ‘value added’ component for too long.
Sunday, July 26
UPDATE: US Coast Guard find missing Florida teenage boys' boat capsized
THE United States Coast Guard are reporting this afternoon they have found a capsized boat 67 nautical miles off Ponce Inlet, Florida, and confirm it as the one two missing teenage boys, reported overdue after not returning from their fishing trip in the vicinity of Jupiter, Florida, were last seen on.
Donald Thomas wins bronze, Bahamas protests 4x400 result
TEAM Bahamas will leave Toronto, Canada after adding a bronze medal - with the possibility of another medal in the balance - on the final day of the athletic competition on Saturday night at the 1th Pan American Games. The Bahamas is currently sitting in 17th place overall in the medal haul with a total of six, including two gold, two silver and two bronze.
Two hunted after shooting man dead in his car on Homestead Street
TWO ARMED men responsible for shooting dead a man in his car on Saturday night are being sought by police in New Providence.
Saturday, July 25
Silver medal for Bianca Stuart
BIANCA 'BB' Stuart put the icing on another fantastic day of competition for Team Bahamas by winning her first major international medal with a silver in the women's long jump on Friday at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
Friday, July 24
CCA Bahamas believes swift resolution could see Baha Mar open for winter season
In statement released on Friday night, CCA Bahamas Limited, the construction manager and general contractor for the Baha Mar project, has said that it believes the resort can be finished for the winter season - if a swift resolution to the current impasse is reached.
Man gets 45 years for murder
A man was yesterday sentenced to 45 years behind bars for a murder committed five years ago.
Man gets 10 year sentence for sex with five-year-old
A Supreme Court judge yesterday sentenced a man accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a five-year-old boy to nine years and five months in prison.
Passport Office working overtime to deal with backlog
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell says authorisation has been obtained for staff at the Passport Office to work overtime to deal with the backlog and the anticipated demand for passports ahead of the public holiday in August.
Govt delegation heads to China to resume Baha Mar negotiations
A government delegation led by Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson will travel to China this weekend for the resumption of negotiations “aimed at the early completion and opening of the Baha Mar resort”, Prime Minister Perry Christie has announced.
Bahamas beaten by Jamaica in Davis Cup
AFTER a day's rest, the Bahamas men's team returned to the American Zone III Davis Cup play on Friday in Panama with a defeat.
Strachan fails to finish women's 200m final
SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan failed to finish the final of the women's 200 metres on Friday night at the 17th Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada.
A Comic’s View: When saying less is more
Throughout my lengthy comedy career in The Bahamas and abroad, I’ve learned one thing – a good joke and laugh catches everyone’s attention, especially politicians.
Only one vessel in Abaco to cope with boat thefts
POLICE in Abaco have just one vessel to combat the high levels of boat thefts in and around the island, officials said yesterday, adding that “limited funds” prevent the force from purchasing more police vessels to combat the problem.
New rules for travel to Canada
BAHAMIANS with plans to travel to Canada will soon need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) document, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said.
Bastian stands by report
AUDITOR General Terrence Bastian yesterday said his department stands by its audit of Urban Renewal’s Small Home Repairs programme in light of a contradictory independent report commissioned by the government.
Deputy PM accused of discrediting auditor
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday accused Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis of seeking to discredit the Office of the Auditor General by undermining its official report into the Urban Renewal Small Home Repairs programme.
Mitchell says investors won’t be scared off
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday dispelled notions that government’s handling of the Baha Mar bankruptcy ordeal would “scare off” potential foreign investors.
Sarkis offers extra $200m
SARKIS Izmirlian, the developer of Baha Mar, is willing to commit up to $200m to jump start the stalled $3.5bn Cable Beach project, lawyers for the mega-resort told a United States bankruptcy judge yesterday.
Bahamian singer Franklyn 'Count Bernadino' Ellis dies
BAHAMIAN singer Franklyn Ellis, better known as “Count Bernadino” died on Thursday after a long battle with heart and thyroid issues, The Tribune has learned.
BREAKING NEWS: Man, 46, dies after shooting in Grand Bahama
A 46-year-old man of Coral Gardens, Freeport, has died in hospital in Grand Bahama this morning after being shot in the Caravel Beach area on Thursday night.
Grand Bahama Port Authority welcomes "positive" HCA extension
THE decision of the government to extend the concessions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which is due to expire on August 4, for a further six months is being “hailed” by a senior executive of the Grand Bahama Port Authority “as a very positive development”.
‘Null and void’ challenge to City Meat pension deal
The battle over the ‘settlement’ to the long-running City Markets pension fund controversy is intensifying, with those behind a successful ‘11th hour’ intervention in the matter declaring key aspects “null and void”.
THE FINISH LINE: Arianna will forever be one of the shining stars in history of Bahamian swimming
Over the years, we have seen a number of top notch competitors emerge out of the swimming pool, but none has had the kind of impact as Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace.
The Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson Boulevard officially unveiled
IT has been a long time coming, but the most iconic name in Bahamian basketball will finally have a permanent fixture to recognise his contribution to the country.
‘Gentle giant’ strikes gold
Jeffery Gibson, with his left hand clinched in the air, powered across the finish line at the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium as he celebrated his gold medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
Bahamian small hotel ownership down 36%
Bahamian ownership of small hotels on Andros has dropped 36 per cent due to an increasing trend of foreign buyouts, a Ministry of Tourism executive said yesterday.
Hutchison helps out summer camps
HUTCHISON Port Holding Business Units recently made a significant donation to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s summer camp youth programmes in the northern Bahamas.
Summer camp fighting for a cleaner Bahamas
SCIENTISTS estimate that every square mile of ocean contains about 46,000 pieces of floating plastic. As an archipelagic nation situated within 90,000 square miles of water, The Bahamas should be particularly concerned about this debris statistic from the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. When calculated, that’s 4.14 billion pieces of plastic in our waters.
Bahamians on the cutting edge
OVER the course of last week, 85 children from all around The Bahamas were immersed in technical “streams” - various scientific courses - during the second annual Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement (BETA) camp.
Taxi drivers upset as stand at resort removed
TAXICAB drivers are upset over the removal of the taxi stand at a Freeport resort, according to Grand Bahama Taxi Union President David Jones, who also claims that guests are being transported in buses owned by the resort.
McWeeney says referendum could still happen this year
THERE is a good chance that the long promised referendum on gender equality will still happen this year, Constitutional Commission Chairman Sean McWeeney said yesterday, adding that it could happen “quite late” in 2015.
Leadership void
“The overarching purpose of access to information legislation … is to facilitate democracy. It does so in two related ways. It helps to ensure first, that citizens have the information required to participate meaningfully in the democratic process, and secondly, that politicians and bureaucrats remain accountable to the citizenry.” – Gerard LaForest, former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, in Dagg vs Canada (1997).
Immigration ‘screws up’ arbitration ambitions
THE Bahamas will never become an international arbitration centre until it its Immigration policies become more “flexible”, allowing parties to bring in their own arbitrators and lawyers.
Contractor moves to interrogate top Baha Mar officials
Attorneys for China Construction America have filed court papers seeking permission to interrogate top Baha Mar executives on 24 separate issues relating to the developer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection bid.
AML Foods JV ‘address for the east’
BISX-listed AML Foods yesterday unveiled a joint venture to bring its Solomon’s concept to southeastern New Providence and become “the address in the east”.
Man found not guilty of murder of neighbour
A JURY required five hours to return a not guilty verdict against a man who was accused of killing a schoolboy who had attacked his neighbour over a pair of stolen Oakley sunglasses.
Extradition documents must be certified before any appeal to Privy Council
A MAN fighting extradition to Florida after being accused of a woman’s manslaughter must have the records of the extradition proceedings certified before the Privy Council in London can hear his appeal.
BAMSI quarterly output near $700k
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has begun to make “tangible” gains in terms of production, the Deputy Prime Minister said yesterday, adding that the sector was now on target to become the economy’s third pillar.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES July 24, 2015
Cycling Club Bahamas. - Upcoming events: Tomorrow - leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank 30 miles headed West. In order to complete this ride it is recommended that you have done some recent cycling! Leaving P/I Bridges optional at the end! The pace will range from 18–20+mph, two-hour duration.
Volcano Kick ‘em Jenny kicks off near Grenada
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (AP) - An active underwater volcano off Grenada’s northern coast called Kick ‘em Jenny was rumbling yesterday and regional disaster authorities were put on alert even as they said it posed no threat of triggering a destructive tsunami.
Summer snap challenge by humane group
THE popular Bahamas Humane Society’s Summer Fun Photography Contest is returning for a sixth year, with the focus on a range of animal-related subjects and a special “Rescue Story” category where applicants can tell their tale through words and pictures.
Lift yourself out of workplace doldrums
There are so many things that can hamper progress and stagnate productivity in today’s workplace.
Fly fish regulations to unlock ‘millions’
The controversial fly fishing regulations will ultimately drive hundreds of millions of dollars through the Bahamian economy, the industry association’s president yesterday questioning why there was such vocal opposition to local ownership.
Movies for millennials
FILM meets finance next week in Nassau with “Night at the Movies”, a joint effort between the Bahamas international Film Festival and Bahamas Millennials Society.
Strachan advances to final of the 200m
AFTER watching Jeffery Gibson secure the Bahamas’ first athletic medal at the 17th Pan American Games, sprinter Anthonique Strachan goes after another in the women’s 200 metres today as she leads a strong contingent of athletes competing on a busy day in Toronto, Canada.
Thursday, July 23
Jeffery Gibson wins gold at Pan Am Games
Jeffery Gibson has won the gold for the Bahamas at the Pan Am Games in the men's 400m hurdles - breaking his own nation record in the process.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The implications of the Baha Mar saga
IT appears that the Baha Mar saga will be occupying the front pages and serving as lead stories in newscasts for many months (and likely years) to come.
New report contradicts auditor on Urban Renewal
URBAN Renewal’s Small Home Repairs project was yesterday declared a “resounding success” after an independent review concluded the initiative’s first phase had received value for money, directly contradicting findings in an auditor general’s report.
100 staff take BTC severance
SOME 100 workers at BTC have accepted voluntary separation employee packages as a part of BTC’s downsizing operation, Bahamas
BEC transition deal signed
THE government yesterday signed a transition services agreement with American company PowerSecure for management of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.
Vasyli waits on Crown appeal after being granted bail
MURDER suspect Donna Vasyli’s hope for pre-trial release now rests with the Court of Appeal who will hear the Crown’s challenge to a judge’s decision to grant her $200,000 bail.
Bankruptcy move not recognised in Bahamas
BAHA Mar’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States will not be recognised in the Bahamas, a Supreme Court judge ruled yesterday morning.
Chapter 11 bid refused: Baha Mar application denied, Govt ‘vindicated’ by ruling
BAHA Mar’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States will not be recognised in The Bahamas, a Supreme Court judge ruled on Wednesday morning.
Baha Mar says contractor is ‘selfish’
IN documents filed in a US bankruptcy court yesterday, Baha Mar accused its general contractor China Construction America (CCA) of being “selfish” and using “litigation tactics” that can “punish and hurt” employees, brand partners, and other innocent third parties.
Celebration of Love festival on Saturday
BAHAMIAN actor Van Brown is organising the Celebration of Love Festival in Bain Town on Saturday, an annual community event designed to change the lives of families and children in impoverished neighbourhoods.
Special reception held in honour of Thompson family
THE nearly week-long celebration of the Thompson family and their prowess on the NBA hardwood continued as the Government of the Bahamas hosted a reception in their honour.
Guides head to London for centenary celebrations
FIFTEEN girl guides and ranger guides along with nine leaders from Nassau and Abaco are heading to London next week as the Bahamas Girl Guides Association continues to celebrate its centenary.
Road Traffic won’t fix printers but will move to new system instead
THE Road Traffic Department has “no intention” of correcting any existing issues with its printers in Abaco and Grand Bahama, Controller Ross Smith said yesterday, adding that there is no need to fix equipment that the department had no plans to use moving forward.
100 patients treated at Okyanos clinic in Freeport
WITHIN six months of opening, Okyanos Cell Therapy in Freeport has reached a significant milestone, having treated its first 100 patients at its $10m facility in Grand Bahama.
Beautification project launched for dilapidated buildings
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority has embarked on a beautification project to spruce up several dilapidated, abandoned buildings in Freeport with the help of well-known local Bahamian artist Sheldon Saint.
Talk show host says govt is misleading the country
RADIO talk show host Kendall ‘KC’ Colebrooke unleashed his rage at the government, which he claims is misleading the country when it says that things are happening in Grand Bahama.
Gibson warns employers not to undermine minimum wage
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson yesterday cautioned “unscrupulous” employers not to undermine the new national minimum wage of $210 that will come into effect next month for the private sector.
Report urges oversight controls
THE independent report commissioned into the Urban Renewal Small Home Repairs programme called for the government to immediately establish a litany of controls to increase oversight of the project’s operational management and payment system.
The Amateur
The seeming implosion of Baha Mar and the legal wrangling between the relevant parties, including the government, does not bode well for our economic and political viability.
Miller: I’ll leave BEC when I want
OUTGOING BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller yesterday said his tenure will come to an end in about two to three weeks, but insisted that he will leave the corporation “when I want to leave BEC.”
PI condo development bought from receivers
A Canadian developer yesterday said the total investment required to complete a well-known Paradise Island condominium project will likely exceed the purchase price it paid for the property, as it bids to ready eight units for sale within 30-45 days.
Baha Mar battle needed arbitration ‘months ago’
A Bahamian dispute resolution practitioner yesterday said Baha Mar had “waited too late” to resolve its dispute with its Chinese partners, arguing that they should have gone to mediation “months ago”.
Extend Freeport tax incentives for two years, Gov’t urged
The Government was yesterday urged to follow Sir Lynden Pindling’s lead and extend Freeport’s expiring investment incentives for two years rather than six months, thereby relieving the private sector’s “state of flux”.
Baha Mar: Contractor action ‘disrupts’ talks
Baha Mar yesterday slammed its contractor for trying to “undermine and disrupt” negotiations to settle their dispute by seeking a speedy hearing of its bid to ‘freeze’ all Chapter 11-related actions.
Verdict leaves Baha Mar at ‘serious disadvantage’
A Baha Mar director has expressed fears that yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling will further “embolden” its Chinese partners to harden their negotiating stance in talks to resolve the dispute over the $3.5 billion project.
Ultimate goal to have sailing on every school’s curriculum
In an effort to broaden the scope of sailing among student athletes, the Sports Unit at the Ministry of Education has partnered with the Bahamas Sailing Association to increase the profile of the sport through the summer camp and year-round programmes.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Contract to guard against revisions
How many design revisions are enough? Are you stuck dealing with clients who demand hundreds of changes? A common problem, one which I hear all the time.
Gov’t has ‘much to digest’ on Freeport
The Government is extending the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s (HCA) expiring tax incentives for a further six months, the Prime Minister announced yesterday, telling Parliament there was still “a great deal for the Government to digest”.
Gibson easily qualifies for 400m hurdles final
Day two of the athletics competition at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, produced one finalist for Team Bahamas while another fell just short in his final bid.
The Hawksbill agreement - and its importance to Grand Bahama
FREEPORT would not be in existence without the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which has given rise to major infrastructural and investment developments on the island of Grand Bahama.
Bahamas earns 3-0 win over Bermuda in Davis Cup tie
FOLLOWING a rain delay which lasted for several hours, the Bahamas was able to continue their momentum from a quick start and held on for their second consecutive win in Davis Cup play.
30 citations at road check
GRAND Bahama police conducted a road check exercise on the Grand Bahama Highway where some 30 motorists were cited for various traffic violations on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, July 22
Medical report says Haitian man was shot in back of neck
THE Haitian man shot by a police officer during an immigration exercise last month was shot in the back of the neck, according to a medical report obtained by The Tribune.
Lawyer backs $200 fee for emergency passports
LAWYER Fred Smith, QC, yesterday endorsed the Passport Office’s decision to impose a $200 fee to those seeking to obtain a Bahamian passport within 48 hours on an emergency basis.
UPDATED: Donna Vasyli granted bail - but Crown appeals
A WOMAN accused of her husband’s murder will learn today whether she will remain in custody until the outcome of the Crown’s appeal against a judge’s decision to grant her $200,000 bail.
UPDATED: Father, 36, shot dead during gambling game
A TEENAGE father was shot and killed on Monday night during a gambling game, becoming the 83rd murder victim of the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Contractor to layoff construction workers
CHINA Construction America (CCA) has served two separate notices of termination to its Baha Mar workers amid a continued deadlock over the future of the $3.5bn West Bay Street resort, a spokesperson of the company confirmed yesterday.
Baha Mar court battle may be long, expert warns
A PARTNER at one of the country’s leading financial firms yesterday said while Baha Mar’s court battle might be “protracted”, the Christie administration’s “reactionary” response to resort CEO Sarkis Izmirlian’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the US should be seen as a bid to protect this country’s interests.
‘How can govt mediate now?’
Pintard questions neutrality amid Baha Mar dispute
FNM Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday called the government “contradictory” for saying it was again willing to observe talks between Baha Mar and its Chinese partners to hopefully secure a deal out of court, days after filing a winding-up petition against the resort.
Toddler had 19 blunt force injuries, says pathologist
A pathologist told jurors hearing evidence in a trial into the alleged murder of a two-year-old boy yesterday that the toddler died of some 19 blunt force injuries to the head and body.
BTC roaming rates ‘12x higher’ than Caribbean
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) controlling shareholder yesterday said it had little choice but to slash roaming rates that were 12 times’ higher than the Caribbean average, a move that caused a 9 per cent slump in its total mobile revenues.
Josh Green sculling champion in the Grand Bahama Regatta
AS Grand Bahama is the home of Bahamian Brewery and Beverage, the entire team was thrilled to participate in this year’s regatta as well as see the return of the sculling races at Taino Beach.
‘I am thankful to God for continuing to bless the camp, every year for the past 22 years’
WITH this being the 20th year that he has put on his summer basketball camp, Jeff Rodgers said he couldn’t ask for a better line-up of celebrities than Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson and his sons, Mychel and Klay Thompson.
PAN AM GAMES: Hield eliminated, Hart advances to semi-finals
Carl Hield, the third and final Bahamian boxer competing at the Pan American Games, got eliminated from further competition and a chance to add to the Bahamas’ medal haul.
Bahamas splits first two games at American Zone III Davis Cup
THE Bahamas men’s team, captained by Marvin Rolle, split their first two games at the American Zone III Davis Cup during the first two days of competition in Panama City, Panama.
Historic honour for Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson
MYCHAL ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson said he’s delighted to have his two sons join him for an historic honour by the Bahamas Government in the same year that they made their own history by being the first duo to win the National Basketball Association and D-League titles.
Accidentally-cut wires blamed for latest power outage
OFFICIALS from Bahamas Electricity Corporation have said “damaged wires” were to blame for power outages experienced in the eastern section of New Providence yesterday.
Another delay for Carnival economic report
THE release of the economic impact report into May’s Junkanoo Carnival events has been delayed again – this time to an unspecified date next week.
Jamaicans prosecuted after visas expire
THE Department of Immigration successfully prosecuted four Jamaicans, two men and two women, who were found in the country after their visitor’s visas had expired.
Police officer still in hospital after shooting
THE recent shooting of an off duty police officer, who remains in critical condition in hospital, could be connected to the abduction and rape of a woman over the weekend, a police source told The Tribune.
KIDS AT JAMZ
ENDING with a blast, the ‘Kidz Radio Club’ took over Radio House and the studios of 100Jamz for a while yesterday as an innovative summer student programme in educational broadcasting comes to a finish this week.
Standards scrutiny for gas stations by year-end
Standards inspectors will be scrutinising gas stations by year-end to ensure consumers “get what they pay for” at the pump.
BTC targets B2B, TV markets for Cable ‘fight back’
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is targeting the business and video markets to “fight back” against Cable Bahamas, having already installed its new TV product for the 12 sets in Prime Minister Perry Christie’s Cable Beach home.
Fear any Chapter 11 rulings ‘irreconcilable’ with Supreme Court
Baha Mar’s contractor has urged the Delaware court not to make any further decisions relating to the Chapter 11 filing, for fear they may be “irreconcilable” with verdicts rendered by the Bahamian Supreme Court.
Taxpayers should get 25% Baha Mar stake
The Bahamian taxpayer should have a 25 per cent equity stake in the Baha Mar project given the “shocking” amount of concessions handed to it by the Government, an outspoken QC argued yesterday.
Standards Bureau focus on prepackaged product
THE Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) is aiming to adopt standards for the labelling of goods and products, disclosing yesterday that prepackaged foods were a particular concern.
Grant: Ministry of Works not to blame for resort delays
FORMER Works Minister Neko Grant yesterday seemed to support Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ contention that his ministry was not responsible for acting on developer Sarkis Izmirlian’s claims that China Construction America (CCA) conducted substandard work on Baha Mar. Baha Mar filed a lawsuit in England earlier this month against China State Construction Engineering Corporation – CCA’s parent company – seeking compensation for its allegedly poor work at the resort.
$1.1m project targets Nassau ‘sustainability’
Nassau’s “sustainability and quality of life” are being targeted for improvement by a $1.1 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) project designed to improve its environment and governance.
Man held after drugs discovery
GRAND Bahama police arrested a 39-year-old man after discovering a quantity of illegal drugs at a residence in the Freeport area on Monday, according to police.
Hopes to make Bahamas ‘one of the best rugby countries in the world’
IT all started on Facebook almost a year ago when Aleksandre (Alex) Beridze contacted Buccaneers chairman Dorian Roach about visiting the Bahamas.
Sports Notes
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture extends congratulations to our newest ‘Golden Girl’, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace for her outstanding record-breaking gold medal performance at the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games in the 50m freestyle event.
Tuesday, July 21
Flicks to fight colon cancer
SMB Care Foundation hosts film fundraising series
IN its ongoing effort to eliminate cancer in the Bahamas, the SMB Care Foundation will kick off a film fundraising series entitled “SMB Flicks” beginning tonight at 7pm.
Gum disease
GUM disease is a commonplace damaging inflammatory process of the gums.
Obesity: Our big fat problem – Part II
NOW that we have scratched the surface on how serious obesity is here in the Bahamas, I want to open up the public’s eye to the seriousness of how obesity affects one’s health by attempting to narrow the global scope of the obesity problem and make it more personal.
An eye on traditional Chinese medicine
IMPROVING the wellness of Bahamians through education is the major goal of the Eye on Health seminars presented by Solomon’s Fresh Markets.
BUN IN THE OVEN: How to cope with unwanted pregnancy advice
IF YOU’VE ever been pregnant before, you will know how eager people are to offer you some advice on being pregnant and what to expect after you have the baby.
Pageant mom proud of daughter’s international victory
SHE is only seven years old, but already Jamiah Nabbie is doing her part in representing the Bahamas on the international pageant stage.
Shining a light on “HERassment”
WITH SEXUAL harassment being a daily reality for many Bahamian women, local organisations like Hollaback! have launched various initiatives that engage the country’s youth in battling the problem and assist in putting an end to street harassment.
POLITICOLE: Christie’s Baha Mar address - a parody, in dialect
We still gat da biggest resort in da Caribbean region! Don mind it can’t open yet.
Answers, Mr Sands
The letter published in both morning dailies yesterday, from Sandy Sands, VP, Baha Mar, was rather surprising and raises in my thinking some serious questions, probably on every single Bahamian’s lips.
Is national pride worth the price?
Recent events have caused me to focus more closely at the given circumstances and I can only conclude that decisions have been taken in the name of “National Pride” but nobody has questioned at what cost.
Mitchell seeks to raise the cost of passport
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday confirmed plans to increase the cost to obtain a new Bahamian passport, pending approval from the Ministry of Finance.
China Construction opposes US filing
CHINA Construction America (CCA) called for an American judge to dismiss Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 case in a motion filed in a Delaware bankruptcy court yesterday, claiming Baha Mar was not qualified to take such action under the US bankruptcy code and did so in bad faith to gain bargaining power during negotiations with relevant parties.
July 31 date set for liquidation hearing
A SUPREME Court justice has set a hearing date of July 31 to address the government’s winding up petition against Baha Mar.
Baha Mar court ruling tomorrow
A JUDGE yesterday said he required two days to give an oral decision on Baha Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian’s motion to uphold, in The Bahamas, the developer’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States.
Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 filing ‘severely flawed’
Baha Mar’s contractor yesterday slammed its “severely flawed” bid for bankruptcy protection in the US, demanding that the case be dismissed because the “misuse” of Chapter 11 served only the developer’s interests.
Baha Mar sought deal on Chapter 11 file day
Baha Mar has revealed it made an unsuccessful last-ditch effort - on the day it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection - to persuade its contractor to make the $15 million equity investment necessary to unlock the remaining construction financing.
Take responsibility for your own life
MANY are saddled by the common habit of avoiding responsibility. Whether it’s for themselves or for those to whom they are responsible.
Bahamas Cycling Federation hosts first ever cycling event in Spanish Wells
THE Bahamas Cycling Federation took some of their members to Spanish Wells over the weekend to participate in the first Seagillian Cycling Fest.
Tight end Saunders has some work to do when camp begins
NCAA football powerhouse Florida State Seminoles released their first depth chart for the upcoming season and Bahamian tight end Mavin Saunders will have some work to do once fall camp starts if he will target a bigger role in the offence.
DeAndre Ayton in Under Armour Finals Showcase
AFTER an impressive series of AAU performances thus far, Bahamian DeAndre Ayton and some of the top high school recruits in America helped to raise the profile of the grassroots basketball for one of the elite shoe companies on the circuit.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: On this day in sports history
TO BE a true aficionado one must know the past just as much as the present when following sports.
Pastors beat Politicians, 49-43
Shanendoah Cartwright showed that he still has some of the athletics prowess that he displayed during his high school days at St Augustine’s College.
Bahamas’ U-21 team turns in impressive performance at the US Junior Judo Open
THE Bahamas’ under-21 junior team turned in a very impressive performance at one of the region’s largest tournaments at the US Junior Judo Open in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
Boxer Carl Hield on medal hunt
After an off day on Monday for the BTC Team Bahamas, the last boxer and the track and field squad will be in action today at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
International support for health insurance plans
THE director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization has backed the government’s push for National Health Insurance, but recommended a stronger, multi-sectoral approach to advance its implementation.
Man arraigned for nightclub shooting
A 20-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a murder charge in connection with a death that occurred earlier this month.
Victim of latest murder identified
POLICE have identified the man who was killed after being hit by the driver of a truck last week as 39-year-old Alpheus Bevans of Nassau East North.
Roberts blasts Minnis’ Baha Mar ‘babbling’
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts blasted FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ national address on the ongoing Baha Mar debacle as “disjointed, embarrassing and incessant babbling.”
Fallout effects of Baha Mar stall hit other companies
WITH the future of Baha Mar clouded in uncertainty, businesses that hoped to benefit from the project’s expected economic boost are starting to feel the pinch.
UPDATED: Attorney General praises contractor
THE Attorney-General has expressed the Government’s “profound gratitude” to Baha Mar’s contractor for its role in attempting to resolve the dispute over the $3.5bn project, implying that some progress had been made at last week’s Beijing talks.
Baha Mar ‘on wrong foot’
Attorneys representing Baha Mar’s major creditors yesterday argued that the developer had “started on the wrong foot” in seeking the Supreme Court’s recognition of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing in Delaware.
Baha Mar wind-up hearing on July 31
The Government’s petition to wind-up Baha Mar will be heard on Friday, July 31, before Justice Ian Winder, who is expected to deliver his oral verdict on whether to recognise Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 application tomorrow.
Baha Mar admits to no redundancy cash
Baha Mar has admitted it “does not have sufficient cash” to pay its 2,400 employees due compensation should it have to make them redundant, as its $80 million financing facility has been blocked - at least for the moment - by Government and Chinese opposition.
Baha Mar ‘usurps’ Bahamian courts
The Government has accused Baha Mar of seeking to “usurp the jurisdiction of the Bahamian courts” via its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing, and planning to “suspend the project indefinitely” if it does not get what it wants.
Baha Mar: Chapter 11 ‘best of bad options’
BAHA MAR’s attorneys yesterday argued that the Supreme Court has common law jurisdiction to assist the company’s Delaware Chapter 11 proceedings and allow for a single insolvency case, describing the bankruptcy protection filing as “the best of a bad range of options”.
Monday, July 20
Drivers hurt by Baha Mar dilemma
BAHA Mar’s bankruptcy dilemma could not have come at a worse time for persons employed in the tourism industry, a tour driver told The Tribune yesterday.
INSIGHT: Mission Implausible - Why the Allyson Adventure to China was a desperate and doomed ploy
Richard Coulson insists a Bahamian Chapter 11 procedure is the only way forward for Baha Mar.
For whom is the PM speaking?
Twice in less than 24 hours, our Prime Minister has publicly addressed the nation wrapping himself in our Bahamian flag to justify his government’s unwarranted interference in matters involving private businesses. Why?
Is it really sovereignty, or to be rid of Izmirlian?
WAS THE government’s real objective the protection of the Bahamas’ sovereignty, or to be rid of Baha Mar’s CEO Sarkis izmirlian?
CEO wants no hidden agendas
BAHA Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian pleaded with all parties involved in the ongoing dispute surrounding the resort to continue negotiations for a compromise without “hidden agendas”.
Minnis wants negotiated deal, not litigation
FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis last night expressed “deep concern” over the “failure” of Baha Mar and Chinese officials to reach a satisfactory agreement on the fate of the project, and called for the relevant parties to negotiate an “out of court” settlement of their disputes to ensure the successful completion of the resort.
UPDATED: 'Door closing' on Izmirlian's opportunity to strike a deal
STATE Minister for Legal Affairs Damien Gomez has dismissed Baha Mar’s recent accusations against Prime Minister Perry Christie, stating that the “door was closing” on developer Sarkis Izmirlian’s opportunity to strike a deal that would allow him to stay on at the helm of the $3.5bn mega resort.
Challenge to auditor’s report ‘unprecedented’
AUDITOR General Terrance Bastian said the government’s decision to challenge his department’s report into Urban Renewal 2.0 and its Small Homes Repair initiative with an independent review was surprising and unprecedented.
Cash asks if the plan was always to wrestle control from Izmirlian
FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash yesterday questioned if it was Prime Minister Perry Christie’s plan all along to “wrestle control” of Baha Mar away from its developer Sarkis Izmirlian.
‘Winding up order is a tit for tat move’
FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest has suggested that the Christie administration chose to file a Supreme Court petition to wind up Baha Mar as a reactionary jab at the resort’s developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, who shocked many when he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the resort in a US Delaware Court several weeks ago.
Off-duty police officer shot in the hand
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting that left an off-duty officer in hospital.
Eighteen dominicans suspected of poaching are detained
Eighteen Dominicans, suspected of poaching, are now in police custody after being caught with an “undetermined amount” of fish and crawfish in waters off Exuma last week.
Union unsure of number of BTC staff to be laid off
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union Secretary General Dino Rolle yesterday said he was unsure how many employees will be laid off by BTC in this round of downsizing but said the company has already started issuing separation packages.
Auto dealers fear closures if 30% sales fall a trend
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president fears some new car dealerships will close next year if the current 30 per cent year-over-year industry sales decline persists.
Western Union exit ‘de-risk’ for Fidelity
Fidelity Bank & Trust International says the closure of its near 20-year Western Union franchise is designed to “de-risk” its business, and will not have a material bottom line impact.
Contractor accuses Baha Mar of ‘criminal’ offence
Baha Mar’s Chinese contractor has accused it of “violating” Bahamian criminal law by seizing, and copying, documents and electronically-stored information that do not belong to it.
Gov’t owed ‘at least’ $59m by Baha Mar
Baha Mar allegedly owes the Government “at least” $59 million in unpaid taxes, fees and utility bills, including monies due to the National Insurance Board (NIB) and for work permit fees.
Baha Mar chief feels ‘like a punching bag’
Sarkis Izmirlian has told Tribune Business he “feels like a punching bag” following the Government’s decision to file a winding-up petition against Baha Mar.
‘Peace on da Streets’ champions crowned
Coach Dudley Seide said he was so eager to bring his Reach Out Ministries teams to Nassau to compete in the 20th annual Peace on da Streets Basketball Tournament that he had them selling water on the side of the road in Grand Bahama. Their efforts paid off over the weekend as they will return home as double champions in the 13-and-under and 16-and-under divisions.
Athletes clock personal bests at World Youths
THERE were no medal-winning performances for Team Bahamas at the 9th IAAF World Youth Athletics Championships in Cali, Colombia. However, a number of athletes recorded personal bests in a series of spirited performances against the top junior athletes in the world.
Team Bahamas doesn’t win 2nd straight title but proves to be major force at junior level
ALTHOUGH they did not claim a second consecutive title at the CAC Age Group Championships, the Bahamas still proved to be a major force in the region at the junior level.
‘The Golden Princess’
A Pan American Games record, two Bahamas national records and a pair of medals, inclusive of a gold and bronze, has left ‘The Golden Princess’ Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace beaming with excitement and more confident as she left Toronto, Canada, to prepare for the 16th FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, next month.
Lady Operators roll over Lady Truckers, 16-9
THE Bommer G Lady Operators broke up a 9-9 tie by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to hand the Johnson Lady Truckers a 16-9 loss in the ladies’ opening game of the New Providence Softball Association in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex Saturday night.
TRIBUNE BUSINESS ANALYSIS: Izmirlian sacrificed for Chinese benefit
Let’s be clear: If the Government’s bid to appoint provisional liquidators to take over Baha Mar succeeds, then Sarkis Izmirlian and his family will be out, potentially costing them their entire $850-$900 million investment.
BCP official says no better time for political change
THERE is no better time than now for a change in government, a fringe political party official told The Tribune yesterday.
‘No surprise’ over the Melia gratuity ruling
A former hotel union leadership contender says it is “not surprising” the Supreme Court ruled that the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort was not obligated to pay staff a 15 per cent gratuity for serving all-inclusive guests, and questioned what other benefits could potentially be in jeopardy.
Welterweight Carl Hield last chance for Team Bahamas to get boxing medal
THE dream for a major international medal at the 17th Pan American Games is over for super heavyweight Keishno Major and light welterweight Rashield Williams. Now it’s all up to welterweight Carl Hield to get the Bahamas on the medal podium in boxing.
Bahamas Sailing Association to host summer sailing camp
THE Bahamas Sailing Association has been running its summer sailing school out of the Nassau Yacht Club since 2005.
$1.2m grant to revive sponging
The Bahamas’ sponging industry is poised for a revival via a deal for $1.2 million in grant funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that is expected to be sealed in the coming weeks.
‘No surprise’ over the Melia gratuity ruling
A former hotel union leadership contender says it is “not surprising” the Supreme Court ruled that the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort was not obligated to pay staff a 15 per cent gratuity for serving all-inclusive guests, and questioned what other benefits could potentially be in jeopardy.
BAMSI chief slams farmer ‘nonsense’
The Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) president has dismissed as “nonsense” the notion that Bahamian farmers cannot compete with foreign imports, adding that those who follow good agricultural practices could earn up to $50,000 annually or more.
Sunday, July 19
Opposition Leader's national address on Baha Mar - the speech in full
Dr Hubert Minnis, Leader of the Opposition, addressed the nation on Sunday night over Baha Mar. This is the full text of his message.
Man hit by truck and killed is murder case, say police
POLICE have classified the death of man who was hit by a truck during an argument with another man on Friday night as a homicide, according to Chief Superintendent Paul Rolle.
Shaunae Miller out of contention in 200m in Monaco
SHAUNAE Miller’s decision to step back to the 200 metres on Friday at the IAAF Diamond League Meet in Monaco did not help her confidence or her decision on which event to run going into the World Championships in Beijing, China, next month.
18 Dominicans held for alleged fish poaching off Exuma
EIGHTEEN Dominicans aboard a fishing boat south west of Great Exuma have been detained by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on suspicion of poaching.
National record for Joanna Evans in 800m freestyle swim at Pan Am Games
GRAND Bahama swimmer Joanna Evans set a new national record in the women's 800m freestyle final at the Pan-American Games on Saturday night in Toronto, Canada.
Saturday, July 18
Off-duty police officer found with gunshot wound
A police officer is in critical condition after being found in a car with a gunshot wound.
Man dies after being hit by truck on Poinciana Drive - police investigating
POLICE in Nassau are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident on Poinciana Drive that resulted in the death of man on Friday night.
Friday, July 17
Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace swims to gold medal at Pan Am Games
ARIANNA Vanderpool-Wallace continues to break records and win medals for the Bahamas at major swimming championships.
Evans out of the medals at Pan Am Games 400m freestyle
JOANNA Evans, the rising Grand Bahama swimmer, finished sixth in the women's 400 metres freestyle final at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada on Friday night.
PM hits back at Baha Mar 'untruths'
Prime Minister Perry Christie, has dismissed as “absolute nonsense” Baha Mar’s suggestion that the Government’s initiation of winding-up proceedings amounts to a seizure of private assets.
Baha Mar accuses Christie of 'misleading' nation and jeopardising resort
BAHA Mar has accused Prime Minister Perry Christie of misleading the country over the details of ongoing discussions in China and further jeopardising the future of the $3.5bn mega resort.
One of seven charged in connection with drug seizure pleads guilty
ONE of seven men faced with multiple charges stemming from the recent $4.6 million drug seizure pleaded guilty to his involvement at an arraignment in Magistrates Court on Friday. He was sentenced to 26 months in jail.
Decision in two months on whether former Senator will face ammunition possession charge
A MAGISTRATE will decide, in two months, whether former Senator John Henry Bostwick II has a case to answer concerning an ammunition possession charge.
Cell phone competition
After the carnival music has died down, our Marathon brothers and sisters are given the respect and attention they deserve, Baha Mar is finally open, and BAMSI is rebuilt, I shudder think that we will wake up one day to find out that we have been swindled and hoodwinked into believing that we finally have competition in our cell phones service.
Union remains unhapppy with BTC staff salaries after layoffs
The industrial agreement recently signed between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and its line staff union "favours" those identified by the company for voluntary separation employee packages and not those who remain with the company, a senior union official told The Tribune yesterday.
Mitchell hits back at Symonette over Izmirlian comments
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has blasted Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette for suggesting that his comments about Baha Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian were inappropriate and sent the wrong message to foreign investors.
Arianna Vanderpool Wallace breaks Pan Am record, Joanna Evans qualifies for final
TWO Bahamian swimmers, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace and Joanna Evans, won their heats and will compete for medals in this evening’s finals at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
BREAKING NEWS: BAHA MAR STATEMENT ON PRIME MINISTER'S DECISION
Baha Mar Ltd. issued the following statement this afternoon with regard to the Prime Minister’s decision announced last night:
PM talks of ‘many challenges’ that he is facing
DURING his remarks at the opening of the Inter-American Development Bank’s workshop on skills development yesterday, Prime Minister Perry Christie gave insight into the impact Baha Mar’s struggles are having on him personally, telling those attending that he has many challenges to deal with at this time.
BTC signs agreement with union ahead of layoffs
BTC has signed a new industrial agreement with the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union, which now puts the company in the position to restructure and lay off staff.
Urban Renewal co-chairs to be called before committee
CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee Hubert Chipman said summonses will be served on both Urban Renewal 2.0 Co-Chairs Algernon Allen and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt to appear before the committee within the next week in a bid to bring swift closure to a matter that has been severely delayed.
Man who shot at police in hospital and facing several charges
A "number of charges" will be levied against a man who shot at police last night in a bid to escape capture, a senior police official said on Friday.
Baha Mar ‘shocked’ at winding-up move
Baha Mar last night had yet to receive the Government’s petition to place it into provisional liquidation just hours before Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed the move, with the developer said to be “shocked” and “surprised” at the Government’s action.
Safety was ‘a moving goal’ at PI restaurant
Worker safety was “a moving goal post” at a restaurant in Paradise Island’s Marina Village, the Court of Appeal’s president has ruled.
Baha Mar chief acted ‘like any other investor’
An outspoken QC yesterday said Sarkis Izmirlian did what “any other businessman would have done” in filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to safeguard his family’s $850-$900 million investment in the Baha Mar project.
Our top athletes post personal bests at IAAF World Youth Championships
DAY two for Team Bahamas at the 9th IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia, featured another round of personal best performances from some of the country’s top athletes.
Court crushes union over Melia gratuities
A Supreme Court judge yesterday demolished the hotel union’s case against the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort, finding that the hotel was not obligated to pay staff a 15 per cent gratuity for serving all-inclusive guests - something he said would amount to “a gratuitous giveaway”.
Freeport’s expiring tax breaks ‘ignored’
Freeport’s commercial environment is “completely up in the air”, a well-known QC warned yesterday, as the city plays “second fiddle” to Baha Mar’s fate.
A LIVELY SUMMER AT CAMP CARMICHAEL
UNDER the summer sun, you’re either sporting a sweat or swimming and wet. And at Camp Carmichael, on the corner of Bishop Alfred Hepburn Drive and Bahama Avenue, kids aged seven to 17 are doing both.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES - July 17, 2015
Cycling Club Bahamas. - Upcoming events: Saturday, leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank, 30 miles headed west.
Chickcharney aid for Edvenna
EDVENNA Major sat comfortably in her manual wheelchair, at her vendor’s table in Pompey Square last Saturday - as she does most Saturdays - oblivious to the fact that her life was about to get a little bit easier.
DNA slams passport office amid row over delays
DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday blasted the Passport Office for “blaming the public” rather than “accept responsibility for the obvious shortfalls” plaguing the department.
judge to rule on legal discussions in murder trial
A JUDGE is expected to rule today on legal discussions held in the trial of a man who allegedly murdered a schoolboy who had attacked his neighbour over a pair of stolen Oakley sunglasses.
Bail for man accused of gun and ammunition smuggling
A MAN has been granted bail ahead of his gun and ammunition smuggling trial in Magistrate’s Court scheduled in November.
Health and Safety Act debated in House
THE Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill was read for the second time in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.
Fire destroys Harbour Island stand-by generator
NORTH Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly yesterday called the recent fire that destroyed Harbour Island’s stand-by generator “a confirmation” that the island’s power plant is exceeding its capacity.
Urban Renewal students to graduate from Atlantic College
EIGHTY-NINE students will celebrate this weekend at the first Urban Renewal high school diploma graduation from Atlantic College.
Call for increase in Parliament seats for Family Islands
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Chairman George Smith yesterday suggested that the Boundaries Commission could move to establish at least three new seats in the Family Islands ahead of the next general election.
Smith says snap election claims are ‘nonsensical’
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith has shot down suggestions from the Official Opposition that there will be a snap election as “nonsensical”.
BOC sets record straight on Pan Am Games athletics team
WHILE there’s conflicting reports on who will be allowed to compete on the athletics team at the 17th Pan American Games, Bahamas Olympic Committee vice president Robert Butler said they have not gotten any report of any competitor who will have to be removed from the team that is heading to Toronto, Canada, this weekend.
Problems facing Baha Mar
I recently posted an item on my blog, unfortunately contributing to the unnecessary discussion of Baha Mar’s completion woes. The purpose was to point out that comments in the public realm (and some in the media) have been contributing to the mis-education of the public. The common view seems to be that the contractor has left the site with the project unfinished, and with defective infrastructure and finishes.
Peace on da Streets
Now into its 20th year of existence, the Youth Against Violence annual Peace on da Streets Basketball Classic has a little of something for everybody.
THE FINISH LINE: ‘Independence holiday could have used some more sporting flavour’
The Bahamas’ 42nd Independence celebrations came and gone and there was very little going on.
Bahamas looks to avoid relegation in Davis Cup
After they fell short in 2014, the Bahamas will once again look to avoid relegation and advance to Zone II in Davis Cup play.
Arianna opts out of 100 fly final to focus on 50 free
AFTER finishing sixth overall in the preliminaries of the women’s 100 metre butterfly yesterday morning, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace opted not to compete in her second straight final. Instead, she wanted to focus her attention on her specialty in the 50m freestyle today.
Island-wide manhunt launched by police after latest murder
POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for the suspect responsible for the country’s latest murder, and not two suspects as initially reported, a senior police official said yesterday.
Up to $7m in repairs for schools
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald declared this week that his ministry will be ready for the 2015-2016 school year after “mobilising” between $6m and $7m to address annual school repairs across the country.
Skills for surviving employment woes
Given all the employment woes seemingly overtaking our corporate landscape over the past week, I thought it best to introduce a message of HOPE for those who may be entangled in the web. Here are six simple, basic survival skills to help you navigate though troubled employment waters:
Author aims to tackle social barriers
GRAND Bahama author Chrishna Bowe promises “the cold hard truth” in tackling the modern social barriers women face in trying to attain a fruitful, fulfilling life to readers of her latest book.
Baha Mar-style institute urged to boost workforce
The Bahamian private sector is being “seriously disadvantaged” by the workforce quality it is being presented with, an outspoken businessman yesterday suggesting this nation needs a leadership development institute similar to that created by Baha Mar.
High praises for Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and Central Michigan University
THE Bahamas congratulates the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and Central Michigan University Football Team for being short-listed as a finalist in the “Best Play” category at The 2015 ESPYs Awards.
Thursday, July 16
Prime Minister's national address on Baha Mar - the speech in full
Tonight, Prime Minister Perry Christie addressed the nation on the state of Baha Mar negotiations and proceedings. The full text of his speech is as follows.
Baha Mar: government calls in liquidators
THE Government has filed a winding up petition in the Supreme Court against Baha Mar after talks involving the developers of the troubled $3.5 billion mega-resort in China this week failed to reach an agreement.
Why Baha Mar filed for bankruptcy
Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands explains why Baha Mar sought protection in a foreign court
WE all have times when what seems to be one thing turns out, with a deeper understanding, to be something very different.
Passport office clarifies $200 fee
THE Passport Office yesterday defended its decision to levy a $200 fee to those seeking to obtain a Bahamian passport within 48 hours on an emergency basis, saying the charge will compensate the office for the costs incurred by emergency requests caused by poor planning or “negligence”.
Way of the Albatross
Long ago, in the distant past, there lived a fabled bird - the Albatross. That magnificent winged creation of Yahweh was rumoured to be capable of flying across oceans, real and imaginary, without nourishment or rest. Alas, after serving whatever role that was allotted, the Albatross has now been relegated to the ranks of extinct.
What is the true prognosis of VAT?
Many prior to the introduction warned government that there would be a grave and serious danger of economic business contraction - I ask: Has this become or is becoming a reality?
Bahamian contractors willing to save Baha Mar
AFTER sitting at the negotiating table into the wee hours of a Beijing morning, the Bahamas government delegation was on its way home last night with little good news of the fate of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort.
Mother fears missing son has been murdered
A MOTHER said her son, who is out on bail for armed robbery, has been missing for nearly three months and despite him being outfitted with an electronic monitoring device, she said police “have no idea” where he is.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: When will the BEC bribe-taker be charged?
CLEARLY, the statement that a promise is a comfort to a fool is something we all need to take very seriously.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Glorifying gangsterism
IN THE Bahamas, there appears to be a rapidly growing underclass of Bahamians who deify criminal behaviour, seemingly seeing violence and sadistic conduct as cool while engaging in a cult-like, hero-worship of gangsters and hooligans.
BTC staff ‘in the dark’ on layoffs
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union Secretary-General Dino Rolle yesterday claimed “battle weary” union members were being left to “operate in the dark” after BTC CEO Leon Williams refused to clarify how many employees the company planned to layoff, or a date the layoffs will take effect.
$4.6m marijuana haul seized
SIX men – five Bahamians and one Jamaican – are in police custody following a major drug bust in waters off South Andros early yesterday morning.
Man shot dead by police at nightclub
AN off duty police officer shot and killed a man late on Tuesday night after he allegedly “pointed an object” at the officer while at a nightclub off Faith Avenue.
Urban Renewal report tabled - but FNM says govt bought time to clean up records
FREE National Movement (FNM) deputy leader Peter Turnquest yesterday accused the government of delaying its tabling of the controversial Auditor General’s report into Urban Renewal 2.0 to “buy itself the time to clean” the programme’s records.
Another salary payout by government
BAHA Mar employees can expect to receive their salaries for another two-week period despite difficulties obtaining payment details from the stalled mega-resort, Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed yesterday.
BROKEN DOWN: Govt team flies home as Baha Mar talks stall
PRIME Minister Perry Christie would not confirm or deny reports that negotiations between Baha Mar and its Chinese partners had broken down, telling The Tribune last night he wanted to wait until Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson returned from China before he commented on the matter.
BREAKING NEWS: Man, 74, drowns at Xanadu Beach, Grand Bahama
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating the death of a 74-year-old man whose lifeless body was found floating in the water at Xanadu Beach yesterday afternoon.
BREAKING NEWS: Man dies in hospital after Carew Street shooting - police hunt two suspects
TWO MEN are being sought by police for the fatal shooting of a man on Carew Street last night, the 81st murder victim in the country in 2015 according to The Tribune’s records.
Murder conviction is reduced to manslaughter
A MAN is now facing at least 18 years behind bars after Court of Appeal judges substituted his initial murder conviction for the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Nearly 20% of firms fear bribe demands
Nearly one in five Bahamian companies feels they have to pay bribes to obtain crucial licences and permits, a report by development agencies finding this nation ranked worse than the Western Hemisphere average for corruption perceptions.
Bahamas ‘only now seeing the real VAT effect’
AML Foods’ chief executive yesterday said the Bahamas was “only now seeing the real impact of Value-Added Tax (VAT)”, suggesting that its effects would “bottom out” doing the weakest point in the economic cycle.
Court ‘hard pressed’ to resist Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 demand
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said the Supreme Court might be “hard-pressed” to resist Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 demands due to a law that allows foreign judgments and orders to be registered in the Bahamas, subject to certain conditions.
Baha Mar talks go into third day
Baha Mar’s negotiating team yesterday remained in Beijing for a third day of talks with its Chinese partners in a bid to resolve the impasse over the $3.5 billion project, even though the Government’s representatives departed on schedule.
Inmate died after fight with another prisoner
THE inmate who died in hospital last week was injured during a fight with another inmate in the Medium Security Housing Unit, according to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
Ratings agencies in discussion with Prime Minister on credit future
PRIME Minister Perry Christie and State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis met with representatives of rating agencies yesterday to discuss this country’s credit rating future amid continued uncertainty about Baha Mar.
Auditor reveals departments for investigation
AUDITOR General Terrance Bastian has said he intends to investigate nine government ministries and departments during the 2015/2016 fiscal year.
Freedom of Information talks over in September
PUBLIC consultation on the draft legislation for the new Freedom of Information Act is expected to be completed by the end of September, according to Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald.
Five-year deal signed with teaching manager union
THE government yesterday signed a five-year industrial agreement with the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union (BEMU), the first of its kind for the collective bargaining agent.
Harbour Island wins top travel award
THE Travel + Leisure magazine has recognised Harbour Island with its “Best Island in the Caribbean” award for the second time.
Former police officer’s burglary conviction quashed
THE Court of Appeal has quashed the conviction of a former police officer found guilty of an early morning burglary of a squad mate.
Marketing team stays ready
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that a team of officials remain ready and willing to execute the remaining portion of the government’s international marketing strategy for Baha Mar despite the uncertainty surrounding the project.
Gibson sets new national record in 400 metre hurdles
FOR the third time in his career, Jeffery Gibson has lowered his own mark to set a new national record in the 400 metre hurdles.
Dustin Tynes breaks Jeremy Knowles’ 15-year-old record
Day four for the Bahamas at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, the focus remained in the pool as the swim team continued their bid for the medal podium.
‘Here’s a 290-pound kid who runs a 4.85 or 4.9 second 40-yard dash’
BAHAMIAN football prospect Rondre Tener-Knowles is expected to join an emerging NCAA programme in the American Athletic Conference.
Serena ends up 11th overall in discus at IAAF World Youth Championships
SEVERAL personal bests and one finalist highlighted the first day of competition for the Bahamas at the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.
‘Team Beastmode’ brings home the gold medals
EMPIRE Mixed Martial Arts and its “Team Beastmode” group of fighters once again took to the international scene for competition and produced several division winners at their latest tournament appearance.
CAC Bodybuilding Fitness Championships set for October 4
THE Ministry of Tourism has thrown its full support behind the 43rd Central American Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Fitness Championships, which will once again be held in The Bahamas.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Leave space for the whites of your eyes
Using White Space means having a good eye for composition. This means you have to find the right layout and composition, so that the information or whatever else you are focusing on will be easy to read and spot.
Wednesday, July 15
Time to rethink
As an Offshore Bahamian of Chinese ancestry, my views of the Baha Mar project is and how it is playing out is quite tragic and sad.
Man shot by police officer at nightclub dies in hospital
A MAN who was shot by a police officer at a Faith Avenue nightclub on Tuesday night has died in hospital.
Silent protest - but strong words over Rubis oil spill
THE Justice for Marathon advocacy group yesterday staged a demonstration at the Rubis gas station on Robinson Road to bring attention to the organisation’s effort to get the government to address adequately the concerns of Marathon residents in the aftermath of the 2012 gas spill.
Carnival cost $12m, over budget by $3m
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday confirmed that Junkanoo Carnival went over its $9m budget - costing about $12m - but said he expects the allocation for the festival to be reduced considerably next year.
FNM anticipates 2016 election
FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday forecast that the country could expect a snap election in 2016 in his defence of the party’s decision not to hold a national convention this year.
45 years in jail for murder
A MAN was sentenced to 45 years in prison yesterday for a murder that occurred during a Junkanoo practice nearly three years ago.
Roker: Izmirlian has no regard for PM
BAHA Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian has blatantly disrespected this country because he has no regard for Prime Minister Perry Christie whom he views as a “weak” leader, former Immigration Minister Loftus Roker said yesterday.
Deadlock in talks over Baha Mar
WITH the employment of thousands of Baha Mar workers hanging in the balance, negotiators ended a protracted second day of talks in China without a deal to push the project forward, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said.
Six held in major drugs bust - police hail 'textbook' operation
FIVE Bahamians and a Jamaican are in police custody following a major drugs bust in waters off Andros in the early hours of today.
BAMSI fire suspect must be rearraigned
PROSECUTORS will have to rearraign a man accused of arson if they intend to proceed with charges related to the destruction of a dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI), a magistrate said yesterday.
Minnis under fire for ‘public posturing’ over Baha Mar
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts again criticised FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis amid negotiations over Baha Mar, saying the party chief has only engaged in public posturing “like a motley in a minstrel sideshow”.
Chipman asks if $200 fee to jump passport backlog is legal
SHADOW Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Chipman yesterday questioned the legal basis behind the government’s $200 fee for those needing new passports on an emergency basis within 48 hours.
Waste piles spark Bimini fly infestation
SOUTH Bimini’s fly infestation has been declared “out-of-control” due to inadequate solid waste management, according to an international expert, who warned that residents and visitors were exposed to serious health risks.
‘Living like pigs’ - activist slams waste strewn after festivities
ENVIRONMENTAL activist Heather Carey yesterday said she hopes that the proposed Public Beaches and Parks Act will address the “appalling conditions” local beaches and parks are left in following public festivities.
Man shoots woman in arm then speeds away
POLICE are on the hunt for a man who shot a woman early yesterday morning in the Village Road area.
FNM fears toll on resort staff awaiting job cut news
BAHA Mar’s plans to potentially reduce its workforce by over 90 per cent if it is unable to resolve its dispute with its Chinese partners will take a toll on the “mental and physical health” of its employees, FNM Chairman Michael Pintard said yesterday. He said no effort must be spared on the government’s behalf to prevent the staff cuts.
‘Govt can make peace with Izmirlian after war of words’
DESPITE the public spats the Christie administration has had with Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe believes the government can still work with him and maintain a good relationship in the future.
Warring condo owners suffer ‘meritless’ ruling
The “warring groups” at a Freeport condominium complex were yesterday sent back to the Court of Appeal, after the Privy Council dismissed as “meritless” a previous verdict that rendered key court Orders invalid.
Chamber ‘working feverishly’ on export boosting initiatives
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is “working feverishly” on two initiatives designed to reverse the decline in exports and manufacturing, which it hopes to implement this summer.
Foreigners take greater real estate market share
Bahamians are conceding an ever-larger share of the real estate market to foreign buyers, one well-known developer yesterday revealing that 100 per cent and 90 per cent of purchasers at his latest two projects were from overseas.
No Bahamian firms represented on Baha Mar creditors body
No Bahamian companies are directly represented on Baha Mar’s unsecured creditors committee in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware, the membership of which was published last night.
Art depicting Flamingo sinking wins UK award
KISHAN Munroe, the acclaimed Bahamian visual artist and the youngest artist to mount a solo exhibition at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, is the winner of this year’s prestigious Bridget Jones Award for Caribbean Studies for his multi-disciplinary artistic work, “Swan Song of the Flamingo”.
Cuban children discover bahamian culture at workshop
SCORES of Cuban children in Santiago de Cuba received priceless lessons on Bahamian culture during a five-day children’s workshop.
Nassau Nastics
AS AN engaging alternative to the listless lethargy of summer, the annual Nassau Nastics camp running at two New Providence locations is a fun and healthy option.
Team Bahamas all set for CAC Age Group Championships
ANOTHER of the five teams the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will field this summer, the youngest group of athletes will look to lead the charge in the Bahamas’ bid to repeat as champions in the region.
Arianna gets bronze
Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace added another major international accolade to her collection as she came through with the bronze in the women’s 100 metre freestyle final to put the Bahamas on the medal chart on just the fourth day of competition at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
Murder trial to hear from pathologist
A PATHOLOGIST is expected to testify today in the continuation of a murder trial into the beating death of a two-year-old boy.
Kianna Dean becomes first gymnast to represent Bahamas in a major international competition
ALTHOUGH she was the alternate member of the team, Kianna Dean said she was more than happy to have represented the Bahamas in gymnastics at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
‘Anansi’ to make his debut on inaugural Gladiator Championship Wrestling Show
EVER since he was a young boy growing up, Tomeko Whylly envisioned himself being a professional wrestler.
Bank offers Baha Mar $100m working capital
Baha Mar’s Chinese financier will provide an extra $100 million in working capital as part of the proposed settlement to the dispute over the $3.5 billion project, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with November 2015 targeted for its opening.
Baha Mar parties in ‘good faith talks’
A Cabinet Minister yesterday confirmed that the parties to the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute “appear to be negotiating in good faith”.
All-Andros Regatta gets $5,000 cash and new sponsor
THE All-Andros Regatta got a new dimension when the Gladiator Championship Wrestling and Solar Verde Bahamas Limited came on board as a sponsor.
Union executive ‘prays’ no Baha Mar lay-offs
A hotel union executive yesterday said it would be a “sad situation” if Baha Mar is unable to resolve its dispute with its Chinese partners by next Monday, and ultimately have to lay-off 2,500 workers, adding: “We hope and pray it doesn’t come to that”.
Minister accepts fly fish election results
The Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources yesterday said his ministry accepts the election results from last month’s Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) annual general meeting, even though some industry stakeholders are threatening to mount a legal action over the outcome.
Tuesday, July 14
Arianna wins bronze at the Pan Am Games
Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace has won the bronze medal in the women's 100m freestyle at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
Tonesa Munnings is a playwright with a message
SHE is just 20 years old, but Tonesa Munnings has already successfully produced and directed her own play entitled “Choices”.
Getting 'on fleek' with your hair
THE world of hair extensions, weaves and wigs can be a challenging one to navigate. There are terms like closures, wefts, human hair, virgin hair and synthetic fibre hair.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING UNTIL 6.00PM
THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FROM 3:30 PM EDT UNTIL 6:00 PM TUESDAY.
POLITICOLE: The inaccuracy and lunacy of ‘xenophobia’
I am so tired of hearing people misuse the word “xenophobia” to suit their purpose or to sell their story.
PM praises Ingraham for letter to China
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday praised his predecessor Hubert Ingraham for the efforts he has made to help spur a quick resolution to the disputes that stalled the $3.5bn Baha Mar project.
Baha Mar calls for discussions to be kept out of public arena
BAHA Mar yesterday urged officials participating in negotiations about the resort’s future to refrain from making public comments until the negotiations are complete.
Things fall apart, so who will lead?
The grand coalition which brought the Progressive Liberal Party back to power is crumbling right before our very eyes due to broken promises; cronyism; mismanagement and political slackness. It is very distasteful that if one were to appear to be critical of the PLP that one is liable to be labelled an apostate, if not something stronger. I call a spade a spade and to hell with the repercussions, so long as they are legitimate.
Learn - or face disaster
Your editorial today speaks volumes about the state, or non-state, of this 42-year-old country.
Seven-year-old boy tells how brother was beaten with frying pan on day he died
THE seven-year-old brother of a toddler who prosecutors allege was beaten to death testified yesterday that he saw his mother’s boyfriend hit the boy’s hand with a “frying pan” the day he died.
BTC chief denies bullying amid talks about job layoffs
BTC CEO Leon Williams yesterday denied claims that company executives were attempting to “strong-arm” and “bully” employees to agree to unfavourable terms in a new industrial agreement amid pending layoffs.
Symonette says Mitchell’s Baha Mar comments not appropriate for a Cabinet minister
FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Brent Symonette yesterday said recent statements made by Fred Mitchell about Baha Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian sent the wrong message to foreign investors.
PM hails good first day of negotiations in China
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said the first day of Baha Mar meetings in China were “good” but warned that a “very, very serious situation” would result if the relevant parties cannot secure an agreement today.
Just 50 Baha Mar staff left if no deal
Baha Mar will reduce its workforce to just 50 key employees essential to run a “skeleton operation” if it is unable to resolve the dispute with its Chinese partners by next Monday.
Murdered teacher’s family may get chance to speak at trial
A JUDGE may consider a victim impact statement of a murder victim’s relative before sentencing a man who admitted responsibility for the second time in a decade for the throat-slashing murder of a Spanish teacher.
Maintaining fitness goals during the summer
THE summer is here and many pitfalls await those who are striving to stay fit during their vacation time. It’s hot outside, so exercises like walking are not as appealing. And then there is the problem of overindulgence when it comes to the culinary temptations.
Obesity: The big fat problem – Part I
SEVERAL articles ago we talked about stress – the effects of it and how stress literally kills.
Teeth grinding – things to know
ONE of the funniest things that dentists encounter happens when a person who lives alone adamantly declares that they never grind their teeth.
Women participate in ‘Sexy Summer Slimdown’ at Club One Fitness
FOR the fourth year, Club One Fitness Centre staff are using the summer season to help Bahamian women realise their sexier, healthier selves.
Graphic designer fulfils dream of a lifetime
TO walk the halls of the prestigious Harvard University and participate in the Graduate School of Design Career Discovery Programme is a dream of a lifetime for an employee at the College of The Bahamas (COB).
BUN IN THE OVEN: Staying positive with so much negativity
EVERY Day, if we’re lucky, we wake up to another day.
Bahamian interior designer offers ‘lovely’ home decor
INTERIOR designer Elizabeth Clarke makes her mark as she travels the world.
Miss Bahamas cuts entry fees
THE COST of entry to this year’s Miss Bahamas pageants has been cut by 50 per cent as a reflection of “tough economic times, the organisers have announced.”
Bahamas sweeps 100m finals in 15-16 girls’ division at 40th Miami Northwest Track and Field Classic
THE Bahamas has proven once again that it is a force to be reckoned with during a recent performance at the 40th Annual Miami Northwest Track and Field Classic.
Sports notes
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park, Southern Recreation Grounds, over the weekend. The following results were posted:
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Serenity and sadness
POST Independence weekend celebrations, I come to the clubhouse walking a bit wounded, down at least two to one against Jack Daniels, my favourite libation.
Defenders win title
THE inaugural Panthers Independence Volleyball Tournament came to a close at the DW Davis Gymnasium Sunday night with the Scotiabank Defenders winning the men’s title.
‘We want to keep these young men busy’ in the summer
The 10th annual edition of the Kevin Johnson Developmental Basketball Camp is currently underway at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.
Swimming with horses thanks to Camperdown Riding Club
Q: Why are most horses in shape? A: Because they’re on a stable diet.
Deputy PM raid trial delayed
THE scheduled trial into the armed robbery at Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ home did not proceed yesterday.
FNM deputy says government not serious over crime fight
FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday criticised the government for “not being serious” in the fight against violent crime and “failing” to live up to its campaign promises to reduce it.
Man arrested moments after woman raped
POLICE arrested a 26-year-old man early yesterday morning, moments after he and another man allegedly raped a woman in an area off Gamble Heights.
Nassau Village residents tell of their fear of crime
RESIDENTS of Nassau Village yesterday voiced their fears about the proliferation of crime in their area and worried that a promised increased police presence might not be enough to stop the problem.
Permit roadblocks to Baha Mar’s $80m Chapter 11 financing
Baha Mar faces further Government roadblocks even if it obtains Supreme Court recognition of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as it has yet to obtain necessary Bahamian approvals for the $80 million financing facility created by its principal.
Bahamas can be ‘global pacesetter’ over fishing
THE Bahamas has an opportunity to become a “global pacesetter” in fisheries protection and preservation under proposed regulations to govern the fly fishing industry, the sector’s association president said yesterday.
‘Strong bank interest’ sparks hope $150m issue fully subscribed
The Government’s new Treasury Note security will ultimately reduce its debt financing costs, its financial adviser said yesterday, conceding it was “difficult to tell” whether the first $150 million issue will be fully subscribed.
Legal challenge brews to fishing ‘standard setter’
A legal challenge to the Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) disputed elections was said to be brewing yesterday, amid opposition to the organisation being selected as the ‘standard-setter’ for fishing guides.
LIFE OF CRIME: From the cradle to the grave - a call for action
THE Life of Crime series has traced issues that impact on our crime rate from the cradle to the grave; now we have reached the “burial” of the series and it is time for a few reflections.
Wells having trouble fitting in with PLP, says Turnquest
FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday weighed in on Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells’ future as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party, saying that Mr Wells is “having some difficulty aligning his values with that of the PLP”.
DNA says govt cashing in over passport fees
DNA leader Branville McCartney yesterday accused the government of “cashing in” on its own inefficiency by implementing an “unjust” fee to obtain a Bahamian passport on an emergency basis.
Consultant ‘tweaks’ plan to cut young jobless 50%
A well-known business consultant said yesterday he had ‘tweaked’ his pilot programme designed to turn ex-criminals into entrepreneurs, and was going “full force” to a national development focus with the aim of cutting youth unemployment by 50 per cent.
Threat to Baha Mar’s $16m casino hardware
A gaming supplier yesterday sought court permission to repossess $16 million worth of casino equipment leased to Baha Mar, arguing that the $3.5 billion developer had made no provision to pay due rent under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Monday, July 13
Statue of Sir Lynden Pindling unveiled at airport
SIR Lynden Pindling, the ‘Father of the Nation’, has been memorialised with the erection of a life-sized bronze statue of his image at the entrance to the international airport that bears his name as part of the 42nd Independence celebrations.
Bishop calls for smaller developments amid wrangling over Baha Mar
RELIGIOUS leader Bishop Simeon Hall has urged the country’s leaders not to approve other developments on the scale of mega-resort Baha Mar and instead focus on a smaller hotel model.
Mitchell: Izmirlian would have been thrown out of country in the past
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell issued an apparent veiled threat at Baha Mar CEO and developer Sarkis Izmirlian, saying that if previous ministers of immigration such as Carl Francis, Arthur Hanna or Loftus Roker were faced with Mr Izmirlian in their day, “he would not have lasted the next day within the borders of The Bahamas”. However, he added: “These are of course different times, kindler gentler days.
Bill Cosby
I am so terribly disappointed in Bill Cosby “One time America’s dad” over the years I read all of his books, on educating black folks, that there’s a better life than the hood life, particularly in his book “Come On People” sad to say.
Wake up or lose this Paradise
My wife and I married in The Bahamas 23 years ago and have made annual visits as tourists since our wedding.
While Baha Mar’s future is decided in Beijing, Bahamians must think of future
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, with the Bahamas’ sovereignty tucked under her arm, has flown to Beijing, China, with a delegation of nine to negotiate with the Chinese government on the fate of Baha Mar. The future of the Bahamas’ tourist industry hangs on their decision.
Attorney General leads delegation to China
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson, QC, has led a delegation to China where Baha Mar executives, China State Construction and the Export-Import Bank of China are expected to hold discussions on the way forward for the unopened $3.5bn West Bay Street resort.
Police double number of officers on patrol
THE Royal Bahamas Police force has doubled the number of officers on patrol after three men were killed over the Independence Day holiday weekend, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean.
$200 to beat the passport backlog
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented a new $200 fee for people who require passports within 48 hours on an emergency basis.
BTC bosses accused of bullying over imminent job cuts
BTC intends to let go 140 employees this Wednesday, according to Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union Secretary-General Dino Rolle who yesterday accused the company’s managers of being “nasty bullies”.
Three murdered over Independence weekend
A MAN recently acquitted of drug charges and on bail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping was shot multiple times and killed in his mother’s yard yesterday morning.
INSIGHT: Committing to camera
The making of almost40 and film in the Bahamas
Nicole ‘Col J’ Burrows has reached a milestone in her life - on the cusp of turning 40 she has written and produced her first film. This is her (short) story about the experience.
Chinese contractor ‘stole documents’
BAHA MAR has accused China Construction America’s (CCA) on-site staff of allegedly trying to remove important documents and computers from the compound which are essential to the resort’s assessment of what remains of the construction process to allow for an opening date to be set.
Minnis: Was prime minister snubbed by Chinese govt?
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday questioned if the government of China had “snubbed” Prime Minister Perry Christie by not allowing him to lead a government delegation to China this weekend for talks on the stalled Baha Mar resort.
VAT takes real estate ‘in wrong direction’
Real estate is being taken “in the wrong direction” by the Government’s Value-Added Tax (VAT) policy, which will create costly “roadblocks” to closing transactions.
Baha Mar’s contractor ‘tardy’ over workforce
Baha Mar’s main contractor breached its construction contract through “often tardy” scheduling and a workforce that was inadequate to meet timelines for completing the project’s 50,000 square foot convention centre.
Baha Mar: 60 days to ‘financial devastation’ for local contractors
The $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute must be resolved within 60 days to prevent the Bahamian construction industry suffering “a financially devastating” impact, a well-known contractor has warned.
Gov’t launches new bond in $150m issue
The Government will launch its new short-term debt security on July 22 via a $150 million offering to institutional investors, Tribune Business can reveal.
Baha Mar claiming ‘deliberate sabotage’
Baha Mar has accused its main contractor of “deliberate sabotage” and the removal of key construction documents, implying this is part of a cover-up to hide “false accounting practices” that inflated its costs.
Concern policy could lead to statelessness
THE Bahamas government’s new immigration policy could be leading to the creation of stateless people, a high-level meeting of regional and international non-governmental organisations has been told.
Ronnie Butler honoured on a night of icons
THIRTEEN outstanding men and women were honoured for their contributions to the country’s development at the third annual Bahamian Icon Awards on Saturday in the ballroom of the Melia Nassau Beach resort.
Prime Minister guests as Ed Fields returns to radio
VETERAN broadcaster Ed Fields returns to the Radio House airwaves today with a new talk show on KissFM, with his first guest Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Kianna makes Pan Am Games debut, does not advance
Although he gave it a gallant effort, Philip Major Jr suffered a first round three set loss at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada.
Lady Panthers win Independence volleyball tourney
THE Lady Panthers away team made sure that their first Panthers Independence Volleyball Tournament ladies’ title stayed within their club.
Follow-up appointment details announced for Marathon residents
THE Ministry of Health has made arrangements for follow-up appointments for Marathon residents who received health assessments at the Elizabeth Estates Clinic following the 2012 Rubis fuel leak.
Prison inmate found dead
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a male inmate at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, who died in hospital on Friday.
Wells slams Swift Justice as he pledges to reveal party future
BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells said yesterday he will make an announcement “very soon” concerning his future with the Progressive Liberal Party.
Bahamas ends up 5th overall at Caribbean Amateur Jr Golf Championships
SQUARED off against the best junior golfers in the region, the Bahamas fell one spot off their pace in recent years.
Bahamas’ 12 member team gets set for the IAAF World Youths
THE top juniors in athletics will take centre stage on the IAAF circuit this week in what is expected to be the biggest international athletics event to be held in South America.
Job seekers: 25% lack the ‘behavioural skills’
One out of every four Bahamian job seekers lacks the necessary “behavioural skills” suitable for the workplace, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report has revealed.
Baha Mar slams contractor hiring
Senior Baha Mar executives have alleged that construction quality was undermined by the $3.5 billion project’s contractor hiring labourers to perform work that should be done by skilled tradesmen.
Baha Mar contractor owes $2.373m in rent
Baha Mar has accused its main contractor of owing $2.373 million in unpaid rent for use of the former Crystal Palace as offices and accommodation for its staff.
VAT in first quarterly surplus for four years
The $75 million generated by Value-Added Tax (VAT) helped the Government enjoy its first quarterly revenue surplus for four years during the 2014-2015 fiscal year’s third quarter.
Bahamas in Centrobasket U-17 Championship next month
THE draw has been released and now the Bahamas’ junior national basketball team knows their path to a possible Centrobasket title.
BBF’s Summer of Thunder exhibition set to begin August 1
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Summer of Thunder is just under three weeks away, and coaches of visiting NCAA programmes are eagerly looking forward to the early opportunity to evaluate their teams.
Sunday, July 12
BREAKING NEWS: Police at scene of fatal shooting on East Street South
POLICE are at the scene of a fatal shooting at East Street South this morning.
BREAKING NEWS: Man shot dead after argument at restaurant
A MAN has been shot dead at a restaurant and bar on Karl Road, off Claridge Road, after a late night argument.
Saturday, July 11
Paradise Lost: DNA Independence message
BRANVILLE McCartney, the leader of the Democratic National Alliance, says "today’s Bahamas is a far cry from the strong independent nation that our forefathers envisioned" in his party's Independence message released on Friday.
Further delays in wait for Bahamian passports - now 12 weeks or more
BAHAMIANS waiting for passports are being advised that they should expect delays of more than 12 weeks despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming that additional staff and equipment has been brought in to try to tackle the backlog of applications.
Government delegation heads to China for Baha Mar talks
A DELEGATION from the Bahamas government is heading for China for two days of meetings next week between the parties involved in the ongoing negotiations over the Baha Mar resort.
BREAKING NEWS: Man shot dead leaving Nassau Village restaurant - two suspects sought
POLICE are searching New Providence for two men in connection with the murder of a man on Friday.
Friday, July 10
PM looks to the future in Independence Message
In his Independence Message, Prime Minister Perry Christie looked to the future, saying the nation's hopes depend on how well Bahamians, “especially our youth”, remain committed to hard work, loyalty to the country and respect for one another.
BREAKING NEWS: American drowns while snorkelling in Abaco
POLICE in Abaco are investigating a drowning incident in which a 54-year-old American has died.
Thursday, July 9
Shaunae Miller wins Lausanne 400m with sub 50 second run
IT WAS another milestone for Shaunae Miller and Bahamas athletics. Competing at the IAAF Athletissima Golden League Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, Miller ran a personal best 400m as she became only the third Bahamian woman to dip under the 50-seconds barrier.
BREAKING NEWS: Grand Bahama youth found dead hanging from a tree
A YOUNG man has been found dead, hanging from a tree in bushes in the Lucaya area of Grand Bahama.
Advisory issued ahead of lobster season
AS THE lobster season approaches, fisheries officials are keeping an eye out for people who are intent on violating the law concerning the illegal possession of fresh or live crawfish before the season opens next month.
PLP Chairman: FNM using 2012 Rubis spill to serve political interests
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts has “roundly condemned” the Free National Movement (FNM) for using the 2012 Rubis fuel spill to “serve their narrow political interests.”
FNM Deputy backs decision to delay VAT on bridge toll fees
THE decision by the Bridge Authority to delay the introduction of Value Added Tax on toll fees at the Sidney Poitier Bridge to Paradise Island was today endorsed by Free National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest.
Donna Vasyli faces wait for bail decision
A JUDGE did not give an immediate decision on Donna Vasyli's latest bail application in Supreme Court on Thursday as the Australian accused of murdering her husband had hoped.
Investigation reveals fuel leak at Sandyport marina
INVESTIGATIONS into a feared spill at the Rubis Sandyport service station have revealed a fuel dispenser leak at the development's marina.
Man gets 12 years for manslaughter
A MAN who fatally shot his friend after being threatened with a cutlass has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Calm heads needed in Baha Mar crisis
I think Bahamians are about to experience Baha Mar fatigue. I certainly am.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Short straw for Long Island
The plight of the people of Long Island seems to have been lost on the powers that be as this gem in our archipelagic chain continues to languish in the doldrums.
What of the future? A Pandora’s Box has been opened
WE do not agree with Bishop Simeon Hall that there should be no reaction from those Bahamians, yet to receive government’s promised assistance for their financial losses when CLICO (Bahamas) collapsed, on learning that the government has paid the salaries of more than 2,000 Baha Mar employees who are now jobless.
Bishop backs salary payment
BISHOP Simeon Hall yesterday said he supported the government’s decision to pay the salaries of more than 2,000 Baha Mar employees despite not yet honouring its promise to assist the thousands of people who lost millions of dollars when CLICO (Bahamas) collapsed.
$20m loan granted to aid access to parole
THOUSANDS of people could be affected by the government’s efforts to modernise its correctional services system by providing convicts with access to parole, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday.
Crown land move was a precaution
THE Office of the Attorney General has not acted on a purported threat to take back Crown land from the developers of Baha Mar, the nation’s leader telling reporters the move was to ensure that the property was not caught up in the resort’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Govt paid Baha Mar staff from money it owed to resort
THE estimated $7.5 million used to foot the bill to pay the salaries of Baha Mar workers was deducted from funds the government was holding for Baha Mar and not an unsecured government loan as reported, State Ministers of Legal Affairs Damian Gomez said yesterday.
11,000 youth jobless on New Providence
Nearly 11,000 young Bahamians on New Providence are unemployed, of whom 13 per cent have given up looking for work and are helping to feed the rising crime and murder rates.
PM hopes Baha Mar will open by winter
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday he was optimistic that Baha Mar developers, China Construction America and the Export-Import Bank of China will reach a resolution on their issues allowing the $3.5b project to reach completion to hopefully get the property open for the winter tourist season in November.
BREAKING NEWS: Lightning strike knocks out power - BEC expects supply to be restored by noon
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) has blamed lightning strikes for widespread power outages in New Providence early this morning.
Teenager accused of Grand Bahama murder
AN 18-year-old man was charged with murder in the Freeport Magistrates Court yesterday.
Legislation being drafted for BEC deal
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that legislation is now being drafted to facilitate the restructuring of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation by Power Secure International.
Carnival report to be presented ‘next week’
THE Bahamas National Festival Commission is expected to meet with the media next week to present the revenue and economic impact figures for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
Well done, Mr Mitchell
I would like to publicly commend Mr Fred Mitchell and the immigration department for the progress that has been made at the department of immigration regarding short-term work permits for persons like manufacturer representatives who only visit The Bahamas one week at a time throughout the year to touch base with distributors, or meet with customers.
Baha Mar jobs - but at what cost?
BAHA MAR — jobs, jobs but at what cost should be asked now and for the future?
Three arrested after ammunition found
GRAND Bahama police arrested three men at the Grand Bahama International Airport after a quantity of ammunition was discovered in a bag at a security checkpoint on Tuesday.
PM pins blame for meeting row on Minnis
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday suggested that it was FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis who had been uncooperative in scheduling a briefing earlier this week to discuss the status of Baha Mar following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last week.
Child porn trial date set
A NEW trial date has been set for a teen accused of possession and dissemination of child pornography.
Accused ‘killed boy over a pair of sunglasses’
A MAN was charged with murder after he admitted to killing a schoolboy who had attacked his neighbour over a pair of Oakley sunglasses, a police detective said in court yesterday.
Carnival’s $50-$60m impact ‘not realistic’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said estimates that Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival generated a $50-$60 million economic stimulus were “very ambitious and not realistic”.
Creditor protections to make Bahamas ‘more favourable’ to investors
International investors would “look more favourably” on the Bahamas if it had Chapter 11-style bankruptcy protection laws, a leading accountant yesterday suggesting Baha Mar’s woes had exposed legislative weaknesses.
Bran: PM should not mediate Baha Mar negotiations
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said Prime Minister Perry Christie should not mediate the upcoming Baha Mar negotiations, as his impartiality would likely be questioned by the developer.
Gov’t ‘cannot be held hostage’ on Baha Mar
The Government “cannot be held hostage” over the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project, a leading accountant yesterday saying it had to be involved in upcoming mediation talks to protect the Bahamian people’s interests.
Sydney wins Junkanoo Bowl title
It was the second consecutive under-14 title for the Bahamas in as many days, this time with the triumph coming in the girls’ division at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association National Tennis Centre.
Nine districts of New Providence in annual Sprite basketball tourney
IN an effort to use sports as a tool to bridge the gap between constituencies, one corporate citizen will continue their partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s summer youth programme.
Flying the flag for a cleaner Bahamas
BAHAMAS Waste is marking the 42nd anniversary of Independence by sending its “Pride Truck” out onto the streets.
Swimmers helped by port group
THE YMCA’s Swimming For Ocean Survival programme received much needed financial assistance on Wednesday from Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Business Units, the second major donation by the corporation this week.
Project aims to keep youth Scared Straight
REACH Out Youth Organisation continues to a make difference in the lives of at-risk children and its founder Dudley Seide is appealing to corporate Bahamas to support their “Scared Straight Prison Programme.”
Island Luck gives 16 computers to Ranfurly Home
THE Ranfurly Home for Children yesterday became the beneficiary of 16 brand new Dell computers in the latest donation from Island Luck’s nationwide computer drive.
12 days to break deadlock
MAJOR stakeholders in the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar resort development have been granted 12 days by a judge to negotiate a solution in getting the stalled project over the finish line.
‘Our scouts are ranting and raving’ about Bahamian Lucius Fox Jr
A WEEK ago, they signed Major League Baseball contracts on International Signing Day and now their professional journey will begin in earnest as they prepare to leave for the minor leagues this weekend.
Bahamas in 5th place at Caribbean Amateur Jr Golf Championships
TEAM Bahamas will have much ground to cover if they hope to contend against the region’s top junior golfers.
THE ART OF GRAPHIX: Decoding the jargon with graphic effects
Whether you are a newcomer, a student or just in need of a refresher, graphic design is littered with jargon and terms you may not be familiar with. So here are a few key terms all graphic artists should know when printing, re-sizing, sharpening and detailing images.
Wednesday, July 8
TOUGH CALL: Diplomacy lost in the midnight hour
WELL, we all know by now that the prospect of Baha Mar opening without untold collateral damage to our tourism brand, our national reputation and investor confidence, is more and more unlikely.
Educational system
I would be grateful for you to allow me the opportunity to express my view on the Bahamas’ Educational System.
VAT on private health insurance
I am a senior citizen and pensioner living on fixed income with private health insurance.
Man shot at Arawak Cay dies in hospital
A MAN who was shot on Sunday died in hospital Monday evening, becoming the country’s 77th homicide this year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Residents say testing not completed - so how can govt say there’s nothing to fear?
THE government’s ‘all clear’ for Marathon residents in the aftermath of the 2012 gasoline leak has provided no comfort to the embattled community, according to activists.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW ON INDEPENDENCE
Lift up your heads - and look to shape our future
This year, as we celebrate our country’s 42nd anniversary of Independence, one sees this as an opportunity to renew our national outlook, to begin a transformative period of economic and social development where all Bahamians are intricately involved.
13 days to break deadlock after court adjournment
MAJOR stakeholders in the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar resort development have been granted 13 days by a judge to negotiate a solution in getting the stalled project over the finish line.
Baha Mar workers paid after three-day delay
Despite a three-day delay, Minister of State for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez confirmed yesterday that all Baha Mar staff members have been paid their salaries by the government.
Talks agreed over Baha Mar
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night said he has set a date to hold mediated discussions this weekend at a mutually agreed location with Baha Mar executives, China State Construction and the China Export-Import Bank.
Baha Mar sides told: ‘Leave your egos out’
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday urged all parties “to leave their personalities and egos out of” efforts to resolve the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute, adding that it was “not helpful” for the Prime Minister to imply the developer’s principal was mentally unhinged.
Lone tennis player to represent Bahamas at Pan Am Games
PHILIP Major Jr has his bags packed and is ready to leave town today to compete in the 17th Pan American Games.
D’Albenas Agency comes to aid of national boxers
THE d’Albenas Agency has supported our boxing team travelling to Toronto, Canada, as part of the Bahamas national team at the Pan American Games. The big event starts on Friday, July 10.
Youth Against Violence committed to continued fight against crime and violence in our country
NOW into its 20th year of existence, the Youth Against Violence annual Peace on da Streets Basketball Classic will have a little of something for everybody.
Revenge is sweet as Jacobi takes Junkanoo Bowl title
IT was sweet revenge for Jacobi Bain as he knocked off Donte Armbrister in straight sets to win the boys 14-and-under singles title at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association/International Tennis Federation Junkanoo Bowl tournament yesterday.
Gardiner gets gold
While Steven Gardiner stormed from behind to pull off a huge victory over the reigning American world champion LaShawn Merritt in the men’s 400 metres, Donald Thomas was able to soar to a season’s best for a second place finish in the men’s high jump yesterday at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix in Budapest, Hungary.
An inside look at Art Camp
THE National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is running its first annual Mixed Media Summer Art Camp, which aims to expose Bahamian youth between five and 15 to the various modern art forms.
Clubs and Societies July 8, 2015
Cycling Club Bahamas.
Junkanoo dance group aided by Hutchison ahead of 2016 parade
HUTCHISON Port Holding, the owners of the Freeport Container Port, are helping the New Life Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group as the group prepares for the 2016 parade.
‘Yellow’ awaits manslaughter sentencing
A MAN will learn on Thursday if he will be sentenced to life imprisonment on a manslaughter charge.
Carnival Cruise Line to open route to Cuba
AS cruise giant Carnival Corporation prepares to offer trips to Cuba, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that such competition must not be taken for granted and that the country must do more to improve its tourism product.
Police hunting for suspected burglars
POLICE are on the hunt for two men suspected of house breaking.
Donna Vasyli bail bid delayed
MURDER accused Donna Vasyli’s latest attempt at getting bail ahead of her trial has been delayed for at least two days.
Two fight for lives after separate house fires
TWO men are fighting for their lives in hospital after they were “extensively burned” in two separate house fires early Monday and Tuesday morning.
Second woman dies after car crash
A SECOND elderly woman has died after being injured in a car accident in Grand Bahama last month.
Baha Mar’s week of infamy
This week will remain in infamy for many years if history is remembered in the crucial manner that it should.
PM ‘cannot function’ as mediator after war of words with Baha Mar
FNM Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for his “unhelpful and unhealthy” war of words with Baha Mar over delayed salary payments to the resort’s employees.
Lawyer suggests resort could have restructured under Bahamian law
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe yesterday said Baha Mar’s decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Delaware Court was “probably just a bunch of jockeying” on the developer’s part to gain an advantage during negotiations over the resort’s future.
‘Much higher’ chance Baha Mar owners out
The Izmirlian family’s prospects of being ousted from the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project are “a lot higher today than before the Chapter 11 filing”, a leading businessman yesterday warning their credibility with the Bahamian people had suffered a major hit.
‘Better to negotiate in board room than fight in court room’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday backed the decision to resolve the Baha Mar dispute via mediation, adding: “It’s always better to negotiate in the Boardroom than fight in the court room.”
S&P warned: Don’t ‘rush to judgment’ on credit downgrade
A well-known businessman yesterday urged Standard & Poor’s (S&P) not to “rush to judgment” and downgrade the Bahamas as a result of the Baha Mar impasse, adding that the only thing this country is losing is “time”.
Baha Mar’s ‘red flag’ on project supervision
Baha Mar’s inability to discover it could not meet its March 27 opening target until just a few days prior was “a red flag” to one local construction engineer, who yesterday said this raised major questions about the developer’s project management.
Pizza Hut opens its doors for business today
PIZZA HUT returns for business again in Nassau today after a few years absence when the world’s largest pizza company opens the doors of its new Saunders Beach branch.
All-Andros Regatta puts Morgan’s Bluff in spotlight
AS a part of the Bahamas’ 42nd Independence celebrations, the All-Andros Regatta will take the spotlight this weekend when the competition takes in Morgan’s Bluff. And the Gladiator Championship Wrestling will be back to make another appearance during the onshore activities.
Tuesday, July 7
Pregnancy and your mouth
PREGNANCY is a time of great happiness and fulfilment for most women. However, both the woman and her developing child face various health risks during the nine months of pregnancy.
Are you ruling your destiny?
THE true power of freedom is having the audacity to rule your destiny. This is the sweet spot in life.
Diana Hamilton strives to preserve age-old rake n’ scrape tradition
DIANA Hamilton’s efforts to preserve a musical tradition by helping mould a new generation of accordionists have been rigorous over the past three years. Since the launch of the Cat Island Accordion & French Project summer camp three years ago, she has sought to revive and expose people to the valuable tradition.
A passion for change
AS a dive instructor, educator, photographer, scientist and overall community leader, Nikita Shiel-Rolle makes it her duty to always strive to inspire others through her actions.
POLITICOLE: What the Baha Mar saga reveals
Who didn’t see this coming? Who really believed all was well with this project, especially after the first opening was delayed?
What a mess
Sitting in Scotland, I cannot believe what I am reading in the paper about Baha Mar.
Lust for leadership
For a “tribe” to be successful, there must be a strong, decisive and well loved chief. In recent times, everyone, his brother and sister wants to be “chief” or leader.
Government has not paid Baha Mar staff as claimed
IT APPEARS that whatever government puts its hands to, it bungles.
Nothing to fear from Rubis spill, Health Minister tells residents
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez yesterday declared that Marathon residents were never exposed to “dangerous levels of contaminants” after government-administered environmental and medical tests revealed that “no significant” detectable levels of contaminants were discovered in the area’s well water.
As Baha Mar hangs in the balance, political leaders argue over meeting time
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he left Prime Minister Perry Christie’s office yesterday morning “extremely upset”, after the nation’s leader showed up nearly an hour late for a planned meeting with the opposition on Baha Mar’s bankruptcy filing last week.
PM questions mental health of developer
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night questioned the mental health of the chief executive of Baha Mar, Sarkis Izmirlian.
Govt blamed for Baha Mar pay delay
BAHA Mar last night slammed the government for “concocting a sideshow for its own purposes” after the Christie administration accused the resort of being slow to provide necessary information, thus delaying salary payments to the resort’s employees.
Baha Mar granted adjournment to July 20 for bankruptcy hearing
BAHA Mar has sought an adjournment of its extension application hearing before Justice Ian Winder concerning a Delaware Bankruptcy court's ruling on the resort's successful filing for debtor in possession financing.
Second elderly female passenger dies after June 26 crash in Grand Bahama
A SECOND elderly female passenger in a fatal traffic accident in Grand Bahama last month has died in hospital, police have reported.
Davis: Other investors have shown interest
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday suggested that in the aftermath of Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, investors have shown interest in the cash-strapped West Bay Street resort.
Davis defends decision to pay Baha Mar salaries
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has defended the Christie administration’s decision to pay the salaries of 2,400 Baha Mar employees amid growing criticism that the government did not come to the aid of thousands of Bahamians who have previously lost their jobs.
FITZGERALD HITS OUT AT CRITICS OF RUBIS OIL SPILL RESPONSE
MARATHON MP Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday lashed out at critics he claimed attempted to politicise the 2012 Rubis fuel spill and take advantage of residents who might have been negatively affected.
No repairs for destroyed dormitory until rest of BAMSI is completed
THE Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute dormitory set on fire in January will not be repaired until all other BAMSI buildings are completed, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told reporters yesterday.
$100m deal sealed to buy five new planes for Bahamasair
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and executives of Avions de Transport Régional yesterday signed a $100m contract for the purchase of five ATR 600 planes to replace Bahamasair’s aging Dash 8-300 fleet.
Court affirms ‘no strike’ if dispute with Tribunal
A union leader yesterday conceded that a Court of Appeal ruling affirmed that workers could not strike if their dispute was before the Industrial Tribunal - even if proceedings were not active.
Bahamas on ‘slippery slope’ without VAT
The Bahamas would “be on a really slippery slope” without Value-Added Tax (VAT), a former finance minister believes, because government’s costs will continue to increase on an annual basis.
Private airline concern over $100m restructure of Bahamasair’s fleet
Bahamasair’s $100 million purchase of a new aircraft fleet yesterday prompted one private carrier to again question the Government’s aviation industry strategy, given that the new planes appeared to be targeting his routes.
Fly fishing regime will cause ‘more harm than good’
One of America’s largest fly fishing outfitters has warned that the sector’s proposed new regulatory regime “will do more harm than good”, and create “significant” potential for a fall-off in visiting anglers.
Baha Mar creditor: I’m not losing sleep
One Baha Mar creditor yesterday said he was “not losing sleep” over the interruption to negotiations for a ‘six figure’ contract with the developer, revealing that he was more concerned about the “bigger picture” impact.
Teenager dies after falling from jet ski
A TEENAGE girl died Sunday evening after she was thrown from a jet ski in waters off West Bay Street.
Bahamas inspired Cancer Centre opens in Antigua
CARIBBEAN medical history was made when a new cancer centre modelled off a Bahamian example opened in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, on June 26.
Getting fit for summer with ‘Youth in Yoga’
THE summer days are upon us, and while some are enjoying their vacation trips away, most young Bahamians are experiencing the excitement of summer camp.
BUN IN THE OVEN: How to survive the first eight weeks with a newborn
BRINGING home baby can be a bit intimidating, especially for first-time mothers. Even second-time mothers can feel a bit overwhelmed and intimidated to try to manage life from one child (in some cases a toddler), to two children.
Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn on 1,000 jumpshots per day
WITH all the accolades he received during the Michigan State Spartans’ run at the Final Four, there remains one major question mark regarding Bahamian guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr - his ability on the offensive end.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM – Calling all Laker haters: just wait for 2016
“All that glitters isn’t “Purple and Gold in NBA Free agency!” “Are the Lakers losing their lustre?” “The Lakers have lost their appeal”. “Kobe is ruining it for LA”. “Today’s free agents not moved by stories franchises”. THOSE are just some of the sentiments being made by the “Basketball Gurus” about my Los Angeles Lakers. Empty barrels always make the most noise so I’m not surprised.
Liam Holowesko captures time trials
ONCE again, Liam Holowesko captured the time trials, but he got nipped out at the tape by Jay Major in the road race as the Bahamas Cycling Federation staged its annual National Cycling Championships over the weekend.
TEAM BAHAMAS ALL SET FOR CARIBBEAN AMATEUR JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
TEAM Bahamas is all set to compete at the 28th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
Shaunae to see where she stands against top quarter-milers
WHILE no final decision has been made as to whether Shaunae Miller will compete in the 200m or 400m at the upcoming IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, Miller should have a better sense of where she stands against some of the top quarter- milers in the world following this week’s Diamond League meet.
Shepherd, Armbrister emerge as champions
IESHA Shepherd and Donte Armbrister both had dominating performances at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Junior Nationals. They emerged as double champions in their respective divisions at the end of the week-long tournament at the National Tennis Center.
Iesha comes from behind for victory
Iesha Shepherd, unfazed when the pressure was applied, rode the momentum from her double dose of victory at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Federation’s Junior National Tennis Tournament and the support of the crowd at the National Tennis Center to win her first round main draw match at the ITF Junkanoo Bowl Junior Tennis Tournament.
Nottage opens conference putting focus on corrections service
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage officially opened the 9th conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel yesterday morning.
Police association slammed for showing ‘gross disrespect’
RETIRED Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson yesterday criticised the Police Staff Association for displaying a “gross disrespect for authority” by publicly voicing its displeasure over the government not including the group in initial discussions surrounding the implementation of National Health Insurance.
Activist’s trial delayed yet again
AN inner-city community activist accused of being the aggressor in an altercation with police had the start of his trial delayed again.
LIFE OF CRIME: Making the punishment fit the crime
THE concept of punishment is part of our very selves. It presents a perverse persuasiveness, fooling us that it is the solution to all of society’s ills.
Man acquitted as daughter withdraws molestation claim
A MAN accused of sexually molesting his teenage daughter was acquitted yesterday after the girl withdrew her complaint against him.
LETTER: Looking to salvage answers from Gov’t
Re: Licences to explore and protect Ancient Wrecks on and below the Bahamas Seabed
Sports notes
THE Banker’s League continued its regular season action at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex over the weekend.
LAWYER ADMITS ERROR AS APPEAL DELAYED
KHOFE Goodman’s substantive appeal hearing against conviction for the murder of an 11-year-old boy was not heard yesterday.
Monday, July 6
A chapter of disaster?
The Baha Mar bankruptcy order should be granted in the Bahamas to avoid a damaging dog-fight between creditors, Richard Coulson urges.
Side with Bahamians
Initially, I thought PGC’s claim to being blindsided by Izmirlian was feasible - after all, the developer wouldn’t want to tip his hand so that it would get back to the Chinese, who seem to want to foreclose on the property.
A happy Independence?
Bahamians everywhere are getting ready to celebrate 42 years of independence. At this juncture in our nation’s history we really need to reflect on where we have come from and where we are headed as a nation. What concerns me is that after the festivities are over, this nation and her peoples will return to the routines that have us in the quagmire we are presently in.
Bahamians question government’s designs on Baha Mar
MOST Bahamians are very passionate about their politics. It would be unusual for a day to pass without someone grumbling about something that displeased them, either with the PLP government, the Opposition FNM or the DNA.
FNM: Workers are paying for government’s premature move
THE FREE National Movement yesterday accused the government of prematurely inserting itself into the Baha Mar legal dispute to the detriment of Bahamian workers.
Mitchell says bankruptcy filing was ‘act of unfairness’
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday delivered a veiled attack against Baha Mar’s shock Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which he termed an “act of unfairness on the Bahamian people”.
Crossing bridge to Paradise Island to cost you eight cents more - in VAT!
THE decision to implement value added tax on the toll at the Sidney Poitier Bridge to Paradise Island has been criticised as another burden on the working class.
Minnis accepts invitation to be briefed on bankruptcy
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday formally accepted Prime Minister Perry Christie’s invitation to have a briefing on Baha Mar after the $3.5 billion resort’s shock Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in a United States court last Monday.
Shooting victim found dead in car
THE discovery of the body of a male, found shot dead in a car on the eastern end of Fire Trail Road early yesterday morning, has pushed the country’s murder count to 76 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Baha Mar deal details revealed
THE deal brokered by Prime Minister Perry Christie to secure the additional funding necessary to complete the Baha Mar project would have required an equal capital injection from both resort CEO Sarkis Izmirlian and general contractor China Construction America, according to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
BREAKING NEWS: Woman drowned in jet ski accident
A WOMAN has drowned in a jet ski accident in New Providence.
Economic ‘breathing room squeezed daily’
The Bahamas’ economic breathing room “is being squeezed day by day”, with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) warning of a further credit rating downgrade no surprise.
MLB veteran Antoan Richardson hopes he can serve as a mentor
MAJOR League Baseball veteran Antoan Richardson hopes he can serve as a mentor to the current group of Bahamian minor league prospects, and if there is anyone that can help facilitate this process, it is the former 35th round draft pick who successfully progressed through the minors to the majors.
Four-time Olympic sailor Kelly reflects on Cat Island Regatta
GODFREY Kelly has been around long enough to know a good thing when he sees it.
National Cycling Championships: Jay Major captures road race title
History repeated itself as Liam Holowesko captured the time trials, but he got nipped out again at the tape by Jay Major in the road race as the Bahamas Cycling Federation staged its annual National Cycling Championships over the weekend.
Season’s best for ‘Superman’
Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands seems to be getting better as he improves on his comeback trail.
Gov’t to phase-out VAT bi-annual filing
The Government is moving to eliminate the bi-annual filing of Value-Added Tax (VAT) returns by year-end, in a bid to boost its cash flow and obtain more consistent returns.
Legal action considered over oil spills at Clifton
THE environmental advocacy group Save the Bays has left “the door open” to filing legal action against the government for what it is calling “a breach of statutory powers and duties” resulting in a devastating impact on marine life due to ongoing Clifton oil leaks.
Search for suspects after spate of armed robberies
POLICE are looking for the suspects behind five separate armed robberies over the weekend.
Three men shot on friday
THREE men were shot and taken to hospital in two separate shooting incidents on Friday.
American men arrested over fishing haul
POLICE in Bimini arrested two American men on suspicion of breach of the Fisheries Act and failing to declare with the Department of Customs officials.
US tourists stabbed in fight
TWO male residents of Harbour Island are expected to face criminal charges this week in connection with a fight on the island, which left two American tourists with injuries.
Bran ‘talking poppycock’ on Baha Mar land
A former Hotel Corporation chairman has accused Branville McCartney of “talking poppycock” over his fears that the Bahamian people might lose 1,000 acres due to the Baha Mar debacle.
Bran: Work with China for Baha Mar solution
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader has effectively urged the Government to exclude the Izmirlians and instead work with the Chinese to save the bankrupt $3.5 billion Baha Mar project by attracting new investors and resort brands.
‘Devil in details’ sinks $300m Baha Mar deal
A $300 million agreement to resolve Baha Mar’s woes was sunk when the warring parties were unable to agree “the devil in the details”, Tribune Business was told yesterday.
Why no Baha Mar equity for $1bn in concessions?
The FNM’s deputy leader has questioned why the Bahamian people have no equity stake in Baha Mar if the development has been given $1 billion worth of investment incentives.
Chamber urges: ‘All hands on deck’ to solve Baha Mar
The private sector has urged the Government to adopt an “all hands on deck” approach to resolving the $3.5 billion Baha Mar impasse and treat the situation as its top priority.
High jumper Thomas 2nd in Paris
WHILE Ryan Ingraham and Jamal Wilson went head-to-head in the Blue Marlins Track Classic at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday, Donald Thomas was holding his own against the rest of the world at the Paris Diamond League Meet in Saint-Denis.
Sports notes
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association is scheduled to open the main draw of the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Junkanoo Bowl Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Center 9am today. THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association is scheduled to open the main draw of the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Junkanoo Bowl Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Center 9am today.
Sunday, July 5
BREAKING NEWS: Man found shot dead in car on Fire Trail Road East
A MAN has been found shot dead in a car on Fire Trail Road East early on Sunday morning, police are reporting.
Saturday, July 4
Court quashes Voluntary Bill of Indictment against man accused of BAMSI fire
A SUPREME Court judge yesterday quashed a Voluntary Bill of Indictment against the man allegedly behind the fire at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) citing inconsistencies contained in the Bill, and remitted the matter to the Magistrates Court to have the errors corrected.
Baha Mar workers march in support of project developer Sarkis Izmirlian
HUNDREDS of Baha Mar employees yesterday took to the streets to proclaim their support for the man that gave them a chance in a dismal job market.
Morley continues campaign for union recognition at container port
TRADE union activist Lionel Morley led a small protest yesterday near the traffic circle on Warren Levarity Highway leading to the Freeport Container Port (FCP) in his continuing campaign for workers to form a union there.
Friday, July 3
PLP Chairman slams Minnis for refusing to meet PM over Baha Mar
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has blasted Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for refusing to meet with Prime Minister Perry Christie over the government’s approach in the aftermath of Baha Mar’s chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Masked raiders take cash in Treasure Cay armed robbery
TWO masked armed men robbed a business establishment in Treasure Cay, Abaco, of cash on Thursday night.
Baha Mar employees in 'stand by Sarkis' march
SCORES of Baha Mar employees marched from Goodman's Bay to the mega-resort's parking lot in support of the $3.5bn project's developer Sarkis Izmirlian on Friday morning.
Panthers set to host Independence volleyball tournament
IN an effort to provide an opportunity for the local players to get ready for the New Providence Volleyball Association season, the Central Gas Lady Panthers Club is scheduled to host its first Independence Volleyball Tournament.
Bahamas hurricane shelters for 2015 storm season
WHERE to seek refuge during the 2015 tropical storm and hurricane season in the Bahamas - list provided by the Department of Social Services.
Businesswoman infuriated at poor Immigration service
CEVA Seymour, operator of Regions, is so fed up and frustrated with the inefficient, slow and poor service concerning the processing of applications for naturalisation and citizenship at the Department of Immigration that she has stopped accepting further applications.
Career politicians
I agree with Former Minister of Education Desmond Bannister and former Member of Parliament for Carmichael, who was quoted in the newspaper recently saying that, “it is time to say goodbye to career politicians, to people who can’t seem to get enough of being in public office”.
Gay marriage
With the recent ruling in the United States Supreme Court about gay marriage, we are on the verge of a paradigm shift in our nation with gay advocacy groups pushing for equality.
Same-sex marriage a misnomer
Radical elements within the LGBTQ community scored a major victory when the United States Supreme Court finally acquiesced to their unreasonable demands by striking down prohibitions against same-sex marriage in all 50 states in the Obergefell v Hodges case. The court ruled five to four.
Grand Bahama stabbings leave three in hospital
THREE people are in hospital following separate stabbings in Grand Bahama on Thursday, police have reported.
UPDATED: Grand Bahama ‘car crash’ death now a murder - man, 18, arrested
GRAND Bahama police have arrested a Caravel Beach teenager in connection with the stabbing death of a man on Thursday which had been reported initially as a traffic accident.
Chipman warns of major impact as US moves to open Cuban embassy
THE United States’ recent decision to open an embassy in Cuba will have a “major impact” on the Bahamas from a tourism standpoint, according to St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, who added that the Bahamas will now have to “do better with our services in order to attract more people into this country”.
Gomez and Chinese bank argue against Chapter 11 ruling
A SUPREME Court judge yesterday dashed Baha Mar CEO Sarkis Izmirlian’s hope for an immediate approval of his motion to uphold, in the Bahamas, a recent ruling in Baha Mar’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States.
Baha Mar says govt objection could lead to staff reductions
BAHA MAR warned yesterday that the Bahamian government’s objection in the Supreme Court to advancing its US Chapter 11 bankruptcy process could result in the resort making “drastic and regrettable steps, including substantial staff reductions”.
Govt to pay salary of Baha Mar staff
Attorney General fears implications for sovereignty
THE government will foot the estimated $7.5 million bill to pay the salaries of Baha Mar workers this month in a bid to block them from being used as “pawns” in the resort’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy claim, according to Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday.
Police probe overnight shootings and stabbing
POLICE in New Providence are investigating two overnight shooting incidents and a stabbing which have left three people in hospital, including a woman in serious condition.
Bahamian gymnast Kianna Dean to represent Bahamas at Pan Am Games
Originally, there was supposed to be two competitors selected by the Bahamas Gymnastics Federation to represent the Bahamas at the Pan American Games. But an injury sustained this year by Simone Hall leaves Kianna Dean as the lone flag bearer in Toronto, Canada.
Landmark day for Max D Sports Academy as three graduates sign MLB contracts
IT WAS a landmark day for the Maximum Development Sports Academy when three of its graduates - Lucius Fox Jr, Jasrado Chisholm and Larry Alcime Jr - were signed to Major League Baseball contracts yesterday.
Supreme Court ruling delays salary payments to workers
IN a letter to Baha Mar employees yesterday, the resort’s CEO Sarkis Izmirlian expressed disappointment in the delay in this month’s salary payments as a result of Thursday’s Supreme Court hearing which adjourned Baha Mar’s application for recognition of US bankruptcy proceedings.
Bankruptcy filing ‘a failure of political leadership’
BAHA Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing demonstrates a “failure of political leadership” on behalf of the government, according to former FNM Chairman Darron Cash, who added that the country’s “financial well-being and credibility” is in danger due to Prime Minister Perry Christie being “asleep at the wheel”.
Cable Beach rental vacancy up 20-30% on Baha Mar woe
Baha Mar’s woes have resulted in a 20-30 per cent increase in rental unit vacancies in the nearby Cable Beach area, a well-known realtor told Tribune Business yesterday.
Baha Mar pay offer’s ‘dangerous precedent’
The Government was yesterday warned it would be setting “a dangerous precedent” if it stepped in to pay Baha Mar’s $7.337 million monthly wage bill, following yesterday’s Supreme Court hearing.
$80m Baha Mar funds may have been ‘killed’
The $80 million financing facility created by Sarkis Izmirlian to cover Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 operating expenses may have effectively been ‘killed at birth’ by the outcome of yesterday’s Supreme Court hearing, Tribune Business can reveal.
Bahamas ‘50% likely’ to suffer credit rating cut
The Bahamas faces “at least” a 50 per cent chance of a sovereign credit rating downgrade within the next 90 days, after Standard & Poor’s (S&P) last night placed this nation on ‘negative creditwatch’ due to Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 filing.
Breezes chief: Baha Mar ‘tragedy for Bahamians’
SuperClubs Breezes owner yesterday said its own expansion and creation of up to 300 jobs would be further delayed by Baha Mar’s woes, adding of the latter: “It’s a tragedy for the Bahamian people.”
Culture minister heads to Cuba
CULTURE Minister Danny Johnson yesterday led a large “cultural delegation” to Cuba for the 35th annual Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba over the next week.
MOT announces summer festivals on GB
The much-anticipated Goombay Summer Festival was officially launched Thursday evening at Taino Beach in Freeport, providing visitors and locals several weeks of the rich cultural experience of Junkanoo and great local food.
Nolle prosequi filed over sexual assault on minor
PROCEEDINGS have been discontinued against a man on trial for the alleged sexual assault against a minor.
A third of New Providence hit by power cut
NEARLY one-third of New Providence’s residential power supply was disconnected Wednesday night after an engine malfunctioned at the Baillou Hills Power Station, Bahamas Electricity Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said yesterday.
MLB dreams become reality for Bahamian players
IN baseball circles, July 2 is known as the day when dreams come true and careers are solidified for international prospects chasing a spot on a Major League Baseball roster.
‘I’m not taking sides, but this picture looks a little mucky’
The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) hosted its National Open Track and Field Championships at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium simultaneously with the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s Royal Bank of Canada National Swimming Championships.
Chamber targets Cuba trade MOU
THE Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is expecting to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Cuban counterpart to advance trade between the two countries.
Baha Mar neighbour moves on construction
A multi-million dollar project just steps away from Baha Mar confirmed yesterday that its construction will continue, despite the neighbouring $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort project filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Fringe party says govt has no credibility
OFFICIALS from the newly formed Bahamas National Citizenship Party yesterday called the stalled $3.5bn Baha Mar project the “result of incorrect economic models pursued with abandon” by successive governments.
Sports notes
THE New Providence Martial Arts & Fitness Centre, located at 1 Shirley Plaza on Shirley Street, is scheduled to host a Summer Karate Camp for children aged four to 16.
Discover the nymph of Junkanoo
THE painstaking and creative art of the Junkanoo Nymph was on display yesterday at the British Colonial Hilton and Bay Street.
Fly fish chief slams ‘backdoor sneakers’
The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) president said yesterday that many persons were “sneaking through the backdoor” into the industry, warning that there was a growing trend of vacation owners converting their homes into fishing lodges.
Thursday, July 2
Government to pay Baha Mar workers’ salaries
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson today confirmed that the government will pay the salaries of more than 2,000 Baha Mar workers this month as negotiations over the fate of the stalled $3.5bn project continue.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The Baha Mar bombshell
Baha Mar, fraught with controversy from day one, is bordering on becoming known as a failed experiment.
BREAKING NEWS: Man, 31, dies in Grand Bahama traffic incident
A 31-year-old man from Williams Town has died in a traffic accident on Grand Bahama this morning.
Another nail in tourism’s coffin
Baha Mar’s filing for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy in the US and bringing a lawsuit against China State Construction in a UK court, which could take months if not years to resolve, drives another nail into the coffin of our tourism industry and further exacerbates the government’s unemployment dilemma.
Rollins and the Speaker
The image on the television news of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr. Kendal Major, standing patiently on the side while Dr Andre Rollins was interviewed by the news media and then afterwards fondly embracing him spoke volumes. This image was shot immediately after last Wednesday night’s debacle when the Speaker facilitated Dr Rollins making his contribution to the debate on the national budget contrary to the Rules of the House.
What is the future for Baha Mar and its Bahamian staff?
IT IS no secret — at least no secret among the work force at Baha Mar – that Sarkis Izmirlian, chairman and chief executive of Baha Mar, was paying his staff out of his own pocket, despite the fact that all work had stopped when the contractor closed down the project with no resumption date in mind.
Judge approves request to tap into $80m to get resort back on track
A DELAWARE judge has approved Baha Mar’s request to begin tapping into $80m in financing to keep the resort on track for opening while it undergoes Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Teaching union president suspended again
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson has been “indefinitely” suspended pending the results of a police investigation into her alleged violations of union procedures, The Tribune can confirm.
Pair deny stealing $31,000 from festival commission
FORMER employees of the Bahamas National Festival Commission yesterday denied stealing more than $31,000 from those responsible for organising the inaugural Junkanoo Carnival event.
Dr Arthur Porter dies in Panama hospital
SCANDAL-hit cancer specialist Dr Arthur Porter died at a hospital in Panama after a more than two-year battle with lung cancer.
Minnis consulting before accepting offer of briefing
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he had not accepted Prime Minister Perry Christie’s invitation to have a briefing on Baha Mar, telling The Tribune he would first canvass his parliamentarians and senators for their views on the government’s offer.
Baha Mar ‘showed contempt to nation’
BAHA Mar executives have shown “a great degree of disrespect” and “contempt” for the this country after reportedly blindsiding the government on its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing which will without doubt spark a domino effect on the economy, former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday.
Retail’s 20-30% fall exacerbates tough economy
Retail sales declines of between 20-30 per cent for the 2015 half-year are compounding an already-weak investment climate that will now be hit by Baha Mar’s travails, a well-known businessman warned yesterday.
Kyle Simmons reaches agreement to begin pro career with Pirates
AS a dual sport athlete during his high school career, Kyle Simmons decided to give up track and field and focus primarily on baseball.
Bahamas to field 36-member team for the 17th Pan American Games
THE Bahamas will field a 36-member roster, representing five disciplines, at the 17th Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, July 10-26.
‘Fireman’ not selected to run 400 at IAAF Worlds
Chris “Fireman” Brown, the former national record holder in the 400 and one of the London Olympics “Golden Knights,” has not been selected by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) to run the individual 400 metres at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing next month.
Baha Mar confidence impacts ‘substantial’
Baha Mar’s rush into bankruptcy protection will have a “substantial” negative impact on private sector confidence, a leading businessman yesterday warning that it would also further slash the Bahamas’ economic growth.
Gov’t urged: Keep VAT ‘simple’ for real estate
A leading realtor yesterday urged the Government to eliminate potential market “confusion” by reducing the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate on conveyances to 5 per cent, thereby maintaining the existing tax split.
Bran: No Baha Mar until 2017
The $3.5 billion Baha Mar project is unlikely to open before the next general election in 2017, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader warned yesterday.
Baha Mar gets $2m severance pay nod
Baha Mar yesterday obtained Bankruptcy Court authorisation to pay almost $2 million in severance monies, with July 20 now seemingly set as the date that will determine the fate of several thousand employees.
FNM women are honoured in Bimini
THE Free National Movement Women’s Association honoured several women on Bimini on Sunday at the launch of their programme recognising the women for their commitment to the party and their community.
DNA: Government ‘out of the loop’
DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday expanded his criticism of the PLP government – labelling the group “as lost as the day is long” – after Prime Minister Perry Christie admitted that Baha Mar’s bankruptcy filing came “without notice” to the government.
Decay and disrepair at International Bazaar
THE International Bazaar – once the heart and soul of Freeport - has lost its allure and has fallen into a state of disrepair.
BAMSI fire suspect’s case may be sent back to magistrate
A JUDGE has delayed, by two days, his decision on whether the indictment against a man accused of setting fire to a dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute should be squashed.
Prosecution says there was error in Aaron Rolle custody death case
A JUDGE has reserved his decision on what remedy he may order after a Crown prosecutor yesterday conceded that there was a fundamental misdirection to a Coroner’s Court jury during an inquest of Aaron Rolle’s death in police custody.
Job search begins for workers left in uncertainty
SEVERAL of Baha Mar’s workers yesterday voiced concerns of job security in the aftermath of the resort’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the United States, which they said leaves uncertainty over their futures.
Moss: Use delay to increase airlift
MARCO City MP Greg Moss yesterday said stakeholders should use the opportunity Baha Mar’s debacle has provided to improve the country’s tourism product ahead of the resort’s planned opening.
Cash says Prime Minister ‘intoxicated with power’
FORMER FNM Chairman Darron Cash yesterday blasted Prime Minister Perry Christie for saying his future as PLP leader ultimately lies with his party, adding that Mr Christie is “too intoxicated with power” to relinquish his role as leader to anyone else.
Suicide suspected as man’s body found
POLICE are investigating the death of a 49-year-old man found hanged in his bedroom early yesterday morning.
Latest murder victim identified by police
POLICE have identified the country’s latest murder victim as 34-year-old Tarazz Markel Hanna of Wilson Track.
Union president’s ‘deep concern’ on Baha Mar
THE hotel union’s president yesterday said she was “deeply concerned” over the fate of more than 2,000 Baha Mar workers, adding that the developer’s pledge to pay salaries and benefits for the next three weeks was “little to no consolation”.
VAT Task Force results ‘speak for themselves’
The Value-Added Tax (VAT) Education Task Force’s remit came to an end on Tuesday after achieving most of its mandate, one member saying: “The results speak for themselves.”
Pioneer celebrates 25 years of caring for Bahamian hearts
DR CONVILLE Brown, a pioneer in the field of cardiology in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, yesterday celebrated his 25th anniversary as cardiologist and physician-in-chief at the Bahamas Heart Centre.
Hotel employers try ‘to frustrate union’
The hotel union’s president said yesterday that employers were coming up with creative new attacks against it, adding that there seems to be “a real push to frustrate the union”.
MAKING HISTORY: Bahamian judo champion strikes gold in El Salvador
TWENTY one-year-old Bahamian national judo champion Cynthia Rahming has won the Juan Carlos Vargas and Yanira Vigil International Cup in El Salvador, defeating black belt opponents from El Salvador and Ecuador.
Wednesday, July 1
TOUGH CALL: Why Cuba poses a tourism threat
BACK in 2006, most analysts believed little would change in the immediate aftermath of Fidel Castro’s departure as Cuba’s pre-eminent leader.
Chris Brown left out of 400m for World Championships
CHRIS “Fireman” Brown, the former national record holder at 400m and one of the London Olympics "Golden Knights”, has not been selected to run the individual 400m at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing next month by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA).
Tackling discrimination
Thought it ironic that on one of the evening News programmes the AG Allyson Maynard was promoting the proposed (only to be presented if there is no opposition) amendments to the constitution on the day that the US Supreme Court gave its tremendous judgment on “equality of the sexes” in the US throwing open that no state can ban marriage between same sex partners.
Leslie Miller, the bigot
I read Tall Pine MP Leslie Miller’s comments on marriage equality in the United States. The last person any right-thinking Bahamian should listen to on matters of equality is Miller.
Is PLP a one-man party?
The very premature comments of certain MP’s as to their aspirations for leadership is amusing to say the least because until a week ago all were supporting one person, their God, shuffling PC so what changed?
Positive things are happening
I have had occasion to interact with government employees in four different areas over the last few weeks.
Atlantis: No policy preventing hiring of Baha Mar staff
WHILE job security remains uncertain for the more than 2,000 Bahamians employed at Baha Mar, an Atlantis executive said the resort would consider hiring staff of the $3.5bn project based on its needs.
Injunction prevents layoffs of 140 BTC staff
THE Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union has filed an injunction preventing BTC from laying off 140 employees, according to union President Bernard Evans.
Baha Mar sues construction company in UK High Court
BAHA Mar Limited, the parent company behind the stalled $3.5 billion mega-resort in Cable Beach, is suing China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd, the resort’s largest creditor, one day after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States.
Minnis: Christie’s ‘good news’ not based on fact
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called Baha Mar’s recent bankruptcy filing a “national disaster”, and blasted Prime Minister Perry Christie for “willingly being the purveyor of untruths” on the status of the project.
Murder brings tally to 74 in six months
A MAN was shot and killed in the Wilson Tract area off Wulff Road yesterday morning, pushing the country’s murder count for the first half of the year to 74.
BLINDSIDED: PM admits govt caught off-guard on Baha Mar
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night said Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the United States on Monday came “without notice” to the government as he insisted that “it is completely false” to say that his administration had misled the public on the $3.5bn project’s status.
Organist to perform at Christ Church Cathedral
ORGANIST Matthew Steynor returns to Nassau tonight to give a recital entitled “Music Of The Light” in Christ Church Cathedral.
Man arrested after airport drug find
A 27-year-old Grand Bahama man was arrested this week for drug possession at the airport in Abaco, police reported.
Police hunt for gunmen after drive-by shooting
POLICE are searching for gunmen who were inside a champagne-coloured Honda Accord reportedly used during a shooting on Monday night that has left a man hospitalised in serious condition.
MP says situation shows need for performance bonds
THE Baha Mar debacle proves the Bahamian government must establish performance bonds with the foreign developers and contractors it does business with in order to protect the interests of Bahamians, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said yesterday.
Miller: Look at the big picture on Baha Mar
BAHAMAS Electricity Corporation Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said people must “look at the big picture” with Baha Mar, concentrating on getting the resort open rather than on the developer’s failure to pay its hefty electricity fees.
DNA: PM's confidence proved to be ignorance
DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday blasted the Christie administration for what he termed “a failure by the country’s chief executive officer” to make known the financial troubles facing the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar resort.
Young people set off on expedition adventure
POTTER’S Cay Dock was littered with sleeping bags, boxed goods and backpacks. Nervous parents hugged jittery teens while dispensing last-minute instructions. A couple of youth searched frantically only to discover they had left behind a much-needed item, others posed for selfie after selfie with old friends and new acquaintances.
Wrangle over extradition case delays
A MAN fighting an approved extradition request had an uphill task convincing Court of Appeal judges yesterday to further delay the hearing to facilitate the recovery of transcripts from the committal proceedings to assist his appeal.
Sports notes
NATIONAL CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
More than a basketball camp
HUNDREDS of young basketball enthusiasts descended on the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium for one of the country’s most popular summer basketball camps.
Top juniors take centre court
THE BLTA Junior National Championships got underway yesterday at the National Tennis Centre. The tournament, a showcase for some of the top budding tennis prospects in the country, allows them to compete against each other.
Cat Island committee gets $35,000 gov grant for 59th annual regatta
ALTHOUGH it’s considered just a “drop in the bucket,” the Cat Island Regatta committee received a grant of $35,000 from the Bahamas Government for their 59th annual regatta to be held at the regatta site in the “cultural capital of the Bahamas” in New Bight, Cat Island, over the Emancipation holiday weekend.
Sands, Stuart headline 1st Blue Marlin Track Classic
NATIONAL triple and long jump record holders respectively, Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands and Bianca ‘BB’ Stuart are expected to headline a star-studded list of local and international athletes when the first Blue Marlin Track Classic is held at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday.
IAAF Worlds - It’s decision time for Shaunae Miller & Co.
Quarter-miler Shaunae Miller and her management team will have a major decision to make in the weeks leading up to the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China in August - whether she will compete in the 200 or the 400 metres.
Building links between generations
HUNDREDS of people, including youths and community leaders, turned out on Saturday in support of an Urban Renewal event at the Carmichael Road Police Station.
Radio Kidz
MORE than 30 students from public and private schools across New Providence are taking part in the first ‘Kidz Radio Club’ this summer, a programme designed to train and mentor junior educational broadcasters.
Men are charged with housebreaking
FOUR men were charged in the Freeport Magistrates Court yesterday with a number of housebreaking and stealing incidents on Grand Bahama.
Gray supports Christie - or any of his potential successors
DESPITE his “undoubted loyalty” to Prime Minister Perry Christie, MICAL MP V Alfred Gray said he can see himself supporting “any one” of his Cabinet colleagues mentioned in recent weeks as potential successors to Mr Christie.
Man admits cutting throat of Spanish teacher
A MAN yesterday admitted responsibility for the second time in a decade for the throat-slashing murder of a Spanish teacher.
Laundry provider closes without $1M Baha Mar payment
Baha Mar has warned its laundry services provider is likely to be forced out of business if the resort developer is unable to quickly pay a $1 million debt, an event that would be “catastrophic” for its Melia Nassau Beach property.
Bahamian contractors: We’ll finish Baha Mar
Bahamian contractors were yesterday urged to band together and complete the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project themselves, a leading sector player slamming as “a fallacy” the Government’s stated position of not taking sides in the dispute.
Baha Mar creditor list masks Bahamian loss
Baha Mar’s creditors list fails to show the full extent of the damage to Bahamian businesses and economy, as several companies expressed fears about “getting anything” of what they are owed following the Chapter 11 filing.
Baha Mar demands $192m in damages
Baha Mar yesterday made good on threats of legal action against its Chinese contractor partner, swiftly launching a $192 million damages claim in the UK High Court against its ultimate parent.
Baha Mar’s $11.5m tax write-off . . . if it opens
Baha Mar will enjoy at least $11.5 million in tax write-offs if it is ever able to complete its development, Tribune Business can reveal, with its current debt to the Government pegged at $20 million.
Union hopes injunction will block BTC lay-offs
The union representing Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) line staff yesterday said it was seeking a Supreme Court injunction to block the lay-off of 140 staff, as its leader expressed surprise over the Government’s failure to intervene.
Union ‘ready and willing’ to work with Sandals management
NEWLY elected president of the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) Donnell Ferguson said yesterday that the union was “ready and willing” to work with management at Sandals towards completing and industrial agreement “within a reasonable timeframe”.
Bids for Customs electronic single window to go out in October
Bids for the development of an electronic single window (ESW) for the Customs Department are expected to go out sometime in October of this year according to Comptroller Charles Turner.
Man challenging murder verdict given counsel
A MAN contesting his conviction and sentence for murder was appointed counsel yesterday in the Court of Appeal.
Swift ‘very unhappy’ with DQ in boys 13-14 400m medley relay
WHILE the results didn’t have any effect on their overall team victory, members of the Swift Swimming Club are quite disappointed that they were denied the opportunity to hold onto their victory in the boys 13-14 400m medley relay, which would have been a new Bahamian national record.
‘Under dogs’ rule in Bahamas Flag Football League Playoffs
AS week one in the Bahamas Flag Football League Playoffs kicked off this weekend, it is being dubbed the weekend of the “under dogs.”