Monday, November 30
Bran hits back at claims that DNA is losing support
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday refuted “unbalanced social media reports” which he said insinuated that the party was losing supporters and members.
Govt ‘still considering’ relocating some homes damaged in hurricane
NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Stephen Russell said the government is still considering relocating some of the homes destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin last month.
Health Insurance industry ‘discussing NHI contingency plans’
TENSIONS between the government and insurance stakeholders are likely to grow after PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts likened the industry to a cartel last week, with one industry insider telling The Tribune yesterday that stakeholders are discussing contingency plans in case the Christie administration fails to incorporate some of its proposals into its National Health Insurance scheme.
Gomez calls for law on campaign finance
THE government has made no progress towards enacting campaign finance laws three years after Prime Minister Perry Christie said he was committed to addressing the problem, with State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez revealing to The Tribune yesterday that a draft of the legislation has been languishing since 2007.
Does government plan to go into health insurance business?
ACCORDING to PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts the Bahamas’ private insurance companies want to form their own “monopolistic cartel with unfettered powers to raise premiums to ensure profits.” Mr Roberts claims that the private companies want no government involvement in universal health insurance, the implementation of which is only a month away.
Lawyers challenge credibility of witness in Kurt McCartney trial
A WITNESS’ credibility and recollection of how businessman Kurt McCartney met his death was significantly challenged in Supreme Court on Friday by lawyers for those accused of the killing.
Plans to install four Doppler radar systems for weather tracking
PLANS to strengthen the country’s weather tracking services with the addition of four Doppler radar systems “are in the works,” according to the Director of the Department of Meteorology Trevor Basden.
E-pass system ‘introduced to improve hospital security’
DIRECTOR of the Princess Margaret Hospital Mary Walker in a move to quell concerns over the hospital’s new electronic-pass system said on Friday that the initiative was introduced to improve the facility’s security services.
Lady Operators rout Lady Cheetahs 64-34 in the NPBA season opener
WHILE the Johnson’s Lady Truckers picked up where they left off last year, the Bommer G Lady Operators are hoping that this will be the return for them to their elite status in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association.
Insurer: ‘No concern’ on first $326k VAT expense
Family Guardian’s president says he has seen “nothing to warrant any concern” from Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) imposition on insurance, despite the levy adding $326,000 to third quarter expenses.
Jones posts double double
SENIOR Jonquel Jones posted her fifth straight double double and sophomore Kelli Prange scored a season high 19 points, but the No. 24/23 George Washington women’s basketball team dropped the Lone Star Showcase finale to Wright State 77-71 at Cedar Park Center on Saturday.
FNM fearing ‘inherent risks’ in new BEC model
The Opposition says it is withholding support for the Government’s proposed energy sector reforms due to “inherent risks” in the model for the ‘new BEC’.
‘Distressing’ NHI threat to 60% of FamGuard revenue
Family Guardian’s president fears the “worrisome and distressing” National Health Insurance (NHI) uncertainty will threaten a business that accounts for 60 per cent of his top-line.
Businesses warned: Brace for VAT audits
Bahamian businesses must brace for the launch of formal Value-Added Tax (VAT) audits in 2016, with the Government building up an extensive database of their return activity.
Insurers demand NHI consultant’s dismissal
Bahamian insurers have added their voice to demands that the Government “immediately terminate” Sanigest Internacional as its key National Health Insurance (NHI) adviser, arguing the company “no longer commands the respect or confidence” of the healthcare industry.
No. 3 Notre Dame beat UCLA 92-84 in OT
FREEPORT, Bahamas (AP) — Madison Cable saves her best games for UCLA.
Sports Notes
THE Baptist Sports Council is scheduled to continue its 2015 Softball Classic in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex this week.
Carey first ever female president of BAAA
Move over Mike Sands. Rosamunde Carey is now the new president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.
Club members denied access to BFA AGM
THE dispute between the administration of the Bahamas Football Association and several of its member clubs continues as several individuals affiliated with those clubs were denied access to the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Teams all set for Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
ONE half of our participants in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl have been announced, and the first team to accept the bid to participate in the second year of the event has distinct Bahamian roots at the administrative level.
INSIGHT: Obama fails to see the clear and present danger
Britain is taking a lead in the fight against terrorism while America’s president refuses to denounce the radical Islamic threat, says Peter Young.
Minnis won’t take a ministerial portfolio if elected Prime Minister
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said if he were elected as prime minister he would not assume a ministerial portfolio but instead be the “CEO of Cabinet to ensure that everything gets done.”
Joaquin insurance loss stands at $14m
The Bahamian insurance industry is currently pegging gross losses caused by Hurricane Joaquin at $14 million, a sum equivalent to just 23 per cent of the initial $60 million damages estimate.
Sunday, November 29
Witness questioned over account of Kurt McCartney killing
A WITNESS' credibility and recollection of how businessman Kurt McCartney met his death was significantly challenged in Supreme Court on Friday by lawyers for those accused of the killing.
Friday, November 27
Syracuse beat Texas for Battle 4 Atlantis title
They were prohibited from NCAA postseason play last season, but Syracuse made the most of their first tournament in over a year, highlighted by two wins over ranked teams.
Spreading the gospel through ‘Riddles, Poems and Stories’
To be a Christian and not read the Holy Bible is counterproductive to one’s spiritual growth.
Calvary Deliverance Church to celebrate pastoral appreciation
CALVARY Deliverance Church will celebrate its third Pastoral Appreciation Services next week under the Theme “Celebrating the Labourers That Dwell among Us” taken from 1st Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Call for a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in January
THE Bahamas Global Impact Prayer and Fasting Network and affiliate organisations have launched a campaign to have the January 10 public holiday observed as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Stuart Manor Primary worships at Ebenezer
STUART Manor Primary School Principal Margaret Woodside, along with Marlene Hall, Olive McPhee, Shantel McKenzie, parents and students, recently visited Ebenezer Union Baptist in Exuma to worship God and thank Him for His guidance, protection and wisdom.
Daughters of Abraham conference grows bigger and better
CELEBRATING their annual conference for the 13th time, the Daughters of Abraham ministry at Mt Pleasant Green Baptist Church is recognising this year’s observance as their best yet.
ACM evening of dining, dancing to raise funds
THE Anglican Church Men Council, Diocese of The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands, will host its first “Evening of Fine Dining and Dancing” tomorrow night at The Holy Trinity Activity Centre.
God says it’s time to let go
THERE are certain folks that must be removed from your life if it is your desire to make progress.
Bahamians should give thanks - for the right reasons
SOMEONE asked “If you are doing something, shouldn’t you know what you are doing?”
MEDITATION: When we see the Lord
ONE day we will see the Lord, and what a day that will be.
Man in hospital after shooting
A MAN is in hospital nursing gunshot wounds after being fired at by two men in a burgundy Honda Accord on Thursday evening.
Student 'stabbed at COB function'
POLICE are investigating a stabbing incident at the College of the Bahamas (COB) on Thursday night.
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to hold conference in the Bahamas
THE Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) will hold its ninth annual Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management in New Providence on Monday.
Mother searches for son, 16, missing for a month
AN ANXIOUS mother has spent nearly a month looking for her 16-year-old son, who has gone missing in New Providence.
Attorneys disagree on impact of Supreme Court immigration ruling
PROMINENT attorneys yesterday disputed the impact of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Isaacs’ recent immigration ruling that some say may have important implications for how the government executes immigration policies in the Bahamas.
Almost all power is restored to Long Island after Hurricane Joaquin
NEARLY 100 per cent of customers on Long Island affected by Hurricane Joaquin have had their power restored by the Bahamas Elecricity Corporation (BEC).
Acclaimed film ‘Carol’ to open the 12th Bahamas International Film Festival
DAYS before the opening credits start to roll on the 12th annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), organisers of the prestigious event have announced that the opening film will be ‘Carol’ and the closing feature will be ‘Janis: Little Girl Blue’’.
A COMIC'S VIEW: A stellar waste of time and energy
This past week, a new Bahamian political party emerged on the scene and an old controversy in politics made its way into the spotlight.
Man accused of ‘forging degree’ must seek recourse from Court of Appeal
A MAN accused of misrepresenting his educational achievements for his bid to be called to the Bahamas Bar will have to seek recourse from the Court of Appeal for the stay he seeks against criminal proceedings.
Man questioned by police in connection with beating death
POLICE are questioning a 37-year-old man in connection with the death of a man who died in hospital Wednesday, hours after he was beaten with a pipe.
George Smith claims PLP will not nominate Anthony Moss for Euxma at next election
FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith insisted that the Progressive Liberal Party would not nominate Exuma MP Anthony Moss in that constituency for the next general election, saying the parliamentarian is not viewed as being good enough for the job.
Branville McCartney breaks down in court as witness testifies
A WITNESS’ recollection of how businessman Kurt McCartney met his death led to an emotional breakdown by the victim’s brother in the Supreme Court yesterday.
Minnis slams the govt’s NHI agency
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised recent comments by a representative of the government’s main National Health Insurance adviser directed at the Bahamas’ healthcare industry, charging that her “dictatorial” statements were grounds for the agency’s “immediate dismissal”.
Almost 4,000 migrants repatriated this year
THE Bahamas has repatriated close to 4,000 migrants, most of them from Haiti, so far this year, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell revealed yesterday.
Commonwealth elects first woman Secretary General
BARONESS Patricia Scotland, from the United Kingdom, was elected Secretary General of the Commonwealth by leaders of the 53-nation bloc on Friday in Malta. She becomes the first woman to hold the post.
Bahamian slams a ‘frustrating silence’
A Cabinet Minister yesterday denied that foreign investors were given preferential treatment over Bahamians, as a local developer hit out at the “frustrating silence” over permit applications for a project that could create 60 tourism-related jobs.
Gov’t ‘letting its people down’ over CLICO resolution
The Government has been accused of “letting down its people” by failing to follow through on repeated pledges to resolve the CLICO (Bahamas) collapse, which now threatens to leave hundreds of Bahamians without medical insurance cover.
Transparency boost: End to BEC ‘public service mentality’
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman yesterday expressed hope that the elimination of “the public service mentality” will ensure the ‘new BEC’ hits its legal financial reporting targets.
‘A stake through the heart’ of commerce
The Government was yesterday warned that it will “drive a stake through the heart” of the business community if it forges ahead with plans to eliminate the Employment Act’s ‘cap’ on redundancy pay.
Joaquin claims give rise to VAT dispute
The Government is at odds with the insurance industry over the recovery of Value-Added Tax (VAT) paid on Hurricane Joaquin claims, Tribune Business can reveal, with some believing the Christie administration has changed a previously-agreed position.
Amateur boxers prepare for Olympic qualifiers next year
COACH Andre Seymour and his crew of amateur boxers are back together again as they prepare for the Olympic Games qualifying tournaments next year.
Iesha ousted in quarters at Goombay Splash Bowl
Iesha Shepherd, the last Bahamian playing in the main draw of the International Tennis Federation’s Goombay Splash Bowl, got ousted in the quarter-final of the girls’ singles after putting up a gallant effort against top ranked Jacqueline Pelletier of the US.
MAJOR UPSET IN BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
FOR the second consecutive year, a Bahamian player will appear in the Battle 4 Atlantis final.
Sports Notes
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association kicked off its 2015 season at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Saturday. In the opening game at 7pm, the Bommer G Operators face the Career Builders Lady Cheetahs. Following a “soft opening,” last year’s runners-up Super Value Cybots Queens take on defending champions Johnson’s Lady Truckers in the feature contest.
THE FINISH LINE: Kudos to ministry for hosting our first major sports awards banquet
In everything we ought to give thanks and what a more appropriate time than now as we are smacked into the Thanksgiving season.
Texas Longhorns earn 82-70 win over Washington
SAME teams, different location, and much improved result for the Texas Longhorns in their second matchup of the season against the Washington Huskies.
Undefeated Spartans gets 99-68 victory over Eagles
LOURAWLS “Tum Tum” Nairn had a lot to be thankful for - another win as the starting point guard for one of the top teams in all of college basketball and a career night.
1st annual ‘Ray Minus Youth Boxing Championship’ this Saturday
ONE of the leading boxers in the Bahamas in recent years at the amateur and professional level, Meacher “Major Pain” Major continues to make the transition to the coaching and promotional ranks.
Government leaders meet with FIFA officials ahead of the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup
TWO of the top officials in the world of football met with Acting Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture Dr Daniel Johnson and Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson today, and scored their first goal – assurance that government would provide “the highest level of cooperation” as the country prepares to host the FIFA 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas.
Gomez stands by pledge to tackle govt corruption
STATE Legal Affairs Minister Damian Gomez yesterday said he has not deserted his previous declaration to tackle corruption at the government level, but suggested that the Public Accounts Committee has not been as effective as it should be in unearthing wrongdoing where it exists.
Converting potential into great production
Every workplace has superstars: Employees who far exceed the potential and performance of other staff members. Some researchers indicate that 7-9 per cent of your employees have the natural inclination and aptitude to deliver great value that far exceeds that of the average employee.
PHA adviser confident $25m issue fully taken
The Public Hospitals Authority’s (PHA) financial adviser yesterday expressed confidence that there would be “no problem” in getting its $25 million bond issue, which is set to launch on Monday, fully subscribed.
Resorts eye strong Thanksgiving boost
Major Nassau/Paradise island resorts are reporting strong occupancies for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with one property noting that business appeared to be “on the up” for the winter season.
Thursday, November 26
Rising up, onward bound
ONWARD BOUND
Vile video must not be defended
Today’s Guardian featured story, “Moss Stands by Party Chairman - Vulgar video makes social media rounds after UDP announcement”, happened to be published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Minnis’ major blunders
Since his election as FNM Leader last year, Dr Hubert Minnis, over the course of 2015, has further destroyed his credibility and harmed the good name, identity and credibility of the FNM. After over three years as Leader he has demonstrated little capacity to improve and seems averse to taking good advice.
Is The Bahamas ready for a woman prime minister?
FROM reports we are receiving from all sides, including once staunch PLPs, the general feeling is that this country has no chance of success under a PLP government.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Moss is swimming against the electoral tide - and will sink
THE upcoming election cycle is setting up to be a sulfurously partisan and venomous affair, a true soap opera featuring politically shrewd operators and mountains of special interest dollars.
Prime Minister ‘talking about plans before understanding the details’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has a habit of communicating ideas and plans before performing assessments and understanding important details, Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said yesterday.
Police officer accused of sex attack on 15-year-old
A POLICE officer was granted $5,000 bail yesterday after being charged in Magistrate’s Court with sexually assaulting an underage girl.
Miller and Aggies get 84-73 win over Cleare and Longhorns, into Battle 4 Atlantis semis
SHAQUILLE Cleare had the better individual performance, but it was Tavario Miller and the No.25 ranked Texas A&M Aggies who came away with the win to advance to the Battle 4 Atlantis semi-final.
PM: Resort has suffered ‘temporary setbacks’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has said while there are “temporary setbacks” concerning the $3.5bn Baha Mar resort, this country still has several other factors that will augur well for continued improvement in all economic indicators and sustained growth over the medium-term.
McCartney ‘shot in face and run over by hummer’
A JURY heard testimony yesterday from a person who said they saw businessman Kurt McCartney being shot in the face and then rolled over by a Hummer in Gambier Village following an argument that turned physical.
Father-of-two is beaten to death with a pipe
A 32-year-old father of two died in hospital yesterday hours after he was beaten in the head with a pipe during an argument early yesterday morning, relatives told The Tribune.
Baha Mar ruling delayed to 2016
NEW developments concerning the stalled Baha Mar resort prompted stakeholders yesterday to ask a Supreme Court judge for an adjournment of a winding-up petition until February 2016.
PM ‘clutching at straws’ over Baha Mar fate
A former Baha Mar director yesterday suggested the Government was “a little shocked” that its help in defeating developer Sarkis Izmirlian had yet to be rewarded by the China Export-Import Bank.
RICARDO'S NFL PICKS
Bye bye Carolina’s perfect record - I’m going with the Cowboys
BYE WEEKS are done, it’s turkey day, football is on and, most of all, the NFL playoffs picture is starting to become clearer.
NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS
Eagles, Panthers and Bears will be the turkeys today
HAPPY Thanksgiving everybody. Despite going 7-7 last week, my Cowboys shed that gargantuan monkey off their backs with a long overdue win in Miami, and started their march to the NFC East division title and the playoffs.
SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL Picks Week 12
RENALDO: There are two ways things can play out for the Lions here: You move forward with the interim general manager and he Dan Campbell’s the system and wins two games based solely off energy; or you realise you just hired a guy that knows nothing about football and is simply a friend of the Ford family.
Lisa Johnson on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Lisa Johnson on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Academy students visit The Tribune
THE students of Akhepran International Academy visited The Tribune yesterday and learned about the printing press and the work of journalists in the office.
Undersea theme an appropriate choice for BREEF encounter
THE Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) will hold a fundraising party on Saturday at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas with a theme suitably reflective of their endeavours: “Under the Sea”.
Minnis salutes women pioneers
ON November 25, 1962, Bahamian women gained the right to vote in our national general elections.
Activist slams disregard by Moss of cyber bullying claim
ACTIVIST Terneille Burrows yesterday said United Democratic Party Leader Greg Moss’ dismissal of claims of cyber bullying by his party’s chairman is a very disturbing consistent trend from this country’s elected officials, which shows a blatant disregard for violence against women.
Web shop chain holds seminar on addiction
THE operators of the Chances Games web shop chain on Wednesday hosted the company’s second responsible gaming seminar to equip its New Providence staff with the resources to adequately assist customers exhibiting compulsive gambling habits.
Resort ‘open for business’ after $25m investment
The former Nassau Palm Resort is now “open for business” following a $25 million investment in renovations, which has led to the creation of 100 jobs.
‘Scorched taxpayer’ fears over Baha Mar
The former Nassau Palm Resort is now “open for business” following a $25 million investment in renovations, which has led to the creation of 100 jobs.
BEC’s $600m refinance ‘not fair’ to consumers
The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday slammed the structure of BEC’s $600 million refinancing arrangements as “not fair” to the Bahamian people, due to the imposition of extra charges and a seeming lack of regulatory oversight.
Joaquin ‘threatening to undermine’ airlift gain
A well-known airline executive yesterday suggested a $625,000 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) project would “be better spent” on other sector priorities, as he contradicted assertions that Hurricane Joaquin-related damage “seriously threatens to undermine” recent aviation gains.
Woman accused of murder
A 29-year-old Haitian woman was charged with murder in the Freeport Magistrates Court yesterday.
Elderly woman dies in Cat Island blaze
THE body of an elderly woman was found burnt beyond recognition in her home in Cat Island early yesterday morning.
Wiltjer leads Bulldogs to 80-64 win over Huskies in opener
THE opening session of the fifth annual Battle 4 Atlantis saw the favourites easily advance to the winner’s circle in a pair of dominating performances in the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena.
Atlantis eyes ‘strong’ Thanksgiving increase
Atlantis’s top executive said yesterday that the resort’s Thanksgiving occupancies were up by a “strong mid to high single digit” percentage increase compared to 2014, aided by its fifth US college basketball tournament.
Baha Mar interest like ‘beauty parade’
A Bahamian QC yesterday likened buyer interest in the $3.5 billion Baha Mar property to “a beauty parade”, while its former developer was left distinctly unimpressed by the latest winding-up petition adjournment.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Avoid ‘kitchen sink’ creativity
Can a designer feel free to expand their focus, while narrowing or downplaying creativity? In other words, the approach of throwing everything into the air and seeing what sticks might be a great idea - but only if you are talking about scrambled eggs, tossed salad or pizzas. Whenever you think of letting your ideas fly, they should - and must - return with a wide panorama that either relates or offers control without distraction.
Wednesday, November 25
TOUGH CALL: Social media loses perspective after Paris terror attacks
AS the patriotic strains of the Marseillaise drifted over Paris following the recent terror attacks, social media around the world erupted with gushers of hate, anger, sorrow and solidarity.
How many local workers?
The Pointe... Can the Prime Minister please advise us how many Chinese construction workers have been permitted to work on The Pointe?
Our money is draining away
From my unenlightened perspective at least, the financial outlook for our country is truly grim.
Blackbeard’s Cay: Take action now
The following is an open letter to Prime Minister Christie regarding the continued operation of the facility known as Blackbeard’s Cay in defiance of a Supreme Court order.
Time is now for Bahamians to decide their future
IN THE House of Assembly on Monday former PLP Marco City MP Greg Moss announced that on Sunday, November 22, he had formed a new political party. He declared his intention of contesting every electoral constituency with his “Bahamian patriots.”
Galanis: There is no room for third parties
FORMER PLP Senator and MP Philip Galanis yesterday predicted that the newly formed United Democratic Party would not gain sufficient traction to be elected to Parliament, as he insisted that there is no room for third parties in the country.
Moss wants party to contest every seat in 2017
UNITED Democratic Party Leader Greg Moss has insisted that his newly formed party is set to break the political status quo in the country, changing the climate from “theatrics” to presenting concrete proposals with a view to enhancing the lives of Bahamians.
BEC layoffs ‘likely’ - but not hundreds
PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard yesterday said that layoffs at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation are “likely” and “to be expected” when the new management company takes over, however he said it will not be in the “hundreds” as is now being speculated.
One year on and 'not one thing has changed' at BAMSI
NEARLY one year after the Free National Movement first toured the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute in North Andros, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, who returned to the site with a delegation yesterday, said “not one thing has changed”.
Lawyers review ruling on immigration
LAWYERS from the Office of the Attorney General are reviewing a recent Supreme Court immigration ruling that appears to call into question the government’s long established immigration practices, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed.
School in tears for slain teacher
SCORES of mourners joined the staff and students of Queen’s College to remember the life and work of slain teacher Joyelle McIntosh, a woman whose “word was her bond and excellence was her habitat.”
Baha Mar winding up petition stayed until February
SUPREME Court Justice Ian Winder has acceded to the Crown's request to adjourn the government's winding-up petition of Baha Mar until February 1, 2016.
Conference aims to help develop tomorrow’s leaders
LOCAL environmental advocacy group Save the Bays is committed to creating strong environmental leaders and ambassadors on Grand Bahama, hosting a three-day leadership development conference for young people at the Pelican Bay Resort last Friday.
Three accused in murder cases are in Sandilands
THREE men with pending murder cases awaiting transfer to the Supreme Court were not present in court yesterday because they are in the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre being monitored.
Murder trial still delayed over jury selection issues
A JURY pool was exhausted yesterday in an attempt to select 12 persons and three alternates to hear evidence in a murder trial concerning the fatal shooting of businessman Kurt McCartney.
BEC manager must be ‘paid for performance’
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman yesterday said it was essential that the manager for the ‘new BEC’ be compensated via a ‘pay for performance’ management fee structure.
Court overturns ‘baffling’ Mailboat Company verdict
A majority Court of Appeal verdict, in overturning a “somewhat disconcerting and baffling” earlier ruling, found that The Mailboat Company breached its ‘duty of care’ for passenger safety on an April 2009 voyage.
Cable: 3-5 years to ‘turn corner’ on Florida move
Cable Bahamas is targeting the “three-five year mark” for returns on its $100 million Florida investment, which has increased its contribution to total revenues by seven percentage points year-over-year.
Renewable energy fury at suspension - Providers: Gov’t ‘put cart before the horse again’
Renewable energy firms yesterday slammed the Government’s decision to suspend the self-generation programme, arguing that it had left the industry “in limbo” and again “put the cart before the horse”.
Renewable energy fury at suspension: Gov’t ‘not turning our back’ on sector
The Government yesterday pledged it was “not turning our back” on renewable energy, with senior officials describing the suspension of its much touted self-generation initiative as “in the best interests of all”.
Seminars to tackle issue of violence against women
IN recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Pan American Development Foundation will host a series of youth dialogues and seminars to familiarise community leaders and youth with strategies to prevent gender-based and teen dating violence.
Bahamians advance in ITF Goombay Splash Bowl
While No.7 seed Iesha Shepherd returned to familiar territory, wild card John Kelly made a breakthrough and Joshua Turnquest had to dig down deep to regain some revenge as the trio were the only Bahamians to advance out of the first round of singles at the International Tennis Federation’s Goombay Splash Bowl at the National Tennis Centre on Monday.
Battle 4 Atlantis: Cleare and Miller to face off on home soil
FOR Shaquille Cleare and Tavario Miller, the 2015 Battle 4 Atlantis presents a rare opportunity for the Bahamian players to face off against each other on home soil and suited up for their respective programmes.
Carron family welcomes new arrival
ELIZABETH and Robert Carron are celebrating the birth of their first child after Aidan Roger Dupuch Carron was born in Doctors Hospital yesterday morning.
Gibson says NTA brings opportunity
LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson said the National Training Agency in Freeport is opening new doors of employment opportunities for the participants in the government’s job training programme in Grand Bahama.
Sports Notes
THE most valuable player (MVP) in City Bowling League competition last night was Kevin B Williams of Genuine Knights who toppled the pins for a 247 high game and a 603 high three game set.
Battle 4 Atlantis tips off today
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — No one had to explain to Texas coach Shaka Smart about what to expect in this week’s Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.
Jeffery Gibson CASJA 2015 Male Rising Star of the Year
ADD the Caribbean Sports Journalists Association (CASJA) 2015 Male Rising Star of the Year to the résumé of hurdler Jeffery Gibson.
Union: Work week targets its members
The union representing more than 100 line staff at Morton Salt yesterday accused the company of ‘punishing’ bargaining unit employees in an effort to force the signing of a new industrial agreement.
Unions: ‘No need to panic’ on BEC jobs
Union leaders yesterday said there was “no need to panic” over potential redundancies at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and its successor, adding that they were making no predictions on how many jobs might be shed.
Tuesday, November 24
Why establishing a dental home is so important
IT IS so important to practice good mouth-cleaning.
LIVING A FULFILLING LIFE: Tips for a healthier Thanksgiving
AS A Bahamian, I didn’t really grow up with Thanksgiving celebrations but now that my circle of adopted family and friends has grown, this American celebration is now a regular yearly occurrence.
Finding our voice for the national discourse
Our silence to abuse and inequality is amazing, yet we choose to speak up when we see that someone is being ‘abused’ if that somebody is related to us.
MICHELLE MILLER: Women and a powerful voice for social change
AS WOMEN celebrate National Women’s Week – under the theme “Women and the Environment: Creating Partnerships for Sustainable Development” - it is important to note that the focal point of any sustainable development begins with a positive social change.
BUN IN THE OVEN: A time to be truly thankful for so much
THIS WEEK is Thanksgiving and although I’m not an American, I do celebrate Thanksgiving as if I were.
How pollutants affect women’s health
From the air we breathe to the food we eat to the water we drink to the personal care products that we use daily, women are affected by the enviroment.
Gymnasts flip and vault for cancer awareness
AFTER discovering that one of its members had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the Bahamas Gymnastics Parents Booster Club (BGPBC) made it its duty to keep cancer awareness at the top of their charitable efforts throughout the year.
'Let It Snow in the Islands'
BAHAMIAN designer Cardell McClam unveiled his new Fall/Winter 016 collection during the “Let It Snow In the Islands” fashion show.
POLITICOLE: A pilgrim’s tale
ONE of my closest and oldest childhood friends recently reminded me of one of my idiosyncrasies as a teenager. She said, “whenever you left your seat in class, you didn’t want anyone else to sit in it while you were not there. You would leave and come back and say ‘why is my seat hot?’”
Political pressure from Bell
I am flabbergasted that no less a person than Keith Bell should have opened his mouth to berate the Commissioner of Police, Elliston Greenslade.
THE LAYERS OF CRIME
Everybody is talking about crime on the surface, but not many people are examining the many multi-faceted layers surrounding this phenomenon which impact whether society’s efforts to combat it will have any significant effect.
Bahamians express concern over health insurance scheme
A NATIONAL Health Insurance town hall meeting at the College of the Bahamas last night exposed deep concern and ambivalence among Bahamians about the government’s proposed NHI scheme.
PM leaves for European visit
PRIME Minister Perry Christie left the country yesterday for several European countries over a 10-day period where he is expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and engage in talks with a multinational conglomerate over this country’s business license and real property tax laws.
Deputy PM reveals the $450m cost of fixing BEC
WORKS Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday said the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s “disparate” system design requires a major capital investment of at least $450m over the next five years to resolve the many issues it faces.
UPDATED: Grand Bahama Police find man shot dead in car
A MAN was found shot dead in a vehicle parked at an abandoned building complex in Freeport on Monday, pushing the island’s murder count to 17 for the year in Grand Bahama.
Teen accused of killing teacher
A 17-year-old boy previously enrolled in alternative education programme for disruptive and challenged students appeared before a magistrate yesterday accused of having a role in three recent murders including that of an elementary school teacher and an autistic man.
Former policeman guilty of marijuana possession
AN ex-policeman was spared an immediate prison sentence yesterday after he pleaded guilty to possession of nearly $7,000 worth of marijuana.
Activist calls for Bahamians to wake up over ‘national crisis’
WITH the country’s murder count at a new national record, Grand Bahama activist Paul Joseph said the nation is in “a state of national crisis”.
Rahming remains as Baha Mar liquidator
Bahamian accountant Ed Rahming yesterday said he remained one of Baha Mar’s three provisional liquidators amid expectations that their appointment will be ended tomorrow by the Supreme Court.
Gov’t, private sector eye Innovation Council
The private sector is in talks with the Government to create an Innovation and Productivity Council, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with an announcement likely to be forthcoming soon.
Over $1bn needed for BEC reforms
More than $1 billion will likely be required to meet the financing needs of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and its ‘successor’, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed yesterday.
Gov’t told: Fire NHI consultants
The Government was yesterday urged to fire Sanigest Internacional as its main National Health Insurance (NHI) adviser, due to the “contempt” one of its key advisers had shown towards the Bahamian healthcare industry.
Bahamas Waste: ‘Severe’ Baha Mar impact fears
Despite beating internal profit forecasts for the first nine months by 79 per cent, Bahamas Waste yesterday warned that its 2015 year-end results could be “severely impacted” if there is no Baha Mar resolution by then.
Butler-Turner heads to gender equality conference
SHADOW Minister of Labour and Social Development Loretta Butler-Turner left for Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday to attend the Conference on Statelessness and Gender Equality jointly hosted by the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliament of South Africa.
Education minister denies blocking donation to Butler-Turner relief effort
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald denied yesterday that he “blocked” Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner from receiving hurricane relief supplies for her constituency that were donated by officials of Claridge Primary School.
BTC to launch TV service next month in Bimini
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company plans to offer superior television services for less the price than what is offered by Cable Bahamas, BTC CEO Leon Williams said yesterday.
Three denied bail over drugs haul
THREE men were remanded to prison without bail yesterday after being charged in connection with a near $200,000 marijuana seizure.
Greg Moss MP announces new party formed - and he has been elected leader
MARCO City MP Greg Moss announced last night in the House of Assembly that he recently formed the United Democratic Party in Grand Bahama and has been elected leader of the organisation.
Mother’s plea over missing 14-year-old
THE mother of a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Friday said she now “fears the worst” but is still hoping for the safe return of her “quiet, mannerly baby.”
Artists unite to help after hurricane
BAHAMIAN musicians yesterday announced plans to hold a “massive concert” next month to raise funds to assist in recovery efforts on Family Islands severely affected by Hurricane Joaquin.
FNM Women’s Association gathers for one-day seminar
THE Free National Movement’s Women’s Association held a one-day seminar on Saturday under the theme, “The Woman and the Environment”.
Sports notes
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its divisional playoffs in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds over the weekend.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: My Miami vice - reflections from a road trip
MOST of you thought I was joking when I said I was going to Miami to ensure my Cowboys beat the Dolphins.
Vixens dispose of Lady Truckers in four sets
THE New Providence Volleyball Association continued its regular season with two match-ups between the top teams at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Sunday.
Jonquel Jones named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week
GEORGE Washington women’s basketball senior forward Jonquel Jones, of Grand Bahama, has been named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week for the week ending November 22, the league announced yesterday.
Star Sailors all set for Mayaguana Mini Regatta ahead of the grand finale
THE International Star Sailors are coming to town for the third annual Star Sailors League grand finale on Tuesday, December 1. But before they start competing, the sailors will be placed on various sloop sailing boats as they compete in the Mayaguana Mini Regatta on Saturday and Sunday.
Players to watch in Battle 4 Atlantis
THROW out the first 2-3 games of the season, the Battle 4 Atlantis is where the real competition begins for the eight teams featured at the Imperial Arena.
All eyes on calendar girl Shaunae Miller
Quarter-miler Shaunae Miller, named the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Athlete of the Year over the weekend, has branched out to interact with the general public a little more. Her images are placed in her first calendar produced by Ontrack Management Inc for the year 2016.
Murder trial delayed by lack of jurors
THE expected start of a murder trial into the fatal shooting of businessman Kurt McCartney in Gambier Village did not happen yesterday due to insufficient jurors for the empanelling process.
Monday, November 23
US issues travel warning following terror attacks
THE US State Department is alerting Americans to the possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats around the world.
Watchwords for the media
Anthony Newbold, President of the Bahamas Press Club, gave the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony to honour the pioneers and legends in journalism and mass communications at the British Colonial Hilton on Saturday night.
Minnis’ head is in the sand
Your Editorial or Friday, 20th November, is right on point. Sadly, the mechanisms or party politics in the Bahamas, coupled with delusions of grandeur that many of our aspiring political leaders have developed, may well preclude such a potential means of changing the government of The Bahamas.
Disunity in the FNM
I read with great interests the comments of a Founding Father of the Free National Movement, and former Member of Parliament, Maurice Moore, current Member of Parliament for Montagu Richard Lightbourn, a letter by Andrew Allen and one by WAL in the various dailies.
Govt must oppose same sex marriage
With all this talk about the faults of NEMA, the tragedy in damages to islands of the southeastern Bahamas by hurricane Joaquin and scepticism about the National Health Insurance plan (NHI) that should be in effect in 2016; as well as, the never ending terror of increasing crimes, the moment is here for us to take time out to face and deal with another threatening matter of same sex marriages.
Tribune publisher honoured for a lifetime’s dedication
EILEEN Carron, the Publisher/Editor of The Tribune, has been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bahamas Press Club in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nation building and significant work in journalism and publishing.
Public being ‘hoodwinked’ over Bimini expansion
SHADOW Minister for Labour Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday expressed “major concern” over Resorts World Bimini’s recent $450m investment to expand its project, claiming that such an expansion “does not help to grow the (local) economy of Bimini”.
Activists warn over Blackbeard’s Cay
A LOCAL environmental group yesterday warned Prime Minister Perry Christie that it would notify the cruise ship industry of the continued and illegal operation of Blackbeard’s Cay should his administration not take immediate action to shut down the controversial tourism project.
Minnis: Bell must go after criticism of police
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called for the immediate resignation of Minister of National Security Keith Bell for his “personal assault” on Commissioner of Police Ellison Greensalde and the “entire membership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force”.
Loretta open to leadership bid
FORMER Free National Movement Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday broke her silence to reveal that she is open to running again for leader of the party – and Prime Minister of the Bahamas by extension – “if the opportunity presented itself”.
Shaunae Miller earns overall Athlete of the Year honours
SHAUNAE Miller, draped this year with a silver medal in the women’s 400 metres at the 15th IAAF World Championships, was crowned with the Prime Minister Award for National Pride as she received the overall Athlete of the Year honours.
Deleveaux overall men’s winner in Bahamas Half Marathon
WHILE Spencer Deleveaux and Yunelis Lightbourn emerged as the overall champions in the Bahamas Half Marathon, the champions in the 10 kilometre race were Adelet Elysee and Anastasia Stitch.
Jonquel Jones posts double double in 84-63 loss
GRAND Bahamian senior Jonquel Jones posted a monstrous double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds but the No. 22/20 George Washington women’s basketball team dropped a top-25 showdown to #15/10 Stanford 84-63 at the Cardinal’s Maples Pavilion on Saturday.
Sports notes
THE 13th year of the Junkanoo Jam, brought to the Bahamas by Basketball Travellers, highlights one of NCAA’s elite in season women’s basketball tournaments.
Double dose of victory for CR Walker Knights
IT was a double dose of victory for the CR Walker Knights as they dominated the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s National High School Volleyball Tournament.
Team Bahamas wins Co-Ed Slow Pitch World Cup
THEY had some distractions before they left and they almost completed a perfect trip through the tournament. But nobody can argue that the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s 25-member team will be returning home today as the champions of the 2015 WBSC Co-Ed Slow Pitch Cup in Plant City, Florida.
Urban Renewal pledges to spend extra $10,000 on repairing veteran’s home
AN extra $10,000 worth of repairs will be invested in the home of a World War II veteran seemingly forgotten during a previous cycle of the Urban Renewal Commission’s Small Home Repairs programme.
Harbour boardwalk plans targeted for year-end approval
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair hopes “acceptable” plans for the proposed Nassau harbourfront boardwalk can be finalised before year-end, as he backed duty-free to revive a shrinking retail sector.
Just 3% of health premiums go to insurance profit
Just 3 per cent of premium income typically goes to health insurers’ profits, Family Guardian’s president revealed, as he warned that National Health Insurance (NHI) could reduce available healthcare benefits.
PHA readies for $25m bond issue
The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is set to launch a $25 million bond offering into the Bahamian capital markets next month, Tribune Business can reveal.
NHI opponents ‘morons, money grubbing asses’
The Bahamian healthcare industry reacted with fury this weekend after a key architect of the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme branded its stakeholders as “morons and money-grubbing asses”.
Gov’t official: $100m health spend wasted
A senior Government medical official has admitted that around $100 million, or 25-30 per cent of its annual healthcare spending, is wasted.
Sunday, November 22
Police hunt four men who shot at officers during high-speed chase
POLICE are on the hunt for four men who escaped on foot after shooting at officers during a high-speed chase early in New Providence on Sunday morning.
Saturday, November 21
Three men arrested in marijuana bust
DRUG Enforcement officers have dealt another major blow to drug traffickers in the Bahamas following the arrest of three men and the seizure of 195lbs of marijuana on Friday night.
From Bach to Hip Hop: Resonance String Quartet performs in Grand Bahama
THE Atlanta-based Resonance String Quartet performed at a benefit concert, 'From Bach to Hip Hop’, on Friday evening at the Pelican Bay Resort, Grand Bahama.
Friday, November 20
BIFF to connect emerging writers with big names in film industry
THIS year's 12th annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) will connect talented emerging writers with some of the biggest names in the international film industry when the event kicks off next month.
Lyford Cay billionaire Sir Anthony O’Reilly declared bankrupt
A SUPREME Court judge declared Lyford Cay billionaire Sir Anthony O’Reilly bankrupt on Friday evening after more than five hours of legal arguments concerning the procedural validity of his applications.
Immigration activists: Supreme Court ruling a game-changer
IMMIGRATION activists are calling a recent Supreme Court ruling a game-changer in their fight to destroy the status quo concerning how immigration polices are executed in The Bahamas.
BEC: Eastern New Providence residents should brace for 'periodic' supply interruptions
RESIDENTS In eastern New Providence should brace themselves for “periodic" supply interruptions over the next few weeks as the Bahamnas Electricity Corporation (BEC) carries out planned improvement exercises in the area.
Bran hits out at government over crime
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney on Friday criticised the government for not being aggressive enough in the fight against crime.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Talk is cheap but crime is exacting a heavy price
SOME time ago, I said that The Bahamas is a powder keg. Today, I believe in that statement even more than I did then. Our society is imploding and we have reached the point of absolute crisis. There is no other description for the criminality and mayhem happening around us on a daily basis.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Death panels, ninja suits and flag follies
This week, National Health Insurance (NHI) and crime continued to dominate the headlines while another horrific act of terrorism thousands of miles away had all the right Bahamians arguing for all the wrong reasons.
Jamaican women arrested over alleged prostitution
Three Jamaican women allegedly involved in prostitution were apprehended by authorities at an apartment complex in Grand Bahama this week.
An omen? Really?
AN OMEN..... See this is part of our problem as a nation. In 2015, a national leader in our country is referring to a hurricane unbelievably as an omen and no one is correcting him or calling out this insanity!
Wrong priorities
For those wondering exactly how much of their time our government’s leaders are devoting to the violent crime that is literally endangering the viability of our state, the Prime Minister of Grenada, Keith Mitchell recently gave us some indication.
Fit to rule ourselves?
I must admit that when I read in this paper that the police chief suggested some “civil liberties” would have to be infringed upon, the first thing that popped into my head was that this country would give up trying to govern themselves and would give up on their repeated failures of voting for people or clowns to lead them.
PLP afraid of Loretta Butler-Turner as FNM leader
THERE has been tremendous praise for the leadership shown by FNM MP Loretta Butler-Turner in her prompt response to the needs of her fellow Bahamians after the recent passage over our southern islands of Hurricane Joaquin, a category four hurricane – the most destructive in our history.
FNM Deputy: It is about time to get serious on crime
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday applauded the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s latest efforts to combat crime but said it is “unfortunate” that 134 people had to die for the government to finally get serious.
Suspects caught: Two men arrested over murder of teacher
POLICE have arrested two men in connection with the murder of 34-year-old Queen’s College teacher and mother of two, Joyelle McIntosh, Commissioner Ellison Greenslade revealed yesterday.
UPDATED: Stephen Serrette gets 15-year sentence for molesting boy
A MAN who yesterday described his conviction for sexual assault and abetment to sexual assault of a minor as a “miscarriage of justice” told a judge and jury before sentencing that “I’ve never been a homosexual in my life”.
NEMA: No one denied supplies on Acklins
STEPHEN Russell, director of the National Emergency Management Agency, said yesterday that all structures and homes on Acklins in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin have been assessed and quantities of building materials assigned for distribution to residents accordingly.
Urban Renewal symposium ‘a success’
A ONE-day symposium hosted this week by the Urban Renewal Foundation which addressed social issues in the Bahamas has been hailed a success for seeking to provide positive solutions rather than apportion blame for the ills.
‘Pivotal’ Gov’t move in Freeport legal battle
The Government’s decision yesterday to release the long-withheld McKinsey report could prove “pivotal to Freeport’s future”, a well-known QC argued, and help to end “the infighting” that has obstructed the city’s economic development.
Cable says Q3 loss no trend
Cable Bahamas yesterday said the $587,000 net loss suffered in the 2015 third quarter was unlikely to develop into a trend, as it blamed the ‘red ink’ on unanticipated delays in the mobile licence bidding process.
Sands hopes PM has ‘remaining reason’ on NHI
A well-known physician yesterday expressed hope that the Prime Minister had “some remaining reason” to ensure that political objectives were overridden, and a National Health Insurance (NHI) “catastrophe” avoided.
Key Bay Street ‘catalyst’ needs $150-$200m spend
The Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (DNP) co-chair yesterday said Union Wharf’s buyers needed to invest between $150-$200 million to ensure a successful development, and provide a counterweight to the British Colonial Hilton’s expansion.
Fourth consecutive credit contraction for Bahamas
The Bahamas is on course for its fourth consecutive year of private sector credit contraction, with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) warning this is combining with elevated non-performing loans to “clog” economic growth.
Author celebrates 65th birthday by sharing his pearls of wisdom
AN author has planned the launch of his new book to coincide with his 65th birthday.
Top athletes nominated for CASJA Awards
Quarter-miler Shaunae Miller and hurdler Jeffery Gibson have been nominated for the 2015 Caribbean Sports Journalists Association (CASJA) Awards for their stellar performances this year.
Bahamas ‘off to great start’ at Slow Pitch World Cup
THE Bahamas national team showed that they know how to win by a blowout and the slightest of margins as they pulled off their double header at the WBSC Co-Ed Softball World Cup in Plant City, Florida, yesterday.
Sports notes
THE Bahamas Rugby Union is scheduled to continue its regular season at the Winton Rugby Centre on Saturday when Baillou takes on the Cuckoos in the lone game at 3pm.
Displaced students taken in at Blairwood Academy
STUDENTS from two Family Islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin have been taken in by Blairwood Academy to continue their schooling as their homes and schools are rebuilt.
More GBPC workers join hurricane recovery effort
GRAND Bahama Power Company (GBPC) has deployed a second crew of linesmen to assist in the restoration of power in the southern Bahamas.
THE FINISH LINE: Who do you think will win BAAA elections?
AFTER taking a couple weeks off to relax, it’s good to be back from vacation. But I’ve noticed that it’s still sports as usual. Nothing changed. Still the package includes a little bit of everything, including some controversy. After all, that is what sports is all about in the Bahamas.
Former police officer faces delay in child pornography trial
A FORMER police officer will have to wait an additional three months before his child pornography trial begins in Magistrates Court.
Prayer rally against crime in Rawson Square
THE NATIONAL Student Christian Movement (SCM) will officially launch operation Cover Our Schools In Prayer with a “No Weapons Prayer Rally” at Rawson Square today from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Residents delighted after airport reopening
RESIDENTS of Staniel Cay, Exuma, yesterday said they are “jubilant” and “very excited” that the airport is now officially open after seven months of closure for runway repairs.
Industrial Relations Act best for dismissal claims
A trade union leader yesterday called on workers to seek ‘dismissal’ compensation under the Industrial Relations Act, as its provisions were much stronger than the Employment Act’s.
Landfill fires: ‘No quick fix’
RENEW Bahamas, the New Providence landfill operator, said yesterday that “fundamental changes” at the site were necessary to eliminate persistent fires, including more “vigorous” enforcement of the non-acceptable materials policy.
Thursday, November 19
UPDATED: Suspect in multiple killings caught - police search for 14 more
POLICE arrested a 21-year-old man yesterday afternoon in connection with a number of recent homicides in the capital.
Baha Mar troubles
I was pleased ex Cabinet Minister Brent Symonette at least admitted that there was enough blame around the Cable Beach site of Baha Mar to go around for both the Christie Government who initially approved the project and the Ingraham, FNM Government of which Mr Symonette was a Minister.
Christian Council too late
Thanks for publishing my letter of November 5, on the issue of the lack of the Bahamas Christian Council calling for a National Day of Thanksgiving after hurricane Joaquin.
The bottom of the pit
Another astonishing story in The Tribune on Thursday which lowers the level of political interference to the bottom of the pit and shatters the remaining respect one has for anything political in The Bahamas. Perhaps there is an explanation but I doubt it.
Truly believe in Bahamians
You know, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of hearing people blame others for the state of this country, whether it is crime, the economy, or whatever.
‘Partisan politics gets in way of fighting crime’
FORMER Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes yesterday highlighted the negative impact “partisan politics” has on remedying the country’s crime crisis, saying that the country “has not been good at knowing where to draw the lines in our politics” when addressing the issue.
Florida supplier blames festival organiser for poor planning
THE president of a Florida-based audio/visual equipment rental service provider yesterday blamed Caribbean Muzik Festival’s CEO Michael Tomlinson for the festival’s failure, stating that it was the promoters’ “poor planning and failure to meet our mutually agreed arrangements that we did not leave Miami to do this event”.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Immigration’s response to Cuban duo’s detention
Last week, the Department of Immigration - via Bahamas Information Services - responded to a column I wrote about Cubans Carlos Pupa Mendoza and Lazaro Seara Marin, who are currently being held at the Bahamas Department of Corrections without charge and who have suffered inhumane treatment.
Falcons top Cougars, 59-44
Centre Adam Johnson, who directed their offence from the top of the key and still managed to anchor their defence in the paint, had an all-around game to pace the Jordan Prince William Falcons to an impressive 59-44 win over the Charles W Saunders Cougars.
Pastor receives award for activist work
GRAND Bahama Pastor Eddie Victor has become only the second Bahamian to be internationally recognised as a Golden Rule International Award recipient.
Minister hands bus over to Anatol Rodgers Achool
THE students of Anatol Rodgers High School will have a new bus to transport them to and from academic and sporting activities after Minister of Environment and Housing, Kenred Dorsett, donated a 2015 Toyota Bus yesterday.
Masonic lodge loses appeal over expulsion of freemason
THE Court of Appeal yesterday rejected a lodge’s bid to reverse a landmark civil action in the Supreme Court concerning the suspension and eventual expulsion of a freemason from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
Students of the Year
THE SIX College of the Bahamas students who have been announced as finalists in the 2015 Student of the Year Award by the Bahamas Financial Services Board will find out which of them has won the title on Friday night.
Accused denies that he sexually assaulted boy in his care
A MAN accused of being “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” told a Supreme Court jury yesterday that he did not sexually assault a boy entrusted to his care.
Glinton to take contempt case to Privy Council
A LAWYER intends to have the country’s highest court examine a conviction for contempt of court despite him paying a $15,000 fine for his words and actions during an extradition appeal that he contended were not contemptuous.
Sir Arthur: Public should demand referendum
FORMER Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes said yesterday the Bahamian public should “demand” the equality referendum happen “sooner rather than later” and was concerned that no date has been announced for when the vote will be held.
Bahamas abandons ‘seat of the pants’ approach
The Bahamas is preparing to abandon its “by the seat of our pants” approach to national development, a Cabinet Minister yesterday disclosing that the first ‘State of the Nation’ report is likely to be released in January 2016.
PM ‘must be real’ over Baha Mar
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday told Prime Minister Perry Christie to “stop talking foolishness and be real with the Bahamian people” over the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project’s likely fate.
Health broker elimination is ‘totally crazy’
The Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association’s (BIBA) president yesterday branded plans by the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme to eliminate them, and their value-added role, as “totally, totally crazy”.
‘Skin and bones’ Hayward trust watchdog was not exploited
An attorney has denied that he “took advantage” of the elderly, frail protector of the late Sir Jack Hayward’s family trust, even though he was “just skin and bone” when he met him.
BlackRock’s first GBPA offer ‘potential disaster’
The first BlackRock offer to purchase the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) was a “potential disaster” for both shareholder families, as it guaranteed they would receive just $37.5 million each.
Hurricane was ‘a sign that Bahamians need to repent’
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Dr Ranford Patterson says Hurricane Joaquin was a warning that Bahamians need to repent their sins and turn back to God.
NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS WEEK 11
Romo is back, I’ll be there . . . so Cowboys to win in Miami
OKAY, last week was bad for me (6-8) but others were worse! Including Sannie, previously ‘untouchable’, who went an unusually ‘unlucky’ 5-9.
RICARDO'S NFL PICKS WEEK 11
What is it with this topsy-turvy season?
LAST weekend gave me a pretty good view of the parody that exists in the NFL.
SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL PICKS WEEK 11
Last week on the Press Box (which you should be listening to Sundays 10am-1pm on Kiss 96.1 FM) we decided that to make things more interesting from week to week, the loser of the picks column has to undergo a predetermined death by humiliation.
Jonquel leads the Colonials to 78-48 victory
THE frontcourt trio of junior Caira Washington, Grand Bahamian senior Jonquel Jones and sophomore Kelli Prange combined for 53 points to lead the No. 22/20 George Washington women’s basketball team to a 78-48 win over District rival American at the Charles E Smith Center on Tuesday evening.
High School National Volleyball Champs today
THE 2015 High School National Volleyball Championships, sponsored by JS Johnson, is scheduled to kick off today at the DW Davis and CI Gibson Gymnasiums.
Team Bahamas all set for Slow Pitch World Cup
THE Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association will represent the Bahamas with a 25-member team - made up of a mixture of youth and experienced players - at the 2015 WBSC Co-Ed Slow Pitch World Cup in Plant City, Florida, this weekend.
Staniel Cay Airport reopens after seven months
STANIEL CAY airport, which has been closed for seven months for runway repairs, reopened to air traffic yesterday, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has announced.
Tributes paid to trailblazing businesswoman Hillary Jones
WELL-KNOWN Grand Bahama businesswoman Hillary V E Jones, president of the Churchill and Jones Real Estate company in Freeport, has died. She was 69.
Minnis: Govt has no plan to protect Baha Mar contractors
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday castigated the Christie administration for not having a contingency plan to protect the interests of local contractors who are collectively owed millions of dollars for work performed on Baha Mar.
Disney lends a hand
SCHOOL children sampled a little piece of Disney magic yesterday thanks to a team from the company’s cruise ship visiting Nassau.
Union leader gives Privy Council backing
A trade union leader yesterday argued that major changes must be made to a “deficient’ Employment Act and this nation’s industrial relations system.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Taking stock of top photographs
Have you ever heard the term ‘stock photos’ thrown around, especially while interacting with photographers, designers or persons involved with art? If you did, and guessed this referred to photos stashed somewhere waiting to be used, but were not sure what type of images they were, your intuition was not far off.
‘New BEC’ business plan tied to renewable goals
PowerSecure’s business plan for the ‘new Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC)’ is tied to the Government’s National Energy policy goal of 30 per cent renewable penetration by 2030, it was revealed yesterday.
Bahamas urged to reassess insolvency
The Bahamas was yesterday urged to consider whether to reform its insolvency laws and offer companies a path to Chapter 11-style reorganisation, following the recent $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute.
Wednesday, November 18
Man dies after being hit by car on way to work
A MAN was hit by a car and killed early on Wednesday morning while attempting to cross Fire Trail Road on his way to work.
A nation in distress
It’s interesting to note that it’s only after the murder rate had surpassed the record set in 2011 that at 133 the Prime Minister, as per The Tribune, 16 November 15, is “Distressed”.
Killing field
THE Prime Minister is right - “The Bahamas should not be a Killing Field”.
Called to lead
We have so-called “collective” cabinet responsibility in our wonderful nation but that is, I submit, not in fact the case.
Butler-Turner sceptical of Baha Mar optimism
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday insisted that Prime Minister Perry Christie has not proven himself to be a good barometer regarding Baha Mar, saying Bahamians should be cautious over his pronouncements of optimism over the mega resort.
Boy tells court how he was sexually assaulted
A BOY who testified in court yesterday of his alleged sexual assault by a man he knew said he didn’t know if what was happening to him at the time was “right or wrong”.
Victim believed to have posted ‘hit list’ to social media
POLICE suspect that the country’s latest murder victim was behind an alleged “hit list” that was posted on a social media page under the guise of one of New Providence’s most dangerous gangs.
SWAT officers on street after latest killing
DOZENS of heavily armed SWAT officers locked down Nassau Village yesterday afternoon, moments after a 22-year-old father of one was shot multiple times and killed while walking in the area.
Police chief not surprised by rising murder count
A FRUSTRATED Ellison Greenslade yesterday said he was “not surprised” by the nation’s rising murder count, telling reporters that that he predicted months ago that the country would continue to have problems if certain changes were not made.
Court of Appeal approves Melvin Maycock's extradition to US on drugs charges
THE Court of Appeal has affirmed the committal order of the Magistrates Court which approved an extradition request from the United States government to have Melvin Maycock Sr and several alleged accomplices to stand trial in the US on drug trafficking charges.
Delegation continues assessment
HEAD of the National Recovery and Reconstruction Unit, Melanie Roach led a delegation of persons to several Family Islands on Thursday, November 12, to continue with assessments following Hurricane Joaquin in October.
Jones named to John R Wooden Award Preseason Top 30
GEORGE Washington senior Jonquel Jones was named to the John R Wooden Award Women’s Preseason Top 30 on ESPN’s SportsCenter and on espnW yesterday morning.
Sharks devour Raptors, 31-3
The SC McPherson Sharks made their Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) junior girls basketball game against the CH Reeves Raptors look so easy at the AF Adderley Gymnasium yesterday.
Bahamian joins UK newspaper travel app team
THE Bahamas has joined the ranks of 30 destinations featured in a popular mobile app for European travellers published by the UK-based Telegraph Media Group.
Minister spoke of world peace in Paris a week before attacks
JUST a week before the attacks in Paris, France, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald addressed the 38th General Conference of UNESCO during which he emphasised the role of education in the pursuit of world peace.
Miss Universe Bahamas meets soccer superstar
TORIA Nichole, Miss Universe Bahamas, has been partying with the world’s best footballer Ronaldo at the premiere of his new film ‘Ronaldo’.
Potcake in need of blood
THE Tribune’s street philosopher, Potcake, is due to have an operation today at Princess Margaret Hospital - but needs five pints of blood to be donated before the operation can go ahead.
Minister’s ‘trepidation’ over financial service
A Cabinet Minister yesterday admitted to “trepidation” over whether the Bahamas’ service levels could match the promises and content of a recent financial services promotional tour.
Redundancy pay cap ‘totally inequitable’
The Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) leader yesterday backed Government proposals to lift the redundancy ‘ceiling’, arguing it was “ totally inequitable” for workers who had given decades of service to receive the same pay-off as colleagues with the same firm for 12 years or less.
S&P downgrade a ‘wake-up call’
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday said Standard & Poor’s (S&P’s) August downgrade of the Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating to one notch above ‘junk’ status was “a wake up call”, not a “seismic event”.
Baha Mar Board resigns en masse
Sarkis Izmirlian and his fellow directors resigned from Baha Mar’s Board last week, with one last night expressing scepticism over the Prime Minister’s assurances that all Bahamian contractors and creditors will be ‘made whole’.
St Georges ‘thwarted’ GBPA sale to Carlyle
The St George family has been accused of thwarting the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) potential sale to a $203 billion private equity group by failing to provide timely statements detailing its financial performance.
Fitzgerald highlights importance of data protection
AS The Bahamas moves towards the establishment of a Freedom of Information Act, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said it is “critically” important that the role of the Data Protection Act and its relationship to the Freedom of Information Act are also given similar attention.
Gomez called on to honour corruption pledge
FOLLOWING fresh revelations of missing funds from a government department, Legal Affairs Minister Damien Gomez has been urged to honour his pledge to fight official corruption.
New school to be built in San Salvador
THE government will construct a new primary and secondary school on 20 acres of shared land in North Victoria Hill, San Salvador.
Laptops donated to students by Deputy Prime Minister
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis donated 12 laptops to the students of the San Salvador Primary School and San Salvador Central High School during a recent visit to the island.
Union renews call for forensic audit of COB
THE Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas renewed its call for The College of the Bahamas to conduct a forensic audit before transitioning to a university yesterday following COB’s announcement last week that police are investigating an alleged incident of employee fraud.
Gas station owner rejects residents’ health concerns
THE owner and operator of a Carmichael Road gas station yesterday refuted concerns from residents that the expansion of his gas station would result in the contamination of the neighbouring community’s water table.
Acklins residents say they are being denied hurricane relief
SOME residents in Acklins are reportedly being denied hurricane relief aid and supplies to repair their homes following severe hurricane damage on the island, according to a local resident.
‘We shall lose a good athlete’
ST Augustine’s College principal Sonya Knowles said she was impressed from the day that Serena Brown came onto their campus as a student three years ago. She embodied everything that the Big Red Machine stood for as she made her contribution to the success of both the basketball and track and field teams.
Sports Notes
THE Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) is scheduled to host its annual KPMG Football Fest 9:15am to 4:30pm on Friday, November 20.
Caribs men’s basketball team eager to continue their winning streak
AFTER breaking into the winning column, the College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team is eager to continue their streak when they travel to South Carolina to play a series of three games in South Carolina this weekend.
Trio wanted in Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama police want to question three men they believe can help with ongoing investigations into allegations of theft.
Man sought by police over housebreakings
Police are searching for Fritznel Richmond, otherwise called “American”, of Gibbs Corner, who is wanted in connection with a number of housebreakings in New Providence.
Gov’t eyes $100m duty-free shopping
Businesses participating in the Government’s duty-free shopping scheme are generating close to $10 million a month in tax-exempt sales to tourists, the Financial Secretary said yesterday.
Worker fraud: So simple, yet so easily preventable
As a forensic accountant who has analysed a considerable number of employee fraud matters, I have found among them a shared theme: All could have easily been prevented.
Financial sector labelled ‘parody of contradiction’
The Minister of Financial Services yesterday described the industry as a “parody of contradictions”, given that many of the G-20 countries pushing for automatic tax information exchange are the main perpetrators of bank secrecy.
Bahamas at workshop on ecosystem funding
THE Bahamas is among six Caribbean countries participating in a regional workshop to evaluate a $6m investment by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) in the region.
VAT rate rise unlikely soon
A senior Ministry of Finance official yesterday said an increase to the 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate was unlikely in the near term, suggesting that even more revenue can be extracted from the existing tax base with further administrative “tightening”.
How to sweat less over AC
We find ourselves in the same situation every year. Winter is nearly here, but it still feels like 90 degrees outside.
Tuesday, November 17
Taking diabetes seriously
A physician once said to me that he thought that diabetics each possessed a “stubborn gene”. He was speaking about his experience with his diabetic patients, and how many of them ignored good medical advice because of their headstrong nature.
Live a fulfilling life: Processing grief and healing your heart
Loss of financial security, death of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, going away to school, displacement due to a natural disaster, miscarriage, perception of failed leadership, abuse – all of these are situations that you may not fully realise impact your well-being.
Showing gratitude can cultivate good health
HAVING an attitude of gratitude can do the body just as much good as engaging in consistent physical activity, according to a local psychologist.
Building inequality
Over the last week we have been assaulted by violence. Politicians have taken the time to comment on the declining crime rate and to berate the public for talking about records in the number of people who have been murdered this year.
Michelle Miller Motivational: Change happens through you, not to you
Have you ever noticed how the people who make the most noise about change are the least effective in changing themselves and or their circumstances?
BUN IN THE OVEN: The secret 'M' word
The secret “M” word is miscarriage. Like postpartum depression, miscarriage is not openly talked about; not with our peers or even our family sometimes. In the aftermath of a miscarriage I imagine that it’s a dark and lonely place, and it’s unfortunately riddled with guilt and shame.
Women making strides in Bahamian agriculture
When a woman announces to her family that she is going into agriculture she often gets a less exuberant reception than if she had announced a career like teaching or nursing. She may hear, “You’re too pretty to be a farmer!” She may be chastised for “wasting her talent”.
Bahamian women unite to ignite entrepreneurship
THIS Thursday is being celebrated worldwide as Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) and global ambassadors are planning events that will be of unique benefit to the women in their respective countries.
POLITICOLE: Too late for the victims, too little for their killers
THIS past week, Reverend Ranford Patterson, Christian Council President, said: “We cannot allow the criminal elements to determine how we will live in our society.”
Man shot dead in Nassau Village
A 22-year-old man was shot and killed this morning while walking through Nassau Village.
Victimisation
These women crying out for help, saying “something must be done to help us”.
Short term gain for Minnis
In moving with haste and secrecy to bring into the FNM fold two rather sullied rejects of the PLP, Dr Minnis has yet again placed his own short term political interests above those of both party and country.
Disappointed in Maurice Moore
Maurice Moore’s comments at an FNM meeting in Grand Bahama last weekend were sad, disappointing and deeply disturbing.
Contractor accused in Palm Cay killing denied bail
A JUDGE yesterday denied bail to a contractor accused of having a role in the killing of a construction worker after lamenting the “record rate of murder” and a “consequential depreciation in public safety.”
Caribbean Muzik Festival sues Florida suppliers
THE Caribbean Muzik Festival committee is taking legal action in the United States against two Florida-based suppliers for allegedly defaulting on undertakings to supply stage and sound equipment, ultimately forcing the postponement of the final two nights of the event.
COB making ‘great efforts’ to improve as employee put on leave over fraud claim
DAYS after The College of the Bahamas revealed an employee was placed on leave without pay over fraud allegations, the institution said “great efforts are being made to improve” its financial administration.
Pair accused of killing PM's press secretary to face trial in 2016
TWO men scheduled to stand trial for the murder of Prime Minister Perry Christie’s press secretary, Latore Mackey, will now have their case heard in 2016.
‘Things are good with Baha Mar’ says Christie
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said “things are good” with Baha Mar as he revealed that representatives from a leading resort in this hemisphere arrived in the country yesterday to put their interests forward to the Export Import Bank of China regarding the unopened mega resort.
PM: Nation ‘not a killing field' - New crime strategy ‘in weeks’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday insisted that The Bahamas is “not a killing field” as he suggested that in a matter of weeks Bahamians will see the government’s new and aggressive crime fighting strategies implemented.
Bahamas’ American Women’s Club joins international federation
The American Women’s Club in the Bahamas (AWC) has named its board of directors for 2016, re-electing Calliope “Cally” Couchell as its president. The organisation also has become a member of the global Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO).
Police release names of accident victims
GRAND Bahama police have released the names of the persons killed in a traffic accident last week in Freeport.
Police questioning man over Eight Mile Rock murder
A MAN is in custody assisting police with their investigation into Grand Bahama’s latest homicide that occurred in Eight Mile Rock on Friday.
PM rejects claim of NHI ‘death panels’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said reports that his administration is seeking to implement a government-run “death panel” to decide who would be treated or not for catastrophic diseases under its proposed National Health Insurance scheme was “absolute nonsense.”
Gov’t seeking to eliminate cheques
The Government is seeking to ultimately eliminate all cheque payments in a bid to reduce fraud and end cumbersome manual processes, it was revealed yesterday.
Sports Notes
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools began its 2015/16 basketball season at various playing sites yesterday.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Out for the count in the barber shop boxing debate
OH how much difference a weekend makes.
CC Sweeting Cobras senior boys win D-Squad Pre-Season basketball tourney
THE annual D-Squad Pre-Season Basketball Tournament wrapped up this weekend with reigning tournament champion CC Sweeting Senior High School walking away victorious once again.
QC Comets win BAISS swim meet
THE Queen’s College Comets emerged as the winners of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) swim meet at St John’s College last week.
The next Lavern Eve?
Versatile Serena Brown has inked her name on the dotted line to attend Texas A&M on a full athletic scholarship where she will be continuing her throwing career for the Aggies in 2016 after she graduates from St Augustine’s College where she’s leaving some huge shoes to fill on the Big Red Machine athletic programme.
Women’s club builds overseas links
CALLIOPE “Cally” Couchell has been re-elected as president of the American Women’s Club in the Bahamas for a second term while the organisation has become a member of the global Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas.
Bahamas at workshop on ecosystem funding
THE Bahamas is among six Caribbean countries participating in a regional workshop to evaluate a $6m investment by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) in the region.
Trailer homes sent to hurricane-hit islands
THE first set of government-purchased trailer homes to provide temporary housing for residents displaced in the central and southeast Bahamas by Hurricane Joaquin are on their way to Crooked Island and Acklins.
University offers support after Hurricane Joaquin
THE University of the West Indies has offered its expertise to assist The Bahamas in its recovery and restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin.
Teenager who tried to rob policeman is given probation
A TEENAGER who pleaded guilty to the attempted armed robbery of a police officer has been given a second chance to avoid running afoul of the law when he was sentenced to five years probation yesterday.
Accountants urged to protect ‘privilege’ of self-regulation
The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (BICA) president yesterday said accountants must strive to protect the profession’s “privilege” of self-regulation, adding that it was dealing “internally” with challenges surrounding its June annual general meeting (AGM).
BEC’s JA company and Lupus 242 team up to raise awareness
BEC Fuse, a Junior Achievement company sponsored by the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), is starting its 2015/16 year off strong by supporting a worthy cause.
Liberty’s ‘future plans’ for BTC key to Gov’t
Liberty Global’s “future plans” for the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) will weigh heavily on the Government’s decision over whether to approve its arrival in this nation, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.
Removers owned last guardian for Hayward trust
The sole remaining guardian for the late Sir Jack Hayward’s trust, which holds his family’s 50 per cent Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) stake, is owned and controlled by the same individuals who engineered the removal of all other trustees.
Hutchison’s new GBPA interest ‘jeopardised’
A “massively improved” offer for the Hayward estate’s Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) stake, with $60 million guaranteed “upfront”, plus interest from Hutchison Whampoa and other buyers has allegedly been jeopardised after the Supreme Court was asked to intervene.
Fitzgerald highlights importance of data protection
AS The Bahamas moves towards the establishment of a Freedom of Information Act, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald said it is “critically” important that the role of the Data Protection Act and its relationship to the Freedom of Information Act are also given similar attention.
Monday, November 16
Caribbean reparations
With the Caribbean reparations movement gathering steam, it has become necessary to articulate, in public, the arguments and issues around reparations. As Biomedical Advisor to the Bahamian Reparations Committee, I would like to outline some of the medical and biomedical arguments for reparation to the descendents of enslaved Africans in the Bahamas.
Pro-growth public policies
There seems to be no end of bad news for The Bahamas economy recently, highlighted by Standard & Poor’s slashing GDP growth estimates for 2016.
Bail denied for one of two brothers charged with Palm Cay murder
ONE of two brothers awaiting trial in connection with a fatal shooting at the exclusive Palm Cay community in eastern New Providence was denied bail by a Supreme Court judge on Monday.
Caveat emptor - buyer beware!
PRIME MINISTER Christie is so focused on introducing National Health Insurance by January that he resurrected it on Friday — at a funeral of all places.
Key elements of NHI still unknown, says Minnis
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday questioned whether the implementation of National Health Insurance will end up to be another one of the Christie administration’s failed promises, saying the government has yet to inform Bahamians of key elements of the healthcare plan.
Govt to appeal disclosure of immigration documents
THE government intends to appeal a Supreme Court judge’s ruling that called for its disclosure of all relevant documents relating to its immigration policy introduced a year ago.
Man ‘faked qualifications’ for bid to join Bahamas Bar
A MAN accused of misrepresenting his educational achievements on his application for admission to the Bahamas Bar was not granted the stay he sought against criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court.
Police asked to probe $25,000 fraud at COB
POLICE have received a complaint that an employee of The College of The Bahamas has allegedly defrauded the institution out of at least $25,000, The Tribune has learned.
‘Come home’ plea to murder victim
MOMENTS after gunshots rang out in the Elizabeth Estates subdivision on Friday night, the mother of the country’s 132nd murder victim sent him a voice message saying: “Please come home, I hear gunshots in the area.”
PM: Focus ahead of NHI is on medical infrastructure
PRIME Minister Perry Christie on Friday insisted that the government’s main goal ahead of the proposed implementation date for National Health Insurance is ensuring the country’s medical infrastructure can deliver the quality of service “that fits the amount charged”.
First Baptist emerge as champions
FIRST Baptist emerged as the champions of the Baptist Sports Council’s 2015 Track and Field Classic at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday.
Sports notes
THE Baptist Sports Council is scheduled to begin its 2015 Softball Classic in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Tuesday. In the 7pm opener, St Paul’s is slated to play the defending champions Golden Gates in the co-ed division.
‘Tum Tum’ embraces the role of floor general in season opener
NCAA basketball season is officially underway and Bahamian players were among the few in opening weekend action throughout several Division I conferences on the hardwood.
Sweeting elected president of Baseball Federation
TEDDY Sweeting, the long-time secretary general, was elevated to the top post, becoming just the third president of the Bahamas Baseball Federation after incumbent Craig ‘Salty’ Kemp declined to seek another two-year term in office.
Mixed results for two Bahamians at the Bowling World Cup
THE Bahamas’ two representatives at the 51st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in Sam’s Town, Las Vegas, have had mixed results after the first eight games were bowled yesterday.
Fitting honour for a Roadrunner
WHILE the spotlight was on the athletes for their achievement over the year, the Roadrunners Track Club shared the show with their assistant coach Mildred Adderley.
Government sends condolences after Paris attack
THE government of the Bahamas has expressed “its deep regrets over the loss of life from the horrific shootings in Paris.” “We condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest terms,” said a statement released by the government on the weekend. “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims.
Bahamas needs ‘more marked’ deficit decline
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has warned the Bahamas needs a “more marked” decline in its fiscal deficits to halt the rising national debt, which it forecasts will grow to 53 per cent of GDP on a net basis by 2018.
Health system ‘not ready’ for NHI start
The Bahamian healthcare system is “not ready” for National Health Insurance (NHI), and will face a major challenge in coping with “an initial surge in demand” for services.
CCA: Baha Mar ‘tied our hands’ in payment row
China Construction America’s (CCA) Bahamian subsidiary is alleging that Baha Mar “tied our hands” over resolving a $755,000 payment dispute, which was placed on the back burner due to the $3.5 billion project’s “implosion”.
Contractors: Lien law absence puts us at ‘great disadvantage’
Bahamian contractors are “greatly disadvantaged” by the absence of lien laws, which they believe would force developer clients to negotiate settlements to outstanding payment disputes.
Gov’t ‘won’t compromise’ on Baha Mar contractors
Prime Minister Perry Christie says he has warned the China Export-Import Bank that the Government will not compromise its position that Baha Mar’s Bahamian contractors must be paid the total $74 million owing to them.
Learning how to vote
A YOUTH organisation is taking steps to prepare prospective first time voters for the civic responsibility of casting a ballot in the upcoming general election.
Data breaches increase 20-fold
The Data Protection Commissioner says there has been a 20-fold increase in complaints to her office since she assumed the post in mid-2013, including allegations illegally-recorded conversations.
Contractors call for arbitration specialists
Bahamian contractors have called for more attorneys to specialise in construction arbitration, suggesting that provisions for such forms of dispute resolution be made mandatory in their contracts.
PwC NHI ‘funding gap’ $38m ‘under-estimate
PricewaterhouseCoopers (Pwc) projections for the National Health Insurance (NHI) ‘funding gap’ are almost a $38 million under-estimate, due to the plan’s basic coverage expanding to a $400 million package.
‘Bated breath’ on energy reforms
Businesses are waiting “with bated breath” to see if the Government’s reforms can deliver lower energy costs, with the Chamber’s chairman emphasising that implementation is key.
Sunday, November 15
Police seize 100 pounds of marijuana
Police seized almost 100 pounds of marijuana in Exuma on Saturday.
Saturday, November 14
UPDATE: Three men die in separate shooting and stabbing incidents
THE murder toll in the Bahamas in 2015, already at record annual levels, has risen further with three killings in three separate incidents in 20 hours between Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
Friday, November 13
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: 'More than 100 dead' in Paris attacks
PARIS (AP) — A series of unprecedented attacks on popular night spots killed more than 100 people in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II, officials said. President Francois Hollande condemned it as a terrorist attack and pledged that France would stand firm against its foes.
COB asks police to investigate fraud allegations
THE College of The Bahamas has asked the Royal Bahamas Police Force to investigate allegations of fraud by reason of employment by a clerk at the college.
UPDATED: Death penalty sought for brothers convicted of killing off-duty policeman
A Supreme Court jury found two brothers, Dion Bethel and Kevin McKenzie, guilty of the December 2014 murder and armed robbery of off-duty policeman Sgt Wayne Rolle on Friday afternoon.
PM suggests 'impact on our freedom to move about' in crime fight
PRIME Minister Perry Christie on Friday said he is “distressed” by the country’s crime problems, which he said now requires a more aggressive approach by the government and law enforcement.
BEC restores power to 15 customers on Crooked Island
FIFTEEN customers on Crooked Island affected by Hurricane Joaquin have had their power supplies connected, a statement from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) said on Friday.
PM 'impressed' with names of investors in Baha Mar talks
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said on Friday that he was “impressed” with the names of the many investors who are in talks with the Export Import Bank of China over the $3.5bn Baha Mar resort.
Three dead in Grand Bahama traffic accident
A SERIOUS traffic accident in Grand Bahama claimed the lives of three people - two women and a man - in Freeport on Thursday evening.
Queen's College PTA honours murdered teacher with wreath
THE Parent Teacher Association of Queen's College has presented the school with a wreath to honour the life of its murdered fourth grade teacher Joyelle McIntosh, who was shot in her car close to the private school earlier this week.
One of largest public healthcare institutions in South Florida holds Grand Bahama conference
BAPTIST Health International (BHI), one the largest public healthcare institutions in South Florida, held a free health conference on Friday in Grand Bahama.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Never mind dealing with crime, we must keep Whatsapp
THIS week, when news spread that the country’s murder record had been tragically broken, I glimpsed my teary-eyed, 80-year-old aunt (rosary in hand) praying. Trying to offer comfort, I asked her if she was okay. Her response? “No, I’m not okay because I never imagined this is what The Bahamas would come to.”
Colonial Group International (Bahamas) donates $100,000 to hurricane relief
THE Colonial Group International (Bahamas) has donated a total of $100,000 towards Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts to three organisations on the frontline of assisting residents to return to normal life in the impacted central and south eastern islands.
Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort wins top prize at food and drink expo
MEMORIES Grand Bahama Beach Resort took top spots in the third annual Culinary Fusion Food and Beverage Expo last weekend in Grand Bahama.
BCC too late
Hurricane Joaquin hit our islands five weeks ago with horrific and devastating effects, our God decided that there would be no deaths, but ... the Bahamas Christian Council has not as yet organised a National Celebration of Thanksgiving. They must be waiting for the anniversary in 2016.
Empty promises to Cat Island
After a recent trip to Cat Island, following Hurricane Joaquin, a feeling of concern has weighed heavily on my mind.
Prices are out of control
The price of bread has jumped recently, but for the fuel they use to bake the bread at Purity Bakery and LPG Gas, the purchase price has decreased. Does this make sense?
Excessive charges
In reviewing my credit card statement, FCIB charged its annual fee of $60 and on top of that, there is VAT of $4.50.
Shoddy service at RBC
I am writing concerning the deplorable state of our banks and what they call service these days.
Wilchcombe admits government doesn’t have the answers
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe, admitting that the PLP made crime a political issue, says his government now realises that they didn’t have the answers to the problem, but needed the whole community — not just PLP politicians with their secret potions— working together to combat what is now destroying the country.
Court orders disclosure of all immigration policy documents
A SUPREME Court judge has ordered the government to disclose all relevant documents relating to its immigration policy introduced a year ago.
Anger at RBC $10 charge
FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday criticised Royal Bank of Canada Bahamas for its “ridiculous” new $10 charge for non-RBC account holders, and called on the government to ensure that the Toronto-based bank was not seeking to “take advantage” of Bahamians.
Rollins demands PLP live up to promises on crime
A DAY after the murder count hit 130 for the year, the Free National Movement demanded that the Christie administration live up to its promised crime solutions and “restore public confidence in the state’s capacity to keep Bahamians safe”.
UPDATED: School shocked by teacher’s murder
FAMILY, friends and colleagues of a Queen’s College elementary teacher who was shot dead in her car on Wednesday night struggled yesterday to deal with the “senseless killing” that claimed the life of a woman they described as “a devoted mother and teacher”.
AUTISTIC MAN WAS VICTIM OF DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
POLICE are asking for the public’s help in locating the persons responsible for killing an autistic man and seriously injuring another man in a drive by shooting Wednesday night.
Two dead in Freeport traffic accident
POLICE are reporting that a man and woman died on Thursday night in a serious traffic accident in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
S&P cuts Bahamas 2016 growth to 1.5%
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) yesterday slashed its 2016 GDP growth forecast for the Bahamas to just 1.5 per cent, and warned that “material benefits” from the Baha Mar project are more than two years away.
Bahamians star for the Benedict Lady Tigers
BAHAMIAN Je’Nae Saunders was one of two senior players who had a big game as the Benedict Lady Tigers defeated Paine College 3-0 on Tuesday night in their final regular-season volleyball match.
Latest cruise ship sails into Nassau
THE port of Nassau yesterday welcomed the world’s newest mega ship, the Norwegian Escape, as a part of the luxury cruise liner’s maiden voyage, prompting tourism officials to credit the country as the best warm weather destination in the world.
Iram Lewis elected GBAAA president
HE serves as a vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) and the outgoing first vice president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA). Now former sprinter Iram Lewis, who represented the Bahamas at both the Olympic Games and the IAAF World Championships, will add the president of the Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association (GBAAA) to his portfolio.
Call for Bahamian boxing legend to be recognised
EVEN 40 years since Bahamian National Hall of Fame boxing legend Oswald ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson won the World Boxing Council’s junior middleweight championship, there is still a plea being made for him to get the proper recognition that he deserves.
STRONG FIELD AT BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
THE Battle 4 Atlantis traditionally gives Bahamians an early look at some of the top incoming freshman classes in all of NCAA Division I basketball and the 2015 tournament later this month looks to continue that trend.
Taking on the challenge of tackling diabetes
ACE Diabetes will launch its “Mission Possible: Diabetes Down” expo on Saturday, an initiative focused on the retention and management of diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices.
Unanimous verdict as man guilty of murder
A SUPREME Court jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict for one of two men standing trial for a murder that occurred on a national holiday.
Heading home injured - but in good spirits
THE two American cruise passengers injured after the moped they were driving hit a pothole on the Eastern Road by Montagu on Monday have returned home bandaged and bruised, disappointed but in good spirits.
Project looks towards a more modern Nassau
PLANS for a more modernised city of Nassau are one step closer to reality after the Inter-American Development Bank’s Emerging and Sustainable Cities programme concluded its “Urban Design Lab” project yesterday.
Aircraft registry can ‘parallel’ civil aviation reforms
The Government was yesterday urged by an aviation law specialist to develop a Bahamian international aircraft registry “in parallel” to its overhaul of the local industry’s regulatory oversight regime.
$1bn investments ‘not turning into economic growth’
Almost $1 billion worth of ongoing investment projects are failing to “translate into economic growth”, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) warned yesterday, with the inevitable tourist market “adjustment” upon opening further delaying Baha Mar’s impact.
$20m BEC clean-up ‘not even band aid’
The Government’s promise to spend $20 million on cleaning-up the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) legacy pollution was yesterday branded as “not even a band aid” by environmental activists, who are forging ahead with the imminent launch of legal action.
Sarkis hit with $300k legal bill
Attorneys representing creditors of the sole Baha Mar company still in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection are demanding that Sarkis Izmirlian pay them almost $300,000 to cover their legal fees and expenses.
Lightbourn: Nottage has lost sight of reality
MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn yesterday questioned the level of concern displayed by National Security Minister Bernard Nottage over the nation’s record homicide figures.
Resident takes shotgun off gunman during burglary
A MAN disarmed a gunman who broke into his home on Thursday morning, police said.
THE FINISH LINE: Mike Sands introduces his ‘One BAAA’ team
AFTER taking a couple weeks off to relax, it’s good to be back from vacation. But I’ve noticed that it’s still sports as usual. Nothing changed. Still the package includes a little bit of everything, including some controversy. After all, that is what sports is all about in the Bahamas.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 11/13/2015
Camperdown Plant Sale. - The Plant Ladies of Camperdown are back by popular demand with their seventh annual Camperdown Plant Sale this Saturday.
Doctors hospital team triumphs in Chickcharney relays
AFTER two individual race events, the organisers of the Chickcharney Challenge have made a successful transition to their first relay event.
Union opposition to Cable’s mobile licence bolstered
The Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) yesterday received backing from a second trade union over its opposition to Cable Bahamas receiving this nation’s second mobile licence.
BEC union expects to meet PowerSecure during December
The Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s (BEWU) president said yesterday he was quite satisfied with the information received from the new Bahamas Electricity Corporation Board (BEC), although the unions have yet to meet with its new manager or see the business plan.
Training Agency: More than half of graduates get job
The National Training Agency (NTA) has assisted ‘more than half’ of its 2,000 graduates to-date to find full-time employment, its director told Tribune Business yesterday.
Thursday, November 12
Bahamas backs Sir Ronald Sanders for top Commonwealth post
SIR Ronald Sanders, who is vying to become the first Caribbean national in more than 20 years to hold the the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth, has been assured of the support of the Bahamas by Prime Minister Perry Christie ahead of the vote at the end of this month.
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Trampling on human rights in The Bahamas
ON the face of it, human rights appears to be a non-starter in certain quarters of The Bahamas.
Clean bill of health for Marathon?
I recently saw a copy of a “report to the nation” on the Rubis fuel spill in Marathon. According to this very pretty, nicely produced report, the ministries of Health and Environment have given the residents of Marathon a “clean bill of health”.
A shameful act
It seems we have hit a new low with the Ministry of Education blocking Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner from receiving relief supplies on behalf of her hurricane ravaged community.
Dancing while veteran abandoned
As reported in The Tribune November 10th “As Veterans Remembered, One Is Left In Rundown Home”.
Confounded by crime march call
I read your headline with astonishment this morning “Wilchcombe: Murder record is a Disgrace - Minister wants people to get angry and march”.
Shadow minister posts for Wells and Rollins
ONE week after they joined the Free National Movement, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells have been named as the party’s shadow ministers of national security and tourism respectively, a statement from the FNM said yesterday.
Anti-crime rally being held tonight
THE Family: People Helping People project plans to host a major anti-crime rally this evening to present its 10-point plan to arrest the nation’s crime woes.
Five in court accused of being gang members
AMID tight security, cordoned off streets and in the presence of armed police, five men who denied being members of a gang when arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the criminal offence.
Davis: Bills to cut electric costs
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday tabled three bills in the House of Assembly that are expected to pave the way for the Christie administration’s plan to reform the electricity sector, ultimately reducing the cost of electricity to consumers.
Mitchell would welcome citizenship commission
IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said he would welcome the appointment of a citizenship commission to allow for applications for Bahamian citizenship to be processed without “political inference”.
Godet and Rolle take top prize at the Scotiabank golf Invitational
TRIBUNE Media Sales Director Dion Godet and Kelsey Rolle took first prize at the annual Scotiabank Golf Invitational at Lyford Cay on Sunday in perfect conditions on a balmy, sunny day.
RICARDO'S WEEK 10 NFL PICKS:
Jets flying high on top-ranked defence
BEFORE we jump into the picks this week, let’s take a moment to celebrate and cheer the week that was. There were high quality games all around, late-game heroics and, in a couple of instances, gut-wrenching plays.
NAUGHTY'S WEEK 10 NFL PICKS
Steelers defy injuries, the Dolphins to win on the road
Last week I went 7-6 moving me to 77-55 for the year, and somehow vaulted into third place behind Barry Wilner, of the Associated Press, and Sannie, who is obviously tired of beating Renaldo by himself so she’s spreading the cut skin around.
SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL PICKS WEEK 10
There’s only one thing left for me to do - Pick Like Sannie.
Another clean sweep for SAC
FOR THE second consecutive year, the St Augustine’s College ‘Big Red Machine’ completed a clean sweep of championship titles in all four divisions of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) softball league.
Gov’t urged: ‘Clarify’ GB Power regulation
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday urged the Government to clarify whether its proposed energy sector reforms intended that URCA take over regulatory responsibility for the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) - a move that conflicts with Freeport’s founding agreement.
ON DA HOOK: What’s in your tackle box?
WITH Wahoo season in full swing, many people have been asking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) what is the hottest Wahoo lure on the market.
Seymour returns as Chamber of Commerce president
KEVIN Seymour was returned as president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce during its annual general meeting and election of officers held on Wednesday at the Pelican Bay Resort.
Residents hold town meeting over power cost rise
AT a well-attended town meeting called by the Coalition for Concerned Citizens, many residents signed letters drafted by the organisation opposing the proposed rate increase by the Grand Bahama Power Company.
Freeport resident rides bike from Canada to Mexico
AT age 74, Freeport resident Dave Mellor is not slowing down.
Appeal judges wait to see if Hawksbill report will be released
COURT of Appeal judges will only make a decision on an injunction appeal in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement upon receiving an answer from the government on whether it intends to release a report detailing recommendations made over Freeport’s expiring tax incentives.
Man fit to stand trial for incest
AN elderly man will stand trial in the Supreme Court on charges of incest and attempted incest, a judge ruled yesterday.
Yachts sail to the aid of islands hit by Hurricane Joaquin
AS relief efforts continue in the islands hit hardest by Hurricane Joaquin, an aid organisation has offered a helping hand.
Mitchell says veterans’ pensions still under review
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said the issue of pensions for World War II veterans is still under active review.
Road works to recover asphalt after malfunction
ROAD works currently being conducted on East Bay Street near the Fort Montagu bend are to rectify the road’s “bleeding” asphalt mixture, a senior official at the Ministry of Works said yesterday.
Auditor urged closure of Road Traffic in Abaco until controls were in place
AUDITOR General Terrance Bastian recommended in his audit report of the Road Traffic Department in Abaco that the Marsh Harbour office be shut down until proper internal controls were established.
Gov’t targets $246m BEC reform ‘windfall’
The Government yesterday revealed a $246 million energy reform ‘windfall’ that will temporarily arrest the national debt’s increase, amid new revelations about BEC’s dire financial straits.
BEC bonds won’t increase light bills
Government officials yesterday argued that the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) is “incapable of reform” without restructuring its legacy debt, and pledged that the plan will not increase light bills.
‘Red letter day’ for Bahamian aviation
The Bahamian aviation industry enjoyed “a red letter day” yesterday, after the Government finally introduced legislation to bring its regulatory and safety functions into line with international standards.
Tour operator haunted by vessel ‘arrest’ ghost
A Freeport-based tour operator yesterday told Tribune Business he was being ‘haunted’ by a ghost from his business past, who has successfully persuaded a Florida court to “arrest” his 75-foot catamaran.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Sprucing up your images for free
If you are a web or graphic designer, you certainly use a lot of photos, pictures and stock images in your designs. Adding a few high quality photos is a great way to improve a website, article or any presentation if you wish to impress your clients or viewers.
LOI firm says affair ‘storm in tea cup’
The company caught up in the Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy yesterday described it as a “storm in a tea cup”, adding that it would not allow its reputation to be sullied by politicians ‘milking’ the affair.
Private sector awaits ‘new paradigm’ over energy
The private sector yesterday hailed what it described as a “new paradigm” for the Bahamian energy sector, as the Government introduced a legislative package to Parliament to facilitate long-awaited reforms.
Wednesday, November 11
Ship beached after Hurricane Joaquin
THE Emerald Express, with a crew of eight, was on its way from Great Inagua to Fort Lauderdale when it was caught at sea by Hurricane Joaquin on October 1 near Acklins and Crooked Island.
TOUGH CALL: Floor crossing and the game of political musical chairs
POLITICS is a strange game in The Bahamas – full of “crazy per-sons”, as Holly laughs to Megan in the Coca-Cola commercial that plays endlessly on television.
International experts visit to help Swift Justice scheme
A TEAM of high-level international legal experts will stage a three-week training mission for the judiciary and auxiliary workers in the Bahamas.
Neglecting our veterans
Seemingly until this year Remembrance Day was a must attend event on the calendar of our elected people and obviously the Veterans – not in 2015.
Senior citizen VAT
As A retired senior citizen of this country, I am really angered and disturbed over the decision that requires senior citizens to pay VAT on all medical services.
Is Tennyson Wells puppet master of Minnis?
What have we come to in the FNM? Tennyson Wells, who resigned from the party, who voted and campaigned against the FNM, and who is now in bed with the PLP, seems to be pulling the strings as the puppet master of Dr Hubert Minnis and the FNM.
Stop stories of corruption
It is past time that all of the chatter in the media and on street corners about political corruption, outright theft, and back-handers must stop.
BTC workers warned of ‘challenge’ ahead
BTC CEO Leon Williams yesterday said that while he does not anticipate any layoffs at the company in the near to short-term, BTC and the future of its remaining employees may be “challenged” by the evolution of mobile services in the country and the emergence of a second cellular services provider.
Accounts Committee to probe Road Traffic
THE missing resources from the Department of Road Traffic’s Abaco office valued at $662,705 will be investigated by the Public Accounts Committee once it receives the auditor general’s report which uncovered the unaccounted for materials, according to PAC Chairman Hubert Chipman yesterday.
Hundreds queue at Popeye’s job fair
MORE than 500 job seekers showed up yesterday at a job fair to apply for the nearly 100 vacancies offered by Popeye’s Bahamas ahead of the restaurant’s December opening.
Butler-Turner ‘blocked’ from receiving hurricane relief
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said she was blocked from receiving hurricane relief supplies for her constituency that were donated by staff and students of Claridge Primary School.
UPDATED: Donna Vasyli sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder
AFTER she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the stabbing death of her millionaire husband, an attorney for Donna Vasyli said her legal team intends to challenge the guilty verdict of a jury that the widow felt “betrayed” her.
Wilchcombe: Murder record is a disgrace
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe conceded that the Progressive Liberal Party made crime a political issue, but said the party has learned from that experience and realises now that everyone must work together to combat crime.
Brothers create 100 jobs via $2m franchise launch
The Tsavoussis brothers will next month unveil their third Bahamian food franchise with the launch of a $2 million ‘Popeyes’ restaurant on Prince Charles Drive, a move which will create around 100 jobs.
Govt has not yet backed candidate for Commonwealth
THE government has reserved its position on endorsing a candidate for Commonwealth secretary general in a bid to secure a last-minute regional consensus ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed yesterday.
Barracudas battle it out
THE Barracuda Swim Club’s Family Guardian Invitational turned into a marathon one-day session on Saturday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex after Friday’s opening session was postponed because of the inclement weather. But it didn’t have any effect on the performances of the swimmers.
Sports Notes
THE most vaulable player (MVP) from the City Bowling League competition last night was Lasheik Major of Carib Construction who downed the pins for a strong 641 high three game set.
Tristan Eldon wins Cecil G Cooke Memorial Jr Regatta
THE Bahamas National Sailing School and Nassau Yacht Club hosted the Cecil G Cooke Memorial Jr Regatta for the second year at the weekend.
Volleyball teams to hold court in Tournament of Champions
FOURTEEN volleyball teams, seven male and seven female, from across the country, will compete for the titles this year at the third annual “National Tournament of Champions” on November 19-21.
Team Vitamalt land the Bahamas’ first Flag Football title
THEIR defence came through when it mattered most and Team Vitamalt claimed the first international flag football tournament title for a Bahamian team with victory at the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association (CIFFA) Invitational I-Cup title on Sunday.
Debbie aims to revive the 4x100 team
ALTHOUGH she is busy with her job as an assistant coach at the University of Houston, sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie said she is not yet finished with her career and is looking forward to making a contribution to the revival of the women’s 4 x 100m relay fortunes when she competes in her sixth and final Olympic Games in 2016.
Union angry at cellular licence for Cable Bahamas
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union President Bernard Evans yesterday criticised Cable Bahamas Limited’s successful bid to become the country’s second cellular services provider.
Lawyer raises concerns over process in murder case
A LAWYER yesterday raised concern over the contents of an indictment Crown prosecutors intend to use in fast-tracking the murder case of her clients to the Supreme Court for trial.
Landfill fires must end for Baha Mar’s opening
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday suggested it would be impossible to open Baha Mar without stopping the New Providence landfill’s frequent fires, describing the resulting air pollution as “equivalent to raw sewage on the beach”.
‘High time’ GBPA is listed on BISX
An outspoken QC yesterday said it was “high time” the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) was returned to public ownership via a listing on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX), as concerns rise over Freeport’s “discombobulated” economy.
Bran: ‘Despair Index’ at highest-ever level
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday warned that the Bahamian people’s’ “despair index” is at its highest-ever level, with the economy still mired in depression seven years after the global financial meltdown.
Gov’t to break $200m Treasury Notes mark
The Government is hoping to next week breach the $200 million mark for funds raised via its new Treasury Note security, with advisers confident the latest $25 million offering will be fully subscribed.
Hurricane repairs have begun - but not reconstruction yet
NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Stephen Russell yesterday said while repair efforts are underway in the islands’ hardest hit by Hurricane Joaquin, officials are still discussing the rebuilding of homes in vulnerable areas.
Taxi drivers ‘making progress’ on franchises
A taxi union leader yesterday said that “some progress” was finally being made in a decades-old effort for the sector to take control of its own destiny and become self-regulating.
Contractors: Baha Mar revival ‘beyond critical’
The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday warned that the plight of contractors collectively owed $74 million by Baha Mar was “beyond critical”, calling for an immediate revival of the stalled project to stave off
Tuesday, November 10
Bishop wants examination of gambling
ANGLICAN Diocesan Bishop Laish Boyd said the gaming sector “does not add value to our economy” and called on the government to “lead a fuller inquiry into the social and moral side effects” of gambling.
Expo to shine light on diabetes in children
CHILDREN will be the focus of the upcoming ACE Diabetes Health & Wellness expo, which will aim to educate both kids and adults on prevention and management of diabetes.
Michelle Miller Motivational: Aren’t you tired of waiting to feel good enough?
The opening lyrics of one of my favourite’s songs by Sarah McLachlan go like this:
Live a fulfilling life: Should you stop eating red meat?
Should you reduce your intake of beef, lamb, bacon and sausage? According to a new study, the answer is...maybe.
Twinings teams with Bahamas Heart Foundation for 'Tea Fit For Royalty'
Each year, thousands of healthy babies are born in The Bahamas. Sadly, it is not always the case.
Silence
In a late 1980s paper on the oppression of Indian women, “Can the Subaltern Speak’, postcolonial critic Gayatri Spivak declares that the subaltern woman is silent in the Indian context.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Weaning with love
Choosing to breastfeed is giving your baby the best start at health in life, but it is a labour of love as there can be challenges and trying times in the beginning, but sticking to it will come with big rewards in the long run.
Christine Stubbs in operation ‘Save Our Little Darlings’
WITH a mission to take a stand and bring about change, awareness and safety for children who are victims of abuse, a determined Bahamian woman started an organisation called “Operation SOLD: Save Our Little Darlings.”
A fashion trip around the world
Up-and-coming teen designer Navado Dawkins recently took fashionistas on a tour around the world with his first solo showcase.
YOUR SAY: Strategies to combat crime in The Bahamas
CRIME in The Bahamas is at unacceptable levels. But what do we mean by “crime”?
POLITICOLE: Living with a history of corruption
MOST people think corruption refers to something big, unusual ... the behaviour of a select group. It can be, but it’s also – and maybe more often – the little, deceitful, ordinary things you do every day that eventually add up to a larger act of dishonesty that carries with it greater penalties and repercussions.
Nice from a distance
Re: “The Bahamas is the most beautiful place from space (The Tribune, November 5).
Learning our lesson
In the past several months, we have heard much about “teachable moments”. We have been having these moments for years, but what concerns me is that we do not seem to have learned many lessons from them, particularly with reference to hurricanes.
VAT out of control
FROM a business perspective, the logistics of dealing with VAT has spiralled out of control. Not only is the reporting tedious, do not even think you will get a refund when due, but now payment of VAT is being further complicated.
Corporal punishment
Perhaps I’m wasting my time writing this letter, as some things are so deeply ingrained in the fabric of Bahamian society, that trying to change them often proves fruitless. Yet, there are things that are so wrong, they can no longer be ignored, and someone has to stand up and say something.
The Bahamas ranks sixth on obesity list
THE Bahamas has been ranked the sixth most obese country in the world based on 2014 statistics from the World Health Organisation.
World War veterans boycott Remembrance Day service
WORLD War II veterans boycotted the annual Remembrance Day event at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday over a dispute about seating arrangements and their continued frustration with the government’s failure to raise their pension.
Baha Mar: Minister confirms deal close
A SENIOR Cabinet minister in the Christie administration yesterday confirmed that stakeholders were close to finalising a deal to complete and open the $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort.
$660,000 missing from Road Traffic
TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday revealed that Royal Bahamas Police Force officials are currently probing missing resources at the Road Traffic Department’s Abaco office valued at more than $660,000.
Tropical Storm Kate batters islands
TROPICAL Storm Kate battered parts of the central and southeast Bahamas yesterday, one month after those islands were devastated by the passage of Hurricane Joaquin.
US Embassy looking for new location
THE US Embassy in Nassau yesterday confirmed reports that it was searching for a new property to relocate its downtown outpost.
BISX-listed supplier in 12% volume drop
Improvements at the Water & Sewerage Corporation continue to be bad news for its BISX-listed supplier, which saw sales volumes drop by 12 per cent year-over-year for the nine months to end-September 2015.
Does menopause affect your mouth?
Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. It is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period. In brief, menopause is when the menses (some Bahamians refer to it as the “health”) stop in a woman. It is a normal physiological occurrence and is not an illness or a deficiency.
Young girls are crowned as ‘princesses’ at self-affirmation event
EVEN if a complete “renewing of the mind” was not achieved, organisers of the first ever Princess Conference are confident that the necessary seeds were sown in the lives of young girls who attended the event to inspire and encourage them to reach their fullest potential.
GRAND BAHAMA HOSTS 29TH CONCHMAN TRIATHLON
THE 29th Conchman Triathlon was held on Saturday in Grand Bahama with Stefan Laursen and Elizabeth Shaddock emerging as the overall male and female champions.
Sports notes
THE Baptist Sports Council has announced that their 2015 Softball Classic will get underway on Tuesday, November 17, at the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Bird had the last laugh – but it was funny at the time
With my Cowboys having dropped their sixth game in a row, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory again, I need to clear my head a bit.
Jonquel stars in George Washington win
GRAND Bahamian Jonquel Jones played a pivotal role as sophomore forward Kelli Prange scored a game-high 21 points to lead five Colonials in double figures as George Washington women’s basketball team cruised to a 95-47 exhibition win over Christopher Newport on Sunday afternoon at the Charles E Smith Centre.
Big Red Machine gets into gear
ST AUGUSTINE’S College rolled its Big Red Machine out of Freedom Farm with four victories on the opening day of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ (BAISS) softball season and is now just one game away from completing a repeat of all four titles.
Tourists injured as scooter hits pothole
TWO American tourists were treated in hospital yesterday for minor injuries after the moped they were driving hit a pothole on the Eastern Road, sending them crashing to the pavement near the Family Guardian Corporate Centre.
Mitchell ‘pleased with support’ for new immigration policies
IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell has been pleased with the support from Bahamians for the new immigration policies implemented a year ago.
Nolle prosequi issued in armed robbery case
A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery had the charge withdrawn against him in the Supreme Court yesterday.
Trial to go ahead of men accused of sex attacks on children
THE Crown is ready to proceed with the trial for two men separately charged with sexually assaulting three minors, a Supreme Court judge was told yesterday.
Former FNA candidate davis joins the FNM
FORMER DNA candidate for the Marathon constituency Karen Davis has officially joined the Free National Movement, the party announced yesterday.
No fast track for Palm Cay killing case
TWO men recently charged in connection with a fatal shooting at the exclusive Palm Cay community in eastern New Providence did not have their case fast-tracked to the Supreme Court yesterday.
Power company to replace 9,000 street lights in Grand Bahama
THE Grand Bahama Power Company will undertake a major replacement of more than 9,000 streetlights and night guards throughout Grand Bahama, according to a company spokesman.
Gov’t urged: ‘Leverage’ private cover for NHI
The Bahamas’ relatively high private medical insurance penetration is an advantage this nation must “leverage” - rather than abandon - in developing universal health coverage (UHC), Tribune Business was told yesterday.
Bank haircut the key amid Baha Mar ‘hype’
A former Baha Mar director yesterday branded talk about potential buyers/operators for the $3.5 billion project as “a lot of hype”, arguing that the real issue was the size of the “haircut” that its Chinese lender is prepared to take.
Haywards ‘duped’ over trust battle
The Hayward family believes it has been “duped” over the removal of two trustees charged with safeguarding their late father’s trust, having obtained witness statements suggesting the person responsible may be suffering from dementia.
‘Multiple’ Baha Mar rivals face Kerzner
Sir Sol Kerzner and his partners are competing with multiple rival bids to take over Baha Mar, with the Christie administration hoping a solution to take the stalled $3.5 billion project forward can be determined by year’s end.
Bran says he wants another chance in Bamboo Town
DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday urged voters in the Bamboo Town constituency to give him another opportunity to represent them, as he suggested that the current area representative Renward Wells has undermined their trust.
Men wanted for murder
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force last night issued an appeal to the public for help in finding four men who are wanted for murder.
As veterans remembered, one is left in rundown home
DAYS after the country celebrated Remembrance week in honour of World War I and II veterans, the daughter of a 90-year-old veteran called attention to her father’s poor living conditions.
Kerzner’s Baha Mar move ‘interesting development’
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday described Sir Sol Kerzner’s involvement in a group seeking to operate and complete the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project as an “interesting development if everything holds up”.
Dry cleaning chain rethinks pre-pay
A Bahamian dry-cleaning chain said yesterday that sluggish sales had forced it to rethink its pre-pay policy, telling Tribune Business that it has to take back market share.
Monday, November 9
NASSAU LIFE: A plan for Baha Mar
Richard Coulson suggests a compromise of interests can be found to preserve the stalled mega-resort development
Permits at the Pointe
Public Works building control inspectors stops work at The Pointe project at The British Colonial Hilton ... Wow! I was wondering when they would.
Redundancy madness
The government’s plans to eliminate the Employment Acts twelve-year cap on redundancy pay is their latest act of lunacy, no doubt promoted by the more trade union steeped among them, and comes as a knife in the back of the private sector.
Too much time or misplaced priorities?
“Shut mout catch no fly” is a little ditty that most Bahamians know about. In addition to flies, a shut mout will also keep one’s foot from being put in it.
Minnis is lonely at the top?
So Dr Hubert Minnis, Leader of the FNM and of the Official Opposition says it’s “lonely at the top”! Top of what? What is wrong with this man? He’s not prime minister yet (I hope he never will be) but he’s already delusional. He should leave the delusional emperor thing to Perry Christie.
Is the team of Farkas-Kerzner about to rescue The Bahamas?
ON Thursday, Prime Minister Perry Christie started tongues wagging in Nassau as to the identity of the major international investors interested in the restructuring of the seemingly jinxed $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort.
MP: If I don’t get nomination, I will bow out of front line
BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells said yesterday he would not return to front line politics if he did not secure a nomination with the Free National Movement in the next general election.
Wells ‘praised by Minnis’ for accepting LOI responsibility
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis is reportedly now praising Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells for “accepting responsibility” over his signing of the $650m letter of intent with Stellar Waste Management without authorisation last year.
Veteran’s family left ‘trapped’ in wake of Hurricane Joaquin
HURRICANE displaced families remain handicapped by the devastation wrought in last month’s category four storm as they struggle to care for disabled or elderly dependents.
Murder total hits new record
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of a 17-year-old youth on the weekend, which pushed the country’s murder toll to a record breaking 128 for the year.
Farkas-Kerzner in deal for Baha Mar
ACCORDING to sources close to the negotiations, The Tribune has learned that a deal in principle has been struck for Baha Mar between Island Capital Group LLC, a private real estate merchant bank led by Andrew Farkas and partnered by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner, the Export-Import Bank of China and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd.
INSIGHT: Gender referendum appears abandoned
PRIME Minister Perry Christie is routinely criticised for leading a government that is long on lofty promises, but short on follow through.
INSIGHT - Strange bedfellows: Jury still out on how Rollins and Wells moving to the FNM will benefit the party
LAST week, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis pulled a political chess move that stunned and angered many in his own party.
Tropical Storm Kate heads for central and NW Bahamas
TROPICAL Storm Kate formed on Monday morning and is approaching the central Bahamas. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Berry Islands, New Providence, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.
Baha Mar’s main contractor ‘thwarted us at every turn’
Baha Mar’s contractor allegedly “thwarted, stonewalled and misled at every turn” a US-based demolition company’s efforts to collect an outstanding $754,704 balance for work on the $3.5 billion project.
Sports notes
RISING tennis star Jacobi Bain lost in the semi-finals of the Celisus Thanksgiving Level 6 Tournament to seventh seed Yeudy Villar 6-1, 6-1 yesterday in Sarasota, Florida.
Lions take a bite out of COB Caribs
FLORIDA Memorial University Lions found a way to roar with a slim and a sizeable victory in their two-game series against the College of the Bahamas Caribs men’s basketball team.
Sands sets sights on BAAA vote victory
“STRONGER, experienced and committed” were the key words echoed throughout the day by the ‘One BAAA’ team headed by incumbent president Mike Sands as they prepare for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ annual general meeting and election of officers.
Saying farwell to a national icon
SCORES of civic dignitaries on Friday joined the family, friends and religious counterparts of the late Rev Dr Hervis Bain to bid a final farewell to the national icon best recognised as the creator of the national flag and coat of arms.
Officials say medication management system has been drastically improved
THE Princess Margaret Hospital drastically improved its medication management system this year with the introduction of state-of-the-art technology that is reducing wastage and saving money, while setting the stage for improved clinical outcomes for patients, officials said.
Wells and Rollins welcomed with ‘thunderous applause’
THE membership applications of Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins to the Free National Movement were met with “thunderous applause” at a special meeting last week, according to FNM Secretary General Michael Foulkes.
junkanoo season launched
THE 2015-16 Junkanoo season was launched on Thursday by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in conjunction with the National Junkanoo Committee at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.
Funding for Junkanoo groups quadrupled, say officials
JUNKANOO groups are set for a major boost in funding this year, after the government made allocations that quadruple the amount of money that the groups received in previous years, according to officials.
Two sets of Baha Mar guardians just ‘crazy’
The Opposition’s deputy leader believes it “makes no sense” for there to be two different sets of receivers/liquidators looking after Baha Mar, branding the situation as “crazy”.
Insurers in Obamacare style alternative to NHI
The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday unveiled its own Obamacare-style alternative to the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan, arguing that requiring all legal residents to have insurance will be “less disruptive” to the economy.
CCA urged ‘joining forces’ against Baha Mar on pay dispute
China Construction (America’s) Bahamian subsidiary urged at least one sub-contractor to join forces with it against Baha Mar, and develop “a co-ordinated presentation of claims” against the embattled developer.
Gov’t turning lay-offs into a ‘bonus windfall’
The Government will dissuade many entrepreneurs from “even attempting to do business” if it persists with plans to transform employee severance pay into “a windfall bonus”, the private sector has warned.
BEC: Restoring power to Crooked Island will take time
DESPITE having the necessary supplies and work teams already in place, restoring power to customers affected by Hurricane Joaquin on Crooked Island will take “some time” to complete, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation said on Friday.
Mother died after suffering emotional scars following storm
THE daughter of 93-year-old Geneva Johnson said yesterday while the devastation Hurricane Joaquin wreaked on Acklins did not take the life of her mother, the massive category four storm left in its wake mental and emotional scars too big to overcome.
Greater Bahamian ownership needed in financial services
The Opposition’s deputy leader has called for greater Bahamian ownership of the financial services industry, which itself needs a greater focus on innovation.
Contractors urge ‘fair play’ on public tenders
The absence of “fair play” in the tendering process for public contracts remains one of the most significant challenges facing the Bahamian construction industry, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s(BCA) president believes.
Sunday, November 8
Potential new storm threat to southeast Bahamas
FORECASTERS are monitoring a weather disturbance near the southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday night that has the potential to form into a tropical depression or storm on Monday.
Man dies from stab wounds after dance hall fight
POLICE have taken four men into custody after a fight at a dance hall off Prince Charles Drive on Saturday night ended with one man stabbed to death and three others detained in hospital with injuries.
Search called off for cruise passenger who fell overboard
THE US Coast Guard suspended its search on Saturday for a Brazilian man who jumped onto a lifeboat on the side of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship before he plunged into the ocean near the Bahamas.
Saturday, November 7
Search for suspect after man shot on Carew Street
Police are searching for a suspect after a man was shot on Carew Street on Friday night.
Friday, November 6
93-year-old Acklins resident dies
93-year-old Acklins resident Geneva Johnson died Friday afternoon after suffering from pneumonia.
Former Deputy PM: Christie suggesting legislation to prevent further defections
PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s suggestion that he could soon be drafting legislation to block MPs from switching sides without resigning from their seats is a bid to prevent further defections from his party because it has obvious problems, former Cabinet Minister Brent Symonette told The Tribune on Friday.
World War II veterans threaten to boycott govt's Remembrance Day ceremony
FRUSTRATED World War II veterans yesterday threatened to boycott the government's Remembrance Day ceremony in protest of its failure to increase war pensions for more than half a century.
Minister in favour of 'cashless system' in Freeport Passport Office
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell says he would like to see the Passport Office move to a “cashless system” in Freeport after some $25,000 reportedly went missing there several months ago.
'Witness identified one of two men accused of murder'
A SUPREME Court jury heard on Friday that a witness identified one of two men on trial concerning a murder that occurred on a national holiday.
Video shows missing cruise ship passenger’s last moments aboard
A MAN who jumped onto a lifeboat on the side of a cruise ship clung to the edge of the tiny vessel for more than minute early on Friday as fellow passengers watched and screamed before he plunged into the ocean below, according to officials and video posted of the incident.
Grand Bahama Shipyard and staff donate $42,000 to hurricane relief
THE Grand Bahama Shipyard and its employees are donating $42,000 towards hurricane relief and rebuilding efforts in the southern Bahamas.
Man will have to take murder conviction appeal to Privy Council
A MAN who believes he did not receive a fair trial on a murder charge was told by a Supreme Court judge on Friday that he will have to contest his conviction in the country's highest court of appeal.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Wells and Rollins pointing the finger at the Emperor
This week has been one of defections, reflections and deflections. Members of Parliament switched teams, two leaders went head to head in the proverbial “political game of chess,” and somehow another “party” cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Silent politicians
Did you notice the deadly silence from all 21-Cabinet Ministers when EXIM China acted in their best interests?
Chickens home to roost
The Prime Minister needs to rein in his cabinet ministers, hacks and semi-delusional political fanatics before it becomes too late for the credibility, sustainability and viability of this now ludicrous “Gold Rush” administration.
Activist Terneille Burrows to run as Independent candidate at next election
ACTIVIST Terneille Burrows has announced her intention to run as an independent candidate for Elizabeth in the next general election.
Communities being terrorised by criminals
IN THIS column yesterday – with crime rising daily — we suggested that government follow the example of Jamaica and the Caymans by inviting a number of British detectives to The Bahamas to assist our Commissioner and his officers in getting crime under control.
Faulty circuit breaker to blame for new BEC outage
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday blamed a “faulty circuit breaker” for a power outage that left 25 per cent of New Providence without electricity for hours on Thursday morning.
PM: Major investors are interested in Baha Mar
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that major international investors are interested in the Baha Mar property, adding that some of these groups have already had talks with the Export-Import Bank of China.
Tennyson Wells encouraged move to FNM
FORMER Cabinet Minister Tennyson Wells yesterday said he first approached Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells about joining the Free National Movement and encouraged initial discussions for the plans to come to fruition.
‘Minnis welcomed defectors to stave off coup’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis only welcomed Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells and Ft Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins into his party to stave off a possible internal coup.
FNM questions if rules were broken
WHILE both Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells were officially welcomed into the Free National Movement on Wednesday, the decision sparked controversy yesterday over whether the party’s membership procedures were properly followed.
Police officer shot outside his home and taken to hospital
POLICE have launched an island-wide manhunt for the occupants of a white Honda who ambushed and shot an officer on Friday morning.
US Coast Guard search for missing cruise ship passenger
THE US Coast Guard is searching for a man from Brazil who fell off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship near the Bahamas.
FML launches competition to win a house
FML Group of Companies yesterday announced the launch of its “All I Want For Christmas House Promotion,” a joint partnership between FML, Arawak Homes and Cable Bahamas Ltd to give FML customers a chance to win a new home.
Spartans win Combat Cancer Challenge
THE Orry J Sands Spartans beat out 14 other five-person teams of fitness enthusiasts and cancer awareness supporters to win CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Combat Cancer Challenge.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 11062015
Cycling Club Bahamas. - Upcoming events: Saturday - 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.
Murdered man had been shot twice in chest and three times in the arm
FORENSIC pathologist Dr Caryn Sands told a Supreme Court jury yesterday that she recovered five bullets during an autopsy of a man that was murdered on a national holiday.
Activists raise fears as Bimini waters turned to ‘muddy mess’
A LOCAL environmental advocacy group yesterday raised concerns about the suspected “filling in” of Bimini’s North Sound Lagoon, an area the group claimed has now become a “muddy mess.”
Defence Force detains 112 migrants
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force apprehended 112 undocumented Haitian migrants some 24 nautical miles west of South Point, Long Island on Thursday morning.
Nygard’s bid to have judge step aside stalled by lawyer’s injury
THE bid of Canadian fashion designer Peter Nygard to have a judge recuse herself from his committal proceeding was stalled yesterday after his lawyer, who said he had sustained a recent injury, sought an adjournment.
Union president bemused by ‘premature’ Miller attack
BAHAMAS Utilities Service and Allied Worker’s Union President Dwayne Woods yesterday criticised newly appointed Water and Sewerage Corporation Chairman Leslie Miller for “attacking” the union “prematurely”.
Telethon raised $237,000 to help hurricane victims
IT TOOK nearly 200 people, hours of planning and the camaraderie of companies more accustomed to competition than co-operation, but when it was over, the national telethon Rebuild Bahamas proved that the citizens could make a success out of adversity and help fellow Bahamians in need.
Abaconian Branden Sands victorious in Optimist Nationals
HAILING from the tiny settlement of Cherokee Sound, Abaco, Branden Sands and his younger sister Rachel showed their more experienced big city rivals from Nassau just how to do it.
Minister welcomes Vita Malt basketball champions, talks about the importance of being ‘well-rounded’
MINISTER for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville yesterday welcomed the winners of the Vita Malt Basketball Championship - from St George’s High School - to his office.
THE FINISH LINE: BAAA elections ‘shaping up to be an all out war’
IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish.
Sports Notes
THE New Providence Volleyball Association continued its regular season at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
Wells ‘selfish and unreliable’ says his former constituency chairperson
BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells is facing severe backlash from his former constituency branch after his “unceremonious” departure from the Progressive Liberal Party on Wednesday.
Little support for Rollins, more favour for Wells
DESPITE the euphoria of some Free National Movement members over the acquisition of Dr Andre Rollins and Renward Wells, some residents of their respective constituencies yesterday said they are not inspired to support the incumbent representatives in the next general election.
Baha Mar liquidators mull change to powers
Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators are assessing whether to seek Supreme Court permission to change their powers, following the appointment of Deloitte & Touche as the secured creditor’s receivers for the project.
Gov’t urged: ‘Act swiftly’ on failed CLICO promises
The Government was yesterday told it must “accept the lion’s share of blame” if thousands of CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders lose their health insurance coverage, with its initial regulatory mishaps now compounded by repeated failed promises.
Bran: Wells must come clean over $650 million LOI affair
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday demanded that Renward Wells and his new party chief disclose the “full circumstances” surrounding the $650 million Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy, arguing that it had set back both renewable energy and a resolution to the landfill’s ongoing fires.
BTC sees near 22% profit fall
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) suffered a near-22 per cent profits fall to $29 million for the first half of its 2016 financial year, as revenues and margins came under pressure from mobile competition preparations.
BTC job loss fears on $24m saving plan
Fears of further job losses at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) were raised last night due to the planned imposition of a new “centralised” business model, which will help its controlling shareholder realise a further $24 million cost saving.
Psychiatrist offers expertise to seminar on responsible gambling
TWO weeks after being granted a conditional gaming license, Jarol Investments Ltd/Chances Games hosted its first responsible gambling seminar in Freeport with the expertise of renowned psychiatrist Dr David Allen.
Youngsters learn how to behave around dogs
CHILDREN learned safety tips for how to behave around dogs during a session with the Earthcare group recently.
SOCCER STANDOFF: More than 800 young soccer players in BFA displaced
A standoff at the administrative level between the Bahamas Football Association and several of its member clubs has displaced over 800 youth soccer players.
Fishermen to ‘live with’ closed Grouper season
The Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA) president yesterday acknowledged that while some fishermen did not want to see a closed season for the Nassau Grouper, “it is something we have to live with”.
Water union’s fear over Miller ‘beef’
The Bahamas Utilities Services & Allied Workers Union’s (BUSAWU) president yesterday said it was disappointed by recent ‘warning shots’ from incoming Water and Sewerage (WSC) chairman, Leslie Miller, but said: “We have no axes to grind”.
The Bahamas Contractor’s Association eyes ‘major shift’
Bahamas Contractor’s Association (BCA) president Leonard Sands said that the organisation was eyeing a “major shift” that would allow the association to evolve into an umbrella organisation and forge deeper ties with all industry stakeholders.
Thursday, November 5
YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Defection is another nail in Christie’s political coffin
TODAY, Prime Minister Perry Christie must be feeling like a politically wounded man, losing two of his former political acolytes to the Free National Movement and reducing his parliamentary team from 30 in 2012 to 27 when Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells crossed the floor.
Wells and Rollins shows weakness of FNM
Wednesday news from the House of Parliament of the resignation from the PLP of Wells and Rollins, does not merit headlines.
A catalogue of despair
If there is any truth to the adage that “God Smiles”, then the corollary must also be true, and judging by The Tribune this morning 4th November, I would say that “He” must be frowning, if not scowling, at the Bahamas and its people.
Seek help on crime
Crime in our country - I have grown so weary and frustrated with the never-ending comments from politicians, citizens and “so-called experts”.
Outside investigators needed to assist RBPF
“THE Cayman Islands has brought in British police to tackle a rise in gang-related crime that business leaders fear could hurt the territory’s image as a safe finance and tourism destination,” Reuters news agency reported in 2010.
$57m bill for govt repairs after hurricane
IT will cost almost $57 million to repair government buildings and infrastructure damaged or destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Joaquin, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced yesterday.
Florida firm blamed for festival fiasco
ORGANISERS of the Caribbean Muzik Festival said yesterday they were “forced to postpone” the event after a Florida company hired to provide light and sound cancelled “very late in the day”.
Departure ‘raises questions about PLP’
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller said the move by Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins to cross the floor and join the Free National Movement signifies “a dent in the armour of the PLP.”
Death penalty to be sought for killers of US sailor
THREE men could be sentenced to death if a Supreme Court judge grants a request for the imposition of that penalty for the May 2013 murder of Kyle Bruner, an American sailor who was shot just feet away from the Paradise Island Bridge in Nassau.
Minnis: No incentive offered
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday insisted that in courting Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells to join the party, no incentives were offered.
Rollins and Wells defect to FNM
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells yesterday joined the opposition Free National Movement after a long run of frosty relations and contention with the Progressive Liberal Party.
Taxi driver jailed for three years over cocaine seizure
A TAXI driver was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after admitting ownership of $510,000 worth of cocaine that was seized by Grand Bahama police on Monday afternoon.
Defectors branded as ‘political opportunists’
DNA Chairman Andrew Wilson yesterday branded Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells as “political opportunists” over their decision to join the Official Opposition.
Oil explorer: JV search ‘longer than we hoped’
The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) has admitted that its joint venture partner search is “taking longer than we would have hoped”, amid growing shareholder frustration over the Government’s apparent “foot dragging” on enabling legislation.
RICARDO'S NFL PICKS Week 9
Not even Johnny Football can chalk one up for the Browns
ANOTHER frustrating weeks in the books, 7-7 through the 14 games played around the league last week pushing me to 66-53.
NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Week 9
Bengals and Panthers pounce to keep me on the comeback trail
THE comeback started last week. I went 9-5 bringing me to 70-49 for the year. Let’s see if the upturn continues this week. Here’s who I like.
SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL Picks Week 9
Browns at Bengals RENALDO: At one point this used to be “The Battle Of Ohio.” Now it’s a title better suited for the weekly fight between LeBron’s barber and the progression of his receding hairline.
Big Red Machine clinch championship series berth
DAY two of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) sudden death softball playoffs saw the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine clinch berths to the championship series in several divisions.
Hero World Challenge on par for Albany
Major championship winners Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Zach Johnson headline the field for the 2015 Hero World Challenge, featuring 18 of the world’s top-ranked golfers, it was announced yesterday.
LPG’s 10-month ‘rape’ exposes Price Controls
Bahamian consumers overpaid for cooking gas for 2015’s first 10 months, an outspoken businessman asserted yesterday, arguing that this showed why “archaic” Price Controls needed to be abolished.
$7m Andros roads project ‘on hold’
A senior Ministry of Works official yesterday confirmed that a $7 million roadwork project in North Andros had been put ‘on hold’ pending an inspection to ensure compliance with the Government’s specifications.
Police investigate $25k Passport Office losses
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has been summoned to investigate the disappearance of $25,400 at the Freeport Passport Office, which has resulted in at least one official facing “disciplinary action”.
CLICO health policies in cancellation danger
Hundreds of CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders are facing a fresh blow, after its liquidator warned yesterday he has no choice but to cancel all health insurance policies unless the Government delivers on its $30 million guarantee and related resolution promises by New Year’s Eve.
Another suspect on drug charges
A FOURTH suspect was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court concerning a recent $2m marijuana seizure in South Andros.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Doing Justice to artistic potential
I have always been encouraged by the wealth of art interpretations displayed in various forms by many Bahamians. And it is just as overwhelming to finally catch up with a youngster who is not only a cartoonist but multi-talented, business minded and truly cares about society’s destiny.
CLICO policyholders ‘lose hope in system’
A prominent CLICO (Bahamas) policyholder yesterday said he was “losing hope in the system” due to the Government’s continued failure to bring resolution to the near seven-year saga.
Gov’t Joaquin costs could exceed $56 million
Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that the total cost to repair government buildings and infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Joaquin has been pegged at $56 million, although this could drop to $34 million depending on which option is chosen to repair Acklins’s roads.
Gov’t not just rescuing major loan defaulters
A Cabinet Minister yesterday said the Government was not seeking to absolve “big borrowers” of their debt to the Bank of the Bahamas, after an MP questioned its philosophy regarding troubled smaller borrowers.
Wednesday, November 4
Three found guilty of American sailor Kyle Bruner's murder
THREE of five men who stood trial concerning the murder of Kyle Bruner, an American sailor, just feet away from the Paradise Island Bridge in Nassau were unanimously convicted on Tuesday.
Pointe permits
Re: The Pointe Permits (The Tribune, Letters, October 29)
Less talking, more action
In Scotland this summer, I read The Tribune on the Internet with horror. Everything that could seemed to be going wrong in the Bahamas, my home for a good many years and I hope years to come.
Izmirlian and two governments
On the face of what we hear, neither the PLP nor the FNM are willing to take responsibility on parts of the process for the approval and execution of Baha Mar, although they were at their time the sole exclusive authority.
Bahamians are not being consulted or informed
DOWNTOWN Nassau has been a disaster zone for some years with efforts being made by various committees to transform Bay Street into an historic street of great beauty.
Wells and Rollins join the FNM
BAMBOO Town MP Renward Wells and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins both revealed in the House of Assembly on Wednesday that they have crossed the floor and joined the Free National Movement (FNM).
Dump fire 60% extinguished
THE fire that started at the New Providence landfill over the weekend is about “60 per cent” extinguished, Renew Bahamas officials said yesterday.
Engine failure blamed for BEC power cuts
THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation yesterday said “engine failure” was the cause of several power outages in eastern and central New Providence on Monday night and Tuesday.
Long Islanders ‘angry’ at lack of support
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said her constituents were angry that the government has continued to drop the ball amid rebuild and repair efforts on the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin.
‘This is the worst government we have ever seen’
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday called the Christie administration the “worst government this country has ever seen.” Crime will continue to rise as long as they are in power, he said.
Halkitis rejects Sarkis attacks
STATE Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis yesterday defended the Baha Mar receivership from attacks against the resort’s developer Sarkis Izmirlian, saying the process is a way for “the speedy resumption and completion of the resort.”
Warrant issued as court rejects discharge
A WARRANT of apprehension was issued by the Court of Appeal yesterday for a man the court ruled should not have been conditionally discharged for his crimes of possession of an unlicensed firearm and a large quantity of ammunition.
Causing harm case proceeds despite complainants ‘wanting matter dropped’
A FREEPORT man was charged in Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday with causing harm and causing damage.
Grand Bahama Junior Junkanoo to be free to spectators
YOUTH Sports and Culture Minister Daniel Johnson has announced that the Junior Junkanoo parade will now be free of charge to all spectators in Grand Bahama.
Top sprinter says sports hernia surgery ‘went very well’
NOW that she’s done with the surgery for a “sports hernia,” sprinter Anthonique Strachan said she’s eager to get back on the treadmill and start her training again so that she can be ready to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Strikers Boxing Club to compete in Florida State Championships
THE Strikers Boxing Club will be taking a 12-member team on their seventh international trip this year as they compete in the Florida State Championships in Fort Pierce, Florida, this weekend.
Flag football: Team Vitamalt to represent Bahamas at Cayman Invitational
FOR the first time in four years, the Bahamas will be represented in regional flag football competition as the sport of American football continues to develop.
Sports Notes
THE most valuable players (MVP) in City Bowling League competition last night was a red hot Kevin B Williams of Genuine Knights who mowed down the pins for a 270 second high game and a gigantic 708 three game set.
SUDDEN DEATH PLAYOFFS
Crusaders, Comets and Big Red Machine advance to best-of-3 championship series
The Nassau Christian Academy Crusaders, St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine and the Queen’s College Comets took the spotlight on day one of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) sudden death softball playoffs.
NASSAU LIFE: The lessons we can learn from New York in fighting crime
I am not a criminologist. Nor am I a cop, a judge, a prosecutor, a public defender or a prison warden.
Man who sexually assaulted girl has appeal rejected
A MAN’s conviction and sentence for sexual assault of an underage girl was upheld in the Court of Appeal yesterday.
$30m recovery from leading CLICO asset
CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator is likely to recover more than $30 million from the insolvent insurer’s main asset, although significant hurdles remain before this can be returned to Bahamian creditors.
Financial services firms set for 25% contraction
The Bahamas will likely suffer a 25 per cent contraction in the number of financial services industry players, a senior international private banking executive said yesterday, as institutions merge to acquire scale and maintain profitability.
Resolve ‘not ruling anything out’ over more bad BOB loans
Bahamas Resolve’s chairman yesterday admitted he “wouldn’t rule out anything” when it came to the possibility of removing more toxic loans from Bank of the Bahamas.
‘I don’t remember removing Hayward trust’s guardians’
The elderly protector for the late Sir Jack Hayward’s family trust signed documents within a month of his removing two trustees saying he had “no memory or recollection” of doing so, amid allegations they “mishandled” a deal to acquire the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).
Businesses missed Baha Mar’s ‘risk/reward’ dangers
The Bahamas was yesterday warned to “brace for significant economic fall-out” as a result of Baha Mar’s slide into receivership, with the private sector failing to equate the project’s “higher reward with higher risk”.
Stem cell therapy centre marks its first anniversary
THE Okyanos Cell Therapy facility in Freeport has been in operation for the past year as the first licensed stem cell therapy provider in The Bahamas.
Tribune publisher to be honoured
EILEEN Carron, the publisher/editor of The Tribune, is to be recognised for “more than 50 years of dedicated and courageous work at The Tribune” this month by the Bahamas Press Club at its first awards ceremony to honour pioneers in the field of journalism and mass communications in the country.
AIDS foundation calls for help from businesses
LADY Camille Barnett, president of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, yesterday appealed to businesses in the country to support the foundation with sponsorships to fund its outreach programme for adolescents who are infected and affected by the disease.
Minister promises no ‘disruption’ from NHI
A Cabinet Minister yesterday reiterated Government pledges that it would do nothing to “disrupt’” the economy as it rolls out National Health Insurance (NHI), suggesting it would adopt the private-public partnership model pioneered over Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Bank eyes ‘huge opportunity’ for Bahamas unit
Andbank’s chief executive said yesterday that the private bank was optimistic about its prospects in the Bahamas, as it sees a “huge opportunity” in connecting this nation to Latin America’s private wealth market.
Selecting the correct solar energy options
So, you want solar power for your home or business. You know you are tired of paying the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC). You know solar power is a well-tested, warrantied solution that more and more Bahamians are using. You know that you want to be the next to get it.
Accused of housebreaking
A MAN was charged with housebreaking and stealing in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Tuesday, November 3
Breast cancer awareness - Part III: The gift of prevention
This week’s article is written on a very sombre note. Breast cancer awareness month may officially be over, but our struggle with breast cancer is very real and ongoing.
Why cosmetic dentistry?
Have you ever seen someone who looked like they could use a makeover? What was it, was it their hair, was it the face?
Supporting a worthy cause with ‘A Night of Luxury’
GETTING to zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination is still major goal for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.
International patient receives life-changing treatment in the Bahamas
For the average 22-year-old, life has just begun. But for Colton Carroll, life as a young adult was more about facing challenges and dealing with restrictions brought on by a recently diagnosed disease.
Become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself: Recovery after surgery and illness
While you are recovering from illness, your body is working extra hard to repair and rebuild itself.
Teamwork called for at Chickcharney Relays
THEY are known for creating the Bahamas’ toughest obstacle course, and now the Chickcharney Chirren are back with “Out Da Bush”, yet another thrilling challenge to be held at Clifford Park this Saturday.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Take a ‘babymoon’
You may be tired of thinking and hearing about all the things to do before baby arrives.
Expanding your comfort zone
What if I told you I’d give you $1,000 to make an important public speech? Would you take the offer? Or would you, like many individuals, immediately recoil at the idea, even though it could be lucrative for you. Why doesn’t this idea appeal to you?
Damaged men
We are being led by a system of hypermasculine men who see it as their right to steal, plunder, rape, pillage and murder through their class privilege, lies and deceit.
Taking some ‘Me time’
WITH so much going in day-to-day life, many people don’t get the chance to spend quality time just with themselves.
Fashion Beats Cancer
An aspiring Bahamian stylist is joining the fight against breast cancer by using his talents to put together and host a charity fashion show on November 14.
POLITICOLE: On Pointe . . .
What’s The Pointe? It’s not an inclusive development for the average Bahamian; not to my eyes or ears.
The people of Crooked Island
Survivors of the recent Category 5 Hurricane Joaquin, which devastated Landrail Point on Crooked Island, wishes to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following individuals and organisations, for the quick response in sending relief supplies from the USA.
Open letter to Fred Ramsey
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.
Time for serious rehabilitation
During the decades of the fifties through eighties many Police Officers were sent to the UK for training. It was during my training at the West Riding Detective Training College I was taken to a Borstal Institute in a city in England. It is a prison for young offenders, who are taught trades while incarcerated and assisted to get jobs when released as certified tradesmen.
Gray intervention ‘may have been a misjudgement’
AGRICULTURE Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday admitted that contacting Mayaguana administrator Zephaniah Newbold on behalf of one of his constituents after he had been convicted and sentenced earlier this year might have been a “misjudgement”.
Baha Mar construction ‘begins in six to eight weeks’
DESPITE Baha Mar being placed in receivership by the Supreme Court last week, Prime Minister Perry Christie remains optimistic that construction will begin within the next six to eight weeks to complete the project, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister V Alfred Gray said yesterday.
Lawsuit expected over Muzik Festival fiasco
DAYS after the postponement of the final two nights of the Caribbean Muzik Festival, a lawsuit is expected to be filed in connection with the event.
Murder total reaches 127
THE country recorded two more murders on Monday when a man, who was shot last week, died in hospital and another man was shot multiple times and killed while walking off West Bay Street.
Gov’t making business into ‘social safety nets’
The Government was yesterday accused of seeking to transform Bahamian businesses into “social safety nets” by eliminating the Employment Act’s current ‘12-year cap’ on redundancy pay.
‘Patently false’: Bahamas not violating tax rules
A former finance minister yesterday slammed as “patently false” suggestions by a prominent tax advocacy group that the Bahamas is “disregarding the rules” and flouting global information exchange and transparency standards.
Baha Mar contractors need urgent ‘lifeline’
Bahamian construction companies owed a collective $74 million over Baha Mar were yesterday said to be in urgent need of “a lifeline”, amid continuing questions on why the project’s Chinese contractor was not required to post a performance bond.
80% DIY anglers is ‘absolute nonsense’
The Fly Fishing Industry Association’s (BFFIA) president said yesterday it was “absolute nonsense” to suggest that so-called ‘do-it-yourself’ anglers (DIY) anglers represent 80 per cent of the industry, questioning the credibility of a 2010 survey that pegged the sector’s economic impact at $141 million.
Sarkis to ‘rise and go again’
A former Baha Mar director yesterday suggested that Sarkis Izmirlian will “rise up and go again”, but not in the Bahamas with its “sullied” investment reputation as a result of the project’s demise.
Mental health fears for hurricane victims
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said yesterday there are concerns about a spike in mental health issues among residents on the islands devastated by Hurricane Joaquin, which hit the southern islands last month.
It is hoped that ‘Sovereignty’ will now pay the bills
ON Saturday, former deputy prime minister Brent Symonette did not agree with his party (FNM) that the Christie government was totally at fault for the recent redundancies of more than 2,000 Bahamians from the Baha Mar payroll.
Author’s new book gives a road map to college life
AUTHOR Monique Hinsey held a launch at the National Art Gallery on Sunday for her book, “A Road Trip Guide to College”.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Kansas City Royals will return to 2016 World Series and repeat as champions
I TOLD you so!!!
Sports Notes
THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools is all set to begin its sudden death softball playoffs at Freedom Farm Park in Yamacraw this week. After seven weeks of action during the regular season, the four contestants in all four divisions - juniors boys and girls and boys and senior girls and boys - have been determined.
Commando Security Truckers earn national softball title
THOMAS Davis was stingy on the mound and Marvin ‘Tougie’ Wood came up with a clutch two-run home run and that helped to propel the Commando Security Truckers back into the limelight as they clinched the Bahamas Softball Federation men’s national championship title.
43rd BSF Nationals ‘was a huge success’
DESPITE the fact that the Eleuthera Softball Association withdrew its men’s team, the Bahamas Softball Federation completed its 43rd National Softball Round Robin Tournament over the weekend with both the men and women titles remaining in New Providence.
‘Tum Tum’ and Spartans eye national champs title
The Michigan State Spartans hosted media day to introduce the 2015-16 team to the East Lansing, Michigan, community and Bahamian sophomore guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr was one of the focal points this season.
Sandals invites expert to give men advice on cancer
SANDALS Royal Bahamian invited Bahamian oncologist Dr Theodore Turnquest to give its male staff a huge dose of men’s health information last week.
Free dive champion visits The Bahamas
FOUR-time free diving world champion Pierre Frolla recently chose The Bahamas as the ideal spot for a new commercial for Hamilton watches.
Grand Bahama prepares to pay its respects
EVERY year, war veterans worldwide are remembered for their bravery and service to defend and protect democracy during the First and Second World Wars.
Cathedral to host annual Remembrance service
THE annual Remembrance Day service will be observed on November 8 at Christ Cathedral in honour of those men and women who fought for the country during World War I and II, the Cabinet Office has announced.
Jury expected to give verdict today in case of murdered US sailor
A JURY is expected to return a verdict today for the five men accused of murdering an American sailor who was shot dead a few feet away from the Paradise Island Bridge two years ago.
Pair accused over marijuana seizure
TWO men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with a recent marijuana seizure in South Andros.
Cocaine worth $500,000 seized by drug enforcement
GRAND Bahama police seized more than $500,000 worth of suspected cocaine in the Lucaya area on Monday afternoon.
Inmate dies of illness
AN inmate serving a sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services died in the Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday.
Police probe US man’s drowning
POLICE are investigating the death of an American man who drowned while swimming in western New Providence on Sunday.
Bostwick tells court he was set up
FORMER Free National Movement) Senator John Bostwick II yesterday contended that the criminal case against him was a “vicious and diabolical” plan to tarnish his character and reputation.
Gov’t ‘took back’ LPG dealer profits
Any profits that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dealers made from the fall in global prices has been “taken back” by the Government via increased taxes, Tribune Business was told yesterday
Monday, November 2
Baha Mar developer hits out following receivership
BAHA Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday broke his silence on the Supreme Court’s appointment of a receiver to the stalled project, saying the move is a part of a pattern of “disastrous actions” that have led to Baha Mar’s continuing struggle to be completed and opened this year.
Rising debt is a danger to the nation
Something does not add up. Forgive me if I am wrong but VAT was introduced due to pressure from the IMF and general gloom from credit agencies who were continuously downgrading our economic status, their fears are – we are drowning in debt ie the National Debt is huge.
Pointe’s effect on cruise ships
Everyone is talking and complaining about the Chinese Pointe. But no one seems to care that the marina planned for the Pointe might interfere with the traffic lanes of the cruise ships and by default, our cruise ship trade.
The National Development joke
Successive governments from time immemorial have difficulty in completing what they promise and approved in any single year Budget so you really think it is feasible to try to write a 30-year to include every island’s national development plan?
Speaker Major, how dare you?
I ask this question up front, Dr Kendal Major, how dare you deny the people of Long Island from expressing themselves? How dare you take it upon yourself to, without any reason, deny the Member of Parliament for Long Island, Loretta Butler-Turner the privilege that is accorded to all members of parliament? What could be your explanation? Is it that you hate Long Island?
Another dump fire breaks out over weekend
OFFICIALS at the New Providence landfill were fighting a new fire at the city dump that burned over the weekend, causing a nuisance to area residents.
Man shot dead on West Bay Street
POLICE were called to the scene of an early morning shooting death in the area of West Bay Street.
Hurricane repairs by NEMA to begin today
NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Stephen Russell yesterday said the agency is all set to begin its repair and construction phase for the six islands devastated by Hurricane Joaquin today.
Mystery over postponed Caribbean Muzik Festival
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that he was “taken aback” by the postponement on Friday of the two final nights of the highly touted Caribbean Muzik Festival.
Concern raised over Baha Mar receivership
IN the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to put Baha Mar into receivership, Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson reiterated yesterday that the government will “only take steps that are in the best interest of the Bahamian people”.
UPDATED: Body of victim dumped in canal
THE MAN whose body was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle submerged in the Sea Breeze Canal on Saturday was likely murdered before being placed in the car, police said yesterday.
Roberts says receivership of Baha Mar is ‘positive’ news
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday welcomed the “positive” news that Baha Mar has been placed into receivership at the request of the Export Import Bank of China.
Union claims it is being blocked by container port
TRADE union activist Lionel Morley has been granted registration for the Longshoreman Union, but claims that road blocks are continually being put up to prevent him from representing dockworkers at the Freeport Container Port.
Baha Mar contractors must be ‘made whole’
THE Attorney General yesterday said the Government was resolute that Bahamian contractors “are made whole” for work completed at Baha Mar, amid increasing anxiety over what the project’s newly-announced receivership will mean for local creditors.
No more toxic BoB loans for Resolve - yet
BAHAMAS Resolve has yet to be “formally asked” to remove more toxic loans from Bank of the Bahamas, amid calls from the latter’s irate shareholders for the Central Bank to “intervene” and take over its operations.
Baha Mar takeover threat to Atlantis’s top investor status
THE FNM’s deputy leader has expressed concern that Atlantis’s ‘Most Favoured Investor’ status, and the Bahamas’ economic sovereignty, could be jeopardised by the Chinese state’s takeover of Baha Mar.
Bran: Bank needs $4bn outlay to finish Baha Mar
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader believes the China Export-Import Bank will have to increase its investment to near $4 billion to open Baha Mar, as he warned of “a nightmare” facing Bahamian creditors and investors.
Dispute involving marines at Inagua club
POLICE and members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are currently investigating a dispute that took place at a local club in Mathew Town, Inagua, on Saturday morning.
Babak slams GBPA finder fee ‘nonsense’
Hannes Babak has slammed as “nonsense” documents purporting to show he, and others, would have received ownership stakes in key Freeport utilities as ‘Finder’s Fee’ compensation over the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) sale.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS: Government, China get their desired Baha Mar end
Bank’s takeover raises fresh economic sovereignty questions, writes Neil Hartnell
Lady Stingers are national champions
A hobbling Keisha Pratt went 3-for-4, sparking an eight-run sixth inning with a run-producing double and Thela Johnson gave up six hits with eight strike outs as the Lady Stingers stunned Grand Bahama’s Lady Wolverines 12-8 to secure the Bahamas Softball Federation ladies’ round robin championship title.
Wreckage of El Faro thought to have been found in 15,000ft of water
MIAMI (AP) — Sonar indicates that the wreckage believed to be the cargo ship El Faro landed upright on the ocean floor, which may aid efforts to recover the ship’s voyage data recorder, a National Transportation Safety Board spokesman said yesterday.
Sports notes
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association is slated to return to action over the weekend of November 7-8.
BSF National Round Robin Results
RESULTS of the Bahamas Softball Federation’s National Round Robin Tournament, held October 29 to November 1, are as follows:
Sunday, November 1
Man and woman injured in shootings
Police are searching for suspects after two shootings over the weekend.