Stories for September 2015

Wednesday, September 30

9PM HURRICANE ALERT FROM BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

ALERT #7 ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2015 AT 9 PM EDT.

Hunt for suspect after man shot dead

POLICE are on the hunt for a suspect responsible for a shooting incident that left one man dead late Tuesday night.

NEW HURRICANE JOAQUIN ALERT FROM THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

ALERT #5 ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2015 AT 3 PM EDT.

TOUGH CALL: Where’s the will to hold authorities to account?

THERE is a simmering public anger these days about the evident impunity of the Bahamian political elite and their friends, families and lovers. You can sense it all around. It feels mushy on the ground. And you can smell it hanging in the air.

It’s time to say the necessary thing: Christie must go

I truly enjoy reading Mr Ortland Bodie’s commentaries. They are usually informative, well written and in a lot of cases give insight to meaningful issues affecting our country.

Is this how we should appear?

I really think everyone in this government suffers from severe myopia or total blindness.

Commissioner cries for help - wants criminals behind bars

AN EXASPERATED Commissioner of Police has given the authorities a choice: “Keep criminals behind bars” or his officers will continue to “pick dead bodies up off the streets”.

‘PLP fear being tough on crime will cost them votes’

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday accused the Christie administration of being soft on crime out of fear of losing votes in the 2017 general election.

Poor audits leave COB unable to use $16.1m loan

POOR auditing practices at The College of The Bahamas (COB) have prevented the institution from using the funds from a $16.1m Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) loan intended to help upgrade it as it seeks to transition to university status this year.

One Order Facebook page probed by police

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Stephen Seymour said police are “actively seeking” the person or persons responsible for death threats posted on Facebook under the guise of being one of New Providence’s most dangerous gangs.

MP pledges new scheme to fight crime

NASSAU Village MP Dion Smith said he will launch a new crime fighting initiative in his constituency, days after a young man was shot multiple times and killed in the area last Sunday.

Haitian man shot by policeman sues for $500,000

A Haitian man who was shot in Eleuthera by a police officer during an immigration exercise has filed a writ against the government seeking $500,000 in damages for the shooting and breaches to his constitutional rights.

Wilchcombe ‘ignoring cruise line crime fears’

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday alleged that Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe’s refusal to discuss the nation’s crime woes with representatives of a leading cruise line could soon result in a security warning to cruise ship passengers.

FNM divided over Minnis

FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash yesterday launched a scathing attack on his own party saying its supporters were “tearing their hair out” and are frustrated with their leader Dr Hubert Minnis who is not moving the FNM in the direction of a decisive 2017 general election victory.

Hurricane latest: Defence Force leave cancelled, schools update

HOURS after Hurricane Warnings and Watches were issued for the Bahamas on Wednesday morning, officials of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) and the Ministry of Education issued statements outlining their plans for Hurricane Joaquin's landfall.

1pm: HURRICANE JOAQUIN ALERT FROM THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

ALERT #4 ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2015 AT NOON EDT.

Woman murdered in Gambier Drive area, Freeport

A WOMAN has been reported murdered in the Gambier Drive area of Freeport on Wednesday morning and police are investigating.

Web shop licences issued October 15

Web shop licences will be issued on October 15, the Minister of Tourism confirmed yesterday, although he was unable to say how many companies will receive them.

Public health system’s 40% financial wastage

Up to 40 per cent of funds spent in the Bahamian public healthcare system go to waste, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday arguing this made it impossible to have “a fully functioning” National Health Insurance (NHI) or any other scheme.

Fifth man charged over couple’s killing

A 26-year-old Holmes Rock man was arraigned on charges of armed robbery and murder in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Armed raid suspect may have bail revoked

A JUDGE told one of three men awaiting trial concerning the armed robbery of Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that his bail would be revoked if he did not appear for a status hearing in three weeks.

Plane makes emergency landing at Grand Bahama

A PLANE made an emergency landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport on Tuesday. No one on board was injured, officials said.

Two arrests after man injured by shotgun blast

POLICE arrested a man and a woman early yesterday morning following a shooting incident at Village and Soldier Roads.

Books galore from Urban Renewal

THE Urban Renewal Outreach Centre, located in the former Mabel Walker Primary School off Blue Hill Road North, is proving a valuable source of books for local schools.

Hawksbill Creek overflows amid concern over dumped fill

WATER at Hawksbill Creek has overflowed onto the Fishing Hole Road and officials at the Grand Bahama Port Authority are looking into the cause of it.

Valencia’s no-hitter: SAC senior girl just shy of a perfect game

Not too many pitchers get to do what Valencia Gibson did to the Charles W Saunders Cougars’ senior girls yesterday.

As NPSA playoffs approach, Wildcats and Warriors are pennant winners

SUNSHINE Auto Lady Wildcats and BTC Elite Warriors emerged as the best teams in the New Providence Softball Association, clinching the men and ladies’ pennants respectively Tuesday night in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Sports Notes

THE top scorer in City Bowling League competition last night was Mario Brown of Telco Enterprises who crushed the pins for a 236 second high and a outstanding 672 high three game set.

PM’s Baha Mar meetings were ‘a PR exercise’

Prime Minister Perry Christie’s recent meetings with the parties to the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute were yesterday branded “a public relations exercise” by the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader, who agreed it amounted to “interference” with the project’s provisional liquidators.

Baha Mar delays ‘almost good thing’ for property prices

Baha Mar’s delayed opening is “almost a good thing” for the property market because it has not sparked any major price inflation, a realtor believes.

DNA chief, Minister clash over Carnival’s ‘crime advisory’ fear

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday warned that downtown Nassau’s cruise tourism product would suffer “immeasurable” harm if Carnival Cruise Lines restarted issuing crime warnings to its passengers - an assertion that drew a sharp rebuke from the Minister of Tourism.

Minister urges improved ‘red carpet’ for tourists

The Minister of Tourism said yesterday that Festival Place will be ready for the new cruise season in November, stressing that it was important this nation improves the “red carpet” treatment for its visitors.

Griffin signs protocl on disability rights

SOCIAL Services and Community Development Minister Melanie Griffin signed the protocol ratifying the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities on behalf of the Bahamas on Monday.

Tuesday, September 29

Donna Vasyli opts out of giving testimony

DONNA Vasyli yesterday opted out of giving testimony under oath concerning the events that led to her millionaire podiatrist husband’s lifeless body being discovered at their Old Fort Bay home earlier this year.

Dunkin’ for Boobies set to make a splash on Thursday

RADIO House is ready to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday morning with their second Dunkin’ for Boobies fundraising event, which last year raised over $4,000.

Fluoride in our water?

WHAT is drinking water fluoridation? It is when a small amount of the mineral fluoride is added to drinking water. When the term is used in this column, it is speaking specifically to the addition of a small amount of fluoride to the public drinking water supply in order to reduce tooth decay (“rottenin’”).

At the end of your comfort zone

Become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself

A friend of mine gave me a sticker the other day which said “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone”, and it reminded me how powerful this one statement is.

Sugar Part III: What’s all the fuss about?

AFTER spending two weeks looking at what sugar actually is, and what our bodies to do it once we’ve ingested it, it is finally time to wake up and smell the cavities.

Three businesswomen become ‘warriors’ in the fight against cancer

FOR the entire month of October, a new movement on Grand Bahama will be hosting activities to assist the island’s Cancer Society as much as possible.

‘The Pink Butterfly’ goes big for this year’s fundraiser

THE Pink Butterfly, in association with Mario’s Bowling & Entertainment Palace, is hosting its fourth annual cancer awareness benefit to educate Bahamians on taking proactive steps regarding their health.

‘No girl left behind’

ENSURING that “no girl is left behind”, a local non-profit organisation, Sisters of Strength, is raising the bar to empower young women to lead change in the Bahamas.

Time to ‘Paint the Lanes Pink’ again

WITH 34 per cent of Bahamian women being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to statistics, it is clear that the fight against the disease is still going strong.

POLITICOLE: You won’t vote for Bran because . . .

He’s attractive But he’s not a Barack Obama kind of attractive.

Nottage and crime

The Minister of National Security, Dr Bernard Nottage, is coming apart at the seams, it seems. Dr Nottage feels that the government should be lauded and applauded when there is a lull in murders – not a sustained reduction, mind you – but a lull.

Christie’s legacy

Now that the Chinese State Construction Company has “agreed” to proceed with the necessary construction work at Baha Mar and provisional liquidators are in place to ensure the orderly and dispassionate operations at that property, there is the possibility that a second plank would have been laid on the legacy platform which the Prime Minister is seeking to build. His “testament” is being rolled out, finally.

Wilchcombe: I will not challenge Christie

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday insisted that there is no chance that he would contest Prime Minister Perry Christie for the PLP leadership at the party’s November convention.

Vasyli to reveal today if she will testify

DONNA Vasyli will be called on today to indicate whether she will give a defence to the murder charge against her in the fatal stabbing of her husband who was found dead at their Old Fort Bay home earlier this year.

Final stage of bidding for cellular licence begins

AFTER a five-month delay, the final phase of the selection process for the country’s second mobile services provider has begun, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority announced yesterday.

Hundreds flock to jobs fair as restaurant seeks new workers

OVER 500 people seeking job opportunities with the new Margaritaville Bahamas restaurant yesterday expressed frustration that they needed at least a year’s experience just to qualify for a job.

Baha Mar talks ‘need two sides’

BAHA Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday stressed to Prime Minister Perry Christie that he could not be the “only hand clapping” in negotiations to complete and successfully open the $3.5bn Cable Beach resort.

New mobile provider unveiled in October

The Government is now aiming to announce the winning bidder for the second mobile licence next month, with the private sector “anxious” for the arrival of competition that should bring improved services and lower costs.

It is your life – are you the sheep or the shepherd?

THE key difference between the sheep and the shepherd is one follows and the other leads. When it comes to your life, which role are you playing?

BUN IN THE OVEN: Why I put my kids on a detox

I love technology. I’m an iPhone, iPad kind of girl; sorry Android lovers! Nothing allows me the sense of freedom like my device. If I feel like redecorating or trying out a new recipe, within seconds I’m browsing, searching and connecting to programmes that allow me to be inspired and get creative.

Gendered norms without updated expectations and skills

MANY Bahamians argue that men must be men; they must earn more than their wives or partners, they must be educated and they must be good providers.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Mayweather Jr a cut above the rest in my barbershop debate

AS I sit here waiting, in what is fast becoming the last bastion for free speech among adult males, the barbershop, some interesting subjects arise.

'We had good representation from all the countries' at CAC

THE 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships is over and done with, but there have been some lasting impressions left at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island for both the local and visiting athletes, as well as the fans in attendance.

McMinns and Williams help Axemen to 2-1 record

TWO games into their inaugural season with the Acadia Axemen of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) and Atlantic University Sport (AUS) a pair of Bahamian players took to the field this weekend.

SAC on a roll

THE two-time defending champions St Augustine’s College (SAC) Big Red Machine are on a roll so far in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) junior girls’ softball division.

‘Golden opportunity’ for ex-BTC employees

Former Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) staff have been allowed to form a company that will have the “right of first refusal” to supply services to the carrier, a trade union leader says.

Join in Pinktober and help fight breast cancer

A NUMBER of events are planned to commemorate “Pinktober”, a major cancer marketing initiative that runs during the month of October to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for three local cancer organisations on Grand Bahama.

Man accused of impersonating pilot

A MAN accused of posing as a pilot and attempting to get work with various airlines faces up to seven years imprisonment if convicted of several fraud charges on which he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Man charged with killing victim in shooting outside home

A MAN was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a murder charge.

Izmirlian downbeat, but Gov’t is upbeat

Prime Minister Perry Christie’s meeting with Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday achieved “nothing substantial” in attempting to resolving the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute, with the latter again demanding that his Chinese partners negotiate in “good faith”.

Poultry producer in 70% output fall

An Abaco poultry producers yesterday said its production levels have fallen 70 per cent due largely to a “softening” of sales in New Providence.

Private sector fearing ‘extinction’ over NHI

The Bahamian private sector could become “extinct” as a result of ever-increasing taxation, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive warned yesterday, as he urged the Government to provide more details on long-term National Health Insurance (NHI) financing.

500% consumer credit explosion ‘a tragedy’

A well-known businessman has warned that the near-500 per cent increase in Bahamian consumer debt over the past two decades is undermining “nation building” and fuelling “irrational behaviour” by borrowers.

Urban Renewal probe to resume

PUBLIC Accounts Committee Chairman Hubert Chipman said yesterday that the PAC will continue to interview Urban Renewal 2.0 officials on Thursday as it eyes an end to weeks of hearing testimony centred on the programme’s operations.

Don’t gamble away the legal profession

Do you consider yourself a gambler? Opening the Bahamian legal system to foreign law firms is just that: A gamble. There is only a small chance (20 per cent, give or take) that opening the legal system to foreign law firms will drastically increase offshore financial services bsiness for the Bahamas.

Kemp Road residents tell of need to tackle social causes of crime

RESIDENTS of the Kemp Road community continued to stress the need for a more “defined social approach” to the crime problem in their community, insisting that while there is fear of crime, they will not allow their community to collapse due to violence.

Curb appeal: Why beauty on the outside counts

How your house looks from the street is a factor often overlooked by sellers. Lisa Carroll explains why exterior appearance is crucial in luring potential buyers.

Crawfish ‘turnaround’ from vessel rotation

Fishermen have seen a “turnaround” in their 2015-2016 crawfish yields, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA) president yesterday saying this was largely due to new fishing practices.

Sports Notes

THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season action in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds over the weekend.

Monday, September 28

Well-known Bahamian businessman Ken Perigord dies age 68

KEN Perigord, a well-known Bahamian businessman and benefactor, died on Monday afternoon at his home of cancer. He was 68.

Four survive small plane crash

FOUR men are lucky to be alive after the small six-seater plane they were on crashed in waters near Chub Cay in the Berry Islands on Monday morning.

INSIGHT: Time for change - The PLP has been airing its dirty laundry in public

SENIOR members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) spent much of last week swimming against the tide so to speak, acknowledging that the country is in a mess, that the party had made many lofty promises that it could not keep in order to win the 2012 general election and that many government MPs are poor performers who should be cut like dead weight.

When will the referendum be held to protect Bahamian women’s marriages?

ON Thursday afternoon, death quietly closed the eyes of Mrs Inez Smith, 82, of Mathew Town, Inagua.

Clear this rubble from our roads

A HEAP of rocks covering a cavity in the road at the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Bay Street which has been left for months is angering motorists using the main downtown thoroughfare.

Marine dies after boating accident

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force is mourning the death of Marine Seaman Anfernee Brett Neely who died yesterday from injuries sustained during a boating accident in Nassau Harbour while on duty on September 17.

Inmate found dead in prison cell

AN inmate was found dead in his cell at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Saturday, however police yesterday declined to say whether they suspect foul play.

UPDATED: Man shot dead on way home from barber shop

A 23-year-old man was shot and killed in Nassau Village yesterday morning while on his way home, police said yesterday.

Roberts slams PLP dissenters

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts criticised former PLP MP Philip Galanis yesterday for criticizing the Christie administration, suggesting that he should “be quiet” if he has “nothing with sense to say.”

Bahamas gold rush

In a streak of consecutive performances, Charles Reckley, Paul Wilson-Stubbs and Jimmy Norius strutted to gold in the men’s bodybuilding segment to help propel the Bahamas to the overall title Saturday night at the 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in the Grand Ballroom of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

Out Island airlift strategy demand

The Bahamas has failed to convert its US proximity into affordable airfare, a tourism executive arguing that a national airlift policy is now needed to develop the Family Islands.

FNM deputy: ‘Is Gov’t interfering with Baha Mar liquidators work?’

The Opposition’s deputy leader has questioned whether Prime Minister Perry Christie’s interventions with Baha Mar’s Chinese partners are “tantamount to interfering” with the responsibilities of the project’s joint provisional liquidators.

Activists question $4m post-verdict investment at Blackbeard’s Cay

Environmental activists yesterday queried how the Blackbeard’s Cay developer could “be so cock sure” as to invest a further $4 million AFTER the Supreme Court issued a judgment calling for the Government to close the project.

Contractors ‘lulled into abnormal’ Baha Mar pay

Contractors and suppliers working on the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project were “lulled into accepting abnormal payment practices”, an international construction company head saying: “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Armed robber convicted of murdering good samaritan who came to woman’s rescue

A MAN was convicted of murder, robbery and causing harm in Freeport’s Supreme Court on Friday.

Junior amateur fighters take spotlight

THE 22nd annual L Garth Wright Golden Gloves boxing tournament featured several dynamic bouts on its five-fight card this weekend.

V Alfred Gray calls Smith a ‘hypocrite’ after criticism

MICAL MP V Alfred Gray called former PLP MP George Smith a hypocrite for criticising him.

PM telling UN ‘a fairy tale’ about state of nation

DNA Leader Branville McCartney criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for presenting a “fairy tale” filled with “fallacies” about the country’s circumstances while addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Summit last week.

Waste collection

I am a resident of Stapledon Gardens and sometime ago our garbage was collected on a weekly basis.

Blackbeard’s Cay case

Kindly allow me space to respond to the interview with Wayne Munroe published 23rd September in The Tribune, on the Blackbeard’s Cay matter.

Overall winners are crowned at 43rd CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships

JAMILA Mallory, Rosian Warrington, Yoly Hawley, Jerry Suero and Germain Navarro all left the Bahamas with not only the hardware, but also their eligibility to become a professional bodybuilder.

QC joy over Port backing on ‘flawed’ Hawksbill review

An outspoken QC has expressed joy over the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) agreeing with him that the Government’s consultation process over proposed Hawksbill Creek Agreement reforms was “fundamentally flawed”.

Non-Melia contracts ‘won’t be adopted’

Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators have warned they will “not adopt” non-Melia supply contracts that were agreed by the $3.5 billion developer prior to the September 4 appointment.

Real estate ‘great’ devaluation hedge

Real estate investments are a great “hedge” against currency devaluation, according to a Family Island resort owner, with land “prime” and “plentiful” for development in these locations.

Help for religious leaders in tackling domestic violence

OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Crisis Centre have announced plans for a two-day workshop this week aimed at equipping religious leaders with the tools needed to discuss the issue of domestic violence.

Attorneys ‘can’t complain’ on Hawksbill participation

Two Callenders & Co attorneys “cannot complain” about being excluded from the recent Hawksbill Creek Agreement consultation because they were given “multiple reasonable opportunities” to participate.

Treasure Cay’s fuel post eyes $3m record

While the new Delta Airlines service has brightened the immediate future for Abaco tourism, a Treasure Cay hotelier warned that the lack of domestic service into that location “has hurt us for three years”.

Meacher ‘Pain’ Major ready for Jamaican Beckford in the ‘Caribbean Showdown’

ONE of the biggest names in local professional boxing, Meacher “Pain” Major is getting ready to step back into the ring for a rematch 10 years in the making.

Saturday, September 26

Search for suspects after two shootings

Police are searching for suspects after two shootings in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Supreme Court dismisses application to stop Hawksbill Creek consultation

SUPREME Court Justice Petra Hanna-Weekes has dismissed an application by attorneys Fred Smith and Carey Leonard for an injunction to stop further consultation by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee (HCARC).

Friday, September 25

Tropical Depression Ida expected to weaken

THE US National Hurricane Centre said on Friday that Tropical Depression Ida is expected to weaken to a remnant low this weekend.

FNM welcomes Leonard Sands as a member

THE Free National Movement on Friday announced that the party has officially accepted the application of Leonard Sands, welcoming him as a member in good standing.

UPDATED: Man shot dead at Freeport apartment complex

A MAN was shot dead at an apartment complex on Hudson Avenue, Freeport, on Thursday night.

PM to meet with Sarkis on Monday

PRIME Minister Perry Christie is expected to meet Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian on Monday after he received verbal assurances from the $3.5 billlion resort's lender China Export Import Bank that it was willing to work with all stakeholders to complete the stalled West Bay Street project.

Caribbean stingray born at Atlantis

A CARIBBEAN Stingray has been born at Atlantis, Paradise Island, another first in successful births in the resort’s marine habitat.

Man suspected of murder is arrested

POLICE have arrested a man suspected of murder and four people for drug possession in separate incidents.

Crisis Centre to host workshop tackling domestic violence

OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Crisis Centre have announced plans for a two-day workshop next week aimed at equipping religious leaders with the tools needed to discuss the issue of domestic violence.

Husband and wife to take spotlight

GRAND Bahamians Charnice and Desmond Bain have been together for 21 years - married for 14 and competing in bodybuilding for the last decade.

$100,000 donation to help feed those in need

THE Bahamas National Feeding Network has distributed $100,000 – its largest single donation – to its members, allowing churches and feeding centres to continue the much-needed work in the communities.

Secret to crime?

In recent political history, surprisingly the chairpersons of the two largest parties, have had a lot to say for themselves.

Stalwarts must tell Christie to go

In 1997, Sir Lynden Pindling retired as Progressive Liberal Party leader having held the post for four decades. He was 67.

Brave will sit small

There is a move by several factions in the Progressive Liberal Party to have Prime Minister Perry Christie give up his post as party leader. One faction comprises of members supporting Deputy Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis.

A COMIC'S VIEW: In defence of a curfew

THIS week we found out that a curfew is the answer to our all of our prayers.

Government ‘missed the bus’ in tackling crime problem

BAHAMAS Against Crime Executive Director C B Moss has chastised the government saying the Christie administration “has missed the bus” when it comes to addressing crime challenges in this country.

Bahamian dies in custody in Haiti

A BAHAMIAN man died in Haiti this week after nearly two years in custody by Haitian authorities, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Convention speculation ‘an embarrassment for PLP’

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday said the speculation surrounding the PLP’s convention and its leadership race are becoming an embarrassment. He said party members are attempting to “predict an outcome without knowing all the factors.”

BEC bribe probe ‘nearly complete’

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday that the probe into an alleged Bahamas Electricity Corporation bribery incident that took place over a decade ago is “nearly complete”.

PM ‘desperate’ for NHI to mark his legacy

A NOTED surgeon has insisted that Prime Minister Perry Christie is desperate to create and leave behind a legacy when he took over leadership of the committee appointed to plan and execute the implementation of National Health Insurance in January 2016.

Bain Town chapter of Women Against Crime to be commissioned at service

THE BAIN Town chapter of Women Against Crime will be commissioned at a special service on Sunday at the St Paul’s Baptist Church on Bias Street, Bain Town, at 3pm.

PLP promises ‘pie in the sky’

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party MP Philip Galanis yesterday said the country has got worse over the past three years under Prime Minister Perry Christie’s leadership, adding that the nation’s leader has some questions to answer as to how he can make things better.

L Garth Wright tourney to showcase ‘future of boxing’

CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club is set to stage one of its longest running events to showcase what director Ray Minus Jr calls the “future of boxing.”

Hurdles no obstacle to Jeffery Gibson’s stellar progress

Denise Maycock catches up with the Bahamian star hurdler as he comes home to Freeport for a break after a successful track season.

Who is the governing body for American football in Bahamas?

THE war of words between local football organisations continues with the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL), the latest to weigh in on the controversy.

CAC Champs: Team Bahamas ‘ready to flex its muscles’

THE stage is set. Now it’s time for the competitors to flex their muscles at the 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Championships.

Why the silence from government over landfill?

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday criticised the government for its silence and inaction in addressing the direct health concerns created by persisting issues at the New Providence landfill.

Prime Minister goes to UN

PRIME Minister Perry Christie led a delegation to New York Thursday where he will join other world leaders at the 70th Session of the United Nation’s General Assembly.

Aisha aiming high for science award

AISHA Bowe, the youngest person with Bahamian heritage to work for NASA, is among five contenders for an award by a major American online media outlet.

Jailhouse wedding bridegroom withdraws drugs conviction appeal

A MAN, whose police station wedding drew a firestorm of criticism last year, withdrew his challenge yesterday to a conviction for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Vasyli testimony may depend on outcome of legal discussions

WHETHER or not Donna Vasyli could be called to give a defence to murder allegations might be determined by the outcome of extensive legal discussions held yesterday.

Port sides against Gov’t in Hawksbill Review challenge

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday said it had been denied “a fair opportunity” to participate in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement review consultation after the Government denied its request to obtain a key report four times.

Baha Mar contractor promises completed analysis ‘in 7 days’

Baha Mar’s contractor has promised to complete its assessment of the work necessary to complete the $3.5 billion resort development within seven days, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

$12 million project’s ‘real fight’ is with Government

An outspoken QC yesterday said the Blackbeard’s Cay developer’s “real fight” was with the Government and not his environmental activist clients, as he pledged to enforce a court Order requiring the $12 million project to be closed.

Local contractors owed $74.3m over Baha Mar

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the 120 local companies collectively owed $74.3 million for work performed on Baha Mar needed to be fully paid before they would return to the construction site.

Baha Mar liquidators seek ‘emergency’ $25m

Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators yesterday sought Supreme Court approval to borrow $25 million, warning they would have to shut the Melia Nassau Beach Resort if unable to meet an $8.7 million insurance payment falling due on Monday.

Minnis backs two-term limit for Prime Minister

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday, if elected, he would push legislation to limit the tenure of the prime minister to two terms, to prevent what is happening “right now with Prime Minister Perry Christie.”

Fly fishing licences ‘largely determined’

The Department of Marine Resources’ director yesterday said it has been “pretty much determined” that persons will require licenses for fly fishing in the Bahamas, with the fee varying according to duration.

Clubs and Societies 09/25/15

Bahamas Autism Awareness Campaign. - Nassau Airport Development (NAD) company has presented Reach Bahamas with a donation that included contributions made by generous passengers who recently traveled through Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

Venture fund chairman laments MP interference

The Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund’s chairman said yesterday that efforts to promote financing opportunities in the Family Islands had met with little success, as entrepreneurs appeared to lack confidence to apply for funding.

IAN FERGUSON: Separating ‘sheep from goat’ over client service

Most persons working in ‘the people business’ claim to have reasonably good customer service skills. They credit their upbringing, training programmes, educational credentials and work experience as the support for this assertion.

$40m Abaco port now in ‘full swing’

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said work on the $40 million North Abaco Port was now in “full swing”, acknowledging that substantial design delays have plagued the project since its groundbreaking last June.

Thursday, September 24

Tropical Storm Ida meanders in mid-Atlantic

TROPICAL Storm Ida is forecast to move slowly northwards in the mid-Atlantic Ocean on Thursday night, with little strengthening predicted over the next two days.

We need Baha Mar

Thanks again for allowing me this space in your most valuable paper. It really was and still is one big mess – the “Baha Mar” saga, one may say. However, there is a beginning of a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, to speak, for that large mega resort and great economy saviour of The Bahamas and its people.

Bahamian politics

Bahamians have a very peculiar liking for charismatic centric leaders surrounded by this fictional belief that being charismatic equates to good leadership.

Appeal is filed against overtime pay for police

THE Office of the Attorney General has filed an appeal to overturn a ruling ordering that overtime pay be given to police officers who worked 12-hour shifts within the last two years.

Ex-Christian Council chief: Govt failing on crime

A FORMER Bahamas Christian Council president yesterday castigated the Christie administration, saying there is something “drastically wrong” with governance in the Bahamas as a spirit of fear, sparked by escalating crime, shrouds the country.

Attorney General backs Christie for leadership

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday that she supports Prime Minister Perry Christie as he gears up to launch another leadership bid in the Progressive Liberal Party, adding that the nation’s leader has done “a lot of heavy lifting” this term.

Pay secured for Baha Mar staff

BAHA Mar’s court appointed joint provisional liquidators yesterday confirmed that the more than 2,000 employees of the stalled $3.5bn West Bay Street resort will be paid the salaries owed to them for this month.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Time to shuffle the deck

Of late, I have heard many Bahamians begin to talk about an exit strategy, about looking in other jurisdictions for employment and a better way of life and about feeling totally disenchanted with the same ole, same ole political and economic processes.

Baha Mar breakthough as CCA returns to resort for ‘analysis and assessment’

BAHA Mar’s joint provisional liquidators (JPLs) have re-engaged China Construction America (CCA) as the general contractor at the stalled $3.5bn mega resort, according to a statement released on Thursday morning.

Ex-justice: Mandate Bahamas cruise ship disputes heard here

A retired Supreme Court justice yesterday called on all Bahamas-flagged cruise ships to require that passenger disputes be mediated in this nation as way to kickstart this nation’s international arbitration hub ambitions.

SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO NFL PICKS: Week 3

What a time…to be alive. We live in a season where the Bucs, Raiders, Jags, Browns and the team from Washington all won on the same day. And I promise you this wasn’t at a Madden tournament. A season where two of the four teams considered lead pipe locks to make their conference championship games are currently winless. It’s the NFL in all its stupid, horrible to bet on, but fun to watch parity (Can I say that? Is that legal here now? I’m not sure about how any of this or how numbers and gambling works. The rallies were fun though).

RICARDO WELLS' WEEK 3 NFL PICKS: I’m riding the ‘roller-coaster’ after awful start

DESPITE the awful start to this season my superiors are telling me that I have to ride the roller-coaster all the way to the end. Here we go again!

NAUGHTY'S WEEK 3 NFL PICKS: Redskins and Panthers help to banish the ‘Weekend from Hell’

WHAT a week that was in the NFL! It definitely turned out differently from what we all expected ... totally!

‘Reno’ ready for IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator

POISED to take a major step forward in his career in his quest toward a major title fight, Bahamian prize fighter Tureano Johnson promises to take advantage of his opportunity.

NPACBO to host referees’ conclave

THE fall season means basketball is soon on the agenda for many Bahamians ranging from the scholastic to the amateur night league level and referees plan to ready themselves much like the players on the floor.

A hero’s welcome for Miller and Eve

It was a hero’s welcome for a pair of St Augustine’s College alumnus as they returned to their alma mater.

ON DA HOOK

THE best Wahoo fishing spots in The Bahamas are on “the edge”.

Woman accused of killing friend is denied bail

A WOMAN was denied bail yesterday after a judge determined that there was no unreasonable delay in her trial concerning the murder of a female friend.

Opening door to finance for young

ORGANISERS of the country’s leading youth financial initiative, Colina Financial Advisors Ltd’s Junior Investor programme, yesterday launched its New Providence operation at the Super Club’s Breezes Resort.

YOUR SAY: Choose wisely when picking candidates

IN the grand scheme of things in The Bahamas, political parties have become somewhat of a sideshow to the public expressions or shenanigans of their respective leaders.

Minnis ‘relishes chance’ for national debate

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis relishes the chance to demonstrate the “clear difference” between him and whoever emerges as the leader of the PLP through a national debate.

General Post Office back to normal today after closure

OFFICIALS expect the General Post Office to resume normal operating hours today after challenges with air-conditioning and plumbing forced closures over the past four days.

Minnis anger at hiring of foreign consultant

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday chastised the government over claims that it had hired a foreign consultant without necessary approvals from the Public Hospitals Authority.

CCA ready to work ‘right away’ on Baha Mar site

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said yesterday that China Construction America is prepared to remobilise on the Baha Mar site and resume work towards completing the resort “right away.”

Laws considered to enforce deduction of union dues from salaries

THE government is aiming to amend the country’s labour laws in a bid to force the Melià resort’s hand after the hotel stopped deducting union dues from the salaries of its employees, Labour Minister Shane Gibson said yesterday.

Two men arrested after suspected marijuana finds

GRAND Bahama Police have made two separate drug arrests this week.

Three fields of drugs discovered in Long Island

DRUG Enforcement Unit officers uprooted more than 1,000 marijuana plants on Tuesday from three fields discovered in Long Island.

FNM slams curfew call as a ‘cry of desperation’

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday said PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts’ suggestion that the government ought to consider implementing a curfew in crime hotspots is a “cry of desperation” as he questioned whether the plan would truly impact criminal activity.

Legal ‘liberalisation’ key to arbitration hub goal

The Government appears prepared to allow international arbitration specialists to operate from the Bahamas without a work permit, as a Cabinet Minister yesterday reiterated that legal ‘liberalisation’ was “essential” for this nation to become a dispute resolution hub.

Investments Minister: Bahamas ‘in a mess by many measures’

A Cabinet Minister yesterday conceded that the Bahamas was “in a mess by many measures”, and warned that painful “radical surgery” was necessary to haul both the economy and society back on the right path.

Liquidators silent over $5.5m Baha Mar salary source

Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators last night confirmed they had secured funding to pay the September salaries for the 2,400 non-Melia staff, while also pledging to meet all employee benefits due since their September 4 appointment.

Crown Land next for Judicial Review

An outspoken QC yesterday warned that Crown Land could be the subject of his next Judicial Review action, describing this asset as the Bahamas’ equivalent of “Alaskan oil”.

Bahamas ‘has not done good job’ of financial services marketing

A former Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) chairman said yesterday that, compared to its competitors, this nation has not done a good job marketing itself to key markets in the financial services industry, arguing that board has not been equipped with enough resources to effectively market the industry.

Govt collects $150m in new net revenue from VAT

Preliminary results show that, up until June, the government collected $150 million in new net revenue from VAT, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.

Call for foreign attorneys to practice in the Bahamas

Financial Services Minister Hope Strachan yesterday reiterated the call for international attorneys to be allowed to establish business operations in The Bahamas to facilitate cross border business and arbitral maters, arguing that this would in no way harm the Bahamian legal profession but instead expose local attorneys for employment opportunities abroad.

International arbitration centre plans moving ‘full steam ahead’

Plans towards the establishment of The Bahamas as an international commercial arbitration centre are moving “full steam ahead”, Minister of Financial Services Hope Strachan said yesterday.

Wednesday, September 23

Jury watches police video of widow as she denies killing husband

“ABSOLUTELY positively no” was Donna Vasyli’s response to a detective’s suggestion that she murdered her millionaire podiatrist husband, a jury heard yesterday after watching a video of the widow being questioned while in police custody.

VIDEO: Heavy rain floods downtown Nassau

A sudden and severe downpour flooded the streets of downtown Nassau . . . .

A new PM?

November we could have a new Prime Minister... you realise that?

Problems at heart of NHI plan

There is growing concern of a threat to transform the entire health care system in The Bahamas into a fully government controlled and managed system.

Criminals must understand that government is not their friend

YESTERDAY a worker was discussing crime —which is the main topic of discussion these days. Only this time, he was approaching it from a different point of view. He believes that it depends upon who a person is related to or knows as to how long an offender can remain under the radar in this country and not hear the clang of prison gates closing behind him.

No sign that Philip Vasyli wound was self-inflicted

A FIVE inch-deep stab wound in the neck that killed a millionaire podiatrist had no signs of a self-inflicted wound, a jury heard yesterday.

Union concerned over benefit cuts under NHI

BAHAMAS Public Service Union President John Pinder said yesterday the union is “very concerned” that the government intends to reduce the benefits of some civil servants once National Health Insurance (NHI) is implemented.

PM ‘confident’ of pay soon for Baha Mar contractors

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said he is confident that China Construction America will soon start paying Baha Mar’s Bahamian subcontractors and restart its efforts to complete the mega resort in Cable Beach, so long as Supreme Court appointed provisional liquidators approve their plans.

20,000 new voters expected by 2017

NEW voter registration for the 2017 general election officially begins next month with Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall telling The Tribune he expects up to 20,000 new registrants this cycle.

Christie ‘will lead into next election’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party stalwart councillors and delegates expect that Prime Minister Perry Christie will not only emerge from November’s convention as party leader once again, but that he will lead the PLP into the next general election as well.

Galanis: PM must be tested at convention

FORMER PLP Senator and MP Philip Galanis yesterday stressed that Prime Minister Perry Christie’s leadership must be tested at the party’s November convention if it hopes to secure a victory at the election polls.

Four arrested for fishing violations

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested four men in waters near Abaco on suspicion of fisheries violations.

Cataract project to treat 120 in northern Bahamas

SOME 120 persons in the northern Bahamas will receive free cataract surgery through the 2nd Bright Journey Project, which will take place later this year on Grand Bahama.

Clear the clutter

I am not on Facebook, but I did see, over the weekend, a post by Ed Fields on the disgusting and disgraceful garbage dump next to “Retirement Park” on what looked to be Mackey and Ernest Streets. An excellent exposé, Mr Fields.

Nw gas station opens in McClean’s Town

PETRO Express has opened a new gas station at McClean’s Town in East Grand Bahama, providing much needed petrol to boaters and residents in that remote area of the island.

Bahamian company plays role in coverage of Pope’s visit

A RECENTLY launched Bahamian media company has been given a leading role in facilitating the coverage of the Pope’s visit to the United States this week.

Man accused of Williams murder arraigned

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with the country’s 107th murder for the year.

Policeman: Activist punched me in the chest

A POLICEMAN testified in court that a community activist punched him in the chest when he came to his home to make inquiries.

Former US convict angered over comments on release by Cuba

A BAHAMIAN who claimed he was extradited from this country to the United States more than a decade ago after a conviction yesterday criticised Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade for saying he was not happy about the early release of Bahamian convicts from Cuba.

Students back at BAMSI for new academic year

WITH year one under its belt, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute is focused on a 2015 academic year where it will continue to build a cadre of trained professionals skilled in the areas of marine science and agriculture, a press release from the organisation said.

Former BREA chief: Nassau ‘cowboy town’

A two-time Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) president has warned that Nassau is now “a cowboy town”, with crime - and the fear of crime - leaving the Bahamas in a “precarious position”.

‘No doubt’ about retail sales drop

Bahamian retailers yesterday said there was “no doubt” that 2015 sales volumes have dropped due to a combination of Value-Added Tax (VAT), Baha Mar delay and high energy costs, with one major company revealing its growth rate had dropped by 14 percentage points.

FNM deputy wants Crown Land sovereign wealth fund

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday called for the Government’s multi-billion dollar Crown Land holdings to be transferred into a sovereign wealth fund-type vehicle, demanding: “We have to formalise and regularise the situation.”

Third Treasury Note oversubscribed 187%

The Government’s third-ever Treasury Note offering raised almost three times’ its target amount, although its financial adviser conceded it would likely “take a couple of years” to broaden retail investor participation in this security.

Multi-million ‘liability’ if Blackbeard’s Cay shut

A well-known attorney yesterday warned that the Bahamian taxpayer would be held “liable for millions of dollars” should the Government succeed in enforcing the Supreme Court order requiring it to close the Blackbeard’s Cay development.

Paradise Island Open all set for Ocean Club this weekend

THE Atlantis resort on Paradise Island is proud to present The Paradise Island Open Golf Tournament at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday.

Rain halts Comets vs Cougars senior girls’ softball game

The Charles W Saunders Cougars and Queen’s College Comets will have to wait another day to determine the outcome of their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) senior girls’ softball game.

Security guard in hospital after shooting

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot while sitting in his car in the area of Coral Harbour on Tuesday morning, police said.

Spencer earns Sunfish title

SPENCER Cartwright, the current and four-time national champion in the Optimist Dinghy class, won the Bahamas Junior Sunfish National Championship for the first time as the Nassau Yacht Club hosted the annual event over the weekend.

Columbia ‘blacklist’ no reality reflection

The Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) chief executive said yesterday that Washington D. C’s pending ‘tax haven’ blacklist, featuring the Bahamas and 16 other Caribbean nations, “bears little resemblance to reality”.

Port seeks to intervene on Hawksbill challenge

An outspoken QC yesterday backed the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) bid to intervene in his challenge to the Government’s Hawksbill Creek Agreement review, adding that it should be at “the epicentre” of the dispute as Freeport’s largest investor.

Tuesday, September 22

Startling new research on hypertension and Bahamian women

HYPERTENSION in black women of Caribbean descent continues to rise at an alarming rate. Bahamian women also fall into this high-risk category as incidences of non-chronic communicable diseases increase annually, according to a new study.

New Yoga Suite celebrates grand opening

THE grand opening of the Cosmosis Yoga Suite & Cultural Hub this weekend will give people a chance to learn about yoga, vegan living, complimentary medicine, and mindfulness-based living in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

The war zone of the colon

IT is the filth in our system that kills us. Unless you clean out your bowels you will never reach vibrant health.

Commonwealth Bank does its part for a healthier workforce

COMMITTED to supporting healthy lifestyle choices for a more productive and energetic workforce, the team at Commonwealth Bank last Saturday held its Health & Wellness Expo, showing over 25 vendors.

Savvy mom’s budget-friendly food tricks

MORE than ever, moms these days are looking for ways to save and make their dollar stretch. They’re sticking to or creating budgets for their family like never before.

How do women really think?

LAST time this column discussed the problems with underachievement. This week, it is going to be taken slightly further.

POLITICOLE: We are afraid and fear will defeat us

I’M KIND of old school when it comes to writing. I like to sit down and be comfortable with my pen ... a nice, smooth writing pen and a notebook or some paper that’s almost bright white, smooth finish, not too porous, and just write to my heart’s content ... write on whatever it is that’s going on around me, especially in the political arena. Things that affect my country, my people.

Who are these gaming licence applicants?

I found it incredibly significant that the Prime Minister went to a Family Island constituency to announce that he will nominate for leader of the PLP, a contingent issue.

Under the kleptocrats

When the social history of The Bahamas is written in the future, if the author is sincere it should read as follows;

View of a Bahamian abroad

It is a weekday and I am in the Orlando International Airport waiting for Bahamasair flight 238 to taxi into place for a short trip home.

Kemp road residents: ‘We live in constant fear for our lives’

KEMP Road residents yesterday said “they live in constant fear for their lives” because gangs have taken over the “once peaceful community” and turned it into a crime hot spot.

Widow’s DNA not on knife in Vasyli murder probe

THE black-handled knife allegedly used to fatally stab a millionaire podiatrist at his Old Fort Bay home did not contain any DNA belonging to his wife, a jury heard yesterday.

Unpaid workers gather after Palm Cay murder

DAYS after a fellow employee was shot to death in the gated community of Palm Cay, traumatised workers of independent contractor Northwest Builders huddled in the area yesterday in hopes of getting paid.

Police chief’s concern over prisoner release

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade yesterday said he is not happy about the early release of nine Bahamian prisoners who were incarcerated in Cuba, adding that he was not sure the former inmates would stay out of trouble.

‘Rivals for leader must not fear PM’

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday said leader hopefuls should see Prime Minister Perry Christie’s intention to stay at the helm of the party as an invitation to challenge him rather than a threat to cease and desist.

‘Keep criminals behind bars or we keep picking dead bodies off the streets’

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said yesterday officers will continue to “pick dead bodies up off the streets” if those in authority do nothing to “keep criminals behind bars.”

BEC manager wins class action battle

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) prospective manager has received a major boost after a US court dismissed a ‘class action’ lawsuit against it, finding that aggrieved investors “failed to adequately” prove their share price manipulation claims.

Managerial union settles BEC dispute

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) managerial union yesterday pledged that it was ready to sign a new industrial agreement, after the two sides settled their trade dispute at the Labour Board.

Liquidators reassure 1,000 Melia workers

Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators yesterday pledged that salaries and benefits due to the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel’s 1,000 staff would not be disrupted, even though the resort’s owner is one of the Baha Mar companies now under Supreme Court supervision.

PM told: ‘Be decisive’ and close $8m project

Environmental activists have urged the Prime Minister to replace “procrastination” with “decisive action” and implement a Supreme Court Order to close the $8 million Blackbeard’s Cay project, one yesterday describing the situation as “beyond ridiculous”.

Baha Mar contractor faces $7.6m Nassau Beach Hotel lawsuit

Baha Mar’s contractor is being sued for allegedly failing to pay an American firm the full $7.643 million contract price for demolishing Cable Beach’s former Nassau Beach Hotel.

Tropical Storm Ida weakens and starts to head east

TROPICAL Storm Ida has weakened and changed direction as it swirls over the sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean, although it remains no threat to land.

Palm Cay suspect claims he ‘received death threats’

ONE of two brothers arraigned yesterday in connection with a fatal shooting at the exclusive Palm Cay community in eastern New Providence claimed he received “death threats” due to the publicity over the incident.

‘She Matters’ – Giving teen girls a sense of self-worth

SHOWING every teenage girl their worth, value and purpose is the goal of a nationwide empowerment tour that hopes to uplift and motivate young women.

Sugar 101 Part II: Glucose vs Fructose

IN the last article I gave a very brief introduction, looking at sugar and what it actually is. I ended by making the point that glucose and fructose both have the same chemical formula (C6H12O6), but are very different to your body.

YOU GO GIRL: Shaunique Ferguson

JUST the thought of being able to save a life or provide assistance to a loved one suffering from an illness was enough motivation for Shaunique Ferguson to enrol in medical school.

The price of dental neglect

RECENTLY it was my privilege to renew relationship with a 55-year-old patient who I thought had moved away from the Bahamas.

Women changing the face of Bahamian agriculture

YOUNG, female, educated and a farmer – for some people something seems amiss with this picture, as the most common line of thinking advances the view that the average Bahamian farmer is male and in his 60s.

Bulldogs repeat as champions in the Banker’s Softball League

THE Banker’s Athletics Association closed out its softball season at the Banker’s Field in the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex with the Fidelity Bulldogs repeating as champions.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Tony Romo’s injury leaves Cowboys weak and ‘Weedy’

OH, how painful it is when history repeats itself negatively.

D’Andre Vilmar sees his stock rise headed into junior year

HE may not be grabbing major headlines yet for the recruiting class of 2017, but Bahamian guard D’Andre Vilmar has seen his stock increase headed into his junior year.

Government seeks to provide a permanent home for American football

AMERICAN football continues to grow in popularity in the Bahamas and now the government seeks to facilitate that growth and provide a permanent home for the sport.

Saints destroy the Hurricanes

A year ago, coach Juliette Douglas-Sands couldn’t field a junior girls’ team. On Monday, her Kingsway Academy Saints found a full squad and they took advantage of their home field to open their Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ 2015 softball season with a big win over the St Andrew’s Hurricanes, who are going through a rebuilding stage as well.

CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships all set

THE countdown is on for the Bahamas’ hosting of the 43rd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.

REAL ESTATE: Why expert advice and financial planning are key to property ownership

Adhering to the five ‘Ps’ can remove the hassles involved in building your own home, Raymond Antonio says.

Royal visit as Princess Anne heads to the Bahamas

THE government announced yesterday that Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth, will arrive in Nassau on Sunday for the first stop on her pop-in tour of the Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue, a unique leadership development and educational initiative which is taking place all over the Caribbean.

Marathon Bahamas one of the best in the world

MARATHON Bahamas has been named one of the best races in the world by a leading specialist magazine.

Teenager accused of man’s murder

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned for the murder of a man who was killed last month.

Man dies after being injured while diving at Junkanoo Beach

A MAN died in hospital after he was injured from a dive at Junkanoo Beach this weekend.

Nottage challenged over comments on judiciary

GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith yesterday challenged National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage to recant his “irresponsible and immature” comments regarding the judiciary and crime.

What are YOU aiming for?

EVERY archer recognises the need to identify the target long before sending forth his arrow. No aeroplane leaves the runway without having a flight plan that includes its destination.

D.C.’s Bahamas blacklist branded ‘inconsequential’

A former financial services minister yesterday branded as “inconsequential” concerns over the District of Columbia’s (DC) pending ‘tax haven’ blacklisting of the Bahamas and 16 other Caribbean nations.

Monday, September 21

Four face court for couple's murder

FOUR men accused of killing a husband and wife in Deadman’s Reef, West Grand Bahama, were formally charged with murder and armed robbery in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Debt to equity

Bahamas Can’t Lose over Baha Mar outcome – Tribune Business - September 14, 2015

The crime problem

Some two decades ago, during a meeting with a government minister, the Minister made the following comment with reference to the Ministry of Finance: “This is the government, my friend. This is the government.”

What now after Rubis fuel spill?

What is happening with the medical tests and followup support for residents of Marathon who were possibly affected by toxic chemicals as a result of the fuel spill from the Rubis station on Robinson Road?

Cop killer’s life sentence is upheld

COURT of Appeal judges have affirmed the life sentence of a convicted murderer whose actions they described as “cold-blooded and callous”.

Christie’s contractor meet ‘worth a shot’

The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday said it was a “little late” for Prime Minister Perry Christie to attempt to persuade Baha Mar’s Chinese contractor to complete the stalled project, but admitted: “It’s worth shot”.

Managerial union settles BEC dispute

Dolphin sanctuary to remove ‘image stain’

Environmental activists yesterday urged the Government to turn a PR disaster into a world leader by transferring the dolphins presently based at Blackbeard’s Cay to a “marine mammal sanctuary”.

Christie ‘tired and out of ideas - but Davis would be worse’

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said yesterday the opposition was not “surprised” that Prime Minister Perry Christie has decided to run for leader of the Progressive Liberal Party again, despite being “clearly tired” and “out of ideas on how to run the country”.

Holmes Rock couple murder suspects to be charged

FOUR men will be formally arraigned with the double murder of a Holmes Rock couple today in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court.

PM: I won’t be forced out

PRIME Minister Perry Christie spoke frankly to party supporters yesterday, telling a crowd that he would not allow anyone to put a “proverbial political gun” to his head telling him when to demit his post.

Tropical Storm Ida strengthens in mid-Atlantic

TROPICAL Storm Ida is getting stronger in the open Atlantic Ocean but remains no threat to any land, forecasters say.

Four gunmen kill man outside his Eneas Street home

TWO men were shot and killed in two separate incidents over the weekend, taking the country’s murder count to 110 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. The latest homicide took place shortly after 1pm on Sunday off Eneas Street. It marked the third homicide in three days in the capital.

DNA leader backs legal ‘liberalisation’

THE Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader has backed calls for the legal profession to “liberalise”, but wants Bahamians to also be placed on “an equal footing” with foreigners.

Sky high: Taking flight in the drug smuggling fight

The Caribbean is again becoming a popular route for cocaine smuggling. Alicia A Caldwell reports

Sports notes

In conjunction with the Gym Tennis Club, Brajaxba Tennis Club held its 2015 Back-To-School Jamboree at the Gym Tennis Club on Saturday. The results posted are as follows:

LPGA pro Jaye Green hosts junior golf clinic at Ocean Club

THE Ladies Professional Golfer’s Association took another step toward developing its relationship with the Bahamas and golf at the development level.

Truckers stop Mighty Mitts, 12-8

VERSATILE Garfield Bethel knew that once he was inserted into the line-up Saturday night, he had to make his presence felt for the Commando Security Truckers.

Shaunae Miller: ‘It’s amazing to be home’

After an intense year of competition that saw her emerge as the second ranked woman in the world in the 400 metres, Shaunae Miller is just glad to be able to take some time off to relax at home with her family and friends before she starts her preparation in her goal to “shock the world with some crazy times.”

Sir Ronald Sanders meets President Obama

SIR Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, presented his credentials to President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday.

Family Guardian helps Hope Ball

THE Hope Ball Gala Committee, which is holding its fifth Annual Hope Ball Gala at the Grand Lucayan Resort on October 16 to raise proceeds to help persons afflicted with cancer, has received a significant donation from Family Guardian Insurance.

Operating hours extended at clinics

THE government has extended operating hours at four clinics in New Providence to improve efficiency in providing primary healthcare to local patients, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez announced recently.

Attorney Moultrie signs up with FNM

POLITICAL activist and attorney D Halson Moultrie joined the Free National Movement yesterday, saying the party

Bethel: PLP chair ‘delusional’ on Baha Mar

FREE National Movement Senator Carl Bethel said yesterday that Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts is “delusional” about the FNM’s position on Baha Mar.

Roberts goes on the attack against accounts committee

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday accused Public Accounts Committee Chairman Hubert Chipman of botching his position since his appointment to the post.

Cat Island can be ‘Abaco of south’

A two-time Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) president believes his father’s home island can “aspire to be the Abaco of the south”, and is willing to invest his own money to make this happen.

Share pledges show Baha Mar’s urgent Chapter 11 need

SARKIS Izmirlian believes “the best and fastest path to opening Baha Mar has evaporated” with the dismissal of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, while the liquidation process offers “no light at the end of the tunnel.”

Data Protection chief’s 20-fold complaints rise

THE Data Protection Commissioner has seen a near 20-fold increase in the number of complaints since she took the post two years ago, with her office now preparing to investigate the hacking of a Bahamian bank’s website.

Contractor leveraged $221,000 Crown grant into $7m BOB loan

A WELL-known contractor leveraged prime commercial real estate on Gladstone Road into a $7 million Bank of the Bahamas loan within months of acquiring the same property from the Crown for just $221,000.

Arrest after man injured in alleged machete attack

A 22-year-old Grand Bahama man was arrested after he allegedly attacked another man with a machete on Saturday.

Marijuana field spotted from air

BAHAMIAN and US authorities discovered a marijuana field while conducting air patrols in Abaco over the weekend.

Broken education system at root of crime problem, says Bar president

THE country should focus on fixing its broken educational system to deal with crime, Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson told The Tribune.

$1bn deal

Concessions to Baha Mar...How on earth can they only be $300m? The project value is $3,250,000. Duty on building materials is =25% + Stamp tax...Some are duty free. Labour probably the majority, Chinese were paid minimum wage - $150 per week.

Dr Nottage blames the judiciary for escalating crime

POOR Dr Bernard Nottage, Minister of National Security, whose PLP became the government in May 2012 with the promise that if elected it had all the secrets for reducing — if not eliminating — crime.

Andrew McKinney dies, aged 97

MR Andrew McKinney, 97, died at 8 o’clock yesterday morning at his Eastern Road home.

Bahamas ready for an out-of-this-world visitor

FOR astronaut Scott Kelly, the sight of The Bahamas from his vantage point on board the International Space Station has been a regular talking point on Twitter - sending out photos of the beauty of the nation as seen from space.

Wilchcombe stays silent on plans for Deputy leadership bid

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe would not comment on reports that he is planning to run for the post of deputy leader at the Progressive Liberal Party’s convention in November.

Fifteen seek Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Help Desk support

Fifteen companies have already sought support from the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) Help Desk, its chief executive arguing that the initial response confirmed small and medium-sized firms were desperate for assistance.

Chamber urged ‘apolitical’ National Development Plan

A top private sector executive says the National Development Plan must remain apolitical , with Family Island development, access to capital, and skills and productivity development among the key concerns.

Cuba passed us ‘some time ago’

A Cabinet minister said yesterday it was too late to worry about the impact from Cuba opening up to US tourists, as research indicates that it surpassed the Bahamas “some time ago”.

Saturday, September 19

Tropical Storm Ida "no current threat to land"

TROPICAL Storm Ida has become the ninth named storm of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season, moving north west over open waters 1,100 miles west of the Cape Verde islands.

Public's help sought in search for missing man

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating 41–year-old Eugene Ernest Ellis of South Street, Matthew Town, Inagua, who was reported missing by family members on Sunday 13th September.

Man dies after shooting outside nightclub

Police are searching for suspects after a man died following a shooting early on Saturday morning.

Statute of limitations 'shouldn't be an issue' with alleged BEC bribe case

STATE minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez has rebuffed suggestions that the country's statute of limitations could potentially hamper the government's ability to prosecute the alleged Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) bribe-taker.

FNM 'should have convention to work through its issues'

FORMER State Minister for Environment Phenton Neymour says the Free National Movement (FNM) should have a convention this year to work through its "issues" ahead of the 2017 general election.

Friday, September 18

AG defends judiciary after Nottage comments

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson defended the judiciary after Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage blamed the body for the country's crime problem earlier this week.

Leslier Miller 'respects' PM's decision to launch leadership bid

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller says he respects Prime Minister Perry Christie's plan to launch another leadership bid at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) convention in November.

Adapting to a better life after transplant operations

In the final part of a series marking National Rehabilitation Awareness Week Sasha Daneah Anderson looks at how donor organs can make a difference

A COMIC'S VIEW: Who’s to blame for crime? Anyone but Nottage

THIS week, we learned that our Minister of National Security is passing out blame like candy and leadership ambitions brings out the bad here, there and everywhere.

We are already burning, Bradley

While the PLP is thinking about a change of leadership they might just as well throw their Chairman, Bradley Roberts, in the discard bin along with their Leader, Perry Christie.

Is this the type of visitor we want?

I read on a boating Website (www.thehulltruth.com) that the individuals, who were suspected of poaching by The Bahamas Defence Force in the 38ft Jupiter around Great Isaac Cay are back home. Apparently, there was some misunderstanding regarding their use of scuba tanks while spearfishing.

Sounds of the silly season

It seems the silly-season is very much on us, from what I read and what I listen to on the radio.

Bran 'disgusted' after Nottage blamed judiciary for crime problem

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney says he is "disgusted and appalled" that National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage blamed the judiciary for the crime problem and has called for his immediate resignation.

Bail decision on woman accused of murder is postponed

A JUDGE postponed his decision on a bail application on Friday for a woman awaiting trial in connection with the murder of a female friend.

Court hears Philip Vasyli died of stab wound to the chest

MILLIONAIRE podiatrist Philip Vasyli died of a stab wound to the chest and his wife, Donna, denied having any involvement in his death when interviewed in police custody, a Supreme Court jury heard on Friday.

Hunt for suspects after man shot in leg

POLICE are on the hunt for several suspects after a man was shot in the leg outside his Emerald Gardens home off Cowpen Road by the occupants of a burgundy Honda vehicle shortly after 11pm on Thursday.

Man killed in shotgun shooting at Palm Cay after argument

A MAN was shot and killed on Friday morning at an exclusive community in eastern New Providence following an altercation with his employer over outstanding payments, The Tribune understands.

Urban Renewal co-chairs have no responsibility for funds

PUBLIC Accounts Committee Chairman Hubert Chipman said after hearing testimony from the co-chairs of Urban Renewal 2.0 yesterday, it is clear that the programme is “disjointed.”

Cuba frees nine jailed Bahamians

NINE Bahamians are back and free in Nassau after Cuba announced pardons for more than 3,500 prisoners to mark the four-day visit of the Pope this weekend.

Pinder considering election run in 2017

PUBLIC Service Union President John Pinder yesterday said he is considering running for political office in the next general election, insisting that whatever party he joins would have to adopt the “firm and feasible” national plan he is presently drafting.

Nottage ‘a coward’ for blaming others

BAR Association President Elsworth Johnson said yesterday that Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage should “stick to gynecology” since he obviously lacks the “innovation and the intellectual aptitude” to solve the nation’s crippling crime problem.

Vasyli trial told couple had fight the night before murder

DONNA Vasyli reportedly told a policeman she and her husband had had an argument the night before he was found dead in their Old Fort Bay home, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

Christie: I’m running again

PRIME Minister Perry Christie reportedly told a crowd of Progressive Liberal Party supporters in North Andros last night that he plans to offer himself for re-election as leader of the party at its November convention.

Another tropical depression forms in the Atlantic

WEATHER forecasters say a new tropical depression has formed over the eastern Atlantic Ocean and is expected to strengthen through the weekend.

Former ZNS reporter awaits ruling on evidence in false testimony case

A SUPREME Court judge is now contemplating the fate of a former ZNS reporter who is accused of giving false testimony while being cross-examined for his alleged involvement in defamatory websites and articles published against billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon.

THE FINISH LINE: ‘I’m sure we could be looking at our future international stars’ in sailing

THE Back to School Regatta in Montagu Bay over the weekend turned out to be quite an interesting exercise.

BTC gives Miller warm welcome home

AFTER her stunning performances at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, where she captured a silver medal in the 400 metres and the IAAF Diamond League in Brussels, Belgium, where she won the gold, BTC-sponsored star athlete Shaunae Miller was welcomed home by the BTC executive management team at the company headquarters.

Get early jump on seats for NCAA women’s tourney

PRE-SALE tournament passes are already available for visitors and locals who want to get an early jump on seats for the NCAA division I women’s tournament, even though it’s still just over two months away.

Register today in your baseball league

BASEBALL is arguably the sport with the most populous and effective development programme in the country and two of the leaders have opened registration to attract new players to the game.

Hurricanes stop Comets, 5-4

THE St Andrew’s Hurricanes got some sweet revenge as they pulled off their second straight victory in the junior boys’ division of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools 2015 softball league.

Miami Heat dancers to take weekend spotlight

AS part of the ongoing relationship with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, 24 Miami Heat dancers are in The Bahamas this weekend to do a photo shoot and give the destination some priceless publicity.

FNM women make donations to help save people’s lives

THE Free National Movement Grand Bahama Women’s Association has made donations to two local organisations that are committed to saving lives, the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) and the GB Cancer Association.

Trio involved in fight that led to student’s stabbing to be sentenced next week

A JUDGE yesterday said in six days’ time he will decide on the sentence for three men involved in an after-school scuffle that led to the fatal stabbing of a C V Bethel student.

Men wanted in Holmes Rock murder probe turn themselves in to police

THREE men wanted by police turned themselves in for questioning and are assisting officers with their investigation into the double murder at Holmes Rock, Grand Bahama.

Clubs and Societies 09182015

Bahamas Sickle Cell Association. - This year for the first time the month of September is being recognised in The Bahamas as Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Resort gives patrol boat to police

A NEW, fully-equipped 18ft vessel has been donated to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for marine patrols in East End Grand Bahama and the surrounding cays.

Festival’s return to Nassau ‘tremendous’

THE return of the Caribbean Muzik Festival to The Bahamas next month has been hailed as “a tremendous asset to the destination, one that celebrates the rich musical culture of the region” by one of the country’s leading resorts, SuperClubs Breezes.

Abaco residents pay tribute to entertainer

ABACO residents are mourning a long-time friend, American entertainer Joy Martone, who died unexpectedly on September 8. She was 76.

Preparations for NHI to go beyond January launch date

CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Glen Beneby said while National Health Insurance will be launched in January 2016, preparations to improve every aspect of the country’s health system will continue far beyond the implementation date.

Nottage criticised for shifting blame on crime

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he was not surprised after National Security Minister Bernard Nottage blamed the judiciary for the nation’s crime woes, suggesting the “tired PLPs are once again up to their old tricks”.

Justice of the Peace given keys to new-look home by Urban Renewal

A JUSTICE of the Peace and community leader in Kemp Road received the keys to her newly renovated home on Wednesday, compliments of the Urban Renewal Small Homes Repair Programme.

Venture Fund ‘18 months behind’ due to money wait

The Government-sponsored Entrepreneurial Venture Fund is “about 18 months behind” where it wants to be, its chairman revealed yesterday, because the Christie administration has not provided it with fresh funding for more than a year.

Bank not obligated to provide further Baha Mar finance

Baha Mar’s $2.45 billion lender yesterday said the developer had contractually committed to financing any cost overruns on the project, and it was not obligated to provide further money.

‘Nothing could be further from truth’

The Bahamas Bar Association’s president yesterday slammed claims that the legal profession was operating ‘a closed shop’, adding: “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

$1.29m Scotia theft an ‘appalling breach of employer’s trust’

Two former Scotiabank (Bahamas) employees were yesterday slammed for “an appalling breach of trust” in stealing more than $1.29 million from the bank, as their convictions were upheld.

Hackers demand $30k from Bahamian bank

Hackers are trying to extort $30,000 from the Bahamas-based Fidelity Group of Companies, which yesterday moved to reassure clients there had been no widespread leak of personal financial data.

Abaco must ‘fix product’ before 7,200 new arrivals

Abaco hotels were yesterday urged to “fix product issues” and costs prior to the Christmas season start of Delta Airlines’ twice-weekly Atlanta service, which promises to bring an extra 7,200 visitors to the island annually.

Five-fold higher infrastructure cost hurts Out Islands

An Abaco-based boutique resort owner yesterday said Family Island infrastructure costs that were more than five-fold greater than New Providence’s were “off the chart”, and really hurt economic development.

Dorsett goes to St Lucia for climate conference

KENRED Dorsett, pictured, left The Bahamas yesterday to join other Caribbean environment ministers in St Lucia for discussions ahead of the United Nations Climate Change conference in Paris, France, in December.

IAN FERGUSON: Psyche tests give competitive edge

Business owners all agree that Russian roulette is not the game we play when selecting, recruiting, developing and retaining our employees.

Thursday, September 17

How quality of life for the elderly can be improved

In a series marking National Rehabilitation Awareness Week Sasha Daneah Anderson looks at the issues of care for geriatrics

FNM concerns about the issues surrounding BAMSI

BAMSI was initially touted as the answer to the challenge of food security in The Bahamas. This $100m project was announced by the Christie administration with much fanfare and celebration. Since that time, the project has generated more uncertainty, unanswered questions and delays as opposed to confidence that we are on the way to achieving food security. The destruction of the male dormitory by fire revealed a number of fundamental deficiencies in the government’s handling of the BAMSI’s development.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The daily disintegration that shows it’s time for a change

WHEN one looks at the state of affairs in The Bahamas, there’s no choice but to be disappointed in our governance and political processes, in how our society has disintegrated and degenerated in to what seems to be a wholehearted embrace of a dog-eat-dog culture and in the way we have generally regressed economically.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: The age of our leaders

AS I read about the happenings across the world and leadership of various countries, I wondered about the age of leaders in various nations when they are first elected to office.

Negotiation still the key

The decision of the Delaware District court to reject most of Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 petition does not put to an end the search for an out-of-court negotiated settlement, prior to the deadline of November 4.

PM to blame for crime levels

Hardly a day goes by without our nation being greeted with horrific news of one or more cold blooded murders. Unbelievably, with a little more than three months left in this year, we are already at a record-breaking 107 murders, a number which will undoubtedly have increased by the time this letter is published.

Gomez passes Election Court brief to Munroe

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe said there are issues of practicality when it comes to State Legal Affairs Minister Damian Gomez’s declaration to file Election Court petitions to make the Killarney and Long Island House of Assembly seats vacant.

Christie more optimistic on Baha Mar

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that his optimism for a successful outcome to the Baha Mar debacle has risen considerably after a Delaware Bankruptcy Court judge dismissed Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 proceedings on Tuesday.

Sands: Medical skill has kept murder count below 200

FORMER FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands said yesterday that were it not for “skilled” nurses and doctors at the Princess Margaret Hospital the murder count for the year “would be 200 by now”.

PM says ‘I am the leader’ - but no word on his future

PRIME Minister Perry Christie avoided saying yesterday if he will make a bid to remain leader of the Progressive Liberal Party at its convention in November, but told reporters: “I am the leader of the party.”

Security surveillance blacked out the night before Vasyli murder

SECURITY surveillance blacked out the evening before a millionaire podiatrist was found dead at his home in Old Fort Bay, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

Nottage blames judges for crime

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage last night shifted blame to the judiciary for the country’s crime problem, as he blasted judges for failing to impose stiffer penalties and not properly enforcing laws that are on the books.

Tropical depression forms in mid-Atlantic

A TROPICAL depression in the mid-Atlantic Ocean has gained a little strength but is expected to weaken, according to the US National Hurricane Centre on Thursday morning.

Three Cuban migrants detained by coast guard

THREE Cuban migrants were taken to Freeport after they were intercepted by US Coast Guard officials near Elbow Cay last week, Bahamian immigration officials reported on Tuesday.

On Da Hook

WAHOO season, which normnally starts in October and remains active until March, is one of the most exciting seasons in the Bahamas.

Tributes to Rahming as he steps down from road traffic

TRIBUTES and well wishes were extended yesterday to Basil V Rahming, deputy controller at the Road Traffic Department, on his retirement after seven years of stellar leadership and in his role as chairman of the Grand Bahama Road Safety Committee.

Armed carjacker given two years in jail

A MAN was spared a lengthy prison sentence by a judge yesterday after admitting to an attempted gunpoint carjacking.

RICARDO WELLS WEEK 2 NFL PICKS

BRUISED, battered and broken, I am crawling into Week 2.

NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Chiefs to pile on misery for pensioner Peyton

EASY people it’s not how you start it’s how you finish.

‘I think Mavin Saunders will make that catch in the future’

THE Florida State Seminoles’ passing offence struggled mightily last weekend, and to help jumpstart the ACC powerhouse’s game through the air, the coaching staff may turn to greater involvement from Bahamian redshirt freshman Mavin Saunders.

SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL picks week two

Week 1 Awards The “Trigger Fingers Turn To Twitter Fingers” Award, presented by Meek Mill - Russell Wilson. Ciara’s boyfriend took to Twitter on Saturday, to predict a Seattle win with his customary “1-0 #GoHawks.” Of course, after the Rams 34-31 upset, Black Twitter exploded with everyone from the Rams official Twitter account to linebacker Akeem Ayers chiming in. A fan got flipped off too. Good times all around.

Tureano Johnson has strong words for Miguel Cotto

NEVER one to hold his tongue when it comes to taking verbal shots at other fighters in his weight class, Tureano Johnson is already looking ahead to his next move as he continues to position himself for a major title fight.

Pintard calls for intellectual property bills to be ‘tightened up’

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday urged the government not to hasten the implementation of its compendium of intellectual property bills, arguing that the components of the legislation needed to be “tightened up”.

Man cleared as alleged victim withdraws complaint

A MAN was cleared of attempted murder charges yesterday when the alleged victim opted not to continue with his complaint.

Nygard too ill to attend court hearing

A SCHEDULED court hearing involving Lyford Cay billionaire Peter Nygard was adjourned yesterday after counsel revealed that the Canadian fashion designer was too ill to attend yesterday’s proceedings.

Chamber of Commerce meets Baha Mar liquidators

EXECUTIVES and directors of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation met with the joint provisional liquidators for Baha Mar this week in an effort to keep the lines of communication flowing between the business community and the stalled project.

Chapter 11 ruling a ‘victory for Bahamians’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts declared yesterday that the Delaware Bankruptcy Court’s decision to throw out Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases was a major victory for the country’s sovereignty and citizenry.

Bishop blames Prime Minister over murder levels in nation

BISHOP Cedric Moss, senior pastor at the Kingdom Life Church, blames Prime Minister Perry Christie and the government for the “unbelievable increase” in murder in the Bahamas.

Police deny releasing video of shooting

CHIEF Superintendent Clayton Fernander, acting officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, yesterday denied that Royal Bahamas Police Force officers released a video showing murder victim Roberto Williams being shot dead outside his home.

Bringing the Disney magic to Albury Sayle Primary School

CHILDREN from Albury Sayle Primary School in Nassau experienced the magic of Disney storytelling yesterday thanks to a visit from Disney Cruise Line crew members.

‘Options running out’ rapidly on Baha Mar

A senior Chamber executive yesterday warned that “the options are running out” for a speedy resolution to the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute, with the project facing “great jeopardy” if the warring factions are unable to agree terms.

Bahamas ‘notorious’ for legal profession’s ‘closed shop policy’

The Bahamas has become “notorious for its ‘closed shop policy’” that prevents foreign attorneys practicing in this nation, a Cabinet Minister yesterday confirming this was driving away financial services business.

Gov’t blinded by China ‘love affair’ over Baha Mar

A Baha Mar director yesterday expressed frustration that “the Government couldn’t see we were being taken advantage of by China Construction America”, suggesting it had been blinded by its “love affair” with the Chinese.

Baha Mar: Chapter 11 end undermines ‘commercial viability’

A Baha Mar director yesterday warned that the termination of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection had undermined the $3.5 billion project’s “commercial viability”.

Tourism firms: 5% have majority post secondary labour

Just 5 per cent of tourism industry businesses employ workforces where more than half the staff are educated beyond high school, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) warning that skills mismatches could “cripple” the Bahamian economy.

Gomez makes call for single financial regulator

A Cabinet Minister said yesterday that creating a single financial services regulator would eliminate significant “overlap” and boost supervisory efficiency, enhancing the Bahamas’ competitiveness.

Public governance key to financial sector changes

A former Ministry of Finance legal adviser yesterday said public governance is vital to ensuring the right environment exists for financial institutions to thrive.

Sports Notes

THE 11th Annual Grand Bahama Road Cycling Championships is slated to be held on Saturday with competition in categories 1, 2 and 3 to see who will take home the crown of Grand Bahama Road Cycling champions.

Lightning forces radio stations off air

SEVERE weather affecting Marsh Harbour caused damage to key radio broadcast equipment earlier this month, forcing 100 JAMZ and Y98.7 off the air in Abaco.

Caribbean targets uniform financial regulatory standard

A Caribbean regulator yesterday called for a uniform regional approach to overseeing financial services entities that operate in multiple jurisdictions as a way to prevent ‘regulatory arbitrage’.

Baha Mar liquidators meet with creditors

Baha Mar’s joint provisional liquidators yesterday confirmed they were already meeting with some of the development’s more than 3,000 Bahamian creditors, briefing them on “progress to-date” and their goals.

Wednesday, September 16

PETER YOUNG: Victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us

Queen’s Elizabeth’s reign is much more than just a record statistic, it is an example of how modern monarchy is working Peter Young says.

How rehabilitation services can help cancer patients

In a series marking National Rehabilitation Awareness Week Sasha Daneah Anderson looks at treatment of a known disease.

Look again at policing strategies

I have made no secret of my view that the single factor responsible for the dramatic rise in murders in The Bahamas over the last 15 years has been the courts, and the utterly irresponsible actions of Judges who grant bail to people accused of murder on the feeblest of grounds.

Bruised Bahamian sovereignty

That little word “sovereignty” has certainly been used and abused these past few months to prevent what was the most convenient – and financially safe—option to save the Baha Mar resort and give its developer a chance to complete the project and get into business.

Attorney General to go public ‘soon’ over BEC bribe

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard Gibson said yesterday that officials are reviewing the files concerning an alleged bribery of a former member of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, adding that she will soon go public about the next course of action in the matter.

Man found dead at police station

A FORMER police officer was found dead in Nassau’s Central Police Station yesterday morning, hours after he was arrested for questioning in reference to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Wilchcombe: Cabbage Beach access to stay

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday vowed that the main public access point to Cabbage Beach would remain open, despite closure notices being posted on the path’s entry gates.

Boyfriend of anti-crime activist is shot dead

THE murder-accused boyfriend of well-known anti-crime advocate Khandi Gibson was shot dead yesterday morning taking the country’s murder count to 107.

Murder victim Philip Vasyli was ‘abusive and had drug habit’

A MILLIONAIRE podiatrist’s alcohol, prescription drug and cocaine abuse placed a strain on his business relations and marriage, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 case is thrown out

THE Delaware Bankruptcy Court’s decision to throw out Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case yesterday has validated the government and “disappointed” the Cable Beach resort.

Miller tops list of Bahamian athletes in IAAF Rankings

WITH the completion of the IAAF Diamond League grand finale over the weekend in Brussels, Belgium, the track and field season ending rankings have been released with some Bahamians sitting in pretty good positions.

Sports notes

THE top scorer in City Bowling League competition Monday night was Kelsey Rolle of Ten Back Strikers, who crushed the pins for an outstanding 255 high game along with an impressive 653 high three game set.

Gibson raises no objection to Pinder call for voting block to oust PLP

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson had “no issue” with recent calls by Public Services Union President John Pinder for National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas’ members to form a voting block ahead of the 2017 general election, with an aim to oust the PLP.

Eight years in jail for shooting police officer

A MAN was sentenced to eight years imprisonment yesterday when he owned up to shooting at a police officer more than a decade after the incident occurred.

AG says 'justice system is working'

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson insisted yesterday that the “justice system is working” despite the country’s murder rate, which is set to outpace last year’s figure.

Baha Mar appeal over Chapter 11 verdict ‘blocked’

A Bahamian accountant with experience of US Chapter 11 procedures yesterday said the judgment dismissing Baha Mar’s bankruptcy protection had been written in such a way that the developer “cannot appeal”.

Hurricanes’ junior boys open new season on a winning note

The St Andrew’s Hurricanes’ junior boys opened the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) 2015 softball season the same way they did a year ago.

Sarkis suffers crushing blow

Sarkis Izmirlian’s already-tenuous control of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project was effectively terminated yesterday by the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, which ruled that “no greater good” can be achieved by continuing with the Chapter 11 cases.

Turnquest mourns ‘brightest lights’ turned victims of crime

FOLLOWING the recent brutal murder of a young couple in West Grand Bahama, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement Peter Turnquest says gun violence continues to steal some of the nation’s young and “brightest lights”.

Two men, one woman held over Monday murder

POLICE have two men and a woman in custody in connection with the shooting death of Brian Francis Jr on Monday.

‘Only time’ will vindicate Gov’ts Baha Mar plan

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday argued it was too early to determine if the Government’s Baha Mar ‘winding-up’ strategy had been “vindicated”, adding that “only time will tell”.

Roberts: No problem with new PLP Munroe challenging government on parental bill

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts suggested yesterday that he had no issues with attorney Wayne Munroe’s declaration that he would not support the Christie administration’s Parental Responsibility Bill.

Working together to find best ways of feeding those in need

NEARLY 50 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres are expected to take part in a groundbreaking workshop on Friday when the Bahamas National Feeding Network hosts the Ambassador Frank Crothers Inaugural Best Practices Seminar featuring one of America’s leading authorities on feeding programmes.

Chapter 11 ‘ideal vehicle for Baha Mar’ if all agreed

A US judge yesterday agreed that Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection would have been “an ideal vehicle for restructuring” the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project had the Government and its Chinese partners not objected to using it.

Sarkis told: ‘Carefully consider your options’

A prominent businessman yesterday urged Sarkis Izmirlian to “carefully reconsider his options” for resolving the $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute, describing as “great” a US judge’s decision to dismiss the developer’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection case.

Freeport resort suffering a decline in timeshare visitors

JACK Grobowsky, president of the Freeport Resort & Club, says the timeshare property is empty and has suffered significant decline in returning vacationers over the past 15 years, from 1,800 unit weeks to just 500.

Shane Gibson: Any PLP leadership hopefuls will know when to make their move

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson was against the suggestion yesterday that Progressive Liberal Party members interested in vying for party leadership should declare their intentions well ahead of the party’s convention.

Registrar’s technology ‘generations behind’

The Attorney General yesterday conceded that the July 14 target date for the Registrar General’s Department to launch complete online company incorporations had been missed, adding that its technology was “generations behind”.

Ocean Club owner eyes Cabbage Beach project

Access Industries, the One & Only Ocean Club owner, yesterday said it was in talks with the Government over development plans for the vacant land near Cabbage Beach now at the centre of public access controvery.

AG unhappy with preparations for finance evaluation

The Attorney General yesterday admitted that preparations for the Bahamas’ November evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) had not progressed as well as she had hoped.

Tuesday, September 15

Bahamians encouraged to love their bodies and create legacy of health

WITH the aim of ensuring that we become a healthier nation, the Bahamas is joining countries around the world in celebrating “Wellness Week”.

Three queens crowned at Miss Bahamas 2015 pageant

THE Miss Bahamas Organisation promised there would three title holders this year and they kept their word. Three young ladies, of a lineup of 11, fought to their way to the top and walked away with their crowns during the pageants’ grand finale at the Atlantis Theatre this past Sunday.

Tears and laughter as hundreds attend Sister Sister Prayer Breakfast

THERE was laughter interspersed with tears as breast cancer patients, survivors and those who have lost ones to the disease came together for the 11th annual Sister Sister Prayer Breakfast on Saturday.

POLITICOLE: Who’s the bigger dodo - Galanis or Munroe?

We have many people competing for the title of biggest dodo in Bahamian politics and government - in last week’s news alone.

The rants of Bradley Roberts

After listening to Bradley Roberts’ rant on television, I’ve come to the woeful conclusion that advanced age has had no affect on his strange logic.

Economics of gymnastics

The Gymnastics event at Atlantis and what is the real revenue income - forget the filling of beds with children?

Bite the Baha Mar bullet

BAHA MAR - Provisional Liquidator appointed with limited authority, simply it seems to ensure that the owners cannot dissipate the assets.

Former police officer found dead in custody

A FORMER police officer was found dead in Nassau's Central Police Station on Tuesday morning, hours after he was arrested for questioning in reference to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Delaware Court rules against Baha Mar Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing

SARKIS Izmirlian’s bid to retain control of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project suffered a serious blow on Tuesday as the Delaware Bankruptcy Court dismissed virtually its entire Chapter 11 case.

Roberto 'Bonaby' Williams, boyfriend of FOAM president, shot dead

THE boyfriend of an anti-crime advocate was shot and killed on Thursday morning, The Tribune understands.

22-year-old shot dead in sixth murder in four days

A 22-year-old man was shot multiple times and killed while driving on Mount Royal Avenue early yesterday, becoming the sixth homicide in the country in four days and the fourth in New Providence.

Debate over evidence in Vasyli case

TENSIONS mounted in day three of the high-profile murder trial of Donna Vasyli as a crime scene detective gave evidence of her involvement in the investigation of the murder of the accused’s husband in Old Fort Bay.

Gutless: Miller hits out at colleagues over crime

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday urged the Christie administration “to get a grip on crime,” warning that escalating crime statistics could lead to a decline in the nation’s lifeblood – the tourism industry.

Off limits: Cabbage Beach access closed to the public next month

THE imminent closure of the main public access to Cabbage Beach adjacent to the Riu Paradise Island Hotel has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Bahamas Taxicab Union officials warning that the decision could adversely affect scores of drivers.

Moss to announce party details in November

MARCO City MP Greg Moss yesterday said the name and symbol of his previously foreshadowed political party will not be revealed until November when it plans to present a “definitive alternative” to the candidate offerings of major organisations.

Denair wins two gold and a silver at the Special Olympics World Summer Games

WITH the cheers of thousands of spectators spurring him on and the claps of his coach encouraging him, 21-year-old Denair Rolle delivered the winning throw that sealed his gold medal win in the softball throw at the Special Olympics World Games.

BUN IN THE OVEN: Choosing the right baby name

IT’S one of the first and most important decisions you will ever make for your child; a decision that will last them for the rest of their lives. What they are known as, what people call them, and all of the feelings and perceptions that your chosen name gives, will be the air around them during their entire life.

Mobile auction delayed again

The arrival of a second mobile provider in the Bahamas has been further delayed, Tribune Business can reveal, after the final phase of the selection process was postponed yet again.

Hawksbill tinkering ‘cancer to Freeport’

A well-known QC yesterday described the uncertainty created by the Government’s constant tinkering with the Hawksbill Creek Agreement as “a cancer to Freeport’s business environment and population”.

‘Credit crunch’ fear if Baha Mar’s bid for Chapter 11 succeeds

A prominent businessman has warned that international lenders may refuse to extend credit to Bahamas-based companies and developments were Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganisation to succeed.

Labour laws need ‘complete revamp’

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) president yesterday called for a “complete revamp” of key labour legislation because employers were now insisting on the “letter of the law” with respect to union and industrial agreement registration.

‘Nassau has become a gun town’ - Minnis

AS the country’s homicide count continues climb, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said the capital has turned into a gun town under the watch of the Progressive Liberal Party, which struggles to get a handle on crime.

Former senior cop supports call for gun court, stricter gun laws

FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson yesterday endorsed Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s recent call for stricter gun laws, and called for the re-establishment of the gun court to “make an example of people” with illegal firearms.

Tributes to teacher killed alongside her husband

TEACHERS and students at the Eight Mile Rock High School are devastated by the tragic murder of Sheena Williams-Johnson, a well-loved educator who had a “promising career” in education.

Argument leads to man’s stabbing

Grand Bahama police are investigating a stabbing incident that has left one man in serious condition in hospital.

PROCEEDINGS DISCONTINUED OVER RAPE ALLEGATION

CRIMINAL proceedings have been discontinued against a man accused of a sexual assault of a woman.

REAL ESTATE: Get the foundations right - solid tips for smooth building

Before first-time home builders lay the first block, Raymond Antonio advises on the essential elements they should consider

Teacher shortage at Eight Mile Rock School

THE Eight Mile Rock High School is facing a serious teacher and staff shortage at the institution, which is the only public secondary school in West Grand Bahama.

‘Enjoy your drink - but do so responsibly’

THE dangers of alcohol abuse in the incidence of traffic fatalities and unprotected sexual encounters is to be highlighted on Friday with “Enjoy Responsibly Day”, a Commonwealth Brewery event in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.

Marine protected areas ‘an important victory’

THE establishment of 18 new Marine Protected Areas is being hailed as an important victory in the ongoing fight to protect the unique ecological heritage of the Bahamas.

Helping students sail to success

ELEAZOR “the Sailing Barber’ Johnson has earned praise for his initiative in putting on the first Back to School sailing regatta in Montagu Bay at the weekend.

Ingrid Sears bids Heart Ball Committee farewell

SAYING goodbye is never easy, yet it was a necessary move for Ingrid Sears, who for almost a decade has been known for her tireless and passionate commitment to the Heart Ball Committee as its public relations officer.

But do you have the confidence?

SO you say you’re finally going to kick the habit of impulsive spending, but do you have the confidence? This time for sure, you say, you will meet your goal to lose that weight, but do you have the confidence? Yes, we’ve all heard you say many times that you’re going to get out of that unhealthy relationship, but do you have the confidence?

Become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself

What does colour have to do with your diet? Our affinity for all that is quick, cheap and convenient is directing many to the cracker, cereal and cookie aisles, leading to a nutrient impaired, high-fat and highly processed “beige diet”. We eat primarily based on time or money constraints – we want convenient, low cost and tasty.

Destigmatising mental illness

THE stigma of mental illness is callous and debilitating for those who live with a psychological disorder. Society’s disregard for these people is often reflected in the use of pejorative names such as crazy, loony, mad and nuts. Stereotypes also reveal peoples’ misconceptions and discomfort related to mental illness, and sometimes contempt for this marginalised group.

‘Essential’ nurse’s station opens at Downtown Straw Market

GIVEN the high volume of tourists and locals that frequent the Downtown Straw Market on a daily basis as well as the numerous vendors who set up shop there, the establishment of a nurse’s station was considered an essential move by members of the Straw Market Authority.

Finding your dental home

IT IS very important to practice a good mouth-cleaning regime. It should be done daily. Such a regime should include teeth and tongue cleaning, as well as mouth rinsing. A toothbrush, floss and mouthwash are some of the items commonly used to make the process easier and faster.

Dealing with burn scars

As part of a National Rehabilitation Awareness Week series Sasha Daneah Anderson looks at the physical and mental traumas caused by burns

Parker gets ‘Plaque of Merit’

KEITH Parker, MBE, veteran Bahamian track and field coach and administrator, received an extraordinary honour from outgoing International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Lamine Diack at the opening of the Beijing IAAF 50th Anniversary Congress on the eve of the Beijng World Championships for track and field.

NCAA: Buddy named preseason third team All-American

NCAA division I basketball is still weeks away from tip off, but the American national media has already placed Bahamian guard Buddy Hield among its projections as one of the top players in the country.

Armbrister to join SEC powerhouse Lady Bulldogs this fall

SHE has excelled thus far at the junior college and international level for the Bahamas. Now, high scoring wing player Shanea Armbrister is expected to be a major contributor for an SEC powerhouse programme.

‘We saw a lot of talented kids’

A group of tennis instructors from the Lyford Cay Club, led by former Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) president Derron Donaldson, took the time out to share their expertise with a group of youngsters during a clinic at the park in Flamingo Gardens on Saturday.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Ouch! The diagnosis on your favourite NFL stars

IN all my years of watching the NFL, and its season kickoff weekend in particular (I haven’t missed one since the old millennium), I’ve never seen so many big name stars go down with significant or season-ending injuries in week one!

LPGA to host another junior golf clinic at Ocean Club this weekend

THE connection between the Bahamas and the Ladies Professional Golfer’s Association continues to develop at the local level.

Union slams Melia’s ‘complete disregard’

The hotel union’s secretary-general yesterday accused the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort of demonstrating “complete disregard” for it, and described its actions as “reprehensible at least”.

Government hits at ‘fishing expedition’

The Government had suggested that 14 Freeport-based companies were engaged in “a fishing expedition” in their challenge to new and increased taxation, describing their interrogation demands as “oppressive” and “intrusive”.

Sports notes

THE Grand Bahama Cycling Championships is the next major event on the calendar for the Bahamas Amateur Cycling Federation.

Contractors sign deal with Chamber

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) and the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their relationship and expand collaboration and co-operation.

Monday, September 14

INSIGHT: The human face of global supremacy

At 24, Tribune reporter Rashad Rolle has made his first trip to Asia as part of a journalism exchange. It changed his perceptions of China.

Lawyer says Nassau ‘is a dangerous dump’

A MARITIME lawyer renewed his criticism of the Bahamas’ cruise-ship industry over the weekend following the release of a satirical video criticising the country’s tourist attractions and cleanliness.

$7m fund

Re: Urban Renewal spends $7M on home repairs.

Straw Market improvements

I applaud the Straw Market Authority (SMA) and the government for their recent upgrades to the Straw Market for the safety, comfort and health of the occupants and the public.

Farewell to a kindred spirit

On Saturday, I lost a kindred spirit – a sister in every way but biologically.

Whose side is government on - Bahamians or a Chinese company?

LAST Wednesday, Attorney General Alison Maynard-Gibson, government’s lead negotiator in attempts to have the stalled Baha Mar resort completed for opening, invited those who do not think the government “has been working in the best interests of the Bahamian people… to put their glasses on”. Those who do not see government’s valiant attempts “are deliberately trying to mischaracterise what the government is doing,” she said.

Man shot dead on Mount Royal Avenue

POLICE are investigating the shooting death of a man who was killed Monday morning.

Three men dead in two days in New Providence

A MAN attending a wake at a home off Mackey Street was shot and killed during a gunfight on Friday night, becoming one of three men killed in New Providence over a two-day period.

Roberts calls for unity, warns PLPs to stop bickering

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said the party cannot afford “bickering, backbiting and discord” as he called for unity ahead of the PLP’s November convention.

Husband and wife found shot dead in Grand Bahama

GRAND Bahama police are investigating a double homicide after a husband and wife were discovered dead inside their home on Sunday morning. The victims - believed to be Barry and Sheila Johnson - were found shot dead shortly before 9am at an apartment complex in the Holmes Rock area. Police said both victims were shot once to the head.

‘These young men and women will certainly be our sloop sailors of tomorrow’

MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Goverment V Alfred Gray said he didn’t know the level of participation the sailors in the Bahamas Sailing Association’s National Sailing School competed at until he witnessed it for himself in Montagu Bay over the weekend.

$300m boost for Freeport ‘by end of year’

GRAND Bahama will get a “shot in the arm” before the end of the year when Hutchison Whampoa invests nearly $300m in the expansion of the Freeport Container Port, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

Beauty queen breaks the mould with political views

SOME claim that beautiful women in beauty pageants are there to been seen and not heard. And if they are to be heard, they are supposed to espouse “world peace”.

Baha Mar liquidators: We won’t submit to Delaware

Baha Mar’s provisional liquidators have warned the Delaware Bankruptcy Court that they will not submit to its jurisdiction, and that they will challenge the “jurisdiction” of its decisions and Orders over them if necessary.

QC backs judge’s ‘pay to play’ halt on Judicial Review

A Supreme Court judge has been praised for preventing Judicial Reviews becoming “pay to play” litigation, after she dismissed the Government’s ‘security for costs’ demand over the challenge to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) review.

Bahamas ‘can’t lose’ over Baha Mar outcome

The Bahamas “can’t lose” in the long-term regardless of who ultimately ends up controlling the $3.5 billion Baha Mar development, a prominent businessman believes.

Baha Mar reverses 50% Quality sales rise forecast

Baha Mar’s woes have turned expectations of a 50 per cent sales increase at Quality Supermarkets’ Cable Beach store into an actual 10 per cent decline, its owner lamenting the “psychological blow” to consumers and businesses.

NCAA football: Mixed results for Bahamians in week two

IT was mixed results for Bahamian players across the United States in week two of division I NCAA football.

Crazy Partner wins C Class in 1st Back-to-School Regatta

CRAZY Partner, skippered by Lundy Robinson, pulled off the victory in the C Class competition of the first Back To School Regatta in Montagu Bay over the weekend.

Sports notes

WAYNE Russell III was the only Bahamian competing in the 12th Copa Arabe International IFF Grade 5 Tournament in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, over the weekend. Russell lost in the first round to Robert Lazar in set scores of 6-0, 6-1.

Mitchell calls for cameras and possible limits on public gatherings

FOX Hill MP Fred Mitchell has called for cameras to be installed at Fox Hill’s Freedom Park and possible restrictions on public gathering there after a man and woman were shot while standing in the area on Saturday afternoon.

16 Jamaican women arrested in police swoop over prostitution

POLICE arrested 16 Jamaican women at two local nightclubs in separate operations in connection with solicitation for prostitution on Saturday night.

Peace FM forced off the air by severe weather

THE severe weekend weather affecting New Providence, which generated widespread thunder and lightning storms, have damaged key pieces of broadcast equipment and forced Peace FM/McKinney Media Group off the air since Saturday.

Body found of woman who fell off cruise ship

THE BODY of a woman who fell off a Bahamas-based cruise ship has been pulled from waters off the Massachusetts coast, Rockport Harbourmaster officials have announced.

Beach clean shows Bahamian pride

VOLUNTEERS came out in the early hours of Saturday to spruce up Goodman’s Bay beach.

Elite Warriors stop Mighty Mitts, 15-3

THE BTC Elite Warriors avenged one of their only two losses so far this year in the New Providence Softball Association men’s division by stopping the Chances Mighty Mitts 15-3 with a couple of home runs from a pair of siblings to keep in front of the leaderboard as the regular season starts to wind down.

Sunday, September 13

Man found dead outside his San Andros home

A MAN was found dead outside his home in San Andros on Saturday morning.

One dead, four in hospital after weekend shootings

POLICE in New Providence are investigating a series of shootings over the weekend which has left one man dead and four others, including an off-duty police officer, in hospital.

Saturday, September 12

Fatal shooting in Pinewood, three shot in Fox Hill Park

POLICE are reporting at 3pm on Saturday that officers are on the scene of two shootings in New Providence, one of which is fatal.

One dead, two injured after shootings

One man was shot dead and two other people were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries after a fight reportedly broke out at Shady Tree Lane off Mackey Street on Friday night.

Bruno Rufa 'embarrassed' in rushed deportation by immigration officials, court hears

CANADIAN resident Bruno Rufa claims that immigration officials caused him embarrassment when they “paraded” him before a crowd of onlookers at the Coral Beach Condominium after being arrested at his residence on January 30. The claim emerged in an affidavit by Mr Rufa in judicial review proceedings in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Friday, September 11

Road Traffic Department queues 'to be eliminated' with new system

QUEUES will be eliminated and wait times reduced when the Road Traffic Department (RTD) moves to a fully automated system by mid to late next year, its controller predicted on Friday.

Police shoot and wound two suspects

POLICE in New Providence shot and wounded two suspects - one armed with a handgun and one with a long army knife - in separate incidents on Friday.

Union president calls for 'change in our country'

Public Services Union President John Pinder called for “a change in our country” as hotel workers protested outside of the Melià on Cable Beach Friday afternoon.

Gibson and Miller finish on winning note in Diamond League

JEFFERY Gibson and Shaunae Miller, still riding high on their medal-winning performances at the World Championships in Beijing, China, last month, closed their 2015 season by winning their respective events on Friday at the AG Insurance Memorial van Damme Diamond League meet in Brussels, Belgium.

Staniel Cay runway repairs underway, say 'pleased' residents

RESIDENTS of Staniel Cay, Exuma, said on Friday they are "very pleased" with the "impressive" work by construction workers to repair the airstrip at the Staniel Cay Airport.

BEC blames transmission line fault for latest blackout

OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) on Friday blamed a fault on an overhead transmission line for an outage that left nearly half of New Providence in darkness.

A COMIC'S VIEW: DNA left with scraps as PLP heads for The Hunger Games

THIS week, the party hopping, bandwagon jumping and succession saga continued. Shall we begin?

A matter of self respect?

WITH reference to the Deputy Prime Minister’s admonishment that the office of Prime Minister should not be disrespected by anyone . . .

Champion tomato paste

ALBURY’S champion tomato paste, which is a Bahamian product faced major issues over the last two months as the product could rarely be found. Imagine my contempt when I found out recently that it was because of a price issue whose resolution was in the hands of another malfunctioning government agency.

FNM mandarins, shut up!

I so wish that the so-called mandarins of the FNM would just stop talking nonsense. Frank Watson started the silliness when the FNM passed up a great opportunity to elect Loretta Butler Turner and get rid of Dr Hubert Minnis who is dragging the party down.

Vasyli trial halted for judge's witness ruling

EXTENSIVE legal discussions on Friday concluded the second day of the high-profile murder trial of Donna Vasyli, who is accused of fatally stabbing her husband at their Old Fort Bay home.

Man, 29, shot driving through McCullough Corner and dies in his car

A 29-year-old man was shot and killed early on Friday morning while driving through McCullough Corner.

Munroe: I never thought that the DNA would win

DESPITE running in the 2012 general election as a Democratic National Alliance candidate, attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, yesterday said he never believed the third party would have been elected to govern this country.

Women face barriers in the Bahamas, report says

THE Bahamas is one of many regional countries providing “barriers” to economic opportunities for women, an international report found.

Pintard: Making Ingraham focus of campaign a mistake

AS the Free National Movement prepares for the 2017 general election, party Chairman Michael Pintard said the opposition will avoid the “presidential-style campaigning” that it believes was a costly mistake during the 2012 election cycle.

Father of two found hanged

POLICE are investigating the suspected suicide of a 35-year-old father of two who was found hanged from a tree in the yard of his Coconut Grove home yesterday morning.

Blood on the tiles at Vasyli home

A JURY hearing evidence in the Donna Vasyli murder trial was shown a 20-minute video of a bloody crime scene at a home in the Old Fort Bay community that police were alerted to earlier in the year.

Abaco police arrest nine illegal immigrants

POLICE in Abaco have taken nine illegal immigrants who arrived by boat into custody after a late-night operation.

Woman wanted over theft

ABACO police are searching for a woman who is wanted for questioning in connection with a stealing matter.

Sports Notes

TO celebrate the opening of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Bahamas Rugby, in conjunction with Heineken, will be hosting a couple of events at the Winton Rugby Pitch on the weekend of September 19.

THE FINISH LINE: Who gets the money?

It’s unusual to start this column off this way, but it was an unusual occurrence this week as we mourn the loss of two sporting legends.

Bahamian sailors among top finishers at 5.5 World Championships in Sweden

AFTER five days of intense fleet racing and eight races in the beautiful archipelago of Nynäshamn, Sweden, Bahamian sailors were among the top finishers at the 5.5 World Championships.

Rondre Knowles-Tener a defensive force to reckon with

OFF to a fast start in his senior season, one Bahamian high school star on the gridiron is increasing his stock as he prepares for the NCAA.

Several Bahamian players vying for spots on Hurricanes’ roster

THE Holland College Hurricanes Football Club always figures Bahamians prominently into their game plan since its inception, and the 2015 season should continue that trend as the Hurricanes prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Donald Thomas soars for the silver in high jump

WITH the men’s high jump not one of the disciplines for the 2015 IAAF Diamond League, Donald Thomas is taking advantage of competing in whatever meets he can get in around the European circuit.

The nature of beauty

A DRAMATIC, avant garde evening gown that was considered the best depiction of the theme, Beauty by Nature, has won emerging fashion designer Trineil Hanna the coveted Miss Bahamas Organisation’s (MBO) Top Designer Award.

Clubs and Societies 09112015

Aktion Club of Fort Montagu. - Members of the Aktion Club of Fort Montagu attended the national Training and Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, from June 26-27.

Urban Renewal probe delayed as official fails to show on time

THE Public Accounts Committee will continue to hear testimony on Monday as it pushes toward completing its probe into the operations of Urban Renewal 2.0.

Two men charged in separate murder cases

TWO men appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged separately in connection with two murders that occurred in the capital.

Two Bahamians arrested after migrants detained

TWO Bahamians have been taken into custody by US authorities to face charges of human trafficking in a Florida Court after they were caught trying to smuggle 19 Haitian migrants to Florida.

Prime Minister tells foreign investors ‘the time is now’

PRIME Minister Perry Christie insisted yesterday that the time is now for global investors to consider the Caribbean region, implying that regional economies have shown resilience amidst global trends.

Straws in the wind for PLP leadership race?

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday said he was not anxious about the PLP coming convention, even as party insiders say supporters are concerned about the lack of disclosure about who will make a leadership bid.

PM: FDI remains ‘engine of growth’

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said foreign direct investment (FDI) would continue to be “the engine of growth” for the Bahamas and rest of the Caribbean, given that the pooling of local capital remained an “ongoing challenge”.

SME Bill’s ‘lack of progress’ motivates Chamber Help Desk

The “lack of progress” made by the Government in enacting the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Development Bill was yesterday said to have “motivated” the Chamber to launch its Small Business Help Desk.

Court must back dismissal of top Baha Mar staff

Baha Mar’s senior management cannot be dismissed by the $3.5 billion project’s joint provisional liquidators without the Supreme Court’s permission, although regular employees can be released “in the ordinary course of business”.

Contractors chief: Gov’t unwilling to protect Bahamians

The Government’s failure to advance long-awaited legislation shows it is not interested in protecting the construction industry for Bahamians, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president said yesterday.

Broker earned $14.5m in ‘ill-gotten’ proceeds

A Bahamian broker/dealer and its principal allegedly earned nearly $14.5 million in “ill-gotten gains” from breaching US securities laws, regulators alleged in court filings this week.

IAN FERGUSON: The difference between adding value or disgrace

Most employers have encountered employees they dread seeing duplicated in the workplace. These individuals typically have a track record of low productivity, making mischief at work or adversely affecting the company’s bottom line.

Extradition court case to be heard next year

FIVE men fighting extradition to the United States on drug trafficking charges will have their day in the Supreme Court in January next year.

Thursday, September 10

Fitzgerald accused of being evasive over Rum Cay school repairs

FORMER Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle yesterday hit back at Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, accusing the Marathon MP of being “biggity and evasive” in his defence of the government’s $500,000 allotment to repair the Rum Cay All-Age School.

Don’t trivialise the issue of rape

I have been struggling with the weekly column Politicole since it became a part of The Tribune. Given the name of the column, I thought there was a slight chance that readers would get thoughtful, challenging views on the political state of the country. Wrong.

The price of a vote

Re: Urban Renewal spends $7M on home repairs (The Tribune, September 8).

BOB and NIB

‘BOB losses slash NIB income 66%’ (Tribune Business, September 9). It is as if simply publishing this fact, is a sufficient discharge and apology, for what can only be a gross breach of the public trust.

Munroe off without a farewell

Now that former Democratic National Alliance candidate Wayne Munroe has defected to the ruling Progressive Liberal Party without so much as having the deference to inform the DNA hierarchy, it is high time that Branville McCartney and his rabid followers come to grips with the cold, hard facts of reality about politics in The Bahamas.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Christie at the centre of political rumblings

THERE has been quite a rumble on the political landscape recently as a new party has been projected to launch shortly, Raynard Rigby has announced his intentions to challenge Perry Christie for the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and it is perceived that the governing party scored a political point with the defection of Wayne Munroe from the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) to its ranks.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Grimy Nassau - that video; The plight of pensioners

MUCH ado was made about a video spoofing the touristic offerings in downtown Nassau.

30 years in jail for man guilty of woman’s murder

EIGHTEEN months after taking police to the shallow grave of a woman who was missing for two weeks, the man accused of her murder pleaded guilty to the crime in Supreme Court yesterday.

Bethel: Criticising govt is not an unpatriotic act

FREE National Movement Senator Carl Bethel yesterday denied suggestions that his criticism of the Baha Mar winding up process was unpatriotic, calling Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson’s characterisation of him “disingenuous and false”.

Haitian migrants detained by US coast guard

TWO Bahamians have been taken into custody by US authorities to face charges of human trafficking in a Florida Court after they were caught trying to smuggle 19 Haitian migrants to Florida.

Pintard does not dismiss FNM coalition

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday hinted that “all forms of a political collaboration” are presently being discussed with persons focused on moving The Bahamas forward.

Gomez says constituency business has kept him from filing petitions against FNM duo

LEGAL Affairs Minister Damian Gomez yesterday insisted that he was not backing away from his declaration to file Election Court petitions to declare the Long Island and Killarney seats vacant over alleged conflicts of interest.

Wayne Munroe: why I joined the PLP

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, said yesterday he decided to join the Progressive Liberal Party because its “philosophy is more in line” with where he sees The Bahamas going.

Leadership worry for PLP convention

AS the Progressive Liberal Party’s November convention nears, anxiety is growing among party members and supporters over the uncertainty about who will make a leadership bid, stalwart member and former Cabinet minister George Smith admitted to The Tribune yesterday.

Man, 35, found hanging from a tree in Coconut Grove

A 35-year-old man was found hanging from a tree in the yard of his Coconut Grove home early on Thursday in what police believe to be a suicide.

Henri becomes eighth tropical storm of the Atlantic season

TROPICAL Storm Henri formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday night off Bermuda and is moving slowly north, although forecasters say it currently poses no threat to land.

SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: NFL picks week one - let the games begin

IT IS necessary for us to offer the disclaimer prior to week one. Our column will throw a twist into the traditional pick ‘em. A lifelong football fan against someone that knows absolutely nothing about football but somehow manages to get these games right.

RICARDO'S PICKS: All the talk is over, now let’s play ball

IT is finally here. Football is back, baby!

NAUGHTY'S PICKS: Let’s hit the road for starters with Steelers and Colts

FIRST let me open by saying thank you Jesus, King of Endless Glory, who reigns in Heaven, for allowing me to see another NFL season, and for positioning ‘our’ Dallas Cowboys (Yes, God is a Cowboy, thus the retractable roof in the stadium, we leave it open so God can watch His team, the Cowboys, play) on the threshold of another Lombardi Trophy!

Who represents Bahamas as the true governing body for American football?

IN recent years, the debate between several organisations has raged over who represents the Bahamas as the true governing body for American football.

Miami Heat’s Deng training in the Bahamas

THE Islands Of The Bahamas, long known for beautiful, crystal clear waters, powder soft white sand beaches and near-perfect, year-round weather, are also known for their passion and commitment to sports.

Over 800 gymnasts are expected to visit capital for 5th Atlantis Crown Invitational

OVER 800 young male and female gymnasts from more than 56 countries are expected in The Bahamas to participate in the fifth Atlantis Crown Invitational at the Paradise Island resort December 17- 21.

JacobI Bain captures titles at Honduras Junior Bowl

JACOBI Bain has captured the singles and doubles titles at the 2015 Honduras Junior Bowl COTECC Under-14 event.

Miller, Gibson set for Diamond League meet

A series which has spanned approximately five months will conclude today with the final of the 14 International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League meetings.

On Da Hook

THIS week has brought the first signs of Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna in Nassau and Eleuthera.

Champagne launch for three new tugboats

THREE new tugboats were commissioned and christened at the Freeport Harbour yesterday as the Svitzer Corporation upgrades its fleet to provide safe, efficient, quality towage and emergency response services in Grand Bahama.

As one storm fades away gracefully, next one stirs into life

TROPICAL depression Grace dissipated yesterday morning, proving a short-lived tropical cyclone in the eastern Atlantic that, like others before it, succumbed to unfavourable dry air and wind shear conditions.

What a way to celebrate an 80th birthday

RASHEEDA Ali-Seck received a surprise 80th birthday welcome when she arrived in Nassau yesterday.

Stepping up to the task - Downtown clean-up by citizens

TWO concerned citizens decided to stop talking and turn their words to action, as the duo yesterday began to clean up the Rawson Square area in the wake of a social media video which showed dirty, rundown parts of downtown Nassau.

No early release for father turned killer

A MAN who killed his three-year-old daughter and hid her dismembered body had his hopes for an early prison release dashed by a Supreme Court judge yesterday.

Pair land eight years in jail for receiving stolen goods

TWO men who admitted to receiving cars and electronic items they knew had been stolen were sentenced to a prison term of more than eight years yesterday.

PAC to resume Urban Renewal probe

THE Public Accounts Committee will not place much weight on the government’s independent report into the Small Home Repairs Programme when it resumes its stalled probe into Urban Renewal 2.0 today.

Mortimer: I’m not quitting DNA

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday denied that he is planning to sever ties with the third party to join to the Progressive Liberal Party.

Police still probing Grand Bahama murder cases

POLICE investigations are still underway into two recent murder cases on Grand Bahama, Police Chief Emrick Seymour said yesterday in Grand Bahama.

Police warning over car crime and illegal guns

SENIOR Assistant Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour yesterday expressed concern over the significant increase in car thefts and stolen vehicles and the “proliferation” of illegal guns in Grand Bahama.

Store owner says social services card has cost him $60,000 in business

A DISGRUNTLED department store owner yesterday accused the government of “discrimination” for allegedly excluding his store from the list of shops to be recognised by the new Social Services pre-paid debit card.

Fire rips through take away shop

ROSALEE Davis, owner of Rosalee’s Take Away also known as Dirty’s, said it will take $45,000 and about two months of construction to rebuild her restaurant after it was completely destroyed in a fire last month.

Baha Mar ‘not too far gone’ for arbitration

The $3.5 billion Baha Mar dispute is “not so far gone” that professional arbitration will be unable to resolve it, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday arguing that such intervention was becoming more urgent by the day.

Baha Mar team starts ‘educating’ liquidators

The Government and Baha Mar remained far apart yesterday on their interpretations of the provisional liquidation ruling’s impact, as the developer started to “educate” the Supreme Court’s appointees on the intricacies of the $3.5 billion project’s predicament.

Sky chief warns over ‘pay to play’ culture

Sky Bahamas’ chief executive yesterday warned budding entrepreneurs that they were likely to encounter a “pay to play” culture when establishing operations, and urged them to conduct a ‘P.E.S.T’ analysis of their business environment.

Rosewood exit will cost Baha Mar $8m

Baha Mar yesterday warned it would suffer “great harm”, including the loss of $8 million in ‘key money’, if the Rosewood Hotels brand was permitted to withdraw from the project.

‘Sarkis told me: Local contractors get 100%’

A Baha Mar director yesterday refuted the Attorney General’s suggestion that Bahamian contractors will only receive 10 per cent of the sums owed to them, revealing: “Sarkis Izmirlian personally told me he will make them whole.”

Two arrested for possession of firearm and ammunition

TWO men were arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition on Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 9

TOUGH CALL: Downtown development - delay, decay and dark deals

THIS weekend, social media land was in a tizzy - with many Bahamians aghast at a spoof produced like a promotional video. The film featured a syrupy narration illustrated by scenes showing some of the underside of Nassau’s tourist core. Here are some excerpts:

Like a used car lot

I was beginning to worry that I was the only one noticing how our city and island is becoming more unattractive every day – that is until I read some recent letters and columns in the press. One or two of them made mention of something that is particularly irritating to me and that is the proliferation of advertising signs all over the place.

Baha Mar made me proud

Picture a diver climbing high up the ladder. Hours, years of practice behind them as their moment gets closer. They walk to the edge of the board. This feat has never been seen before. A country holds its breath, hoping for gold. We’ve been given a state of the art springboard; hear it quietly creak under their toes before they bend their knees and lift off, weightless ...

Grace blows out in mid-Atlantic

TROPICAL depression Grace dissipated at 11am on Wednesday, proving a short-lived tropical cyclone in the eastern Atlantic that, like other named storms before it, succumbed to unfavourable dry air and wind shear conditions.

Bostwick has case to answer over ammunition

AXED Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II has been called on to “give a defence or remain silent” by a magistrate who determined yesterday that he does have a case to answer concerning the alleged discovery of 10 rounds of ammunition in a backpack at the Grand Bahama International Airport.

Rum Cay repairs to include four new structures

THE $500,000 repairs at the Rum Cay All-Age School will include the addition of four new structures to the existing building, a school official said yesterday.

Former DNA candidate Wayne Munroe joins the PLP

DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday said he was caught by surprise over the Progressive Liberal Party’s official announcement that attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, joined the PLP on Monday.

Baha Mar staff ‘likely’ to be paid until $21m runs out

ALTHOUGH the Supreme Court has approved the appointment of provisional liquidators to ensure that Baha Mar’s resources are not depleted, the resort’s Bahamian workers are still likely to be paid until the $21m set aside by the Christie administration for salaries runs out, according to Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson.

Symonette open to FNM/DNA link

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette yesterday said he is open to brokering discussions with the FNM and DNA, suggesting that a coalition of some sort between the two groups provides voters the “best possible choice” in the next general election.

Grandmother’s plea for help to avoid homelessness

AN ELDERLY woman, who said she was forced to leave her home after an electrical fire, said today is her last day receiving housing assistance from the Department of Social Services and if she does not receive help from the public she and her grandson will be homeless.

Power company staff host back to school giveaway

EMPLOYEES of the Grand Bahama Power Company hosted a back-to-school giveaway and fun day on Saturday at the grounds of its headquarters on Pioneer’s Way.

Strikers’ programme making great strides in US as boxing club forced to take amateurs on road

THE Strikers Boxing Club, the fastest growing amateur boxing club in the Bahamas, is forced to take their amateur boxing programme on the road because of no competition here at home and they have been making great strides in the United States.

$50,000 incentive pot for Worlds finalists

But what about the $5,000 for Leevan Sands and Trevor Barry?

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is expected to pay out some $50,000 in incentives to women’s 400 metres silver medallist Shaunae Miller, men’s 400m hurdles bronze medallist Jeffery Gibson and high jumper Donald Thomas for making the top eight as finalists at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.

Back in uniform to help children back to school

STAFF at NUA Insurance Agents and Brokers caught the start of school year spirit last week with its annual back-to-school Friday.

NPSA REGULAR SEASON EXTENDED

THE New Providence Softball Association should be winding down its regular season, but instead they have extended it to another round to keep the teams active heading into the Bahamas Softball Federation’s National Round Robin in October.

Western air unveils $6m terminal in Freeport

WESTERN Air opened its new $6 million passenger terminal and maintenance facility in Freeport at the weekend, the final realisation of a dream for the airline’s president and CEO, Rex Rolle, and his family.

Protestors say businesses are suffering - with no room for a power rate hike

STANDING in front of the closed Butler’s Food World, members of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens said that businesses continue to fall prey to high electricity rates and are opposing any further rate increase on Grand Bahama.

Court says no to murderer’s bid for psychiatric evaluation for appeal

THE Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed a lawyer’s request for a convict to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and the results be considered for the convict’s appeal against a murder conviction.

Mitchell hasn’t the temperament to be PM

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell is routinely mentioned as one of three possible successors of Prime Minister Perry Christie, once the latter finally demits office as PLP leader.

Bahamasair rejects claims posted on website

BAHAMASAIR officials yesterday defended the airline against “erroneous” and “malicious” claims they believe were posted online by an employee.

Police warn on how to avoid becoming a victim of car theft

POLICE have increased patrols in eastern and northeastern New Providence after seeing a “spike” in armed robberies and car thefts in those areas, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said yesterday.

BISX ‘ahead of plan’ on profitability return

The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) is “ahead of schedule” following three consecutive years of profitability, its chief executive saying it had successfully ‘changed the conversation’ from survival to growth.

SME Bill ‘receded from the front line’

A Cabinet minister yesterday conceded that the long-awaited Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Development Bill “may have receded from the front line”, but nevertheless remained on the Government’s legislative radar.

Baha Mar appoints ‘restructuring’ chief

Baha Mar yesterday pushed forward with its Chapter 11 plans by seeking US court permission to appoint a ‘chief restructuring officer; while Bahamian attorneys spent a second day attempting to thrash out the powers its joint provisional liquidators will possess.

BOB ‘bad bank’ got security for realtor’s $9.4m

Kings Real Estate’s principal obtained $9.365 million in credit from Bank of the Bahamas that is at least partially secured on Ocean Club Estates real estate transferred to the taxpayer-owned ‘bad bank’ that is Bahamas Resolve.

BOB losses slash NIB income 66%

The National Insurance Board (NIB) suffered a two-thirds cut in total comprehensive income for 2014, due almost entirely to its share of Bank of the Bahamas’ near $69 million net loss.

Naughty’s NFL Guide NFC

A TWO-team race between the Packers and Lions with Minnesota a potential ‘dark horse’ that could surprise some people and teams on any given Sunday, especially if they are playing away.

Naughty’s NFL Guide AFC

THE AFC East and West divisions are very similar, with some pretenders becoming contenders and those who are used to being leaders becoming bottom feeders.

Why Terrific Tom is a winner - resilience

Ricardo Wells on why his devotion to the New England Patriots and a certain quarterback means so much . . .

I know my truth: Confessions of a Dolphin fan

Bahamians, like Renaldo Dorsett, admit to a Miami vice, addicted to supporting a team forever mired in mediocrity . . .

Sports Notes

JACOBI Bain advanced to the boys’ singles finals with a 6-1, 6-0 semi-final win over Rodrigo Diaz of Hondura.

D Squad Summer Camp: Helping to build character through basketball

THANKS to dedicated volunteers and generous donors such as Consolidated Water Company (CWCO), the D Squad Summer Basketball Camp, now 10 years running, had another excellent summer helping children build character through basketball.

Timeshare resort seeking a buyer

A Freeport timeshare resort that has lost 80 per cent of its business due to loss of amenities and access associated with the Royal Oasis saga is seeking a buyer, while committing to staying open through 2016.

BLTA hosts rewards gathering for junior players, coaches

AS the national tennis team calendar has come to an end for the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA), Kim O’Kelley - head of junior development, hosted a rewards gathering at the National Tennis Centre on Saturday for all those hardworking juniors who have represented the country this year, coaches who travelled with the teams and those who work at the National Tennis Centre.

Tuesday, September 8

Portion distortion – Start losing weight

FOOD and drink portions have increased dramatically since the 1980s. Even recipes list larger serving sizes than ever before. In a 1960s’ version of “The Joy of Cooking,” a brownie recipe served 30. Now the exact same recipe serves only 16!

Sugar 101 – Part I

AS obesity in men, women and children is on the rise in the country, health professionals and laymen alike have speculated as to why this could be – diet, lack of exercise, genes, a mixture of all, etcetera.

Dentistry in a stronger Bahamas

I like the “Stronger Bahamas” campaign. The slogan itself suggests that wherever we are now, we are seeking to be in a better and more optimum place. That has a strong appeal in my opinion.

Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation making moves in the Bahamas

AS with any other non-profit organisation, the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of others. To thanks its sponsors as well to continue to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, the foundation recently hosted a meet and greet.

How do you shift from problem talking to problem solving?

IN a time of insurmountable challenges and extraordinary change people everywhere are facing a host of problems. Whether these problems are financial, mental, social, spiritual, family, health, governmental or emotional, it is not the problem but how you respond to the problem that matters most.

Are young men really failing or is it more complicated than that?

AS the dust settles from the beginning of the new academic year that hasn’t really begun yet, but should have, and as the results talk is pretty much done, it seems an opportune moment to discuss the failure of many of our students to perform adequately.

BUN IN THE OVEN: We have no idea

IT’S funny that by nature most of us wrap ourselves up in our own little world, safe and doing our own little thing, and living within the confines of our own situations and circumstances.

Keshelle Davis aims to 'stand out and make it real'

KESHELLE Davis is a woman who wears many hats. She is an entrepreneur, facilitator and trainer, and now she is hosting her own self-help seminar for Bahamian professionals.

The Happy Marriage Club

FOR many couples walking down the aisle and saying “I do” is the easy part; the true challenge comes when trying to successfully mesh two different lives to sustain a long and healthy marriage.

POLITICOLE: Greg Moss sets about reconfiguring the battle lines

YOU don’t have to be a “prophet”, as some have suggested, to know that the country’s next general election in 2017 will be a significant turning point in the future of The Bahamas and everyone who calls this country home.

PETER YOUNG: Rising tide of humanity borders on chaos in Europe

The harrowing images of desperate refugees highlight the immigration crisis facing the European Union. Peter Young looks at the problem and its implications for Britain

Like a used car lot

Baha Mar made me proud

Picture a diver climbing high up the ladder. Hours, years of practice behind them as their moment gets closer.

BREAKING NEWS: Magistrate rules former Senator John Bostwick II 'has case to answer'

MAGISTRATE Andrew Forbes ruled on Tuesday morning that former Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II does have a case to answer to concerning the alleged discovery of 10 rounds of ammunition in a backpack at the Grand Bahama International Airport last May.

Minister blasts claim PLP supporter given $500,000 school contract

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday criticised former Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle for alleging that the $500,000 contract to repair the Rum Cay All-Age School was given to a PLP supporter.

Five-month delay sought in Vasyli murder case

THE Office of the Attorney General’s “Swift Justice” initiative came under scrutiny yesterday when senior counsel from that office sought a five-month delay of a high-profile Old Fort Bay murder case because of an outstanding forensic evidence report.

Flowers’ gaming plan too late to be considered

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that the “time has passed” for the government to consider the gaming recommendations made by Craig Flowers, CEO of the FML Group of Companies, but officials “can go back to Parliament and amend the law if need be”.

Opposition must unite to take on PLP, says Rollins

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said Bahamians must question if they are willing to “risk” another five years of the current government by experimenting with “grand ideas” of forming new political parties “at this late stage”.

Police Commissioner wants public outcry on guns

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade yesterday said he was “very concerned” that the country’s “terrible” murder rate has reached triple digits this year as he criticised the lack of public outcry over the volume of illegal weapons on the streets.

Urban Renewal spends $7m on home repairs

URBAN Renewal 2.0 has spent $7m over the last two fiscal periods to repair hundreds of inner city community homes, according to the programme’s Co-Chair Cynthia “Mother” Pratt yesterday.

Mitchell hasn’t the temperament to be PM

BAAA, BOC mourning death of Rev Enoch Backford II

ONE day after the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and the Bahamas Olympic Committee laid to rest one of its longest serving members, Bernard Livingstone ‘Winkie’ Bostwick, the two bodies are mourning the death of Rev Enoch Backford II, the last surviving member of the first team to win a medal for the Bahamas in international track and field competition.

Sandilands hosts suicide prevention symposium

AS suicide continues to be a global public health concern, the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in Nassau will host a suicide prevention symposium to create awareness of the issue.

Sports notes

WHILE Wayne Russell got eliminated, Jacobi Bain is still alive in the Honduras Junior Bowl 2015 Tennis Tournament.

McMinns leads Axemen with four catches for 66 yards in loss to Huskies

IT took just one exhibition game for Bahamian standout Eugene McMinns to foreshadow the impact we can expect him to have on the football programme at his new university.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Recalling past glories before the NFL makes headlines

WELL, as you all should know by now, the NFL season starts on Thursday night with the Steelers and the Patriots kicking off the 2015-16 campaign.

REAL ESTATE: Buying into Bimini, ‘the smallest, largest growth island’ in The Bahamas

Biminite Sheldon Pitt says Bahamians should look seriously at the island chain made famous by Hemingway that is growing at ‘warp speed’

RESULTS: Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon 2015

UNPREDICTABLE weather over the weekend held up just enough for over 200 participants to swim, bike and run in the name of a good cause at the 2015 Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon.

22nd L Garth Wright Sr Golden Gloves set for September 26

CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club is one of the most highly regarded promoters of boxing development due to its longstanding tradition of hosting prestigious events for several decades.

Hurdler Jeffery Gibson victorious in 400m

Fresh off his bronze-medal performance in the men’s 400 metre hurdles at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, Jeffery Gibson picked up a victory at the Atletica Mondiale XXIX Meeting in Padova on Sunday night.

Three more scholars have Tara Xavier Hepburn Foundation to thank

THREE more Tara Xavier Hepburn Foundation Scholars - Amanda Fowler, Edwin Greenslade and Jewel Sturrup - have successfully completed their high school education at St John’s College, each graduating with special credit and honourable mention.

Tambearly School celebrates 30th anniversary

ON THE morning of September 1, 1985, 17 children and four teachers gathered on the steps of 32, Queen Street, for the first day of Tambearly School.

New business zips into existence at Taino Beach

GROUND has been broken on a new adventure tour business at Taino Beach that will offer a zip-line experience to visitors and locals on Grand Bahama.

Man accused of robbing wife of Loftus Roker asks judge for help in finding legal support

A MAN awaiting trial in connection with the armed robbery a former Cabinet minister’s wife asked a judge for assistance with retaining counsel yesterday.

$50,000 to help cancer fight thanks to race events

ORGANISERS of the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend (SIRW) officially closed out their 2015 race calendar yesterday with a $50,000 presentation to five select cancer foundations.

Butler-Turner: Baha Mar bungling risking economy

THE Bahamas’ economic future is now in “dire jeopardy” due to the “drastic miscalculations, belligerence and widespread incompetence” displayed by the current Christie administration in its handling of the Baha Mar ordeal, according to Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Baha Mar liquidator Order still awaited

Baha Mar was still awaiting the court Order appointing the joint provisional liquidators and spelling out their powers after the business close at 5pm yesterday, Tribune Business can reveal.

‘Early trial’ urged for $1.61m theft-accused attorney

The Court of Appeal has called for the “early trial” of a Bahamian attorney accused of theft and fraud relating to more than $1.6 million worth of real estate transactions, due to the delays caused by his “misconceived” actions.

Court dismisses challenge to hotel employers, union

The Court of Appeal found there is “no arguable case” against the Minister of Labour as it dismissed a challenge to his treatment of the hotel union and industry employers’ association as properly-registered trade unions.

Bank of Bahamas select committee ‘a wonderful idea’

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday said it would be “a wonderful idea” for a bi-partisan House of Assembly select committee to probe Bank of the Bahamas’ ongoing woes, amid suggestions that politically-connected ‘bad’ loans had not been removed from its balance sheet.

BISX’s new ‘leap’ after record year

The Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) “eclipsed” previous records as it added its 23rd listing of the year yesterday, prior to staging its first-ever ‘Future Investor Conclave’ that aims to accelerate capital markets growth.

Church to ring the bells for Queen’s anniversary

QUEEN Elizabeth II will become the longest reigning British monarch on Wednesday when she surpasses the 63-year reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.

Rollins praises Rigby over bid for PLP leadership

A POSSIBLE bid for leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party by former Chairman Raynard Rigby has attracted the support of Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

Tourism minister disappointed at video made by Disney staff

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday he was “disappointed” in a video made by Disney Cruise Line employees that portrayed The Bahamas in a negative light but admitted that there is more that can be done to “beautify” downtown Nassau.

Computer lab unveiled at EP Roberts

GOVERNMENT officials yesterday officially announced the donation of $25,000 worth of laptop computers from RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) to furnish the computer lab at the EP Roberts Primary School.

Monday, September 7

Who runs the streets?

Who runs our streets? Is it the police or the criminals? I think Third Street should be renamed Dodge City Street, because that is what it has been like for the past two months.

Persecuted in my own country

I am a Bahamian of Haitian descent currently residing in New Providence. I am the founder of a group called The Connection, which is a voluntary group comprised of young Bahamians of Haitian descent who seek to make a positive contribution and impact in The Bahamas through education and voluntary projects.

Double raid brings in drugs haul

POLICE seized substantial amounts of marijuana in two separate drug raids over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of two men.

'One-room school’ with $500,000 repair bill

THE Free National Movement (FNM) has questioned the $500,000 price tag of repairs to the “small, one-room” Rum Cay All Age School and alleged that the school contract was given to a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporter.

Activist fears for safety as police probe meeting

ACTIVIST and talk show host Louby Georges said yesterday he has sought international assistance for safety fears due to the escalating tension created by the police probe into a recent town meeting hosted for Haitian-Bahamians.

BOB debtors revealed as Senate president denies law firm hired by govt

SENATE President Sharon Wilson yesterday “categorically” denied that her law firm was employed by the government as registration documents revealing the identities of the 13 ‘bad’ borrowers who sank the Bank of the Bahamas (BOB) and caused its $100m taxpayer “bail out” emerged.

Lower electric rate delayed by BEC transition

THE protracted management transition at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation has hampered the government’s ability to lock in a good rate for consumers, according to a source close to the process.

Talks ‘best plan’ for Baha Mar

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday pointed out that the Supreme Court’s decision to limit the authority of provisional liquidators for Baha Mar was proof that the best solution for the stalled mega resort was at the negotiating table.

Tropical Storm Grace continues westwards but is forecast to weaken

TROPICAL Storm Grace is moving west across the Atlantic Ocean but is not expected to get much stronger, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

Five americans arrested for poaching

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested five Americans for poaching in northern Bimini.

Man killed as car crashes into pole

A 24-year-old Grand Bahama man was killed and another was seriously injured in a traffic accident in Freeport early on Saturday morning.

Roberts says senator confusing the issue over Baha Mar

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday criticised the opposition party, suggesting that recent comments by Senator Carl Bethel on the Baha Mar liquidation process not only confuses the public, but puts FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis in a conundrum.

Simon Lowe and Julie Salas take Potcakeman Triathlon wins

NOW the largest triathlon in the Bahamas with over 200 participants, Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness hosted the third edition of its Potcakeman Triathlon over the weekend with several new champions crowned in their respective divisions.

Insurers: NHI talks are ‘step in right direction’

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman says National Health Insurance (NHI) discussions with the Government are moving “in the right direction”, although different estimates on the scheme’s costs remain “a main sticking point”.

Hilton deal ‘conflicted’ Gov’t over Baha Mar

The Government’s “conflict of interest” over the $200 million British Colonial Hilton expansion meant it should never have attempted to act as an impartial mediator in the Baha Mar dispute.

‘Proof in pudding’ that Baha Mar wind up strategy failing

A Baha Mar director believes Friday’s Supreme Court ruling is “proof in the pudding” that the Government’s winding-up strategy has failed to achieve its goals, and has only created “more confusion and uncertainty”.

Resort’s business down 80% via 15 year amenity loss

A Freeport timeshare resort is blaming the loss of “about 80 per cent” of its business on the 15-year failure of successive Royal Oasis owners to live up to their access and amenity provision obligations.

13 ‘bad’ borrowers who sank BOB are revealed

The identities of the 13 ‘bad’ borrowers who sank Bank of the Bahamas (BOB), and caused its $100 million taxpayer ‘bail out’, can be revealed by Tribune Business today.

Bernard Livingstone ‘Winky’ Bostwick laid to rest

“WELL done” was how the Venerable Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown summed up the life of the late Bernard Livingstone ‘Winky’ Bostwick.

INSIGHT: The battle for bonefish and the future of the Bahamas

Flats fishing is a multi-million dollar industry in the Bahamas but proposed legislation has stirred the waters and raised concerns over protectionism and conservation. Beau Beasley reports . . .

Lavern Eve inducted into LSU Athletic Hall of Fame

WITH her career just about over and done with, Lavern Eve is now basking in her success as the most dominant female javelin thrower the Bahamas - and by extension, Louisiana State University - has ever produced.

TRIBUNE BUSINESS OPINION: New approach needed to break Baha Mar deadlock

Neil Hartnell suggests how to exploit the breathing space provided by the Supreme Court and resolve the 10-month impasse

Mitchell responds to claim DNA leader was targeted for immigration check

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell released a statement yesterday in response to suggestions by DNA Leader Branville McCartney that his home was politically targeted for a check by immigration officers.

NCAA Football: Opening wins for Bahamian players

THE NCAA football season officially kicked off this weekend with a trio of Bahamian student athletes in action during opening day wins for their respective universities.

Mighty Mitts prevail with 10-9 win over Warriors

THE Chances Mighty Mitts may have been the New Providence Softball Association men’s divisional cellar-dwelling team, but they proved that they are no push over for the front running BTC Elite Warriors.

Munroe slams E&Y’s presence in court

The Government dropped Ernst & Young as its provisional Baha Mar liquidators due to concerns that it had done work for the developer and was also a creditor.

Gov’ts initial Baha Mar winding-up ‘highly irregular’

Justice Ian Winder has “struck out” the Government’s original $59 million ‘omnibus’ petition to wind-up Baha Mar for being “highly irregular”, although he did allow those by several of its key agencies to move forward.

Sunday, September 6

Driver dies in Grand Bahama as car hits utility pole

POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating a traffic accident in Freeport that has left one man dead and another in hospital with serious injuries.

Grace becomes Atlantic season's seventh named tropical storm

GRACE, the seventh named tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed on Saturday and is forecast to strengthen over the next 24 hours as it moves west.

Saturday, September 5

Hunt for suspect after man shot in the leg

Police are searching for a suspect after a man was shot in the leg on Friday.

Man accused of BAMSI fire will stand trial next year

MAN accused of setting fire to a dormitory at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) in Andros earlier this year will stand trial next year.

Dr Duane Sands slams govt plans for NHI scheme

A LEADING surgeon is blaming the government's tardiness in meeting its universal healthcare coverage objectives on "piss poor planning and piss poor preparation," expressing doubt that the Christie administration will "be able to put together a proper NHI scheme any more than they were able to put together a proper Carnival".

PM: Grand Bahama Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Programme is a 'win-win'

PRIME Minister Perry Christie says the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Programme is a “win-win” training initiative that should serve as a model for other companies to emulate in the Bahamas.

Friday, September 4

Judge approves petition for Baha Mar liquidators to 'prevent depletion of resort's assets'

JUSTICE Ian Winder said on Friday that his approval of the government's petition for the appointment of provisional liquidators for the stalled Baha Mar resort development was limited to preventing the depletion of the $3.5 billion resort's assets.

Man could be released early after being re-sentenced to 22 years

A MAN whose murder conviction was reduced to manslaughter on appeal could be released early from prison after a judge re-sentenced him to 22 years on Friday.

Family Island school to receive $500,000 of repairs

HALF A million dollars is being spent on repairs to a Family Island school that has not received any remedial work since its inception, a government official said on Friday.

Handgun handed into police in Grand Bahama

A HANDGUN, containing four live rounds of ammunition, was discovered in the Eight Mile Rock area on Thursday and handed into Grand Bahama police.

A COMIC'S VIEW: PLP posturers should take their lead from Moss

LET’S be honest, when it comes to the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), it is obvious that Prime Minister Christie intends to hang on to his current post as long as is humanly possible.

Authority of magistrates

Will you kindly allow space in your valuable paper for the following.

Difference between a leader and a politician

The average Bahamian citizen is viewed as nothing more than a pawn on a chessboard, often used simply to advance the political agenda of one side or the other with the majority becoming casualties or collateral damage.

Lining up for PLP convention

The PLP’s convention is fast approaching and party stalwarts are jockeying for positions.

Police 'justified' in using force on Lashano Gilbert, who died in custody, US court finds

AN AMERICAN prosecutor has ruled that police officers were justified in using force to subdue a Bahamian medical school graduate who died in police custody in Connecticut last year after struggling with officers and showing signs of mental illness.

Gomez ‘in discussions’ as self-imposed deadline nears

SEEKING to avoid an “unnecessary situation,” State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez yesterday softened his self-imposed deadline for filing proposed Election Court petitions to declare the Long Island and Killarney seats vacant due to conflict of interest.

Rivals play down Moss party plans

WHILE independent MP Greg Moss moves forward with plans to form a fourth party, representatives from the country’s three political parties have told The Tribune there are no concerns that the Marco City MP will siphon their supporters’ votes.

Judge approves govt's petition for Baha Mar liquidators

SUPREME Court judge Justice Ian Winder has approved the goverment's petition for the appointment of provisional liquidators for the stalled Baha Mar resort development. 

Govt late on benchmarks for NHI

THE government is “a little behind” on meeting the benchmarks set by itself and its international consultants for a successful roll out of its proposed National Health Insurance scheme, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez said yesterday.

Island-wide blackout caused by lightning

OFFICIALS at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation said two major lightning strikes at the corporation’s Clifton Power Station yesterday were the “root” cause of an island-wide power outage.

Victimisation claim over school bus tender process

DELAYS to transportation for public school students in Eleuthera this week were said to be the result of “blatant victimisation” as ousted operators hit out at a flawed tender process.

Death of man, 64, now classed as a homicide

THE country’s murder count for the year now officially stands at 100 - after police yesterday classified the death of a man, whose family believes was beaten and robbed before he died in hospital last week, as a homicide.

Bible Institute celebrates first graduation

THE Mother Rachel Huyler Memorial Bible Institute saw its first graduation ceremony on August 21 at Greater Bethel Cathedral. Eighteen students who satisfactorily completed different courses were awarded certificates by Bishop Ellis J Farrington, chairman of the Bahamas State Council.

‘I just have to stay focused, stick with it, keep working at it’

THE transition from the court to the bench will be quite a change for Bahamian NCAA basketball player Dwight Coleby as he transfers to a new university, but one that he sees as necessary to fulfil long term goals.

THE FINISH LINE: My top 10 memories of the 15th IAAF World Championships

IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish.

NCAA: Bahamian players bond in exhibition games

WE may still be months away from the NCAA basketball season, but several Bahamian players had the opportunity to travel with their programmes this summer as they prepare for the 2015-16 campaign.

Todd steps down after 35 years at SAC

AFTER 35 years at the helm of the Physical Education Department at St Augustine’s College, John Todd has stepped down and has turned the reigns of the Big Red Machine Athletic Department to Jason Edwards, one of his protégés.

Thomas 7th overall in high jump, Gardiner 8th in 400m

It wasn’t the type of performance that neither high jumper Donald Thomas nor quarter-miler Steven Gardiner expected in their performances coming off the 15th IAAF World Championships.

Baha Men sign up to promote new album

A SPECIAL promotion headed by Baha Men’s Sony label will reward the first 5,000 Walmart customers who purchase the band’s new album “Ride With Me” with an autographed copy by group members.

Women of Distinction

RENOWNED race and gender activist Nontombi Naomi Tutu delivered a powerful message on the importance of women in the community despite their social status or shortcomings as Celebrating Women International announced the Bahamian national honourees for its Women of Distinction Awards on Wednesday.

Union pledges full support for air traffic controller over diverted flight

BAHAMAS Air Traffic Controllers’ Union President Lashan Gray yesterday pledged her union’s “full support” for the air traffic controller at the centre of last month’s controversy over a diverted flight.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 09042015

Back to School Show. - On Saturday, November 5, a Back To School Trade Show will be held from 10am to 7pm at the Activity Centre and grounds of Holy Cross Church, Highbury Park.

Sandals calls for support for Dominica after storm

THE Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of Sandals Resorts International, has launched a fundraising campaign to aid the recovery effort in Dominica after the Caribbean nation was recently devastated by Tropical Storm Erika.

Minnis: PM is dancing while country fails

FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday chastised Prime Minister Perry Christie for “dancing while the country deteriorates”.

Recall issued over Kraft singles products due to packaging

KRAFT Heinz is expanding a recall of Kraft Singles products, saying a problem with the packaging film affects 10 times as many cases as it first thought.

Cool response by Turnquest to PM criticism of S&P

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday asserted that Prime Minister Perry Christie was “on very thin ice” regarding his economic forecast coupled with his outlook of the country’s continued ability to borrow at reasonable rates.

Ambulances bought for Family Island coverage

THE government has purchased more than a dozen ambulances to remediate the lack of emergency vehicle response throughout the Family Islands, Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez said yesterday.

Cable ‘self-serving’ on limiting facility share

Regulators last night slammed Cable Bahamas’ “self-serving” argument that newly-developed infrastructure sharing regulations be confined to the mobile market, as they unveiled another key step essential towards its liberalisation.

Security ‘aversion’ sees $100k demand on Judicial Review

A well-known QC’s “aversion” to covering the Government’s legal costs in Judicial Review cases has sparked a $100,000 demand, and allegations that it is attempting to “derail” litigation over the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

LOI controversy costs a Stellar $1m and more

The waste-to-energy company at the centre of the Renward Wells ‘Letter of Intent’ controversy yesterday said the saga had cost it “over $1 million”, one executive adding: “I wish we had never got it”.

Bahamian companies wait two years for $1m fraud recovery pay

Bahamian companies battling to recover assets lost in a $400 million financial fraud are experiencing “financial stress” themselves because they have not been paid almost-$1 million due for two years’ work.

BICA: Legal battle brews on voting ‘irregularities’

A furious legal battle is brewing over allegations of “voting irregularities” in the election of Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) council members, Tribune Business can reveal.

Caught with cocaine taped to ankles

A BAHAMIAN man is in custody after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers caught him last month in South Florida smuggling about 2.4lbs of cocaine taped to his ankles and in his luggage.

14 Cuban migrants held

POLICE apprehended 14 Cuban immigrants in Bimini on Thursday.

Man shot in Fox Hill park

A MAN is recovering in hospital after he was shot while sitting in the Fox Hill Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Man arrested for Super Value raid

POLICE arrested a 37-year-old man on Wednesday in connection with the armed robbery of the Super Value food store on Blue Hill Road.

Dad’s battle to survive flesh-eating bacteria

BOAT captain Christopher Dinnick is recovering in hospital from a life-threatening, flesh-eating bacterial infection after an “amazing” response to an urgent call for blood on social media.

13 years of Urban Renewal Marching Band

TODAY’S 600-strong Urban Renewal Marching Band is 13 years old, the age of many of its members who entertain with their stylised performance and diverse musical inventory.

$650m waste plant makes ‘headway’

The firm at the centre of the Renward Wells Letter of Intent (LoI) controversy yesterday said it had made “significant headway” in its efforts to ultimately develop a waste-to-energy plant at the New Providence landfill.

$90,000 donations after record fishing contest

SCHOOLS and youth organisations are benefitting from the proceeds of a record annual Grand Bahama Shipyard fishing tournament, with over $90,000 in cash donations made this week to recipients on the island.

Abaco seeks tougher boat theft penalties

North Abaco’s MP has submitted a paper to the Prime Minister’s Office calling for stiffer penalties to be levied against boat thieves, acknowledging that the issue was a major concern for his constituency.

Thursday, September 3

BEC suspects lightning strike behind island-wide power outage

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) says it suspects that a lightning strike is the cause of Thursday afternoon's island-wide power outage.

Bowe and Baha Mar

The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Gowon Bowe, should excuse himself from any further remarks regarding Baha Mar unless those remarks show that he “does not have a horse in the race”.

Prom date

Re: Man steals ambulance and crashes it into house (The Tribune, August 31).

The week in Nassau

Sort of aging myself, but I recall when visiting London back in the “60’s”, there was a Saturday evening TV programme - “That was the week that was”...Sir David Frost was one of the presenters as were a number of Cambridge and Oxford grads...A great laugh over the politics of the time and the current issues.

Parents and their children

So, single parents (mainly women), now we know that we must take responsibility for much of the increase in crime for bad parenting. Never mind that many of us (some with husbands) have worked hard to maintain the children and spent long hours teaching them the basics of right and wrong and good manners and ensured that they did their homework and studied to better themselves.

Nottage admits defeat of PLP’s special crime solutions

DR Bernard Nottage now wants to shift the country’s crime problem on the people’s lack of understanding of the critical issues this country faces — illegal drugs, illegal firearms, gang formations — which ”for us,” he said, “we have never seen the like of it before.”

Tropical Storm Fred continues to weaken in the far Atlantic

TROPICAL Storm Fred continued to weaken far out in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday and is expected to become a post-tropical low by Friday.

YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Time to separate politics from public prosecutions

IT is high-time that an independent prosecutorial service is established in The Bahamas and the Director of Public Prosecutions is no longer situated within the Office of the Attorney General, subordinated and subject to the whims and control of any holder of that political office.

FNM: It’s time for Nottage to be replaced

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday called for Prime Minister Perry Christie to replace National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage over his uninspired and lethargic response to mounting crime.

Suspect in Super Value robbery turns himself in to police

A WANTED suspect is now in police custody in connection with Monday’s armed robbery of Super Value food store on Blue Hill Road, police said yesterday.

Teenagers arrested over video of attacks

POLICE arrested six teens on Tuesday after two videos, one showing a male and a female being beaten and the other showing a juvenile male being brutally attacked, went viral on social media.

PM criticises S&P downgrade

PRIME Minister Perry Christie criticised international credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s yesterday for its “pessimistic,” “downbeat” assessment of the Bahamas’ economy, while insisting his administration has a clear vision of the policy framework needed to redress public finances.

14 Cubans found on boat in Bimini and taken into custody

FOURTEEN Cuban immigrants have been discovered aboard a vessel in Bimini and taken into police custody.

Garbage cleared after tribune highlighted lack of collections

COMPLAINTS from residents over rubbish piling up in dumpsters and bins and being left to rot on the ground in Englerston have been answered after photographs and a report in The Tribune last week.

Meditation: Change your mind

ST PAUL challenges us in Philippians 4:8 to change our minds, to think differently: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Too many tares among the wheat

THE dictionary defines tare as “a grass that flourishes or bountifully grows in wheat fields, and is difficult to distinguish between the two until after the harvest when the wheat and tare are sieved through and the true grain is then exposed, which is the wheat, the tares are then gathered and burned.”

Great turnout for ‘Women At The Well’

Members of the Fresh Fire Outreach Ministries are certain that the theme of their second annual “Women At The Well” conference made the event such a success .

Jesus is coming soon

AS we look around, all we can see are the signs of the time, as the prophetic Word of God is being manifested day by day.

College football season kicks off today

EACH week, the organising committee of the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl will update college football fans on both conferences which will field teams to the second edition of the bowl, hosted December 24.

Bahamas Rowing Association charts course for growth at AGM

AS they continue their effort of raising the profile of rowing locally, the national governing body of the sport recently hosted its annual general meeting and charted a course for the growth of the sport.

Golden Boy’s ‘Reno’ to face O’Kane in October

AS the newest fighter in Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions stable, Bahamian middleweight Tureano Johnson will have two of his most sought after targets training together in preparation for bouts this fall.

‘High expectations’ for Jones on 2016 WNBA draft boards

AFTER a stellar junior campaign, expectations loom high for Bahamian basketball player Jonquel Jones, and she spent the offseason with world famous company as she rises on 2016 WNBA draft boards.

Strachan named among women of distinction

HOPE Strachan, the Minister of Financial Services, is among the select group of women to be recognised by Celebrating Women International (CWI) in its global ‘Women of Distinction’ awards for 2015.

On Da Hook

SEPTEMBER has arrived, which means many fishermen will start checking their rods, reels and tackle boxes in anticipation for the first Wahoo bite.

Back to school

THE first day of school went well on Grand Bahama, with no major complaints or classroom issues reported at any of the public schools on Wednesday.

Businessman’s shock at lack of consultation

AN EAST Grand Bahama businessman is shocked that further consultation was not held as promised with residents in the area before an official announcement listing the four proposed parks in Grand Bahama under the new Marine Protected Areas was made this week.

Minister salutes progress in protecting marine environment

THE BAHAMAS is halfway to meeting its commitment to protect at least 20 per cent of its marine environment by 2020 and making steady progress towards its target, Environment Minister Kendred Dorsett said this week.

Man shot while going out for a walk

A MAN was shot on Tuesday as he was walking on Beaumontia Avenue in the Gardens Hills subdivision, police said.

Ruling due on friday for manslaughter sentence

A JUDGE said he would give a ruling on Friday concerning the resentencing of a man whose murder conviction was reduced to manslaughter on appeal.

Child protection amendment now in operation, says Griffin

THE Child Protection Amendment Act 2014 is now officially in operation, according to Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin yesterday.

PM slams S&P for not facing growth ‘reality’

The Prime Minister yesterday slammed Standard & Poor’s (S&P) decision to downgrade the Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating, arguing that the move “flies in the face” of its own analysis.

CIBC: Growth ‘insufficient’ to cut jobless below 10%

Current and future economic activity will be “insufficient” to cut the Bahamian employment rate below 10 per cent, a major Canadian bank believes, although it expects this nation to withstand last week’s Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgrade.

Rum Cay scam mastermind gets 13 years in jail

The mastermind behind an $8.3 million scam centred on Bahamian real estate was this week sentenced to almost 13 years in prison, a judge branding the fraud perpetrated on more than 100 investors as “exceptional”.

Bran ‘pained’ over brain drain finance

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader is “pained” that parents’ investment in their children’s education often fails to benefit the Bahamas, as lack of opportunity and crime fears ensure they stay abroad after graduating.

Baha Mar beat local bidding target by 68%

Baha Mar says it has “far exceeded” its commitment to provide Bahamian contractors with $400 million worth of work, beating this target by 67.8 per cent while more than 6,000 local jobs to-date.

Clarification - Livingston Forbes and Staniel Cay Airport

LIVINGSTON Forbes, chief architect at the Ministry of Works, was quoted in an article in The Tribune on August 28 as saying repairs to the Staniel Cay airstrip would take 12 months to complete.

Court quashes convictions for man in drugs plot case

THE Court of Appeal yesterday quashed all convictions for one of three men found guilty of a plot to smuggle $850,000 worth of marijuana into the country.

Union files dispute over BEC contract

THE Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union has filed a trade dispute against the government over an unratified industrial agreement, with the union’s president yesterday warning that “time is running out” for officials to sign off on the contract.

Mothers stand united in protest calling for peace

ORGANISERS of the anti-crime group, Mothers United for Peace, staged a seven-hour protest in Rawson Square yesterday, advocating a return to Christian principles, law and order.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Less means more in minimal design

“Less is more”. We have all heard that saying a thousand times. Amd one of my golden rules has always been: “Less being more.”

Copyright bill changes herald WTO compliance

Proposed changes to the Bahamas’ copyright laws will empower the police to search, and confiscate, goods bearing false trademarks as this nation moves to comply with its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations.

Union fears missed BEC business plan deadline

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) managerial union said yesterday that its restructuring was “quite slow”, and expressed doubts that PowerSecure would complete its business plan in time.

BEC union files dispute over stalled contract

The Bahamas Electrical Manager’s Union (BEMU) has filed a trade dispute to bring closure to “protracted negotiations” on a new industrial agreement.

Wednesday, September 2

Garbage galore

This conflict issue and who owns what? Surely there is a simple remedy seeing that we signed-off on FACTA and we tell the Americans even our bed secrets. We amend the Company’s Act and require no more “nominee shareholders” and that all directors have to be shown on their corporate stationary.

Music to the ears

In regards to your headline “Mathematics E & English D+”. That must be music to the ears of the PLP party. An educated electorate plays into their hands.

Sir Albert was simply first class

I never would have known that a chance meeting some 63 years ago would have led to a friendship of a lifetime.

PLP chairman laughs off Rigby bid for leadership

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday said Raynard Rigby “was not serious” when he suggested he might run for the position of party leader during the party’s convention in November. Mr Rigby is a former chairman of the PLP.

Davis: Airstrip repairs to take 12 weeks - not 12 months

REPAIRS of the airstrip at Staniel Cay, Exuma, will take roughly 12 weeks to complete and not a year as previously suggested by a Ministry of Works official, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday.

‘Baha Mar should rethink removing contractor’

BAHA Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian should rethink his proposed plan to remove China Construction America (CCA) as the general contractor for the mega resort, a prominent analyst has suggested.

Nottage says he didn’t blame FNM for crime

MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday defended himself from criticism that his recent national address on crime lacked innovative ideas, saying his detractors do not understand the root of the vexing problem.

‘Police left our relative to die’

THE family of a man who was shot dead by police last month want “justice” and alleged the 25-year-old man was wounded by officers “after he surrendered”.

Tropical Storm Fred weakening in the Atlantic

TROPICAL Storm Fred is weakening far out in the Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to become a tropical depression on Wednesday and degenerate to a remnant low on Thursday.

Bank asset returns decline below 1%

Bahamian commercial banks have seen their collective return on assets slump below 1 per cent due to the ‘bad loan’ crisis, which has seen them turn increasingly to Government bond investments.

Bahamas ‘not out of economic woods’

A Cabinet Minister yesterday conceded that the Bahamas was “not out of the woods by any means” despite avoiding a further sovereign credit rating downgrade by Moody’s

‘Catastrophic’ if downgraded to junk

The Bahamas has “a very short window” in which to address international credit rating agency concerns, a well-known accountant warning that loss of its ‘investment grade’ status would be “catastrophic”.

Structural woes put Bahamas on ‘shaky ground’

The Bahamas is “on very shaky ground” due to its failure to correct long-standing structural deficiencies in its economy, a leading private sector executive yesterday branding Moody’s decision not to downgrade this nation as “a silver lining”.

Activists seek $8m project’s ‘execution’

Environmental activists yesterday said they would push the Government to “press the execution button” and follow a Supreme Court Order to shut down the $8 million Blackbeard’s Cay project.

Man dies in hospital after traffic accident

A man, who was injured during a traffic accident on August 28, died in hospital Monday night, police said.

Crown ready to proceed over murder of Kurt McCartney

THE Crown will be ready to proceed with the murder trial of businessman Kurt McCartney, a judge was told yesterday.

Roberts: PLP the only party with a plan to tackle crime

DESPITE this year’s murder count outpacing last year’s figure, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday the PLP is still the only party with a plan to tackle this nation’s crime problem.

Conference seeks to help law enforcers

MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday launched the Operational Forensic Ballistics Project in the Caribbean: A Perspective for the Bahamas Executive Seminar.

Watson: My words were a call for FNM to unite

FORMER Free National Movement Cabinet minister Frank Watson yesterday sought to “set the record straight” on his recent comments about his party’s chances of winning the next election, saying his words were only an admonishment to all FNMs to “unite” in order to unseat the “fumbling” Christie administration.

BOMAC ‘Fight For the Cure’

WITH two cage fights under their belt in 2015, BOMAC is set to host a third later in 2015, this time geared toward a good cause.

Karl McCartney and Stampeders lead the west in the CFL

NOW in his sixth season with a Canadian Football League powerhouse, Bahamian veteran Karl McCartney is continuing his role as a special teams ace and reserve linebacker.

Alex Cooper to start at right tackle for Cougars in ACC

HEADING into his final year of collegiate eligibility, Bahamian offensive lineman Alex Cooper is now firmly entrenched as a member of the offensive line for the Houston Cougars.

Hood ‘begging’ to face ‘Kimbo Slice’

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson has been a polarising figure since he entered the world of professional mixed martial arts, and with his recent return to the sport, prospective opponents continue to jostle for an opportunity to face him in the cage.

The Family project starts training on September 12

THE Family: People Helping People project is now in its third year of operation and begins a new training phase on September 12 for counsellors wanting tips on human development and functioning.

Time to make Muzik

THE biggest names in Caribbean music will be performing in Nassau next month when the Caribbean Muzik Festival, a popular fixture on the Bahamas calendar in the 1990s, returns to the capital.

Nine months at sea - with her cockapoo

FOR nine months, 19-year-old Sally Gardiner-Smith sailed alone with only her cockapoo for company. She would go four or five days without speaking to another human.

NEMA tests new flag alert system

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tested a new emergency warning system to better prepare and inform the public about an impending disaster for the first time as Tropical Storm Erika approached at the weekend.

Constitutional rights in contention in appeal in murder case

A LAWYER for a man convicted of his girlfriend’s fatal stabbing argued in the Court of Appeal yesterday that a judge was wrong in law to allow prejudicial material to be entered in evidence at his client’s trial.

Client ‘dramatically affected’ by deportation from The Bahamas

THE attorneys for Canadian resident Bruno Rufa have said that his deportation from The Bahamas “dramatically and prejudicially affected” their client’s long-term residency in Freeport.

Pintard criticises for only pursuing FNM over conflicts

FNM Chairman Michael Pintard criticised State Legal Affairs Minister Damian Gomez for seeking to file proposed Election Court petitions to declare the FNM’s Long Island and Killarney seats vacant for alleged violation of the Constitution’s conflict of interest rules.

Edison Key hints he may run for re-election - despite previously saying he would retire

MONTHS after declaring his plans to retire from politics, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key yesterday hinted that he could seek a re-nomination as his party readies its slate of candidates for the 2017 general election.

Abaco wants update on major investments

The Abaco business community is eager to learn the status of various investment projects on the island, its Chamber president yesterday saying it wanted reassurance that developers were still keen on doing business there.

Gov’t: Budget change ‘if necessary’ on Baha Mar

The Government will make Budget adjustments “if necessary” to curb spending if the Baha Mar dispute becomes protracted and starts to weigh on economic growth projections, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Tuesday, September 1

A mother’s fight for her sick son

A BAHAMIAN mother continues her fight to push for increased awareness of her son’s life-threatening illness. And even after receiving support from the public, Angelica Miller still finds herself in an extremely challenging position as she seeks financial assistance to purchase medication for her six-year-old son Tarique Miller, who was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE).

HIV and the mouth

THE Caribbean region has the second highest prevalence for adult HIV in the world.

Become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself

AS I prepare to send my three kids back to school I want to make sure that each day their food is healthy, energising, tasty, low-fuss and low-cost. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along this school year.

Art student helps raise awareness of sickle cell disease with new logo

FOR her creativity in supporting the effort to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, Kerri Bascom received a $500 cash award.

Women feel beautiful with new inspirational clothing line

INSPIRED by the empowerment of women and the mentoring of youth, Bahamian entrepreneur Raquel Pinder has started an initiative called Beauty Beyond Feelings (BBF).

POLITICOLE: Snowden, surveillance and banks blinded by policy

THE battle with certain Canadian banks in The Bahamas that are imposing unacceptable, unfounded policies on Bahamians continues.

Conflict of interest

Quick question: is it not a conflict of interest for a Cabinet minister, who by virtue of his office, is a member of the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) - the body responsible for approving and supervising foreign investment in The Bahamas - to have a commercial relationship with a foreign investor in respect of a project currently under the supervision of the BIA?

Watson motives

What ulterior motive could be behind former DPM Watson’s campaign to undermine Dr Minnis’ leadership when the doctor was returned to his post by such an overwhelming majority?

It’s simple - just pass a law

Why are we so hateful to the sons and daughters of our Bahamian soil?

Pintard: FNM has right talent to win election

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday defended the party as having the “right talent and team” to capture a victory when Bahamians head to the polls during the next general election.

DNA leader demands an explanation for immigration raid

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday chastised the Department of Immigration for a recent unexplained raid at his home that he felt was politically motivated.

Super Value held up in afternoon robbery

POLICE are “aggressively” pursuing two suspects responsible for an armed robbery of Super Value’s Blue Hill Road location yesterday afternoon, a senior police official said.

Man shot in back of the head at his home

A 24-year-old man was shot in the back of his head and killed early yesterday morning at his home off Fire Trail Road.

Rigby in bid for PLP leadership

FORMER Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party Raynard Rigby hinted yesterday that he might run for the position of PLP leader at the party’s convention in November.

Fred leaves Cape Verde islands and weakens to tropical storm

TROPICAL Storm Fred moved away from the Cape Verde Islands on Tuesday and is forecast to weaken in the Atlantic Ocean.

Gardiner, Thomas set for Diamond League meet

THE 15th IAAF World Championships may have been the biggest meet on the track and field calendar but the season continues for several Bahamian track and field athletes.

Julia Salome smith dies on eve of 95th birthday

JULIA Salome Smith died of a heart attack at the Freeport home of her son, Fred Smith, QC, in the early hours of Friday, the eve of her 95th birthday.

Students return to College of the Bahamas with support from BTC

TEN students at the College of the Bahamas begin their third year as BTC scholars this week, receiving tuition and other expenses through the company’s scholarship programme.

Grand Bahama Power Company to study electricity costs

THE Grand Bahama Power Company has completed for the first time a “cost of service study” to assess the actual costs to produce electricity for each customer class.

Grand Bahama schools are ready to open, says Darville

GRAND Bahama’s public schools are ready for opening on Wednesday, despite bad weather over the weekend brought on by Tropical Storm Erika.

REAL ESTATE: Get a foot on the property ladder now and build for the future

Ashley Brown advises young professionals on why and how soon to start investing in real estate

Woman admits resisting arrest after officers shot her son

A WOMAN yesterday admitted that she used obscenities and resisted arrest when police tried to move her from her son as he lay dying in the street after being shot by police last week.

Bishop calls for ‘Swift Justice’ in BEC bribery investigation

BISHOP Simeon Hall yesterday called for Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to “apply her concept of Swift Justice” in pressing criminal charges against the Bahamian official named in a US plea deal who allegedly received bribes to secure contracts with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.

Prison staff say they were not informed about new scabies outbreak

OFFICERS at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday insisted that their facility is again falling prey to a scabies outbreak.

URCA rejects claim that KB song is banned

THE Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority has denied a report in The Punch that alleged the regulator had “banned” a song by popular singer Kirkland “KB” Bodie from radio airplay.

Butler-Turner: I won’t rest until my name is cleared

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday she is moving “full speed ahead” with her planned lawsuit against State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez and she intends to make an “example out of him” in court.

Chipman aims to run in 2017 despite report he may be ousted

ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman yesterday said he had every intention of running in the 2017 general election as he shrugged off reports that he had fallen out of favour with FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

Baha Mar: What now for the workers?

AS a legal battle continues in court over the future of the stalled Baha Mar resort, employees of the $3.5bn development yesterday explained how their lives have been affected by the ongoing deadlock, which has no end in sight.

New species of hummingbird discovered in the Bahamas

A NEW species of hummingbird in the Bahamas has been officially recognised by leading American ornotholgists.

Bahamas has ‘best VAT in the world’

A leading food retailer said the Government eliminated the Value-Added Tax (VAT) “nightmare” by drastically reducing the proposed exemptions, adding: “We have the best VAT in the world.”

Moody’s actions ‘inconsistent’ with structural concern

The Opposition’s deputy leader last night said Moody’s decision to maintain the Bahamas’ existing sovereign credit rating seemed “inconsistent” with its analysis, which repeated the structural concerns voiced by Standard & Poor’s (S&P).

Gov’t urged to consider ‘opening’ mobile bidding

A leading private sector executive yesterday urged the Government to consider opening up the cellular liberalisation process to other bidders, given that it had not seen the desired level of competition.

Moody’s: Debt’s ‘peaked’ at 66%

Baha Mar “doesn’t take away” from the Government outperforming its key revenue and fiscal targets, a credit rating agency yesterday disclosing that it was impressed by the more than three percentage point cut in the 2014-2015 fiscal deficit.

CIBC FirstCaribbean hosts ‘Walk for the Cure’

FOR the fourth year in a row, CIBC FirstCaribbean is hosting its Walk for the Cure, which held in all 17 Caribbean countries where CIBC operates, in conjunction with parent company CIBC in Canada. The event has grown to include lead up fundraising and awareness activities.