Stories for January 2016

Hyo-Joo Kim wins Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic

HYO-JOO Kim, of South Korea, held onto a two-stroke lead over the closing holes of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic on Sunday to win the tournament amid spectacular scoring from a host of leading names on the Ocean Club course, Paradise Island.

Nordqvist and Hull share Pure Silk-Bahamas third round lead

ANNA Nordqvist and Charley Hull converted birdies on the par-five 18th hole on Saturday to nose ahead of the field by one stroke after three rounds of the $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Man dies after vehicle plunges into sea

Police are investigating the death of a man after his car plunged into waters off Clifton Pier on Friday.

Four men shot after altercation at club

Police are hunting for suspects after four men were shot early on Saturday morning.

MEGAN KHANG AND CRISTIE KERR STAR IN PURE SILK-BAHAMAS LPGA CLASSIC SECOND ROUND

Cristie Kerr put on a show and rookie Megan Khang performed like anything but a rookie in Friday’s second round of the $1.4 million Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Grand Bahama homicide victim identified

Grand Bahama Police have identified the island’s first homicide victim of 2016 as 23-year-old Eleazor Louis, of Caravel Beach, Freeport.

Georgette Rolle eyes Brazil after tournament exit

Georgette Rolle shot 85 in Round 2 ending her chance to compete for the winning title in the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course, on Friday.

FNM to vote on holding convention 'no later than November 30'

The Free National Movement National Executive Committee has recommended a full convention to be held no later than November 30.

UPDATED: Bahamas to host 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

A concerted effort by the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Government paid off with the Bahamas being awarded the hosting of the VI Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017.

BAMSI will be completed by 'beginning of next school year'

The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) will be completed by the beginning of the next school year, Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray said on Friday.

First ever Sir Durward Knowles National Invitational Junior Sailing Regatta announced

AGRICULTURE Minister V Alfred Gray yesterday announced the launch of the first ever Sir Durward Knowles National Invitational Junior Sailing Regatta, scheduled to take place during the Easter holiday weekend in George Town, Exuma.

Pilot in human trafficking case walks free

A PILOT awaiting trial on allegations of human trafficking and withholding the identification of his alleged victims more than three years ago was discharged of the crimes in Magistrates Court on Friday.

Court of Appeal rules contempt proceedings against Keod Smith will continue

CONTEMPT proceedings will continue for a lawyer who made accusations of bias on the part of a judge presiding over a judicial review, the Court of Appeal ruled on Friday.

Demolition prompts group to seek legal action

The managing director of a local outreach organisation is seeking legal action after last week’s demolition of the group’s Pine Barren Road property left dozens homeless.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Senator Rolle finds your lack of faith disturbing

Despite the cold weather earlier in the week, the air was unbearably hot in certain political arenas.

Gibson and greed

Does anyone else think its ironic for Minister Gibson to call anyone greedy? Does anyone else worry when Fred Mitchell decides to ignore judicial decisions?

Focus on issues

I just did a poll in my office with 25 young voters. 72 per cent of them never even heard of Senator Lanisha Rolle.

51st State

To the response to the federal agents coming into The Bahamas.

Act for country, not promises

The leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Dr Hubert Minnis, has called himself a man of his convictions. The trouble for him is that 15 months before the next general election nine out of 10 Bahamians can’t identify one issue around which he has shown conviction in the three and a half years that he has been in the job. The leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Dr Hubert Minnis, has called himself a man of his convictions. The trouble for him is that 15 months before the next general election nine out of 10 Bahamians can’t identify one issue around which he has shown conviction in the three and a half years that he has been in the job.

Gift to hospital to help care for those in need

THE Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday received four new dialysis machines and a fully-equipped mammogram workstation as a part of two unique fund raising efforts - all components Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez said would certainly aid scores of Bahamians as National Health Insurance (NHI) looms.

Health officials: You can take steps to stop Zika virus

HEALTH officials in the country yesterday advised the public to limit potential mosquito breeding sites in an effort to thwart the Zika virus - a mosquito borne illness the World Health Organisation said has spread “explosively.”

Pintard says homeowners evicted in Grand Bahama

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard criticised the government yesterday, saying it was “unacceptable” that Bahamian homeowners were reportedly being evicted from their homes over an inability to pay mortgages, while the politically elite potentially owe millions to the Bank of the Bahamas and are not made to service their loans.

China gives $1.2m to buy military equipment

THE People’s Republic Of China yesterday presented The Bahamas government with $1.2m to assist the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in enhancing its duties.

‘Senator apologised - but only in private’

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant admitted yesterday that Senator Lanisha Rolle apologised to him and other Free National Movement MPs in private for her stinging criticism last week, however he said he is not accepting any apology unless “it is made as publicly as was the insult”.

Island Luck chief says he has no plans to run for PLP

ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian yesterday denied speculation that he plans to run on the Progressive Liberal Party’s ticket in the 2017 general election, citing having to “tow the party line” as part of a political organisation as the primary reason he would “never enter politics.”

Call for facts in bail debate

COURT of Appeal President Justice Dame Anita Allen yesterday challenged critics of the judiciary’s role in the fight against crime to provide researched data proving the correlation between the court’s decision to grant bail and escalating levels of violent crimes including murder.

Government ‘can still do more’ on guns

AFTER acknowledging that the bulk of this country’s homicides are committed with a firearm, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage indicated on Wednesday that the government can still do more to prevent gun trafficking to The Bahamas.

Web shop boss launches entrepreneuship scheme

ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian yesterday announced the launch of his company’s second annual OWN Bahamas entrepreneurship programme, a self-starter grant funding initiative focused on offering entrepreneurial opportunities to Bahamians.

GB Power’s storm insurance fund delayed one year

The implementation of Grand Bahama Power Company’s hurricane ‘self-insurance’ fund has been pushed back one year until January 2017 under its newly-approved tariff structure.

Exchange control reforms imminent

Further steps to liberalise the Bahamas’ exchange control regime will be announced within the next several weeks, a Cabinet Minister yesterday suggesting they would boost the “ease of doing business”.

Gov’t ‘not abandoned’ fiscal responsibility, greater transparency

A Cabinet Minister yesterday backed the need for greater Government transparency and accountability over its finances, and pledged that it had “not abandoned” consultation on Fiscal Responsibility-type legislation.

Accountants warn Business Licence date ‘impractical’

The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) has warned the Government that its end-January deadline for Business Licence filing is “significantly challenging”, and threatens to “undermine” the quality of return certifications.

40% low on Business Licence Compliance

The one-month Business Licence filing period is designed to boost compliance rates that have fallen as low as 40 per cent, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday, while promising that the Government will not employe “a sledgehammer” approach.

Sanders to lead mission to Haiti amid election chaos

ANTIGUA and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, will lead a mission to Haiti in response to the looming constitutional crisis and its possible undesirable consequences.

Butler-Turner says PM has let down Baha Mar workers

AFTER Prime Minister Perry Christie insisted people will “cheer with him when” Baha Mar opens, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said he has “let down employees” and the businesses involved with the resort.

Falcons BAISS champions

The Jordan Prince William Falcons proved to be the most dominant boys’ basketball programme in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools.

Rolle 107th with disappointing 9-over-par 82

HAD it not been for double bogeys on four of her 18 holes, Bahamian flag bearer Georgette Rolle felt she would have been right in the mix of the 2016 Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic. Instead, she turned in a disappointing 9-over-par 82 that leaves her sitting in the 107th spot out of a field of 108 players.

Extra time request in murder case

THE Office of the Attorney General has requested additional time to facilitate the prosecution of three teens charged with the murder of a 12th grade Doris Johnson Senior High School student.

Condo owners attend trial in support of Bruno Rufa

MANY Coral Beach Hotel condominium owners turned out in support of Canadian Bruno Rufa for the opening of his judicial review trial in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday.

Man suing government is accused of sex assault

A SEXUAL assault charge was brought against a man yesterday who recently filed a civil suit against the government after a Supreme Court judge ordered his release from detention because he had spent nine years in and out of prison without trial for a number of criminal offences.

Attorney General hits back at Rollins

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday said Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins should “desist from speaking” about ongoing judicial matters in the House of Assembly especially if he is not “fully informed of matters on which he wishes to make public pronouncements”.

‘Preposterous’ for PM to take Baha Mar credit

An Opposition MP yesterday said it was “preposterous” that Prime Minister Perry Christie believes he should be applauded for his efforts on Baha Mar, when the Government’s actions had helped created the $3.5 billion development’s predicament.

Web shop foundation to benefit 12 entrepreneurs

The Island Luck Cares Foundation yesterday unveiled the second edition of its OWN Bahamas entrepreneurship initiative, the web shop chain’s chief executive revealing that 12 successful applicants will receive grant funding.

Drinks producer’s lime ‘nightmare’

A Bahamian beverage producer has been forced by the “ridiculously” high cost of limes to instead use concentrate in his ‘Switcha’ product line, saying: “It was a matter of survival.”

Women embrace Solomon’s message, ‘I am Enough’

The goal to have women leave this year’s Beauty Beyond Feelings summit feeling empowered, motivated and confident was well met, according to organisers who staged the event with a Bible-inspired theme. The women attending the conference embraced the message of Solomon 4:7: “I am Enough”.

Henry Knowles to be ordained at Wesley Methodist

REV Henry Aaron Knowles will be ordained to the Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Order in the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church tonight at the Wesley Methodist Church in Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

Call for a national day of prayer

I PICKED up the Tribune on January 4, 2016 and the headlines read: “Two dead, nine fight for their lives” Shootings mark bloody start to the New Year”, and again on January 13, 2016, “Policeman held for sex attack. Officer is accused of assault on child.”

‘Mediocre people tend to be tamed and subdued by obstacles, but great leaders always rise above them’

EVERY obstacle introduces a person to himself. How we respond to obstacles in our life is important. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7) has been described as the gospel within the gospel. The good news exudes from it simply because it deals with the obvious obstacles in human existence.

Seven players share lead in Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

MAJOR winners Paula Creamer and Catriona Matthew were among seven players sharing the lead at five-under-par 68 on Thursday after the first round of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

MEDITATION: Pre-Valentine prayers

As we approach the month of February, the last Christmas decorations are coming down and the Valentine hearts are going up.

Ebenezer’s youth arm engage in community clean-up

THE youth arm of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Exuma recently volunteered their time to engage in a clean-up campaign.

National health officials advise Bahamians on ‘explosive’ Zika virus threat

NATIONAL Health officials said on Thursday that the public has the biggest role to play in combatting the threat of the Zika virus in the Bahamas

A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: FNM seeks to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

At the rate that the Free National Movement (FNM) is going, it is on the fast track to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in 2017. The political chicanery on display within the FNM has reinforced the perception that the road to governance and victory at the polls next year is getting steeper.

PETER YOUNG: Curtailing Trump’s travel an affront to democracy

The debate in Britain on anti-Muslim comments made by the divisive Republican presidential candidate was a waste of time and hypocritical, Peter Young says The debate in Britain on anti-Muslim comments made by the divisive Republican presidential candidate was a waste of time and hypocritical, Peter Young says . . .

Right to an opinion

I would like to suggest to Prime Minister Perry Christie that if anyone in his Government is going to speak to the press, presumably on his behalf, that they be required to attend a Dale Carnegie course so that they can learn to speak to and of people with kindness and respect.

French lesson

I have two phrases which I suggest students learning French should look up.

PM blasting through traffic

Has the Prime Minister totally lost all sense of humility and respect for the public?

Really, Mr Watson?

How did your reporter draw the conclusion that Frank Watson’s comments were surprising or candid?

Time to work it out

Thank you for allowing me space for this open letter to Dr Hubert Minnis. Mrs Loretta Butler -Turner and Mr Branville McCartney.

Police Staff chairman is cleared of assault charge

POLICE Staff Association Chairman Dwight Smith was acquitted in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday of a charge of indecent assault.

Grant defies call to keep FNM row internal

ONE day after Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis called for party disputes to be dealt with internally, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant said “he can no longer remain silent” while being publicly attacked by his “junior parliamentary colleague”.

Govt seeks to use $20m loan to help fight crime

MINISTER of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday outlined how the Christie administration would use a $20m loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to fight crime.

PM: You’ll cheer with me when Baha Mar opens

PRIME Minister Perry Christie insisted yesterday that those who scoff at his optimism over Baha Mar will come to join him in celebrating its success when the doors of the $3.5bn mega resort are opened.

Penalty for failing to sign up for NHI?

GOVERNMENT officials are debating whether to impose a penalty for individuals who choose not to enrol for National Health Insurance, an NHI Secretariat representative said yesterday.

Rollins blasts ‘sloppy justice’

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins last night questioned the competence of Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson after he said she “goofed” on two major cases that “caused the government and The Bahamas grave embarrassment”.

Bostwick: I’m not done with politics

FORMER Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II told reporters yesterday that he is not done with frontline politics and called on like-minded individuals to join him in building the country into a better place.

Tribune golf competition winners

Philicia Hanna and Diane de Cardenas are the lucky Tribune readers who will be enjoying VIP hospitality at the Pure-Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, which starts today on Paradise Island.

Web shop worker murder suspect denied bail

A WOMAN awaiting trial for the murder of a web shop employee in Long Island was denied bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Butler-Turner asks if PM flew on Resorts World plane

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday questioned whether Prime Minister Perry Christie flew on an airplane owned by Resorts World Bimini for a recent trip to Jamaica where he officially opened that country’s Stock Exchange.

Minnis calls for aggressive approach to stop Zika virus

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday urged the government to see the seriousness of the Zika virus and adopt a more “aggressive” approach to thwarting an outbreak that has the potential to gravely impact the country’s healthcare system.

Gov’t warned over Freeport ‘side deals’

The Government was yesterday warned not to agree any “side deals” with Freeport’s largest investors at the expense of all other businesses, should it ultimately decide not to renew the city’s expiring tax breaks long-term.

Port tax breaks to gain further 6-month life

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said the Government will extend the Hawksbill Creek Agreement‘s (HCA) expiring tax incentives for a further six months, with the House of Assembly called on to approve the move next week.

GB residents to gain $3m energy windfall

Hard-pressed Grand Bahama residents will have a collective $3 million returned to them as a result of their energy provider’s revised tariff structure, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Gov’t rescues CLICO policies at ‘11th hour’

The Prime Minister may have prevented the cancellation of medical insurance for hundreds of Bahamians yesterday by confirming the Government has finally approved a ‘rescue plan’ for CLICO (Bahamas).

GB Power clients ‘escape’ 4.5% rise

Grand Bahama Power Company yesterday said its decision to defer new generation investment had enabled customers to escape a 4.5 per cent base rate “charge” that would have been added to their bills.

World’s best female golfers tee off today in Paradise

THE best players in women’s golf will open their seasons here in the Bahamas as the fourth edition of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic tees off today.

Another 30-point performance by our very own Buddy Hield

ANOTHER game, another 30-point performance that has become commonplace for Bahamian basketball star Buddy Hield.

Hole-by-hole guide to the Ocean Club course

THE Ocean Club course, Paradise Island, was redesigned in 2000 by Tom Weiskopf, twice a major champion who lengthened and opened the layout to the scenic ocean views while infusing the course with tougher strategic features. The original design of the Ocean Club, which opened in 1954, was the work of Dick Wilson.

Five players to watch in Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic

STACY LEWIS World ranking: 3 A consistent force in women’s golf, the top-ranked American was the LPGA player of the year in 2014 and had a glittering amateur career.

PM: NHI is about saving lives, not winning votes

THE Christie administration’s push toward implementing National Health Insurance has nothing to do with whether it could cause the Progressive Liberal Party to win the next election, but with saving the lives of the 700 Bahamians who die unnecessarily each year because they do not have access to healthcare, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

ON DA HOOK

BAHAMAS Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert Chang Chin put a guest on the Mahi Mahi this week near Andros as the windy, grey January weather finally turned.

Man ruled wrongfully held ‘has been arrested again’

THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association says Jamaican national Matthew Sewell, who spent nine years in and out of prison and the Detention Centre before a Supreme Court justice ruled last year that he was wrongfully held, has been arrested again and taken into police custody.

BAISS championship series tip-off

The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools basketball championship series tipped off in all four divisions last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Game two in each series is scheduled to take place starting at 4pm today.

BTC ready to bring TV product to Inagua

AFTER launching in Bimini last year November, the roll out of BTC’s newest product, FLOW TV, is progressing steadily, with Inagua being the second island to launch the product.

Four Haitians, one Bahamian held over cocaine find

FOUR Haitian men and one Bahamian man were taken into custody Tuesday night after they were found in possession of 21 kilos of suspected cocaine.

Cost of living to go up after power increase

THE Coalition of Concerned Citizens said that Grand Bahama would experience further increases in the cost of living as a result of the recent electricity base rate increase approved by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Nation experiences wettest January in more than 20 years

THE BAHAMAS is experiencing its wettest January for more than 20 years, with huge increases in levels of rainfall across the archipelago.

PM refutes Customs ‘under-performance’

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said import duty-related revenue had declined due to new tax treatments designed to accommodate Value-Added Tax (VAT), not “under-performance”.

Gov’t ‘back to drawing table’ on draft NHI Bill

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Secretariat was yesterday said to have “gone back to the drawing table” over the legislation that will facilitate the scheme’s implementation.

Five-year deal gives BEC union transition focus

The Bahamas Electrical Managers Union (BEMU) yesterday said its new five-year industrial agreement allows it to focus directly on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) reform process.

Sporting recognition for Ivan Johnson

Few of us know the publisher of The Punch newspaper was quite a cricket player in England during the 1970s and it’s about time he gets some recognition for it.

Grandma knows best

Re: PM: We Will Press On With NHI As We Have The Right Advice – The Tribune, January 22, 2016.

Calling on real FNMs to settle differences

Please be kind enough to allow me a few lines to address those “True FNMs”, and “Disgruntled Long Island FNM” that wrote concerning the state of the FNM Council, on January 14 and 21 this month.

Senator has no right to doubt Butler-Turner

l am amazed reading this morning’s Guardian 22/2016, and the oft-handed comment from Senator Lanisha Rolle, which is inappropriate, and out of order.

Is Lightbourn spokesperson for the anti-Minnis faction?

The November 16, 2015 edition of National Review gave a thumbnail, supercilious assessment of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis by stating that he is uninspiring, ineffectual, and that he lacks the capability of uniting a team around him.

Health statistics

THERE should be no one who would wish and not support a viable/proper NHI programme but those criteria must be evident and experienced.

A frustrated driver

I am writing to the person/persons who are responsible for the road works in Nassau. I am a resident of the Western District and one who has to travel on Nassau Street, at least twice per day east to west; west to east, and just the thought of having to do this sickens me.

NHI turmoil

NHI - the PM will save us all a lot of stress let alone money which he loves to spend on consultants if he simply convenes a meeting with the two Doctors groups - the Insurance providers and then seemingly find a solution to an impasse created by his government.

Stand united or fall divided

We, as a country, have become divided between those who have and those who have not. We have become divided by crime, by loss. Divided by terror and those who terrorise and now we have become divided by ideals.

Key supports senator amid party in-fighting

CENTRAL and South Abaco MP Edison Key yesterday criticised former Free National Movement members of Parliament and Cabinet ministers who “want to take over” the party as he defended FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and embattled Senator Lanisha Rolle.

UPDATED: John Bostwick fined $15,000 for ammunition possession

FORMER Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II was yesterday ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for possession of ammunition or face 15 months behind bars. The fine must be paid by 11am today.

Minnis: Keep it in the family

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis broke his silence on the rift within his party last night, releasing a statement which said that the “personal comments” voiced by his colleagues over the past few days “would have better served our cause” if shared internally.

Zika virus: Fogging to be increased

THE Department of Environmental Health Services plans to launch an “intensified” fogging programme in New Providence and the Family Islands to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, Director of Environmental Health Melanie McKenzie said yesterday.

Gunmen kill two men in late night Yellow Elder Gardens attack

THREE people were killed in a single day on Tuesday in Nassau, with the latest murder involving a late night double fatal shooting.

Clarity needed over bridge toll rise, says Chamber chairman

ANNOUNCING a bridge toll increase without providing “context or reasoning” forces the masses to speculate, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Gowon Bowe said yesterday.

‘Not a bad turnout’ at first throwers meet for the year

THE RC Athletics Club hosted the first throwers’ meet for the year on Saturday at the College of the Bahamas playing field and, according to veteran head coach Ronald Cartwright, the performances were exactly what they anticipated.

Sports Notes

THE Bahamas Junior Fed Cup team, coached by Bradley Bain, defeated El Salvador 3-0 yesterday in Santo Dominigo.

Former coach Bill Morgan ‘was an exemplary educator’

FORMER CI Gibson Rattlers senior boys basketball coach Bill Morgan reportedly collapsed at RM Bailey Secondary High yesterday and was pronounced dead on his arrival at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Tiger’s niece to make her debut in Bahamas Classic

LAST month, Tiger Woods was in town to host his first Hero World Challenge at the Albany Golf Club. This weekend, his niece Cheyenne Woods is making her debut on a list of 120 of the world’s best competing in the fourth annual Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

‘I’m hoping that when I come back, I will bring some good news with me’

BAHAMAS Olympic Committee (BOC) president Wellington Miller has been summoned to Gibraltar this weekend where the Commonwealth Games Federation will announce whether or not the Bahamas has been granted the rights to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017.

Young golfers learn from the experts

For budding Bahamian golfers, learning the game from professional golfers on the world-famous Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island was a double treat.

Students mix and mingle with world’s best golfers

About 46 students from 10 local government and private schools got a chance to mix and mingle with two of the top female golfers in the world yesterday in a LPGA Junior Clinic during the fourth annual Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Golf Classic at the Ocean Club Golf Course.

$5m upgrades begin for Moore’s Island community

THE government has started comprehensive infrastructure upgrades on Moore’s Island, a small cay in the Abacos.

Public viewing for police officer’s body

THE body of Corporal Jamal Freddie Munnings will lay in repose for public viewing at the Gerald Bartlett Police Headquarter Complex in Freeport on Wednesday.

Power rate increase of 1.5% approved in Grand Bahama

THE Grand Bahama Power Company’s revised rate application – reducing the initial proposed average base rate increase from 3.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent – has been approved by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Nolle prosequi filed over attempted armed robbery

A MAN awaiting trial for attempted armed robbery had the charge withdrawn against him in the Supreme Court.

Bus passengers and pizza delivery man targeted in armed robbery spree

POLICE are on the hunt for two men who robbed several bus passengers and a pizza delivery man before taking officers on a high speed chase on Gladstone Road.

Shock as teacher collapses and dies at school

A VETERAN public school teacher collapsed yesterday at the R M Bailey Senior High School and later died after complaining that he was feeling ill, Director of Education Lionel Sands confirmed yesterday.

Long Island’s private sector at 35% capacity

JUST 35 per cent of Long Island businesses are back in operation three months after they were devastated by Hurricane Joaquin, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president yesterday estimating that the private sector will take two years to “get back to where it was”.

Scotia shrugs off Baha Mar collapse

Baha Mar’s collapse into receivership will “not have a significant impact” on Scotiabank (Bahamas) 2015 financial results, even though its equity stake in the project has effectively been written down to zero.

‘Ticking timebomb’: Gov’t warned to defuse Freeport

The Government was yesterday urged to rapidly defuse the “ticking timebomb” that is Freeport’s expiring tax breaks, a well-known businessman warning that the city’s private sector is “stuck in limbo” until it acts.

Mortgage relief a ‘twin-edged sword’

Arawak Homes’ chairman yesterday conceded that any Government action to address the Bahamas’ $675 million ‘bad’ mortgage crisis would be “a twin-edged sword”, as the threat of creating ‘moral hazard’ among existing borrowers was “very real”.

BEC takeover set for Monday

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) will finally be placed under private sector management this coming Monday, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

More than 170 graduate from training agency

MORE than 170 graduates from the National Training Agency located on Gladstone Road recently received their certificates in entry-level job training for the careers of their choice.

Misguided to compare GB Power with BEC

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday said protesters were comparing “apples with oranges” in arguing that Grand Bahama Power Company’s tariffs should at least match BEC’s, adding that the former’s newly-approved rate structure “strikes a relatively decent balance”.

Gov’t challenged on 30% health insurance cover

The Government’s assertion that just 30 per cent of Bahamians are covered by private health insurance was yesterday challenged using data from another government agency, which pegged the ‘insured’ level at closer to 50 per cent.

SUPERGREEN SOLUTIONS: The right atmosphere for water generation

We all know how important water is to our everyday lives. Even more important to our overall health and wellness is clean drinking water.

Police probe apparent suicide in Mayaguana

POLICE in Mayaguana are investigating the apparent suicide of a man found dead in bushes in Betsy Bay on Monday.

Police officer shoots driver who tried to run him over on Paradise Island

A MAN who attempted to knock down a policeman by driving his car at him on Paradise Island around Tuesday lunchtime is being detained in hospital after he was shot by the officer.

Cancer and exercise

In days gone by, people were under the impression that an individual undergoing cancer treatment should just rest. Although rest is necessary, it is important for cancer survivors not to become completely inactive.

‘Cancer is not a death sentence’

AN American specialist wants Bahamians to know that cancer is not a death sentence, and that there are many types of treatment options available, including alternative methods, that can help beat the disease.

Our toxic world: The burden of toxins and the importance of detoxification II

In the previous article we touched on the toxicity of our environment and the fact that it impacts our health.

Live a Fulfilling Life: Three best ways to improve your health

Preventative medicine experts say that the single most important thing you can do to improve the nation’s health is simple – stay healthy.

Countdown to the Heart Ball

THE countdown is on for the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation’s 52nd Annual Heart Ball.

A short & sweet escape

WHETHER you are a working woman, a busy mother, or both, a local beauty therapist recommends treating yourself to a massage for a quick escape and to alleviate the stress brought on by the daily challenges and responsibilities.

Judge calls Nygard’s bias accusation ‘scandalous’

A JUDGE did not mince her words yesterday in declaring that Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard’s “scandalous” accusations of the court’s bias in matters stemming from an ongoing judicial review were without merit and undermined “the administration of justice”.

POLITICOLE: Taking chances to change your world

Most people I know are averse to taking chances, creating changes and new possibilities where they can’t see them. But I’ve taken so many of them, in every way you can think of, in every aspect of my life.

Hornet’s nest

Lanisha Rolle’s comments seemed to have disturbed a hornet’s nest!

Mass exodus from the FNM

The past undemocratic behaviour by Hubert Minnis is simply counterproductive. The many mysterious manoeuvrings with the constituency associations especially before the last convention will eventually be his Achilies heel.

A response to 66 Steps letter

Motivational speaker Dale Carnegie said, “any fool can condemn, criticise and complain, and most do”. This is the only conclusion I can draw from a letter published in The Tribune January 18, by one Derek Forbes commenting on the recent marriage of my son Gavin, to Nikia Deveaux, a beautiful, intelligent, young woman with Long Island roots.

Butler-Turner and Minnis cannot co-exist

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner can no longer logically coexist within the FNM party. If the January 25 edition of The Punch’s lead story concerning Butler-Turner allegedly hurling obscenities at FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest in the House of Assembly is true, then it is time that the opposition’s hierarchy come to the sobering realisation that the relationship between Minnis and the Long Island MP has been ruptured beyond repair.

The Marriage Bed – redefining marriages and relationships in the Bahamas

So you’re married and happy, but what about sexy? There’s no reason for those sexy undies to go to waste just because you’ve got a ring on your finger.

Breast cancer support group receives Project Pink Mop proceeds from Milo Butler

This week, Milo Butler officially wrapped up its Project Pink Mop campaign by donating proceeds from the promotion to the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Group.

‘Bringing in FBI shows crime pledge was untrue’

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said that the government’s decision to bring in a special task force from the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist local law enforcement with crime, proves the Progressive Liberal Party was not truthful about having the solution to crime in 2012.

Non-voting convention talk ‘shows insecurity’

IN an apparent swipe at Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson yesterday said that only an “insecure” leader would hold a non-voting convention.

Former Deputy PM: Appointee is tragic mistake by Minnis

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson said Free National Movement Senator Lanisha Rolle has “no sense,” adding yesterday that her appointment to the Upper Chamber was one of Dr Hubert Minnis’ “tragic mistakes”.

Bridge toll doubles to $2

THE Bridge Authority plans to double toll rates for private vehicles crossing the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge from $1 to $2 per passage effective from March 1.

Man shot 'multiple times' in Freeport killing

GRAND Bahama recorded its first murder for 2016 when a man was gunned down in the Freeport area on Monday evening.

Man found dead in Churchill Subdivision

POLICE are investigating the death of a man who was found at his home at the Churchill Subdivision shortly after 5am on Tuesday.

Sands not certain if concerns addressed

LEADING surgeon Dr Duane Sands said the government “demonstrated good faith” by hosting a National Health Insurance workshop with medical professionals on Saturday, but he is “still not certain” if doctors’ concerns have been adequately addressed.

‘How much will foreign consultants be paid?’

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said the government’s decision to hire additional foreign experts to make recommendations on National Health Insurance does not indicate good governance.

Bahamian banks in correspondent hit

Bahamian financial institutions are facing “heightened due diligence” from their correspondent banks, with some revealing this has negatively impacted their operations in areas such as remittance services.

‘Confident’ of $675m bad mortgage solution

Scotiabank’s Caribbean chief yesterday said he was “confident” that the Bahamas would be able to solve its $675 million ‘bad mortgage’, crisis, suggesting that “execution” of a solution acceptable to all sides was the key.

Gov’t told: Don’t treat doctors as the ‘devils’

A well-known physician yesterday suggested Saturday’s National Health Insurance (NHI) meeting involved a change of style rather than substance, as he urged the Government not to treat doctors as “devils”.

Scotiabank reverses business volume trend

Scotiabank’s regional head yesterday said the increased business volumes its Bahamas operation is now enjoying suggest that last year’s downsizing exercise is already bearing fruit.

Scotia: Bahamas ‘skews’ bad Caribbean mortgages

Scotiabank’s regional chief yesterday revealed that its non-performing Bahamian mortgages were nine percentage points higher than the Caribbean average, which would be cut to just 8 per cent if this nation’s data was excluded.

Rescued from the rubble

LOST within the heartbreaking tale of a demolition exercise that displaced a local outreach organisation and dozens of its beneficiaries is the successful rescue effort by the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) to save pets buried beneath the rubble.

Rolle relaxed, ready to putt on the green

Georgette Rolle is hoping that her third time playing in the main draw of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic turns out to be the charm. Georgette Rolle is hoping that her third time playing in the main draw of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic turns out to be the charm.

$210,000 for the overall champion

THE 4th Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic is now underway at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

QC Comets junior girls rout Falcons 32-19, advance to finals

THE BAISS basketball playoffs got underway yesterday in the sudden death playoff round with the top seed in the junior girls’ division advancing to the finals.

Sports notes

IN Monday’s edition of The Tribune, it was stated that both Donald Thomas and Trevor Barry will be heading to Slovakia to compete in the first leg of new International High Jump Tour in Banska Bystrica, scheduled for February 4. Jamal Wilson, the latest Bahamian to surpass 7-feet, 7-inches at the BAAA Odd Distance Meet, will also be included in the field.

Jones on midseason watch list for Ann Meyers Drysdale Award

GEORGE Washington Colonials senior forward Jonquel Jones was named to the midseason watch list for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which recognises collegiate women’s basketball’s national player of the year, the US Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) announced yesterday.

Eight Cubans detained after coming ashore in Grand Bahama

EIGHT Cuban migrants suffering from dehydration came ashore in West Grand Bahama early yesterday morning and were immediately taken into custody by police at the West End Police Station.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr essay contest winners named

THE United States Embassy in Nassau has announced the winners of the 10th annual Dr Martin Luther King Jr Essay contest. The purpose of the contest is to encourage students to explore the life of Dr King and his impact on the civil rights movement.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Farewell Pompous Tom and melon head Manning

OH how I love watching the Patriots - and especially one Tom Brady - lose!

Bank supports JBLN for 5th straight year

SCOTIABANK is proud to announce its support of the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) for the fifth consecutive year.

‘Bonefish Sam’ to be honoured

ONE of The Bahamas’ bonefish tour legends is being honoured next month through the International Game Fish Association of Florida next month.

Court hears arguments against extradition

A SENIOR attorney began legal arguments in the Supreme Court yesterday for three men challenging the composition of the Court of Appeal judges who upheld an extradition order demanding their surrender to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

Man denies marijuana charge

AN EXUMA native was remanded to prison yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to any involvement in the recent seizure of $57,000 worth of marijuana aboard a mail boat.

INSIGHT: FNM leader 'never had it and he never will'

In politics, a party leader is the most powerful official within the organisation. He or she represents the members of that party, its views and ideologies.

Roberts and the Bible

In The Nassau Guardian, published January 21, PLP Chair Bradley Roberts, in taking potshots at PLP defectors Renward Wells and Dr Andre Rollins, referenced the New Testament account of Jesus, His disciples and His betrayal for silver.

Senator Rolle must resign

The disgusting behaviour of Senator Lanisha Rolle towards Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner was despicable and downright nasty to say the least.

Lanisha Rolle an embarrassment

Senator Lanisha Rolle has been a terrible embarrassment to the FNM. Out of the blue she was leapfrogged over seasoned and veteran FNMs to become a senator.

The cost ‘greedy doctors’ have to face to maintain their practice

ALTHOUGH Prime Minister Christie is satisfied that he is on the right track to introduce government’s national health insurance plan, he has decided to call in an outside group of consultants to satisfy the naysayers.

Minister contradicted over ‘greed’ of doctors

NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said despite comments made by National Insurance and Labour Minister Shane Gibson last week, the government does not feel that “doctors are greedy”.

Bishop explains reasons for archdeacon’s removal

ANGLICAN Diocese Bishop Laish Boyd has denied that his decision to remove I Ranfurly Brown as archdeacon was because he would not apologise to Prime Minister Perry Christie for comments he made last year, instead claiming that Mr Brown committed “several notable infractions” that resulted in his dismissal.

MP reacts to senator’s criticism of colleague

THE scathing criticism recently levelled against Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and other Free National Movement MPs by Senator Lanisha Rolle was “appalling” and needs to be addressed by party leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn said yesterday.

UPDATED: Dispute goes on as families pick up pieces after demolition

A LOCAL attorney claims that his family’s rightful ownership of embattled land in the Prince Charles Drive area was justification for the property’s demolition, which left dozens of beneficiaries of a local outreach organisation displaced.

Govt calls in FBI on crime

THE government has invited a special task force from the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist local law enforcement agencies in combating “the drug and gang culture”, according to Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.

Paradise Island bridge fee rises to $2 for cars from March 1

TOLLS for the Paradise Island bridge are to double for private vehicles from March 1, it was announced on Monday. The rise to $2 marks the first increase in 17 years for the Sir Sidney Poitier bridge.

Truckers run over Cheetahs, Operators stop the Cybots

THE defending champions Johnson Lady Truckers pulled off a big 72-64 victory over former champions Career Builders Lady Cheetahs to highlight the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association double header at the DW Davis Gymnasium Saturday night.

Sports Notes

THE first leg of the new International High Jump Tour in Banska Bystrica, scheduled for February 4, will have all three top Italians jumping and two Bahamians.

Foreign experts being brought in by PM to examine NHI plans

PRIME Minister Perry Christie has requested that a group of healthcare experts from “Canada, United Kingdom and the United States” come quickly to The Bahamas to examine his efforts on National Health Insurance.

Medics urged to be sensible - and not to criticise without solutions

CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Glenn Beneby urged medical professionals on Saturday to be “sensible and careful” when it comes to National Health Insurance and not “criticise the government without providing a solution”.

Bahamas told: ‘Dig a well before you become thirsty’

A world-renowned equity investor has urged the Bahamas to “think differently” and position itself now for future growth opportunities, rather than become mired in “survival” mode.

McKinsey wrong on Freeport tax monies, Business Licence fee

The McKinsey report on Freeport’s economic future is flawed in its assessment of the city’s tax contribution and potential Business Licence fee earnings, an outspoken QC believes.

Charlton breaks national record, qualifies for the world indoors

Devynne Charlton couldn’t ask for a better start to her junior year at Purdue University.

Title fight opportunity but shoulder injury sidelines ‘Reno’

THE stars aligned for Tureano Johnson’s opportunity at a major middleweight title, but that opportunity is now on hold as a shoulder injury has sidelined the Bahamian pro boxer.

DeAndre posts triple double - 52 points, 33 rebounds 10 blocks - in victory

IT WAS a highly anticipated meeting and top high school basketball recruit DeAndre Ayton did not disappoint matched up against fellow Bahamians in Lawrence, Kansas.

QC Comets dominate the BAAA National High School Relays

THE Queen’s College Comets were hoping to renew their rivalry with the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine and get some challenge from Grand Bahama at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National High School Relays at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday.

RoyalFidelity equity fund investors see near-20% returns

RoyalFidelity Merchant Bank & Trust’s mutual fund family has enjoyed its “third straight year of positive returns” following their 2012 restructuring, with its equities fund generating near-20 per cent for investors.

VAT refund woe hits Xmas retail inventory

Bahamian retailers were unable to buy their preferred Christmas inventory due to Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund delays, with the issue threatening to undermine private sector “trust in the integrity” of the new regime.

AML chief fears Bahamas talking itself into decline

AML Foods chief executive fears the Bahamas could talk itself into a self-fulfilling economic downturn, warning: “If we keep talking negativity, negativity is what we will get.”

Man accused of indecent assault on cruise ship

AN American man from Missouri was arrested in connection with an alleged indecent assault of a woman on Saturday.

School and MP’s office hit by arson

ARSON is believed to be the cause of a fire that destroyed a building on East Sunrise Highway that housed the constituency office of East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest as well as a small school.

REGULATORS, REBELS, ATHLETICO AND CYBOTS ALL GET WINS IN THE NPBA

THE New Providence Men’s Basketball Association continued its regular season at the AF Adderley Gymnasium over the weekend.

Tavario Miller has career high, Hield continues his hot streak

TAVARIO Miller received the first start of his career and responded with a career high to help his No.10 ranked Texas A and M Aggies remain one of the hottest teams in all of NCAA Division I basketball.

Experts say Cuba tourism may not harm The Bahamas

THE belief that Cuba’s re-emergence in the North American travel market could infringe on The Bahamas’ visitor numbers may be a rush to judgment, travel and leisure experts have warned during the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace conference.

Judicial ‘buy in’ key to Bahamas arbitration hope

‘Buy-in’ by the Bahamian judiciary will be critical to the Bahamas successfully establishing itself as an international arbitration and dispute resolution centre, the Minister of Financial Services believes.

Expedia: Bahamas searches rise 70%

The Bahamas will enjoy strong tourism growth “on par” with the rest of the Caribbean, an online travel services company is predicting, with searches for this nation up 70 per cent in 2016.

Veteran diplomat: Bahamas must get arbitration promotion correct

A veteran diplomat believes there are no obstacles to the Bahamas establishing itself as an international arbitration hub provided it properly promotes itself to the global alternative dispute resolution (ADR) community.

American in custody over indecent assault on cruise ship allegation

AN adult male United States visitor from Missouri has been taken into custody by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in connection with an alleged indecent assault of a female on Saturday morning.

PM asks people to 'trust him' over NHI

AFTER a rough week that saw doctors condemn his government's handling of National Health Insurance (NHI), Prime Minister Perry Christie made an emotional plea on Friday for residents and stakeholders to trust him.

Airport employee arrested after cocaine find

POLICE arrested an adult male employee at the Lynden Pindling International Airport following the seizure of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Friday.

New party member Byron Woodside praises party

BYRON Woodside, a former Cabinet Minister under a previous Free National Movement (FNM) administration, has lauded the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) as an organisation that is unmatched in its contributions to the nation’s social, economic and political progress.

Magistrate adjourns sentencing of former senator in ammunition case

A MAGISTRATE on Friday adjourned the sentencing for a former Free National Movement senator convicted of possession of ammunition after a lead counsel in the case was involved in a murder trial that conflicted with the proceedings.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Medical soap operas and political reality shows

This past week, the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA) stated for the record that it would not sign on to the government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) plans because they felt marginalised by the process.

Gibson’s blame

So Shane Gibson thinks the doctors are “greedy” for not signing on to his “pig in a poke” NHI programme.

Ranfurly Brown

I am compelled as a Born Again Child of God to address, by publicly expressing my views on the ungodly precedence set by stripping Archdeacon Ranfurly Brown.

A former Minnis supporter

I am a sitting member of the FNM’s executive committee. I am an FNM of long standing and I do not owe my position to Hubert Minnis.

Bishop says govt should not wait on insurers

BISHOP Simeon Hall yesterday said while the Christie administration should “at least listen to credible critics” of National Health Insurance, it should not “wait on insurance companies to lead the fight” in providing universal healthcare for Bahamians.

Symonette: FMM should not consider non-voting convention

IF FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis is comfortable in his position at the helm of the party, then the party’s next convention should have executive posts up for a challenge, former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday.

Hunt for suspects after Super Value armed robbery

POLICE are on the hunt for two men responsible for the armed robbery of a leading New Providence supermarket on Thursday night.

Doctors unite to condemn process over NHI scheme

IN a rebuke of the government’s handling of National Health Insurance, doctors gathered for a press conference at the Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday to condemn the way NHI is being introduced.

UPDATES: Bulk of Friday's 'severe weather' in Bimini, Grand Bahama, Abaco and the Berry Islands

THE BULK of the "severe weather" expected to affect the Northwest Bahamas on Friday will be felt in Bimini, Grand Bahama, Abaco and the Berry Islands, according to forecaster Gregory Thompson.

PM: We will press on with NHI as we have the right advice

DESPITE intense push back from stakeholders over National Health Insurance, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday the government still intends to proceed with the healthcare scheme because it has the “right advice” from both its Costa Rican and Bahamian consultants.

LEFT IN TEARS: Animals injured, families scramble for belongings as bulldozers move in

A LOCAL outreach organisation had dozens of its beneficiaries displaced yesterday after bulldozers ripped through their homes and other buildings in the Prince Charles area as the result of a long-standing land ownership dispute.

Man held after 57 pounds of marijuana found on mail boat

AN ADULT male from Exuma is in police custody after officers discovered more than 57 pounds of marijuana on a mail boat on Thursday morning.

The Tribune and the end of discrimination - an historical appreciation

Sixty years ago tomorrow, Etienne Dupuch moved a resolution in the House of Assembly that was to change life in the Bahamas forever and pave the way for the modern independent country we now know. Twelve years later, Eileen Carron, who had been in the House on that momentous night reporting for The Tribune, looked back at how the end of racial discrimination had led to Majority Rule and a loss of perspective over the role her father and editor, who later became Sir Etienne, had played. This is the report Mrs Carron – now the long serving Publisher/Editor of The Tribune – wrote on December 30, 1967.

Pintard: Convenient for AG that crime isn’t a political issue now

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said it is “convenient” that Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson would now admit that crime is not a political issue, now that the country has recorded the “highest number of murders” in history under her watch.

Two held in car theft ring probe

POLICE are questioning two persons, a man and a woman, who they suspect to be a part of a major car theft ring.

Former FNM MP Woodside joins PLP

FORMER FNM MP Byron Woodside reportedly announced last night that he was joining the PLP.

PM ‘not practicing JA speech virtues’

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday branded Prime Minister Perry Christie’s address to a Jamaican investment conference as a classic example of failing to “practice what you preach”.

Kerzner back with new Baha Mar bid

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday reiterated his firm belief that a Baha Mar resolution was “very close”, disclosing that Sol Kerzner had returned with a revised bid.

Bahamas on track for WTO accession record

The Bahamas will soon set a record for the longest-running World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession, an ex-Cabinet minister yesterday suggesting that “nationalistic resistance” was thwarting one avenue for addressing this nation’s economic imbalance.

NHI ‘impossible’ without support from doctors

National Health Insurance (NHI) “is simply impossible” without the Bahamian medical profession’s support, a well-known physician warned yesterday, with the Government facing a growing, profession-wide rebellion against the scheme.

Cable loses $13m bid over gas leak

The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed Cable Bahamas’ bid to obtain a $13 million-plus summary judgment over the Robinson Road gas leak, branding the case as “a complex matter” that needs a full trial.

60 years on from turning point in nation’s history

SIXTY years ago, the late Tribune Editor and Publisher Sir Etienne Dupuch moved a resolution to end discrimination in the House of Assembly, a move that changed the racial landscape in The Bahamas forever.

Judo Federation reveals ‘strategic vision’ for the next four years

THE Bahamas Judo Federation stands poised to grow the Bahamas’ participation in the Olympic sport of judo to national and international prominence and has just released its strategic vision for the next four years.

DeAndre and Bruins in high-profile matchup against Buffaloes

SOME of the top Bahamian high school basketball talent are expected to square off this weekend in a high profile matchup on the United States high school basketball circuit.

In his heyday, Peter Isaacs was a multi-talented sportsman

BACK in his heyday, Peter Isaacs was known as what we call today a multi-talented sports athlete.

THE FINISH LINE: Let’s show our support for the 2nd Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational

SO the Bahamas Government has given the financial backing for Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown to host the second edition of his Bahamas Invitational Track Classic.

World renowned golf course designer visits Bahamas

WORLD renowned golf course designer and developer Tom Fazio II was in town this week at the invitation of Solar Verde Bahamas Limited.

‘Shaq attack’

Bahamian basketball player Shaquille Cleare and his Texas Longhorns continue to stockpile signature wins in his first year with the programme and under head coach Shaka Smart.

Sports Notes

FINANCIAL League play resumed last night after the holiday break with the top score being a 555 bowled by Sammie Symonette of Strike force. Runner-up MVP was Chavez Thompson of Sunshine Insurance with a 212 high game and a 547 second high set. Greg Taylor of Strike Force downed the pins for a 211 second high game.

Fast-food restaurant manager’s killer has sentence cut to 55 years

A man sentenced to life in prison for the throat-slashing murder of a fast food restaurant manager had his sentence reduced to 55 years by the Court of Appeal yesterday.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 01232016

Cycling Club Bahamas. - The Enjoy! Cycling Club Social will be held on Friday, January 29, from 7pm-10pm at Island House near Lyford Cay. Bus pick-up from Harbour Bay, 6pm sharp and Cable Beach Police Station at 6:30pm sharp, returning at 10pm.

Officers to commemorate International Customs Day

CUSTOMS officers on Grand Bahama have planned a number of events in commemoration of the 27th International Customs Day observed on January 26.

Error blamed for Rufa being granted 150-day landing period

ASSISTANT Director of Immigration Hubert Ferguson said that the 150-day landing period granted by an immigration officer to Canadian citizen Bruno Rufa on his entry to The Bahamas in November was due to “internal miscommunication and unfamiliarity” with the process.

Defending champion Kim, Park head field for 4th Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic

DEFENDING champion Sei Young Kim, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, and World No. 2 Inbee Park, a seven-time major winner, head the field for the fourth annual Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

IAN FERGUSON: We ignore region at our own peril

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Caribbean Tourism Organisation have this week ‘come to our shores’. Ministers of Tourism and leading industry professionals are meeting over how to build capacity, and strengthen our individual nations and region as a whole.

Businessman seeks ‘zero fiscal deficit’

An outspoken businessman yesterday said he was “looking for the fiscal deficit to be zero”, otherwise he would inquire what the Government has done with its Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘revenue windfall’.

College attracts less than 20% of public high school leavers

THE Bahamas’ national examinations lack relevance to what school leavers require to be college and career-ready, a Bahamian-born academic said yesterday.

PM in challenge on public insurer

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday challenged the insurance industry to explain their opposition to National Health Insurance’s (NHI) public insurer.

Bahamas needs ‘back to basics’ on tourism

The Bahamas suffers a huge leakage of tourism dollars because it has failed to establish strong links to other industries, the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) chief executive said yesterday.

Court of Appeal quashes Jamaican woman's human trafficking conviction

A JAMAICAN woman previously convicted in The Bahamas’ first human trafficking case tried in Supreme Court will be returning to her home country as early as Thursday evening after the Court of Appeal quashed her conviction and sentences.

A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Ombudsman needed to guard rights of citizens

Rather than going into the political abyss, Prime Minister Perry Christie decided to take a trip to Jamaica to pretend for the international community that his government is the prototype of progressive, forward-thinking and good governance. Mr Christie gave the keynote address at the official opening of the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s trade show on Tuesday.

Say sorry to Gomez

Howard Johnson’s candid explanation on how he was able to leapfrog Monique Gomez for the South Beach nomination for the FNM has finally put to rest the misguided notion that Dr Hubert Minnis has set up a political pogrom with the aim of purging the party of Ingrahamites. However, it did very little in healing the ever widening rift within the FNM between the Minnis and Loretta Butler-Turner factions.

Minnis is afraid to call convention

Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said the Free National Movement should hold a convention before the next election. I don’t think we can wait that long – we urgently, desperately need a change in leadership, and we need it now!

FNM needs an early convention and leadership election

WE HAVE tried to stay out of the FNM’s leadership quarrel, but can’t resist dipping our pen in today when its chairman asks a question the answer to which seems so obvious that we wonder if indeed the FNM is slipping its moorings.

‘Streets of capital have never been so poorly kept’

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant yesterday criticised the Christie administration over the condition of New Providence’s main roads saying that he has never seen streets in the capital kept so poorly.

Police hunting for man wanted in latest killing

POLICE are looking for a 30-year-old man who they believe can help in their investigation into the country’s latest homicide.

$33m to be borrowed to help monitor govt finances

THE Christie administration yesterday brought a resolution to the House of Assembly to borrow $33m from the Inter-American Development Bank to improve the management of the country’s finances.

Frustration growing over role of Ministry of Agriculture at Potter’s Cay

AS redevelopment efforts at Potter’s Cay Dock shift into high gear, concerns are mounting over the scope of the Department of Agriculture’s involvement in the multi-million dollar project, aimed at enhancing the multi-faceted site.

FNM convention - but no voting?

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday said he expects that the party will hold a convention ahead of the next general election, but revealed that there is a possibility it could be a non-voting event in which none of the organisation’s executive posts would be open for a challenge.

Mass demonstration threat over Cable price increase

NATIONAL Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas President John Pinder yesterday threatened to launch a mass demonstration “in short order” if the government doesn’t reverse the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s decision to approve Cable Bahamas’s application to increase its rates.

‘Why was our mother’s body mistakenly cremated?’

THE bereaved family of the late Lillian Theresa Gilbert, whose body was mistakenly released from the Rand Memorial Hospital to the wrong funeral home and cremated, said their mother would not have wanted to be cremated because of her religious beliefs.

QC Comets junior boys stop the Big Red Machine 36-27

QUEEN’S College Comets junior boys yesterday defeated the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine 36-27.

NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Conference Championship

ANOTHER 3-1 week, 6-2 for the post-season. Not bad: let’s see if I can do it again and pick both this week, despite both championship games being a coin flip.

RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Conference Championship

TRENDING on trends seems to be the newest trend.

SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO NFL PICKS: Conference Championship

*Seriously, whichever party forces them to bring ESPN back gets my vote. I’m not below bowing to a dictatorship if that’s what we need in order to have the Worldwide Leader back in my life. I should have known not to trust a company that takes Angelique Sabrina off the air. At some point we have to ask the question - Does Cable Bahamas have an aversion to the happiness of the average Bahamian? Or just to me. I’m fairly certain Cable Bahamas hates me.

Sports notes

CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club is scheduled to present its ‘Back on Track’ amateur boxing show 7pm January 30 at the Wulff Road Boxing Square.

Joining forces to stage the first One Eleuthera Sports Games

WITH so much talent lingering around, local sporting enthusiasts decided to join forces with the One Eleuthera Foundation to stage the first One Eleuthera Sports Games.

Goal to make BAAA ‘top sporting organisation in country again’

HER selection to the top post in the Bahamas’ governing body for athletics was an historic achievement, but BAAA president Rosamunde Carey said it was just the beginning of accomplishing tasks proposed in her organisation’s “accountability documents.”

GSSSA: RM Bailey senior boys get 56-53 win over CR Walker

SAMUEL Dean made every big play the RM Bailey Pacers needed down the stretch to propel his team to a thrilling win in GSSSA senior boys’ basketball play.

Marine arrested after marijuana find

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force marine is in police custody after he was allegedly found with marijuana early Tuesday morning.

Tributes paid to former FNM senator edwin ‘vikey’ brown

THE Free National Movement is mourning the death of Edwin “Vikey” Brown, who was a meritorious council member in the party, former senator and candidate.

Doctor honoured during visit to India

DURING a recent visit to his home country of India, Dr M R Kavala was honoured for his “stalwart dedication and leadership” during Golden Jubilee Celebrations for members of the 1965 class at the Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnma, where he studied medicine.

Carnival theft trial delayed

THE trial into the theft of $31,000, allegedly by former employees of the Bahamas National Festival Commission, organisers of the inaugural Junkanoo Carnival, has been delayed to February 2.

Man faces court over firearm and ammo find

A 42-year-old Freeport man was charged with firearm and ammunition possession in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Jury excused in murder trial

A JURY empanelled yesterday to hear evidence in a trial of two men accused of three murders were excused from their duty for two weeks while prosecution and lawyers for the accused hold legal discussions with the trial judge.

Gov’ts ‘notoriously poor PR’ helping investment ‘fallacy’

The Government’s “notoriously poor PR” has helped create the “fallacy” that Bahamian investors are unable to access the same incentives as their foreign counterparts, a Cabinet minister believes.

Gov’t must match Port if regulatory takeover

The Government’s own consultants have warned it must match the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for service delivery if it realises its objective of regaining regulatory control in Freeport.

Attorney wanted Hayward children to receive nothing

A Bahamian attorney allegedly demanded that the late Sir Jack Hayward’s children and grandchildren receive nothing from the family trust, a move that would have violated a proposed legal settlement.

Gov’t urged: Hear ‘loud cries’ over Business Licence

The private sector has this week written to Prime Minister Perry Christie and several Cabinet ministers to urge that they again review the Business Licence fee structure, on the grounds that “we ought to be in the business of making business easier”.

Freeport’s restaurants 50% below break even

A typical restaurant in Freeport’s Port Lucaya Marketplace “regularly fails” to earn 50 per cent of what is required to ‘break even’ on a daily basis, the Government has been warned.

Drugs haul found

A quantity of suspected cocaine and marijuana were discovered in the Eight Mile Rock area on Wednesday; however, no one was arrested in connection with the find.

‘Slow down and consult properly over NHI proposals’

AS the Christie administration faces push back from stakeholders over its National Health Insurance plans, FNM Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday called on the government to slow down its efforts to implement the scheme in order to properly consult stakeholders.

Budget surplus 2-3 years away

The Government may be two to there years away from achieving an annual Budget surplus, a Cabinet minister asserting yesterday: “You don’t go from a deep hole to a surplus in one year”.

NHI not ready for ‘prime time’

The Government’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan is “not ready for prime time”, according to a well-know physician, who believes it does not address the real problems facing the Bahamian healthcare system.

UPDATE: Police seeking man in connection with latest murder

POLICE found a 21-year-old man dead inside his Pinewood Gardens home on Tuesday night, bound with duct tape and “wrapped in plastic”.

Twin-engine plane makes emergency landing at Lynden Pindling Airport

TRANSPORT and Aviation officials reported on Wednesday afternoon that a twin-engine Piper Aztec plane made an emergency landing at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

TOUGH CALL: Time to face reality over death penalty

Last November, a regional conference in Guyana focused on abolishing the death penalty, which many Caribbean territories - including The Bahamas - want to keep on the books.

Eight in court over $341,000 drug seizure

SEVEN men and a woman, some of whom police believe to be members of a major organised drug trafficking ring, were remanded to prison yesterday after being charged in connection with a $341,000 drug seizure on Eastern Road last week.

Hard truth

Re: Lisa Johnson, US Chargé d’Affaires - ”Jet Ski Alert Came after Repeated Complaints by Embassy Ignored.”

Ranfurly Brown, a real man

THE Ghetto News Network (GNN) has confirmed that Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown has been stripped of his title Archdeacon because he did not apologise to Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie.

Minnis not the man to unite FNM

The Bahamas finds itself in a bit of a quandary. On one hand, there is a government that is so clueless that it has wreaked havoc on every foundational pillar of this civilised society and patted themselves on the back while doing so. Additionally, it seems that they have even more creative ways of increasing their destructive influence on this nation.

We must tackle the causes of crime

I was saddened to hear of the vicious home invasion inflicted on Rev Major and his family. It is depressing that elderly persons who have contributed greatly to the growth of our nation should suffer such fear and indignity.

Miller: BEC has stopped payment plans for electricity

THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation has reportedly “stopped payment plans” for overdue electricity accounts resulting in “hundreds” of persons being disconnected since November, according to former BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller.

Diplomat calls fellow Bahamians jackasses

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said diplomat Oswald Brown should apologise to taxpayers after characterising some Bahamians as a “cabal of jealous jackasses” as he defended businessman Franklyn Wilson from criticism over what qualified him for a Queen’s Honour.

Insurers say consultation on NHI is ‘worst ever’

THE Bahamas Insurance Association yesterday said their limited involvement in National Health Insurance discussions is the “worst experience” that the association has had “with any sitting government in an independent Bahamas.”

Minnis feels insulted by Gibson’s greed claim

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he is personally “insulted” by the “greedy” label put on members of the Consultant Physician Staff Association by Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson earlier this week.

Doubts over whether $100m will cover primary phase of NHI

BAHAMAS Insurance Association Deputy Chairman Lyrone Burrows yesterday said the group has a “significant concern” about whether $100m will actually cover the primary healthcare phase of National Health Insurance.

‘Wait times will go up under NHI’

LEADING surgeon Dr Duane Sands last night made a startling revelation that once the machinery of National Health Insurance is fully in motion, patients will likely face significant wait times as they seek medical attention in respective facilities, while he predicted “chaotic times” should the government move forward with its proposed healthcare scheme.

Delay in sentencing over Independence holiday murder

A MAN must wait an additional week before he is sentenced concerning a murder that occurred on a national holiday more than four years ago.

Rufa granted leave for judicial review of immigration move

CANADIAN Bruno Rufa has been granted leave by the Supreme Court to bring judicial review proceedings against Director of Immigration William Pratt for the decision taken to arbitrarily cancel and revoke his permission to remain in The Bahamas for 150 days.

Philosopher potcake on the road to recovery

The Tribune’s street philosopher, “Potcake”, has sent a message to his fans as he continues to recover from a reported hit and run accident.

More than 1,000 fed by Christian charity

SERVANTS of Jesus, in partnership with the Better World Foundation in Florida, held its second annual ‘Celebrate Jesus’ Christmas lunch for over 1,000 persons in three communities in Grand Bahama.

Heartbreaking loss for Buddy and No.1 Sooners

On the day that they earned their No.1 ranking, Buddy Hield and the Oklahoma Sooners suffered a big defeat at the James H Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, on Monday night.

Jr Fed, Davis Cup teams to represent Bahamas in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

THREE national teams from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association are expected to depart Nassau this month to represent The Bahamas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Cable’s first rights issue seeks $30.6m

Cable Bahamas yesterday said its first-ever rights offering will raise an extra $30.6 million in capital to finance “the growth opportunities” that will further boost shareholder value.

‘No concerns’ over Cuba NHI fall back plan

A well-known physician yesterday said he had “no concerns” should the Government import doctors from Cuba and abroad in a bid to overcome healthcare industry resistance to the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

‘11th hour’ tax changes creating Freeport fear

The Government has been urged by its own consultants to address “ease of doing business” concerns in Freeport, amid warnings that job-creating investment and expansion is being deterred by an increasingly unpredictable Bahamian tax policy.

New entrant is ‘dead in water’ on BTC stalling

A former Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) manager yesterday accused the incumbent carrier of an “unspoken corporate strategy” to prevent niche providers entering the market, after his fledgling business was left “dead in the water”.

Grand Lucayan ‘may sell’ for under $180m

The Government is seeking a “better owner” for Freeport’s Grand Lucayan resort, with its international advisers suggesting Hutchison Whampoa may be prepared to sell for less than $180 million.

Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown gets set for pre-Olympic showdown

WITH the deal signed and sealed for the return of his Bahamas Invitational Track Classic, veteran quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown can now concentrate on preparing for what could be his final Olympic Games appearance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August.

Jonquel Jones one of 30 candidates for Senior CLASS Award

GEORGE Washington Colonials senior Jonquel Jones was named one of 30 women’s basketball candidates for the Senior CLASS Award.

MLB coaching clinic will only help to take sport to next level

WITH Major League Baseball making its initial appearance in the Bahamas to put on a coaching clinic this weekend, Antoan Richardson said it will only help to take the sport to the next level.

Roberts says FNM is in chaos, Minnis ‘woefully wanting’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts launched a verbal assault against Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis last night, saying he is still “woefully wanting” three years after assuming the post.

Sports Notes

THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action on Monday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium with the College of the Bahamas Caribs and the PJ Stingers winning the double header. While the Caribs stunned the Double R Services Cleaners 81-63, the Stingers out-scored the Island Game Pros 101-95.

2nd Tour de Grand Bahama all set for next month

THE second annual Tour de Grand Bahama was announced during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism yesterday.

Great Harbour Cay Wahoo tourney another great success

THE seventh annual Great Harbour Cay Wahoo Tournament, held in honour of long time resident Jim Storey who fished this tournament for many years, was another great success.

‘Stark contrast’ to VAT

Insurance industry executives yesterday blasted the Government for “ploughing ahead” with a political agenda over National Health Insurance (NHI), and described the lack of consultation as a “stark contrast” to Value-Added Tax (VAT) implementation.

Insurer slam ‘vile’ attacks by Miller

The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday slammed Leslie Miller for what it called “vile and xenophobic” comments made about its chairman, Emmanuel Komolafe.

Police investigate crash that left one dead, five in hospital

POLICE are investigating an early morning three-car traffic collision that left one man dead and five other people in hospital on Sunday.

Dental sealants for adults

A dental sealant acts as a barrier to prevent cavities. It is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of back teeth by your dentist.

Our toxic world: the burden of toxins and the importance of detoxification

In the world in which we live today it is no longer an issue of “If you are toxic”, but “How toxic are you?”

Natural solution to osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. When cartilage loss occurs, the joint can deteriorate to the point of having bone rubbing against bone, causing severe chronic pain, loss of mobility and sometimes disability.

State violence and rape: where we seem to be today

This piece is in response to an awful outbreak of sexual violence and exploitation that the state claims is the fault of the people. The people struggle under the yoke of the state’s exploitation and the anger and violence they feel explodes in ways that show domination and power. Sexual violence is one of the leading expressions of the underclass’s need to dominate and release its anger and rage.

BUN IN THE OVEN: Bedtime blues

It can be very tiring taking care of an infant; many sleepless nights and fatigue can catch up with you.

Empowerment event aims to have women declaring 'I Am Enough'

SINCE its 2014 launch, the Beauty Beyond Feelings organisation has hosted two successful empowerment events for women, and now they are back with the third annual session under the theme “I Am Enough”.

Thousands of runners race for cancer awareness and wellness promotion

Mothers and fathers with their kids, Bahamians and visitors, young and old – they all came together last weekend to race for a cause.

New counselling centre offers 50 sessions for free

WITH so many Bahamians suffering from grief, hurt or loss, the D & R Professional Counselling Centre found it necessary to offer free sessions to the general public.

Live a Fulfilling Life: The energetics of food

“Let medicine be your food and food be your medicine,” said Hippocrates, the man with the reputation of being the father of Western medicine.

The other face of makeup artistry

THE local beauty industry has seen the interest in makeup artistry rocket over the past few years, with more and more Bahamians learning various techniques to make themselves and others look beautiful, often with the benefit of an additional income.

BAHAMIAN CLIMBS HIGHEST PEAK IN ANTARCTICA . . . NEXT STOP EVEREST

AMID temperatures that dipped blow zero, Richard Beek, 44, completed one of the world’s most gruelling tasks when he became the first Bahamian to reach the summit of Vinson Massif, the highest peak on Antarctica, earlier this month.

Young Bahamian lands internship at Google offices

Shaquille Hall is different, a focused, analytical 20-year-old who has chosen to be unfamiliar with the dangers of street life and familiar with his studies instead.

NASSAU LIFE: Our friends, the Chinese

We imagine a scene this week in the office of Perry G Christie, Prime Minister, joined by Philip “Brave” Davis, Deputy Prime Minister, Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and favourite speechwriter nicknamed “Bright Boy”. They are discussing his keynote address at this week’s Bahamas Business Outlook Conference.

POLITICOLE: A view from Atlanta of a Bahamian abroad

Every month of this year, PolitiCole is using this space to rally Bahamians living abroad (starting in America) to find out their hopes and plans for their native Bahamaland.

Response to Rufa letter

A letter written by Judson Demeritte in today’s edition of The Tribune makes certain assertions with regard to the actions of the Department of Immigration in the case of Bruno Rufa. The assertions made in the letter are materially incorrect and without foundation.

66 steps - so many questions

Much talk about the wedding at 66 Steps Saturday.

Sovereignty?

Excellent Editorial today (Jan 18, 2016– Fred Mitchell chides US Chargé d’Affaires).

FNM council

I would appreciate you allowing me the opportunity to respond to a letter written in your valuable newspaper on Thursday, January 14, 2014, under the caption “Call to arms for all true FNMs”, “I am also a former candidate in the Free National Movement (FNM), and currently sit in the General Council of the Free National Movement.

Gibson says Minnis comments on NHI most hypo critical in history

NATIONAL Insurance and Labour Minister Shane Gibson yesterday slammed Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for recently suggesting that the government’s National Health Insurance scheme may be ineffective without a catastrophic care package.

Union protest over cable rise

PRESIDENTS of respective unions that fall under the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas are expected to protest tomorrow in Parliament square over Cable Bahamas’ alleged failure to fully honour its heads of agreement following URCA’s approval for the company to increase its rates.

Triple murder trial delay over lack of jurors

A TRIPLE murder trial did not begin in the Supreme Court yesterday due to an absent jury pool for the empanelling process.

‘How many workers at The Pointe are Bahamian?’

ST ANNE’S MP Hubert Chipman yesterday questioned whether the Christie administration was aware of the number of work permits it issued to foreigner labourers currently employed at The Pointe, as he blasted the government for failing to believe in Bahamians as they have continuously declared.

Residents praise NHI registration process

RESIDENTS yesterday praised the National Insurance Board for conducting a “professional” and “efficient” registration process for National Health Insurance (NHI).

Minister slams ‘greedy’ doctors

NATIONAL Insurance and Labour Minister Shane Gibson yesterday criticised the Consultant Physician Staff Association for not supporting National Health Insurance, suggesting that the senior doctors are more interested in “making the mighty dollar” than saving lives.

First year of VAT to bring in $250m over estimate

THE government has collected approximately $510m in value added tax revenue from January to November 2015, according to Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis.

DevCO: Just 14 $250k-plus sales over 15 years

The Grand Bahama Development Company (DevCO) closed just 14 sales worth more than $250,000 over a 15-year period, leading to recommendations it be ‘incentivised’ via the imposition of real property taxes.

NHI: Gov’t ‘won’t be held hostage’

A Cabinet minister yesterday pledged that the Government will “not be held hostage” over its National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation plans, after senior public sector doctors refused to sign-on as providers.

Container Port in 20-30% share cut over tax breaks

The Freeport Container Port’s market share could be slashed by 20-30 per cent if the city’s expiring tax breaks are not renewed, with more than 60 per cent of existing cargo volumes put “at risk”.

1,100 job loss ‘trade off’ for $100m taxes

Freeport’s economy could lose up to 1,100 jobs if the Government were to ‘trade off’ employment for $80-$100 million in extra revenue generated by allowing the city’s key tax breaks to expire.

Sex attack on woman by robber

POLICE are hunting for a man who sexually assaulted a woman and stole her vehicle late Sunday night.

Man in hospital after shootout with police

A MAN is in serious condition in hospital after he was shot by police late Sunday night.

Marathon Bahamas winners in the spotlight

Despite the interruption of the rain, a pair of Americans - Jonathan Volpi and Amos Desjardins - emerged as the overall male champions of the 7th annual Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas full marathon and half marathon at Arawak Cay yesterday. The women champions were Frenchwoman Marina Peron and Bahamian Vanessa Forbes.

Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational returning for 2nd edition

IT’S official. The Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational is returning for a second edition and it promises to be much better than the initial one in 2013 as the majority of athletes will be using the event as a springboard for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Higgs, Grant playing pivotal role in Big 12

A pair of Bahamian women basketball players have made an immediate impact on their programmes in an elite Division I power conference.

Gov’t in fund for ‘catastrophic care’

A special fund will be established to cover ‘catastrophic care’ when the Government launches National Health Insurance’s (NHI) primary health care phase in April, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Celebrating my year of mischief and mayhem in major leagues

TODAY is exactly one year that I started my new ‘big’ gig at Radio House and The Tribune.

Sports Notes

CHAMPION Amateur Boxing Club is scheduled to present its ‘Back on Track’ amateur boxing show 7pm January 30 at the Wulff Road Boxing Square.

AG hails success after seven murder trials within a year of charge

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson believes that the success of having seven murders tried in 2015 within one year of charge proves that the legal system can work.

Church calls for national youth service in crime fight

THE METHODIST Church has reiterated its call for a national youth service to be considered in the fight against crime in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Rape suspect to face further mental testing

A MAN awaiting trial concerning the rape of a 17-year-old American girl in San Salvador will undergo further psychiatric evaluation after alleging that the court’s previous order was not carried out.

Appeal over husband’s murder to be held in March

THE substantive Court of Appeal hearing for a woman convicted of killing her husband will now be heard in March.

Archdeacon stripped of role after months of disputes

THE reported stripping of I Ranfurly Brown as an archdeacon effective next month was the result of months of contention between the embattled church leader and Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd, The Tribune was told.

Public doctors’ NHI rejection ‘very significant’

Senior public sector doctors have sent “a very significant” message to the Government by refusing to support its National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, a well-known physician said yesterday.

‘We’re not giving our guys a chance’

The Government was yesterday urged to enforce the requirement for Bahamians to understudy foreign workers, amid ongoing controversy over the seemingly minimal local workforce at the $250 million British Colonial Hilton expansion

Jones named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week for 5th time this season

GEORGE Washington Colonials women’s basketball senior forward Jonquel Jones was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week for the second week in a row and the fifth time this season, the league announced yesterday. The award covers games played January 11-17.

Nashad Mackey helping to lead Falcons to a national ranking

A SEAMLESS transition to the JuCo game, Nashad Mackey has excelled in his freshman season as he helps lead his programme to a national ranking.

‘Tiger’ Finlayson’s wife wins $280,000 condo

A $280,000 condominium in the new Venetian West community - the grand prize in a three-month promotion run by BTC, Island Luck and Brickell Management - has been won by Lady Rowena Finlayson, wife of businessman Sir Garet ‘Tiger’ Finlayson.

THE BIG QUESTION: What would YOU do to improve the nation's healthcare?

As the debate over National Health Insurance rages on, The Tribune is asking readers: What would YOU do to improve the nation's healthcare?

Zika alert: Pregnant women advised to avoid countries with outbreaks of latest moquito-borne virus

THE Ministry of Health in the Bahamas is monitoring the spread of the Zika virus, which has been found in several Latin American and Caribbean countries, Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez said yesterday.

Bran: ‘How many must die before we carry out capital punishment?’

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday asked “how many more must die” to violence before lawmakers do what is necessary to protect the public and carry out capital punishment.

Cut out the press releases

I thought of a good New Year’s resolution for The Tribune.

What else is being hidden?

Why should it have taken a press interview of the Head of the US Embassy here to find out that the recent rape was not the first but there were at least four more, but no one hear about them?

Rufa case hurts our nation

I know nothing at all about Canadian Freeport resident Bruno Rufa personally as a human being, nothing of his interests, hobbies, personal characteristics or otherwise.

Fred Mitchell chides US Chargé d’Affaires for rape statement

THE opinion of Foreign Affairs/Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell gets more worrying every day. No wonder government is dragging its feet on the Freedom of Information Act.

New ambulance left up in the air after morning collision

ONE of the “state of the art” ambulances handed to the Public Hospitals Authority last month was yesterday morning involved in a crash at the junction of Blue Hill Road and Soldier Road in southern New Providence.

Memories employee has permit withdrawn after controversy

THE Department of Immigration has withdrawn the right to work of an employee of the Memories Resort in Grand Bahama and has initiated steps to have the person leave the country, according to a press statement released on Friday.

$55,000 raised by Butler-Turner for hurricane relief

THE efforts Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner has made to rebuild her island following Hurricane Joaquin “absolutely” demonstrates the kind of “strong, dedicated leadership” of which the country needs more.

Pharmacist dies as motorbike hits utility pole

A PHARMACIST died in a traffic accident in Long Island over the weekend when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a utility pole.

Equal rights referendum ‘should not be delayed’

CHIEF Justice Sir Hartman Longley has urged that equal rights for Bahamian women should not be delayed by critics who believe an amendment to the Constitution would facilitate the legality of same sex marriage.

Minnis condemns ‘false hope’ being sold over Baha Mar

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has hit out at the Christie administration for continuing to “sell false hope” over the stalled Baha Mar resort, as thousands of the hotel’s former employees remain out of work and Bahamian contractors are owed millions.

Bravery by police officer as he foils robbery

AN “act of bravery” by a police officer who “jumped into action and foiled an armed robbery” resulted in two armed men being shot and taken into custody on Sunday, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.

As NHI looms, doctors say: NO

HOURS before Bahamians were expected to begin registering for National Health Insurance, the Consultant Physician Staff Association decided yesterday that it will not support the government’s proposed scheme.

FNM deputy: Is BEC deal ‘bogged down’?

The Opposition’s deputy leader has urged the Government and PowerSecure to update the Bahamian people on the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) takeover process, and expressed fears that negotiations had “bogged down”.

Five arrested in drug trafficking swoop

POLICE arrested five people early on Thursday morning who they believe to be members of a “major drug trafficking ring”.

Chief Justice calls for judiciary to control funds

THE judiciary would be more efficient if it received additional funding and had control of its own finances, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley has said.

$4.5trn manager: ‘No bidding war for Port’

The world’s largest asset manager demanded that there be “no bidding war” as a condition for it to enter talks to purchase the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

Dealers chief’s 80% auto import slash

A leading dealer says he reduced new auto imports by 80 per cent during 2015’s fourth quarter, in a bid to align them with a market that has shrunk by more than one-third.

Babak sought ‘total GBPA sale control’

Two guardians for the late Sir Jack Hayward’s family trust were allegedly removed so Hannes Babak and Andre Feldman could gain complete control of talks to sell the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to the world’s largest asset manager.

Gov’t urged to address service charge ‘inequity’

The Government has been urged to address “the gross inequities” in Freeport’s service charges, an outspoken QC suggesting it was among the issues potentially being ignored in its Hawksbill Creek Agreement review.

Two arrested over drugs find

TWO men are in police custody following the seizure of a quantity of dangerous drugs on Saturday.

MARATHON BAHAMAS: The thrill of victory (with photo gallery)

Despite the interruption of the rain, a pair of Americans - Jonathan Volpi and Amos Desjardins - emerged as the overall male champions of the 7th annual Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas full marathon and half marathon at Arawak Cay yesterday. The women champions were Frenchwoman Marina Peron and Bahamian Vanessa Forbes.

‘Low point’ winners take the spotlight at Swift swim meet

WITH a change in the format for the meet as the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2016 season officially got underway, there were some new names that surfaced at the conclusion of the Swift Swimming Heptathlon Meet.

Outstanding performances at T-Bird Flyers track meet

WITH the CARIFTA Games fast approaching, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is hoping that the athletes will start making the qualifying standards to go to Grenada.

Tureano ‘one fist closer’ to fighting Golovkin

THE decision on who will face IBF, IBO, WBA middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin has come down to Bahamian Tureano Johnson now that Englishman Billy Joe Saunders has been ruled out by his camp.

‘Tum Tum’ likely out for ‘couple of weeks’ due to foot injury

THE college basketball weekend produced mixed results for several of our Bahamian basketball players at the Division I level.

Jonquel Jones posts double double in 70-52 victory over Duquesne

SENIOR Jonquel Jones scored 23 points and pulled down 18 rebounds to lead the George Washington Colonials women’s basketball team to a 70-52 win over No. 25 Duquesne at the A.J. Palumbo Center yesterday.

Sports notes

MAJOR League Baseball has announced that it will hold a coaching clinic in Nassau - the first of its kind on the island - January 23-24.

Fly Fishing Bills set for February House arrival

The Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources is hoping to table legislation that will regulate the fly fishing industry in Parliament by mid-February .

Gov’t reclaims 60 farm land parcels

The Government last year reclaimed 60 parcels of agricultural land that were being improperly used, with some acting as locations for churches and other activities that violated lease agreements.

Two in hospital after shootings, man dies in motorcycle crash

Police are searching for suspects after separate shooting incidents on Friday night and Saturday morning.

AG: We are working hard to fix legal system

AGREEING that the legal system in the Bahamas has been broken for a long time, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson pledged on Friday that efforts are being made to fix it.

Immigration Dept investigating three 'matters of national import'

THE Department of Immigration is investigating three “matters of national import” after receiving complaints and reports of irregularities in recent weeks.

Haiti reports cases of mosquito-borne Zika virus

HAITI is reporting its first cases of a mosquito-borne virus that is rapidly spreading in the Americas and now appearing in the Caribbean is suspected of causing over 3,500 birth defects in Brazil.

Sean McWeeney, QC, meets Pope Francis

SEAN McWeeney QC, the Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See, attended the Pope’s annual keynote address to the diplomatic corps in Rome this week, at which the primary focus was the issue of migration.

Man loses appeal against attempted murder conviction

A MAN who maintains that police framed him over the daylight robbery of a Scotiabank branch had his hopes dashed by the Court of Appeal on Thursday when his appeal against convictions for attempted murder and other serious crimes were dismissed.

Archdeacon tells members of the judiciary 'legal system is broken'

IN A hard-hitting sermon, Archdeacon Harry Bain told members of the judiciary and the legal profession at a special service to mark the opening of the legal year in Grand Bahama on Friday that “the legal system is broken” and “spiralling out of control”.

One in custody, search for four others over robbery and assault of pastor

POLICE have one man in custody and are searching for four others in connection with the armed robbery and assault of Pastor Rex Major on Thursday morning.

Education and the elusive cure for poverty

Brad L Brasseur explores the current problems in creating good education for the poor in developing nations and looks at some of the solutions.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Life’s a beach for Bahamians - so lift the blockades

After listening to my good friend Steve McKinney on his most objective, thorough and well-researched talk show ‘Hard Copy’ my mouth was agape.

Bamboozled

Can someone explain to me the reason for the treatment of. Monique Gomez, the President of the women’s association of the FNM, who was denied the nomination for the South Beach Constituency, after working assiduously in the area non-stop from the last election to be treated with such disdain.

Time to unite with Minnis

The attack on Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard in your paper today by a former Candidate and Council Member of the party is unwarranted and most distressing.

What is the solution to escalating crime?

THIS COUNTRY is being suffocated by crime. When you open your Tribune today, you will be confronted by a front page that will make your blood run cold – “Pastor beaten and family terrorised”; “Missing policeman’s body found in Grand Bahama”; “Police officer accused of sex attacks on minors” and “Jet ski rape alert came after repeated complaint by US Embassy ignored”.

Man shot in front of his Yellow Elder Gardens home

POLICE are on the hunt for the occupants of a gold Honda Accord who shot a man early on Thursday morning in front of his home in Yellow Elder Gardens.

Five arrests in connection with 'major drug trafficking ring'

POLICE arrested five people early on Thursday morning who they believe to be members of a “major drug trafficking ring”.

Abaco, Long Island and Exuma to get new weather radars

THE GOVERNMENT is planning to purchase at least three additional "state of the art" Doppler weather radars for approximately $18 million to strengthen the country's weather tracking services, Department of Meteorology Director Trevor Basden said on Friday.

Bahamian weather experts to give BNT presentation

TWO authorities on the Bahamian climate - former College of the Bahamas geography lecturer Neil Sealey and Department of Meteorology forecaster Wayne Neely - will give a joint presentation at the Village Road headquarters of The Bahamas National Trust on Wednesday, January 20.

Passport Office closed on Friday

THE Passport Office on Thompson Boulevard closed on Friday to allow for fumigation of the premises, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has announced.

Police officer accused of sex attacks on minors

A POLICE officer appeared in Magistrate’s Court arraigned on multiple charges concerning the alleged sexual assault of two minors entrusted to his care dating as far back as 2005.

Jet ski alert came after repeated complaints by Embassy ignored

DESPITE persistent complaints from American officials over the past few years the watersports industry in The Bahamas has not been properly regulated, US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson told the press yesterday.

Miller: What world does Chief Justice live in?

A DAY after Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley said it would take a “massacre” before the death penalty is carried out, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller called that line of thinking “utterly ridiculous and stupid.”

Pastor beaten and family terrorised

PROMINENT Pastor Rex Major was gun butted and robbed in his home early Thursday morning by armed intruders who also attempted to sexually assault his daughter.

Hurricane Alex weakens after passing Azores

A RARE January hurricane in the Atlantic weakened to a tropical storm on Friday morning after moving over the Azores.

Real estate needs ‘bread and butter’

The real estate market needs its Bahamian “bread and butter” buyers to return if it is to mount a full recovery, a well-known realtor yesterday suggesting it was becoming increasingly difficult for locals to afford homes.

Regulators nip the Shockers 83-82, Athletico Bahamas gets 96-73 win over Elite Basketball

ATHLETICO Bahamas and Mr Ship It Regulators pulled off victories in the New Providence Basketball Association at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

THE FINISH LINE: First All Girls High School Basketball tourney shows there’s no lack of talent

BROTHERS Shane and Eric Gibson Jr should be commended for the effort they put forth in partnering with the Ministry of Local Government to kee the memory of their late father alive in the staging of the second annual King Eric All-For-One Family Island Regatta.

Sports notes

THE first meet for the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2016 season will be the Swift/Gunite Pools Invitational January 15-16 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

Dasani water to quench thirst on race weekend

FOR the fourth consecutive year, Coca-Cola is supporting the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend. And this year all participants can be hydrated with Dasani water during the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and Marathon Bahamas.

Champions crowned in Freedom Baptist’s 3rd annual Majority Rule Basketball Tournament

FOUR champions were crowned in Freedom Baptist Academy’s third annual Majority Rule Basketball Tournament at the CI Gibson Gymnasium over the weekend.

Let’s get set for the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend

SUNSHINE Insurance Race Weekend is set to once again captivate the attention of the country with thousands of participants, volunteers and spectators taking to the streets of Nassau for competition in aid of a worthy cause.

Defending champs Cobras stay atop GSSSA standings

WHAT looked like a blowout win early turned to a dogfight down the stretch as the defending GSSSA champions stayed atop the league standings.

Bahamas on ‘right track’ to host Commonwealth Youth Games

THE Bahamas Government and the Bahamas Olympic Committee went all out over the last few days to ensure that Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, gives the Bahamas a favourable response in the bid to host the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

VIDEO: Humpback whale spotted close to New Providence

A HUMPBACK whale has been spotted in waters just two miles off New Providence, with local dive officials yesterday claiming they have never seen the species venture so far into the Bahamian archipelago.

NHI meeting in Freeport

AS THE government moves towards introducing National Health Insurance (NHI), private medical professionals in Freeport yesterday met a team from the Ministry of Health and NHI Secretariat to review details of the proposed design for the primary healthcare model and to discuss different options by which providers will participate in NHI.

Clubs and Societies 01152016

Cycling Club Bahamas. - The Cycling Club will be holding its social on Friday, January 29, from 6pm-9pm. Venue to be announced.

Man awaiting murder trial to submit alibi within 21 days

A MAN awaiting trial on a murder charge said he would submit an alibi to the Office of the Attorney General within 21 days.

Difference of views in battle against extradition

TWO lawyers on record for five men fighting extradition were at odds in the Supreme Court yesterday about a new application filed by one of the five wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges.

Celebrity artist presents work to Kevin Hart

ONE OF the world’s top entertainers who is regarded as ‘the funniest man in America’ was almost stuck for a line when he was presented with a specially-commissioned portrait by Jamaal Rolle, aka The Celebrity Artist, recently.

PM ‘has endorsed views of Roberts’

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused Prime Minister Perry Christie of “endorsing” PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts’ recent “nasty characterisation” of the FNM’s newly ratified candidates for fear of being voted out of office.

Police hunt armed robbery suspects

POLICE are seeking the public’s assistance in locating three suspects responsible for two armed robberies that occurred on January 14.

US says local legal changes needed to stop gun trafficking

THE Bahamas won’t see relief to its gun trafficking problems by policy changes at the executive and congressional levels of the United States government but instead through local legislative changes and strong ties between local and US authorities designed to dismantle criminal smuggling rings, US Chargé d’ Affaires Lisa Johnson said yesterday.

Meet the first babies of 2016

THE holiday season tends to come with a lot of gifts, but what better than the gift of a precious life?

PM ‘unnecessarily raising Baha Mar expectations’

The Prime Minister was yesterday urged by a former Baha Mar director to stop “unnecessarily raising the Bahamian people’s expectations” that the $3.5 billion project’s fate will be resolved quickly, adding: “It’s out of his control.”

Oil ‘majors’ in talks on Bahamas exploration

The Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) is in talks with “major” oil industry players over a $100 million joint venture partnership for its first $100 million exploratory well, and renewed its pledge to eventually offer shares to local investors via dual listing on BISX.

Top realtor firm’s normal growth rate halved during 2015

A leading real estate firm’s typical 10 per cent year-over-year sales growth rate was halved in 2015, with its principal yesterday calling for the Bahamas to “make it easier” for foreign buyers to invest.

Xmas ‘didn’t measure up’ for Super Value

Super Value’s owner yesterday said its three-week Christmas period “didn’t measure up to last year”, with total sales revenues down around 5 per cent year-over-year.

Companies challenged to offer internships

Bahamian businesses were yesterday urged to to offer more internships as a way of recruiting high school students, a move one academic believes could ultimately help curb this nation’s ‘brain drain’.

IAN FERGUSON: ‘Taking stock’ of a cultural change

At the start of a new calendar year, most companies assess their past performance with the aim of improving upon that in the coming 12 months.

Insurance chief urges PPP over storm risks

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman yesterday said a public-private partnership (PPP) is required to manage risks associated with catastrophic events such as hurricanes.

Switch to electric autos, firms told

Bahamian companies were yesterday urged to consider changing their vehicle fleet to electric cars, a move hailed as “good for the pocket and the environment”.

A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Enforce the rule of law throughout The Bahamas

The rule of law, as noted by the great philosopher Aristotle, is preferable to that of any individual.

Police and family devastated as body of missing officer found

THE body of a missing Grand Bahama police officer was discovered on Thursday afternoon in the area of the North Star Resort on Fortune Bay Drive, Freeport, leaving police officers and family members devastated.

VIEW FROM AFAR: Why removing exchange controls now is so vital

Over the years, I have written about exchange controls and why they should be removed a number of times. Unfortunately, my reasoning has not convinced those in authority.

Looking back on ten years leading, looking ahead to debate on the EU

LAST month marked the tenth anniversary of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s leadership of the ruling Conservative party. Having emerged unexpectedly to take the helm of his party after only five years as a Member of Parliament, he became prime minister in 2010 at the age of 43, assuming charge of the first coalition government in Britain since the Second World War.

RBDF on patrol after jet ski alert

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force has deployed watercraft in its operations around New Providence to conduct patrols in the wake of reports concerning criminal activities occurring on beaches on or near New Providence, a statement from the RBDF said.

Call to arms for all true FNMs

FREE National Movement chairman Michael Pintard has either been left out in the cold by the party’s leadership or he is being less than straightforward with the Bahamian people.

PM: Huge number of investors interested in Baha Mar

PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday there are a “huge number” of internationally recognisable corporate names interested in investing in Baha Mar and he is doing “all he can” to ensure construction is restarted “very soon”.

The death penalty is ‘virtually dead’ says CJ

SPEAKING at the opening of the Legal Year for 2016 yesterday, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley made it clear that the death penalty for “The Bahamas is virtually dead”.

More courts needed, warns Chief Justice

MORE courts will be needed to rid the judicial system of the extensive backlog in criminal cases, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley said yesterday.

What has Bimini cruise ship cost the Bahamas, asks Turnquest

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday raised questions over the financial shortfalls incurred by The Bahamas amid the cancelation of the Resorts World Bimini’s cruise ship.

Carnival Commission holds first meeting

THE Bahamas National Festival Commission held its first meeting yesterday ahead of the second Junkanoo Carnival and has been asked to devise a plan to uplift Bahamian culture, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said.

Former MP blasts FNM council changes

AN ANGRY former Free National Movement MP yesterday blasted party executives over the removal of certain Central Council members, despite party Chairman Michael Pintard’s emphatic statement that past election hopefuls would not be excluded from the body.

Doctors still 'left in the dark' on NHI legislation

LOCAL physicians are growing “increasingly sour” over the government’s handling of National Health Insurance and are still “just as much in the dark as the general public” over the scheme’s implementation, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Duane Sands said.

Rare January hurricane forms in Atlantic, threatens Azores

MIAMI (AP) — A rare January hurricane formed far out in the Atlantic on Thursday, and U.S. officials said it was the first hurricane to form in the month of January since 1938.

Hunt for gunmen who terrorised Pastor Rex Major and family at home

POLICE are looking for five gunmen who reportedly broke into the home Pastor Rex Major this morning and terrorized his family.

Attorney General: Be more hesitant to grant bail

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, QC, yesterday urged the judiciary to be more hesitant to grant bail in cases of murder and other serious offences.

Death penalty only for a massacre

CHIEF Justice Sir Hartman Longley yesterday said it would take a massacre similar to the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris for the death penalty to be imposed in The Bahamas.

More than 50% of NTA graduates find new jobs after training

MORE than half of the graduates from the National Training Agency have found full time employment in the private and government sector, according to NTA Director Agatha Marcelle.

RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Divisional Playoffs

Redemption for Palmer, Seahawks to end Panthers’ dream season

IT’S certainly clear that everything the 2015-2016 NFL season lacked, last weekend’s wildcard round made up for.

NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Divisional playoffs

Steelers to feel the chill in Denver

THREE out of four not too bad - that’s what I get for picking the Redskins!

SANCHESKA Vs RENALDO: WILL SANNIE PREVAIL?

SANNIE: I have to keep riding with Tom Brady, he brought me luck this far, so why would I stop now?

NCAA: Tavario Miller and the Aggies off to perfect start

BAHAMIAN players continue to excel in men’s NCAA Basketball Division I as conference play gets underway.

Pancake accepts Bahamas LPGA Classic invitation

FOURTH-year LPGA player Brooke Pancake, a member of the Pure Silk promotional team, accepted a sponsor invitation to compete in the fourth annual Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, tournament officials have announced.

Coaching clinic to feature MLB Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar

A PARTNERSHIP between the Bahamas and Major League Baseball that was discussed late last year has produced its first event.

Magnum returns to the pros

Magnum Rolle has returned to the professional basketball ranks in Asia.

On Da Hook

THIS week many Bahamians took advantage of the long weekend, not only to celebrate Majority Rule Day but to hit their favourite fishing spot.

Moss: Power company is making massive profits

MARCO City MP Gregory Moss said that the Grand Bahama Power Company is making massive profits and is now seeking to increase electricity base rates before URCA begins to regulate them.

Pastor accuses port of siding with power company

COALITION of Concerned Citizens Convener Pastor Eddie Victor is accusing Grand Bahama Port Authority Co-chairman Sarah St George of not acting like a regulator, but more as a spokesperson for the Grand Bahama Power Company.

Committee meets to probe Stellar Waste contributions

THE Committee of Privilege sanctioned by Speaker of the House of Assembly Dr Kendal Major to probe claims made by Stellar Waste to Energy CEO Dr Fabrizio Zanaboni that MPs from both major parties have requested small contributions to aid their constituencies while his company had business before the government held its first sitting yesterday.

Insurers hold back data after poor quality of NHI consultation

DISAPPOINTED with the quality of consultation between itself and the government, the Bahamas Insurance Association has decided not to share key industry data about the nature of health insurance in the Bahamas with the Christie administration as the date for National Health Insurance registration nears.

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT AFTER MAN SHOT IN ROBBERY

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect responsible for an armed robbery and shooting that left a man in hospital on Tuesday.

Only one dollar in five of foreign direct investment trickles down

RESEARCH by the National Development Plan Secretariat has found that only about 20 per cent of profits from foreign direct investment in the Bahamas trickles down throughout society, shedding a dim view on the prudence of decades worth of decisions via partnerships between the Bahamian government and foreign investors.

Chief Justice calls for juries to be scrapped in death penalty cases

JURY trials should be abolished or restricted to criminal cases where the potential for the imposition of the death penalty arises, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley said yesterday.

FNM deputy queries Bimini ferry ‘subsidy’

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday questioned how much the Government had committed in subsidies to Resorts World Bimini’s now-ceased cruise service, suggesting it had generated few taxpayer and economic benefits.

Insurers refuse NHI data co-operation

Bahamian health insurers last night “unanimously” withdrew all co-operation with the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) costing exercise, due to the latter “entirely ignoring” advice submitted by themselves and others.

Crime yet to cause investors to flee

Escalating crime levels have yet to cause any existing or potential investors to flee the Bahamas, the Government’s investments minister said yesterday.

‘Perfect storm’ fear on Business Licence

Fears were mounting yesterday that the Government’s Business Licence reforms may create “a perfect storm” for the private sector, amid further calls for the filing deadline and $100,000 certification threshold to be changed.

Bradford Marine eyes sale ‘options’

Bradford Marine’s general manager yesterday confirmed that the yacht repair facility is considering sales offers, with the likely buyer a multi-billion dollar private equity fund that recently eyed the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

Xmas charity donations decrease by nearly 20%

MAJOR charitable organisations saw a decrease in donations of up to 20 per cent this past Christmas, with Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts thought to have already strained the pockets of potential donors.

Chamber eyes ‘critical’ trade mission to India

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday described its upcoming trade mission to India as “critical” to expanding opportunities for Bahamian commerce.

Tourism backs ‘zero tolerance’ for jet ski law violators

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has pledged its support for efforts to “strictly enforce” watersports industry regulations, and backed a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards violators.

ART OF GRAPHIX: Colouring perceptions for consumer attention

Today’s marketplace is bombarded with products that are trying to get our attention at every turn, making it challenging for yours to stand out immediately from the crowd. Based on the way our natural senses function, colour is the best attention-getter, followed by shapes, symbols and, finally, words.

YOUR SAY: The new Bahamas - a resilient and progressive people

THE Bahamas is a country where we embrace the commonly held belief that with hard work and determination, each and every citizen can achieve success.

FNM candidates

CAN someone explain to me the reason for the disdainful treatment of Monique Gomez, the President of the women’s association of the Free National Movement, who was denied the nomination for the South Beach constituency after working assiduously in the area non-stop from the last election?

GEORGE SMITH: My right to fairness

ON December 24, 2015, I was given an unexpected gift in the pages of The Tribune. Adrian Gibson in his column, “A Young Man’s View”, regurgitated portions of the 1984 Commission of Inquiry Report as it related to me.

Lethal weapon?

Perhaps the owner of this 5/16 inch sheet metal sign, which blew out of its frame, at the Fort Montagu/Shirley Street junction last week would like to pick it up and dispose of it.

Bachelor MPs should not be PM

In early December renowned South Floridian radio personality Joyce Kaufman and a female guest on her 850 WFTL afternoon show discussed the unlikelihood of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham – a 60-year-old bachelor becoming the next president of the United States.

Changes to water sports industry after US alert

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday announced immediate changes to the water sports industry in New Providence, including increased surveillance of the industry’s operations.

Lawyer says ferry failed to justify hype and disruption

A PROMINENT lawyer has called the end of Resorts World Bimini’s (RWB) SuperFast ferry a tragedy, labeling it as proof that the nation’s “selfish leaders can so easily take us down the proverbial garden path.”

College pays tribute to slain lecturer

THE death of College of the Bahamas lecturer Anthony Butler has left the institution in disbelief, with one of his former colleagues telling The Tribune that the “loving, caring family man” will be sorely missed by all with whom he came into contact.

Wilchcombe: We need to stop gun smugglers

MINISTER of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe has said the country needs to tighten its borders in an effort to clamp down on the proliferation of gun smuggling from the United States.

Policeman held for sex attack

A POLICE constable was taken into custody yesterday afternoon in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor female, The Tribune understands.

Fair to bring history to life for hundreds of Bahamians

HUNDREDS of Bahamians are expected to pack the grounds of Collins House on Shirley Street on February 6 when the Historic Bahamas Foundation and a dozen sister NGOs host the first fair of its kind – a trinkets to treasures sale and extravaganza with shared proceeds benefitting more than a dozen causes and thousands of Bahamians.

Sports notes

MAJOR League Baseball has announced that it will hold a coaching clinic in Nassau - the first of its kind on the island - January 23-24.

‘The Natural’ to be inducted in Florida Hall of Fame

FIVE years after he walked away from the ring as one of the most successful Bahamian boxers, Evander Freeman ‘the Natural’ Barr is going into the Florida Hall of Fame.

Bahamian players are ‘bright spots’ in NCAA Division I

BAHAMIAN basketball players at the NCAA Division I level have been brights early in conference play for their respective programmes.

Jonquel Jones named National Player of the Week

GEORGE Washington Colonials senior forward Jonquel Jones was named the Ann Meyers Drysdale Women’s National Player of the Week for games played January 4-10, the US Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) announced yesterday.

AMERICAN MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER FIREARM FIND

A 63-year-old American citizen is in police custody after he was found in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN COURT FOR HEARING

A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday for a case management hearing.

Roberts blast at candidates is ‘old, nasty politics’

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard said the unsolicited criticism from PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts about the FNM’s newly ratified candidates reflects the “old nasty style of politics” right-thinking Bahamians are moving away from.

Minnis pledges govt of fiscal responsibility

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday pledged to create a “new Bahamas” if elected prime minister in 2017 by being “fiscally responsible, intolerant of corruption, and transparent” in the execution of his duties.

Anti-doping commission warns over allegations in Al Jazeera documentary

THE Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission has warned local sports bodies to “disassociate” themselves from allegations of doping raised in a report by international news agency Al Jazeera last month.

Bahamas will ‘get to grips with’ open up for arbitration

A former Bar Association (BBA) president yesterday said he was optimistic the Bahamas would “come to grips” with permitting foreign attorneys and other specialists to enter this nation in order to develop an international arbitration centre.

Ex-BEC chief: ‘No knowledge’ put on Board

A former Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) general manager believes he was appointed “without my knowledge” to the same company Board on which the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s architects also sat as directors.

Resorts World yet to make Bimini all-year

Resorts World Bimini (RWB) has yet to live up to its promise of turning the island into a year-round tourist destination, several residents residents told Tribune Business yesterday, amid the developer’s transportation restructuring.

Exuma ‘retarded’ by $14m clinic’s two idle years

Exuma’s economic growth is being “retarded” by the two-year wait to open the island’s $14 million mini-hospital, its Chamber of Commerce president yesterday describing the facility as “a source of confusion”.

Bid to prevent proliferation of web shops by regulators

MONTHS after licenses were issued to eight web shop operators officially sanctioning their gaming activities in this country, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday that regulators are looking at ways to limit the proliferation of gaming houses in the country.

Bahamian broker in $25m sanction

A former Bahamian broker/dealer and its principal have been hit with a combined $24.484 million in financial sanctions by a US court, which found that their “ill gotten gains” were likely higher than allowed for by federal regulators.

judge asked to impose maximum penalty on pair guilty of attempted raid that left man dead

A JUDGE has been asked to impose the maximum penalties of imprisonment for two men convicted of playing a role in the death of a former Ocean Club employee who was killed during a failed robbery.

Sir Ronald Sanders appointed president of OAS Permanent Council

ANTIGUA and Barbuda’s Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders today assumed office as the President of the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Replace ‘green’ talk with action in 2016

I want to challenge my readers – both companies and individuals - to make this resolution: Add more green to your 2016. I want to challenge my readers – both companies and individuals - to make this resolution: Add more green to your 2016.

Web shop spread curbs ‘critical’

A Cabinet minister said yesterday that curbing the spread of web shops across the Bahamas “is still fundamental” to the Government’s gaming industry reforms.

Bahamas to match world leaders via UN model reforms

The Government’s plans to adopt United Nations (UN) model law into Bahamian legislation will enable this nation to match leading international arbitration jurisdictions for “high quality service’, a legal specialist said yesterday.

Minister: Bimini will still have ferry service

The Minister of Tourism said yesterday that Bimini would likely benefit from more overnight visitors with Resorts World’s (RWB) decision to reintroduce non-stop commercial flights to the island from Florida, but promised: “We are not going to allow Bimini to not have a ferry service.”

Daughter of COB lecturer charged with his murder

A WOMAN arraigned yesterday in connection with her father's murder may undergo a psychiatric evaluation during her remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services because of statements she made in court.

Live a Fulfilling Life: A New Year

A new year usually sparks ideas for change. You’ve been through 365 days of feeling happy about some things, disappointed, frustrated, lonely, unhealthy, and unfulfilled about others. Each year we tend to take account of how we want our lives to be different. So now, in 2016, what will you resolve to change?

Studio Ohana – A yoga space to call home

A fresh new team of yoga instructors are excited to open the doors to their new space, Studio Ohana, where Bahamians and visitors alike are welcome to experience fitness in a way they never thought possible.

New Year’s resolutions

New Year’s resolutions – how unoriginal of a topic! I am certain that everyone and their grandparents are talking about New Year’s resolutions right now. That being said, I am still most definitely going to talk about it simply because it is worth talking about.

Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment

Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms.

Saving hair lines

Take a stroll along Bay Street or in the Mall at Marathon and take a good look at the hair lines of women. You will notice that many of those hair lines are receding, thinned out, or non-existent. You will also notice that you can actually see them.

Helping women achieve their dreams of wealth

THE start of a new year for many people means new self-imposed rules or commitments regarding one’s dating life, diet, exercise, work and finances.

POLITICOLE: The view from a Bahamian abroad

EVERY month of this year, PolitiCole is using this space to rally Bahamians living abroad (starting in America), to find out their hopes and plans for their native Bahamaland.

Fighting crime

I refer to the headline in Tuesday’s January 5, 2016 publication of The Nassau Guardian, entitled; “Change Leaders – in Crime Fight” and the comments of Mr Quinn McCartney, former Deputy Commissioner of Police. It appears, that the former DCP is blaming the Commissioner of Police, his executive team and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the increase in murders in our country.

Killing The Bahamas

LAST week, a man was sentenced by a magistrate to a mere ten months for possession of a nine millimetre pistol, an instrument whose only purpose is to kill or injure human beings. According to police, upon arrest the accused made a statement rationalising his possession of the weapon on the grounds of his need for protection, having stolen $2,000.00 worth of drugs from another drug dealer. So far from minimising his culpability, the explanation contained an admission of another serious criminal offence.

US Embassy speaks out - jet ski operators listen

IT HAS taken 26 years for Bahamians to understand the consequences of not properly regulating their water sports industry.

Silence for the murdered

YOUTH Against Crime Bahamas, a youth anti-crime group, yesterday staged a silent protest in Rawson Square in memory of the 149 people murdered last year.

Guests at the Cove warned about jet skis

AMID allegations of rape within the water sports industry, The Cove at Atlantis has warned its guests against renting Jet Skis on Cabbage Beach, adding that doing so is “at your own risk”.

‘Don’t just blame police for crime woes’

AMID criticism of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s leadership, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Hulan Hanna said there is no room for side discussions while Bahamians continue to fall victim to criminal activity.

Roberts mocks FNM candidates

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday ridiculed FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis over his choice of “hapless, perennial losers and visionless personalities” after the party ratified its first eight candidates in preparation for the next general election.

College tutor killed in fight

A COLLEGE of the Bahamas lecturer and Valley Boys Junkanoo group beller became the country’s third murder victim this year after it is alleged that he was stabbed during an argument with his daughter at his Imperial Park home over the weekend.

US man arrested over alleged sex attack

A male citizen of the United States was arrested in connection with an alleged sex attack on an American woman.

ARMED ROBBER BEATEN UNCONSCIOUS IN FAILED RAID ON FREEPORT BAR

AN armed robber was beaten unconscious after attempting to rob a local bar in Freeport early Saturday morning.

NHI architects blast $5m default demand

The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s architects have slammed as “inappropriate” an inventor’s demand that they pay a $5.154 million judgment he is seeking to enforce against them.

Violence and inequality: Is there any hope for Bahamian women’s legal equality?

The violence of the last few days has really made a statement about where the country is. It has also shown the intention of many to continue down this road of serious crime and wanton violence and killing.

Sports notes

THE Queen’s College Comets pulled off a 69-34 win over the Bahamas Academy Stars in a Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools senior boys’ make-up game yesterday. THE Queen’s College Comets pulled off a 69-34 win over the Bahamas Academy Stars in a Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools senior boys’ make-up game yesterday.

NPBA: Caribs top Elite 70-55, Rockets stun Giants 89-83

THE New Providence Basketball Association resumed its 2015/16 season at the AF Adderley Gymnasium over the weekend.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: ‘I say the Chiefs keep it rolling to 12 straight, discarding Brady and the boys in the process’

A FEW very interesting facts caught my eye as I was perusing a few articles online the other day.

Overall champions emerge in All-For-One Regatta

THE New Courageous, the Barbarian and the Crazy Partner emerged as the overall class champions in the second annual King Eric All-For-One Regatta in Montagu Bay over the Majority Rule holiday weekend.

Men’s high jump: Wilson qualifies for the Olympics

JAMAL Wilson, who missed the opportunity to compete at the IAAF World Championships last year, is on the road to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Coach Anthony Swaby honoured

WHEN one thinks about women’s basketball in the country, there’s very few who have contributed more to the growth and development of the sport than Anthony Swaby.

Freedom Farm Baseball League season opened

ONE of the most popular youth sports in the Bahamas saw one of its flagship leagues make its official 2015 debut this weekend.

Bahamas falls to USA South, 38-17

IT was another failed bid for the Bahamas in their attempt to achieve promotion in the NACRA Division I Championship Series.

Former PM leads election group

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham will lead a Commonwealth Observer Group to Vanuatu for its general election on January 22.

New party leader Moss holds first town meeting

WEEKS after forming his own political party, Marco City MP Gregory Moss held his first town meeting in Freeport at the International Bazaar on the weekend, speaking about a number of pertinent issues affecting residents of Grand Bahama.

Former Governor General speaks at Majority Rule service

MASTERS of literature and poetry as well as holy scribes have left us a vast treasury of advice as to the importance of remembrance and memorialisation.

Fears of foul play over fisherman’s disappearance

A concerned relative of Maxwell Burrows - the Bahamian crewman of the Sea Farmer who disappeared at sea off Great Isaac Cay on December 4 - believes that foul play was involved in his disappearance amid rumours that the dinghy he and a Dominican diver were on had been found with bullet holes.

Bran calls for govt to clear up NIA doubt

DNA Leader Branville McCartney said the time has come for the Christie administration to clear up the misconceptions attached to its National Intelligence Agency.

Cable’s USO late fee reduced 74%

Cable Bahamas will introduce a late payment fee of $1.45 for its six-channel universal service (USO) TV package, in a bid to satisfy a condition set by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) for approving its 27 per cent basic pay-TV increase.

QC: Bimini’s dive tourism sacrificed for minimal gain

The Bahamas has sacrificed Bimini’s “world renowned dive sites” and coral reefs for nothing as a result of Resorts World’s decision to cease its ‘SuperFast’ cruise ship service, an outspoken QC said yesterday.

Insurers deny ‘ball dropping’ on NHI

Insurance industry leaders have denied “dropping the ball” on seeking wider private sector support for their stance on National Health Insurance (NHI), adding: “It hasn’t killed our fight.”

Brokers leader: Health sales rise 20% despite NHI

The Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association’s (BIBA) president says her business has enjoyed a 20 per cent increase in health insurance sales despite National Health Insurance’s (NHI) imminent arrival, with policy renewals occurring more quickly than ever.

Mystic Marlins win All-Girls High School Tourney

THE Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins can celebrate as the initial champions of the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association’s All-Girls High School Basketball Tournament held in honour of long-time basketball coach Anthony Swaby at the DW Davis Gymnasium over the weekend.

VAT roll-out ‘not perfect’

The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said that while Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) introduction had been smoother than anticipated, “we kid ourselves if we think it was a perfect roll-out”.

Ex-minister in call for new financial products

The Bahamas must be “more innovative” to remain competitive in financial services, a former Cabinet minister warning: “It’s not just a markets issue any more”.

Crime ‘long past point of concern’

The Bahamas’ crime problem is “long past the point of concern”, a leading private sector representative warning: “We are at danger zone levels.”

Bahamas missed ‘one shot’ tax, financial services reform

The Bahamas could have accomplished the twin goals of tax reform and reviving its financial services industry if it had introduced low-rate income and corporation taxes rather than VAT, one provider believes.

Man arrested, AK 47 assault rifle seized, after shooting incident

A man with an AK-47 assault rifle was arrested by police after a shooting incident in Montell Heights on Monday afternoon.

Man in hospital after Ida Street shooting

Police are looking for suspects after a man was shot on Ida Street on Sunday night.

Man shot in his car on Pinewood Drive

A man is in hospital after he was shot in his car late on Saturday night.

Man stabbed to death by relative at Imperial Park

POLICE have arrested an adult woman in connection with the fatal stabbing of a male relative on Saturday night.

Bahamas go down 37-18 to USA South in rugby promotion match

THE Bahamas were beaten 37-18 in their NACRA Rugby Division One promotion match against the USA South Panthers on Saturday at the Winton Rugby Centre.

Bahamian Alonzo Knowles pleads not guilty to stealing unreleased TV scripts

A BAHAMIAN man charged with hacking into celebrities’ email accounts to steal unreleased movie and TV scripts and private sex videos can be held without bail because he is a flight risk, a New York judge said on Friday.

Body of man found hanging in abandoned building

A LIFELESS body of a man was found hanging in an abandoned building at East and Fritz Streets on Friday afternoon.

Resorts World Bimini announces 'improved transportation initiative'

OFFICIALS at Resorts World Bimini (RWB) have announced sweeping changes to the resort's transportation strategy, saying that its new multi-tiered "improved transportation initiative" will deliver "Bimini Bliss" to scores of guests quicker and more efficiently.

Man in court in connection with airport cocaine seizure

A MAN was denied bail on Friday after being arraigned in Magistrates Court concerning the recent seizure of cocaine at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Man arrested in connection with alleged rape on Cat Island

POLICE arrested a 30-year-old man on Thurday afternoon in connection with an alleged sexual assault and rape in Cat Island.

Over 100 employed by NIB ahead of National Health Insurance

OVER 100 unemployed Bahamians have been temporary employed by the National Insurance Board (NIB) to assist in the agency's upcoming "enhanced" registration campaign for National Health Insurance (NHI), Board officials said on Friday.

Court of Appeal judges uphold bail refusal for murder accused

COURT of Appeal judges ruled on Friday that a contractor's continued detention ahead of his murder trial is in the best interest of protecting public safety and the contractor's own life from vigilantism.

Former policeman in court on kidnapping and rape charges

A FORMER policeman appeared in Magistrates Court on Friday facing kidnapping and rape charges which could see him facing life imprisonment if convicted at trial.

A COMIC'S VIEW: ‘Cat Fight for Charity’ steals the headlines from crime

AFTER a short, sweet and hot holiday season, I found myself sitting in front of my laptop wondering what I would write about this week.

To families of murder victims

Less than a week ago, we were in celebratory mode. Then, in the blink of an eye, fireworks and parades turned to gunshots and bloodbaths. Just like that, the insidious problems of 2015 crept into 2016 and just like that the New Year started to feel a lot like the same old same.

Who will determine eligibility?

Beginning January 18, 2016 the government will initiate registration for their National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme through the National Insurance Board (NIB), who will determine eligibility for the programme.

NAGB’s chief curator cultivates international dialogue

The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas has secured international visual artist, photographer, publisher and art director Holly Bynoe as its chief curator.

Deputy Prime Minister cautions Straw Market vendors after US alert

DAYS after a recent crime advisory was issued by the United States Embassy in Nassau regarding alleged sex attacks against Americans by Jet Ski operators, Minister of Works Philip Davis advised Straw Market vendors to “count the cost” and understand the consequences of their actions. He spoke at the Straw Market Authority’s breakfast meeting at the Crab House and Seafood Emporium on Collins Avenue yesterday.

FNM ratifies eight candidates in countdown to election

THE Free National Movement last night, during its Central Council meeting, ratified eight candidates as it moves closer to completing its full slate of hopefuls to run in the 2017 general election.

NHI manager says variations being considered by govt

NATIONAL Health Insurance Project Manager Dr Delon Brennen yesterday said the government is considering variations on its universal healthcare scheme that allows for a practical partnership between public sector and private sector medical resources.

Suspect in killing of coach charged in court

TWO men made initial appearances in Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon separately charged in connection with two murders.

Officials in discussion with US over crime in the Bahamas

OFFICIALS are engaged in “certain discussions” with US diplomats about crime and the country’s gang problem, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.

Minister calls Butler-Turner ‘nasty, vicious opportunist’

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin criticised Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday, calling her a “nasty, vicious and vile political opportunist” after the MP accused her of lacking compassion toward the victims of alleged sexual assaults.

PM: It’s up to police chief

THE execution of the Christie administration’s “tougher measures” to combat crime now rests with the commissioner of police, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.

Gov’t puts Freeport ‘on the edge of time’

The Government was yesterday accused of failing to abide by its agreement before the Court of Appeal to release the McKinsey report on Freeport’s future, with the city’s expiring investment incentives again “on the very edge of time”.

Grand Bahama to host Majority Rule parade

GRAND Bahama will hold the third Majority Rule Day Parade and Cultural Extravaganza on Monday, January 11, starting at 10am with a grand street parade and procession of marching bands at Pioneer’s Way.

Rugby 7s tourney renamed in memory of Sean Neville

NACRA RUGBY: Dorian Roach, along with Sean Albury and Dorian Bowleg of the Buccaneers, presents the donation for future education to Dr Mike Neville, grandfather of Skylah (front, centre), surrounded by her family.

Bahamas set to face USA South

The rugby pitch will be active with international competition as the Bahamas faces a regional powerhouse with divisional promotion on the line.

Manslaughter charge for suspect in Abaco killing

A 20-year-old Spring City, Abaco, man was charged yesterday with manslaughter in the Marsh Harbour Magistrate’s Court.

NIA still operating without oversight, warns FNM

THE National Intelligence Agency continues to operate without oversight and may be abused by officials, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.

Bid to host 2017 Youth Games in Nassau

THE Bahamas is intensifying its bid to host one of the region’s premier youth sporting events.

Cat Island Regatta founder set to be honoured

ONE of the founders of the Cat Island Regatta is expected to be honoured by the Cat Island Sailing Club Association when the Godfrey Kelly C Class Cat Island Regatta is held in Montagu Bay.

THE FINISH LINE: Jonquel, Buddy making a name for themselves on the hardwood

As we began the new year, the focus was on a couple of Bahamians who continued to shine for their respective men’s and women’s collegiate teams in the United States of America.

Six arrests after marijuana discovery

GRAND Bahama police arrested six men – four Bahamians and two Jamaican nationals – following discovery of illegal drugs at a residence on that island.

76 migrants detained by Defence Force

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force arrested 76 illegal migrants in two separate operations this week.

Students demand apology from college president for comments

COLLEGE of the Bahamas Union of Students President Keyron Smith yesterday demanded a “formal apology” from the college after he said President Dr Rodney Smith “portrayed an incorrect image” of students to the press.

Insurers ‘dropped the ball’ on NHI

Super Value’s owner believes the insurance industry “dropped the ball” by not inviting the wider private sector into the National Health Insurance (NHI) discussions earlier, suggesting it could have impacted the scheme like it did Value-Added Tax (VAT).

From ‘disappointment to disillusionment’ on CLICO

CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders “have moved from disappointment to disillusionment”, a prominent cleric yesterday saying his three-week effort to secure a meeting with Prime Minister Perry Christie on the issue had failed.

Gov’t, regulators ‘running for hills’ on CLICO failure

The Government and its financial regulators were yesterday accused of “running for the hills” over CLICO (Bahamas) , an outspoken attorney arguing that any other country would have initiated a formal inquiry into its collapse.

Pharmacists to ‘eat’ NIB drug plan loss

The private Bahamian pharmaceutical industry will have to “eat a significant loss” on existing National Prescription Drug Plan inventories after the National Insurance Board (NIB) - virtually overnight - changed the scheme’s pricing by up to 40 per cent.

Businesses ‘unlikely’ to drop private health insurance

GOWEN Bowe, chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), said businesses are unlikely to drop existing private health insurance coverage for their employees when so many questions about the government’s proposed National Health Insurance scheme remain unanswered.

Man thought to have died while out exercising

A MAN was found dead near St Mary’s Hall on St Augustine’s College campus yesterday morning.

Access Industries says vendors will have to move from beach location

ACCESS Industries yesterday dismissed the notion that its 60-day, self-imposed, open access policy with respect to vendors at Cabbage Beach will end with their continued usage of the property as an easement to the popular Paradise Island beach.

Veterinary group opens new hospital in west of island

PALMDALE Veterinary Group have opened the Caves Village Veterinary Hospital in western New Providence offering a complete service from routine examinations, vaccinations, advanced diagnostics, pet medications and specialised food supplies.

Events scheduled for Majority Rule Day

THERE are several events scheduled to celebrate Majority Rule Day this weekend.

Naughty to host stage show during Marathon Bahamas

ONE of the hottest comedians in the country and some of the most popular musical acts will take the stage on Saturday, January 16, for the annual Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure Survivors Ceremony.

Sports notes

THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association is scheduled to return to the hardcourt Saturday at the DW Davis Gymnasium as they resume their 2015/15 season after taking a break for the Christmas holiday. A double header is set to begin at 7pm.

IAN FERGUSON: Learning from a workforce ‘giant’

The Bahamas this week lost a ‘giant’ in youth development and business. Lionel Elliot Senior, for more than 30 years, gave his all to improving the lives of Bahamians and ensuring that our reputation as a destination was improved each day.

Real estate chief hopes for rebound

The Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president said yesterday that the industry was hoping to rebound after “taking a hit” in 2015, saying: “It’s definitely a buyer’s market”.

Union leader urges public health focus

A trade union leader yesterday said not enough was being done by the Government to improve public healthcare infrastructure and services before the introduction of National Health Insurance (NHI).

Plot to stack the FNM council in Minnis’ favour revealed

There is a move afoot, which, if it comes to fruition, will make today – January 7, 2016 – a day that lives in infamy for all who care about the ethos and integrity of the Free National Movement.

A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Time to step up and end this violence in society

The gruesome killing of Michael Deangelo Bethel on Sunday, as he and his family purportedly waited at a traffic light on East Bay Street, is yet another murder that is indicative of our country going to hell in a handbasket.

Munroe flogging comments

A letter to the The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, London

The definition of delusional

• DELUSIONAL • Examples

Stand up to the US

On January 5, the United States Embassy in Nassau issued a crime warning to its citizens residing in and those travelling to The Bahamas.

Hair today . . . going to jail tomorrow?

A WOMAN returns to Magistrate’s Court today facing seven years imprisonment for theft of hair weave, assorted merchandise and electronics worth more than $14,000 from a hair supply store.

Injunction not extended over beach access

A Supreme Court judge yesterday refused to extend an interim injunction filed against Atlantis (Brookfield Asset Management) by the Cabbage Beach Business Owner’s Association (CBBOA), citing lapses in the plaintiff’s application.

Lack of NHI information 'making healthcare decisions difficult'

THE “inconclusive” information the government has provided on National Health Insurance will make it difficult for insured people to make decisions about their healthcare, Bahamas Insurance Association Chairman Emmanuel Komolafe told The Tribune yesterday.

Jet ski operators to take action after alert

JET Ski operators yesterday vowed to do “whatever it takes” to prevent unlicensed persons from conducting business on public beaches.

‘Gang turf war drove my family from our home’

A RESIDENT of the Bain and Grants Town constituency yesterday described having to move out of the area in fear of an ongoing “turf war” that has resulted in a relentless wave of shootings by various factions of the inner-city community.

Police officer and marine accused of raping woman

A POLICE constable and a Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine were taken into custody yesterday afternoon in connection with the alleged rape and abduction of a woman.

Minnis 'planning council shake-up'

IN what can be seen as evidence of a continued rift within the Free National Movement, a party insider alleged yesterday that there was an “underhanded” move unfolding inside the opposition to oust former election candidates who are a part of the party’s Central Council and replace them with new hopefuls to “stack the odds” in favour of leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

Suspect detained after shoot out with police

A MAN was arrested after a shoot out with police in the area of Spence Street, Mason’s Addition on Tuesday, police said.

Atlantis hits ‘misconceived’ Cabbage Beach injunction

A Supreme Court judge yesterday refused to extend an injunction that prevented the Atlantis resort from blocking a ‘right of way’ access to Cabbage Beach.

RICARDO'S NFL PICKS: Wild Card Round

A ‘pitiful’ finish in our weekly ‘pick-em’ challenge

THE season is done and to celebrate my last place finish in our weekly “pick-em” challenge here at the Tribune I channelled my all time favourite football related rant.

NAUGHTY'S NFL PICKS: Wild Card Round

Let the playoffs begin . . . Who will be ‘champ’ of the shortened season

IT IS a new year, clean slate! That awful NFL season and last week’s 10-6 is behind us. Let the playoffs begin and let’s see who the ‘Champ’ of the shortened season will be.

Jones posts monster double-double

IN front of more than 1,000 school children from DMV-area schools, the George Washington Colonials women’s basketball team ran its winning streak to seven with a 68-52 victory over Atlantic 10 foe Rhode Island at the Charles E Smith Centre yesterday.

SANCHESKA vs RENALDO: THE WILD CARD ROUND

• The “Sometimes You Deserve That Lifetime Achievement Award” Award presented by Leonardo DiCaprio - Cam Newton. People conveniently forget that Cam came into the NFL breaking records as a rookie and he hasn’t slowed down. After surviving a life-altering car crash and losing his No.1 option in training camp, Cam produced the best season of his career and nearly went undefeated throwing to Ted Ginn.

Student Run Marathon Bahamas features more than 20 teams

IN an effort to engage student athletes in the fight against cancer and promote healthy lifestyles through competition, Scotiabank will once again partner with Sunshine Insurance for its seventh annual Race Weekend.

All-Girls High School tourney in honour of coach Swaby

THERE is no shortage of basketball tournaments catering to boys throughout the country, and now the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association will add another option for girls looking for an opportunity to showcase their skills.

World’s best lady golfers ‘Pure as Silk’ in Classic

A mainstay on the Bahamas’ sports tourism calendar for the immediate future, the Ladies Professional Golfers Association (LPGA) Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic is set to tee off in just over two weeks featuring the best 120 female golfers in the world.

On Da Hook

2016 has started with a frenzy with Wahoo being caught throughout The Bahamas.

Deep Water Cay in the Nashville spotlight

DEEP Water Cay is continuing to expand its reach in the United States to attract more visitors to the East End, Grand Bahama bonefishing lodge, which was recently featured in a prominent Nashville magazine with a circulation of 90,000.

High hopes for better water for High Rock

MINISTER for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville announced on Wednesday that officials are in the final stages of planning to supply neighbouring settlements in High Rock with fresh potable water.

Police search for suspect after rape attack

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Cyril Charles Lockhart, 29, of New Providence, who is wanted for questioning over an abduction and rape.

Police ‘targeted my husband’ since his pardon by Cuba

THE wife of a Bahamian recently pardoned from his prison sentence in Cuba and deported back to Nassau has alleged that police officers have targeted him since his return, even arresting him during the holidays for what she thinks are baseless reasons.

Man accused of gun attack granted bail

A MAN was granted $3,000 bail yesterday after pleading not guilty to attacking a woman with a handgun.

Torchbearers say govt ‘absent’ when needed by students

FNM Torchbearers Youth Association President Ronique Brown yesterday criticised the government for not being “understanding and sympathetic” towards College of the Bahamas students.

No answer yet over missing supplies

MORE than two months after state-of-the-art first responder backpacks, flash frozen food, tools and other survival supplies intended for Hurricane Joaquin relief went missing from a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) flight to Crooked Island, The Tribune Media Group is still waiting for answers as to what happened to them.

Minister blasted for 'lack of compassion' to victims

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday blasted Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin over her response to the United States Embassy in Nassau’s ban on its employees using Jet Ski rentals in the capital saying it lacked “compassion” toward the victims of the alleged sex crimes.

Regulator rejects Cable’s BTC ‘price rebalancing’ fears

Regulators have rejected Cable Bahamas’ pleas to prevent an “inordinate financial burden” being placed on other operators through the absence of long-overdue ‘tariff rebalancing’ by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

Doctors tell Gov’t: ‘Verify’ $102m NHI primary care cost

Private Bahamian doctors were last night said to be demanding that the Government “actuarially verify” the costings it has developed for National Health Insurance’s (NHI) primary care and their compensation.

Super Value chief: We have ‘lowest and simplest VAT’

Super Value’s owner has lauded the Bahamas’ Value-Added Tax (VAT) as “the lowest and simplest in the world”, adding: “Children could put in the returns.”

China’s corruption battle ‘significant’ for Baha Mar

China’s anti-corruption drive could undermine efforts to secure a speedy Baha Mar resolution, a well-known financial analyst warning this may have “particular significance” for the Bahamas.

Man arrested at airport following cocaine find

A 25–year-old Fox Hill man is in custody after he was arrested at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for possession of dangerous drugs on Tuesday, January 5.

Woman arrested over hit-and-run death

A woman is in police custody in connection with a hit and run accident that occurred on Christmas Eve.

Union files Land’Or employee dispute

The hotel union yesterday confirmed it had filed a trade dispute on behalf of Club Land’Or employees against the embattled Paradise Island property, which is said be to in “serious financial straits”.

NHI pay model can ‘put insurers out of business’

The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) model could “put private insurers out of business” unless the Government’s cost estimates are accurate, the Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman has warned.

TOUGH CALL: The Bahamian paradox of clean energy and oil drilling

PRIME Minister Perry Christie says climate change “threatens the existence of The Bahamas as we know it”. So what does the recent Paris agreement to tackle climate issues mean for The Bahamas – and the rest of the world?

Make it a better New Year

Happy New Year everybody and Happy New Year Bahamas.

Praise for air traffic team

It seems that every letter that appears in the Press these days is always dealing with matters in a negative way.

Honours Bill

On the 11th November, 2015, the Government tabled the National Honours Bill. The Bill was sent to Committee and immediately there commenced a mad rush to have the Committee report back to Parliament by the 9th December in response to the Prime Minister’s mandate to that effect.

Christmas promotions by banks

Pre-run up to Christmas the majority of the banks had promotions encouraging people to take out loans to meet, their words, to pay for vacations, purchasing for Christmas etc… items clearly the person did not have the money in the bank to use.

Tribune will not be a part of NHI scheme without full information

ACCORDING to the government its much touted National Health Insurance scheme will be released to the public by the end of this month, its draft legislation having just been approved by Cabinet. This draft, which is currently undergoing “final revisions together with stakeholders” has yet to go through all the legislative process — and don’t let’s forget this time that it also has to be Gazetted before it becomes law.

Intelligence agency legislation completed

KEITH Bell, State Minister for National Security, said that while the long anticipated legislation to support the National Intelligence Agency is complete, it must now make its way through Cabinet before it is brought to Parliament.

Pintard says govt playing blame game over crime

FREE National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday said the noticeable disconnect within the Christie administration has played a factor in the skyrocketing levels of crime in the country leaving Bahamians under “siege” by criminals.

Man faces court over sex attack on tourist

A man was remanded to prison without bail yesterday after being charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a tourist on an island less than a mile from Paradise Island.

Two men held over Devince Smith murder

POLICE have two men in custody in connection with the murder of Devince Smith who was found dead in his home in an apartment complex on St Alban’s Drive in December.

PM: I’m not delusional about the task ahead

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday repeated that he was not “delusional” while again promising that this year his administration would get a handle on crime, focus on stabilising the economy and ensure that the stalled Baha Mar resort opens its doors.

US rape alert over jet skiers

DAYS after an American woman was allegedly raped by a man riding a Jet Ski at Cabbage Beach, the United States Embassy in Nassau has “prohibited” its employees from using Jet Ski rentals in Nassau, saying the industry is “minimally regulated.”

Bahamians warned: Don’t give up private coverage for NHI

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman yesterday warned employers and individuals with existing private health insurance plans not to “prematurely” drop that coverage as a result of National Health Insurance’s (NHI) introduction.

Bahamas Swim Federation looking to make splash at Brazil Olympics

AFTER turning in stellar performances at the CARIFTA Games and the Pan American Games, the Bahamas Swimming Federation is looking to make a splash at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

‘Elisha Obed’ recipient of British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours

WHILE it has been 40 years that he reigned as the World Boxing Council’s light middleweight world champion, Everette ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson is finally getting some international acclaim from the Bahamas by being a recipient of the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

‘Everything for us right now is focused on the Olympics and getting our athletes ready’

2016 is expected to be a busy one for the Bahamas Olympic Committee with the XXXI Olympic Games set for August 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Buddy Hield sinks a career-high 46

Bahamian Buddy Hield had a career night on Monday but it wasn’t enough as the No.2 ranked Oklahoma Sooners fell victim to top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 109-106 in triple overtime as they had their perfect winning season snapped at the Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.

Layla makes a landmark arrival as Palm Cay becomes official port

SEASONED sailors Mike Fish and Martha Garczynski have made the crossing from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas aboard Layla four times but their most recent trip came with a particular welcome.

Long queues for another day at College of the Bahamas

SCORES of angry and weary College of the Bahamas students convened under tents for the second consecutive day on Tuesday expressing frustration with a payment system many said forces students to “endure the unforgiving wait or miss out on needed classes.”

CIBC gives to Ranfurly Home

THE Ranfurly Homes for Children received some added Christmas cheer when CIBC FirstCaribbean demonstrated its commitment to Bahamian youth with a donation to help cover the home’s holiday activities.

Fraternity holds service ahead of founders day

The local chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity held a service at New Light Ministries over the weekend in anticipation of the group’s Founders Day celebration.

BAMSI plumber jailed for shotgun possession

A PLUMBER at the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI) in Andros received a six-month sentence, a $4,000 fine and a strong lecture from a magistrate yesterday after he pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicensed shotgun.

Marathon relay sold out

MARATHON Bahamas has sold out its relay event - thanks to Urban Renewal entering 50 teams in the race to be held in two weeks.

‘Red letter day’ for business efficiency

The Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) chief executive yesterday described the introduction of e-services at the Registrar General’s Department as a “red letter day” for business in this nation, with the incorporation of companies now available entirely on-line.

Gov’t accused of 20k jobs figure ‘manipulation’

The Government’s political opponents yesterday accused it of “manipulating” the latest unemployment data to its advantage, with almost half the 20,000 jobs it claims to have created coming from Abaco’s late inclusion in the Labour Force survey.

Bran: ‘I won’t invest any more because of crime’

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said escalating crime was deterring him from investing further in Nassau-based business ventures, with the US Embassy taking just five days to issue its first crime warning for 2016.

Attorney ordered: Pay back $80k unpaid tax

The Bahamian attorney at the centre of the Oceania Heights debacle has been ordered to repay almost $80,000 in unpaid real estate tax monies to a Canadian investor group, after he failed to make the necessary payment to the Public Treasury.

FNM leader calls for legislation to tackle corruption

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis pinpointed the need this year for the drafting of anti-corruption legislation to ensure politicians and government officials are prevented from using their positions of privilege to engage in nefarious practices.

Reaching out hands to bring an end to crime

BAHAMAS Against Crime Executive Director C B Moss yesterday called for community based anti-crime initiatives as his organisation launched its “Hands Around Bain and Grant’s Town” project, explaining that only a focused approach could alleviate the “violent crime spree” in the country.

Police release identity of murder victims

POLICE have released the identities of several of the country’s latest homicide victims.

Water and Sewerage deal sign deals worth more than $4m

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation signed two contracts yesterday totalling over $4m to extend water supplies to the communities of Pinewood (Phase B), Boatswain Hill, and Coral Lakes.

No ‘resting on laurels’ at Registrar General

The Attorney General said yesterday that the Registrar General’s Department is not “resting on its laurels” with the launch of online company incorporations, promising that the registration of deeds and documents and other services will also be delivered electronically.

Online focus must go beyond financial sector

A leading private sector executive yesterday praised the introduction of on-line company incorporation services at the Registrar General’s Department as a “tremendous advancement”, and called for more government services to be offered electronically.

THE BIG QUESTION: What would YOU do to reduce crime in 2016?

After a record high of 148 murders in the Bahamas last year, The Tribune is asking readers:

Michelle Miller Motivational: Pushing yourself past the pain of the past

HAVE you ever been hurt so badly that you thought you’d never come out on the other side?

BUN IN THE OVEN: Five tips to stiffen your New Year resolve

HAPPY New Year! Can you believe its 2016?

Heart Foundation helps give Roman, 6, a second chance at life

AS THE Bahamas Heart Foundation prepares for its biggest fundraiser, the annual Heart Ball, the organisation continues to seek the support of the public to help carry out its mission of healing the hearts of children.

Take 'The One Year Challenge' and improve your dating prospects

TAKING A dating sabbatical could be the very thing to improve prospects of love and marriage - at least that is what Bahamian author Kerel Pinder believes.

Culinary art is plain sailing for chef Nikoya

DEDICATED to her work in the culinary field, Bahamian Executive Chef Nikoya Lightbourne believes this is one of the few industries remaining where experience, talent and passion is worth just as much as academic recognition.

POLITICOLE: Home thoughts from abroad

Every month this year, PolitiCole is using this space to rally Bahamians living abroad (starting in America) to find out their hopes and plans for their native Bahamaland, their thoughts looking from the outside in on society, life and politics.

Munroe’s comments reflect our society

When Wayne Munroe, QC and prominent attorney, made his asinine comment suggesting that illegal immigrants, and particularly Haitians, should be flogged as a deterrent to illegal migration to the Bahamas, he was met with nearly universal condemnation from the Bahamian public.

A need to deal with crime

At 4.40am on Sunday, I lay in my bed and listened to the multiple gunshots that took the life of a young Bahamian husband, father, son and entrepreneur Michael Deangelo Bethel while seriously injuring his wife and two other travelling companions.

Minister raises concern about drivers going too fast, too drunk

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said she is “concerned” about the roles “speeding and alcohol” may have played in the deaths of “several young persons” in the last 20 days.

ANALYSIS: False signals by PM on crime and Baha Mar

IN 2015, Prime Minister Perry Christie’s public stance on the two biggest issues of the year - the stalled Baha Mar project and the rise of violent crime - was characterised by false signals and vague allusions to impending actions that never materialised.

Probe into social media claim over Dion Smith

NASSAU Village MP Dion Smith yesterday said a police investigation has been launched into “erroneous” allegations circulating on social media that he had to be “taken down” from the Paradise Island Bridge over the weekend so he wouldn’t commit suicide.

Suspected gang members charged before new law was in place

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday blasted the Christie administration for its “failed governance” after he said several people were charged in court with being a member of an unlawful gang while the necessary 2014 amendment to the Penal Code had not yet come into force.

Police may assist in beach patrols

TRANSPORT and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said officials are discussing using police and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers to assist her ministry in patrolling beaches and enforcing the rules of the water sports industry.

American woman faces court on murder charge

A MAN and a woman were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with two separate murders that occurred as last year ended.

Minnis: Not enough time on NHI

THE government is “putting the cart before the horse” with its push toward implementing National Health Insurance while ignoring that Bahamians will need sufficient time with the NHI legislation before it is passed, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

Regatta time again!

The stage is set for the second annual King Eric All-for-One Regatta, scheduled for this weekend in Montagu Bay.

Sealing the deal - preventing cavities in adults

A DENTAL sealant acts as a barrier to prevent cavities. It is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of back teeth by your dentist.

Why recovery garments are crucial for breast cancer patients

THE RATE of of breast cancer in The Bahamas is so prevalent that experts all over the world are taking a closer look at our country’s statistics. Our precious Bahamian women have been found as some of the most at-risk women in the world for breast cancer, with the appearance of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutated genes within our population.

Lia Head finds renewed faith in hurricane relief effort

LIA Head, one of the principal organisers of the HeadKnowles Hurricane Joaquin Relief effort that was so effective in bringing relief to families in the central and southern Bahamas in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the category four storm in October, says her involvement in this project has renewed her faith and Christian beliefs.

Cleanse and shed pounds - forever

EVERYONE wants to look and feel fit.

Sports Notes

THE first meet for the Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2016 season will be the Swift/Gunite Pools Invitational over the weekend of January 15-16 at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: A motivational and inspirational basketball movie tops my all-time list

THIS week I continue with the top ten portion of my list counting down the greatest ‘Sports Movies’ of all time.

NCAA: Michael Carey Jr making strides with Seahawks

MICHAEL Carey Jr is thriving in his transition to basketball at the NCAA Division I level.

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl TV ratings continue to improve

THE Popeyes Bahamas Bowl has been the subject of much scrutiny and sparked dialogue in regard to fan attendance at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium. However, the television ratings continue to improve.

Swingers thought to be winners in Freeport parade

ELEVEN groups participated in the 2016 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade in Freeport, displaying brilliant artistry, talent, cultural pride and entertainment.

Bahamas National Trust salutes Valley Boys for nature theme

THE Bahamas National Trust salutes the Valley Boys for bringing together national parks, birds and culture during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

Cable TV price rise ‘sets bad precedent’

The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday described Cable Bahamas’ recently-approved 27 per cent basic pay-TV price increase as “extremely generous”, arguing: “It sets a bad precedent.”

Small business Bill ‘close off’ is urged

The Government and private sector were yesterday urged to finally “close off” work on legislation to revive the small business sector, a well-known consultant arguing: “Enough is enough.”

Cable may launch mobile services via BTC network

Regulators are set to explore whether Cable Bahamas could launch its mobile services via the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) network as a temporary measure until its own nationwide infrastructure is built out.

BOB accused of ‘negligence’ on $154k transfers

Bank of the Bahamas has been accused of negligence in facilitating the unauthorised transfer of $154,000 from an account belonging to a commercial client.

‘Harsh repercussions’ from US interest rate increase for Bahamas

The Bahamas could face “harsh economic repercussions” from the recent US interest rate increase, a well-known financial analyst warning it could spark a ‘chain reaction’ impacting this nation’s borrowing costs and external reserves.

Capital raisings may reach $400m in 2016

The Bahamian capital markets will be asked to raise between $300-$400 million in 2016, a leading investment banker predicted yesterday, although the growth rate for BISX’s share price index is likely to be slashed in half.

Art dealer ‘hid fortune in Bahamas’

PARIS (AP) - International art dealer Guy Wildenstein went on trial in Paris yesterday on charges of tax fraud and money laundering, after two relatives tipped off investigators about the family’s financial dealings, prompting authorities to demand a staggering 553 million euros ($602 million) in back taxes.

Co-writer of Bahamian dictionary dies, aged 72

JOHN Alexander Holm, who co-wrote the Dictionary of Bahamian English and is a former lecturer at the College of The Bahamas, died in Azeitao, Portugal on December 28 after reportedly battling prostate cancer.

Atlantis enjoys ‘robust’ growth

Atlantis’s top executive yesterday said the resort had seen “robust” growth in business over the Christmas/New Year holiday period, telling Tribune Business that it was now eyeing a “very good first quarter”.

Stingers finish with 2-2 record at the Daytona Beach Sunshine Classic

THE Sunland Baptist Academy Stingers spent the holiday season participating in the 26th Annual Daytona Beach Sunshine Classic and are now ready to make a run at successfully defending their senior boys basketball title in Grand Bahama.

Man charged in connection with funeral brawl

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after being arraigned in connection with a recent brawl at the funeral of a police officer that was filmed and spread on social media.

Legislation for NHI to be released ‘this month’

THE draft legislation for National Health Insurance has been approved by Cabinet and will be released for public and further stakeholder consultation before the end of this month, the government said yesterday.

VIEW FROM AFAR: New Year resolutions

IT is human nature to hope that the new year will be better than the old year. However, in order to have a better chance of this being so, it is always useful not just to hope but to take those actions which would make it more likely to happen.

More reasons to check bills

I thank Nicole Burrows’ for her Politicole article on December 22 entitled “Check your BTC bills (and Cable Bahamas)” which addressed some of her unhappy and unfortunate billing experiences with the two communications monopolies in this country.

Upset over choir row at Memories

On this past Christmas Eve night, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir – upon the invitation of the Memories Entertainment Director – put on a command performance at the Memories Resort at Lucaya for guests.

Fred Mitchell sees court ruling as ‘challenge’ to Immigration’s authority

THERE was much to talk about The Bahamas’ future this weekend as friends got together to bring in the New Year. As they anticipated an uncertain forecast they were obviously concerned for this little country, caught in the crossfire of the world’s conflicts, with not much hope of settling their own.

26 Bahamians named in New Year’s honours

TWENTY-SIX Bahamians from all walks of life have been recognised in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2016 New Year’s Honours list for exemplary service to the country, Government House announced on Thursday night.

Policewoman fired after funeral brawl

A WOMAN police constable has been dismissed from the Royal Bahamas Police Force after she was involved in a brawl with several of her colleagues at the funeral of a fellow police officer.

Valley Boys make it a three-peat

THE VALLEY Boys can now officially boast of winning “three straight” after the group narrowly pulled off another victory at the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

Man held after rape attack on US tourist

POLICE have a 26-year-old man in custody in connection with the alleged rape of an American tourist over the weekend.

Two dead, nine fight for lives

TWO men are dead and nine other people are fighting for their lives in hospital after a spree of shooting incidents in the capital over the New Year’s holiday weekend.

Gov’t in year-long aviation VAT ‘lapse’

The VAT Comptroller has admitted to year-long “lapses” on how the 7.5 per cent levy should be applied to foreign-bound aircraft, before delivering a ruling to spoil the private aviation industry’s New Year.

Regulator disputes Cable basic TV ‘shortfall’ claims

Despite ending Cable Bahamas’ four-year wait for a 27 per cent basic TV price increase, regulators are disputing its assertion that it still faces ‘a revenue shortfall’.

Central Bank urged: ‘Step in’ over BOB’s $100m loss

The Central Bank of the Bahamas has been urged to “step in and take control” of Bank of the Bahamas, after shareholders lost almost $100 million in two years.

Man shot in Grand Bahama

A MAN who was shot in Grand Bahama on New Year’s Day was treated and discharged by doctors at the Rand Memorial Hospital, according to police.

Minnis calls on govt to declare a ‘war on guns’

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has called on the government to declare a “war on guns” and establish a dedicated intelligence gathering facility to partner with the international community for this purpose.

‘Mind blowing’ crime concern for tourism

Business leaders fear “mind-blowing” crime levels are already undermining the Bahamian tourism industry, with one warning: “Everything else is just malarkey unless we tackle it.”

Cooper and Cougars earn 38-24 victory over Saunders and Seminoles

IT was a storybook ending to a nearly perfect season for one Bahamian college football player as his team defeated another Bahamian on the opposing side of an historic bowl matchup.

Coach George Cleare restarts HPMT

After his contract was expired as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, coach George Cleare is back home and he has already relaunched his High Performance Management Team that he hopes will one day rival local clubs based in Jamaica.

Rising tennis stars shine in Brajaxba exhibition

JUSTIN Roberts, the only Bahamian international tennis player currently with an ATP computer ranking, headed a list of collegiate players who put on an exhibition at the Gym Tennis Club for the Brajaxba Tennis Club over the weekend.

Bahamas Swimming named Federation of the Year

AS we bring the curtain down on 2015 and usher in 2016, The Tribune Sports Department closes out its recognition of accomplishments by naming the Bahamas Swimming Federation, the Federation of the Year.

Higgs and Longhorns stop the Lady Raiders, stay undefeated

Conference play presented an early season matchup featuring two of the country’s top college basketball players in a Big 12 rivalry game.

Wilchcombe: Carnival will learn lessons

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday hit back at FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest for suggesting that this year’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival will be another “big party but economic failure”.

Govt ‘knew of memories resort manager’s behaviour for months’

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant claimed that the government was aware since last June of the alleged unacceptable behaviour of the general manager at Memories Resort, but had done nothing about it.

5,000 illegal migrants repatriated in 2015, says minister of immigration

MORE than 5,000 illegal immigrants were repatriated to their homeland in 2015, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said Thursday, adding that the Department of Immigration is bracing for an even tougher year in 2016.

DNA blasts PLP for failing to meet CLICO promise

DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday slammed the Christie administration for failing to honour its December 31, 2015 deadline to provide a resolution for the thousands of CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders who lost millions of dollars when the company collapsed.

PM says PR campaign to be launched for NHI

WITH registration for the government’s National Health Insurance plan to start this month, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the nation should expect a “major public relations campaign” to be launched in “short order”.

Police seek motorist over hit-and-run death

POLICE are on the hunt for a motorist who “ran over” a man on a motorcycle and “left him for dead”.

‘Come to Jesus’ moment on BOB

Irate shareholders believe the country needs “a Come to Jesus moment” over Bank of the Bahamas, whose near $100 million losses have again exposed why the Government must “get out of business”.

Police in Exuma make major drug seizure

Twenty pounds of marijuana were seized by police in Exuma on Saturday afternoon.

One dead, three in hospital after East Bay Street shooting

One man is dead and three others are in hospital after a shooting early on Sunday morning.

THE TRIBUNE'S TOP 5: Year in review

Khrisna Virgil looks back at the top five stories that made the news in 2015.

Man dies from stabbing injury

A 38-year-old man died in hospital on Friday from a stabbing injury he received last month.

One dead, four injured after shootings

THE Bahamas recorded its first murder of the new year just 26 hours into 2016 when a man was shot dead outside a bar in Nassau. Police report that four others are in hospital after three separate shooting incidents over Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Stories for January 2016

Sunday, January 31

Saturday, January 30

Friday, January 29

Thursday, January 28

Wednesday, January 27

Tuesday, January 26