Saturday, July 30
Police seize handguns, arrest five men and foil armed robbery
POLICE in New Providence have arrested five men and seized three handguns in three separate incidents in a 20-hour period from Friday evening, including foiling an armed robbery.
Minnis: I'll support Loretta as Long Island candidate
AFTER surviving a second attempt in two years to thwart his leadership, Free National Movement (FNM) leader Dr Hubert Minnis signalled Friday evening that he won’t purge the party of the high-profile members who have publicly criticised his leadership and help expose the party’s bitter divisions.
Friday, July 29
PLP Chairman hits back at FNM Convention speakers
AMIDST the high drama at the Free National Movement national convention, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts released a series of missives tackling claims made by Thursday night's speakers.
Loretta: Turnquest rebuke was final straw
PETER Turnquest’s public rebuke of Loretta Butler-Turner Thursday night was the final straw that prompted Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands to withdraw from the leadership race they once lobbied for, the Long Island MP said during a press conference Friday evening.
Sentencing adjourned for four convicted in connection with kidnapping and double murder
THE sentencing of four men convicted of having a role in the disappearance and murder of an Immigration Department officer and his girlfriend in Andros has been adjourned by another eight weeks.
Man robbed at gunpoint in Freeport
A MAN was held up and robbed of cash at gunpoint in Freeport on Thursday evening, police in Grand Bahama reported on Friday.
Missing woman found
CRADEISHA Spencer who was reported missing last week has been found in good health.
Tribute to 'brave Bahamian mother' Adlean Armbrister
CAT ISLANDER Adlean Armbrister, who has died aged 94, was praised for her bravery and her role in the march to Majority Rule in a tribute by Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis on Friday.
Alleged robbers that psychiatrist prayed with are charged in court
THE alleged culprits behind the home invasion and gunpoint robbery of a well known psychiatrist were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Complaint filed against doctor a day after he was cleared of rape
ONE day after being acquitted of rape and indecent assault, a complaint was filed against Freeport doctor Gerald Forbes for allegedly creating a disturbance at a law firm and following a female employee around the office.
Too early to tell on FNM unity
ALTHOUGH video footage of Free National Movement leadership contenders sharing a dance on the convention stage has gone viral, senior FNMs said yesterday that it was too early to tell whether the party is on track to unification.
Collie to stay as chairman as Alvin Smith bows out
FORMER House Speaker Alvin Smith said yesterday that after “careful consideration” he is declining the nomination for chairman of the Free National Movement.
State-recognised funeral for Pastor Silas Napoleon McKinney on Sunday
PASTOR Silas Napoleon McKinney is to be given a state-recognised funeral on Sunday at Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church, Tonique Willliams-Darling Highway at 10am, the Cabinet Office announced on Friday.
UPDATED: Female MPs blast Lightbourn over "shocking and despicable" sterilisation speech
LEADING Progressive Liberal Party female MPs have called for the resignation of Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn over his contentious proposal for state-sponsored sterilisation of women as an anti-crime initiative.
Butler-Turner: I'm best choice to avoid country going to ruin
PAINTING a picture of a country trampling toward ruin if the Progressive Liberal Party remains at the helm, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner last night made her case for why she is the best person to lead the Free National Movement even as she urged the party to move past the bitter infighting that has gripped it for several years.
UPDATED: Lightbourn proposes sterilising mothers
UPDATE: Richard Lightbourn has released a statement apologising for his remarks.
Angry scenes at FNM convention
PETER Turnquest took an angry swipe at Free National Movement (FNM) leadership candidate Loretta Butler-Turner last night amid fractious scenes at the party’s convention, insisting “respect must be earned”.
60th Annual Cat Island Regatta all set to begin today in New Bight
KALIK, the beer of the Bahamas, is the proud sponsor of the 60th Annual Cat Island Regatta.
Select cricket team on development tour
THE Bahamas Cricket Association men’s select team pulled off two of the six matches they played against the host Washington DC Cricket League All-Stars.
THE FINISH LINE: Waltiea Rolle has a right to complain
FOR quite some time, I’ve been agitating for more recognition of our athletes and sports administrators, who deserve the accolades for a job well done.
Don’t ‘capitulate’ on our financial services
The Bahamas was yesterday urged not to “capitulate” over its financial services industry, with one practitioner refuting the former prime minister’s belief that the sector is beyond “salvaging”.
Chamber chair urges greater minority investor safeguards
The Bahamas needs to implement greater minority investor protection, with the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman arguing that too many were content to “ride along” with the majority.
Deal was to ‘save my life savings’
The alleged victims of a Bahamas real estate fraud were yesterday labelled “a group of spoiled rich kids”, who were seeking to extort money from the vendors via ‘blackmail’.
Bahamas ‘just too murky’ on land buying
An alleged land fraud victim yesterday said he would never again seek to acquire Bahamian real estate because the process was “too murky”.
Bahamas ‘land fraud’ sparks furious battle
The battle over an alleged Bahamas real estate fraud hit new heights yesterday, as international investors pushed for a summary judgment to recover outlays worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Into the blue
FORTY Bahamian teenagers from nine islands have been enjoying six days of ecological camping on Andros under the guidance of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
Clubs and Societies: 07292016
Charter Institute of Arbitrators. - The newest executives of The Bahamas branch of the Charter Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) gathered recently with chairman Dr Richard Demeritte to discuss their plans.
Heritage tour for young students
Students from the Mt Olive Baptist Church 23rd Summer Youth Programme were given a cultural and heritage tour and lecture by church pastor and chairman of the Coalition to Save Clifton Rev Dr CB Moss on July 21, 2016.
A summer with the horses of Camperdown
CAMPERDOWN Riding Club’s popular summer camp ends today after five weeks, with children having enjoyed the chance to have riding lessons, groom horses and take them into the sea to cool off.
Women demanding money from failed asue after court ruling
SEVERAL irate women who had together paid over $6,000 into a failed “asue” are demanding their money from a woman who was ordered by the court four months ago to pay them.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Doc rocks with a new song and dance routine
So, the Free National Movement began their convention week on Wednesday.
Sex attack suspect denied bail
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge.
Plan to overhaul inner city areas
THE city of Nassau and the historic Grants and Charles Towns communities could undergo major overhauls in the coming years if the government decides to move forward with plans presented by the Economic Development Planning Unit on Thursday.
Roberts: FNM trying to deflect from their own corruption
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has hit out at Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ “pathetic attempt” to “throw mud” at the PLP, charging that the Killarney MP’s “empty rhetoric” is nothing but “deflection and political bluster” from the FNM’s own issues of corruption.
Rooms issue ‘not political sabotage’ insists chairman
THE lack of accommodations for at least five Family Island delegates were the result of operational challenges at the Melià hotel and not political sabotage, according to incumbent FNM Chairman Sidney Collie.
A vote for Doc is a vote for the PLP
Tomorrow is a critical day, not only for the FNM, but for the entire Bahamas. And, although the day will end with the FNM electing its leader to take the party into the 2017 election, whoever is elected will determine whether we will have an FNM government or another five years of going down the economic drain with the PLP.
Who wins and who loses
AS we move into the final day of the FNM Convention, I urge the delegates and I urge the people of The Bahamas to carefully consider who wins and who loses if each nominee is successful or unsuccessful.
Bahamas brings home three bronze medals from US Judo Junior Open
THE Bahamas Judo Federation recently attended the US Judo Junior Open, taking a contingent of 31 athletes and 11 administrators.
Knowles hoping Olympic tradition continues for Swift swimmers
SINCE making his appearance as a competitor as one of the pioneers in 1976 in Montreal, Canada, Andy Knowles has been fortunate to coach Bahamian swimmers in six consecutive Olympic Games.
Puerto Rico leads Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships
WHILE Puerto Rico continues to lead both the Hoerman Cup and George Teale Memorial Trophy for the 2016 Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, the Bahamas still has some work to do to at least finish in the middle of the pack when the four-day event comes to a close today.
IAN FERGUSON: Don’t ignore the vacation benefits
Amid the hustle and bustle of the workplace, employees often overlook and underestimate the importance of vacation. Statistics show that, annually, the average employee leaves many vacation days and weeks unused. There are even those who pride themselves on not taking vacations. Though dedication to your profession is wonderful and commendable, we as humans require rest, and there are ample benefits to taking a vacation.
Airline bookings up through October
Advanced bookings on flights into the Bahamas have risen “over and above’ last year’s numbers straight through October, a top tourism official adding that this nation “still has a product to promote” despite the stalled Baha Mar project.
Investment Funds overhaul moving
The Securities Commission’s executive director yesterday said work was “progressing” on the overhaul of the Investment Funds Act, although she was unable to provide substantive details on the reforms.
Thursday, July 28
Gospel artist wants her listeners to ‘Keep Moving’
Contemporary gospel singer Veola Sophia is maximising her ministry and encouraging people to keep pressing on even when life’s challenges make throwing in the towel appear very tempting.
Vacation Bible School in Exuama celebrates the ‘Joy in Jesus’
VACATION Bible School (VBS) is a time when children come together to learn more about the great commission as stated in Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
MEDITATION: Living in victory
WHEN we look at all of what is going on it is easy to feel defeated. Focusing on the wind and the waves can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Just as people held on and held out during Hurricane Joaquin until they we were rescued, we have to exhibit the same courage, fortitude and kindness.
The expectation
THIS article is part two of my July 14 column, “Pray for the nation.”
Happy Emancipation Day!
SLAVERY is the most dehumanising institution devised by humankind; said to be the worse Holocaust ever. Millions died as a direct result of it and countless others indirectly. It cannot be rationalised and for it there can never be any humane justification. It was downright evil.
Govt insists it took right decision over Baha Mar
A DAY after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham called the Christie administration’s push to have Baha Mar liquidated a bad move, the government hit back saying provisional liquidation “was the only sensible option available”.
‘Failed gender referendum was payback for the PLP’
THE failed gender equality referendum was “payback” from voters to the Christie administration, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told The Tribune.
McAlpine: Don’t cut anyone from the team
IN a rousing speech that often brought the crowd to its feet, former Free National Movement Senator Fredrick McAlpine last night urged whoever wins the party’s leadership race on Friday “not to cut anyone from the team,” stressing that the opposition needs “all hands on deck.”
FNM leadership rivals united in dance; "no fracture" promises Minnis
AMID bitter party infighting and accusations that he has not organised a fair convention process, Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis last night embraced and danced with his rival Loretta Butler-Turner after promising there will be no “fracture” in the Free National Movement after he wins the leadership contest.
U.S. firm's poll says most F.N.M.s would choose Loretta
A POLL conducted by a new American political research company has found that most Free National Movement supporters would choose Loretta Butler-Turner as leader of the party over Dr Hubert Minnis.
Butler-Turner: Minnis trying to silence me
FREE National Movement leader hopeful and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday accused Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis, who hopes to remain at the helm of the organisation, of doing everything possible to “silence” her voice and “steal” the party’s convention.
Pintard: I’m not running for anything at convention
FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday distanced himself from advertisements that indicated he was seeking to reclaim his post at the party’s convention.
Exuma’s Nehemiah Rolle awarded for dedicated and unselfish service
DR Dorothy Height once said, “Without community service we would not have a strong quality of life.
Countdown to 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup begins
WE have a look, we have an emblem, and the countdown toward the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is officially underway.
Robinson shoots 70 to lead Bahamas on CAGC day two
There is some ground to make up for the Bahamas Golf Federation’s team at the 60th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, but there have also been several individual standout performances.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Buddy blazes a trail for wannabe Bahamian sports stars
SHORTLY after 9am, the point to prove is that they belong on the court with him.
Nike Elite Youth Basketball Camp returns to New Providence
FOR the second consecutive year, the highlight of Nike’s off-season basketball programme for high school players will be featured in the Bahamas.
Sealey: ‘The teams are here and we are ready to go’
WITH two devoted fanbases, championship football clubs and the anticipation of elite level soccer, the Bahamas Football Association expects a large crowd and fierce competition on the pitch tomorrow night.
Summer camp creations to go on show
CREATIVE art pieces, decorative home accessories, useful goods, and treats - all created by Bahamian children who participated in summer camps sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture - will be on display at Superclubs Breezes tomorrow morning.
Art at the heart of the summer
THE second session of the annual National Art Gallery of the Bahamas’ mixed media art summer camp is under way with the focus on “surrealism, pop art and contemporary art”, organiser Abby Smith told The Tribune yesterday.
‘Voter tried to bribe me for new card’
ASSISTANT Parliamentary Commissioner in Freeport Reno Smith revealed that a voter once tried to bribe him to issue a new voter’s card.
Tributes to artist and sculptor James Mastin
BAHAMIANS lost a champion of their national history and culture on Sunday with the passing of James Mastin in Miami, Florida,
Rise in visitors by air, but a drop in cruise tourists
THERE has been a two per cent increase in the number of visitor air arrivals, but a one per cent “downturn” in the number of cruise ship passengers in the first quarter of 2016, Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu said yesterday.
Migrants paid $5,500 each to be smuggled into the U.S.
FIFTEEN people who had paid more than $80,000 to be smuggled from Grand Bahama into the United States were left stranded on a disabled boat at sea by the captain, who promised to return after he had been picked up by another vessel.
Pay back $522 by friday or go to jail, fraudster told
A MAN has until Friday to return $522 he stole from a woman’s Scotia Bank account.
$13,000 seized from American man trying to travel to Jamaica
A COURT seized more than US$13,000 from an American man yesterday who failed to get formal permission to carry that amount of money out of the country.
Gomez: I don’t know when audits will be tabled
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez said Monday he doesn’t know when he will table long overdue audits of the Public Hospitals Authority in the House of Assembly.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Convention is a watershed moment for the FNM
Friday night’s vote at the Free National Movement’s (FNM) convention will likely be a watershed moment in the party’s history.
A man of action
After more than four years of big talk and little action from Prime Minister Perry Christie, The Bahamas needs a leader that will simply get the job done.
The grass on the other side
THE great, French leader Charles de Gaulle said, “the cemeteries of the world are filled with indispensable men”.
Harbour Island’s ‘extreme damage’ from power woes
Harbour Island’s power outage woes have caused “extreme damage” to its reputation as a tourism idyll, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with resident businesses renewing demands for the island to have its own power plant.
‘Tragedy’ for regulation to force business closure
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday said it was “a tragedy” if government regulations forced business closures, as he again called for “market forces to prevail” over price controls.
Bahamian economy ‘as low as it can go’
The Bahamian economy has “gone as low as it can go”, with the Chamber’s chief executive yesterday conceding that progress on improving the ‘ease of doing business’ was not happening “as fast as we’d like”.
NHI threatens 20% rise in doctor costs
The Government’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme threatens to increase doctors’ costs by “at least 20 per cent”, amid competing proposals to reform the profession’s relationship with insurers and the Government.
Convention ‘stained by underhanded actions’ says Cash
FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash claimed yesterday the party’s national convention had been “stained” as a result of alleged “underhanded actions” by the party’s incumbent leadership.
Mixed views from delegates on comments by Ingraham
A DAY after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham expressed distress at the state of the Free National Movement, interviews with party delegates yesterday underscored the complicated status he now occupies in the party he led for nearly two decades.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: A lament for Long Island
Long Island is in desperate need of governmental assistance and year-round economic stimulus but, unfortunately, its economy has stalled.
YOUR SAY – Britain post-Brexit: still a major player in the world
On June 23, the British people voted to leave the European Union (EU) and British Prime Minister Theresa May has been clear that ‘Brexit’ means ‘Brexit’.
Wednesday, July 27
F.N.M. Convention: Day one as it happened
Get all the news from the FNM Convention right here with live updates starting today.
Ingraham disappointed with Christie’s decision on Baha Mar
TODAY The Tribune says without apology that Hubert Alexander Ingraham should be the man at the head of our government in this, its hour of urgent need.
Jamaican detained without trial is awarded $125,000
A JAMAICAN who spent nine years in and out of prison and the Carmichael Road Detention Centre without trial was awarded a $125,000 settlement in Supreme Court yesterday.
Ingraham: Minnis abused his power in removing Cash as delegate
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis abused his power when he removed former Chairman Darron Cash from the party’s Executive Committee recently, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told The Tribune yesterday.
Christie administration was ‘dead wrong’ on Baha Mar
THE Christie administration was “dead wrong” to force Baha Mar into provisional liquidation and should have allowed developer Sarkis Izmirlian’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy process to play out in a US court, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday.
"I prayed with men who robbed me" says Dr David Allen
RENOWNED psychiatrist Dr David Allen said he prayed with the three young men who held him at gunpoint during a home invasion early on Tuesday morning.
Two policemen fired for stealing $22,000 during traffic stop
TWO Royal Bahamas Police Force officers were fired on Monday after they were convicted of stealing nearly $22,000 from a man during a traffic stop in Grand Bahama on Saturday.
MPs told to support leader or get the hell out of their seats
MAURICE Moore, regarded as one of the Free National Movement’s founding fathers, last night chastised the opposition MPs who oppose Free National Movement chief Dr Hubert Minnis, saying if they cannot support their leader they should “get the hell out of the seats” they occupy in the House of Assembly.
Ingraham: My distress at state of FNM
THE current state of the Free National Movement is “distressing” to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who told The Tribune yesterday the Official Opposition has to put in a lot of work to win over voters whose minds have been “poisoned” by months of public infighting.
Cable charges BTC recovering ‘seven times’ network cost
Cable Bahamas has charged that its Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) rival recovers more than “seven times’” the costs it incurs on terminating fixed-line calls to its mobile subscribers at peak hours.
Custom computers joins ‘Christmas in July’ campaign
CUSTOM Computers Ltd has joined The Salvation Army for its first “Christmas in July - Need Has No Season” fundraising campaign.
Fertility tracking bracelet unveiled
THERE’S a wearable for just about everything these days - including one designed to help women trying to get pregnant.
Pokebits
• THE Catholic Church in Germany is taking legal action to tackle a plague of “Pokemon Go” players invading Cologne Cathedral after the virtual reality game’s manufacturers did not react to requests to exclude the ancient building from it.
A moment in the sun
Solar plane ends round-the-world flight to make history
THE historic first round-the-world flight to be powered solely by the sun’s energy was completed yesterday in Abu Dhabi, from where the plane first took off on an epic 25,000-mile journey more than a year ago.
Govt yet ‘to bite bullet’ over NIB
A Cabinet Minister said the Government had yet to “bite the bullet” on National Insurance Board (NIB) reforms, adding that recommendations from the International Labour Organisation (ILOs) to raise contribution rates was “no breaking news”.
60th CAGC off to a scorching start
AS host of the 60th Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, the Bahamas was feeling the heat just as much as their opponents as the first day of competition got off to a scorching start at the Ocean Club Golf Club on Tuesday.
Tynia Gaither gets chance to prove her worth in Brazil
SHE is being touted as one of the heir replacements for the “Golden Girls.” In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sprinter Tynia Gaither will get a chance to prove her worth as she represents the Bahamas in both the women’s 100 and 200 metres at the Olympic Games.
‘Golden Girl’ Debbie turns coach for Rio Olympics
After making her debut at the Olympic Games as a member of the women’s 4 x 100 metre relay team in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996, sprinter Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie is back for her sixth straight appearance at the four-yearly global competition.
Think tank aims to implement five-year plan for Junkanoo
A FIVE-year strategic plan for Junkanoo to be a transformative influence on social, cultural and economic development in The Bahamas has been launched by the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) through an independent task force.
‘Protocol fault’ blamed for medical waste at landfill
THE repeated occurrence of biohazardous medical waste turning up at the New Providence landfill without being incinerated has been blamed on a “fault in protocol and directives” by senior health officials.
judge to consider sentence on men guilty in triple killing
A JUDGE has reserved his decision on what sentences he will impose on two men convicted of having a role in the fatal shooting five years ago that claimed three lives, including a pregnant woman due to give birth to her son.
Activists press for details on MARCO Alert system
CHILD protection advocates pledged yesterday to continue their pressure on the government to fully enact amendments to the Sexual Offences Act and the Child Protection Act following the success of their viral protest.
Residents threaten action after spate of boat thefts
A RASH of boat thefts in Abaco in the past week are causing such concern to frustrated residents that they are threatening to take matters into their own hands to stop the culprits.
B.P.L. tackles power failures in Eleuthera
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) was said to be working to stabilise its power generation networks in Eleuthera last night following “several system failures on Monday and into Tuesday”, the company said in a statement yesterday.
Health officials urge residents to take steps to prevent Zika
HEALTH officials yesterday reinforced their efforts to combat the potential spread of the Zika virus to The Bahamas, again issuing notices that residents have the biggest role to play in prevention.
Police identify teenager killed in Grand Bahama crash
THE teenager killed in a traffic accident in Grand Bahama on Monday night has been officially identified by police as 19-year-old Jamond Jatizo Henfield, of Holmes Rock.
Butler-Turner: Christie past his ‘use by’ date
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday lambasted Prime Minister Perry Christie for “refusing” to step down as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), accusing Mr Christie of staying in politics far beyond his “use by effective date”.
That familiar feeling
Re: Christie vows to stay as PM (July 19)
Leaders know when to leave
POLITICIANS thinking that if they leave the scene everything will collapse is historically well established in fact go back through history this has been the inevitable downfall of the majority of leaders.
Raise small claims limit
Does anyone in this country owe you a small amount of money and refuses to pay? And if “yes”, what can you do about it?
Nightmare of tax compliance
Mr Branville McCartney is the latest in a long line of business people that has felt the sting of the government’s insensitive over regulation where presenting a Tax Compliance Certificate Certificate (TCC) in order to get paid for services already rendered or under the terms of a contract that are being ignored.
Bran: Youth jobless rate still ‘disturbingly high’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said unemployment among Bahamian youth remained “disturbingly high”, as he questioned whether the latest job survey accounted for underemployment and reduced work weeks.
Family Island airport revelations ‘damning’
Revelations about ‘the sense of chaos’ at key Family Island airports are potentially “catastrophic” for the tourism industry, a senior airline executive yesterday saying immediate corrective action was required from the Government.
URCA warned over ‘maximum damage’
The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) is threatening to “inflict maximum damage” on the now-liberalising mobile market via a major change to its regulatory approach on retail pricing.
Chamber chief: Don’t stoke devaluation fear
Devaluation concerns were yesterday branded “premature” by the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s chairman, who argued against using the issue “to cause fear and pandemonium”.
Govt acts on Family Island airport woes
A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government was already moving to address health and safety deficiencies at several key Family Island airports, adding that Exuma’s redevelopment is ‘well underway’.
Tuesday, July 26
Bahamians urged to make life-saving blood donations
WHILE the Unity Blood Drive may have ended over the weekend, members of the general public are still being urged to keep on donating by visiting the island’s various blood banks.
Healthy tresses through healthy products
WHAT do you do when you are a naturalista but it’s a real hassle finding the right items to keep your tresses strong and healthy? For Richae Barton, starting a business in the hair care industry and becoming a retailer of all the products necessary to manage her hair was the solution.
‘Soca for the Cure’ to launch CIBC FirstCaribbean cancer fundraising
Survivors, supporters, fitness buffs and soca fans will be able to fete for a cause at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ‘Soca for the Cure’ event. Organisers promise this interactive fitness experience, which launches the fundraising season that leads up to the bank’s fifth annual Walk for the Cure in October, will be unlike any other fundraiser, with soca fitness instructor Macumbla “Comby” Smith leading the charge.
Michelle Miller Motivationals: Are you dominating your distractions?
Most would agree that we are living in a time of unprecedented distractions. Today we are offered an ocean of technology that produces gizmos and gadgets that those generations before us could never have imagined.
Criminals
According to the state, our sons are criminals. Our daughters are not mentioned, but our sons are being made criminals because we give them everything they want and we do not supervise them.
BUN IN THE OVEN: New mom surprises
There are many things that we are taught when having children for the first time. Most of this information comes from family, our doctor, or books that we may have read. But after giving birth, there are a few things that may surprise you about the glorious parenting journey.
Crowning glory
Dedicating her victory to her late father, 23-year-old Ashley Hamilton soared above her competition in Sunday night’s Miss Bahamas World pageant, winning not only the crown, but the hearts of the audience as well.
Jury sworn in for armed robbery trial
A JURY sworn to hear evidence in an armed robbery trial was excused yesterday while lawyers for the prosecution and the accused held legal discussions with the presiding judge.
Cash formally complains after being removed as delegate
LAST minute appointments to the Free National Movement’s Executive Committee should not be allowed to vote as delegates, according to former FNM Chairman Darron Cash.
Butler-Turner: I’m stronger
AS the start date for the Free National Movement’s convention nears, Long Island MP and party leader hopeful Loretta Butler-Turner proclaimed in her latest campaign ad that she has “stronger leadership abilities” compared to incumbent Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
Concerns party will not unite
WHILE many Free National Movement supporters hope this week’s convention will unite a severely fractured organisation, concerns have surfaced that the party will remain disjointed regardless of who is elected to lead the FNM following the highly anticipated event.
Johnson steps back from comments on PM's future
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson distanced himself from comments he made about Prime Minister Perry Christie, releasing a statement yesterday that denied a report that he wants the nation’s leader gone.
UPDATED: Doctor found not guilty of rape, indecent assault
Dr Gerald Forbes, 45, has been acquitted of rape and indecent assault in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama.
19-year-old man dies in Grand Bahama traffic accident
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating a fatal traffic accident on Monday night that left a 19-year-old man of Holmes Rock dead.
Ingraham rules out nomination
AMID intense speculation about his future, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham seemed to permanently close the door to any possible return to frontline politics yesterday, writing in a letter that he will not accept a nomination for a position at the FNM convention later this week even if he is nominated.
BUT blames Johnson for mix-up that meant track team missed day of event
AN alleged “last minute” issue with travel costs by a Cabinet minister cost a junior national track and field team one day of competition and jeopardised its chances at emerging victorious at a highly anticipated regional track meet two weeks ago, Bahamas Union of Teachers Secretary General John Musgrove said yesterday.
Former Speaker raises concerns about Major comments
FORMER House Speaker Alvin Smith said the recent public comments by House Speaker Dr Kendal Major that he was not one of the young parliamentarians who asked the prime minister to remain leader of the Progressive Liberal Party should not have been made public, despite the assertion the remarks were his personal views.
POLITICOLE: Ingraham’s return would be for the FNM, not the people
I thought Loretta Butler-Turner stood a chance. Scratch that, with my apologies. Not if You Know Who is back on the scene.
Bail denied for pair accused of armed robbery
TWO men were charged with armed robbery in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Rape convict told to take appeal on life sentence to Privy Council
A MAN who believes his life sentence for a rape conviction is unlawful was told by a Supreme Court judge yesterday to take his plea for redress to the country’s highest court.
Prosecutor challenges Vasyli lawyers over appeal basis
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Garvin Gaskin yesterday challenged a woman’s belief that a jury may not have convicted her of murdering her millionaire husband if the judge had directed the panel to her lack of antecedents on the day the unanimous guilty verdict was returned.
GB Power action challenges ‘validity’ of Freeport MoU
The Grand Bahama Power Company’s opposition to regulation by URCA further challenges the “validity” of the Government’s Freeport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Opposition’s deputy leader said yesterday.
Lack of freedom ‘impairing’ BPL
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday renewed concerns that PowerSecure lacks the necessary freedom to run Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) as a business, arguing that it was being “hampered and impaired” by the Government.
Cable to ‘devastate’ BTC via mobile win
Cable Bahamas could “devastate” the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) if its mobile market share projections come true, even though the latter recorded a 26 per cent profit rise in its last financial year.
‘Sense of chaos’ at Out Island airports
The Government has been warned that “a sense of chaos” exists at several key Family Island airports, which lack the necessary management policies and structures to deal with environmental and social concerns.
Bran’s ‘living nightmare’ over Tax Certification
The DNA’s leader yesterday said “the living nightmare” of business in the Bahamas was brought home when the National Insurance Board (NIB) effectively tore up the contract with his family’s pharmacy via its Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) demands.
Dorsett tight-lipped but says Christie is his leader
SOUTHERN Shores MP Kenred Dorsett said yesterday that Prime Minister Perry Christie is his leader and will continue to be leader of the Progressive Liberal Party until the party feels otherwise.
Butler-Turner: I’m a stronger leader than Hubert Minnis
In the nearly three-minute long video circulated on social media Monday, Mrs Butler-Turner insisted that while both she and Dr Minnis learned at the feet of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, she was by far better suited for the “big chair” of leadership.
Profits and philanthropy
CORPORATE philanthropy is a great practice and locally we have many corporates who give generously.
Remove the emperors
EMPEROR Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “I can no longer obey; I have tasted command, and I cannot give it up”.
Boat thefts in Abaco
I am a business owner in Hope Town, Abaco. My family and I have been a part of this community for the past 60 years.
Jonquel Jones drafted to play in Korean League
HOLMES Rock, Grand Bahama — She has already spent the first two months playing for the Connecticut Sun. But Jonquel Jones said she cannot wait for the Women’s National Basketball Association to return at the end of August.
The importance of visiting the dentist
Many people have various reasons why they do not visit their dentist regularly.
Doctors Hospital re-accredited by Joint Commission International
The board of directors and executive team at Doctors Hospital announced that the hospital has once again been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) following a week of intense on-site scrutiny and examination.
YOUR SAY: Fighting to save the Bahamian economy
There has been much recent discussion of Bahamian dollar devaluation. At this stage, is seems that it is not a matter of if The Bahamas will suffer devaluation, but when.
Hundreds take the ‘Pathway to Wellness”
In honour of its 26th anniversary, the Bahamas Heart Centre hosted a Pathway to Wellness health fair on July 14 on its grounds at The Medical Pavilion Bahamas (TMPB).
SPORTS NOTES
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season action over the weekend in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at Southern Recreation Grounds.
National beach soccer select team fall 8-1 to Pisa
THE Bahamas men’s national beach soccer select team played their third and final Italian friendly on Sunday, losing 8-1 to Pisa in Pisa, Italy.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: JBLN all-stars step up to the plate in Florida
ONE of the cherished events in my life, that I will always carry with me as a father, occurred two weeks ago in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Impressive run for Jaguars on AAU basketball circuit
A TEAM made up of local and foreign-based Bahamian players have had an impressive run on the AAU summer basketball circuit.
Bahamas 3rd in Group Six in Men’s Under-17 World Cup Qualifier
THE Bahamas finished third in Group Six with a 1-2 record against regional competition in Suriname over the weekend.
A ‘Fun Night’ to remember
An iconic staple in the Bahamas’ basketball culture, the 29th edition of the Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball Camp concluded with traditional “Fun Night” at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
36 benefit from Doctors Hospital Foundation fund scholarships
THIRTY-SIX young Bahamians have received financial assistance from the Doctors Hospital Dr Meyer Rassin Foundation scholarship fund to help offset their educational expenses.
Kennel Club shines in Savannah contest
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Kennel Club (BKC) travelled to Savannah, Georgia at the end of June to compete in the annual Savannah Dog Training Club’s Obedience Trials.
Marine groups thank Disney for ditching Egg Island plan
TWO leading organisations with strong ties to the marine environment have thanked Disney Cruise Lines for shelving plans to lease Egg Island in North Eleuthera for a private island cruise destination.
Students shine in awards
NEARLY 60 students from 16 high schools throughout the archipelago were yesterday honoured as winners of the government’s Public School Scholarship Award, something Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald called a “very proud moment” for public education in the country.
Junkanoo Carnival report is completed
The report on Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival’s economic impact is complete, its chairman said yesterday, although he was unable to confirm when it would be released publicly.
Landfill manager eyes metal recycling
The New Providence landfill manager said yesterday it was still in talks with the Government about revising its current five-year management contract, although it hopes to have its recycling facility operational soon.
12 Cuban migrants detained by coast guard
TWELVE Cuban migrants were taken to Grand Bahama by US Coast Guard officials late Friday evening and handed over to Bahamian authorities at Freeport Harbour.
Monday, July 25
VIDEO: Texas dentist describes Abaco shark attack
A 62-year-old dentist from Texas was attacked by a 6-foot bull shark while free diving in waters near Green Turtle Cay, Abaco early Saturday morning.
UPDATED: Ingraham says it's time for FNM to unite, will NOT run for leadership
5.25pm UPDATE: Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has confirmed in a letter to FNM Chairman Sidney Collie, that he will NOT be running for leadership of the party at the upcoming convention.
INSIGHT: Conventional wisdom hard to find at home and abroad
This week’s Free National Movement summit will thankfully be open, unlike Trump’s annointment in Ohio, Richard Coulson says . . .
Resort worker killed in crash
A MAN killed in a traffic accident in Freeport on Saturday has been identified as 37-year-old Gregory Cartwright, of Pioneer’s Loop, Freeport.
Call to change approach to more accurately record long-term employment
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday urged officials at the Department of Statistics to adjust the line of questioning used in its biannual unemployment survey “accordingly,” claiming the survey does not differentiate between temporary and long-term employment status.
Butler-Turner optimistic about leadership race
DESPITE failing to reach a portion of the party’s 410 delegates, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner insisted that she won’t give up and will remain optimistic “until the last minute” about emerging the Free National Movement’s new leader following the FNM convention later this week.
Rigby: ‘Absolute nonsense’ that Christie is all that is holding the PLP together
AS BAHAMIANS, including young PLPs, become increasingly frustrated with the leadership of the government, it is “absolute nonsense” for Prime Minister Perry Christie to assert that he is the glue holding the organisation together, former party Chairman Raynard Rigby said yesterday.
Video hails Minnis as having a ‘soldier’s heart’
DESPITE a leadership term defined by infighting and party division, the “Roc Wit Doc” campaign yesterday debuted a video celebrating Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as a man admired by party supporters who fuelled unity and growth within the organisation since taking control of it in 2012.
Fourteen Cubans detained after being found near Highbourne Cay
FOURTEEN Cuban migrants have been turned over to officials at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre in New Providence after being apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on Saturday afternoon.
Waltiea Rolle: ‘This government has done absolutely nothing for me’
WHILE the country celebrated the achievements of many of its sporting legends, one historic icon took to social media to express her displeasure at a lack of recognition by the Bahamian government.
Bahamas 38th overall but bringing home zero medals from IAAF Worlds Under-20
THE Bahamas didn’t win any medals at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, over the weekend.
A ‘red carpet’ welcome home for Jonquel Jones
HOLMES Rock, Grand Bahama — Jonquel Jones hails from a little settlement that reads on its sign: Welcome to Holmes Rock, the home of Togetherness. It’s an unique community that sits in between Eight Mile Rock and West End and now is popularised by the second Bahamian to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
‘Buddymania’ rocks gym
THE inaugural Buddy Hield Invitational produced one of the best endings event organisers could ask for, a near capacity crowd and a thrilling finish on the court.
INSIGHT: Call to educate Bahamians on issues ahead of election
AS ELECTION season kicks into high-gear, non-profit action group Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) today launches its own campaign to educate Bahamians on national issues and the critical need for reform.
INSIGHT: ‘Toilet man’ is being let down by an uncaring system
Three weeks ago, Tribune reader Deno P Ellis expressed his concerns for an elderly man living in straightened circumstances in a converted toilet. Here he responds to the Department of Social Services “investigation” into the matter and bemoans a lack of action . . .
Fort Charlotte campaingers angered by Rollins criticism
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins has enraged several of his former campaign generals with his recent criticism of Prime Minister Perry Christie and his refusal to accept responsibility for his “poor” performance as a representative.
Money but no voice
After “chequing” out Sideburns cartoon . . .
The very odd political couple
Whether in desperation or naiveté Dr. Hubert Minnis keeps befriending political failures. His latest bromance (aka fondness amongst kindred spirits) is none other than the Prince of Blabber, Leslie Miller, the loud-mouth PLP recently chased from his job as chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation.
Lynden Pindling said ‘tell the truth’ - that includes Baha Mar
“GET up and get going or you will be gone!” was the swift kick in the pants that the late Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling gave his MPs on the last night of the PLP’s 35th national convention.
Bahamianisation ‘more a curse than a blessing’
A well-known QC has backed calls to liberalise the Bar, telling Tribune Business: “Bahamianisation has been more of a curse than a blessing.”
URCA orders ‘middle ground’ on NewCo’s BTC roaming period
Regulators have ordered a ‘middle ground’ compromise on how long NewCo2015 can use the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) network to deliver its own mobile services, stipulating a 24-month time period.
‘No time to celebrate’ unemployment decline
A Cabinet minister says it “is no time to start celebrating despite the 2.1 percentage drop in the Bahamas’ unemployment rate to 12.7 per cent, as he predicted a further decline come November.
Sir Franklyn urges Cable to meet the ‘highest standards’
Sir Franklyn Wilson has urged Cable Bahamas to “meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability” following the issuance of its new mobile licence.
Jobless numbers up 10% year-over-year
An FNM leadership contender has expressed concern that the Government is usurping the private sector’s role as chief job creator, after unemployment increased 10.2 per cent year-over-year.
‘We must do more to honour Ingraham’
SENATOR Dr Duane Sands said the Free National Movement has not done enough during the past four years to recognise the “tremendous successes” of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
New business growth ‘only way’ to cut unemployment
The Bahamas “must do everything it can” to encourage new entrepreneurs and get existing businesses to expand, the Chamber’s chief executive arguing this is “the only way” to slash unemployment.
Campbell named as HoldingCo chairman
A former Colina Insurance Company president has been appointed as chairman of HoldingCo, the entity that will hold the 51.75 per cent majority stake in the Bahamas’ new mobile phone operator.
Sunday, July 24
Freeport driver, 37, dies and four are hurt after accident involving a limousine
A 37-year-old man from Pioneer's Loop, Freeport, died in a traffic accident on Saturday afternoon, Grand Bahama police have reported.
14 Cuban migrants caught off Highbourne Cay by Defence Force patrol boat
FOURTEEN Cuban migrants have been turned over to officials at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre in New Providence after being apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, July 22
Dr Gerald Forbes 'a wolf disguised in sheep clothing'
DR GERALD Forbes was described as “a wolf disguised in sheep clothing” by the prosecution during closing arguments in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama on Friday.
VIDEO: Shaunae Miller wins 400m with 2016's fastest time
IT WAS like poetry in motion for Shaunae Miller as she pulled away from the field and easily sped to the world’s leading time of 2016 - and a personal best - of 49.55 seconds to win the London Diamond League women’s 400 metres on Friday at the London Olympic Stadium.
Two found not guilty of funeral repast murder
TWO MEN accused of murdering a man at a funeral repast celebrated their freedom on Friday after they were acquitted by a jury.
Christie responds to 'delusional' criticism
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said on Friday that as the country heads into election season, he will be a target for “the hunters” as he gave a vague response to MP Philip Galanis’ scorching critique in which he branded the nation’s leader “delusional” over his vow to remain leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
Dr Nottage activates 'MARCO Alert'
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage on Friday solicited the engagement of local media outlets to assist in disseminating the Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation (MARCO) Alert, which he said is activated "effective immediately".
FNM 'has raised the money to fund convention'
THE FREE NATIONAL Movement (FNM) has raised all of the money they needed to fund the party's national convention next week, chairman Sidney Collie said on Friday.
Tennyson Wells vows to support rival campaign in long island
IF Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner is renominated as the Free National Movement’s standard-bearer for the constituency, former Cabinet Minister Tennyson Wells pledged yesterday that he would campaign for an independent candidate or run in the area himself as a last resort.
Disney says Egg Island cannot sustain cruise line development
DISNEY Cruise Line said yesterday it has no plans to construct a cruise port at Egg Island, Eleuthera, claiming impact studies have suggested that island’s marine environment could not sustain a development of that magnitude.
DNA: Christie saying no one else in his party is fit to lead
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said Prime Minister Perry Christie’s assertion that the Progressive Liberal Party may become unstable without him is a “slap in the face to other persons” in the governing party.
Butler-Turner: If Minnis wins, party will abandon me
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner contended yesterday that if Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis scored another victory at the party’s convention next week, she believes the FNM would abandon her.
Izmirlian files for full liquidation of Baha Mar
SARKIS Izmirlian’s Granite Ventures Ltd filed a summons in the Supreme Court yesterday seeking to transition Baha Mar from provisional liquidation into full liquidation, a process Prime Minister Perry Christie once described as a “chilling prospect” for the resort and the country.
Carnival jobs helped with unemployment
THE Department of Statistics is expected to announce today that the overall unemployment rate is now at 12.7 per cent after a 2.1 per cent decline, with officials pointing to Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival “related activities” accounting for some of the improvement, according to the 2016 Labour Force Survey results obtained by The Tribune.
Ministry ‘aware’ of rise in passport applications
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration said it is aware of the increase in the number of passport applications during the summer period at all the Passport Offices in The Bahamas and overseas offices.
Call to implement laws in honour of Marco Archer
ACTIVISTS are harnessing the power of social media to demand the creation of a sex offender register and the activation of the MARCO Alert system for missing children in a viral protest today.
Call for ‘mature approach’ to parole
A well-known attorney yesterday dismissed the idea that were challenges in presenting the concept of parole to victims or persons affected by serious crime, claiming that the country’s “wholly unsatisfactory” system of early custodial discharge is essentially parole without the requisite parameters.
Three accused of killing student to face trial in 2018
THREE men will stand trial in Supreme Court in May 2018 concerning the murder of a 16-year-old honour roll student at Government High School.
Ramsey yet to appeal his bribery convictions
FREDDIE Solomon Ramsey has yet to file an appeal against his convictions on multiple bribery related charges stemming from the Alstom SA/Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) scandal, The Tribune has learned.
Office manager says doctor flirted with alleged rape victim
A FORMER office manager at Dr Gerald Forbes’ clinic testified that the woman who has claimed the doctor allegedly raped her was “flirtatious” with the accused when she worked at his medical clinic.
Scary landscape
PM Christie really believes that the young PLP MP’s want him to stay? Oh when will these long BEC outages from Bahamas ‘No Power’ and ‘No Light’ the heat obviously gone to his head.
A tribute to Ivan Cleare
WHO WOULD have thought that the death angel would knock at my family’s door wearing the mask of crime?
Challenger to pay $50,000 today despite concerns
LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday she will pay the remaining $50,000 she pledged the Free National Movement’s Finance Committee for the party’s upcoming convention today, despite still having “concerns” about the “transparency” of the event.
Bahamian airline mulls staying open
A Bahamian airline executive said yesterday that, in company with local auto dealers, he is at the point of assessing whether to stay in business or not, having already scaled back operations and reducing staff by 17 per cent.
Sarkis fears Baha Mar ‘undervalued’ in sale
Representatives for Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday expressed concern that Baha Mar’s receivers were under such pressure that they might “undervalue” the project in any sale, and “abandon” potential assets.
QC blasts Sarkis for ‘obstruction’
A well-known QC last night accused Sarkis Izmirlian of mounting “a last ditch effort to obstruct” the potential resolution of the $3.5 billion Baha Mar impasse.
QC hired for ‘FLIP’ probe
Concerned Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees have hired a well-known QC to research potential legal remedies over the controversial Freeport Light Industrial Park (FLIP).
Sarkis pushes for full Baha Mar liquidation
Sarkis Izmirlian yesterday again sought to present himself as the ‘champion’ of Baha Mar’s unsecured Bahamian creditors, as he moved to push the $3.5 billion development into full liquidation.
Digicel back in The Bahamas?
After more than twenty years of reaping millions of dollars in The Bahamas and repeatedly highlighted in their many commercials over the past 12 months that they are a company 100 per cent Bahamian owned.
MEDITATION: Know better, do better
LUKE 10:42 contains the Lord’s response to Martha: “Mary has chosen the better part.”
Pastor Wilber Outten celebrates 30 years of ‘fulfilling’ service
The Freeport Bible Church recently celebrated the 30th pastoral anniversary of Pastor Wilber Outten with a concert honouring him for his years of dedication to the church and his efforts in touching countless lives.
Calvary Deliverance Church celebrates 34th annual convention
PASTOR James Newry and Elder Queenie Newry, leaders of the Calvary Deliverance Church on East Street South, are inviting all Bahamians to attend the church’s 34th annual convention starting this Sunday.
Those whose crimes escape grip of the law have still sinned
WHAT are some of the identifiable, quiet criminal attitudes which raise their heads in private and sometimes hide behind less prominent persons?
Church of England ordinand follows God’s call to Bahamas
OVERCOMING her doubts concerning women in the priesthood, Jassica Castillo-Burley of Nottingham, England, answered a call from God and travelled to the Bahamas to learn from an ordained female priest.
Acoustic music event to commune with God
Creating an atmosphere where individuals feel as though they are standing face-to-face with God is the goal of the upcoming Acoustic Worship event.
National beach soccer team to face Lazio in friendly today
AFTER about 10 hours of driving, including a journey through the Swiss Alps, our national beach soccer squad arrived in Viareggio, Italy, for a weekend of club friendlies.
THE FINISH LINE: CBC U-16, Davis Cup glory makes Bahamians proud
THE Bahamas Basketball Federation must be commended for the outstanding performances of the boys and girls national teams that returned from the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s Under-16 Tournament as champions.
Peace on da Street Basketball Classic starts on Monday
THE emphasis, as always, will be on providing an alternative activity for young men to do rather than getting involved in crime as Youth Against Violence and The Hope Centre stage another version of the Peace on da Street Basketball Classic.
Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield pays courtesy call on Bank of The Bahamas Limited
YESTERDAY, Bahamian basketball star Chavano “Buddy” Hield paid a courtesy call on Bank of The Bahamas Limited.
Dereja Bain on path to become youngest black belt in Bahamas
TAKE one look at this picture and the words “shy and introverted” do not come to mind. But they are exactly what set Grand Bahama teenager Dereja Bain on the path to becoming the country’s youngest karate black belt.
‘BTC Eight Mile Rock Sponsorship Fund’ announced
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Limited (BTC) seeks to continue its role as one of the leading corporate sponsors of student athletes in the country.
Serena fourth in discus, erases Eve’s national record
Serena Brown came back from lowering Chafree Bain’s junior national record two days earlier to advance to the final of the women’s discus by erasing her mentor Lavern Eve’s national record for a fourth place in the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Relay team going to Olympics
THE Bahamas Olympic Committee yesterday added the women’s 4 x 400 metre relay team to the BTC Bahamas Olympic team that will represent the Bahamas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Drivers angry at lengthy repairs to Wulff Road
EXTENSIVE road repairs being carried out on a mile-long stretch of Wulff Road this month have vexed scores of motorists forced to find alternative routes to offset traffic woes and poor driving conditions.
Clubs and Societies: 07222016
Cycling Club Bahamas. - Weekday rides, east, morning, Tuesday & Thursday leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Pay to play policy further exposes the FNM
TO BORROW a popular colloquialism, the world of politics is ‘on fleek’ this week.
Thursday, July 21
THE BIG QUESTION: Kickstarting the economy
With fears that the country's credit rating could be downgraded by Wall Street rating agency Moody's
BREAKING NEWS: Bahamas women's 4x400m relay team will compete at Olympics
THE BTC Bahamas Olympic team has been increased by four members with the women's 4x400 metres relay team being added on Thursday to the original list of 28 athletes announced on Wednesday by the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC).
Honesty rewarded for clerk in $10,000 mix-up
FOR Tiffany Eldon, a 29-year-old clerk at The Linen Shop, the day started like any other when she opened the company safe to get out the bundle of $1 bills to make up the cashiers’ floats for business.
DNA: Loretta Butler-Turner has nothing to offer on economy
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance finance spokesperson Youri Kemp yesterday criticised Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner’s recent statements on the country’s economy, charging that she has “little or nothing” to offer on the issue other than “empty statements and glittering generalities without substance”.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Hands up all those who want Perry Christie to stay as PM
Based on the Prime Minister’s comments this week, it appears that the post-Perry Christie era within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will be interminably delayed.
FNM chairman: Convention to be on the frugal side
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie said yesterday the party’s upcoming three-day convention will be on the “frugal side” with the convention committee focusing less on the “bells and whistles” regularly associated with such events and more on policy and substance.
Killer named by dying victim sentenced to 40 years in jail
A MAN was sentenced yesterday to 40 years in prison for a murder a judge said only served to underscore the “wave of uncharacteristic and unprecedented violence” in the Bahamas.
Rollins: PM making up reasons to stay in power
THE fallout from Prime Minister Perry Christie’s suggestion that the Progressive Liberal Party would become unstable if he were to step down as leader continued yesterday with Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins saying Mr Christie has “manufactured” a sketchy reason to substantiate his decision to remain leader.
Galanis: PM bordered on delusional
FORMER Progressive Liberal Party MP Philip Galanis yesterday chastised Prime Minister Perry Christie over his recent assertion that the party could become unstable without him at the helm, saying this was the “height of nonsense” and bordered on “delusional”.
Environment group puts forward FOI amendments
THE environmental movement Save The Bays has submitted several recommendations for amendments to the proposed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including what it considers the most critical change to the draft legislation - establishment of an apolitical, independent Information Commissioner and unit.
28-member Team Bahamas named for Rio Olympics
Against the backdrop of a $125,000 sponsorship from BTC, the Bahamas Olympic Committee announced a 28-member team to represent the Bahamas at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Time to focus on the Boys of Summer
IN a few short months we have become friends.
At 31, sprinter Adrian Griffith to make his Olympic debut in Rio
ADRIAN Griffith can now be regarded as the elder statesman of the men’s sprints in the Bahamas, having been competing longer than any of the active local competitors. But at the age of 31, he is making just his first Olympics team and he’s excited to represent the Bahamas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.
‘Difficult day 2’ for Bahamas at IAAF World Under-20
DAY two proved to be a difficult outing for Team Bahamas as they failed to produce a finalist in any of the four events at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Jones and Sun back in win column
JONQUEL Jones and the Connecticut Sun got back on the winning track on the road.
A hero’s welcome for Buddy
The biggest name in Bahamian basketball returned home for the first time since he captivated both local and international media with his historic exploits on the hardwood this season.
Groups handed $70,000 by Lyford Cay Foundation
DURING the Lyford Cay Foundations’ most recent grants awards cycle, a total of $70,500 was awarded to 15 non-profit organisations, the majority of which provide summer enrichment activities for young Bahamians.
On Da Hook
BAHAMAS Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert David Rees had a close encounter with an angry 14-foot shark after taking its dinner while fishing for Tuna in Abaco at the weekend.
Radio host calls on young Bahamians to destroy status quo
LAWYER and radio show host Jeff Lloyd impressed upon a group of young Toastmasters this week that they must help to destroy the status quo that is causing The Bahamas to slip into a failed state.
Olympian helps Rotary celebrate 40th anniversary
THE groundbreaking Rotary Club of South East Nassau is celebrating 40 years of existence this week, with Sir Durward Knowles, 98, who played a part in the founding of the organisation, joining an anniversary lunch yesterday.
PM called on to release review of Rubis leak
MORE than a year since the government promised them a full and frank explanation, Marathon residents are no closer to understanding why they were left in the dark about a dangerous toxic fuel spill in the centre of their community, according to environmental advocacy group Save The Bays (STB).
Jury hears evidence in drive-by shooting case
A JURY yesterday listened to nearly two hours of closing arguments from Crown and defence counsel on whether two accused men were the shooters or at least played a role in the drive-by shooting of a man at a funeral repast.
‘Asinine’ to claim FNM hoping for downgrade
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday hit back at Sir Franklyn Wilson for suggesting that the Official Opposition is rooting for a downgrade of the country’s credit rating, calling it “the most asinine statement somebody could make.”
Student named to St John’s Dean’s List
DAVID Johnson III, a first-year communications major at Saint John’s Unviersity in Collegeville, Minnesota, has earned the distinction of being named to the Dean’s List for the 2016 spring semester.
Risk takers’ bank preference exposes ‘state of economy’
The preference shown by ‘risk takers’ for leaving capital in the bank, earning minimal returns, “says a lot about the state of the Bahamian economy”, an auto dealer believes.
Central Bank dismisses devaluation threat fear
The Central Bank last night dismissed suggestions that the Bahamian dollar faces a devaluation threat, pointing out that foreign currency reserves were “well above” global benchmarks at more than $1 billion.
Contractor chief: PM’s Baha Mar pay pledges ‘don’t mean anything’
The Prime Minister’s repeated promises that Bahamian contractors will be paid for Baha Mar work “doesn’t mean anything to us”, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president said yesterday, adding: “It’s all up in the air.”
AML targets second Carl’s Jnr for Q4
AML Foods yesterday confirmed the second outlet for its Carl’s Jnr burger franchise will open on Carmichael Road during the 2016 fourth quarter, as it continued to bridge “the huge confidence gap” among consumers.
‘Not out of the woods’ with downgrade escape
The Bahamas will not be “out of the woods” should it escape Moody’s threatened downgrade, the Chamber’s chairman warning yesterday that the country will face continued “scrutiny” on a revolving six-month cycle.
Blood bank services
I NOTED with interest the letter published in your paper of this date (7/19/16) concerning the blood banks refusal of any blood donations from British citizens living in The Bahamas - so too the article of the same date stressing the shortage of blood at all blood banks.
Graduate’s tactics are a diversion
I have just returned with my family from Exuma where we spent ten days relaxing and admiring the beauty there. If there is anyone who doubts that there is a God, go to Exuma and they will quickly realise that there must be a Supreme Being to have created such beauty and perfection.
Concerns raised among voters in Long Island
AS the Free National Movement hunkers down for a leadership battle, another storm looms in Long Island between supporters and detractors of representative Loretta Butler-Turner.
Police hunt for missing woman
A 26-year-old Eight Mile Rock woman has reportedly gone missing and police are asking the public for its assistance in locating her.
Small businesses urged to invest in renewables
The Bahamian private sector continues to suffer a “great level of frustration” over the frequency of productivity-inhibiting power blackouts, the Chamber’s chief executive yesterday urging businesses to invest in renewable energy as a back-up plan.
YOUR SAY: Including all Bahamians the key to moving forward together
AN economy that leaves no one behind is the only way we as a nation can move forward, together.
ART OF GRAPHIX: Showcasing the art behind typography
Is typography an art? This question is like asking if photography is an art. Certainly, there are photographers and typographers whose ideas and techniques raise their work to the level of art.
FNM deputy: ‘It’s too late’ for Moody’s hope
The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday said it was “a bit too late” to base the Bahamas economic future on “hope”, arguing that this was “no strategy” to combat Moody’s downgrade threat.
Wednesday, July 20
‘Bad precedent’ over $100,000 demand in FNM leadership race
FORMER Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells said yesterday that the Free National Movement has set a “bad precedent” by asking leadership contenders to fund the party’s upcoming convention.
Two engines back online and power cuts on hold
BAHAMAS Power and Light has stopped its power outage rotations in New Providence “for now” and is in a “safe zone” after returning two engines on line, Corporate Communications Manager Arnette Ingraham said yesterday.
Johnson cites personal reasons as he rules out running again
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Danny Johnson has announced he will not seek re-election for the Carmichael constituency and has endorsed Senator Keith Bell to represent the area instead.
PM insists resolution to the Baha Mar saga is ‘imminent’
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has said he believes the Export-Import Bank of China is prepared to present a possible buyer for the beleaguered $3.5 billion Baha Mar resort, as he declared a resolution to the Baha Mar debacle is “imminent”.
Butler-Turner: FNM ‘is at its weakest point in its history’
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner last night insisted that the Free National Movement (FNM) is at the “weakest” point in its history as she suggested the party’s current state was the result of poor leadership.
Davis: PLP will not fall apart
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday rejected the idea that the Progressive Liberal Party would become unstable like the Free National Movement if Prime Minister Perry Christie chooses to step down as leader.
PM says no deal signed for private cruise port on Egg Island
PRIME Minister Perry Christie has responded to public outcry over a proposed development on Egg Island, Eleuthera, contending that his administration has not signed any deal to construct a private cruise port there.
Constituencies Commission members to be appointed soon
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said members of the Constituencies Commission will be appointed by the time the House of Assembly meets again on August 3.
Govt ‘execution capacity’ inhibits key infrastructure
The Government has admitted that project management and execution restrictions are preventing it from following the IMF’s call for greater investment in “growth enhancing infrastructure” developments.
Bar ‘wants to be 21st century self-regulator’
The Bar Association’s president has conceded that the profession is “not properly regulated”, adding: “We want to become a 21st century self-regulatory body.”
QC slams ‘mockery’ of new Freeport consult
The further month of consultation on proposed reforms to Freeport’s Hawksbill Creek Agreement has been rendered irrelevant by the “fait accompli” of the Government’s deal with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), an outspoken QC argued yesterday.
BORCO loses $22m battle on destroyed jetty
The Bahamas Oil Refining Company (BORCO) yesterday lost its battle to gain $22 million in damages from the owners of an oil tanker that caused “substantial damage” by crashing into one of its jetties.
Devaluation issue ‘of when, not if’
A former Chamber of Commerce chairman yesterday warned that devaluation of the Bahamian dollar “is not a question of if; it’s a question of when”, describing the country as “a rudderless ship”.
Could Pokemon Go be a boost for tourism?
IT HAS been less than a month since ‘Pokemon Go’ was released and has been taking the world by storm.
Serena qualifies for discus final, sets new junior national record
The Bahamas’ 14-member team at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships got started yesterday in Bydgoszcz, Poland, with Serena Brown qualifying for the women’s discus final with a new junior national record.
Tennyson’s proposition
How is it that former FNM turned PLP facilitator turned Hubert Minnis propagandist Tennyson Wells keeps interjecting himself into the affairs of the FNM that clearly are none of his business?
Police issue wanted notices after spate of armed robberies
POLICE are investigating several armed robberies that took place in New Providence and Grand Bahama earlier this week.
‘B.P.L. needs $800m to solve long-term power problems’
BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said yesterday that while an end is in sight to Bahamas Power and Light’s generation challenges this summer, the government has to shell out around $800m in upgrades to get rid of the electricity provider’s chronic problems in the long-term.
Minnis hits out at lack of preparation for summer heat
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday it is “unconscionable” that Bahamians have to suffer through an intense heat wave because the government was “ill-prepared” for the challenge of generating electricity during the summer months.
Poor work at The Pointe
THE Pointe Garage/Multi-floor parking area is finally being uncovered so we can see the ‘quality of construction’.
Warm welcome home for Fantastic 4
THREE weeks ago, Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president Elwood Donaldson held a press conference to wish the Bahamas Davis Cup team every “success” in Bolivia for the American Zone III Davis Cup tie.
Helping the elderly by making a fitness connection
FITNESS Connection, a group formed eight months ago to help the elderly and disabled, has hosted its first community service event.
Project aims to revitalise inner city community
IMPROVING the physical appearance of an inner city community can be a powerful tool for social change, according to Rev C B Moss.
TOUGH CALL: The ‘dangerous spot’ that The Bahamas is in
According to Sir Franklyn Wilson - one of the chief architects and financiers of the current Progressive Liberal Party administration - The Bahamas is in “a very dangerous spot”.
U.S. donates court reporting equipment
THE US Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section presented the Office of the Attorney General’s Court Reporting Unit with 28 computers on July 15 in support of the Bahamas’ efforts to strengthen the justice sector.
Man accused of attempted killing during home invasion denied bail
A MAN was remanded to prison without bail yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with a recent home invasion and the attempted killing of a man in an inner-city community.
Undeclared $17,000 seized from U.S. man
A COURT seized more than $17,000 from an American man yesterday who lied to authorities about the amount of money in his possession before his scheduled return to the United States.
Doctor in rape case says abortions against beliefs
DR GERALD Forbes insisted that he does not perform abortions at his Grand Bahama clinic because it is against his religious beliefs as a Catholic and has denied writing a prescription for abortion tablets, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.
Businessman continues to stage one-man protest
GRAND Bahama businessman Shuffel Hepburn said the island’s economy today is in the worst shape it has ever been and blamed the Grand Bahama Port Authority for it.
Former Renew Bahamas staff contact labour department
AS the extent of Renew Bahamas’ financial woes become clearer, the Department of Labour yesterday confirmed that at least three former employees have lodged applications to have their dispute with the company resolved by the department’s Industrial Relations Unit.
Breezes Eagles Masters soccer club captures bronze
Within its very first season, the Breezes Eagles soccer club soared to new heights and captured the bronze medal in the Bahamas Football Association’s Master’s Level Tournament at the Roscoe Davies Sporting Complex.
‘Beach Soccer and Futsal Camp’ for boys and girls
WITH the Beach Soccer World Cup being hosted by the Bahamas next year, some summer students are learning the required skills as a taste of what is to come in 2017.
Montego Bay United to face Don Bosco FC on July 29
THE Jamaican and Haitian championship football clubs are coming to town for the first in a series of soccer matches.
Tuesday, July 19
French man dies on Cabbage Beach
A MAN from France has died on a Paradise Island beach after becoming unconscious in the water.
Convict: Woman only hid me because I forced her
MURDER convict Ormand Leon told a magistrate yesterday how the woman accused of harbouring him during his two weeks on the run had only been found with him because he had allegedly forced her into a car.
Miller supporting Minnis - but sticking to his PLP roots
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday shot down speculation that he has been a vocal supporter of Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to gain favour in case he is spurned by the PLP and not given a nomination for the 2017 general election.
Worker accused of stealing $63,000 from Water Corp
A 54-year-old woman was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the theft of nearly $63,000 from the Water and Sewerage Corporation during her time as an employee.
Doctor admits to sex and drugs but denies rape
DR Gerald Forbes told a Supreme Court that he and a woman who has alleged that he raped her were involved in an intimate sexual relationship and that she allegedly inserted abortion tablets into her vagina after becoming pregnant, possibly with his child.
Govt hopeful of avoiding downgrade after meeting
THE government is “hopeful” the country’s credit rating will not be downgraded after having a series of “constructive” meetings with Wall Street rating agency Moody’s last week, Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis said yesterday.
‘B.P.L. management failed to anticipate summer demand’
AS Bahamians rage over power cuts during this hot summer, Prime Minister Perry Christie admitted yesterday that the management of Bahamas Power & Light failed to adequately anticipate the challenge of generating electricity during the summer months and prepare for it.
Christie vows to stay as PM
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that he seeks to continue leading the Progressive Liberal Party, including into the next general election, because young members of his government have urged him to do so.
FNM's $100,000 convention costs demand for leadership candidates
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner revealed yesterday that the Free National Movement’s finance committee requested that she and Leader Dr Hubert Minnis each raise $100,000 to fund the party’s upcoming convention because the organisation had not inspired supporters to donate money over the past few years.
Auto dealer chief in used car ‘pull-out’
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president yesterday said his Auto Mall business will imminently withdraw from the used car market, as it “cannot compete” with unlicensed roadside vendors operating throughout Nassau.
Campaign finance reform not a high priority, says PM
FOUR years after saying campaign financing in The Bahamas had sunken to “repugnant” and sometimes “criminal” levels, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that passing a law to address the issue has not been one of his administration’s highest priorities.
The dental needs of little people
Are you a parent with school children? If so, you already know that the summer months usher in the back-to-school mode. In many households there is the usual summer checklist with last-minute vacations, new uniforms, and new classroom utensils.
Sweet treats for a good cause
On July 28, Dairy Queen Bahamas will host its third annual Miracle Treat Day. Two dollars for every blizzard sold will be donated to help children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All four DQ locations in New Providence will participate – Southwest Plaza, Cable Beach, Harbour Bay and The Mall at Marathon.
SMB Care screens 'The Revenant' to raise funds for colon cancer awareness and education
WITH colon cancer being the third deadliest form of cancer in the Bahamas, members of the SMB Care Foundation said they recognise that efforts to raise more awareness and educate the public on the disease must be heightened and remain ongoing.
Transform Your Life: Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and plant-based
Based on findings that the over-consumption of red meat causes a host of preventable diseases and ailments, many people are looking for a more animal-free diet for a healthier body.
Toxic emotions – Part V: Guilt
In the past few articles we have been exploring the havoc that negative emotions wreak on our bodies.
Youngsters stay fit with tennis summer camp
Promoting health and fitness through the sport of tennis, organisers and instructors at Brajaxba are once again hosting their popular summer camp.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: How do you grow from independence to interdependence?
The transition from independence to interdependence is a fundamental process that must be undertaken if you desire to experience a life of harmony and interconnectedness.
BUN IN THE OVEN: New mom tips to ignore
Everyone knows that life is exhausting and overwhelming for a new mom. Let’s face it, everything is uncharted territory, and a lot of the time new moms will rely on friends and family that have been down the parenting road before for advice.
Workshop to make young women into go-getters
Inspiring a go-getter attitude in young women that will help them be successful in any field of their choosing is the goal of an upcoming workshop.
Miss Bahamas contestants get creative for National Dress competition and float parade
With an explosion of colour and creativity, the 2016 Miss Bahamas contestants celebrated Bahamian history and culture as they participated in the National Dress competition immediately following a float parade throughout the streets of New Providence.
Caring primary student is a class act with uniform drive
Just in time for back-to-school, a philanthropic primary is stepping up her initiative to ensure that Bahamian children in need have uniforms to return to class next month.
National beach soccer team 3rd in Nation’s Cup
THE Bahamas men’s national team had their first opportunity to compete against elite competition during their European Tour as they continue preparation for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
38 set to be honoured as National Sports Legends
THE nation’s newest NBA star Buddy Hield, former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Women’s NBA standout Jonquel Jones, and veterans like Leonard Boston Blackie Miller, Peter Gilcud, swim coach Andy Knowles and sports administrators like Sir Arlington Butler as well as the late Vince Ferguson are joined by the country’s only test cricketer Ivan Johnson in the 38 Sports Legends list as part of the country’s 43rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.
NPSA regular season action continues
THE New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season action in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds over the weekend.
A day for cycling greats, Open champion golfers and baseball landmarks
AS THE time slowly winds down until NFL training camps open and while the baseball pennant races heat up along with the temperatures, it’s a hot, sticky, monotonous time for us true sports fans.
Bahamas 7th overall at CUT Track & Field Championships
THROUGH no fault of their own, Team Bahamas finished seventh after they were eventually able to compete at the 16th Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships.
Donald Thomas soars to victory with personal best
COMING off his sixth place in the high jump at the Herculis Grand Prix on Friday, Donald Thomas bounced back to pick up a victory with a personal best at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest yesterday.
A ‘breath of fresh air’ for Bahamas baseball
On October 7, 2014, the Bahamas Baseball Association and the Bahamas Baseball Federation agreed to resolve their lengthy dispute and work together for the common good of the sport.
Helping hurricane victims
EIGHT months after the devastating Hurricane Joaquin, Long Island’s community centres are being restored to full working order thanks to the support of the Sandals Foundation.
Urgent call for blood donations
AN URGENT need for blood donations in the Bahamas will be addressed by the first ‘Unity Blood Drive’ at the Mall at Marathon on Saturday, a group of organisations announced yesterday in an appeal to donors.
Work to begin ‘soon’ on $21m baseball stadium
WORK will start “as soon as possible” on the new $21m, 4,500-seat Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, which will be erected east of the Government High School in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.
Man jailed for 24 years for strangling girlfriend
A MAN yesterday accepted a plea agreement that landed him in prison for 24 years for strangling his girlfriend after she struggled against his sexual advances.
POLITICOLE: The blah blah blah of the so-called tit for tat
The United States embassy’s security message/travel advisory issued last week caused quite the uproar … and lots of banal dialogue … almost as boring as the advisory itself.
Sands: I’m not suspending deputy leader campaign
SENATOR Dr Duane Sands yesterday said “desperate people do desperate things” as he denied rumours that he was suspending his campaign to become deputy leader of the Free National Movement.
‘Zero error margin’ over fiscal reforms
The Bahamas has “zero margin for error” in bringing order to the Government’s finances, the Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman warning that this needed to be balanced with initiatives such as healthcare reform.
BOB extends search for ‘independent directors’
Leading shareholder critics of Bank of the Bahamas yesterday said they were unaware of last week’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), with one criticising the “silly process” to find two independent directors.
FNM backs URCA’s ‘Freeport takeover’
The Opposition’s current leadership has backed the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) taking responsibility for supervising the Grand Bahama Power Company, despite acknowledging that this would “pierce” Freeport’s founding law.
Auto dealers warn on ‘skeleton’ staffing cuts
Leading Bahamian auto dealers yesterday warned they are close to cutting employment to “skeleton” levels, as new car sales fell 8 per cent year-over-year during the 2016 first half.
Energy provider ‘out of its depth’
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday criticised Bahamas Power and Light for the recent wave of power outages, charging that the electricity provider is “out of its depth” in providing quality electrical services for Bahamians.
Renew Bahamas: Former employees to be paid in full
RENEW Bahamas CEO Michael Cox was dismissive yesterday of claims that the landfill operator had backed out of agreements to pay several former employees “in full,” as current staff members continue to agitate for delayed salary payments.
British blood donors
I WATCHED with interest this evening an appeal on ZNS news for donations of blood from The Princess Margaret Blood Bank, Doctors Hospital Blood Bank and The Bahamas Red Cross.
Island time
AS The Bahamas seeks to enter into mainstream reality and second world status it would be well to understand something of your so-called Island Time.
Bahamian brain drain
I was shocked to see yet another statement emanating from our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration that seemed to be way off base, perhaps even delusional.
The ‘millionaire’ promise at the root of today’s social problems
IN THIS column yesterday we confirmed Mr Richard Lightbourn’s statement in the House that students, caught up in the get-rich-quick euphoria of the drug era, were writing essays on how they wanted to become drug dealers like some of their family members and friends.
Veteran honours the fallen
SEVENTY-ONE years after having to help bury eight young Royal Air Force comrades killed during the Second World War, veteran Jack Ryall has returned to the renovated Nassau War Cemetery to pay his respects.
Youngsters enjoy zoo camp
YOUNG summer campers at Ardastra met Daisy the Bahamian Boa Constrictor - all five feet of her - yesterday as the Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre opened its second week of holiday programmes for children.
Monday, July 18
Concern over pickup truck with unrestrained prisoners
A CONCERNED citizen accused the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services of operating in a “slack” manner after witnessing a pickup truck loaded with unrestrained prisoners “weave in and out of cars recklessly” on East Bay Street yesterday.
Minnis pledges opportunities for jobs and Crown land in Grand Bahama
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis promised Grand Bahamians an improved economy, job opportunities and easier access to Crown land under an administration with him at the helm.
Turnquest defends process of party delegate selection
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday defended the integrity of the delegate selection process amid concerns that the party’s national convention has been unfairly stacked to ensure incumbent leaders remain at the helm.
Speaker was ‘overzealous’ in suspending Andre Rollins from House of Assembly
HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major’s decision to suspend Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins from the House of Assembly last week was an “over zealous” move that may have been more reflective of a contentious relationship, according to Free National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday.
Power cuts to go on - if $200m isn’t spent
CUSTOMERS will continue to suffer power outages if Bahamas Power and Light does not get $200m to turn it into an efficient power-generation entity, a former Cabinet minister told The Tribune yesterday.
Butler-Turner: I stopped FNM coup
IN a bid to redirect perceptions that she was the “divider” of her party, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday revealed that she staved off the would-be coup against Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis that led to the call for an early convention.
Youth leader supports govt advisory on travel to U.S.
THE government’s advisory warning Bahamians travelling to the United States to be cautious in the wake of recent police killings of black men was appropriate, a youth leader told The Tribune yesterday.
Blame government - not me, Rollins tells his constituents
OUTSPOKEN Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins claims the vitriol aimed by his constituents towards him is misplaced, insisting that the failures of the Christie administration have landed every member of Parliament in dire straits with the electorate.
Broker: I was FBI’s ‘bait’ for fraudsters
A Bahamas-based broker and its principal have allegedly been used as “bait” by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to help snare numerous international securities fraudsters.
Sir Franklyn: Bahamas is ‘in very dangerous spot’
Arawak Homes’ chairman has urged ‘risk takers’ to do more if the Bahamas is to shake off its economic malaise, warning that the country “is in a very dangerous spot”.
‘Gratified’ by Grand Lucayan bid quality
Hutchison Whampoa’s property arm should “soon” announce the Grand Lucayan’s fate, its advisers saying they were “gratified’ by the quality of bids submitted to purchase the resort.
Legal liberalisation ‘won’t advance’ if backing inadequate
Legal profession ‘liberalisation’ “will not advance” unless research shows a majority of Bar Association members are in favour, a group of attorneys pledged yesterday.
National debt near $6.8bn following Govt spend rise
A 17.3 per cent increase in total government spending drove a $125 million jump in the national debt to almost $6.8 billion at end-March 2016, the Central Bank has revealed.
EDITORIAL: Richard Lightbourn challenged to support his accusations in the House
A MINOR kerfuffle was created in the House of Assembly on Thursday during the debate to create the University of The Bahamas.
Apprentices and the job market
COLLECTIVELY, we have been talking and hashing about youth unemployment for what seems like eons. It is recognised by all, even the crazy individual, that our basic educational structure is dysfunctional and barely working.
Battle of the dinosaurs
What’s going on here?
INSIGHT: The role of Opposition forces
New political movements prove the health of democracy in the Bahamas but won’t unseat the PLP as divided factions, Malcolm J Strachan says . . .
INSIGHT: Planting the seed
As I quietly walk through the mangrove forest, all around me I observe an eco-system teeming with life.
INSIGHT: Tony Blair’s legacy in ruins after Iraq war inquiry
A long overdue report reveals the former British Prime Minister deliberately exaggerated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein in justifying going to war, Peter Young says.
WORLD VIEW: Haiti’s power-seeking politicians are running out of time
Luis Almagro, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American states (OAS), has told political stakeholders in Haiti, including the interim government and parliamentarians, that it is imperative that they fully assume their responsibilities towards the nation.
DNA candidate: I’m not too young or too broke
THE Democratic National Alliance’s newly ratified candidate for Marco City yesterday defended his choice and qualifications to contest a seat in the next general election.
Bahamas back in Zone II
A PAIR of singles victories by Spencer and Baker Newman was all the Bahamas needed to dispose of Jamaica to win their American Zone III Davis Cup semi-finals and end a seven-year drought as the Bahamas now advances back up to Zone II in 2017.
Athletes claim eight medals at NACAC Under-23 Championships
A BUSY weekend for Bahamas track and field included participation in the North American Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC U-23) Championships.
Summer Youth Camp to prepare for 6th Commonwealth Youth Games
THE Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Commonwealth Games Association have combined to stage its first Summer Youth Camp.
Shaunae Miller says 400 metres her main focus at Rio Olympics
WHILE the Bahamas Olympic Committee has yet to name the team that will represent the Bahamas at the 2016 Olympic Games, quarter-miler Shaunae Miller has indicated that she doesn’t plan on going for the double in the women’s 200 and 400 metres.
Donte double singles champion in BLTA Jr Nationals
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association completed its Junior National Tennis Championships at the National Tennis Centre last week with Donte Armbrister leading the way as a double singles champion.
Bahamas needs ‘urgent shift’ towards reforms
The Bahamas requires “an urgent shift” towards implementing structural reforms that are “growth friendly” but will take time to deliver, the IMF has warned.
Bahamian commercial bank jobs contract 7%
Bahamian jobs in the commercial banking sector contracted by 7 per cent in 2015, as outsourcing and technology continued to take a toll on employment levels.
Friday, July 15
'More than 500 memberships issued' for People's Movement
BAHAMAS Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder says more than 500 membership applications were issued on Thursday night as hundreds gathered to attend the first meeting of the People's Movement, a populist project that could morph into a political party.
Minnis calls for details of Baha Mar negotiations
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has renewed calls for the government to fully disclose the details of negotiations with Chinese stakeholders to complete and open the embattled Baha Mar resort.
Concerns raised over FNM delegates list
LESS than two weeks before the Free National Movement’s (FNM) highly anticipated national convention, concerns have been heightened over the organisation’s delegates list, The Tribune understands.
Trio wait for trial date over murder of teen
THREE men must wait five more days before they know when they will stand trial concerning the murder of a 16-year-old honour roll student at Government High School.
216 arrests, 856 cases cleared, $450,000 in property recovered thanks to Crime Stoppers
IN the nearly 15 years since Crime Stoppers Bahamas was established, the community action organisation has helped lead police to 216 arrests, assisted in clearing 856 cases in the process and recovering more than $450,000 in property.
Clifton tour shows threat of oil pollution to Bahamian waters
INTERNATIONAL experts, including a former presidential advisor, toured Clifton and the Southwest Bays recently, their boat slicing through the water between oil slicks and coasting over reefs as they witnessed the sharp distinction between some of the world’s most beautiful waters and the oil pollution threatening its health and the fish, conch and crawfish that call it home.
Govt 'committed' to equitable distribution of health services
HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez on Friday said the Christie administration is "committed" to ensuring the equitable distribution of health services in the country, which he claimed "is another step towards achieving universal healthcare in the Bahamas".
Doctor charged with rape fires attorney
A FREEPORT doctor charged with rape and indecent assault fired his attorney on Friday, delaying the trial proceedings until next week in the Supreme Court.
Three sisters molested by retired policeman 'scarred by abuse'
A JUDGE heard on Friday that three sisters molested by a retired policeman over a five-year period have been scarred by the abuse.
Sprite Basketball Tournament gets underway
THE annual Sprite Basketball Tournament, which pits the nine Royal Bahamas Police Force summer camps across the various divisions in New Providence in competition, opened on Friday.
VIDEO: ‘Bitten by bugs more than 300 times at resort’
A couple from New York has alleged that a bed bug infestation at a resort in Grand Bahama not only ruined their trip to The Bahamas but had left them both physically and emotionally scarred after reportedly being bitten over 300 times in their hotel room.
Visitor vows boycott over conditions at police station
AN American woman declared yesterday that she will never return to the Bahamas and is asking her friends to also boycott after facing deplorable conditions in a holding cell at the Central Police Station.
Doctor accused of raping woman during abortion
A DOCTOR who is on trial for the rape and indecent assault of a 20-year-old woman refused to answer questions from a police detective about allegations that he had sex with the complainant against her will during an abortion procedure, a Grand Bahama court heard yesterday.
Union chief Pinder to run for MP in Fox Hill
BAHAMAS Public Services Union President John Pinder has announced that he will attempt to become a parliamentarian next year by running as a candidate in the Fox Hill constituency.
‘If Minnis wins, I’ll likely run as an independent’
WHILE still uncertain of his political future, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins made it clear yesterday that he would not join another political party if he is not offered a nomination by the Free National Movement.
Miller: B.P.L. doesn’t have say on debt forgiveness
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday rebuked Bahamas Power and Light CEO Pamela Hill over her comments that the utility provider was not in any talks with the government to forgive any of its numerous delinquent accounts, saying these types of discussions were “above her head”.
UPDATED: Rollins thrown out of House
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins was suspended from last night’s House of Assembly session after refusing to adhere to warnings from Speaker Dr Kendal Major during the House debate on a bill to establish the University of The Bahamas.
Woman ‘facing eviction’ over delayed payments from N.I.B.
A SINGLE mother is facing eviction from her home because she claims she is caught up in the delay in payments from the National Insurance Board and owed over $1,000.
Mitchell: ‘Brain drain’ not a major problem
DURING parliamentary debate on the University of Bahamas Bill yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said “brain drain” is not a major problem for The Bahamas.
Rollins accuses Mitchell of ‘dumb diplomacy’
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins has accused Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell of engaging in “dumb diplomacy” and seeking to “benefit from global headlines” after his ministry issued a travel advisory warning Bahamians about interacting with police officers in the United States.
Grand Bahama’s power play
IT IS rare that any legal cases have serious public implications. The press reports often make them seem too turgid and technical to attract reader attention.
Removal of prayer group from Rawson Square ‘a political act’
AN outspoken former pastor is calling a decision to have him and members of his prayer group removed from downtown Nassau “a political act directed from the very top,” insinuating that his anti-government stance has landed him in “hot water”.
Recruits prepare for training to defend the nation
THE faces of families, friends and well-wishers beaming with pride at the Golden Gates Shopping Plaza could not be hidden as 77 recruits prepared themselves to be inducted into the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last weekend.
Hand in the tiger’s mouth
Our Chinese friends have a very instructive proverb that advises that you should never try to extract a tooth from a tiger’s mouth. In layman’s terms it means don’t take unnecessary risks.
Mavin Saunders named to ACC Academic Honour Roll
BAHAMIAN gridiron star Mavin Saunders earned a noteworthy accolade in the classroom as he prepares for a breakout season on the field.
Bracket all set for 5th Battle 4 Atlantis
THE field has been named and the bracket is now set for the 5th edition of the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Boxing clubs host series of exhibitions in Exuma
A PAIR of local boxing clubs sought to expand their reach to the Family Islands and to also give their student athletes greater exposure.
Buddy Hield earns ESPY Award for Best Male College Athlete
AS he gets set to begin his professional career in earnest, Buddy Hield continues to reap rewards for his record-breaking collegiate season.
BOC not yet ready to release names on Olympic team
SECRETARY General Romel ‘Fish’ Knowles said the Bahamas Olympic Committee is not quite yet ready to release the names of Team Bahamas going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.
Bahamas rout T&T to top pool play in CBC U-16
AFTER a day’s rest, the Bahamas girls basketball team came back and routed Trinidad & Tobago by 53 points to win their pool play in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s Under-16 Girls Basketball Championship Tournament.
Davis Cup win streak continues
Team captain Marvin Rolle inserted Kevin ‘KJ’ Major Jr into the rotation and the Bahamas continued its winning streak, completing pool B round robin play with a 3-0 sweep over Trinidad & Tobago.
Clubs and Societies 07152016
Rotary Club of East Nassau. - The Rotary Club of East Nassau (RCEN) welcomes the new board of directors for the 2016-2017 year.
Bahamas Press Club announces awards ceremony plans
THE Bahamas Press Club 2014, building on the success of its inaugural Pioneer Awards last year, has promised to be “all inclusive” with several new categories when it holds its annual media awards ceremony in November.
Sentencing in triple killing case delayed by an extra week
TWO men must wait an additional week before the start of the penalty phase of their trial begins in Supreme Court concerning a fatal shooting that claimed three lives, including a woman due to give birth to a baby boy.
THE FINISH LINE: Last-minute push for relays to qualify for Rio ‘not sufficient’
THE Blue Marlin Track Classic on Independence Day served as the last chance for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations to get all of its relay teams positioned to get a lane for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Pre-orientation role for Leandra
THE College of The Bahamas has welcomed Leandra Mackey, the 2016 president’s scholar, for the newest arm of the President’s Scholars Programme experience, pre-orientation.
Anger over failure to provide plane tickets for track team
A disgruntled parent said yesterday it is a “tragedy” that his son and 39 other members of a junior national track and field team were “left in limbo” for almost two days not knowing if they would make it to a highly anticipated regional track meet.
Green turtle dies after being attacked by sharks
A FEMALE green turtle weighing 200lbs rescued at Lyford Cay in western New Providence yesterday after being attacked and injured by sharks has died.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Diplomacy lost between right thing to do and bad idea
In life, something can be both the right thing to do and a bad idea at the same time.
Bar to ‘determine once and for all’ liberalise stance
“determine once and for all” its position on the free movement of labour, its president pledged yesterday, after a group of attorneys brought legal ‘liberalisation’ to the fore again.
Bahamian economy performing $200m below potential
The Bahamian economy is performing $200 million below potential, the IMF has warned, and is not expected to close this gap until 2019 at earliest.
Govt’s $2.2bn pension liabilities represent ‘major’ fiscal risk
The Government’s unfunded $2.2 billion pension liabilities are “a significant fiscal risk” that could undermine efforts to get the public finances back on a sustainable footing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is warning.
Minnis’ VAT exemption plan to cost Govt $60m
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has again shredded plans by Opposition leader, Dr Hubert Minnis, to introduce numerous Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemptions if elected to office, warning these could cost the Government some $60 million in revenues.
IMF: Deficit will be $100m above forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Government that its fiscal consolidation projections are “too optimistic”, and that the deficit for the just-closed 2015-2016 year will be around $100 million higher than forecast.
IAN FERGUSON: Channelling emotion for business benefits
Wikipedia defines ‘Emotional Intelligence’ as the capacity of individuals to recognise their own, and other people’s, emotions, and to discriminate between different feelings and label them appropriately. It also involves the use of emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour.
Thursday, July 14
Former U.S. marine gets 15 years for attempted murder
A FORMER US marine was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday for attempted murder notwithstanding his mother’s letter to the judge pleading for leniency for a son she said had “always shown loving kindness towards others and never judged people no matter their circumstance.”
‘Mothers and Daughters’ honoured in New York
The Mother and Daughter Ministries International successfully hosted their seventh annual honouree conference in New York this month.
T.U.C. president blasts govt over Sandals dispute
PRESIDENT of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Obie Ferguson castigated the Christie administration yesterday over its handling of a union dispute at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort, asserting that “gullible” and “compromised” politicians are failing the electorate.
Former union chief ready to sue over claims of dishonesty
EMBATTLED Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson is prepared to sue “people who make allegations of dishonesty” regarding her suspensions from the union as her attorneys claim there is nothing preventing her from reassuming her post.
Bill to bring in penalties on contractors
THE Christie administration plans to clamp down on the construction industry through new legislation that will ensure contractors are properly licenced and can face heavy penalties, including the suspension or revocation of permits by the formation of a disciplinary board.
Wells urges greater vetting for FNM candidates as Sands suspends campaign
FORMER Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells yesterday said that former Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Leonard Sands should not have accepted his nomination in the Bain and Grant’s Town constituency if he was unhappy with party infighting as he called for more stringent vetting.
No talks with govt on forgiving electric debt
BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) CEO Pam Hill said yesterday the utility provider is currently “not in any talks” with the government to forgive or write off any of its numerous delinquent accounts.
Debate begins on bill to create university
THE House of Assembly yesterday opened debate on a bill to establish the University of The Bahamas, with Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald praising the government for fulfilling all of its promises concerning the standard of education in the country.
Maintenance failure one reason for power cuts
A LACK of proper maintenance as well as extreme heat has put immense pressure on Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) aging generators, with officials saying the electricity outages that have affected New Providence residents for the past few weeks are nowhere near over.
US advisory on crime ‘wrong’
THE United States Embassy is “wrong” and the assertions made in their latest crime advisory regarding The Bahamas are “not true,” National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage insisted yesterday, a day after the US released a security message urging its citizens and visitors in Nassau and Paradise Island to exercise heightened personal security awareness.
Three religions converge on one story
MANY of the major religions of the world have a lot in common. The similarities between Christians, Jews and Muslims, for instance, can be seen in the story of Abraham and Sarah.
Bahamas Jr National Tennis Championships get underway at the QE Sports Centre
THE Bahamas Junior National Tennis Championships got underway yesterday morning at the tennis centre in the Queen Elizabeth Sporting Complex with the boys under-10 round robin event.
Liam Holowesko wins white jersey for 2nd straight day in Junior Tour of Ireland
LIAM Holowesko won the white jersey for the second consecutive day in the Junior Tour of Ireland 2016. The event is being held in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, July 12-17.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Fans need to separate the performer from the person
HAS THE game changed before our eyes?
Cooper and Hutchinson Jr sign letters of intent to join Niagara College Knights
ANOTHER pair of aspiring student athletes will have an opportunity to continue their education at the collegiate level, facilitated by Noble Preparatory Academy.
Rio Olympics? Fate of women’s 4x400 relay could be decided in court
IT WAS a valiant effort in their bid toward Olympic qualification. However, the fate of our women’s 4 x 400 metre relay team could ultimately be decided in court.
Buddy’s shot is off target in NBA summer league play
IT WAS another afternoon of growing pains for Buddy Hield at the Samsung NBA Summer League.
Jonquel Jones starting helps Sun win three of last four
SINCE Jonquel Jones was moved into the starting lineup, the Connecticut Sun have trended upward as one of the WNBA’s hottest teams and have won three of their last four games.
Independence, the way forward
MORE than 40 years ago, the national flag carrier Bahamas Airways transported students and teachers from schools in New Providence on day trips to a number of Out Islands. Bravo! Super idea, exposing “city slickers” to the reality of life within the real Bahamas.
Bahama Parrot population shows recovery
THE endangered Bahama Parrot population continues to recover on the two Family Islands where they still live, thanks to national park protection and predator control co-ordinated by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).
Two arrested for dangerous drug possession
POLICE arrested two people for possession of dangerous drugs in separate incidents in Grand Bahama on Tuesday.
YOUR SAY - Loretta Butler-Turner: Real change and real results required on crime
ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation we have an epidemic.
70 years of working for the same company
COMMITTED, loyal and hard-working are just a few words used to describe Pat Higgs, who, at 84, is still an employee of Rubins, the clothing and shoe retail company for which she has worked for 70 years this month.
DNA unveils Grand Bahama candidates
THE Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has ratified three candidates in Grand Bahama who will run for the party in the next general election.
Freeport doctor charged with rape
THE trial of a Freeport doctor for rape and indecent assault opened yesterday in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama with testimony from the virtual complainant and a medical doctor.
Bank governor concern over web shop funds
CENTRAL Bank Governor John Rolle yesterday said overlooking the need for more stringent regulations in the web shop sector could, in time, increase the possibility of local bank de-risking.
Demand for homes?
The Adastra Gardens extension Housing project of a further 51 homes has to be economically questioned in the market there or is this pure political generation?
Rally attendance
Whilst some may think that the crowds at the rallies held in support of the leader of the Opposition and the intended leaders, Dr Duane Sands and Mrs Loretta Butler Turner, only relate to FNM affairs, the hierarchy and Think Tank, if such exists, of the PLP must be deeply concerned.
Cable Bahamas
CABLE Bahamas Limited has been awarded the second mobile cellular license in the country amid a litany of flaws as a cable television provider which has left thousands of Bahamians throughout the archipelago without the service since 1995.
Court ‘erred’ on ‘unfiled evidence’ in Baha Mar claim
The Supreme Court allegedly “erred” in relying on “unfiled evidence” from Baha Mar’s receivers to reject Sarkis Izmirlian’s bid to acquire the $192 million damages claim against the project’s contractor.
Regulation to aid 50% construction market ‘salvage’
A former Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday expressed hope that moves to regulate the sector will help “salvage” the 50 per cent market portion seized by foreigners.
Cable confirms capital raising profits ‘drag’
Cable Bahamas has acknowledged that costs associated with recent debt capital raisings “have dragged on profitability and cash flow”, helping push it into a $14.371 million net loss for 2015.
GB Power challenges regulation by URCA
Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) is challenging the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) ability to license and regulate it, arguing that this “conflicts” with Freeport’s founding law.
Right concept, wrong approach: How we should approach the Word Of God
Luke 18:18-23, 25 (KJV): “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.”
Anglican youth visit Inagua for spiritual trip
A group of altar servers and members of the Christian Youth Movement recently visited the island of Inagua to forge ties with the St Phillip’s Anglican Church there.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Mitchell’s credibility at stake in war of the travel advisories
Over the last few days, many Bahamians have pulled up a chair to observe the war of the travel advisories between The Bahamas and the United States.
Davis Cup: Bahamas undefeated with 3-0 victory over Bermuda
The success continues for the Bahamas’ newest edition of its Davis Cup team as they remain undefeated in tournament play.
Pray for the nation
REGARDLESS of the negative things that are said about the Church, it is a very important part of the life in the Bahamas and the world at large. A few Sundays ago I stopped into a popular food joint after early morning service and on my way to another service.
Wednesday, July 13
Butler & Sands brand Minnis a ‘divider’ as leader of the FNM
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Dr Duane Sands yesterday castigated Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, branding him a “divider” behind closed doors despite his claims to want to unify the organisation.
Truck drivers who blocked road say they were hired to carry out a job
THREE truck drivers accused of using dump trucks to block sections of West Bay Street close to Prime Minister Perry Christie’s home yesterday claimed they did so because they were hired to carry out a job.
Roberts: Follow procedure if you want early convention
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday blasted two veteran PLPs over attempting to “wash the party’s linens in public”, insisting that they both know the proper procedure to have their concerns heard and addressed internally.
RICHARD COULSON: Halkitis must be heroic in facing ratings agencies' questions
THIS WEEK and next, the warriors of the dreaded international rating agencies will ride into town to pick at the bones of our financial structure. Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P), each with its own rigid criteria, will send their best and brightest analysts whose lances will be lap-top computers loaded with data from our own Department of Statistics and Central Bank, all sent to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for the world to see.
Granite Ventures appeals Baha Mar ruling on $192m claim against contractors
GRANITE Ventures Ltd said on Wednesday it is appealing the Supreme Court's denial last month of its motion to pursue the claims filed by Baha Mar Ltd against China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for non-performance and failure on other obligations by its subsidiary, China Construction America (CCA) Bahamas, with respect to the stalled Cable Beach mega resort.
FNM candidate suspends his campaign amid ‘in-fighting’
LEONARD Sands, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate for Bain and Grants Town, said yesterday the continued “infighting” within the party as well as “personal considerations” have forced him to suspend his campaign.
Customers to face continued power cuts
BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) customers can expect “continued outages” and power failures for “at least the remainder of the week” as the electricity provider continues to “struggle” with a significant generation shortfall.
Former Chief Justice becomes a victim of crime in Florida
FORMER Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett said yesterday he was “doing well” and in high spirits after he and a group he was travelling with were the victims of theft during a shopping trip in Florida this week.
Road blocked off in protest at working conditions at Sandals
MEMBERS of the Bahamas Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) yesterday protested against the “horrible working conditions” at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort.
UPDATED: U.S. hits back with Bahamas travel advisory
THE United States Embassy released a security message yesterday urging its citizens and US visitors in Nassau and Paradise Island to exercise heightened personal security awareness, pointing out that armed robberies and violent crime remain primary criminal threats.
Union to Govt: Force Cable into industrial talks
The Government was yesterday urged to use its temporary majority ownership of the new mobile operator to “force” Cable Bahamas into industrial agreement negotiations, amid warnings that failing to do so would cost it votes.
Davis Cup: Bahamas gets 2-1 victory over Costa Rica
THE Bahamas men’s Davis Cup team had to dig down deep, but they managed to prevail with a 2-1 win over Costa Rica to remain undefeated at 2-0 in the American Zone III Tie in La Paz, Bolivia.
RESULTS: Blue Marlin Track Classic - Thomas A Robinson National Stadium
• Here’s a look at the performances from the Blue Marlin Track Classic, held at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Sunday:
‘Pulse Boys and Girls Club’ represents Bahamas at US Open Martial Arts Tourney
SALEM Union Baptist Church community programme “Pulse Boys and Girls Club” represented the Bahamas at 2016 US Open Martial Arts Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
Beach Soccer World Cup team hopeful Timothy Munnings Jr in training camp
BEACH Soccer World Cup team hopeful Timothy Munnings Jr has left nothing to chance.
Flag football champions take spotlight
THE 2016 Bahamas Flag Football League season produced a pair of new championship winners at the Winton Rugby Centre on Sunday.
BAAA sending off junior, youth national teams this week
WHILE they wait for the Bahamas Olympic Committee to release the names of the athletes ratified for the 2016 Olympic Games next month in Rio de Janeiro, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is busy sending off its junior and youth national teams this week.
CBC U-16 girls win opener, 59-54 over Suriname
THE Bahamas’ girls team picked up where the boys left off, winning their opening match in the 2016 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Under-16 Championships for Girls.
BTVI students celebrate achievements at graduation
THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) is not “a dumping ground for low-achieving students or those who are not college material”, graduating students heard from the insititution’s first president during its recent commencement exercise.
YOUR SAY: 43 reasons why the Government lost the referendum
IT appears that the Bahamian people may have not just rejected the Referendum on the four “Gender Equality Bills”, but may have also sent a message to the government, expressing their belief that it is out of touch.
‘First cyberwarfare atomic bomb has been dropped’
OSCAR-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney believes the first atomic bomb of the cyberwarfare age has already been dropped.
Release of altered mosquitoes to start in the Cayman Islands
AN EFFORT to reduce mosquitoes and prevent the spread of viruses such as Zika in the Cayman Islands by releasing genetically altered mosquitoes is to start this week, officials in the British Caribbean territory have announced.
Tech Talk
• SNAPCHAT, the popular visual messaging service, is giving users a new way to save old “snaps” they shared with friends.
Pokemon Go takes over the (real) world
THE Pokemon Go craze has sent legions of players hiking around cities and battling with “pocket monsters” on their smartphones. It marks a turning point for augmented reality, or technology that superimposes a digital facade on the real world.
Hard work and discipline crucial to the alleviation of poverty
THE Bahamas is experiencing the impact of a global recession that has stagnated the growth of the country’s economy. While this state of affairs may lead many to fear, become angry or simply feel as if they are in a debilitated state, it is important for the Bahamas to make sensible decisions and good use of its time while it seeks to find ways to sustain, promote and implement sound economic policies toward sustainable development.
Atlantis trains volunteers for hurricane season
ATLANTIS has been getting ready for the hurricane season by hosting a series of volunteer training exercises at the Paradise Island resort for team members who have signed up for duty should a storm threaten the area.
Junkanoo-style party to celebrate great employees
A JUNKANOO Carnival-styled celebration with over 300 people taking part in a parade and lining the route was the highlight of a day during which outstanding members of employee teams from The Cove and The Reef at Atlantis, Paradise Island, were recognised.
Minnis warns country will be hurt by further downgrade by Moody’s
A FURTHER downgrade from international credit rating agency Moody’s would “hurt our country immensely”, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Moody’s now challenges Govt over debt ratios
Moody’s is now questioning another key fiscal projection by Prime Minister Perry Christie’s government, warning that the Bahamas’ uncertain outlook makes it hard to forecast how high - and when - the debt-to-GDP ratio will peak.
Correspondent de-risk requires ‘back up plan’
The dangers presented by correspondent bank ‘de-risking’ must be “carefully managed”, the Central Bank’s governor has warned, urging Bahamas-based institutions to ensure they have a “back-up plan”.
Bank chief’s warning on ‘government interference’
Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive has warned that “government interference” threatens to impact industry profitability, especially should it move ahead with a revised Homeowners Protection Bill.
Cable targets 14 per cent EBITDA growth - without NewCo
Cable Bahamas yesterday disclosed it is targeting a 14 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in earnings before taxation over the next five years - a goal that excludes potential benefits from its stake in the nation’s second mobile provider.
Seven face court over guns found during resort raid
SIX adults and a minor were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday on weapon and ammunition charges stemming from a firearms raid at a small West Bay Street resort over the weekend.
Butler-Turner defends 30-year sentence plan
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner has defended her plan for a 30-year minimum sentence for convicted murderers, stressing that a country led by her and running mate Dr Duane Sands would “enact tough measures” on crime while not infringing on anyone’s constitutional rights.
Bahamian lives do matter
He is a controversial figure. Some call him a spin doctor and many people forget that he is a Harvard graduate.
Passport Office’s shame
MY recent experience in trying to renew an e-passport for my juvenile daughter has rendered me almost ashamed to be a Bahamian.
CORRECTION
IN the profiles of the 43 Bahamian Cultural Legends . . .
Tuesday, July 12
Ministry of Education headquarters closed for a week for air conditioning repairs
THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) will remain closed to the public until Monday as officials continue efforts to repair a faulty air-conditioning unit at its Thompson Boulevard offices.
Union action blocks West Bay Street
THE BAHAMAS Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) staged a major industrial action early on Tuesday after officials at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort refused to discuss several ongoing labour disputes.
'Petty' Minnis blasted by Cash over committee changes
FORMER Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash has accused party leader Dr Hubert Minnis of removing two people from the FNM’s Executive Committee, which he alleged was done “for the purpose of adding a few more votes at convention”.
'Bring the date of PLP convention forward'
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller and former Cabinet minister George Smith want the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to hold a convention in September instead of November, arguing that sooner rather than later the party needs to organise itself and excite its base in preparation for the next general election.
Rollins wants inquiry into Baha Mar
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said yesterday that the status of the Baha Mar project is more “worrisome” than Prime Minister Perry Christie is letting the public know.
30-year sentence call by Butler-Turner criticised
THE recent call from Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner for convicted murderers to face a minimum 30-year sentence without parole would infringe on the discretionary power of judges, Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson said.
Mitchell: No fallout from the US over ministry's travel advisory
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday there has been “absolutely” no fall out from diplomats in the United States after his ministry issued a travel warning advising Bahamians, young men in particular, to exercise caution in their dealings with police in US cities.
Bid for probe into bribery at BEC after Ramsey case
THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is calling for the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate a bribery scandaldating back more than a decade involving Alstom SA and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday.
CBC U-16: Team Bahamas brings home the gold
BASED on the historic performance of the junior men’s national team at the recent Caribbean Basketball Confederation Under-16 Championships, the future looks bright for the country’s national team programme.
Bahamas wins Davis Cup opener
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association men’s national team won their opening match of the American Zone III Davis Cup tie at the National Tennis Club in La Paz, Bolivia.
Holowesko earns US National Cycling Junior Time Trial Championship
LIAM Holowesko, one of the most talented young cyclists in the Bahamas, continues to make an impression on the international scene.
Former boxer Bertram ‘Bert Perry’ Perigord dead at 72
BERTRAM ‘Bert Perry’ Perigord, one of the country’s most prolific boxers, was found unresponsive in his apartment on Monday morning.
Women’s 4x400m relay team makes the last 16 for Rio
The women’s 4 x 400 metre relay team took advantage of the Blue Marlin Track Classic on Independence Day to clinch the last of the 16 spots for the trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 2016 Olympic Games.
POLITICOLE: See the realities at a time of patriotic pride
One week ago today, I was getting ready to go and celebrate US independence in America with Americans.
Passport Office delays likely to continue until January
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said the backlog at the Passport Office is expected to continue until January when a new system and passport is introduced.
PM: Trust fund for inmates who work in construction while in jail
PRIME Minister Perry Christie hinted on Friday that the government will establish a trust fund for inmates of the Department of Correctional Services who participate in construction and other service programmes, enabling them to collect money to assist in their reintegration into society after leaving prison.
Two in hospital after being shot by masked man
TWO men are recovering in hospital after they were shot by a masked man on Thursday night on Okra Hill.
Enough of Ingraham
LATE last month, the former Prime Minster, Hubert A Ingraham, was interviewed by one of the local television stations wherein he was asked if he was returning to frontline politics. His response to that question went something like this: “I will respond when I have an announcement to make.”
Missing cash
What will cause the Attorney General or the Prime Minister to simply say look this is enough we have to have urgent and in depth audits of all revenue generating departments and anyone found questionable must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Spare the rod
“Together we create gardens of possibility in the parched earth. If we grow the babies up right, they just might redeem us all.” Imani Perry, professor of African American Studies, Princeton University.
2nd annual Blue Marlin Track Classic doesn’t produce many qualifiers for Brazil Olympics
ABOUT 70 athletes from more than 16 countries came to town to participate in the second annual Blue Marlin Track Classic.
NBA Summer League: Buddy struggles but rebounds in loss to Jazz
BUDDY Hield struggled in his first Summer League appearance but on Bahamian Independence Day, he broke out of that slump to give the Pelicans fanbase a glimpse of what they can expect in the near future.
LA back on the sporting map as Sparks fly and Lakers rebuild
As most sports fans know this is the most boring portion of the sporting calendar! Nothing, zilch, nada, zero.
Warhawks, Ravens win titles in Bahamas Flag Football League
THE 2016 Bahamas Flag Football League season produced a pair of new championship winners at the Winton Rugby Centre on Sunday. The A Sure Win Warhawks won the men’s title while the Summit Academy Ravens won the women’s title in the season finale. Both were first time wins for the respective clubs.
Running Tide, Susan Chase and WG Thunderbird emerge as the winners
THE All Andros and Berry Islands Regatta, held over the Independence weekend in Morgan’s Bluff, North Andros, in honour of the late colourful legend Frank Hanna, saw Running Tide, Susan Chase and WG Thunderbird emerge as the A, B and C class winners respectively.
800 job applications for new mobile player
Cable Bahamas had received around 800 applications for jobs with the nation's second mobile provider by end-last week, it was revealed yesterday, and is confident the new operator can beat its financial targets.
Receiver dismisses 'uninsurable' Baha Mar allegations
Baha Mar's receiver yesterday dismissed claims by firebrand FNM MP, Dr Andre Rollins, that the $3.5 billion development is both "uninsurable" and will cost a further $1.8 billion to complete.
WORLD VIEW: Jamaica's CARICOM Review Commission - understanding the elephant
Jamaica’s CARICOM Review Commission has been established and has had its first meeting, even if its purpose and the prism through which the review will take place is not clear.
Buyers 'pull back' on Moody's threat
International buyers are "pulling back" due to uncertainties caused by Moody's threatened downgrading of the Bahamas to 'junk' status, realtors have warned.
Govt 'out of' new mobile operator by early September
The Government's short-lived majority ownership of the Bahamas' second mobile provider will end in early September, when it is replaced by private capital via an offering set to launch next month.
Ex-minister: Dingman case 'waste of judicial resources'
Trying the $1.1 million damages claim against Jamie Dingman's failed Nassau restaurant empire in New York will be "a waste of judicial resources", a former Cabinet minister is arguing.
Mortgage finance 'biggest hurdle' to housing recovery
Mortgage financing access remains "the biggest hurdle" to reviving the domestic real estate market, causing up to three deals for the same property to fall through.
Chamber chief says 'space for third mobile operator'
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce's chief executive believes "there is space for another mobile player", and is urging the Government to issue a third licence come 2019.
Seek a dentist’s help for Bruxism if you grind your teeth
HAVE YOU ever woken up in the morning with headaches, a painful jaw or a chipped tooth? If so, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep at night.
Cancer Society makes donating easy with new ‘iDonate’ campaign
The Cancer Society of the Bahamas is introducing its “1000@50 iDonate” campaign to raise funds for their Caring Centre and to urge persons to be proactive in lowering their individual risk of developing cancer.
New campaign emphasises women’s inner beauty
Being a woman in today’s world often means putting on that extra little bit of makeup, changing up your hairstyle regularly or purchasing body shapers; sometimes it even means taking life-changing measures like plastic surgery – all for the sake of beauty.
PMH physician partners with South Florida’s Baptist Health to improve Bahamian services
A young Bahamian doctor is hoping that all the knowledge she acquired during a recent observership programme will go a long way in helping to improve the public accident and emergency department at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Girls shine at Starmania gymnastics summer camp
THE Bahamas Star Gymnastics club is once again opening its doors to give young girls a chance to experience all the fun and benefits of the sport during its Starmania Summer Camp.
54 Cubans detained in Grand Bahama by immigration officers
FIFTY FOUR Cuban migrants were taken into custody by Immigration officials in Grand Bahama in three separate incidents over three days this week, a Freeport immigration official has told The Tribune.
Eight held as guns found at resort
EIGHT people - four men and four women - have been arrested after a police raid at a West Bay Street resort on Saturday morning uncovered guns and ammunition.
Saturday, July 9
Eight arrested after pistols and ammunition find at West Bay Street resort
EIGHT people - four men and four women - have been arrested after a police raid at a West Bay Street resort on Saturday morning uncovered guns and ammunition.
Friday, July 8
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW ON INDEPENDENCE: 43 years on and still we need to break the shackles
WHILST WE have accomplished much since our Independence in 1973, we continue to be a country that celebrates “flag independence”, more so than what it means to be truly economically and socially diverse and self-determining.
Christie playing a "dangerous game" with Moody's over potential downgrade, says Butler-Turner
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner chastised Prime Minister Perry Christie on Friday for his "delusional and incoherent" response to the threat of possible downgrade by rating agency Moody's.
Abaco airport named after war veteran and aviation pioneer Leonard Thompson
THE Marsh Harbour airport has been officially renamed after celebrated World War II veteran and former Abaco MP Captain Leonard Thompson.
BEC bribe-taker Freddie Ramsey fined and ordered to repay $220,000
FREDDIE Solomon Ramsey on Friday escaped being hit with a custodial sentence and instead was fined $1,000 for each of the 14 bribery-related charges of which a jury previously convicted him stemming from the Alstom SA/Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) scandal.
Bahamians warned to take care after US shootings
IN THE wake of police-related shootings in the United States that have resulted in the deaths of black men, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging Bahamians to be particularly careful when travelling in the US.
Masked man shoots and wounds two in Okra Hill
TWO men are recovering in hospital after they were shot by a masked man on Thursday night on Okra Hill.
54 Cubans taken into custody in Grand Bahama in three days
FIFTY FOUR Cuban migrants were taken into custody by Immigration officials in Grand Bahama in three separate incidents over three days this week, a Freeport immigration official has told The Tribune.
Education ministry building closed as air conditioning problems persist
OFFICIALS at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) announced the closure of their Thompson Boulevard offices on Friday due to the continued malfunctioning of the building's air-conditioning unit.
Minnis 'lacks ability to lead' says Tommy Turnquest
FORMER Free National movement (FNM) Leader Tommy Turnquest said he does not believe Dr Hubert Minnis has the “leadership ability” or the “personality” to defeat the current administration in the next general election.
Momentum from launch 'to bring victory in 2017'
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that the high energy and turnout at the launch of his leadership campaign was testament to a growing momentum that will propel him past the party’s upcoming convention to secure a general election victory in 2017.
23 graduate in first BAMSI ceremony
THE Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) held its first graduation ceremony yesterday, a milestone for the controversial project that Prime Minister Perry Christie has long said will be at the centre of efforts to usher the country into an era of food security.
'It's number of delegates, not crowd size that counts'
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said the number of those attending the two Free National Movement leadership campaign launches does not matter because the decision of who will ascend to the party’s top post comes down to its 410 delegates.
For first time, BAAA assembles relay training camp at home ahead of Blue Marlin Classic
FOR the first time, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAAs) has assembled a Relay Training Camp at home with the view of getting the teams ready to compete in the Blue Marlin Track Classic on Sunday.
Men’s 4 x 100 relay team hoping to make top 16 cut for Rio Olympics
WITH the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay team already locked down for next month’s trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the men’s 4 x 100m team is hoping that they will also get a chance to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games.
A COMIC'S VIEW - Inigo 'Naughty' Zenicazelaya: A tale of two rallies
Of all the classics I’ve read over the years, the opening of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ still ranks as one of the best.
THE FINISH LINE: As the Olympic medal chase ensues, kudos to the BSF and its swimmers
THE Bahamas Swimming Federation should be commended for setting another high standard in local sports and inking in another historic performance in the process.
Contractor who died as tractor plunged into sea is identified
THE body of the man found in waters at Deadman’s Reef is that of architect and contractor Claxton Williams.
DNA leader seeks clarity over Renew Bahamas
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday castigated the Christie administration over Renew Bahamas, as he demanded transparency regarding the landfill management company saying it came to the country “under very suspicious circumstances”.
PM: Face up to fundamentalists
I read with disbelief The Nassau Guardian’s article of 29 June 2016; “Group seeks to pressure PM to resign”.
The PLP want Minnis to win race
Hubert Minnis should be ashamed of the dirty tricks he is employing in his bid to retain the leadership of the FNM.
'Anti-corruption? Sort out your own ranks'
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday slammed the anti-corruption rhetoric recently put forward by FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, asserting that the Killarney MP has not been able to arrest bad behaviour within his ranks.
Roberts relaxed about Sears leadership bid
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday seemed to welcome the thought of former Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears running for the position of leader when the party holds its convention in November.
Social services investigating case of man living in 'toilet' for eight years
THE Department of Social Services is investigating the circumstances of a man who a concerned citizen said had been living in an “outside toilet” for eight years.
Independence Day message from Prime Minister Perry Christie
ON behalf of the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and on my own behalf, and that of my wife, Bernadette, and our family, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to my fellow citizens, the wonderful people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of our independence.
Team Bahamas ends up 6th overall at the 29th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships
TEAM Bahamas faced off against the best junior golfers in the region but fell one spot off their pace in recent years.
Blue Marlin Track Classic gives athletes last chance to qualify for Rio Olympics
With the final day for athletes to qualify for the Olympics set for Monday, the second annual Blue Marlin Track Classic will provide a stage for competitors from around the world in a last chance meet on Sunday.
Bahamas finishes group play with 100-41 rout of Barbados
THE Bahamas continues its momentum and remains untested thus far at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships for Under-16 Boys.
Girls ready for Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s U-16 Championships
AFTER watching the dominating performances turned in by the boys, the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s girls team is hoping that they can go to Guyana next week and duplicate the effort at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s Under-16 Championships for Girls.
‘No way’ Bahamas can be cut to junk
There is “no way” that Moody’s can cut the Bahamas to ‘junk’ status because it is still meeting all its debt obligations as they become due, a former finance minister argued yesterday.
Bran: US gives ‘kick in hip’ to Govt policies
The US has delivered “another kick in the hip” to the Government’s conduct of economic policy with its latest transparency concerns over public sector contracts, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader charged yesterday.
Realtors targeting $40m sales to wake ‘sleeping giant’
Bahamian realtors yesterday said they were targeting “$40-odd million” in total sales as they bid to awaken the ‘sleeping giant’ that is the Lyford Hills project, which is being developed by ex-Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells.
Landfill chief: ‘Don’t read anything’ into our CEO transition
Renew Bahamas’ principal shareholder yesterday said “nothing can be read” into his stepping down as the New Providence landfill manager’s chief executive, as concerns persist over its financial health.
Govt ‘encourages’ Bahamian group’s landfill ‘win-win’
The Government is seeking a “holistic” solution to the New Providence landfill’s numerous challenges, and is encouraging a Bahamian consortium to advance its proposal for taking away 25 per cent of existing waste streams.
Thursday, July 7
One dead, two seriously hurt in head-on collision on Tonique Williams Darling Highway
A MAN in his twenties is dead and two others are in serious condition in hospital after a head-on collision early on Thursday morning.
Minnis launches campaign at 'Roc Wit Doc' event
EVEN as his sympathisers lambasted his political opponents in the upper ranks of the Free National Movement as “betrayers,” Dr Hubert Minnis made a plea for party unity during a rally at Christie Park on Wednesday night.
Renew Bahamas staff laid off in cutbacks
APPROXIMATELY 40 staff members have been made redundant at Renew Bahamas since the start of June, according to the company’s new Chief Executive Officer Michael Cox.
Sears hints at PLP leader bid
FORMER Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears yesterday announced that he is open to running for the position of leader of the Progressive Liberal Party when the party holds its convention in November.
Ministry 'addressing' hazardous waste find
ENVIRONMENT and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett yesterday said his ministry is addressing the appearance of hazardous medical waste found at the New Providence Landfill.
Miller: Minnis best to challenge Christie
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller believes Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis is the party’s most “formidable” option to challenge Prime Minister Perry Christie in a general election as voters view him as a man who rose from “have-not” status and can relate to the plight of poor Bahamians.
MPs turn out to support Butler & Sands
LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner last night called herself and Senator Dr Duane Sands the “best team” not only to lead the Free National Movement, but also to take the country out of the hands of the “worst government the country has ever seen”.
Harbour Island man accused of raping American woman
A Harbour Island resident was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the alleged rape of an American woman on Friday.
Chesapeake legal issue
I read with great interest the response of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), to my appearance on the Love 97 programme Issues of The Day, hosted by Mr Wendall K Jones, on the 29th AD 2016.
Moody with Moody's
Just who do these foreigners (Moody’s) think they are by threatening to downgrade our great little country’s credit rating again - and all over a paltry thing like worsening government debt accumulation?
Examining the news of the day
MOODY’S THREAT... I am sure you would have had a big headline IF the FNM had voted against the 2016-2017 Budget... hot air Mr Peter Turnquest, hot air.
A victim of crime tells her tale
I don’t know about other Bahamians and residents of New Providence but I take cold comfort in the assurances of the Minister of National Security that crime is down.
Butler-Turner: How I'm different from Minnis
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday sought to differentiate herself from FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis insisting that she stands on her “unwavering” word and does not rock from side to side with the shift of the wind.
Moore warns of danger of Ingraham return
IF former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham nominates himself for the Free National Movement’s leadership race on the convention floor, it would be “one of the worst things that could happen”, Maurice Moore said yesterday.
Salvation Army calls for aid, saying need has no season
THE Salvation Army believes that giving is not necessarily just for the holidays such as Christmas but it should be an all-year-round practice.
Bran: I left the FNM after watching it fail the country
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said his 2011 decision to leave the Free National Movement was “not made lightly” and came after months of watching the then governing party fail to enact policies to rescue the country from its struggles.
Bringing the Carmichael community together with a basketball tournament
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s Carmichael Branch recently concluded the 2016 edition of its summer basketball tournament.
A lack of respect that stifles potential
After ten years in the Bahamas, Julien Martel has decided to move back to the UK. He has some farewell thoughts for the country he is leaving.
EDITORIAL: Let's fire Moody's for telling govt the truth!
“FIRE Moody’s if The Bahamas is given a downgrade for poor performance,” suggested former State Finance Minister James Smith on learning that Moody’s was threatening to downgrade this country’s credit rating within the next two months.
Swimmers are aiming to make a splash in Brazil
BEFORE the Bahamas Swimming Federation (BSF) hosted the Royal Bank of Canada’s National Swimming Championships and the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC), there was just one Bahamian automatic qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Govt staff left sweating as air conditioning fails
FRUSTRATION is mounting for employees at the Thompson Boulevard offices of the Ministries of Youth, Sports and Culture and Education over the building’s failed air-conditioning unit.
A YOUNG MAN'S VIEW: Spiralling debt brings a downgrade dangerously close
The Bahamas is on the fast track to an economic downgrade.
New US embassy complex could spark life into downtown Nassau
AT THE function to celebrate the 240th anniversary of the birth of the United States, Lisa Johnson, the Charge d’Affaires in Nassau announced that her government would be building a new embassy complex on land they had purchased on Shirley Street.
Stoves and refrigerators given to hurricane relief
CAPTAIN Stephen Russell accepted 25 refrigerators and 25 stoves donated by CIBC FirstCaribbean for residents of the central and southeast Bahamas severely affected by Hurricane Joaquin last October.
Exuma expedition for team of Rangers
SIX Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers recently completed a five-day educational expedition to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park as guests of the Bahamas National Trust.
National beach soccer team to take its training regimen to next level
THE Bahamas men’s national team is set to take their training regimen to the next level as they continue preparation for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Upcoming regattas get a boost
A pair of regattas received a boost to their fundraising and preparation efforts courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Bahamas destroys Dominica 125-21 in CBC U-16
WE may be running out of superlatives to describe just how dominant the Bahamas junior national team has been in overwhelming the competition at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U16 Championships.
US warns Govt tenders exposed to ‘corruption’
The US has again warned that the Government’s procurement processes are “particularly susceptible to corruption”, with the renewal of some public sector contracts left outstanding for more than a year.
Be ‘mad as hell’ with PLP, FNM
The Bahamian people “should be mad as hell” with both the PLP and FNM for placing the country in a position where it is being threatened with a downgrade to ‘junk’ status, the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader has charged.
Green economy gives ‘opportunities galore’
The Government would help create a “far greater” number of “meaningful” Bahamian jobs if it abandoned its current development approach in favour of the ‘green economy’, a well-known QC believes.
US govt blasts Bar Association
The US government has criticised the Bahamas Bar Association for failing to pursue complaints about the conduct of member attorneys, disclosing that several of its citizens had suffered “significant losses” on flawed real estate deals.
Governor: ‘Credible’ growth plan key to satisfying Moody’s
The Central Bank’s governor yesterday said it was “within the Government’s reach” to lay out an economic growth strategy that convinces Moody’s not to further slash the Bahamas’ credit rating.
Man dies in traffic accident on Tonique Williams Darling Highway
POLICE are on the scene of a fatal traffic accident on Tonique Williams Darling Highway near JFK Drive on Thursday morning.
Wednesday, July 6
PLP 'best ever' position to win election
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said he expects the Progressive Liberal Party to win the next election, asserting that the party is “in the best position we’ve ever been in.”
FNM leadership contenders in clash of campaign launches
WITH three weeks until FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis faces off against Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner in the party’s leadership race, both will launch their campaigns tonight.
Hotel room revenue down 7%, reports bank
IN its monthly report released yesterday, the Central Bank revealed that hotel room revenue declined by an estimated seven per cent during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.
'Fire Moody's if Bahamas is given a downgrade'
FORMER State Minister of Finance James Smith said he would suggest that the government fire Moody’s if the ratings agency follows through on its threat to downgrade this country’s credit rating.
Minnis 'too busy fighting to survive to lead'
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday criticised the “gang of six” Free National Movement MPs and others who have opposed FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, charging that the Killarney MP has never been able to show his leadership skills because he has been too busy “fighting a game of survival” within his own party.
Family tell of devastation over athlete's death
THE family of Nekeil Russell, a former national track athlete who was killed in a traffic accident in Freeport, is devastated and trying to cope with the unexpected tragedy.
Smith says neighbours have been 'put up' to suing him
FRED Smith, QC, believes that two of his neighbours at Smith’s Point have been “put up” to bringing a lawsuit in the Supreme Court against him concerning a groyne constructed at his Grand Bahama property in an attempt to paint him as a “hypocrite or an environmental terrorist”.
Happy Independence?
Please allow me to express my concerns for this country that I love so dearly called The Bahamas.
FNM leadership?
The reported comments of Brent Symonette that the Butler-Sands duo are gaining party support and that a Poll indicates that is totally laughable. Mr Symonette surely knows only delegates, MP’s, Freedom Fighters vote. What Joe Public might say is of no influence to the Convention vote.
Invaded by the Chinese
The Bahamas is the laughing stock of the world. We have disgraced ourselves by confirming that we are prostitutes. We have a knack for genuflecting to foreigners, giving our land for a sack of flour. We are so foolish and without shame for giving away all of our choice beachfront property, thus preventing our ordinary Bahamians from accessing the beaches.
Move COB
There has been much movement and discussion in relation to transitioning the College of the Bahamas (COB) to the University of the Bahamas (UOB).
Minnis: Moody's warning not the first - and won't be the last
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis weighed in yesterday on the Moody’s downgrade threat, saying this is “not the first time” an international rating agency has warned the government about its “reckless spending”. He said if the Christie administration remains in power “it will not be the last”.
Sands calls for shake-up at NIB amid payout problems
FREE National Movement Senator Dr Duane Sands yesterday called for a complete revamping of the leadership hierarchy at the National Insurance Board (NIB) amid internal squabbles and painstaking system failures that have forced thousands of claimants to go unassisted for months.
Trump and Brexit parallels for The Bahamas
THE consequences of the anti-European Union (EU) vote in Britain last week have some interesting parallels with Bahamian and American politics that are worth exploring.
Bahamas gets high marks for hosting of CISC
FELIX Calderon gave the Bahamas Swimming Federation high marks for the staging of the XXI Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships.
Seeded players advance to 2nd round, Bahamians ousted in Junkanoo Bowl
ALL of the remaining seeded players in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Junkanoo Bowl ITF Junior Circuit Tournament advanced to the second round, while the final Bahamian got eliminated.
‘Basketball Smiles’ shine bright
SMILING faces were the order of the day at the closing of the 2016 Basketball Smiles camp. Held at the CI Gibson school field, the closing ceremony featured awards presentations for the “most improved” and “outstanding” campers, among others, as well as gift presentations courtesy of Atlantis, Paradise Island.
BFA names men’s u-17 National Soccer Team
THE Bahamas Men’s Under-17 National Soccer Team has been selected and will represent The Bahamas in the upcoming Caribbean Football Union’s Men’s Under-17 Qualifiers in Suriname.
Team Bahamas reflects on historic CISC title
Three years ago, the Bahamas Swim Federation won the Carifta Swimming Championships for the first time and successfully defended it in 2015 before losing it to Guadeloupe this year.
Portes, Amaro close out XXI CISC with open water swim race victory
MIQUEL Portes from Dominica and Diana Amaro from Puerto Rico closed out the XXI Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships by winning the five-kilometre open water swim race yesterday.
'No need to be alarmed by hammerhead sharks'
DIVING experts and marine science officials are emphasising that the public should not be alarmed by instances in which Great Hammerhead sharks are spotted near harbours, warning that the often passive species has a history of swimming in shallow waters.
Police probe sudden death as tractor plunges into sea
POLICE are investigating the death of a man who was discovered in a tractor submerged in water in the Deadman’s Reef area on Tuesday.
Fitness fanatic killed as car hits trees
A 31-year-old woman was killed in Freeport when the car she was driving went off the road and crashed into trees on the Grand Bahama Highway on Tuesday morning.
Central Bank gives Govt ‘an uppercut’
The Central Bank of the Bahamas yesterday delivered “an uppercut” to the Government’s fiscal projections, urging it to rein in spending amid a $266 million deficit for the first 10 months of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
Moody’s to make Govt ‘come clean’
Moody’s downgrade threat will force the Government “to come clean”, the DNA’s leader said yesterday, and be more accountable and transparent than it has been with the Bahamian people on the nation’s fiscal crisis.
Tourism ‘softness’ exposed with 7% room revenue fall
Tourism “softness” resulted in a 7 per cent year-over-year decline in peak winter room revenues for Nassau’s major hotels, with both occupancies and pricing coming under pressure.
Ex-Chamber chief ‘100% certain’ of credit downgrade
A former Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said he was “100 per cent certain” the Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating will be downgraded by Moody’s, due to its failure to enact fundamental reforms.
QC: Bahamas requires ‘investors, not invaders’
The QC responsible for winning numerous legal battles on behalf of environmental activists yesterday said the Government and developers had repeatedly “failed to learn their lessons”, adding that the Bahamas wanted “investors, not invaders”.
Tuesday, July 5
Bahamians warned to prepare for scorching heat this week
BAHAMIANS can expect scorching temperatures from Wednesday through the weekend with the heat index expected to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, Senior Meteorological Officer at the Department of Meteorology Orson Nixon warned on Tuesday.
Grand Bahama: woman dies in car accident, man found dead in tractor in canal
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating the deaths of two people on Tuesday, a 31-year-old woman after a traffic accident and a man who was found in a tractor submerged in the canal in the Deadman's Reef area.
Bid to hold talks over downgrade: Govt confident over prospects
MICHAEL Halkitis, State Minister for Finance, said yesterday the government will meet with representatives from ratings agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s starting next week in order to “convince” the firms not to downgrade the country’s credit rating.
Former ZNS reporter ordered to pay $15,000 in contempt ruling
FORMER ZNS reporter Sherman Brown must pay $15,000 by noon on Friday or spend a month in prison, Justice Indra Charles ruled yesterday.
Fred Smith sued over beach access
TWO residents of Smith’s Point, Grand Bahama, have brought legal action in the Supreme Court against attorney Fred Smith, QC, who is being accused of causing environmental damage and preventing access to a portion of the beach because of a 15ft high groyne constructed at his property.
Man accused of raping American woman
POLICE arrested a man on Sunday in connection with the alleged rape of an American woman on Friday at Harbour Island.
FNM: PM's view of economy is a fairy tale
PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s overly optimistic outlook of the economy is predicated on the upcoming 2017 general election said Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest, as he castigated the government for painting a “fairy tale” picture, which is in direct conflict with this country’s current state.
NIB extends hours amid payout problems
THE National Insurance Board has extended its operational hours to offset persisting issues with its claims process caused by deficiencies in its newly implemented V3 system, which showed performance issues in tests two months ago.
NPSA regular season action takes the spotlight
THE New Providence Softball Association continued its regular season action in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex over the weekend.
Hield ESPY nominee for Best Male College Athlete award
A STANDOUT senior season for Buddy Hield has the former Oklahoma Sooner and current New Orleans Pelican guard in contention for another award.
New FNM Fort Charlotte elections to be held after judge urges a deal
AT the urging of Justice Indra Charles, the Free National Movement’s warring factions reached an amicable resolution in the Supreme Court yesterday concerning an application for judicial review over the Fort Charlotte Constituency Association’s recent election process.
POLITICOLE: Service before self
EVEN as I continue to travel, pursuing dreams and opportunities and commitments beyond the borders of my country, I’m constantly thinking about what I can do for my people and my country while I do what I want and need to do for myself. Can I do both at the same time?
'Gang of Six' future depends on co-operation with leader
THE fate of the six Official Opposition MPs who stood against FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will heavily depend on their willingness to work with the leadership should he be re-elected at the party’s upcoming convention, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.
Caribbean trade
THE Caribbean and the world have been discussing Brexit. Some of our eminent thinkers have explained the consequences of Britain leaving the European union. Some argue they did so to assert control over the continent. I know they exited because it is in their national interest. Whether it be immigration, billions spent on EU dues or cumbersome bureaucracy, the EU was hindering their national interest.
Baha Mar blame
Just how can Rt Hon Perry Christie not take the fullest blame for the debacle of Baha Mar? 2005 sale of Ruffin’s Cable Beach assets none other than Christie pushed-consorted with Sarkis Izmirlian to develop then a $1.25 billion development. Minister Wilchcombe took the project to Parliament. Izmirlian borrowed $220m to purchase...could not prove to Harrah’s he had the development money. Who else is responsible, Mr PM?
Chesapeake firm says it is following best practice
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd and the Grand Bahama Utility Company Ltd have confirmed that “industry best practices” are being followed regarding the operation of the Chesapeake Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Call for ruling after silence in Toggie and Bobo case
CANADIAN fashion designer Peter Nygard and lawyer Keod Smith did not enter a defence to allegations that the pair orchestrated a murder for hire plot against several Save The Bays directors and a pastor.
NIB still seeking permanent replacement for director post
ACTING Director of the National Insurance Board V Theresa Burrows yesterday confirmed that she was not in the running to hold the position long-term, saying that a permanent replacement for former NIB Director Rowena Bethel could be named in the coming weeks.
Junkanoo Bowl swings into high gear
While all but two of the seeded players survived the first round of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s Junkanoo Bowl, none of the Bahamian players advanced in the ITF Junior Circuit Tournament at the National Tennis Centre.
CBC U-16: Bahamas steamrolls BVI 101-40 on day 2
IT WAS another dominant performance for Team Bahamas as they remained undefeated at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Under-16 Championships for Boys.
PLP's weak claims on jobs front
WITH the election now on the horizon PM Perry Christie and the PLP propaganda machinery will kick into high gear in order to convince the masses that the PLP government has lived up to its many pledges penned in its Charter for Governance. One of the pledges Christie and Co, made on the campaign trail would be the creation of thousands of jobs. Christie those stated that if his administration was able to create 22,000 years between 2002-2007 when the economy was moribund, he would be able again to create thousands of jobs in a bad economy.
Police shoot suspect after high-speed chase
POLICE SHOT and injured a man Sunday night during a high-speed chase moments after he allegedly assaulted a woman and “rammed his vehicle into several cars” attempting to allude capture.
MARK HUMES: Seeking to create a Bahamian democracy
OUR country has a number of major issues that need tackling immediately. The ones that immediately come to mind are crime, education, lack of job opportunities, the failing economy, the lack of accountability, and lack of transparency in national affairs. We spend a considerable amount of time, energy, and money creating legislation and programmes to address these issues yet they remain.
EDITORIAL: Bahamas faces 'junk pile' because of Government's wrong decisions
MOODY’S has given The Bahamas a two-month reprieve in which to either initiate a programme that has the potential of improving this country’s economic growth rate or face its present Baa2 bond rating being dropped to junk status.
SPORTING MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM - Naughty: Today’s superstars test loyalty to the limit in search of titles
OKAY, now that I’ve regained my composure from bouts of hysterical laughter, let me begin. The source of my good laugh? Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors.
Resident left to live in a toilet for eight years
Tribune reader Deno P Ellis raises the plight of one elderly Nassau resident and makes a plea to government to help its citizens
Minister to activists: Don’t deny us jobs
A Cabinet Minister yesterday urged environmental activists to be “balanced and responsible” when launching legal actions against legitimate developers, warning that these could deny Bahamians much-needed “economic benefits”.
‘Deceptive indicators’ hurt Budget estimates
The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman believes the use of “misnomers and deceptive indicators” are causing the Government to consistently miss unrealistic Budget and fiscal targets.
Fiscal hawk fears politicians won’t ‘face the music’
The Government yesterday asked Moody’s to ‘take a bet’ that its economic growth and Budgetary initiatives will succeed, as a well-known fiscal hawk said: “They’re not going to have to face the music.”
Don’t make Moody’s a ‘political football’
The Bahamas will have “no one to blame but ourselves” if Moody’s follows through with its threat of a potential ‘junk’ downgrade, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday urging all politic
Marina project eyes ‘Blue Flag’ quality stamp
Genuine environmental concerns over the Abaco Club’s marina project should be satisfied by the 44-slip facility’s bid for Blue Flag status, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.
Businesses monitor air cargo fall-out
Bahamian businesses are continuing to monitor the fall-out from new and increased Customs fines on the air cargo industry, which has prompted some carriers to threaten to withdraw from this market.
Monday, July 4
Soccer superstar Messi visits Atlantis
LIONEL Messi, the world’s best footballer, is taking a family holiday in the Bahamas to get away from the pressures of a long season and the disappointment of another major defeat for his team, Argentina, after which he shocked the nation by announcing his retirement from international soccer.
Ex-Senator renews call for Bahamian industry ownership
Bahamians must have ownership of key economic sectors "from the top straight through the supply chain", a former FNM Senator is arguing, adding that this would protect the "haemorrhaging" foreign currency reserves.
De-risk 'client migration' to benefit larger banks
Correspondent bank 'de-risking' could drive another wave of Bahamian financial services consolidation by sparking "client migration" to larger institutions, a former finance minister has warned.
Reform progress 'a lot slower' than Bahamas desires
The Chamber of Commerce's chairman yesterday admitted the Bahamas' economic and fiscal reform process was moving "a lot slower" than desired, as he called for unity to ward off a threatened downgrade.
Gov't 'oblivious' to fiscal, economic woe
The Democratic National Alliance's (DNA) leader yesterday accused the Government of being "oblivious" to the Bahamas' economic and fiscal woes, describing the latest downgrade threat as "scary stuff".
Gov't urged: 'Change air cargo fines today'
The Government has been urged to "amend right away this Monday" the new and increased Customs sanctions on air cargo operators, a Bahamian courier company branding them "ridiculous".
Govt sought BPL fix in 12-months
The Government wanted Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) manager to guarantee its facilities would match the operational standards of comparable energy utilities within a year of taking over, Tribune Business can reveal.
Q&A with US Charge d'Affaires Lisa Johnson
LISA JOHNSON, the US Charge d'Affaires in Nassau, answers The Tribune's questions about her country's views of Bahamian issues, from the gender equality referendum and the continued ambassadorial vacancy to crime, government accountability and Chinese investment.
Delegates back me, says Minnis
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has suggested that his “close and personal” relationship with the FNM’s more than 400 delegates places him in a position to, for a third time, be elected as head of the opposition party.
Fears ease over funding for FNM
THE Free National Movement has got over the financial hurdle relating to its upcoming national convention, with former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette telling The Tribune supporters now seem amenable to donating money to the party.
Bahamas facing Moody's downgrade threat in two months
THE Bahamas faces the prospect of a fresh credit rating downgrade within the next two months, after Moody's was stunned by data showing two consecutive years of recession.
Tribune cartoonist is named an Icon
TRIBUNE cartoonist Jamaal Rolle won a Bahamian Icon Award on Saturday for his achievements in fine arts, telling the newspaper that his international acclaim cannot compare to being “accepted by my fellow Bahamians”.
Minnis 'not afraid' of election debate
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday he is “not afraid” to publicly debate Prime Minister Perry Christie, but only after a general election is called.
BLTA submits recommendation to ITF on tennis players to be considered for Olympics
THE Bahamas could have the possibility of getting its first female player and maybe one or two male players, including a doubles team, continue the tennis tradition at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Team Bahamas makes history with first ever Caribbean Island Swim Championship title
The local swimming community continues to set new milestones and can now add its first ever Caribbean Island Swimming Championship title to its resumé.
EDITORIAL: Chapter 11 gone but Beijing fails to deliver as promised
ON FRIDAY in its Investors Services newsletter, Moody’s announced that the Bahamas’ Baa2 rating was now on review for a downgrade.
FNM leader blasts delays in payments from NIB
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has criticised the government for the month-long delays in National Insurance Board payments, claiming that the government’s failure to implement a back-up system at NIB has resulted in Bahamians “being cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars”.
Music beats bullying
I really was stunned when I saw on the internet a little boy with autism bursting into tears in the rock concert of Coldplay when he listened to his favourite song. Amazingly the little one never before reacted in that way from an external stimulus.
Time for change
Since the electorate’s rejection of Prime Minister Christie’s second referendum in two years, I have publicly stated that he should do the honourable thing and resign as Prime Minister of this country. This nation, as a proud product of the Westminster System, is operated by a force of Conventions, which has been countries’ guiding principles for centuries. Any structure is only as good as the foundation upon which it rests. My friend and brother, the Hon Fred Mitchell acknowledged this much when he called for The Right Honourable Hubert Alexander Ingraham’s resignation after a rejected 2002 referendum.
Promises, promises
The PLP needs to deliver on its 2012 charter for governance before the next election, Tribune Chief Reporter Ava Turnquest says
Many losers and no real winners in Brexit
THE result of the British referendum to leave the European Union (EU) has already left a trail of culprits, victims and intended and unintended consequences. Its primary outcome is grave uncertainty within Britain, within the EU and for other countries and regions that do business with both.
Staying safe during hurricane season
DURING this hurricane season in The Bahamas, it is important that adequate preparations are made to minimise loss of life and property.
Taking pride in our nation
NATIONAL celebrations to commemorate the country’s 43rd anniversary of independence started on Friday with National Pride Day festivities, which climaxed with a spirited and cultured flag raising ceremony.
New Customs rules to 'clamp down on gun smuggling'
NEW customs regulations could clamp down on illegal smuggling of items like guns, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said on Friday.
Walking to support resident left struggling to breathe
CHESAPEAKE residents participated in a walkathon in support of the Wilchcombe family and to heighten awareness of the environmental and health concerns in the Grand Bahama subdivision which they believe are related to a nearby sewerage plant.
Bahamas routs Antigua 109-71 in CBC U-16 opener
TEAM Bahamas served notice to the remainder of the field and immediately staked their claim as a contender at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships.
Fantastic Four off to Zone III Davis Cup Tie in Bolivia
NEWLY acquired brothers Baker and Spencer Newman along with team captain Marvin Rolle and Kevin Major Jr put on an exhibition for the spectators on Friday before they left to represent the Bahamas at the American Zone III Davis Cup Tie.
MP shows support for basketballers in Denykco Bowles Elite Skills camp
FRED Mitchell, Member of Parliament for Fox Hill, stopped by the Denykco Bowles Elite Skills basketball camp this weekend to show support for the young men who will be travelling to Las Vegas, Nevada this month.
Man arrested over Harbour Island beach sexual assault of Florida woman
A HARBOUR Island man is in custody in connection with an alleged sexual assault of an American woman on a beach on Friday.
Police shoot woman beater after "reckless" high speed chase
A MAN who assaulted a woman and led officers on a high-speed car chase through New Providence endangering the lives of several road users was shot by police on Sunday night. He is now in hospital under heavy police guard.
Former athlete dies in Freeport crash
ONE man is dead and another man is in hospital with serious injuries following a traffic accident on West Sunrise Highway early on Saturday morning.
Sunday, July 3
Police hunt suspects in four armed robberies on Sunday morning
POLICE in New Providence are searching for the suspects responsible for four separate armed robberies in the early hours of Sunday.
Saturday, July 2
Two in hospital as police hunt shooting suspects in New Providence
POLICE have launched a manhunt in New Providence for those responsible for two shooting incidents that left a man and a woman detained in hospital on Friday night.
Friday, July 1
Customs regulations changes to clamp down on gun smuggling into the Bahamas
NEW Customs regulations could clamp down on illegal smuggling of items like guns, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said on Friday.
Christie's new plan is just an election ploy, says FNM chairman
FREE National Movement (FNM) Chairman Sidney Collie on Friday questioned the motive behind Prime Minister Perry Christie’s new plan for the future, as he suggested that this was nothing more than an election ploy.
RBPF advice on hurricane preparations
DURING this hurricane season in the Bahamas, it is important that adequate preparations are made to minimise loss of life and property. Remember that hurricane preparation only takes a little time; for this reason the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office provides safety tips that can assist in preparedness.
Governor General asks Bahamians to reflect on 43 years of Independence
NATIONAL celebrations to commemorate the country’s imminent 43rd anniversary of Independence started on Friday with National Pride Day festivities, which climaxed with a spirited and cultured flag raising ceremony.
Bahamian Karen Rigby honoured by US for fight against human trafficking
A BAHAMIAN official has been honoured by the US State Department for efforts in the global fight against human trafficking.
Two women among three arrested over $100,00 marijuana catch
TWO WOMEN and one man are in police custody after they were discovered with nearly $100,000 worth of marijuana on Thursday afternoon.
Minnis 'failed' to reach the voters: Lightbourn backs Butler-Turner and Sands
MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn yesterday said that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has failed to connect with the Bahamian electorate as he endorsed Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Dr Duane Sands as his choices for the party’s two top posts.
Deadline passes for appeal of $16m police overtime ruling
THE deadline has passed for the government to appeal a landmark ruling in an overtime case that could result in as much as $16m being paid to police officers, Wayne Munroe, attorney representing the Police Staff Association in the case, said yesterday.
'Why is there still no report for Carnival?'
NEARLY two months after the highly controversial Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival was held in the country, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest questioned why the government had yet to produce the festival’s financial performance report.
Bahamas meets standards over human trafficking
THE US State Department released its global report on human trafficking yesterday, saying the Bahamas “fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”
Two charged with murder outside nightclub
TWO men were charged in court yesterday in connection with the shooting death of a father of two outside a nightclub on Elizabeth Avenue last Saturday morning.
Miller: Open Baha Mar or be seen as lame ducks
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday implored senior PLP members “to do all they can” to jumpstart the stalled Baha Mar project, suggesting that without it the party could be entering the 2017 general election as “lame ducks”.
BLTA TO host 15th Annual ITF Junkanoo Bowl starting July 4
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is all set to host its 15th Annual International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junkanoo Bowl Tournament July 4-9.
Butler-Turner heads to Grand Bahama for support
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said she is actively seeking the support of the 400 plus delegates who will be voting at the FNM’s upcoming convention.
Larger plane for BA direct flights from Heathrow 'very significant'
THE MINISTRY of Tourism has told The Tribune that the introduction of a larger plane on British Airways’ direct route between London Heathrow and Nassau will be “very significant” for the Bahamian economy.
THE FINISH LINE: Bahamas should have done better than 7th overall in CentroBasket
IT was one of those could have, should have performance for the men’s national basketball team.
Medals pour in for Team Bahamas at the Caribbean Island Swimming Championships
Team Bahamas is well on pace to complete their quest and make history at the XXI Caribbean Island Swimming Championships.
Loretta's poster boy
Brent Symonette, a multi-millionaire has now become the poster boy for Loretta Butler-Turner. It is a power play move and a last ditch effort by some Free National Movement members who want Dr Minnis ousted as FNM leader.
Ease of doing business?
The Prime Minister and the Minister of State for Investments have given candid assessments of the (lack of) ease of doing business in the Bahamas and the lack of a (functioning) National Development Plan. They have committed to turn these situations around. These intentions are good.
Minnis 'ignorant' of education improvements
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday criticised FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ “careless and reckless” statements about the government’s educational investments, claiming that Dr Minnis is “ignorant to the facts of the progress made in education”.
Fitzgerald: Election will be test of voter's view on PLP
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald admitted yesterday that some Bahamians are “angry” and “unhappy” with the performance of the Christie administration but said he believes the true test of the PLP’s effectiveness will be at the polls next year.
Fitzgerald's failed teachings and the FNM Game of Thrones
ONCE again it pains me to have to make fun of my St Andrew’s schoolmate and former prefect, Minister of Education and Marathon MP the honourable Mr Jerome Fitzgerald.
First ever Swing for Scholarships raises $31,000 for Lyford Cay School’s Financial-Aid Programme
LYFORD Cay International School (LCIS) held its first ever Swing for Scholarships event earlier this month and successfully raised $31,000 towards the school’s financial-aid and scholarship programme that allows qualified Bahamian students, who would not otherwise be able to, to attend LCIS.
Jonquel Jones scores season high 16 points in loss to Mercury
THE Connecticut Sun front office decided to alter its roster after a disappointing start to the season and the recent move has already paid dividends for Jonquel Jones.
Bahamas ready for Caribbean Basketball Confederation U-16 Boys championships
WITH the Caribbean Basketball Confederation returning the Under-16 Boys Basketball Championships for the first time in more than a decade, the Bahamas Basketball Federation is looking to regain another title.
Bid to reinstate former president in BUT race fails
AN officer of the Bahamas Union of Teachers brought a motion during the union’s annual general meeting to reinstate suspended BUT President Belinda Wilson after a forensic audit revealed that more than $100,000 was overpaid to a contractor under her watch.
Poll workers still waiting for pay after referendum
PROCESSING delays in payments for poll workers in the gender equality referendum have renewed calls for the disclosure of the government’s funding of the YES Bahamas campaign.
A lack of leadership
I could not believe my ears when I heard the Minister of Education suggest we seemingly are doing him an enormous favour as he is making a large financial sacrifice for being an MP and a Minister. Well blow me down!
Air cargo costs to rise ‘tremendously’
Bahamians were yesterday warned that the cost of imported air freight will increase “tremendously” as a result of the new Customs fees and fines set to be imposed on operators from today.
Bahamas exports decline by 36% to five-year low
The Bahamas’ merchandise trade deficit fell by 12.3 per cent in 2015 to $2.719 billion, as the decline in imports offset a more than one-third reduction in exports.
Gov’t ‘accelerates’ WTO member push
The Government’s reconstituted trade negotiating bodies face a “huge task”, its chief negotiator acknowledged yesterday, adding that his appointment showed it wanted to “accelerate” the Bahamas’ accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership.
Air cargo pull-out threat result of ‘ill thought-out policy’
The threat of a Bahamas boycott by Florida-based air cargo operators was yesterday branded as “the unintended consequences of ill-thought out policy” by the Opposition’s deputy leader. K P Turnquest warned that as an import-dependent economy, reliant on international transportation links, the Bahamian economy could only suffer if freight companies reduced or eliminated services to this nation.
Services Coalition ‘irony’ over WTO
Lack of private sector involvement has been a key factor in why the Bahamas’ bid for full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership has lasted 15 years and counting, a former Securities Commission principal believes.
‘Much work’ ahead over business ease
The Bahamas has “a lot of work to do” before it sees a dramatic improvement in the ease of doing business, the Opposition’s finance spokesman said yesterday, adding: “There’s just too much government bureaucracy.”
Bran promises ease to exchange control
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader has pledged to ease the Bahamas’ exchange control regime if elected to office, and to make the Bahamas known as a “country open for business”.
Man found dead with multiple gunshots wounds off Mackey Street
A MAN was shot multiple times and killed late on Thursday night while walking in the Mackey Street area of Nassau.
