Tuesday, February 28
Bahamas to face Swiss in Beach Soccer World Cup opener
THE Bahamas will face Switzerland, Senegal and Ecuador in the group phase of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Nassau.
Fatal stabbing trial delayed
THE trial into the fatal stabbing of a banker continued in the Supreme Court yesterday after testimony was delayed by three days of legal discussions held in the jury’s absence.
Three charged in connection with drugs, firearms seizure in Abaco
THREE men were remanded to prison yesterday after they were arraigned in connection with a recent seizure of drugs and firearms by law enforcement officers in Abaco.
Luxury chance to make amends for Valentine’s disasters
ONE lady almost killed her boyfriend, another man just seems constantly unlucky in planning romantic nights.
EDITORIAL: When will the animal cruelty stop?
IT IS said that you can judge a society by how it treats its animals. If that is so, the Bahamas would be judged harshly.
Nygard to find out 'contempt of court' fate on Friday
CONTROVERSIAL fashion mogul Peter Nygard is set to learn on Friday whether he will face prison for contempt of court.
Swimming pigs autopsy results still not made public
BAHAMAS Humane Society President Kim Aranha yesterday questioned why the results of autopsies performed on the seven swimming pigs that died in the Exumas have not yet been released to the public.
Union claims Atlantis seeking to terminate staff missing work for medical reasons
A HOTEL union yesterday warned the Atlantis resort against allegedly seeking to terminate employees who have missed work for medical reasons, charging that it would “fight” the company “tooth and nail” to preserve the jobs of workers at the Paradise Island property.
BREAKING NEWS: Brent Symonette enters election race for FNM in St Anne's
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette, who served under the previous Ingraham administration, has announced his intention to run on the Free National Movement’s (FNM) ticket in the next general election for the St Anne’s constituency.
VIDEO: PM says country risking future if it elects Minnis
DAYS after insisting that he and members of his party were cutting Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis some “slack” before waging a full campaign to highlight his failures, Prime Minister Perry Christie last evening berated the former Official Opposition leader during a community meeting in Fox Hill.
Attorney General defends independence of judiciary
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday defended the independence of the judiciary and underscored the resources allocated by the government for their protection, in the face of allegations that a former member of Parliament was involved in efforts to intimidate a Supreme Court judge.
Deficit under PLP ‘exceeds what was left under the FNM’
BY the end of the year, the Christie administration will have driven the country’s deficit up to a number that exceeds what was left by the previous administration, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.
Four men, teenager in court over recent shootings
FOUR men and a juvenile appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday to face separate murder and attempted murder charges concerning three recent shooting incidents in the capital.
Call for probe into judge ‘harassment’
FORMER Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson yesterday called on Prime Minister Perry Christie, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, and Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade to immediately address allegations of harassment and intimidation of a Supreme Court judge.
‘Criminals will ravage country unless death penalty enforced’
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that unless the government is willing to enforce the death penalty, “criminals will continue to ravage our country and keep citizens in fear.”
GB hotels lose 30% of summer market
Grand Bahama’s hotel industry has lost 30 per cent of its summer market due to Vacation Express’s pull-out, the island’s Tourism Board chairman yesterday warning that the sector faced a “devastating” 2017.
Tabernacle Baptist Falcons win Hugh Campbell Classic
Tabernacle Baptist Academy Falcons, behind the game high 27 points from most valuable player Franco Miller, held off the CI Gibson Rattlers 58-52 to clinch the 35th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic victory at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium last night.
Christie Govt adds record $2bn to national debt
A governance reform campaigner yesterday said it was “absurd” that the Bahamas is again on pace for a $500 million deficit despite implementing VAT, with the Christie administration set to add more than $2 billion to the national debt.
Developer’s dolphin claim based on ‘false premises’
The Blackbeard’s Cay developer’s claim to own the project’s eight dolphins was based on “fallacious premises”, the Court of Appeal found, while also criticising its failure to accept ‘the rule of law’.
Martial law, spy capabilities
MARTIAL law, combined with NIA & Intercept/Spy capabilities, might well be useful in fighting crime.
Traumatic brain injury survivor helps spread awareness
MARCH is recognised as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. All over the world, people take this time to participate in various campaigns and initiatives to shine a light on a condition that affects millions.
Quadriplegic senior citizen reaches for glory
DANIEL Bastian, a 66-year-old quadriplegic, is determined to reclaim the top spot in the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s upcoming sixth annual Geriatric Push-a-thon in April.
Leading the way to wellness
Atlantic Medical Insurance, the largest specialist provider of group health insurance in the Bahamas, has been placing heavy emphasis on wellness for over the past three years, with a dedicated wellness programme offered free to persons insured by the company.
New household survey to determine extent of national drug use
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other government agencies, is currently dispatching a team of persons into various communities throughout the Bahamas to conduct a national household drug survey during the months of February and March 2017.
Choose to re-use: Thousands of plastic bags collected by students
The Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation (BREEF) and students of the Eco-Schools Bahamas programme with support from the Lyford Cay Foundation, are tackling a major problem that impacts oceans and shorelines around the world.
Earn more by sleeping better
Leonardo da Vinci reportedly survived on two hours sleep per night whilst painting the Mona Lisa. Donald Trump sleeps a few hours each night to “stay ahead of the competition”. We have heard the stories of people who rarely seem to sleep, and sometimes are envious of their capacity.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: Do you have a goal to grow your business idea?
Having a goal to grow is the key to actually growing. We often sit on the sidelines watching businesses grow, thinking that it’s some act of waving the magic wand. When in truth it takes work.
BUN IN THE OVEN: Are you ready for potty training?
If you cringe at the words ‘potty training’, don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
Twenty years of poise and grace
The Bahamas Debutante Foundation is celebrating its 20th year as the leading non-profit organisation helping young ladies make the transition from adolescence to adulthood with poise and grace.
Time for ‘Girl Talk’: Bahamian teen launches ew magazine
WHEN 14-year-old Ci’Ashadai Cash first came up with the idea to launch her Girl Talk magazine, she was scared of sharing her vision with others. However, the teen knew that if it were not realised, the movement she was hoping to inspire in young Bahamian girls would never come to pass.
YOU GO GIRL: Rakia Rolle offers sweet indulgences
What started out as fun hobby has turned into a successful pastry business for Rakia Rolle.
Youngsters burn up the track at the ‘Urban Love Games’
BTC was again the title sponsor of the “Urban Love Games” and the annual event lived up to its promise of being fun and exciting for all at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium Saturday morning.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM – 5 Legendary NFL Combine players: where are they now?
MARCH is upon us and the NFL Draft in April will soon be here.
‘Team Bahamas fed off’ Bahamian fans’ overwhelming support
BAHAMAS Football Association President Anton Sealey said he was extremely pleased with how the 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship turned out at the Malcolm Park beach soccer stadium.
Bahamas ‘good to go’ for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
AFTER a keenly contested 2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship on Sunday, the focus now switches to the ninth edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Copper theft hurts 600 BTC customers
Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) executives yesterday said it had incurred “significant” financial cost as a result of copper theft over the weekend, which resulted in 600 customers having their services affected.
Realtor fearing ‘havoc’ on Freeport incentives
A prominent Freeport realtor yesterday warned that the city’s new investment incentives regime is threatening to “create a lot of havoc” and confusion for hundreds of existing foreign homeowners.
FNM deputy slams ‘lack of urgency’ on GB tourism ‘freefall’
The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday slammed what he described as the Government’s “startling lack of urgency” over Grand Bahama’s tourism “freefall”.
Monday, February 27
INSIGHT: Is the horse-drawn Surrey above the law?
Ahhh, the plight of the Bahamian Surrey Horse, these road-weary beasts of burden who tirelessly pull carriages to and fro the cruise ship docks in Nassau in the hot sun.
Nine held after drugs found worth more than $600,000
POLICE arrested nine persons over the weekend, including a Bahamian pilot and two men from Suriname, in connection with three major marijuana seizures in New Providence and Abaco.
Montagu PLPs backed Smith over rival nominee Munroe
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s Montagu branch voted to nominate Senator Frank Smith for the newly renamed Free Town constituency before the Candidates Committee of the PLP decided to give the nomination to attorney Wayne Munroe, according to a press statement yesterday from the branch.
Amnesty hits out at LGBTI discrimination in the Bahamas
IN its 2016-2017 report on human rights in The Bahamas, Amnesty International has criticised The Bahamas for its “discriminatory” posture towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and for the country’s rejection of last year’s constitutional referendum on gender equality.
600 murders under the PLP
NEW Providence’s killing spree continued over the weekend when two men were murdered in two separate shooting incidents less than 24 hours apart.
Ex-MP 'sought to intimidate judge'
A FORMER public relations agent for billionaire Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has confirmed reports that the Lyford Cay resident and his attorney, former Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith, were involved in efforts to intimidate Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles and harass her son.
Charlton falls just short of a triple feat for Boilermakers
IT was another spectacular showing for Bahamians at the Big Ten Indoor Championships as Danielle Gibson won the triple for the Penn State Lions and Devynne Charlton fell just short of a triple feat for Purdue University Boilermakers to lead the way on Saturday in Geneva, Ohio.
Rattlers to face Falcons in grand finale tonight
THE CI Gibson Rattlers survived three tough matches against the New Providence champions last night to book their ticket against the highly favoured Tabernacle Falcons in tonight’s final of the 35th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Prime Minister Perry Christie treading on dangerous grounds
In The Nassau Guardian, December 23rd, 2016, Prime Minister Perry Christie says “Acts of God caused negative S & P action.” Mr Christie said, “We’re talking about a country that has been devastated not by the decisions of the government, but by the allowance of God.”
GAIN AN EDGE - Why I give: Scholarships and philanthropy
Each month, Gain An Edge features a guest writer who will share their views, insights and perspectives on higher education. Darnell Osborne, an alumna of University of The Bahamas, on the transformative power of scholarships and philanthropy.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: With UB, ‘one certainly expects a level of improvement’ in collegiate athletics
SYNONYMOUS with colleges and universities the world over is collegiate athletics.
Jacobi Bain falls short in his first Tennis Europe Tour Under-14 Finals
BAHAMIAN junior tennis player Jacobi Bain lost 5-7, 6-3, 5-7 in his first under-14 boys singles on the Tennis Europe Tour at the International Championships of Romania yesterday.
RBDF Challenge Cup Regatta all set
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force Challenge Cup Regatta is back. It’s scheduled for March 31 to April 2 in Monatgu Bay.
Olympian Joanna Evans and Longhorns win their 5th straight league title
BAHAMIAN Olympian Joanna Evans had another spectacular showing over the weekend for the No. 2 Texas Longhorns as they completed an unblemished run through the Big 12 Championships, winning their fifth consecutive league title at UT’s Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center on Saturday.
Bahamas suffers 4-2 loss to USA
Before another jam-packed Malcolm Park beach soccer stadium, the Bahamas suffered a 4-2 loss to the United States of America yesterday and ended up in sixth place in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.
Copper thieves hit BTC lines
THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company has been a victim of “copper theft,” which has caused some disruption in telephone service in Grand Bahama.
INSIGHT: Davis’ spinning over Baha Mar hoodwinks no one
Graeme Davis, who will oversee the operations of Baha Mar, if and when his employer, the Chinese conglomerate, Chow Tai Fook, closes on its ownership on the property, has been in many Bahamian media outlets recently, promoting his vision of what he hopes Baha Mar will look like on April 21 and afterwards.
INSIGHT: Murder most foul
The PLP’s infamous pre-election billboards in 2012 highlighted the inability of the FNM government to curb the murder rate. Nearly five years later and with an escalating death toll passing 600 under the Christie administration Malcolm J Strachan says it’s time to revise the deterrents for violent criminals . . .
Dames tells Nottage to call him for solutions to crime
FORMER Deputy Police Commissioner Marvin Dames yesterday urged National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage to “call him” if he wants “real solutions” to the country’s escalating crime problem.
Cable losses hit $16.7m amid wait for growth pay-off
Cable Bahamas suffered a 12.5 per cent increase in annual net losses to $16.658 million for 2016, driven by Hurricane Matthew-related repair costs and the wait for expansion investments to pay off.
GB Chamber chief ‘more comfortable’; tax queries remain
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president says he feels “more comfortable” with Freeport’s new ‘tax breaks’ regime following Friday’s meeting with the Government, although key private sector questions remain unanswered.
Port left licensees ‘hung out to dry’
A former Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) attorney has accused the quasi-governmental authority of leaving its 3,500 licensees “hung out to dry” over Freeport’s new investment incentives regime.
Dionisio: Govt creating ‘country of dependents’
The FNM’s Freetown candidate yesterday accused the Government of seeking “to create a country of dependents” through ever-increasing social programmes that the Bahamas cannot afford.
‘Decisive measures’ call as deficit soars to $314m
A key Ministry of Finance adviser last night warned that the 112 per cent increase in the half-year fiscal deficit to $314.2 million was an “early warning signal” that the Government must take “very decisive measures” to stabilise the national finances.
Losing hope for our country
After reading your editorial of Monday, February 20, headed: “What is happening in our courts?” I am saddened by what our country has become.
NHI has a surprise for male patients
I’ve just downloaded and reviewed the draft of the NHI Bahamas Primary Care Benefits Package (Physician Services), which I am sure has been extensively (and expensively) reviewed by the finest medical and legal minds in the government and the civil service, as well as in medical, legal and insurance professions.
Alternative facts from URCA?
Last week, at the business launch for the new mobile company Aliv, it was stated by the company’s CEO Damian Blackburn that Aliv had managed to capture 25 per cent of the market share in 12 weeks. While I have been following the company’s aggressive tactics, I was quite alarmed by the statistics presented, mainly because I recently researched telecommunications in the country and the numbers seemed off.
EDITORIAL: Bahamians find your voices before it is too late
WE have no intention of discussing Canadian Bruno Rufa’s case now before the courts — that’s a matter for the courts. However, we are concerned about Mr Rufa being denied the inalienable right of every person in a democracy to defend himself when accused. Mr Rufa is being denied that right by the Bahamas Immigration Department.
Praise for Naughty’s piece on Communications Interception Bill
ON Friday of last week, in his column “A Comic’s View” Naughty addressed the Communications Interception Bill and made some personal observations. His handling of the matter was very important for us all.
‘Subdued’ 2017 start for tourism industry
The Bahamian economy endured a “soft” January amid “constrained” tourism output, with passenger traffic passing through Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) up just 0.1 per cent year-over-year.
URCA aims to ‘take Bahamas to world’
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) aims to “take the Bahamas to the world” as a leader in information and communications technology (ICT), its top executive saying: “We have a very good foundation for ICT in the country”.
Bahamas urged: ‘Don’t over-react’ to rating agencies
The Bahamas should not “over-react” to assessments from the international credit ratings agencies regardless of whether they are negative or positive, the Chamber’s chairman saying: “We should have a plan.”
Sunday, February 26
Man shot dead after home invasion off Soldier Road
POLICE in New Providence have launched an island-wide manhunt and public appeal for a man suspected of a home invasion and shooting that has left a man dead early on Sunday morning.
Saturday, February 25
Bahamas face US in fifth place playoff after beating Trinidad
DESPITE being outsized and eventually outmanned on the pitch on Saturday, the Bahamas men's team held off Trinidad & Tobago 5-2, highlighted by two impressive goals from captain Gavin Christie and one each from tournament leading scorer Lesly St Fleur and Gary Joseph, in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.
Drugs and money found on plane in Abaco
THREE men have been arrested after a large amount of dangerous drugs, cash and firearms were seized by law enforcement officers in Abaco on Friday afternoon.
Man dies in drive-by shooting in Ferguson Subdivision
A MAN was shot dead in the Ferguson Subdivision off Carmichael Road on Saturday morning, police have reported.
PM warns Minnis: PLP cutting him 'slack' before campaign begins
PRIME Minister Perry Christie warned Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis Friday night that the PLP is cutting him some “slack” before waging a campaign that highlights the terrible things opposition members have said about him.
Guadeloupe end Bahamas hopes of progress in beach soccer championship
BEFORE a packed crowd at the newly built facility at Malcolm Park at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge on Friday night, the Bahamas suffered a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to Guadeloupe in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.
Friday, February 24
Two charged with three counts of attempted murder
TWO men were remanded to prison on Friday after being arraigned on three counts of attempted murder in Magistrate’s Court.
Youth Empowerment Programme 'exceeding limits'
THE Youth Empowerment Programme Bahamas on Friday officially launched its fifth annual YEP month, with executive officers touting continued success as the prime reason corporate Bahamas should get on board and aid the campaign as it continues to “exceed limits”.
Police, Defence Force crime fight collaboration 'a shared vision'
COLLABORATION between the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to combat crime is part of the shared vision of Prime Minister Perry Christie, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, Mr Christie said on Friday.
Plumbing contractor Donald Mortimer set to run as Independent candidate
DONALD Mortimer, a well-known plumbing contractor, says he intends to campaign and run as an independent candidate for Central Grand Bahama in the upcoming 2017 general elections.
Fishermen 'reaping benefits' of protection from new RBDF vessels
THE prudence of the government's decision to acquire nine Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) vessels at a cost of $232 million can be seen in the results that are being reaped, Prime Minister Perry Christie said on Friday.
Proceedings in banker murder case adjourned
A JUDGE on Friday adjourned proceedings in the murder case of a banker to early next week, informing members of the jury that while legal discussions held in connection to the matter had concluded, the court was not ready to proceed with the presentation of evidence to them.
AG: Freedom of Information Act will take time to implement if passed
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said that while the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) will be debated in the Senate on Monday and passed by Thursday, she is unsure what will happen to the legislation should there be a change of government at the election.
Butler-Turner fears hall unprepared for election
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner is concerned that the Parliamentary Registration Department and Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall are not prepared to handle “something as important” as a general election.
Police uneasy at move to call in RBDF in crime fight
SOME Royal Bahamas Police Force officers are uneasy with the Christie administration’s decision to call in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to assist them with policing, Police Staff Association Chairman Inspector Dwight Smith said yesterday. sa
Bahamas face Guadeloupe in beach soccer quarter-finals on Friday night
THE Bahamas will put their perfect 3-0 winning record on the line on Friday night against Guadeloupe as the knockout stage of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship gets underway at the new Bahamas Beach Soccer facility at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier bridge.
Scott Street shooting: man dies, baby girl 'critical', police arrest three men
ONE man is dead and a one-year-old girl is fighting for her life in hospital after they were ambushed by two masked armed men on Thursday night. Two other men were also shot during the incident; they are listed in serious but stable condition.
Minnis: Intercept Bill was a power grab by govt
THE attempt to debate and pass the recently delayed Interception of Communications Bill by the Christie administration was yesterday branded as the government’s latest effort to “seize and wield more ill-gotten power” by Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
Sparks fly at PLP meeting
TENSIONS ran high last night in the newly renamed Freetown constituency, as supporters for the candidacy of Public Hospitals Authority Chairman Frank Smith clashed with supporters of attorney Wayne Munroe over who should be selected as the Progressive Liberal Party’s standard bearer for the area.
Emmanuel Church celebrates revival
THE Emmanuel Church Healing and Deliverance Centre continues with its revival and crusade tonight.
Conference to encourage women to embrace God
Under the theme “Prevailing Women of Substance”, members of the New Bethlehem Baptist Church will host their annual “Daughters Desperate For His Glory” conference March 9 - 12.
SPORTS NOTES
Due to circumstances beyond their control, Champion Amateur Boxing Club has announced that they will postpone their amateur boxing show that was scheduled for Saturday at the Wulff Road Boxing Centre.
THE FINISH LINE: ‘Buddy Buckets’ ready to take Sacramento to higher heights
It was interesting to note that Chavanno ‘Buddy’ Hield said he was surprised that he was traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Sacramento Kings.
Rattlers bite up Cobras 53-33, Falcons nip Mystic Marlins 38-37
IT was mixed results for the visiting Grand Bahamian teams and the defending champions CC Sweeting Cobras as the 35th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic swung into high gear at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night.
FIBA: NEW FORMAT HELPS MEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM
WITH all of the talent available in the professional ranks and college, this could be the Bahamas’ best chance to qualify its men’s national basketball team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Eliminations begin on Hugh Campbell day 4
Day four of the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic traditionally produces the first group of eliminations in the annual tournament as the field starts to dwindle headed into mid-term break for most schools.
Attorney admitted to the Bar in Jamaica
ATTORNEY Keith O Major Jr has become the latest of many Bahamians over the years to be admitted to the Jamaica Bar at a presentation in Kingston yesterday.
Clubs and societies 02242017
Antique Auto Club. - Shawn Thomas was elected Assistant Secretary in the Club’s recent election. Shawn joined the Club in September, 2010, shortly after attending the Kiwanis Club’s Antique Auto Show and Cook-out, where she met some of the members of the Antique Auto Club. Since joining she has been active in all facets of the Club and very supportive when asked to assist with anything.
YOUR SAY: How teletherapy can improve life for Bahamians with disability
The Democratic National Alliance has been, from day one, a vital and important champion for the rights and care for those that are less fortunate and disabled.
A COMIC'S VIEW: Spot the difference with the Bahamas Intercept Bill
Another week, another weak performance by politicians who should know better. Let’s begin.
Condo complex shut with repairs on hold
THE Coral Beach Condominiums in Freeeport remain closed due to hurricane damage and hundreds of winter residents have not been able to come to Grand Bahama this season.
Hearing adjourned as Rufa continues to be denied entry to country
THE attorney for Bruno Rufa on Thursday made a request for his criminal trial to be dismissed in the Magistrate’s Court because of the continued refusal by government to allow his client entry to The Bahamas for his trial in Grand Bahama.
Canadian’s anger over poor treatment at Rand Memorial
A CANADIAN visitor is claiming that the bad patient experience and inadequacies at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport has changed her perception about retiring to Grand Bahama.
Attorney General thanks civic groups after intercept bill delay
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson said she is happy that the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation, the Organisation for Responsible Government and other civil society organisations have recognised the government’s commitment to public consultation on the controversial Interception of Communications Bill.
Drive-by shooting victim in hospital
A MAN is in hospital after he was shot during a drive-by shooting on Wednesday morning, police said.
Christie highlights role of environment in education
PRIME Minister Perry Christie met an unemployed 34-year-old woman with eight children two weeks ago, he told teachers yesterday, pondering whether the country’s education system is equipped to help children who grow up with significant disadvantages.
Waiting game to see if rebels are serious about working with FNM
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie said yesterday he will “wait and see” if Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner or Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins are “serious” about wanting to work with the FNM to ensure the Progressive Liberal Party does not win the next election before he comments on their “public utterances”.
NHI - what precisely is it going to cost us?
WE now see and hear the roll-out what NHI is going to offer and clearly there should be an immediate Customer Beware insertion as what we see that NHI is going to provide behind the flam are hidden costs if you need surgical services or services outside of the minimum which is basically what NHI is going to provide.
PM speech full of cliché
THE PM’s speech to the SIDS UN Conference at Melia yesterday.
Rebel 7 in political abyss
ON December 7th, 2016, Loretta Butler-Turner and six other Free National Movement Members of Parliament submitted a letter to the Governor General, expressing no confidence in opposition and FNM leader, Dr Hubert Minnis. They were referred to as the Rebel 7. This essentially caused Minnis to be fired from his job as Her Majesty’s Leader of the Opposition.
EDITORIAL: Britain’s new Commonwealth relationship
FOLLOWING last year’s referendum on Britain’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and the momentous decision to leave, ‘Brexit’ has remained top of the international news agenda because the likely effects will be far-reaching beyond Europe itself.
Legal discussions continue in banker murder trial
THURSDAY marked a second day that the jury hearing evidence in the trial concerning the murder of a banker was excused from the proceedings for another 24 hours.
$35,000 awarded in lawsuit over policeman assault
A LAWYER who refused to submit to measures at the Magistrate’s Court complex requiring body searches for contraband was yesterday awarded $35,000 in a civil suit against Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and the Office of the Attorney General, concerning an assault on him by a senior policeman at the facility five years ago.
Praying for The Grove to overcome effects of crime
A LOCAL prayer network yesterday held the second of a series of prayer drives geared toward “bettering our communities and saving lives”, with organisers stressing that the connection between crime and inner-city communities has more to do with the failure of the Church and respective homes, rather than the shortcomings of the government.
Chamber chief ‘can’t see’ Hawksbill Creek breach via ‘back door’
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday rejected assertions that Freeport’s new ‘tax breaks’ regime was a “back handed” attempt by the Government to amend the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
Bahamas must ‘buffer’ against deficit blow-out
Moody’s forecast that the Government will incur another $300 million-plus fiscal deficit this year emphasises why the Bahamas needs to create a “contingency” fund to cope with natural disasters, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday.
Summit’s Matthew loss peaks at $37m
A Bahamian insurer yesterday revealed it had incurred $37 million in gross losses from Hurricane Matthew, and warned that “some small increase” in local insurance premiums may result in 2017.
GB Chamber chief seeks ‘clarity’ over 5-year staff lock-in
Private sector leaders will this morning seek “clarity” from the Government over the new Freeport ‘tax break’ application process, amid fears businesses will lose incentives - and incur penalties - if they break a five-year employment ‘lock in’.
‘Top tourist’ supplier in GB pull-out blow
Grand Bahama’s already-reeling tourism economy was this week dealt a fresh blow after its “largest supplier of room nights” and stopover visitors announced it was cancelling all services to the island for summer 2017.
Exuma Girl Guides come together for worship
The Exuma District of the Bahamas Girl Guide Association recently celebrated Guide Week at the Palestine Union Baptist Church on the island.
Family of four charged with possession of dangerous drugs
A FAMILY of four were among seven people arraigned in two separate cases of possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply on Friday in Magistrate’s Court.
Officials to ‘Pokemon’ monsters: Get a permit to enter parks
“Pokemon Go” monsters can roam virtually wherever they please, but they’ll need a permit to get into Milwaukee County parks.
Atlanta eyes test tracks for self-driving cars
Self-driving vehicles could begin tooling down a bustling Atlanta street full of cars, buses, bicyclists and college students, as the city vies with other communities nationwide to test the emerging technology.
Tech Talk
• In a nod to its past as well as its future, WhatsApp is adding a “status” feature that lets users tell their contacts what they are up to.
internet-beaming balloons to out manoeuvre shifting winds?
For its next trick, an internet-beaming balloon factory spun out of Google believes it can outmanoeuvre the wind.
MEDITATION: Endangered species
WHEN we think of our beautiful country with its turquoise waters, we should immediately think of preservation and conservation in the midst of economic expansion and development. We have many visitors to our shores and they need to be properly instructed, as we should have been from birth, to protect that which has been entrusted to us by God.
Lent is coming – Part I
THE Church in its wisdom has divided the year into seasons so that we can have concentrated reflections on important redemptive aspects of our Christian journey.
Sermon of the Week: Living out of the groove
I AM not the best bowler, but have had occasions when I was pretty successful.
Union boss: No party has ‘workers agenda’
A trade union leader yesterday bemoaned the failure of any major political party to promote a “workers agenda” ahead of the upcoming general election, saying: “There is nothing happening for the labour movement”.
Thursday, February 23
Scott Street shooting leaves one man dead, baby girl and two others injured
A MAN is dead and a one-year-old girl and two men are in hospital after a shooting at Scott Street, off Hospital Lane, police said on Thursday night.
UPDATED: Man dies of injuries sustained in fatal crash
A MALE driver who was involved in a traffic accident that occurred on Charles Saunders Highway on February 6 died in hospital yesterday, police said.
Intercept bill consultation hailed as a victory
THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association yesterday hailed the postponement of debate on the Interception of Communications Bill 2017 for public consultation as a landmark victory.
Voter registration staff accused of demanding unnecessary paperwork
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller condemned the voter registration process yesterday, accusing government workers at registration sites of intimidating and harassing Bahamians for unnecessary documentation despite official proclamations.
Miller: Enforce death penalty or let the criminals take over
TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday advised lawmakers that if they did not have the “guts” to support capital punishment then they should abandon the anti-crime fight altogether and let criminals “take over” the country.
Butler-Turner: Put country before egos or PLP wins
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday forecast that it was “very likely” the Progressive Liberal Party will be returned as the government unless splintered opposition forces can put the future of the country before their own egos.
'I forgive teacher for my son's death in car'
ROSEMANIE Louis, the mother of the three-year-old boy who died after being found unresponsive in a car in front of his nursery last week, said while there is a “big hole” in her heart caused by her only son’s death, she forgives the teacher who accidentally “forgot” her child.
‘Why did it take Chinese protest to deal with landfill?'
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday castigated Prime Minister Perry Christie over reports the government is leaning toward a Bahamian consortium to alleviate woes at the New Providence landfill just days after a Baha Mar official suggested that the state of that property could be an issue for the resort moving forward.
Legal discussions in case of banker’s killing
LEGAL discussions held yesterday in the absence of a jury hearing evidence in the trial of a man accused of murdering a banker prompted a 24-hour adjournment of the case.
Elites only?
SO what does it take to be a successful candidate in a Bahamian election?
Christie in the Wild, Wild West
In April of 2012, bad boy Sheriff Perry Christie of Centreville stood up at a rally at RM Bailey Park and waved a magic wand called a Charter of Governance that he promised would fix the economy and end crime.
‘Much rides’ on Bahamas closing 27 EU tax deals
A former Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) chairman yesterday said “a lot is riding” on this nation’s ability to negotiate automatic tax information exchange agreements before the European Union (EU) publishes its threatened ‘blacklist’.
Developer’s fear of ‘housing shortage’
A Bahamian developer has warned that a looming shortage of quality housing in western New Providence could impact the ability of projects such as Baha Mar to attract essential expatriate management.
Freeport tax deadline ‘heartless and cruel’
The Government was yesterday slammed as “absolutely heartless and cruel” for giving Freeport businesses just two weeks to seek the renewal of key tax breaks in an economy that is “on its belly”.
Moody’s: Bahamas deficit will exceed $300m this year
Moody’s yesterday forecast that the Bahamas’ fiscal deficit will remain above $300 million for this current Budget period, with Hurricane Matthew blowing it slightly higher than the prior year.
Govt in ‘back handed’ Hawksbill change move
A prominent QC yesterday agreed that the Government’s call for Freeport businesses to seek renewal of their tax breaks was a “back handed” attempt to amend the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, with the move representing “the worst formula for business”.
Clarification - Dr Andre Rollins
WE HAVE been asked to make clear that Dr Andre Rollins, MP for Fort Charlotte, did not indicate in the House of Assembly on February 17 he was prepared to swim in vomit to return to the Free National Movement, rather he said that if he had to get back into the party it was something he was prepared to do.
PM promises to ensure lunch vendors are paid wages
IN light of additional reports that lunch vendors on the national school lunch programme are not being paid, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday announced he would “see to it” that they are paid.
THREE STRAIGHT: Lesly St Fleur scores hat trick as Bahamas beats Jamaica 3-2
A rainy night cleared up just long enough for the Bahamas to secure their third win and claim the top spot in Group A of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer World Championships.
Alternative facts
WHILE watching the evening news on ZNS, I couldn’t help but notice BTC’s little promotional ad where an “on the spot” reporter, armed with a microphone bearing BTC’s familiar logo, interviewed random Bahamian people, asking them if the Bahamas was “BTC Country”, and what they liked most about the company. When prodded, they all answered “yes” to question one, while giving numerous and rather interesting answers to question two. One young lady even went as far as saying that her favourite thing about BTC was “their data”.
On Da Hook
WAHOO, Grouper, Yellowfin Tuna, Trigger Fish and lobster all feature in this week’s pictorial roundup of fishing in the Bahamas
HUGH CAMPBELL CLASSIC: ‘Embracing Success Through Sports and Teamwork’
THE games began on Monday but the country’s longest standing high school basketball tournament officially tipped off in grand style yesterday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
Buddy: ‘I’m ready to go and put on for Sacramento’
BUDDY Hield said he was faced with a feeling of uncertainty when he got the news that he was traded so early into his NBA career, but the reception he received from fans at the Sacramento International Airport brought what he called “a sense of peace.”
The Holocaust story that brings thousands to hear survivor’s words
WHEN the doors opened at 6pm at Melia Nassau Beach on February 9 for an evening with 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, a crowd of 400 was expected. Two thousand two hundred people showed up.
Finalists unveiled for Cacique Awards
THE Cacique Award, which honour individuals whose dedication and commitment to the tourism industry exceed the highest standard of service excellence, will be held for the 17th time in April, with 25 categories recognised.
Bringing a beauty treat to senior citizens home
PAT’S Senior Citizens Home was a flurry of excitement recently as residents got a beauty treat from cosmetology students of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Grand Bahama to host air show from May 19-20
RESIDENTS and vacationers to Grand Bahama can now mark their calendar for the Grand Bahama Air Show taking place May 19-20 at Taino Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Honouring a pioneer
THE government is working on plans to “enshrine” the life and work Egbert “Bert” Williams to ensure that the country knows the work of the first Bahamian actor to ever be caught on film, Prime Minister Perry Christie said last night.
Business offerings are brought Aliv
The Bahamas’ second mobile operator, Aliv, yesterday launched its business to business (B2B) offering, a senior executive describing it as a “core piece of the puzzle” in the company’s development.
Prison inmates to reduce vehicle plate shortages
A Cabinet Minister yesterday said the manufacturing of vehicle license plates by inmates at the Bahamas Department of Corrections is likely to begin within the next two months.
Final Development Plan draft expected for March
The second and final draft of the National Development Plan (NDP) is expected to be completed next month, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, adding that its objectives were “perfectly aligned” with the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Wednesday, February 22
Rollins may have FNM future
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins could still have a future with the Free National Movement (FNM), the party’s Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.
‘Die’ Stubbs’ mother says son campaigned for PLP
MOTHER of murder convict Stephen “Die” Stubbs yesterday accused Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage and the government of allegedly scapegoating her son to distract from their dismal performance on crime this term.
We March protest against 'Spying Bill' called off
WE MARCH Bahamas has called off a planned protest on Wednesday afternoon against the Interceptions of Communications Bill after an announcement on Tuesday night by the Attorney General of a "period of public consultation" before the legislation is implemented.
Rollins says Fitzgerald has ‘sold his soul to Devil’
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has “sold his soul to the Devil”, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said yesterday, adding that the “bumps” on his “big nose” are “devil horns”.
Judicial review bid is rejected
SUPREME Court Justice Ian Winder yesterday refused an application by Official Opposition members seeking to start judicial review proceedings over the Constituencies Commission’s report on constituency boundaries, ruling that the applicants had poor prospects for success and failed to provide sufficient evidence to show they had an arguable case.
Dame Joan ‘suspicious’ of intercept bill timing
FORMER Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer has questioned the timing of the proposed Interception of Communications Bill (ICB) and said she found it “suspicious” that it was being introduced “long after the creation” of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
It takes one word from Baha Mar
FINALLY the fact that our mismanaged dump that spews poisons and toxins into our air and water table is being taken seriously by our Government.
NASSAU LIFE: What sort of Bahamian benefactor is Peter Nygard?
A prominent column in the Freeport News on February 13 reminded me of the amazing qualities of Peter Nygard - enough to get him sanctified as our patron saint.
Bahamas gets 3-0 win over Belize
LESLY St Fleur missed a hat trick but he connected on a pair of goals and Gary Joseph added the other as the Bahamas team electrified the crowd for the second consecutive night at the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship with a 3-0 victory over Belize.
CAT ISLAND REGATTA TO HONOUR ‘ZEKE’
CAT Island Sailing Club Association is celebrating its 61st annual regatta this year, August 4-7 in New Bight.
Nicole Richardson first woman to obtain IFB Judges Card
FORMER bodybuilder Nicole Richardson is now the second Bahamian and the first female to obtain her International Federation of Bodybuilding International Judges Card.
Knights and Cavaliers in win column on day 2
THE CR Walker Knights and the Mt Carmel Cavaliers both survived late starts to pull off their victories as day two of the 34th Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic for senior boys swung into high gear at the AF Adderley Gymnasium yesterday.
Griffin launches project to reclaim our boys
MINISTER of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin recently launched the Reclaiming Our Boys Project - an initiative which was called for under the National Strategic Plan To Address Gender-Based Violence.
Junior achievers give their backing to Lupus 242
FEBRUARY is Junior Achievement (JA) month in The Bahamas and this year, the group’s executive has selected Lupus 242 as the organisation’s official JA Cares partner.
Meeting reveals goals for university planning
THE University of The Bahamas (UB) has started four “key initiatives” expected to realign the concept of tertiary level education in The Bahamas over several years, according to some of the institution’s top academic, financial and management officials.
More than 20,000 registered to vote in Grand Bahama
OVER 20,000 Bahamians have now registered to vote on Grand Bahama with another 6,000 to 8,000 on the island remaining to be registered.
Journalist turned candidate focuses on youth and sports
SPORTSCASTER Gerrino Saunders, who has thrown his hat into the political arena as the Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) candidate for St Barnabas in the upcoming general election, said he is tired of the cry for sports development in the country.
AG’s Office reviewing BTC’s sale to Liberty
A Cabinet minister yesterday said he was waiting for the Attorney General’s Office to complete its review of Liberty Global’s acquisition of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) before “re-submitting” it for approval.
Doctors urge: ‘Produce the meat’ on NHI plan
Doctors yesterday said it was impossible to determine whether National Health Insurance’s (NHI) $100 million budget will be sufficient to cover all the medical services proposed for its primary care phase, as payment rates and provider numbers remain unknown.
Govt urged to cut ‘30% inefficiency’
A leading governance reformer yesterday urged the Government to tackle “30 per cent inefficiency” levels within the public sector, arguing that this and its crackdown on tax cheats were key to reaching a Budget surplus.
Bran: Landfill could be Baha Mar ‘deal breaker’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday questioned if Baha Mar’s new owner had done proper ‘due diligence’ on its purchase, warning that it “hasn’t seen anything yet” in relation to the New Providence landfill.
Port’s profits double on 3,000 TEU jump
The Arawak Cay port operator yesterday said a 3,124 year-over-year increase in container volumes resulted in its half-year profits more than doubling, as Hurricane Matthew repairs and Baha Mar’s re-start resulted in import activity surging.
Bristol Wines hit by break-ins
EDWARD Gardner, vice-president of Bristol Wines and Spirits, said yesterday he was “very concerned” about the number of break-ins in Exuma in the past few weeks after the company’s office in Gregory Town was robbed twice in one month.
Execution killing appeal to be heard in April
A MAN contesting his conviction for the paid execution of a banker will have his appeal heard in seven weeks.
Murder suspect ‘familiar’ with man he is accused of killing
A JURY heard yesterday of the familiarity between a banker and a man he hired to do maintenance work at his apartment who is accused of murder.
Bahamas in crisis
THE Bahamian people this year 2017 will have the opportunity to select which political party that will solve the crisis on Crime, Education, unemployment, seven billion debt problem, Standard and Poor downgraded to junk status of the Bahamas economy.
Baha Mar impact
I COULD only shake my head reading The Nassau Guardian article “IMF: Baha Mar to spur growth into 2018 and 2019” from Friday about the International Monetary Fund economist’s comments on the Bahamian government.
Unite against Spy Bill
FINALLY, there is an issue that all opposition forces seem to agree on. Namely, that the government’s Spy Bill is reckless and dangerous and violates the fundamental rights of we the citizens of The Bahamas.
Minnis’ ship is sinking
THE Bahamas finds itself in a bit of a quandry! The Bahamian people are tired of the present government but there is no ‘real’ opposition to vote for.
Roberts defends commission
AFTER the Supreme Court’s ruling to reject the request for leave to begin judicial review proceedings of the Constituencies Commission’s report, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts defended the group’s work, saying it was “disappointing” that there were attempts to hinder this constitutional requirement.
Wells says boundary changes favour FNM
FORMER Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells yesterday challenged all Free National Movement (FNM) members “actually vying for a seat” to be wise and take advantage of the recently announced boundary changes, which he said “favours” the FNM.
Stars turn spotlight on youngsters
A group of students from the Down Syndrome Center got a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to play beach soccer with some of the top players from The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States yesterday.
Tuesday, February 21
Accused ‘said he killed man over sexual advances’
A JURY heard yesterday that a man allegedly confessed to his relatives that he fatally stabbed a banker who hired him to do maintenance work at his apartment for an upcoming holiday gathering when the victim allegedly made a sexual advance at him.
Bazard and Smith vie for PLP seat in St Barnabas
TWO Progressive Liberal Party lawyers are vying for the newly created St Barnabas seat: former Senator Cheryl Bazard and former Mount Moriah MP Keod Smith.
Minnis warns intercept bill is being rushed
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has joined the chorus of those criticising the Interception of Communications Bill, saying the timing of the introduction of the legislation so close to the next general election raises questions about the government’s motives.
Fitzgerald slams Rollins as 'a political prostitute'
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins’ pronouncement that he is prepared to swim in his “own vomit” in order to make things right with the FNM to ensure a general election win over the governing PLP, verifies that he is nothing more than a “political prostitute,” according to Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald.
Baha Mar chief's fear over crime
ON THE heels of a murder spree in the capital, Graeme Davis, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Bahamas president, yesterday suggested that if the Christie administration is unable to control crime, the country’s tourism product could be headed in a negative direction.
Rethinking violence and gender
As violence continues to engulf the community, we seem loathe to begin to think outside the box.
Michelle Miller Motivationals: Are you really growing or just spinning wheels?
We are growth-seeking beings. This means we are born to grow. However, this quality of growth goes beyond the boundaries of just having university education.
Four women rise in the ranks at BTC
Women continue to take top positions at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). Just recently, four women secured some of the company’s most senior titles during in a wave of new appointments to the executive leadership team.
Women urged to be leaders
Bahamian women were encouraged to be leaders in every facet of their lives during a recent seminar hosted by University of the Bahamas.
Women join hands in the ‘Goddess Circle’
WOMEN exchanging ideas and conversing with one another is at the heart of the Goddess Circle, a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals who by listening, understanding and sharing experiences aim to be a source of upliftment for others.
Budding designer introduces 'fiery' designs
BAHAMIAN fashion lovers are invited to join in the excitement when the June K Woods team presents its Fall 2017 collection this Saturday under the theme “Don’t Fake the Funk”.
Percy and Andy Knowles bring home the hardware
AT the 2017 Auburn Masters Invitational swim meet earlier this month, the father and son team of Percy and Andy Knowles continued their representation for masters swimming in the country and for SWIFT Swimming as they won a total of nine races between them.
Students inspired by Tour de Turquoise
IN the hot blazing sun, 15-year-old Cameron Williams peddled and peddled in his flip-flops up the spine of Exuma.
SMALL SQUAD’S BIG BITE IN THE ‘BIG APPLE’
THE “Big Apple” felt a big bite from a small squad of gymnasts who recently competed in the 2017 Manhattan Classic.
Solomon scores career high 19 to lead Titans to 82-73 win
KALEEL Solomon has carved out a niche in the rotation for his Eastern Florida State College Titans and his production over the course of the last month has helped the team close in on a record setting milestone.
BOC to host meeting on integrity of sport
IN an already packed week of sports, the Bahamas Olympic Committee is gearing up to host a major meeting with INTERPOL on Thursday in the Paul Farquharson Auditorium at the Royal Bahamas Police Force headquarters.
Iesha Shepherd picks up big victory at Level 6 USTA Junior Tennis tourney
IESHA Shepherd picked up a big victory at the Extreme Tennis Academy Level 6 USTA Junior Tennis Tournament in Miami, Florida, over the weekend.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: I believe the Kings actually got the better of’ Buddy deal
HOW sad that, for the first time since the glory days of Mychal Thompson and Rick Fox winning championships with the Lakers, the latest chance for Bahamians to root for a native son and his team in unison has temporarily been derailed!
Rookie guard Buddy Hield traded to Sacramento Kings
JUST about halfway through his rookie season, Buddy Hield is on the move to a new franchise following a blockbuster trade during the late hours of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Florida students bring their classroom to Grand Bahama
TEACHERS and students from Fleming Island High School in Jacksonville, Florida visited Grand Bahama as part of a travelling classroom experience.
Beach warden plan to clean up litter
BEACH litter is a big concern in Grand Bahama and efforts are underway to monitor and protect one of the country’s most valued assets.
Darville stands by report as residents raise their concerns
GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville continues to stand behind a report which downplayed pollution concerns on the island, despite strong rejection expressed by the Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee, which is still calling for the relocation of residents in communities surrounding the industrial plants.
Nottage: Crime rates affecting perception of countries in region
IN marking the opening of a regional drug enforcement conference, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage lamented the impact that murder and crime rates are having on global perceptions of countries in the region.
POLITICOLE: A president of conflict will not make America great again
THE newly-minted American president, Donald Trump, said this over a hot mic (Access Hollywood) while heading to a soap opera taping in 2005, to Billy Bush, co-host of the Today show on NBC until he was made to resign from the network in October, 2016:
DNA ‘will ratify more women candidates than any party’
Democratic National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer boasted yesterday that the party will ratify more female candidates for the next general election than any of the other political parties.
Ceremony to mark arrival of Privy Council ahead of appeals
THE country’s highest court, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, is in the capital to hear a number of appeals at the request of the government.
Armed robbery charge dropped in Supreme Court
A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery had the charge withdrawn against him in the Supreme Court yesterday.
Mistrial in sex attack case after juror ‘approached’
A MISTRIAL was declared yesterday in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl after it was revealed that a juror in the case was allegedly approached by a man on the accused’s behalf.
Rufa denied entry to country to attend court matters
FRED Smith, QC, yesterday criticised the Bahamas Immigration Department for refusing to allow his client, Canadian Bruno Rufa, entry to The Bahamas to attend scheduled legal matters in Nassau and Freeport.
Chipman letter given to court in judicial review bid
A JUDGE has been supplied with a copy of a letter that would support the request from members of the Official Opposition for leave to begin judicial review proceedings of a parliamentary order on constituency boundaries for the upcoming general election.
CIBC’s corporate unit in 40% bad loan shrink
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Bahamian corporate and investment banking unit saw non-performing loans shrink by almost 40 per cent in its 2016 financial year, as the bank continued its “solid” recovery from past credit provisioning.
Consumer chief urges more banking licenses
The Consumer Protection Commission’s (CPC) chairman yesterday queried whether new banking licenses were required to boost competition, after a majority of Bahamians blasted the industry’s fee-related practices.
BTC deal approval wait now 9 months
Liberty Global’s acquisition of the controlling equity stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has yet to be approved by the Christie government nine months after the deal closed.
Mobile number transfer in further month’s delay
Regulators yesterday announced a further month’s delay in launching mobile number portability, pushing the start date back to April 25, 2017, as they slammed both the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv.
Baha Mar ‘fumes’: Govt eyes local landfill solution
The Government was last night leaning towards a Bahamian consortium as its best hope for resolving the New Providence landfill’s woes, amid growing pressure from Baha Mar’s new owner to deal with the fumes and associated health hazards.
Nottage speaks
FINALLY, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr Bernard Nottage has broken his silence on the recent crime spree in New Providence. But will his rant in the House of Assembly cause a crime solution to be effected?
Stop the rowdiness in Montagu
Kindly publish this open letter to Commissioner of Police Mr. Ellison Greenslade.
EDITORIAL: Dangerous ‘spy bill’ lumps innocent with terrorists
THE GOVERNMENT is considering the Interception of Communications Bill, commonly and accurately nicknamed the ‘Spying Bill’.
New computers to help school hit by burglars
NEARLY five months after a burglary left the Sandilands Primary School without computers, Mission: Educate Bahamas in conjunction with Aetos Holdings Limited, yesterday commissioned a brand new, state-of-the-art library and technology centre at the school’s Fox Hill campus.
Fitzgerald ‘disappointed’ at Chipman complaint over boundaries report
MARATHON MP Jerome Fitzgerald said he is “disappointed” in St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman’s claims that the boundaries report he signed as the Official Opposition’s representative on the Constituencies Commission was different from the one Prime Minister Perry Christie presented to Parliament.
Minnis fails to inspire party
IF the future of the country was not at stake the drama of Bahamian politics would be comical.
Bahamas tops Guyana 4-1 at CONCACAF beach soccer
The Bahamas men’s national team gave the home crowd of eager spectators the opener they were hoping for and set the tone for the remainder of Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Beach Soccer Championship.
Community worker is honoured for her ‘Golden Heart’
LAUREN Higgs’ years of self sacrifice and community service were officially recognised at the 53rd Annual Heart Ball as she was named the 49th recipient of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award.
Healthy Bahamas Coalition aims to reduce NCD deaths
Reducing unnecessary deaths and disability caused by chronic non-communicable diseases in the country is the goal of the Healthy Bahamas Coalition.
Eight ways to make your bedroom a sleep haven
Donald Trump makes headlines by tweeting at times most of us are still sleeping. He has also sparked debate over work/life balance for reportedly conducting White House business in his bathrobe.
National Children’s Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long initiative brings together dental professionals, health care providers and many others in the effort to promote the benefits of good oral health in children.
Export boost eyed from trade initiative
Bahamian entrepreneurs seeking to target foreign markets were yesterday urged to register with the Bahamas Trade Portal, which was hailed as a “groundbreaking resource” to increase exports and trade.
BTC proposal slammed as ‘unacceptable barrier’
Regulators have slammed the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) proposal that two days initially be allowed for the transfer of mobile subscribers, and their existing numbers, to a rival carrier as an “unacceptable barrier” for consumers.
Monday, February 20
Three in hospital after shootings
POLICE are appealing to the public for assistance in solving a shooting incident in an inner-city community yesterday that left three people in hospital.
Law would give power of secret entry to homes and businesses
THE Interception of Communications Bill gives police officers the power to obtain warrants to “secretly” enter into homes and businesses in order to seize communications and install interception devices within them, attorney Fred Smith, QC, said yesterday as he continued to campaign for parliamentarians to indefinitely postpone debate on the bill until public consultation takes place.
Concerns as case of PM aide’s killing discontinued
IN view of recent high-profile motions for nolle prosequi, former Attorney General Sean McWeeney yesterday criticised the constitutional system that gives such prosecutorial powers to the attorney general.
'We March' to fight spying bill
WE March Bahamas is urging residents to protest against the proposed Interception of Communications Bill before Parliament which, critics say, can impede civil liberties if passed and enacted without public consultation.
Swimming pigs found dead in Exuma
INVESTIGATIONS are underway to determine what killed a number of swimming pigs in the Exumas, according to officials at the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) on Sunday.
Man dies, woman wounded after shooting by five masked men
POLICE in New Providence have launched an island-wide manhunt and public appeal for five suspects responsible for a shooting incident on Sunday night that left a man dead and a woman detained in hospital.
‘Every seat is the best seat in the house’
ALL roads lead to the Malcolm Park beach soccer facility on East Bay Street this week for the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship Bahamas 2017. The exciting event begins today.
Let the games begin
The Bahamas is set to square off against the top teams in the region on the beach soccer pitch as they vie for a spot in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.
National beach soccer team player profiles
AS part of the build-up to the CONCACAF championships, today The Tribune wraps up a look at the players who will represent the Bahamas, featuring the last two profiles of the team members:
Big Red Machine win 27th title in school history
THE streak begins once again for St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine as they regained Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championship title.
Norius 5th overall in Mr Olympia Amateur South America
JIMMY Norius, who wants to be known as a versatile bodybuilder, will return from the Joe Weilder’s Mr Olympia Amateur South America as a fifth place finisher in the men’s physique competition.
Island life inspires music icon Mike Oldfield
He has sold more than 20 million records worldwide and won numerous awards. His move to the Bahamas was supposed to signal his retirement, but the composer of the famous “Exorcist” theme tells Cara Hunt how the beautiful island surroundings have reignited his creative passion, how Rose Island almost cost him his Olympics call and about the mysteries of Nassau traffic.
Privy Council committee to visit at request of govt
THE Judicial Committee of the Privy Council will be in the country for five days of hearings beginning today.
OLYMPIAN SEYMOUR WINS 60M HURDLES
PEDRYA Seymour picked up another victory on Saturday in Champaign, Illinois as she ran the women’s 60 metre hurdles in 8.07 seconds to lead the outstanding performances turned in by both team-mates Kandie Bloch-Jones in th high jump and Valerie Bobart in the mile as the Fighting Illini women’s track and field team concluded the indoor regular season with the Orange and Blue Open.
SPORTS NOTES
WILL the Bahamas men’s basketball team finally make it to the Olympics?
Junior golfers show their winning ways
CHEMARI Pratt, Aiden Johnson, Christopher Knowles and Nyah Singh were the winners of the advanced division II categories of the Fourteenth Club Golf Academy’s Skills Competition on Saturday.
Safety assessment to be carried out around industrial plants
A SAFETY assessment of the Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, and Hawksbill communities surrounding the nearby industrial plants should be completed in the next ten to 13 weeks, according to Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville.
More than 100 entries to ‘Bahamian ting’ contest
ENTRIES from 124 talented singers, songwriters and musicians from throughout The Bahamas have been received by the Ministry of Tourism for its ‘Da Bahamian Ting’ song competition.
INSIGHT: China’s debt trap diplomacy
Accepting promises of benevolent investment and easy credit from China are coming back to haunt developing countries. Brahma Chellaney reports from India . . .
GAIN AN EDGE – Affording BTVI: A world of options
During these economically challenging times, students pursuing technical education may have questions about affording tuition, fees, books and tools while at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
INSIGHT: Get out and vote
Change is what is needed in the Bahamas and Malcom J Strachan urges voters not to miss their chance to effect it . . .
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: SAC - the class of the private schools on the track and field
NOT sure yet, but maybe, just maybe I might get married over the next few weeks – after all, until mid-march the sports calendar looks bleak to say the least.
Little comfort
Re: Wayne Munroe. “Interception Bill will fulfil international obligations.”
Fighting the fires
Once again I would ask you to bear with me and publish my thoughts, this time on our public services as they relate to fire control. I would like to make this an open letter to Chief Fireman EVANS.
EDITORIAL: What is happening in our courts?
WHEN WE read the remarks last week of Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson in defence of the integrity of our courts and the fairness of our judges, we recalled a 2016 report in a St Lucia newspaper about a Bahamian lawyer, accompanied by a Bahamian police officer, snooping around St Lucia ostensibly investigating the background of one of the most respected judges on our Supreme Court Bench today.
Bahamas ‘can triple cruise return’ with 2/3 less passengers
The Central Bank’s governor says the Bahamas “could triple our return from the cruise industry with two-thirds less” passengers coming to its shores, arguing that passenger numbers were not the best measure of success.
Retailer’s 82% sales fall Bazaar ‘deja vu’
A veteran Freeport retailer says he is suffering International Bazaar “deja vu” with sales across his two Lucaya-area stores down 82 per cent since Hurricane Matthew.
Melia’s 1,000 staff enjoy ‘Perfect Luck’ over new employer
A trade union leader has criticised the lack of consultation over the transfer of the Melia Nassau Beach Resort’s 1,000-strong staff, and their employment contracts and rights, to the China Export-Import Bank.
LOI firm’s advisers admit PM meeting to discuss project
Key advisers to the group at the centre of the Renward Wells’ Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy have admitted arranging a meeting with Prime Minister Perry Christie where they “spent quite a long time” discussing its waste-to-energy project.
IMF Bahamas chief supports fiscal limits
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Bahamas mission chief has backed calls for a Fiscal Responsibility Act, describing it as “a useful medium term component” for reforming the Government’s finances.
Two held over drugs
DRUG Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers arrested two men for drug possession in separate operations on Saturday.
Burglary suspect shot as two held by police
POLICE caught two alleged shop breakers, one of whom was shot, during a robbery at a business on Chesapeake Road on Saturday.
Rise in voter registration to 112,000 as election nears
VOTER registration increased to a little over 112,000 as of Saturday, according to government officials.
Business ‘under-reporting’ hurts GDP data accuracy
The Government’s top finance official has questioned the accuracy of Bahamian economic growth data because of years of “under-reporting” by multiple Bahamian businesses.
Bahamas urged: ‘Move now’ on energy reform
The Bahamas was yesterday urged to follow Jamaica’s lead and “move now” to alternative energy, a private sector executive arguing that lower electricity costs were key to turning this nation’s economy around.
Contractor calls for Build Code update
A contractor has called for an assessment and, where necessary, upgrades to the Bahamas’ Building Code in the wake of Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, telling this newspaper: “We can’t wait any longer”.
Sunday, February 19
Search for hit-and-run driver after motorcyclist dies
POLICE in New Providence are searching for a blue Honda that failed to stop at the scene of an accident on Saturday evening which has left a motorcyclist dead.
Saturday, February 18
Man believed to have drowned off Inagua
POLICE in Inagua are investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent drowning death of an man on Friday.
Man in hospital after Laird Street shooting
POLICE are searching for a male suspect responsible for a shooting that left a man in hospital.
Friday, February 17
Man charged with West Bay Street murder
A MAN was remanded to prison on Friday after he was arraigned on a charge of murder in the Magistrate’s Court.
PM hits out at Chipman's boundaries report claim
PRIME Minister Perry Christie on Friday condemned St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman’s claim that the boundaries report he signed off on differed from the one tabled in the House of Assembly last week.
Big Red Machine takes BAISS Track and Field title
The St. Augustine’s College Big Red Machine regained the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools‘ Track and Field Championships in come from behind fashion to claim the 27th meet title in the school’s history.
Aliv joins sponsorship of 'Catch Me If You Can' Regatta
ALIV, the newest telephone company in the country, has come alive and will be a part of the sponsorship of the 30th St Valentine's Massacre ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Regatta in Montagu Bay this weekend.
MOT launches bio-degradable campaign against Styrofoam
WITH support of local wholesale suppliers and retailers, a year-long bio-degradable campaign to reduce Styrofoam was launched on Grand Bahama on Friday.
‘Rollins comments show lack of plan by rebel seven’
FORMER Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells yesterday pointed to the recent statements made by Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins as further evidence that the “rebel seven” acted selfishly, and were only motivated by “spite and pettiness”.
‘Deplorable’ clinic and a failing infrastructure on Spanish Wells
UNREST in the community of Spanish Wells, Eleuthera is at an all-time high, according to the island’s Chief Councillor Robert Roberts who said conditions there have deteriorated to a degree never before seen by residents.
Butler-Turner rejects Gibson suggestion on firearms
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday “rejected outright” Free National Movement Long Island candidate Adrian Gibson’s suggestion that The Bahamas should consider adopting a Right-To-Carry law, as she questioned whether the FNM shared this position.
Greenslade comments defended by Munroe
ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe defended Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s recent response to the country’s murder rate, saying the top officer understands better than politicians the need to avoid emotional policy responses that prove counterproductive in the long run.
Dames: Crime measures 'raise more questions'
FORMER Deputy Police Commissioner Marvin Dames said he is not impressed by National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage’s announcement of the anti-crime measures to be adopted by the government to combat the spike in murders, saying the strategies have raised more questions than answers.
Boundaries legal challenge 'doomed to fail'
A GOVERNMENT lawyer argued in the Supreme Court yesterday that the court should reject the request from members of the Official Opposition for leave to begin judicial review proceedings of a parliamentary order on constituency boundaries because the judicial review attempt is doomed to fail even if leave is granted.
Rolle outlines measures to ease access to credit
CENTRAL Bank Governor John Rolle yesterday outlined several industries which will be be afforded more flexibility to raise financing from foreign sources should the Central Bank’s latest proposed exchange control relaxations be approved.
Top Finance official backs lower Business Licenses
The Government’s top financial official yesterday conceded to problems with both Tax Compliance Certificates (TCCs) and Business License fees, agreeing that the latter’s rates “have to be lowered over time”.
Govt wants 90% of taxes electronically by fiscal year-end
The Government is hoping to collect 90 per cent of due tax payments electronically before the 2016-2017 fiscal year-end, a top official yesterday promising it was being “very aggressive” on spending controls.
Graycliff owner honoured among Cacique nominees
ONE hundred and ten individuals and organisations have been recognised for their excellent service to the Bahamian tourism sector by being nominated for this year’s Cacique Awards.
Taking their careers in their own hands
SHANANDO Moss always wanted to work with his hands. He is now well on his way to fulfilling that dream as a student of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) dual enrollment programme where he is taking Trade Career Path classes.
Clubs and Societies 02172017
Cycling Club Bahamas. - The Ride for Hope returns to Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, for the Tenth Anniversary Ride for Hope “GRAN FONDO ELEUTHERA”.
Tourism team aims to help Grand Bahama in time of need
THE Bahamas Tourist Office senior sales team in the United States attended a three-day familiarisation trip to Grand Bahama last week, at a time when the island is in “urgent need of exposure”.
FINCO blames Matthew for 15.5% ‘bad’ loan rise
FINCO yesterday confirmed that the Bahamas’ mortgage crisis is far from over, blaming Hurricane Matthew for a $16 million increase in non-performing loans as profits slumped 54.7 per cent.
Govt targets ‘fiscal balance’ in 4 years
The Government believes it can “achieve a balanced Budget” within the next four years, its top finance official said yesterday, while warning this forecast could be undermined by unexpected events such as the $100 million in revenues lost to Hurricane Matthew.
Bahamas’ ‘growth potential’ down 3% since century start
The Bahamas’ economic growth potential has “dropped quite sharply” since this century began, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive said yesterday, urging the Government to curb spending “to ensure fiscal sustainability”.
Courier firms ‘stealing’ from Public Treasury
Courier companies were yesterday accused of “stealing” from the Public Treasury, with the Government’s top financial official revealing three had recently agreed to pay a collective $7 million in outstanding taxes.
Govt targets $400m from tax crackdown
The Government is targeting an extra $400 million within two years from its crackdown on tax cheats, a top official yesterday revealing enforcement efforts were already yielding an extra $15 million per month.
Ten years of the Ride for Hope as cyclists get ready
RIDE for Hope celebrates its tenth anniversary this weekend with the 2017 charity cycling event taking place on Eleuthera.
IDB joins with university to focus on early education
AS part of an ongoing collaboration, the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) and the University of The Bahamas (UB) hosted the launch of ‘Development in the Americas’ on Thursday at UB’s Harry C Moore Library Auditorium.
A COMIC'S VIEW: ‘I went to bed in Fort Charlotte and woke up in Mount Moriah’
The ‘Green Room’ in any comedy club can be extremely brutal, with comedians trading jabs and barbs.
18 months in jail and $3,000 fine for gun possession
A MAN was jailed for 18 months and fined $3,000 for possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.
Bail granted to suspect in drug trafficking case
A MAN awaiting trial on a drug trafficking charge was granted bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.
Town hall meeting to be held by Civil Society Bahamas
CIVIL Society Bahamas (CSB), an umbrella group for civil society organisations in The Bahamas, is hosting a Town Hall Meeting for the Citizen’s Task Force on Electoral Reform on Saturday from 10am to noon at St Mary’s Parish Hall, Virginia Street, Nassau.
DNA meets with civic groups on Freedom of Information
A coalition made up of several of the country’s civic organisations yesterday met and discussed their issues with the revamped Freedom of Information Bill with Senator Branville McCartney yesterday.
‘My horror at becoming victim of attempted robbery’
A BAHAMIAN today told a reporter the horror story of how she and three of her friends were held up on Christmas eve by two men on motorbikes, who tried to get into their car and rob them.
DNA and Minnis
Re: Punch Thursday - Bran ready to deal for 9 seats
Symonette is tone deaf
Brent Symonette is a stunningly naïve man.
Women held after drugs discovery
A woman from Nassau Village is in custody after she was arrested at the Lynden Pindling International Airport for possession of dangerous drugs on Wednesday, police reported.
Officials ‘hopeful’ of pilot of unified bus system
THE Christie administration has identified a new route to be utilised in its unified bus system, with officials “hopeful” that a prototype for the project will be rolled out soon.
‘Interception Bill will fulfill international obligations’
ONCE the Interceptions of Communications Bill is passed in Parliament, the country will be fulfilling international obligations, attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, told The Tribune.
IAN FERGUSON: How corporate Bahamas can help win crime fight
Everyone agrees that crime and criminal behaviour cannot be blamed solely on our political leaders. Crime affects everyone and must engage the entire community if it is to be resolved. Criminal activity impacts our economic and social life. Businesses live in fear that their profits, investment and employees will come under attack from assailants seeking to destabilise their well-being.
Christian author seeks life and death answers
As a grief counsellor, people look to Dr Clifford Smith III to help them answer the questions surrounding the death of a loved one.
The silly season is upon us
THERE is no denying we are in “the silly season”. Any object that can be used as missile will be hurled into flight, for one reason and one reason alone: to hurt and thus score political brownie points.
MEDITATION: Love
I. Words of love Think of the nicest words that anyone has ever spoken to you. What was the situation or circumstance and who spoke these words to you? How did it feel and why has it remained with you?
Be encouraged
THE new year has begun and we are already into the second month. It is important that we stay focused on God.
Catholic school promotes love
Sts Francis and Joseph Catholic Primary School joined a national campaign last September to promote caring, love and honesty in students.
Jimmy Norius to make Mr Olympia Amateur debut
NATIONAL bodybuilding champion Jimmy Norius will be heading to Joe Weider’s Mr Olympia Amateur South America this weekend, but he will be testing his skills in the men’s physique.
SPORTS NOTES
THE Elite Basketball Club and the Rockets won the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday.
THE FINISH LINE: Consider Justin Roberts for next Davis Cup tie in April
After the controversy with regard to not getting a chance to attempt the 200/400 metre double at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, newly wed Shaunae Miller-Uibo has made it clear that she will be pursuing it at the IAAF World Championships in London, England, in August.
National beach soccer team player profiles II
As part of the build up to the CONCACAF championships, today The Tribune wraps up our look at the players who will represent the Bahamas, featuring profiles of the team members who carry home hopes.
Sparks boys repeat as champions, Strikers girls win title
THE St Thomas More Sparks repeated as the boys’ champions, while the St Cecilia’s Strikers avenged their girls’ loss last year to the St Francis/Joseph Shockers by clinching the title as the Catholic Diocesan Primary Schools wrapped up their best-of-3 basketball champions yesterday at Loyola Hall.
SAC surges into lead
It was a dominant performance from the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine on day two of the BAISS Track and Field Championships, and now sets the stage for a thrilling finish in today’s finale.
IDB executive says economic woes are ‘self-inflicted’
MOST of the Bahamas’ economic woes are “self inflicted”, according to an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) executive yesterday.
Thursday, February 16
02162017 EDITION
Thursday, 16th February, 2017.
Official launch of ‘Team Bahamas’ CARIFTA movement
THE 2017 CARIFTA season is set to be a busy one for Team Bahamas as the country prepares for competition both at home and abroad in several sporting disciplines.
11,000 have applied for jobs at Baha Mar
BAHA Mar has received more than 11,000 applications for employment as progress is being made with the hiring process, with the company’s new Vice President of Human Resources Kristy Cowper yesterday expressing “excitement” with applicant turnout in the weeks since the once stalled hotel property resumed activities last month.
Speaker allows debate despite judicial review bid
EFFORTS by Official Opposition members yesterday to have debate on the draft order for constituency boundaries postponed while their application for a judicial review of the order is before the court were rebuffed by House Speaker Dr Kendal Major, who allowed the debate to begin as scheduled.
Rollins: I will do what it takes to go back to FNM
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins said yesterday he is prepared to swim in his “own vomit” to order “to get back with” the Free National Movement (FNM) to ensure that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) does not win the upcoming general election.
UPDATED: Valentine’s Day murder as woman is stabbed
AN Eight Mile Rock woman was fatally stabbed on Valentine’s Day, police in Grand Bahama reported yesterday.
Lockdowns and RBDF ordered on the streets in crime fight
WHILE murders in the country continue to escalate at an alarming pace, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage announced several anti-crime strategies including “lockdowns”, mobile police vans and an armed forces partnership as he admitted the killings are affiliated with people connected to “gangs, drugs and guns”.
Chipman sparks boundaries row
MEMBERS of Parliament clashed in the House of Assembly yesterday over allegations St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman made in a letter to House Speaker Dr Kendal Major in which he claimed that the draft order for constituency boundaries that was tabled last week differed significantly from the report he signed as the Official Opposition’s representative on the Constituencies Commission.
Call for national taskforce to help young men
A VETERAN Bahamian educator believes the country should begin to look at the establishment of a National Task Force on the State of Black Men and Boys in The Bahamas as a national intervention to change the lives of troubled males.
Six years in jail for man found with 700 rounds of ammunition
A MAN was handed a six-year sentence yesterday for trafficking more than 700 rounds of assorted ammunition into the country.
Albury, Gibson call for gun changes
A MEMBER of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday called on the Christie administration to “fast-track” the issuance of gun licences to “upstanding citizens who have no criminal records” so that they will not be “left defenceless and at the mercy of violent criminals”.
Home Owners Protection Bill tabled
WITH the current legislative agenda set to end soon, the Christie administration introduced the Home Owners Protection Bill, touting its commitment to deliver relief to those affected by the Bahamian mortgage crisis.
Well-deserved extension
I am pleased to see that the Hon Chief Justice of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Sir Hartman Longley, has been granted an extension of his stellar career in this invaluable judicial office.
Protecting our privacy?
Allyson Maynard Gibson’s defence of the controversial Interception of Communications Bill lacks credibility as she states that the authority for it would be placed “solely in the hands of the Independent Judiciary”.
Listen to Bishop Boyd
WHEN a head of a denomination speaks and speaks loudly on live television the content of his address has to be taken seriously. We should listen carefully to what Bishop Laish Boyd of the Anglican Church had to say as he said a lot.
We do not have a crime problem
I would like to go on record and disagree with all of the talk show hosts and media personalities who think that we have a crime problem; to listen to them pontificate you get the impression that this situation is something new.
EDITORIAL: Now is the time to put aside egos and unite
TODAY we make no apology for returning once again to the burning political issue facing our country - the alarming prospect that, in the face of a warring and fractured Opposition, a Progressive Liberal Party government may be returned for another five years at the general election which has to be held no later than May.
Gun smuggling case will go on despite two-year delay in trial
A MAGISTRATE refused a lawyer’s request yesterday for his client to be discharged of gun and ammunition smuggling charges after a near two-year delay in the start of trial.
FNM ‘will not join legal action’
FREE National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday branded the legal action filed by two Official Opposition members over the recently tabled draft boundaries report as a “pointless exercise” that will not be supported by the FNM, insisting that the party was focused on fighting the government on the campaign trail.
Students meet violence with HOPE
IN response to the recent flurry of violence in the country, the art students at Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy felt compelled to paint a piece entitled “Hope”.
29% qualification rate over Mortgage Relief
A Cabinet Minister yesterday said 29 per cent of troubled borrowers contacted to-date had completed the requirements to enter the Government’s Mortgage Relief Plan, although he emphasised that this - and other legal changes - were “not a panacea” for the Bahamas’ housing crisis.
Unions demand employers held to ‘same standards’
Labour leaders yesterday demanded that employers be held to the “same standard” over their calls for trade unions to be struck off if they are insolvent or fail to file their annual returns.
Baha Mar’s foreign creditors to get ‘3-4 cents on dollar’ offer
Baha Mar’s remaining foreign creditors will likely receive an offer this week to pay them “three-four cents on the dollar”, the claims committee’s chairman revealed yesterday.
Banks: Homeowner Bill to change ‘risk profile’ of mortgages
Home loan costs and accessibility could largely depend on how the courts interpret the proposed Homeowners Protection Bill, the Clearing Banks Association’s (CBA) chairman warned yesterday.
Just 15% of insolvent broker’s assets located
An insolvent Bahamian broker/dealer’s liquidators have recovered just 15 per cent of its identified assets, while clawing back minimal sums from its former principal and overdrawn clients.
National beach soccer team player profiles – PART I
AS part of the build-up to the Bahamas hosting the FIFA 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup in April and May, the regional championships will be held in Nassau next week featuring 16 top teams at the impressive new $2.5 million Malcolm Park West facility.
DeAndre Ayton gets honourary McDonald’s All-American jersey
DEANDRE Ayton made history last month as the first Bahamian on the McDonalds-All American boys’ basketball team and was recently honoured by the organisation as they continued to make their tour around the United States to recognise the awardees.
Comets strike on day 1
Eleven new meet records were set, and the two-team race for the 2017 Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field title has already developed atop the standings following day one.
On Da Hook
KEEP checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.
BA director Richard Peyton Woodson dies, aged 93
RICHARD Peyton Woodson III, a director of British American Insurance Company (BA) for three decades and its Chairman for 12 years until 1986, has died aged 93.
A gift for Kaylee to help treat diabetes at home
SIX-year-old diabetic Kaylee Hanchell will be able to have her blood sugar levels diagnosed at home after the donation of a life saving device by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.
Unions hit back over labour reform call
CALLS to have labour laws in The Bahamas reformed to limit and repeal the powers of local trade unions by Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) Chief Executive Edison Sumner earlier this month were yesterday branded as “disturbing” by the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB).
Police hunt pair over murder
POLICE in New Providence have issued wanted posters for two men they want to question for murder.
Sky Bahamas chief wants Bahamasair ‘burden’ lifted
A LEADING Bahamian airline executive said yesterday that Bahamasair should be used as the tool to help build the country’s tourism industry, arguing that a lack of accountability and political interference has prohibited this and made the airline a “burden on the backs of the Bahamian people”.
Carnival bands ask for $1m subvention
The leader for Junkanoo Carnival’s bands said yesterday they were seeking “at least” a $1 million subsidy from the Government to stage this year’s parade, adding that the event could be bigger than Trinidad’s Carnival in five years “if we do it right”.
Wednesday, February 15
Turnquest: Wild west comment shows PM is without hope
A DAY after Prime Minister Perry Christie compared the country’s crime situation to the “Wild West”, former National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest blasted the nation’s leader saying he appeared to be “desperate” and “without hope”.
Suspect is accused of trying to kill police officers
A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of attempting to kill two police officers.
Symonette doubts govt argument on intercept bill
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday that the government’s public pronouncements on the controversial Interception of Communications Bill, 2017, “doesn’t hold water” when put up against arguments that the law, if enacted, would impede upon the civil liberties of citizens.
Pensioners left without money in NIB confusion
CONFUSION led to anger for some National Insurance Board pensioners who went to banks across the country yesterday expecting their pension money, only to be told it was not available.
Boy who died in car had been left 'by mistake'
THE three-year-old boy who died on Monday was “mistakenly left in a car” for nearly six hours before he was found unresponsive and rushed to hospital, according to Officer-in-Charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander.
Legal challenge on boundaries
OFFICIAL Opposition members of Parliament have taken legal action against the government over the recently tabled draft boundaries report, filing an application in the Supreme Court yesterday that seeks leave to begin judicial review proceedings of the draft order.
Minnis calls on PM to adopt FNM proposals over crime
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday urged Prime Minister Perry Christie to adopt the FNM’s crime plan or at least “initiate other serious ideas” to address the horrific murder and crime spree gripping New Providence.
Gift for the elderly - with love from Island Luck
ELDERLY residents at Unity House enjoyed Valentine’s Day as the Island Luck Cares Foundation hosted its sixth annual Valentine’s luncheon for the residents yesterday.
Former senior policeman dismisses ‘wild west’ talk
FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson yesterday dismissed Prime Minister Perry Christie’s recent assertion that the capital’s crime situation has become like the “Wild West,” insisting that innocent people are “not the targets” in what he said is a “war” between various gang factions throughout New Providence.
$10m bond deepens Gov’t BOB bail-out
The “full-scale” taxpayer bail-out of Bank of the Bahamas has deepened, with the Government taking up its entire $10 million bond issue amid a 51.3 per cent increase in half-year losses.
Homeowners Bill could be ‘disaster’ for the economy
THE unintended effects of the Government’s Homeowners Protection Bill could be “disastrous for the entire economy”, the FNM’s deputy leader warned yesterday, cutting off mortgage credit and undermining all industries dependent on the housing market.
No BOB investor buy-out unless all made ‘whole’
THE 3,000 minority shareholders in Bank of the Bahamas will not accept any Government buy-out offer unless it makes them “whole”, a former FNM chairman said yesterday.
Moss slams ‘deception’ of Homeowners Bill
THE United Democratic Party’s (UDP) leader yesterday described legislation designed to protect delinquent Bahamian mortgage borrowers as “a deception” and a “farce”, and accused the Government of breaking its consultation promises.
EDITORIAL: Boundaries debate now sub judice - no debate
IN DISCUSSING the government’s controversial Interception of Communications Bill, 2017, which has attracted much opposition because it is seen as an unbridled invasion of privacy, Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson pointed out that “the Supreme Court is charged with protecting our Constitution, our rights under the Constitution.
A civics lesson is needed
Two academics and an activist want to use disaffected Bahamian voters as guinea pigs. In what can only be described as some kind of weird social experiment these highly educated people want to run a ridiculous test that has as its goal the achievement of absolutely, positively nothing.
New Providence was never safer?
THE police have stepped up saturation patrols in crime hot spot areas.
We must reject govt snooping
The government’s proposal to make it easier to intercept private correspondence should send chills running down everyone’s spine, especially given the leaking of private emails.
Smith wants govt to take time to consult on Bill
THE government must hold off on its attempt to pass the recently tabled Interception of Communications Bill, 2017, and offer the public a chance to “look at its pros and cons,” Grand Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith, QC, said yesterday.
Smith disappointed in boundary changes
FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith has expressed disappointment in the new proposed boundary changes ahead of this year’s general election, saying the Constituencies Commission was “not faithful” to the principles of its responsibility as outlined in the Constitution.
Higgs named as UDP candidate
THE United Democratic Party has ratified former University of the Bahamas President Dr Leon Higgs as its candidate for the Central, South Andros and Mangrove Cay constituency, the party announced yesterday.
PM: We can’t turn back the clock
WHILE making the case for the Progressive Liberal Party to be elected for another term, Prime Minister Perry Christie said his administration has cleaned “up the mess” left by the Ingraham administration, telling supporters “we cannot afford to turn back the clock.”
Three accused over firearms finds
TWO men and a woman appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of being a part of an arms trafficking ring.
Gun and ammunition trafficker is jailed for 54 months
A MAN was jailed for 54 months after pleading guilty to firearm and ammunition trafficking charges.
Police release identities of victims of recent murders
POLICE have released identities for several of the country’s latest homicide victims.
TOUGH CALL: Trust and bias in a changing media landscape
IN THE wake of Donald Trump’s rise to the American presidency, fake news has become a trending topic and media bias is the hot issue of the day.
Winners scoop prizes in new essay contest
CALTRANIQUE Gardiner, of Westminster College, is the winner of a new essay-writing competition which organisers hope will become an annual event.
Fresh protest by residents over industrial plant pollution
THE Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee staged a protest on Tuesday in front of the Harold DeGregory Government Complex in Grand Bahama, where they continued calls for the relocation of residents from the five settlements near the industrial plants.
Sandals packs children off to school with a treat
THE children at Gambier Primary School are in for a treat during the course of the school year.
Breef accepting applications for scholar programme
THE Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation is accepting applications for The Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars programme.
Falcons celebrate
It was another dose of victory celebrations for the Jordan Prince William Falcons basketball teams.
30th St Valentine’s Massacre in Montagu Bay this weekend
WITH the Valentine’s Day celebrations over and done with, Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson now switches his attention to his 30th Annual St Valentine’s Massacre in Montagu Bay this weekend.
The 300m ‘race felt amazing actually after the wedding’
WHEN ‘Golden Girl’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo took the time to walk down the aisle to marry her college sweetheart Maicel Uibo on February 4 at Atlantis, Paradise Island, there was some concern about how ready she would be for her indoor season opener a week later in New York.
Game 2 of Catholic Primary Schools Basketball championships thursday
THE Bahamas Catholic Board of Education (CBE) Primary Schools 2016/17 Basketball Championships got underway yesterday at the Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road.
SPORTS NOTES
THE University of the Bahamas Mingos and the Commonwealth Bank Giants won the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at AF Adderley Gym Monday night.
THE OFFICIAL RESULTS: GSSSA’s 24th Annual junior Track & Field Meet
• RESULTS of Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 24th Annual Junior Track & Field Meet, held at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, are as follows:
Put 20% water heat savings in the tank
ONE of my clients recently told me he takes cold showers most of the year. He is from the islands, and that makes him used to it, he said. But with winter here, he called me to his home to check out water heating options. The one thing foremost on his mind? Tankless water heating.
Aliv to ‘re-double’ efforts on mobile number portability
THE Bahamas’ new mobile operator has pledged to “redouble efforts” to introduce number portability as rapidly as possible, after yesterday’s planned launch was pushed back to March 2017.
Tuesday, February 14
UPDATED: Boy, 3, dies after being found unresponsive in car
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a three-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in a car in front of his daycare yesterday afternoon.
Attorney general: Interception Bill will enhance privacy, not harm it
ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson yesterday defended the Interception of Communications Bill as an important anti-crime tool that would enhance the privacy of law-abiding citizens rather than encroach upon it, as detractors claim.
One dead, three hurt in latest attacks
AS the country and police continue to grapple with the latest spate of violent crimes, law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s assistance in the three most recent incidents, which have left one man dead and three others in hospital in serious condition.
Search for missing cruise ship passenger near Abaco
A SEARCH is under way in the northern Bahamas for a 24-year-old man who went overboard from a cruise ship.
Greenslade: Bahamas is not in crisis
DESPITE the country recording 13 homicides in 13 days, Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade said the Bahamas is not in a state of “crisis” and the average Bahamian can continue to “go about their day as normal day” without the fear of being attacked.
Christie: It's like the Wild West
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday likened the Bahamas’ crime situation to the “Wild West,” as he said the recent wave of murders in the capital must solicit a “major” and “continuous” effort by his administration to “flood the streets” with officers in a bid to do “all that is necessary to bring this madness to a halt”.
Addressing dyslexia in the classroom
The creator of a noted interactive teaching tool visited the Bahamas last month to introduce teachers and administrators at Blairwood Academy to her all-in-one curriculum to assist children with language-based learning disabilities.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: What is the fear of failure stopping you from doing?
We are a hostage to our fears. Whether it is the fear of rejection, humiliation or the fear of failure, fear is our most primal emotion. Even so, we are not born fearful but fearless.
A good night’s sleep makes for better sex for women
Those that have used the phrase “not now, honey, I’m too tired” to avoid sex may finally be vindicated. New research surveying more than 93,000 women has found that sexual appetite increases with better sleep.
Mardia Powell overcomes painful loss to launch accessories company
After the death of her mother, Mardia Powell found herself in a very dark place. But through art, and with the help of her friend Matthew Wildgoose, she was able to get back on her feet and find a new purpose in her life.
Healing a broken soul: Bahamian author spreads awareness of depression with new book
Author Nekisha Rolle is opening up about her journey of overcoming depression and heartbreak in the hopes of inspiring others to find the courage to do the same.
THE OFFICIAL RESULTS: GSSSA’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet
• RESULTS of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet are as follows:
IAAF officials ‘walk-through’ National Stadium for World Relays
OFFICIALS from the International Association of Athletics Federations have conducted a walk-through of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium where the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017 will be held April 22-23.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Romo and Cowboys’ 1st round pick for JJ Watt makes whole lot of sense
THE long NFL offseason is upon us and, between now and the NFL Draft in April, there will be millions of trade rumours swirling.
Super Value Cybot Queens rout Elites, 59-35
THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association continued its regular season action with games played in both the junior and senior divisions over the weekend.
Buddy hield ejected from game
BUDDY Hield usually grabs the headlines for his scoring ability, but the New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard was the subject of criticism from analysts and on social media for inadvertent contact, which resulted in his first NBA ejection.
Bahamas ready for Commonwealth Youth Games
WITH just five months to go, Commonwealth Games Federation Director Matthew Curtain said he’s satisfied that the Local Organising Committee is where they need to be to host the sixth edition of the Bahamas Commonwealth Youth Games.
Roberts helps Bulls pull off major upset
Bahamian Justin Roberts, in one of his best performances this year, helped the University of South Florida Bulls men’s tennis team pull off a major upset over No.16 Mississippi State University Bulldogs over the weekend.
One&Only staff ‘pretty supportive’, says manager
ONE&ONLY Ocean Club employees were yesterday said to be “pretty supportive” of the changes at the Paradise Island-based property, as the luxury hotel’s general manager dismissed talk of low employee morale ahead of the hotel’s anticipated reopening after four and half months.
Bahamians in the diaspora
WASHINGTON, DC - When Buddy Hield and the New Orleans Pelicans visited Chicago on January 14 for an NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, the Bahamian basketball star received a warm welcome from a group of his fellow countrymen living in the Chicago area during a post-game “meet and greet” organised by Michael C Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul to Chicago, and members of the Bahamas Association of Chicago.
Pintard denies involvement in Facebook page ‘we care Bahamas’
FREE National Movement candidate for Marco City Michael Pintard yesterday moved to disassociate himself from a Facebook page that has been promoting his campaign and posting about national issues.
Govt ‘disenfranchising voters’ with boundary changes - Collie
FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie has accused the Christie administration of trying to disenfranchise voters with its handling of the work of the Constituencies Commission.
AG dismisses DNA claim of interference on granting of bail
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney alleged yesterday that some government officials interfere with the course of justice by “making calls” to have bail granted to people who are accused of serious crimes.
Mortimer pledges DNA would repeal intercept laws
AMID increased calls from activists to “kill the bill,” Democratic National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer yesterday pledged that if the Interception of Communication Bill (ICB) 2017 is passed, his party would immediately move to repeal it if elected to government.
Butler-Turner fears PLP could use spying laws in election
OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday suggested that the government’s newly tabled Interception of Communications Bill, 2017 could be used by the Progressive Liberal Party led government to give it an advantage during this election season, as she rejected the timing of the legislation.
Politics of elections
A few weeks ago, the Hon Alfred Gray made what I believe to be a sobering statement - sort of was like... well with 6,000 new jobs the election is swung!
Future health insurance plan
NHI - what will we get?
The state of the Opposition
The call is being made for the Opposition forces in the nation to unite, but that call is coming too late. We heard no such talk when the official Opposition and its leader kept their shoulder to the wheel in the role of opposing, even when those who were elected to those positions refused to be led; we now know that they could never be led or would not allow themselves to be lead anywhere by anyone.
EDITORIAL: Senate must find its voice and stand up for Bahamians
THE SENATE has a rare opportunity to make a difference in the future of The Bahamas this week when a certain Bill comes before it.
Teens accused of attempted robbery and abduction
TWO teens were remanded to prison yesterday after they were accused of a foiled abduction and gunpoint robbery.
Five face court over recent murders in the capital
FIVE men were brought to Magistrate’s Court yesterday to be arraigned in connection with a number of recent fatal shootings that occurred in the capital.
BFSB chief seeks ‘momentum’ from Japanese tax deal
The Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) chief executive yesterday expressed hope that last week’s agreement with Japan had “created momentum” for this nation’s rapid compliance with new global tax standards.
75% deficit growth ‘staggering’, argues governance reformer
The 75 per cent increase in the fiscal deficit for the four months to end-October 2016 shows “a staggering and alarming” absence of fiscal responsibility, a leading governance reform campaigner believes.
Ocean Club at ‘full pace’ for its re-opening
The One & Only Ocean Club invested “almost $30 million” in today’s re-opening, with the high-end resort set to hit “full pace” immediately via 85-90 per cent occupancies.
Bran: Bahamas ‘eye opener’ from cruise line’s Cuba switch
The DNA’s leader yesterday urged the Bahamas to “up its tourism game” as a result of Norwegian Cruise Line’s decision to divert 25 sailings to Cuba, warning: “If that’s not an eye opener, I don’t know what is.”
‘Survival of financial services not an option’
A prominent QC yesterday backed calls for the Bahamas to switch to a ‘low tax’ business model, warning: “The survival of financial services is not an option.”
Homicides up 69 per cent on same period last year
HOMICIDES have increased by 69 per cent compared to this period last year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Trent Deveaux agrees to Angels’ deal with $1.2m bonus
ANOTHER young Bahamian baseball player received the opportunity to take his career to the professional level.
Nursing student training still on hold over unsigned paperwork
THE training for some 15 nursing students at Terreve College is still on hold because of an unsigned memorandum of understanding by the Public Hospitals Authority, even though the college has supplied all the necessary requirements to the PHA and the Department of Public Services since January, The Tribune was told.
POLITICOLE: Silence can be golden when it comes to politics
Why is Branville McCartney answering back at Loretta Butler-Turner?
Events set to spotlight work of pioneer Bert Williams
THE life and work of Egbert “Bert” Williams will take centre stage next week, as film and culture enthusiasts are set to commemorate the legacy of the Bahamian-born entertainer’s most significant effort, Lime Kiln Club Field Day (1913).
Residents call for 1988 health study to be revealed
THE Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee believes that the results of an epidemiological study, conducted in reference to complaints of illnesses allegedly linked to the nearby industrial plants, has been kept a secret or forgotten for nearly 30 years.
RICHARD COULSON: The rebirth of Baha Mar
While the deadline remains tight, Richard Coulson senses renewed optimism over the April opening of the Cable Beach luxury resort . . .
BAMSI recruits international specialist in food biotechnology
WITH over a decade of research and field work in feed biotechnology, Dr Jason Sands brings a wealth of international experience, industry exposure and technical expertise to the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).
Bahamians get up to speed with CPR
HUNDREDS of Bahamians are better equipped to help save the lives of someone around them who may be in an emergency medical situation after spending their Saturday learning key CPR techniques, in commemoration of February as Heart Month.
When it comes to heart health, do you know your numbers?
A Cleveland Clinic study shows that while 68 per cent of Americans are worried about dying from heart disease, many don’t know the basic numbers important for heart health.
Monday, February 13
Equipment at fault for series of BPL outages
THE “catastrophic” island-wide outages that plagued New Providence late last year stemmed from widespread equipment failures at the Clifton Pier Power Station, according to Bahamas Power and Light.
Turnquest: Changes to Montagu are shameless
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday accused the government of “shameless gerrymandering” over recently tabled boundary changes that he claims affect the “deliberate elimination of middle class areas” from the former Montagu constituency.
Call for resistance to ‘dangerous’ spying bill
FORMER Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson yesterday joined activist calls for Bahamians to organise protests and public resistance to the recently tabled Interception of Communications Bill (ICB) 2017, which he called “dangerous” spying legislation.
Two police officers in hospital after being blasted by shotgun
TWO police officers, a husband and a wife, are in serious but stable condition after they were shot multiple times while responding to a “domestic incident”.
UPDATED: Seventh man shot dead in Nassau's bloody weekend
POLICE are investigating the fatal shooting of a man after an altercation outside a West Bay Street night club early on Monday. The killing took the murder toll of a bloody weekend in Nassau to seven.
Baark! looking to build on record year
THE Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (Baark!)) is looking to build on its 2016 achievement of providing a record number of spay/neuters with a series of initiatives in the coming weeks.
INSIGHT: Why a university degree doesn’t have to cost you
With more than 40 years experience as a counsellor and educator, Cheryl Carey, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of the Bahamas, shares her perspectives on the value of a tertiary education and how financial aid, bursaries and private scholarships are permitting students to achieve post-secondary education.
WORLD VIEW: Transparency vital in passport and residence programmes
THE global US television company, Cable News Network (CNN), broadcast the first part of a programme on February 8, alleging the sale of Venezuelan passports to Iraqis and others through the country’s Embassy in Baghdad. The programme suggested that it is possible that terrorists might have been among those alleged to have bought passports.
INSIGHT: A way to give crime its marching orders
Conscripting youths for National Service works well in Israel - why not try it here, Sancheska Dorsett suggests . . .
INSIGHT: A government spying charter
The Interception of Communications Bill threatens the democracy of the Bahamas, says Malcom J Strachan . . .
Armed robber threatens gardener walking to work
IT was around 5 o’clock on the morning of Saturday, February 4, when a gardener, walking to work, was held up at gunpoint in a failed robbery.
Loose talk and loose spending
MORE and more totally loose talk from Cabinet Ministers - this time Hon Brave Davis at his walk-about at the new Baseball Stadium. I am told baseball is dying.
Lessons from the Holocaust
I found it disturbing that while Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss was sharing with Bahamians her memories of the horrors inflicted on humanity by the Nazi Regime, our government was busy tabling the Interception of Communications Bill 2017 that would allow them to intercept and examine a person’s communications via telecommunications, internet and postal services.
Halkitis, magician and joker
Perry Christie’s alter ego in the Ministry of Finance stepped completely out of character the other day and allowed himself to get caught up in the hype of the PLP convention.
EDITORIAL: The mouse that got caught in the trap
THIS latest attempt by government to strip Bahamians of all privacy is proof that these legislators must indeed take all Bahamians for fools.
Police bust major gun ring
POLICE believe they have cracked a “major gun trafficking ring” after officers seized a large amount of ammunition from a home in Nassau Village.
Abaco Club’s Heads signed three months after legal challenge
The Abaco Club’s principals have described the timing of the project’s Heads of Agreement signing - some three months after a legal challenge was launched against its Little Harbour marina project - as “coincidental”.
Loretta: CCA deal may compromise Bahamian project
The Opposition’s House leader has expressed concern that the Government’s agreement with China Construction America (CCA) may have compromised a Bahamian developer’s proposed project for Lighthouse Beach.
‘Even less hopeful’ NHI will safeguard taxpayers
A well-known physician says he is now “even less confident” that National Health Insurance (NHI) will be able to protect taxpayers and patient confidentiality, while expressing concerns about the quality of care that will be offered.
Broker’s rescue questioned over $1.8m deficiency
The Securities Commission is questioning whether last-ditch efforts to rescue a Bahamian broker/dealer, which has admitted to misusing client monies, are “bona fide” given its $1.862 million solvency deficiency.
Govt breaching global standard on union vote
The Government was warned three years ago that its supervision of trade union ballots breached international labour standards - an error it is now threatening to exacerbate with further legal changes.
Nottage and Bell criticised for continued silence
FORMER Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames last night criticised National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and State Minister of National Security Keith Bell for their “continued silence” in the wake of a spate of killings.
Man killed as car hits stop sign and flips over
ONE man is dead after the vehicle he was in hit a stop sign and flipped over twice before landing on top of him, “crushing his head.” The incident took place on Saturday evening.
Search is on for missing woman
POLICE in Grand Bahama have asked for the public’s help in locating a woman who has been reported missing.
THE OFFICIAL RESULTS: GSSSA’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet
• RESULTS of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 24th Annual Senior Track & Field Meet are as follows:
Elite junior golfers on par in the Albany Classic
MONTHS after some of the top golfers in the PGA took the Albany Golf Course, elite juniors from around the region followed the same path and competed in the Albany Junior Golf Classic.
FOURTH QUARTER PRESS: Triumphant Tom is the Man - for his team and his mother
MY admiration and respect for Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr is often scoffed at and mimicked by many that know me well, but I am grateful that after a demanding NFL regular season, hard-hitting post-season and, finally, an exhilarating Super Bowl comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, I am not the only one singing and writing about his immense talents and successes.
Roosevelt ‘Mr Starter’ Thompson laid to rest
ALTHOUGH he left at the age of 56, there are some persons who feel that Minister Roosevelt Thompson has gone too soon, but they will always remember his witty and jovial attitude that he shared with everybody he came in contact with.
Shaunae repeats as the 300m champion
Shaunae Miller-Uibo didn’t skip a beat as the newly wed returned to the Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center in New York City and continued her dominance at the 110th edition of the Millrose Games.
Union president slams ‘draconian measures’ offered by employers
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) president hasslammed the “draconian measures” proposed by Bahamian employers to penalise trade unions if they fail to file annual returns or become insolvent.
Sunday, February 12
Two police officers wounded by man with shotgun
POLICE have taken a man into custody after an incident early on Sunday in which two police officers suffered shotgun wounds and were taken to hospital.
Two more men die as bloody weekend shooting spree continues
TWO men died as a result of separate shootings in Nassau on Saturday night, taking a bloody weekend's murder toll to five in a 28-hour period. There have been 11 homicides in 11 days in February, according to The Tribune's records.
Saturday, February 11
Passenger killed in accident after car hits sign on JFK Drive
A PASSENGER died and a driver was taken to hospital after a traffic accident on JFK Drive near Westridge on Saturday afternoon.
Two dead in Nassau night club shooting, boy killed in park
POLICE in New Providence launched an island-wide manhunt for suspects on Saturday after overnight shootings left three people dead - two men following an altercation at a Nassau night club and a teenage boy fatally wounded in Dale Park.
Friday, February 10
Man gets three years for assault with attempt to commit rape
A MAN was sentenced on Friday to nearly three years in prison for attacking a woman with intention to rape her.
FNM candidate says new airport 'critical' for Long Island
AMONG a list of initiatives he pledged to advocate for if elected, Free National Movement (FNM) candidate for Long Island Adrian Gibson said the construction of a "state of the art" international airport was paramount.
Committee probing BTC sale making 'steady progress'
THE select committee appointed to probe the 2011 sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) Ltd is making “steady progress” despite a rocky start, according to Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson on Friday.
Cuban national investigated on suspicion of human smuggling
UNITED States Coast Guard (USCG) officials said on Friday a Cuban national is suspected of attempting to smuggle 14 people into Florida by boat.
Fred Smith condemns bill allowing police to intercept communications
GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association president Fred Smith on Friday railed against a bill tabled by the government that would allow police to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services.
Brent Symonette: I would have voted for Donald Trump
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette said he would have voted for Donald Trump if he was eligible to vote in last year's US presidential election.
US missionary and team commit to hurricane repair of churches
A US missionary and a team from South Dakota are in Grand Bahama helping with hurricane restoration and have committed to working for the next two years with their fellow churches in the Bahamas.
DNA candidate laments cruise ship pull out from Grand Bahama
WITH hundreds of hotel workers unemployed in Grand Bahama, Nevar Smith, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate for Marco City, said the island is again faced with bad news after the recent pullout of Norwegian Sky resulted in the loss of millions of dollars to the local economy.
Warning of ‘immense’ problems for NHI
AS the Christie administration faces a time crunch to implement the primary care phase of National Health Insurance before Bahamians head to the polls this year, the government is challenged by “immense” logistical problems because public facilities are not structurally sound, a high level NHI insider has told The Tribune.
We March organisers seek to raise $120,000
WE March Bahamas plans on staging 12 more “events and protests” throughout the Bahamas before the next general election, including candidates debates, and has launched a Go Fund Me page to raise $120,000 for these initiatives.
Extra seat in PLP stronghold ‘shows desperation of govt’
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said yesterday that Prime Minister Christie’s addition of an extra seat in a perceived “PLP stronghold” shows how desperate the government has become.
Minnis thanks Butler-Turner - but says Long Island does not belong to her
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis took a swipe at his party’s former Deputy Leader Loretta-Butler Turner last night, telling supporters at a rally in Long Island that the constituency “doesn’t belong to her”.
Teenage boy among three dead after shootings
A TEENAGE boy was shot dead by a lone gunman at Dale Park, Peardale, on Friday night.
Bran: I'd quit Senate over Loretta row
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday dismissed recent assertions by Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner that he threw her “under the bus,” charging that if Mrs Butler-Turner feels so strongly about her accusations, he is “ready and willing” to resign as leader of opposition business in the Senate.
Bid to intercept letters, emails
THE government has tabled a bill in the House of Assembly that aims to create a “single legal framework” that would allow the Commissioner of Police to obtain a warrant from a judge to intercept and examine a person’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services for a period of three months.
Baptist Sports Council’s Annual Family Fun Run/Walk Race winners in spotlight
THE Baptist Sports Council recently held its annual Family Fun Run/Walk Race.
SPORTS NOTES
THE 31st Annual Mario Ford Baseball Camp is all set to open on March 4 until June 8.
Bahamas’ elite tennis players in the World Juniors
SEVERAL of the Bahamas’ elite junior tennis players are amid competition with their peers from around the region as they attempt qualification at the World Junior Tennis Competition.
Justin Lunn steps up his game at Davis Cup
LAST year, Justin Lunn had projected that he was just waiting on his breakthrough to play on the Bahamas Davis Cup Team. Over the weekend, the player born with a birth defect in his right arm realised that dreams do come true.
THE FINISH LINE: Bahamas needs to beat Bolivia to remain in zone II for 2018
DESPITE the way the team performed, it was obvious that the absence of Baker Newman and Kevin Major Jr made a difference in the outcome of Team Bahamas performance in the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie.
Tabernacle Falcons take early series lead with 51-41 win over St George’s Jaguars
WITH the star player from each team sidelined for various reasons, game one of the GBSSAA Senior Boys Basketball championship has set the tone for what could be hard fought series that goes the distance.
High School Basketball Nationals returns to GB
ESTABLISHING a new tradition in Bahamian high school basketball, the second edition of the national tournament looks to expand and will return to Grand Bahama.
Mixed 4x4 relay adds more excitement to world event
THE addition of the mixed 4x400 metre relay at the end of the two-day competition will provide alot more excitement for 3rd IAAF World Relays at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium April 22-23.
Knights GSSSA champions
The CR Walker Knights polished off their Government Secondary Schools Sports Association Senior Track and Field Championship title and will put it back on their trophy case after defending it with a close encounter against the CI Gibson Rattlers.
Ministers at international education conference
PRIME Minister Perry Christie opened the 9th Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Education on Thursday, stressing the need for greater emphasis to be placed on education going forward.
Most changes to boundaries in the east
MOST of the boundary cuts proposed by the Constituencies Commission, and tabled in a draft order, appear to be in eastern New Providence seats.
Clubs and Societies 02102017
Bahamas National Trust. - Generali Worldwide is partnering with the Bahamas National Trust this year for “Da Market”, the first of which will be held at the Retreat on Village Road on Saturday, from 8am to 1pm.
Women in leadership course held at University of the Bahamas
WOMEN from a cross-section of Bahamian society came together for two days to participate in the Women in Leadership and Decision Making Course at the University of The Bahamas.
New Bahamasair head office could cost govt up to $7m
EARLY talks are underway on plans to construct a new head office for Bahamasair, with Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis saying this could cost the government $5m to $7m.
Boat thefts decline 24% year-on-year
Boat thefts in the Bahamas dropped nearly 24 per cent year-over-year in 2016, according to police statistics, with the Association of Bahamas Marinas being credited for putting a “big dent” in the crime.
Aliv ‘credibility’ boost as roll-out targets hit
The Bahamas’ second mobile operator yesterday received a “credibility” boost from regulators confirming it had met its first network roll-out targets, and disclosed it was ahead of schedule in bring service to Abaco, Grand Bahama and Eleuthera.
‘Hold Hutchison’s feet to the fire’, Govt told
Struggling retailers in the Port Lucaya area are demanding that the Government “hold Hutchison Whampoa’s feet to the fire” and claw back the 20-year extension of its tax breaks, should it fail to co-operate in solving Grand Bahama’s economic woes.
Collapsed company suffers reversal in 13-year BTC fight
The Court of Appeal this week overturned permission granted to a niche telecoms provider to amend its claim against the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), whose “misfeasance in a public office” allegedly caused its collapse.
Unions ‘must cease’ if insolvent, no returns
The private sector is demanding that labour laws be reformed so that Bahamian trade unions “cease to exist” if they fail to file annual returns, with their registration also cancelled if they become insolvent.
A COMIC'S VIEW: The inevitable breakup of Branetta and spoilsport academics
Another week, another round of crazy thanks to politicians and (surprisingly) professors alike. To be blunt, quite a few people with high profile platforms were “talking fool” over the past few days.
Scavenger hunt at Pelican Bay
PELICAN Bay was one of a few Grand Bahama hotels which kept its doors open throughout and after the passage of Hurricane Matthew last October. In working to become the leading hotelier on the island for business guest and events, the boutique hotel also strives to give its visiting tourists a superior and happy experience.
Attempted murder case dropped as alleged victim changes testimony
A MAN accused of attempted murder had the case against him discontinued yesterday after a complainant recanted particular details of his shooting.
Two more years for Longley as Chief Justice
CHIEF Justice Sir Hartman Longley will continue as the country’s top judge for another two years, an announcement from the Cabinet Office confirmed yesterday.
Minnis branded ‘inept’ for boundaries report criticism
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday labelled Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis “politically inept”, in response to recent criticisms levelled by the Killarney MP at the Christie administration over delays in the recent tabling of the boundaries report.
In tribute to C.A.P. Smith
I READ with considerable sadness of the passing of C A P Smith, a former Permanent Secretary. I extend my profound sympathy to his wife Rachel and his children, all of whom I know personally and who CAP loved beyond measure.
Rebels without a clue
“LIKE actors on a stage directionless”. That is how I perceive the present Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly and her band of rebels.
Racist rant must be challenged
This in reply to “The Graduate”, editorial letter 8th Feb 2017.
Sudden death in Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama police are investigating the sudden death of a young man at a residence in the South Bahamia area on Thursday.
Evans says Aliv will not steal major market share from BTC
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union President Bernard Evans yesterday dismissed assertions that newcomer Aliv will steal a significant market share from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, charging that the former’s initial success is merely the result of “restrictions” placed on BTC by regulators to give Aliv “some advantage” to “get in the game”.
Candidate identifies failures to update register of voters
FREE National Movement candidate Reece Chipman yesterday blasted the Parliamentary Registration Department for its alleged failure to update its register with the names of more than 20 persons who registered at satellite registration sites some three weeks ago.
Photographer turns his lens on people of Cat Island
THE ITALIAN author of ‘Catch da Cat’, a glossy, limited edition, photographic book about Cat Island, will be among a group of contributors, featured residents and visitors at a celebration of the book at Fernandez Bay Village on Saturday night.
Good works in Crooked Island
AS IT is imperative to demonstrate the love for God in tangible ways, members of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church recently organised a mission trip to Crooked Island where they assisted with the reconstruction of St Paul’s Baptist Church in Cabbage Hill.
The journey to sexual purity
A CHRISTIAN trying to live a life of sexual purity may find it challenging to do so in today’s world, as sexual images and innuendos are to be found all around us – in television, music, ads and social media.
Bishop Laish Boyd tackles national birth
OPENING the 114th session of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday night, Bishop Laish Boyd focused on several topics pertinent to today’s Bahamas, including the national birth rate, an independent boundaries commission, campaign reform and immigration.
Vacuum in leadership
AT the 114th session of Synod of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands held this week in Nassau, Bishop Laish Boyd lamented the way the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule was celebrated. I join in this lament. I advance that it could have been solved if the Church had only provided leadership.
Understanding the importance of our dreams
OUR dreams are our spiritual monitors, revealing to us excerpts of what’s pending for our lives in the spirit realm.
MEDITATION: Proclamation, presentation, purification
A few days ago we had a triple-header when it came to reflecting on the people and practices found in Holy Scripture. The facts of history are also the current events of our faith lives and there is a powerful interweaving of the characters of Salvation history both past and present.
Miller takes over from McIntosh as BCP leader
THE Bahamas Constitution Party has announced that it has a new leader, Colin Miller, who has replaced S Ali McIntosh.
Thursday, February 9
Lightbourn not back with Minnis ‘in this lifetime’
MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn pushed back yesterday against “baseless” tabloid and social media reports that claim he is dissatisfied with Loretta Butler-Turner’s performance as leader of the Official Opposition and is seeking to reunite with Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
Memories staff ‘paid less than they were entitled to’
THE Memories Resort in Grand Bahama started the payout process for hundreds of former hotel workers on Wednesday at the Bain Building, in downtown Freeport.
Freedom of Information Bill is passed despite Rollins broadside
THE House of Assembly passed the revamped Freedom of Information Bill last night, hours after Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins launched a scathing critique of the legislation, saying the Christie administration’s track record during this term in office is proof of the government’s “bogus” attempt to portray it as transparent and accountable with its last minute push to pass the law.
Young man found dead in South Bahamia home
POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man on Thursday in the South Bahamia area.
$5m budget for Carnival as govt cuts contribution
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday it is time for the government to stop “investing money” into Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and “hand over” the yearly celebration to a “private entity”.
New St Barnabas seat after boundary shift
VOTERS can expect a new constituency named St Barnabas and the renaming of the Montagu seat to “Freetown”, according to the draft order tabled by Prime Minister Perry Christie last night.
Sailors fought to the end to keep El Faro afloat in storm
The former chief engineer of a container ship that sank in Bahamian waters during a 2015 hurricane killing 33 sailors said yesterday that evidence from the ship’s “black box” shows a crew working hard to keep it afloat.
Tourism expert launches textbook for schools
ANGELA Cleare, a veteran figure in tourism in The Bahamas, has published her second book, designed to be a textbook for schools, on all aspects of the sector.
Transcripts unavailable in Bruner killers’ hearing
TRANSCRIPTS were still unavailable yesterday when three men, who were previously spared the death penalty for the murder of American sailor Kyle Bruner, returned to the Court of Appeal for a status hearing.
Conviction to stand in firearm possession case
A MAN was told yesterday that he should have offered sworn testimony in his defence if he had, in fact, panicked when a former Defence Force marine, to whom he had given a ride, pulled out a gun and began firing shots and were moments later pursued by police.
Parole recommendations not revealed to the public
CABINET has approved recommendations from the Parole and Re-entry Steering Committee concerning rehabilitation of prisoners, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said yesterday.
Moxey misses out on PLP nomination
SENATOR Julian Russell will represent the Progressive Liberal Party as its candidate for Central Grand Bahama at the general election after being selected from among two others by the party’s Candidates Committee.
Seven migrants held
BAHAMAS Immigration officers apprehended seven illegal Dominicans discovered at a resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on Tuesday.
Foulkes gives backing to Johnson bid
FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Dion Foulkes has endorsed Elsworth Johnson, the former president of the Bahamas Bar Association, who was ratified to run in Yamacraw for the party on Tuesday night.
Deputy PM: Johnson attacked judiciary to start career in politics
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday accused former Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson of attacking the Bahamian judiciary in a bid to jumpstart his political career as a candidate for the Free National Movement.
Bahamas remains in cruise ‘driving seat’
The Minister of Tourism yesterday downplayed the impact from Norwegian Cruise Lines switching 25 sailings from the Bahamas to Cuba, expressing confidence that this nation will remain in the “driver’s seat” as a top Caribbean cruise destination.
Redundancy ‘cap’ raise by 2/3 to ‘cripple’ firms
Removing the Employment Act’s ‘cap’ on redundancy pay will “cripple and/or bankrupt most businesses” in the Bahamas, the Chamber of Commerce has warned, resulting in mass lay-offs and company closures.
Port Lucaya retailer set ‘to pull the plug’
A jewellery retailer is “preparing to pull the plug” on his 25-year presence in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, after Memories’ pull-out became the latest in a series of “devastating” blows for businesses in the area.
Broker/dealer holds off Commission’s provisional wind-up
A Bahamian broker/dealer that admitted to misusing almost $4 million in client monies without permission has temporarily held-off the Securities Commission’s bid to place it into provisional liquidation.
Tripartite Council breached own Act
The National Tripartite Council may have breached its own founding Act by failing to get “unanimous” agreement on the controversial labour law reforms before submitting its recommendations to the Government, Tribune Business was told yesterday.
Customs staff asked to sign payment agreement
UNIFORMED officers of the Department of Customs are being asked to individually sign documents outlining that they want to be paid sums agreed to by the Bahamas Customs and Immigration Allied Workers Union.
Halkitis continues to defend VAT comments at convention
STATE Minister of Finance Michael Halkitis has maintained that when he made his controversial Progressive Liberal Party convention speech where he spoke of value added tax collection and spending, he was speaking within a “broad context” in support of good governance to show the Christie administration’s improved financial footing.
Problems in flight for two Western Air planes
INVESTIGATIONS are underway into separate incidents involving two Western Air aircraft that experienced problems while in flight on Tuesday.
The new voter register
As we seemingly continue to show national disinterest in registering to exercise our most valuable Constitutional power, I refer to the Parliamentary Act, and wonder was there a serious mistake in the process?
French candidate uses hologram on campaign trail
French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon can’t be in two places at once.
Skiing aims to catch up fast with new TV graphics at worlds
When Lindsey Vonn competes in the opening event at next week’s world skiing championships, television viewers will get their first look at some new on-screen technology.
TECH TALK
• Howard Webb, the retired English referee who worked the 2010 World Cup and Champions League finals, will move to New York and manage Major League Soccer’s development of video technology for on-field officials.
500 YEARS OF ROBOTS
Inspired by his belief that human beings are essentially terrified of robots, Ben Russell set about charting the evolution of automatons for an exhibition he hopes will force people to think about how androids and other robotic forms can enhance their lives.
CR Walker in the lead going into final day
GOING into today’s final day of competition in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s Senior High School Track and Field Championships, the CR Walker Knights are on a quest to repeat as champions.
CH Reeves Raptors win title
The CH Reeves Raptors continued their dominance of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s Junior Track and Field Championships, winning the title yesterday.
On Da Hook
KEEP checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.
Questions over FOIA
On the eve of the expected passing of the Freedom of Information Act, there is an expectation that we will have access to the information that will validate or discredit what we have been hearing from the present administration about what is going on in our nation; particularly the Baha Mar project and whatever agreements this administration has entered into with the Chinese government and those who operate on behalf of that regime.
EDITORIAL: ‘Bring ’em in, suck ’em dry and throw away the husk’
LAST YEAR, we wrote two editorials, each inviting Prime Minister Christie to tell Bahamians whose side he and his government were on in the dispute between Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian and the Beijing owned EXIM bank and its construction company.
Online registry launched in Berry Islands
RESIDENTS in the Berry Islands can visit the Administrator’s Office to obtain copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates without having to travel to Nassau after the Registrar General’s Department launched online registration and certification at the Government Complex, Bullock’s Harbour, last week.
Holocaust survivor urges an end to prejudice
Nico Scavella joins 650 students for a rare opportunity to hear haunting tales of World War Two persecution and prejudice . . .
Minister backs Junkanoo Carnival’s privatisation
The Minister of Tourism yesterday backed the privatisation of Junkanoo Carnival, adding that the Government would be able to regain its near-$20 million initial investment over time.
Chamber conference aims to push economy ‘in the right direction’
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) is set to host a conference that will examine the state of the Bahamian economy.
Chamber: Govt ‘listens to us’
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce’s (BCCEC) chief executive yesterday defended its relationship with the Government, stating: “They listen to us”
Wednesday, February 8
Deputy PM criticises FNM plan to privatise BPL
DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was critical yesterday of the Free National Movement’s intention to privatise Bahamas Power & Light, likening it to the party’s controversial decision to sell the Bahamas Telecommunications Company during the Ingraham administration.
FNM wants to find land for Junkanoo theme park
THE Free National Movement has proposed to “identify” Crown land for the establishment of a Junkanoo theme park in a bid to “foster, protect, and promote the cultural expression” of the Bahamian people if it is elected to office this year.
PLP accused of ‘gerrymandering’ constituencies
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday accused the Christie administration of “gerrymandering the constituencies,” one day after House Speaker Dr Kendal Major confirmed that the long-awaited Constituencies Commission report had been completed.
‘Prolific offender’ is shot dead outside home
A “prolific offender” was shot multiple times and killed early Tuesday morning while standing in front of his home, police said.
VIDEO: Police officer attacked on morning run shoots man dead
A POLICE officer shot and killed a man early on Wednesday morning after the suspect, along with three other armed men, allegedly “accosted” the officer during his morning run.
Former Bar Association President to run in Yamacraw for the FNM
FORMER Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson has suggested that the country’s judicial system is heavily saturated by “political interference” as he vowed, over the coming days, to disclose the “irregularities” present in this branch of government.
Students sent home after school raid
TWO security officers at C C Sweeting Senior High School were tied up and held at gunpoint while four masked men robbed the school of cash and electronics before leaving them gagged and bound for nearly four hours.
Fitzgerald: Single sex schools plan outdated
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday criticised Free National Movement South Beach candidate Jeff Lloyd’s proposal to implement a pilot programme to separate the education of boys and girls in classes and schools, calling the plan “outdated”.
VAT speech joke ‘beyond the pale’
A well-known fiscal hawk yesterday said it was “beyond the pale” for the Bahamian political and business elite to brush off the Government’s financial woes as a joke.
Cruise line drops Nassau, Freeport in favour of Cuba
A major cruise line yesterday announced it was swapping regular calls on Nassau and Freeport for an overnight stay in Havana, a move that underscores the increased competitive threat to Bahamian tourism from warmer US-Cuba relations.
‘Ready to pull trigger’ despite Memories loss
Port Lucaya Marketplace’s principal yesterday said he “hasn’t run away” as a result of Memories pull-out, and remains willing to invest “many tens of millions” in developing an “Atlantis-style” water park destination in Freeport.
Straight answers
I read with frustration the awkward responses of the state minister for finance Michael Halkitis when asked to account for his “where the VAT money gone” speech at the Progressive Liberal Party’s recent convention.
Wrong on Majority Rule Day
Talking fool is a very serious thing.
Lashann Higgs scores season high 16 in Longhorns’ 85-79 win over Bears
LASHANN Higgs has established an important role in the rotation for the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball programme and it has helped the team’s current win streak, highlighted by an upset over an interstate rival and second ranked team in the country.
CH Reeves Raptors are just 1.5 points ahead of AF Adderley fighting Tigers
IF the CH Reeves Raptors are to claim a ninth consecutive GSSSA Junior High Schools track and field title, they face a much tougher challenge this year from the AF Adderley Tigers who trail just 1.5 points behind atop the leaderboard.
Minnis condemns the ‘laziness’ of the media
WHILE emphasising the important role the press plays in well-functioning democracies, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis offered a blizzard of criticism of the national media during a speech at the Bahamas Press Club’s monthly meeting last night.
PLP chairman again hits out at ‘compromised’ Pintard
BRADLEY Roberts has again hit out at Michael Pintard, the Free National Movement’s candidate for Marco City, calling the former senator “compromised”.
CR Walker Knights take commanding day 1 lead
Recent editions of the GSSSA Senior High Schools track and field meet have featured thrilling finishes, adding to the budding rivalry between the CR Walker Knights and the CV Bethel Stingrays.
‘Delay Junkanoo Carnival until after election date’
FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday called for the government to postpone or delay the third annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival until after the general election, warning that the event could only be perceived as “vote buying” if staged during the election cycle.
Port Lucaya in fifth month of rent discounts
Port Lucaya Marketplace has entered the fifth month of a ‘rent discount’ initiative to ease a post-Hurricane Matthew burden for tenants that has now been exacerbated by Memories’ pull-out.
Brewery unveils $2m warehouse expansion
The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company yesterday unveiled its latest $2 million expansion through the addition of a new warehouse, a move likely to create around 30 jobs.
Customers at Chances protest in dispute over betting prizes
A SMALL number of disgruntled customers protested outside Chances headquarters on Tuesday, alleging that the gaming establishment is refusing to honour bets placed on its betting machines, with winnings ranging from $1,000 to as high as $36,000.
Man admits assault with intent to rape woman
A MAN who pleaded guilty yesterday to attacking a woman intending to rape her will return to the Supreme Court later this week for sentencing.
Marathon Bahamas in $2.5m spending boost
Organisers of Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas (SIMB) yesterday disclosed that this year’s event helped generate just over 1,800 room nights and an estimated $2.5 million in visitor spending.
FNM deputy seeks Govt reassurance on GB hotels
The FNM’s deputy leader yesterday urged the Government to provide reassurance on the fate of Grand Bahama’s major hotels, telling this newspaper: “We don’t see an end in sight quite yet.”
Tuesday, February 7
Western Air plane makes emergency landing at Grand Bahama International Airport
A WESTERN Air plane suffering a landing gear problem made an emergency landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) on Tuesday afternoon.
Ministers guilty of giving boy liquor to appeal
TWO ministers who were found guilty by a magistrate of giving a 15-year-old boy liquor to get him drunk will contest their conviction at the Court of Appeal, The Tribune has learned.
‘Low morale’ at Ocean Club ahead of reopening
A WEEK before the One&Only Ocean Club reopens to guests, employees at the Paradise Island hotel reportedly have “low morale” because of certain “changes” taking place at the resort, The Tribune understands.
Woman who travelled for job interview dies in accident
A 32-year-old North Andros woman became the country’s latest traffic fatality after she was killed in a deadly head-on collision early yesterday morning.
FNM will seek to privatise BPL
THE Free National Movement says it will privatise the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, now called Bahamas Power and Light, if it is elected to office this year and will ensure that the utility provider is owned by Bahamians through majority shareholding.
Break-in at C C Sweeting forces school to close on Tuesday morning
C C SWEETING Senior High School will be dismissed at 11.30am on Tuesday due to a major break-in at the campus on Monday night.
Lloyd aims to introduce single-sex schools pilot
IF ELECTED to office, the Free National Movement plans to “immediately” implement a pilot programme to separate the education of boys and girls in classes and schools.
Judge says no to PM legal bid
A JUDGE yesterday dismissed Prime Minister Perry Christie’s “no merit” recusal application which argued that she, while awaiting an approval of her application to extend her tenure as a Supreme Court judge, cannot be perceived to be impartial in hearing an ongoing judicial review into allegations that Lyford Cay resident Peter Nygard illegally increased the size of his property.
BREAKING NEWS: Man dies after Ida Street shooting
POLICE are reporting they are on the scene of a murder on Ida Street, off Balfour Avenue, on Tuesday morning.
EDITORIAL: Let the Dames Games begin
FORMER Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames, now a Free National Movement candidate for the Mount Moriah constituency, released a detailed plan over the weekend to “save the country” from the scourge of crime that has Bahamians looking over their shoulders, living behind burglar bars or gated communities and wondering every day if this will be the day their luck runs out.
Names of murdered men released by police
GRAND Bahama police have officially released the names of the two men murdered last week in Freeport as 27-year-old Joseph Bain, of Weddell Avenue, Freeport and 25-year-old Stephon LaFrance of Hunters, Grand Bahama.
More 94 says Bodie suspended, but not terminated
IN the wake of reports from controversial talk show host Ortland Bodie Jr that he had been “terminated” by officials at More 94.9 FM, the radio station’s management yesterday denied the company fired him, saying he “was suspended from his usual duties as host” until internal matters could be resolved.
Robinson focuses on jobs in 2017 election challenge
FLAGGING unemployment as Bain and Grant Town’s biggest challenge, the Free National Movement’s youngest candidate yesterday released his five-point plan for the area, highlighting community programmes as a “youthful solution providing solutions for all.”
‘Father of Pac-Man’ has died age 91
Masaya Nakamura, the “Father of Pac-Man” who founded the Japanese video game company behind the hit creature-gobbling game, has died. He was 91.
Tech Talk
• Slack Technologies, a fast-growing startup trying to wean businesses off email by hooking employees on its more informal messaging service, is now hoping to snare the world’s biggest companies as customers.
Save your teeth; prevention is key
Preventative dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them healthy. It involves oral care education, treatment and the practice of maintaining a healthy mouth.
Mother and son face MS challenge together
WHILE most men his age have nothing more to worry about than succeeding at their jobs, finding love and maybe starting families, Rashad Cartwright has been given a more daunting responsibility to shoulder – caring for his mother who suffers with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Staging gender: The trouble with stereotypes
As a nation we seem to be determined to deny ourselves the best of what we offer others.
Scientists identify eight ‘sleep disorder’ genes
Including medication, it can take quite a lot to make some people sleep. The latest research suggests that some genes are responsible for sleeplessness.
53rd annual Heart Ball just days away
The Heart Ball committee is making final preparations for its major annual fundraising event this Saturday.
Learning to breastfeed
Some women are born with the determination to have kids and some women play it by ear. Some women know exactly what type of mother they want to be, if they will breastfeed or not, and other women take it one day at a time. And both approaches are perfectly fine.
MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONS: Do you have a compelling reason?
It was the great William Shakespeare who said, ‘Strong reasons make strong actions’. When it comes to setting goals that will take your life higher, do you have a compelling reason to take strong action?
A journey to love
SINCE February is considered the month of love and Valentine’s Day is just a week away, many couples are on a quest to find the perfect gift that reflects their feelings for their significant other.
A floral expression of love
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and all over the world people will be buying fancy flower arrangements for their loved ones.
March 13 decision day for Ingraham
NATIONAL signing day came and went without a Bahamian football prospect making an impact but, next month, expect a decision from another looking to extend his career on the gridiron at the next level.
SPORTING MISCHIEF & MAYHEM: Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time!
LET’S cut right to the chase this week, Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time!
Varsity Boys Spring Classic set for next month
FOR the second consecutive year, Noble Preparatory Academy will continue one of its newest initiatives aimed at fostering the development of achievement both on the basketball court and in the classroom.
Volunteers ‘good to go’ for IAAF World Relays Bahamas
A MAJOR sporting event such as the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017 can only be successful with the integration of volunteers.
Charlton beats Seymour in 60m hurdles, Donald Thomas third in high jump
While Donald Thomas was holding his own in Europe, a number of Bahamians were competing on the collegiate scene, which included another meeting between the top two Bahamian female high hurdlers Devynne Charlton and Pedyra Seymour.
Students give their vision for Bahamas pavilion at Expo 2020
PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday sat through a series of presentations related to the Dubai Expo 2020, as student groups from the University of The Bahamas pitched design concepts for the country’s cultural pavilion set to go on display at the event.
Finding the right equation to encourage math students
HUNDREDS of students representing schools all over New Providence gathered at the Melia Nasau Beach Resort on Friday to hear the ideas of well-known mathematician Po-Shen Loh for a website that he is designing to make mathematics more approachable for pupils at all levels.
Students ‘denied access to clinical training’ at Rand Memorial Hospital
STUDENTS in the nursing programme at Terreve College in Grand Bahama claim that they are being denied access to clinical training at the Rand Memorial Hospital as a result of the delayed signing of a memorandum of understanding by the Public Hospitals Authority.
POLITICOLE: FNM’s crime plan leaves too many questions unanswered
An ignorant and very idiotic person once referred to me as an Eastern-Road type. I was too down-to-earth, he insinuated, to be of Lyford Cay or Old Fort Bay ilk, or some other part of the island he had racially profiled to be the home of lighter-skinned people.
Attorney quizzed over legal representation of Nygard
AN attorney was probed at-length yesterday concerning her legal representation of Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard and correspondence or other documents relating to him that were prepared before December 2014 when alleged dredging activities were occurring on or around Nygard Cay.
‘Change FOI act to make nation a world leader’
REPRESENTATIVES of civic groups that have been calling for strong freedom of information legislation have applauded the government for bringing an Freedom of Information Act to debate, declaring that with a few changes in the draft bill, the Bahamas could become a “world leader” in transparency.
Mitchell: Group barred from Detention Centre visit because of Louis Bacon link
FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday defended his ministry’s decision to bar an international human rights agency from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, insisting that the move was due in large part to the organisation’s connection to local groups alleged to be orchestrating plans to “destabilise” the government.
Chamber chief calls for end to prison ‘blackhole’
The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday called for all Fox Hill Prison inmates to be placed in a mandatory work programme that would finance their incarceration, so that the funds to finance their jailing do not fall into a “blackhole”.
‘No political party is committed’ to cutting Govt size
Shrinking the size of government will be extremely hard to achieve in the Bahamas, a well-known businessman believes, because “no political party is committed to it as a philosophy”.
RBC economist ‘too superficial’ over VAT squander conclusion
A former finance minister yesterday criticised Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) top regional economist for reaching a “too superficial” and “self-serving” conclusion that the Bahamas is squandering its Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenue windfall.
Aliv works with majority owner so ‘no cannibalising’
Aliv and its majority shareholder were yesterday said to be co-ordinating their respective capital raisings to ensure they will “not cannibalise” each other, with both looking to close in the 2017 first quarter.
Bran: ‘Crime is killing economy’
The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday warned that “crime is killing the economy” in multiple ways, arguing that the annual $434 million cost to the Bahamas was actually an under-estimate.
NHI impact study
Open letter to Mr Simon Townend and Dr Mark Britnell re NHI Impact Study
Baha Mar opening
LAST week it was - Where did the VAT money but far more importantly this week it seems to be the statement by the new GM of Baha Mar, Graeme Davis at a walk-about as part of Caribbean Marketplace when incredibly he stated and I quote: ... ‘we would open the project even before we close’.
Symonette the man to be leader
Re: Your editorial of Feb 2, 2017: “It’s Time For The Opposition To Get Its Act Together”, and in which you reference and quote the thrust of an excellent editorial letter by Luther McDonald published on January 24th.
Ex-leader of Turks and Caicos wounded in armed robbery
A former leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands was shot and wounded during an apparent robbery near a strip of tourist hotels, police in the British territory said Monday.
Chamber chief urges PPP against crime
The Chamber’s chief executive yesterday called for a concerted public-private partnership (PPP) to tackle crime and mitigate its impact on the economy, with the private sector seriously concerned with both the cost and fear of crime.
Monday, February 6
Golden girl meets her match
BAHAMIAN Golden Girl Shaunae Miller tied the knot on Saturday, marrying her college sweetheart Maicel Uibo, a decathlete from Estonia, in the Crown Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island.
FNM pledge over fiscal discipline
FISCAL discipline is a key pillar of the Free National Movement’s “Economic Action Plan” to rescue the country’s economy if it regains the government in the upcoming general election.
Butler-Turner out of party if she nominates as independent
THE minute Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner nominates herself as an independent candidate for Long Island she will no longer be a member of the Free National Movement, the party’s Chairman Sidney Collie said yesterday.
FNM details plans to tackle crime
THE Free National Movement has outlined its goals to fight crime should the party win the next general election, noting in its recently released Manifesto plans to establish a national neighbourhood watch programme in every community, re-institute term limits for the commissioner of police, establish a sexual offenders register and enforce Marco’s Law.
Female passenger killed in Charles Saunders Highway crash
A WOMAN was killed and four men injured in a crash involving two vehicles on Charles Saunders Highway shortly after midnight on Monday.
Five killings in four days
TWO men are dead and five others are in serious condition in hospital after a series of shooting incidents over the weekend.
Ortland Bodie fired from his radio show
CONTROVERSIAL talk show host Ortland Bodie Jr was terminated on Friday as the host of Real Talk Live, The Tribune understands.
Davis Cup captain pleased with his team
DORAL Park, Miami — Although the Bahamas lost 5-0 to Venezuela in the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie, player/captain Marvin Rolle said he was pleased with the performances of Spencer Newman, Philip Major Jr and Justin Lunn.
FNM commits to NHI plan
THE Free National Movement said it would, if elected to office this year, implement a functional National Health Insurance plan with a robust catastrophic healthcare component.
Bank growth focus ‘not the way to go’
The Bahamas must target wealth owners and the entities that directly service them to grow its financial services industry, with a bank-focused strategy “not the way to go”.
Matthew exposes IT issues for local firms
The importance of risk management practices, business continuity planning (BCP) and regulatory compliance were highlighted at a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) seminar.
Fresh water access move in Pinewood
IN keeping with its commitment to providing a reliable and safe water supply to all communities around the country, the Water & Sewerage Corporation recently teamed up with nurses within the public healthcare system to promote the health benefits of city water usage, particularly within close knit communities like Pinewood Gardens.
Ministry slams human rights group
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration yesterday challenged the objectivity and veracity of an international civic organisation’s claims of alleged human rights violations in The Bahamas.
WORLD VIEW: Political leadership in the Caribbean
The remarks in this commentary were spoken in a television interview in Grenada on the day that Fidel Ruz Castro, the former President of Cuba, died. The discussion centred on whether contemporary Caribbean leaders lacked the courage that previous leaders, such as Castro, displayed.
VIEW FROM AFAR: Debunking the myth of exchange controls
THE Central Bank continues to ease exchange controls. This is a good thing. However, I again ask why the fear of completely removing exchange controls?
GAIN AN EDGE – Making college possible: a parent’s perspective
From experience, Charlotte Knowles-Thompson will tell you that you can afford college with careful planning.
INSIGHT: A simple answer to a simple question - please!
The government has consistently misled the public over the sale of Baha Mar and continues to do so, Malcom J Strachan says . . .
INSIGHT: The future is now
What does leadership succession planning look like for young party supporters as the election looms? Ava Turnquest canvasses opinions . . .
Birth rate: an objective view
Following the public furore surrounding the tube tying of females by a certain MP and accusations of irresponsible breeding by a certain Reverend, perhaps it would be useful to take an objective view.
Two things to laugh about
IN these serious times it is nice to have some comedy, read Friday’s paper.
Opposition must unite
I write in response to some recent comments by Branville McCartney regarding the unlikelihood of an alliance between the DNA and the FNM. However, my message is really for all the leaders of the various opposition forces.
Sarkis ally: Govt ‘two-faced’ over Baha Mar role
A key Sarkis Izmirlian ally says The Pointe’s Heads of Agreement shows the Christie administration was “hopelessly conflicted” in how it handled the Baha Mar dispute.
Sir Franklyn says VAT speech just ‘entertainment’
Sir Franklyn Wilson has urged Bahamians not to take Michael Halkitis’s infamous ‘Where the VAT money gone’ speech too seriously because political conventions are for “entertainment”, rather than a serious discussion of national affairs.
Capital-raising comes Aliv for new operator
The Bahamas’ new mobile operator yesterday confirmed to Tribune Business it was taking “market soundings” on a potential $30 million bond issue that could be placed by March.
Bahamas tops Caribbean on crime’s economic cost
The Bahamas leads the entire Caribbean on economic losses stemming from crime, losing $434 million or almost 5 per cent of its annual gross domestic product (GDP) to the scourge.
EDITORIAL: Crime continues - where does the blame lie?
WE ARE 36 days into the new year and already 19 Bahamians are dead and several others are in hospital fighting for their lives.
Harbour Island upgrades national model for BPL
Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) is working to replicate Harbour Island’s newly-improved service reliability nationwide, its chief executive pledging: “We will get there”.
Sunday, February 5
Bahamas go down 5-0 in Davis Cup despite Major's fight
DORAL Park, Miami: While Venezuela had already secured the tie in Saturday's pivotal doubles at the American Zone II Davis Cup tie, the Bahamas' latest additions to the team put on a show for the fans on Sunday in the reverse singles.
Saturday, February 4
Bahamas beaten in Davis Cup after doubles loss
DORAL Park, Miami: Not even a last minute change in the line-up could help the Bahamas from preventing Venezuela from taking a winning 3-0 in the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie on Saturday afternoon.
UPDATED: Nassau shootings leave two men dead, five in hospital
A SPATE of shootings in Nassau on Friday night and Saturday has left two men dead, five in hospital and police investigating five separate incidents.
Friday, February 3
Minnis blames PLP for "spread of criminality" in Torchbearers convention speech
FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis tied the recent arson attempt at the Magistrate's Court Complex on Nassau Street to the performance of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
BREAKING NEWS: One dead, one critically wounded after Durham Street shooting
POLICE are investigating a double shooting on Durham Street (West) off Mount Royal Avenue on Friday night which has left a man dead.
Car bursts into flames on Eastern Road
Motorists were shocked to see this burning car on the Eastern Road on Friday afternoon.
Man charged with two recent murders
A MAN was remanded to prison on Friday after he was charged in connection with two recent fatal shootings in the capital.
BPL lights up headquarters for brand launch
BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) formally launched its brand on Friday, hoping to mark a new era for the country's electricity provider since PowerSecure was selected as its manager.
Illegal Dominican immigrants apprehended at Freeport resort
IMMIGRATION officers on Grand Bahama apprehended seven illegal Dominican immigrants on Wednesday at a local resort in Freeport.
Woman charged with sexual assault 'to submit alibi'
A FRENCH-Canadian woman accused of sexually assaulting a minor said on Friday that she would submit an alibi to the Office of the Attorney General within 21 days.
Davis Cup: Newman loses in straight sets
DORAL Park, Miami - Top seed Spencer Newman got off to a slow start and despite a comback, it was not enough to propel the Bahamas to its first victory in the second singles played on day one of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie.
Defeat for Bahamas in Davis Cup opener
DORAL Park, Miami - Philip Major Jr, eager to put on a good show in his first ever five-set match, gave it all he had but came up short in the Bahamas’ opening match in the American Zone II Davis Cup tie against the hosts, Venezuela, on Friday at the Doral Park Country Club.
Fitzgerald: Political trash can was a sealed envelope
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has revealed that the Save the Bays emails he read and tabled in Parliament were printed out and delivered to him in a “sealed envelope”, adding that he did not know how the documents were accessed.
Man faces court accused of raping 17-year-old girl
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge.
Christie surprise at Ingraham criticism
PRIME Minister Perry Christie said he is surprised that his predecessor, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, criticised him about the length of time it is taking the Constituencies Commission to release its boundaries report, saying he thought Mr Ingraham was above such “political commentary” at this stage in his life.
Approvals needed from govt for next stage of The Pointe
DEVELOPERS of the $200m Bay Street project, The Pointe, are now in the midst of a regulatory process seeking the needed approvals from the government for the next phase of construction, according to an official.
Govt talks on resort pullout
THE government was locked in meetings yesterday seeking to bring a successful conclusion to negotiations with Hutchison Whampoa over the embattled Memories resort, with Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe telling The Tribune that based on those talks he believes there is room for a “successful outcome”.
Suns take junior boys title
THE Temple Christian Suns junior boys’ basketball team capped an undefeated season with a championship title.
Venezuelans all set for 1st round of tie
DORAL Park, Miami, Florida — Venezuela would have preferred to host the Bahamas in Venezuela for the first round of the American Zone II Davis Cup tie.
Team Bahamas ready to put on show in Davis Cup
DORAL PARK, Miami, Florida — After spending the past few days preparing for their first round American Zone II Davis Cup tie, Bahamas player/captain Marvin Rolle said the team of Spencer Newman, Philip Major Jr and Justin Lunn are ready to put on a show.
Clubs and Societies 02032017
Weekend rides. - Saturday leaving 6am sharp from Harbour Bay Shopping Centre in front of First Caribbean Bank (Starbuck’s), 43 miles headed west. In order to complete this ride it is recommended that you have done some recent cycling! Leaving P/I Bridges optional at the end. The pace will range from 17–20+mph, three-hour duration
A COMIC'S VIEW: Halkitis + Fitzgerald = fuzzy math
BACK in the nineties, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham gave us one of those great, immortal Bahamian political quotes: “I say what I mean, and I mean what I say!”
‘PM must resign after misleading on Baha Mar’
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday called for the resignation of Prime Minister Perry Christie after it was revealed that the sale of Baha Mar is not complete, despite Mr Christie telling the country the stalled resort was sold.
DNA leader: No chance of a coalition with the FNM
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance leader Branville McCartney said yesterday there is “no possibility” of a coalition between the DNA and the Free National Movement despite calls for the two parties to join forces to defeat the current government.
Pointe fully leases first phase retail
China Construction America (CCA) is now awaiting approvals for the condominium hotel and marina phase at The Pointe, with all seven available retail outlets fully leased.
Govt told: ‘Get tough’ on Hutchison inaction
The Government was yesterday urged to “get tough” with Freeport’s largest investor, amid fears that Memories’ pull-out “will be the death knell” for the island’s tourism sector and wider economy.
Receivers set aside $3m for Baha Mar preferential claims
Baha Mar’s receivers have set aside $3 million to pay potential preferred creditors of 17 companies that formed the ownership structure created by original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian.
Govt granted CCA’s ‘Baha Mar switch’ 11 days before bankrupt
The Government gave China Construction America (CCA) permission to redeploy equipment and manpower from Baha Mar to The Pointe some 11 days before the former project filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Govt bids to reverse ‘Freeport’s Baha Mar’
The Government was yesterday “right in the middle” of negotiations to reverse the Memories hotel closure, which has been branded as “Freeport’s Baha Mar” moment.
Island Luck CEO speaks out at lack of action to stop illegal gambling
MORE than two months after gaming operators expressed concerns to top government officials about illegal gambling, “nothing much” has happened to address the problem, Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian said yesterday.
Union says teachers living in fear over school violence
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers Acting President Joan Knowles-Turnquest yesterday called on public school administrators to “take a stand” and “enforce every single rule in school,” as she said teachers are “fed up” with “being in fear of their lives being taken away from them” due to school violence.
Magnificent rebel MPs
Re: Butler-Turner In Grassroots Plan.
Warning: An IED for the PLP
The Tribune today, February 1st, 2017, might be described as an IED, (improvised explosive device) set beneath the feet of the Governing Party.
Drive with your eyes open
DRIVING around Nassau these days you notice two things.
Torchbearer event kicks off
THE future for the Free National Movement (FNM) was on display last night as the party kicked off its two-night youth convention at the SuperClubs Breezes Resort.
Delay in start of gun trafficking court case
THE start of trial for a man accused of being the mastermind behind a firearms trafficking ring did not begin as scheduled yesterday.
Families devastated by Freeport double killing
AS police look for three Bimini men they want to speak with in connection with Wednesday’s double homicide in Grand Bahama, the shooting deaths of the two young men from Hunters have left that small community in shock.
Questions for Bradley Roberts
I AM one of the many who constantly ask the questions, “Is Bradley Roberts ever going to shut up?” or “Is Bradley Roberts ever going to say something that he has really thought about?”
SPORTS NOTES
THE funeral service for the late Roosevelt ‘Mr Starter’ Thompson, is scheduled for 11am Friday, February 10 at the New Covenant Baptist Church on the East-West Highway.His body will be interred in Woodlawn Gardens.
Exuma’s police pledge themselves to God
Under the theme “Service To Country Above Self,” Exuma’s Royal Bahamas Police Force was recently honoured in a worship service at the Palestine Union Baptist Church in The Forest, Exuma.
Effective Christianity
“What is the church doing” is a never-ending cry in our cultural experience.
Book review: Dr Leslie Minus offers exciting, refreshing reflection on the life of Jacob
IS it correct to suggest that Jacob stole the birthright of Esau? Was the place of the burial of Rachel the same as the birth of Christ? If so, what was its original name? What is the prophetic connection between the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob…and 9/11? Is prosperity always the result of divine blessing?
MEDITATION: Learning from the Apostle Paul
THROUGH Paul’s obedience we have these wonderful words of the collect or prayer for the Conversion of St Paul (January 25): “O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the whole world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching.”
Sparking change in youth
AN outreach ministry is hoping its efforts to disciple children sparks a love within them that impacts every aspect of their lives.
THE FINISH LINE: Kudos to the BAAAs for honouring its past presidents
It’s not every day that you see leaders reach out to their former leaders and take the time out to celebrate the history of their sports.
Edward St George Memorial Invitational golf tourney tees off November 11
THE second annual Edward St George Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament will tee off on November 11 in Grand Bahama.
FALCONS WIN 2ND STRAIGHT SR BOYS CROWN
THE Jordan Prince William Falcons senior boys’ basketball team continues to soar high yet again above the remainder of the field in the BAISS with their second consecutive league title.
Thursday, February 2
Moped rider killed in morning shooting
POLICE are appealing to the public for information related to the country’s latest homicide after a man who was shot while riding a moped early Thursday morning died in hospital.
Up to 500 work permits approved for construction on The Pointe
THE Christie administration has agreed to approve between 400 and 500 work permits, in addition to the transfer of existing work permit holders from Baha Mar to Strategic Property Holding Ltd and Neworld One Bay Street Ltd, developers of The Pointe, to facilitate the phased completion of the $200m Bay Street project.
12-year-old accused of having gun in school
A 12-year-old boy appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm after it was found on a junior school campus.
Ingraham: FNMs unite or face loss to the PLP
FORMER Prime Minister and Leader of the Free National Movement Hubert Ingraham called on Dr Hubert Minnis, Loretta Butler-Turner and others who are fighting in the party to find a way to put their differences aside or face the possibility of the Progressive Liberal Party winning the next election with a minority of votes.
Baha Mar to open without sale close
Baha Mar’s April 21 opening was yesterday branded “an election gimmick”, after it was confirmed that the acquisition by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) will not close until all construction work is completed.
PM promises disclosure on bank and resolve
PRIME Minister Perry Christie last night said the government would soon make a full disclosure on the current affairs of Bank of The Bahamas and Resolve Bahamas.
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Barracuda/Leno Corporate Services Invitational
• RESULTS of the Barracuda Swim Club’s Leno Corporate Services Invitational at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the weekend:
Official schedule for the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships released
WITH the draw set and facilities nearing completion, the official schedule was released as the Bahamas learned more about their path to a Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Beach Soccer Championship title.
Carisa Brogden, 15, star of the day in horse show
THE Bahamas’ newest crop of budding junior equestrian athletes were on display in two days of fierce competition at the Mariposa Winter Horse Show, held last weekend at Mariposa Stables in western New Providence.
BAHAMAS BEATS US TO RETAIN GENE SCOTT TROPHY
A STRONG Bahamas IC team which included its most successful Davis Cup player over the last decade, Devin Mullings, and its most successful Fed Cup player Larikah Russell - over the same period - beat the USA to retain The Gene Scott Trophy.
Falcons and Suns win championship titles
THE Falcons came up short in last year’s semi-finals, but Terrence McSweeney and his squad dominated the divison all season long en route to capturing the BAISS championship title.
Big Red Machine sweep Comets
The St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine’s junior girls basketball programme returned to the top spot of the division following a two-year hiatus.
On Da Hook
AROUND 300 people are expected to particpate in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament in Grand Bahama from April 20 to 23, an event which combines big game fishing with kayaking for a $10,000 prize.
Leadership conference to be held
THE annual Global Leadership Conference Simulcast (LEAD 2017) in celebration of “World Leadership Day” will be hosted by the University of The West Indies Open Campus Bahamas (UWIOC) on February 8.
The write way for students
UP TO 50 students from nine different New Providence Schools took part in an inaugural business studies essay writing competition yesterday at the Anatol Rodgers High School.
Bostwick urges young to register and vote for their interests
A FORMER senator yesterday urged young people to register for the upcoming general election to vote in a government that would represent their interests.
‘Minnis should be ashamed for picking Pintard’
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday said Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis should be “ashamed of himself” for ratifying former FNM Chairman Michael Pintard, suggesting that the Killarney MP has a warped sense of “transparency”.
McCartney says no close link with Butler-Turner
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday insisted that there is “no relationship” between his party and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, as he suggested that the latter’s own comments over the past week of her own political future effectively rule out any talks of an existing coalition or otherwise with the DNA.
NASSAU LIFE: Painful numbers for The Bahamas
TYPICAL Bahamians, like citizens everywhere, take little interest in the numbers underlying their country’s successes - or failures.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs launches new e-passport system
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially launched its new polycarbonate e-passport system.
Debate begins on long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill
THE House of Assembly began debate on the long-awaited revamped Freedom of Information Bill, despite continued push back from civil society and opposition factions over the bill’s contents and potency.
Sponsors back talk by childhood friend of Anne Frank
ALMOST A dozen of the country’s leading institutions have come forward to sponsor ‘Beyond the Diary’, an inspiring tale of triumph over tragedy featuring Eva Schloss, stepsister and best friend of Anne Frank.
Former FNMs on PLP stage dismissed as ‘nothing’
FORMER Free National Movement Leader Hubert Ingraham yesterday dismissed the show of support by those former FNM members who joined Prime Minister Perry Christie on the stage at the final night of the Progressive Liberal Party’s convention as “nothing”.
Campaign launched to spoil ballots in protest
AN activist and two scholars are campaigning for eligible but decidedly unregistered Bahamian voters to spoil their election ballots as a form of protest, instead of abandoning the democratic process altogether.
TUC protests to ILO over Govt strike poll move
A Bahamian trade union body has complained to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the “substantial limitation” that will be imposed on worker industrial action by the Government’s proposed legal changes.
Investor sceptical on BOB lawsuit merits
An outspoken Bank of the Bahamas minority investor yesterday expressed scepticism over whether investors could successfully sue for compensation via a class action-type lawsuit.
Memories pull-out ‘horrible’ for GB tourism industry
Memories’ confirmation that it “vacated” its Freeport resort on Sunday, making several hundred employees redundant, was last night described as “horrible news” for Grand Bahama’s economy and tourism industry.
500 Chinese permits an ‘arbitrary’ Pointe
An ex-Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday slammed the “arbitrary” justification for granting 400-500 Chinese work permits at The Pointe, and questioned who would ensure Bahamians comprised 70 per cent of the workforce.
House uproar over VAT
AMID calls for government transparency over value added tax (VAT) collections, a war of words erupted in the House of Assembly yesterday between government MPs and opposition forces that have rejected the Christie administration’s attempts to justify how the tax revenue has been expended.
Beyond the VAT
THE explanation that Minister Halkitis gives for “ where da VAT money gone” may be adequate for the audience he addressed at the PLP convention, but his dismal attempt to sell that snowball to a listening public deserves all of the heat that it is getting.
Measure of success
I refer to The Tribune’s article on Thursday, January 12, regarding Prime Minister Perry Christie, along with the more recent revelation that he wishes to hold onto the baton for a while longer. Whilst I have not walked in the man’s shoes, I am astounded that as this point in time he truly believes that he and the current administration have not only done an outstanding job, but have excelled to such an extent as to warrant running for another term in office.
EDITORIAL: It’s time for the Opposition to get its act together
WITH only three months away from a general election there is no unified opposition to challenge and defeat a government that does not deserve another five years in power. Already on the brink of disaster, five more years of PLP-ism will be the death knell of a Bahamas that we once knew.
UPDATED: John Bostwick abandons appeal against ammunition conviction
FORMER Free National Movement Senator John Bostwick II abandoned his bid to appeal a conviction for possession of ammunition yesterday.
Men wanted in murder probe
POLICE in Grand Bahama have issued all points bulletins for three Bimini men that they believe can help with an open murder investigation.
PHA Unsung Heroes Awards to reward healthcare excellence
AN AWARDS programme to recognise and reward excellence, care and compassion in the Bahamas health care system launched on Wednesday as part of a ground breaking public-private partnership between the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the Tribune Media Group.
Baha Mar attracts 9,000 job seekers
Baha Mar’s recruitment drive has attracted 9,000 applicants in just two weeks, its top executive said yesterday, adding that despite the issues that have plagued the project in the past it still has “incredible brand equity”.
RIU PI closing ‘imminently’ for major upgrades
The RIU Palace Paradise Island will be closing its doors for renovations “imminently”, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general revealed yesterday.
Expedia: Bahamas bookings rise 20%
EXPEDIA, the world’s largest online travel company, yesterday said bookings to the Bahamas increased by 20 per cent during the 2016 third quarter.
Nurse Patricia Laing's winning smiles and hugs land prize
THE first winner of the PHA Unsung Heroes Award is veteran nurse Patricia Laing, who health officials praised yesterday as a stellar practitioner for her years of committed and noteworthy excellence.
Wednesday, February 1
UPDATED: 400 jobs to go at Memories
Sunwing pulls out after failing to reach deal with landlord
Hundreds of hotel workers will be made redundant at the Memories Resort in Grand Bahama after the hotel operator, Sunwing, and its landlord, Hutchison Whampoa, failed to reach an agreement over hurricane restoration at the beachfront resort in Lucaya.
Debate due to start today on Freedom of Information Act
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday presented the public consultation process for the highly-anticipated Freedom of Information Act as “very well received,” as the House of Assembly is expected to begin debate on the revised legislation today.
NHI registration of physicians begins
GOVERNMENT officials yesterday announced the launch of National Health Insurance’s primary care physician registration, which NHI senior officials said is a “critical milestone” that signals the “initiation” of the second phase of the government proposed scheme.
Ingraham: Get out and register
AS VOTER registration in the country remains sluggish - falling below numbers compared to this same period during the last election cycle - former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham encouraged Bahamians to register notwithstanding the inconveniences they are facing.
‘Shameful that Halkitis cannot explain where VAT has gone’
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said it is “shameful” that after two hours on the radio airwaves, Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis could not explain to the Bahamian people “where the VAT money gone”.
7th grade student had gun on campus
A SEVENTH grade male student of AF Adderley Junior High School brought a gun on the school’s campus Monday and was arrested by police, officials confirmed yesterday.
Fitzgerald: We’ve done all we can to end school violence
EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday said the onus for recent violent incidents on school campuses must fall on the wider society, further lamenting that officials have done everything they can to stop school violence.
Two men shot dead in Freeport
TWO MEN have died and police have a suspect in custody after a shooting incident in the early hours of Wednesday in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Minnis to unveil ‘change team’ in Grand Bahama
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will unveil his party’s economic recovery plan for Grand Bahama and introduce its “change team” at a mass rally next week in Grand Bahama.
PLP chairman: Picking Pintard is poor leadership
BRADLEY Roberts has called the Free National Movement’s ratification of former Chairman and Senator Michael Pintard “another demonstration of the poor leadership and judgment” of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
Drug suspect remanded
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Court hearing in armed raid case
A MAN awaiting trial for armed robbery appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday for a case management hearing.
Zonta Club seeks to raise funds for Ranfurly Home
THE Zonta Club of New Providence is looking to raise much-needed funds to assist in the construction of the country’s first transition home at the Ranfurly Home for Children.
Bahamas squandering ‘Caribbean’s best VAT’
Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) chief regional economist yesterday accused the Bahamas of squandering the Caribbean’s “most successful Value-Added Tax” by failing to act in a fiscally prudent manner.
Broker principal targets expansion after court win
A Bahamian broker/dealer’s principal yesterday said he plans to double staff to 60-80 persons by year-end, after a New Jersey court dismissed the US government’s securities fraud case against him.
Gov’t ‘blind’ to 75% deficit rise
The Government was yesterday urged to “take off the blinders” and curb its spending, with Opposition politicians describing the fiscal deficit’s 75 per cent expansion as “eerily similar” to the prior year’s performance.
Bahamas in region’s ‘lowest quartile’ on doing business ease
The Bahamas is “underperforming” rival Caribbean economies on the ‘ease of business’, with productivity, employment and GDP growth indicators “up to 50 per cent below” nations of comparable size.
Exchange control changes to Govt during February
The Government will receive proposals for further exchange control liberalisation targeted at the private sector next month, in a bid to boost an “underperforming” economy that contributed to the Bahamas’ ‘junk’ downgrade.
TOUGH CALL: Opposition forces must tap into popular outrage
AS we head into the second month of 2017, the political battle lines for the upcoming general election are becoming clearer.
25 trained clinical nurses to work in Grand Bahama
GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville applauded a new initiative that recently produced 25 trained clinical nurses, graduates of a programme that is the collaboration of the Public Hospitals Authority, the University of The Bahamas and the Ministry for Grand Bahama.
The Bahamas to host Inter-American education meeting
EDUCATION officials yesterday announced plans to host the ninth Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Education in conjunction with Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Father found guilty of abetment of murder
COGEN Newbold Sr, of Freeport, was found guilty of abetment to murder in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama yesterday.
Lions, Mystic Marlins, Pitbulls take openers
The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association continued its postseason at the Kendal Isaacs Gym last night with HO Nash Lions, the Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins and the DW Davis Pitbulls winning their respective opening games of their best-of-three championship series.
Call for electoral system to be more transparent, more egalitarian
A GROUP of civil society organisations are calling on Bahamians to help design an electoral system that is “less cumbersome, more transparent, more fair and more egalitarian” than the one the country currently has.
Francis Ford Coppola develops ‘Apocalypse Now’ video game
Francis Ford Coppola wants to make an “Apocalypse Now” video game and he’s hoping fans will help pay for it.
Entrepreneurs race to develop flying car
Even before George Jetson entranced kids with his cartoon flying car, people dreamed of soaring above traffic congestion. Inventors and entrepreneurs have long tried and failed to make the dream a reality, but that may be changing.
OFFICIAL RESULTS: Barracuda/Leno Corporate Services Invitational
• RESULTS of the Barracuda Swim Club’s Leno Corporate Services Invitational at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the weekend:
SPORTS NOTES
THE New Providence Basketball Association is slated to play one game at 8pm tonight when the Mr Ship It Freight Regulators take on the Pirates at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.
Women, like men, making inroads in the relays
WHEN it comes to athletics, The Bahamas is a nation of relays, and although it has been the men’s 4x400 metre relay that has been the cream of the crop in recent times, the women’s unit has made significant inroads.
LOC releases ticket prices for the 3rd IAAF World Relays Bahamas
THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 3rd IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2017 has released ticket prices for the big event set for April 22-23 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.
‘Super Bowl’ of sailing all set
THE ‘Super Bowl’ of sailing will be held over the weekend of February 18-19 when the 30th ‘Catch Me If You Can’ St Valentine’s Massacre is held in Montagu Bay.
‘Fantastic Four’ all set for the Davis Cup tie
THE stage is set for the American Zone II Davis Cup tie this weekend at the Doral Park Country Club in Miami, Florida.
Housebreaking suspects arrested after chase
TWO suspected housebreakers were arrested after they allegedly led police on a high-speed chase that ended in South Beach.
Man in hospital after drive-by shooting
A MAN is in hospital after he was wounded during a drive by shooting after 4pm on Tuesday.
PLP is the best choice
One may say or think whatever they wish about the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) but my party has always risen to the internal and external challenges which we have ever encountered. We in the PLP do not give up; despair or break off running. We do not play that. The upcoming general elections will be ours to lose, God forbid.
Minnis should resign
AT the end of last year seven FNM MPs upheld a vote of no confidence in Dr Hubert Minnis.
Mirage of support
PLP Nominating - the art of creating a mirage by lumping a number of candidates into one event and creating an image of a considerable support.
