Stories for July 2017

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Monday, July 31

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Storm brings flooding to Grand Bahama

HEAVY rain showers and thunderstorm activity from Tropical Storm Emily, which is passing near Florida, caused significant flooding in Grand Bahama on Monday.

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07312017 EDITION

Monday, 31st July, 2017.

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Gunmen murder bailed teenager

NEARLY two weeks after one senior police official urged persons out on bail for serious crimes “to stay home” or risk the chance of being killed, investigators are searching for two male suspects in a shooting incident that has left a teenage boy, suspected of being out on bail for housebreaking, dead on Saturday.

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Davis surprised PM refused to meet him

LEADER of the Official Opposition Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday seemed to downplay certain portions of his strongly worded letter sent to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis earlier this month, which suggested that the Progressive Liberal Party would possibly seek retribution over the arrests and prosecution of former PLP politicians.

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UPDATED: Man’s body found floating near Sand trap

POLICE will have to await the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death of a man discovered floating in waters off West Bay Street yesterday.

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Reformer says 'it's not a one pill cure'

The Bahamas will take “at least a decade” to escape its fiscal crisis, a governance reformer warning: “It’s not a one pill cure”.

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US warning over islands’ crime rate

THE United States Department of State has assessed New Providence and classified it as being a “critical” threat location for crime either directed at or affecting official US government interests, citing among other things that areas of Nassau referred to as “Over-the-Hill” should be avoided.

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INSIGHT: A bad investment - don’t you believe it

The Cable Bahamas (CAB) share price quoted on BISX has suffered a stunning fall of almost 40% in the last 18 months, from $6.50 to $4.00. EPS (earnings per share) dropped from $0.28 in 2014 to a loss of ($0.38) in 2017, and last year quarterly dividends on the ordinary shares were indefinitely suspended.

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INSIGHT: A bitter pill to swallow

LAST week the entire nation got the opportunity to hear from its leader as Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, as promised after winning the election, gave his first National Address as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Bahamians home and abroad listened intently to hear what cures the good doctor has in store to reverse the fate of a country that many feared was on the path to terminal illness under the previous administration.

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Former senior policeman Thompson turns 90

FORMER Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson celebrated his 90th birthday at a well-attended party at police headquarters on Saturday, surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues.

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Cartwright comes close to debut circuit title

IN her best showing so far on the professional tennis player, Bahamian Kerrie Cartwright just missed out on the opportunity to celebrate her first championship title on the International Te

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Caution urged over austerity measures

FORMER Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller on Friday cautioned the Minnis administration to be “very careful” in rolling out its new austerity measures, warning that the Free National Movement government “could cause a recession if you go too far”.

Bahamas 'drowning in unnecessary spending'

The Deputy Prime Minister has slammed the Opposition’s leader for raising fears of a “double-dip recession”, arguing that the Bahamas had endured negative growth for the past five years due to the former administration’s “ill-advised policies”.K P Tu

EDITORIAL: Don’t talk down the economy, says Fred Mitchell

FRED MITCHELL, former Foreign Affairs/Immigration Minister, now a member of the Senate, is already tired of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis “talking down” the economy. However, Mr Mitchell failed to suggest what part of the economy after his government’s dismal five years administration could honestly be “talked up”.

Minnis becomes a true leader

Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney), our erstwhile Prime Minister, has transformed himself into a “real” leader right before our eyes. This is remarkable in that less than a year ago, the good doctor had been written off by many Bahamians and political pundits. I must confess that while I had endorsed him to become leader of the badly demoralized FNM back in 2012, when he appeared on my then radio talk show, REAL TALK LIVE, I too had my initial doubts that he could rise to the occasion.

Govt’s Grand Lucayan plan ‘economic suicide’

A Freeport-based QC yesterday warned the Government that it will commit “economic suicide” if it takes an ownership stake in the Grand Lucayan’s rescue.

Guyana win rounds out Centrobasket challenge

By RENALDO DORSETTTribune Sports Reporterrdorsett@tribunemedia.net Team Bahamas ended Centrobasket the way it began, with a lopsided win over Guyana, but ultimately a disappointing seventh place finish.The Bahamas scored the 91-63 win to conclude the

Bringing back the death penalty

Re: Death penalty needed to stop murders. – The Tribune, 25 July, 2017.

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Miller says 'do it now' over death penalty plans

FORMER Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller on Friday praised National Security Minister Marvin Dames for having the “guts” to announce the Minnis administration’s plans to push for the enforcement of the death penalty, as he called on the government to “do i

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Bahamas returns home after 24th ranking in championships

By BRENT STUBBSSenior Sports Reporterbstubbs@tribunemedia.netTHE Bahamas women’s national team will be returning home from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Jr. Women’s Softball World Championship in Clearwater, Florida, with a 24th ra

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Hield: I have to give back to the people

By RENALDO DORSETTTribune Sports Reporterrdorsett@tribunemedia.net The inaugural Buddy Hield Workshop and Tournament featured several surprises, standout performances and a few surprises over the course of the two-day event last weekend at the Kendal

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It's another double double for All-Star Bahamian Jonquel Jones

By RENALDO DORSETTTribune Sports Reporterrdorsett@tribunemedia.net Jonquel Jones continues her post All-Star break momentum and tallied her 13th double double of the season in another win for her Connecticut Sun.Jones finished with 14 points, 13 rebo

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Flying the flag

IN less than five days, 25 athletes will be carrying the Bahamian flag as they get set to compete in the 16th International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays in London, Englan

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VIEW FROM AFAR: Getting down to the facts

Tourism is now more important to the people of The Bahamas than ever before so everything reasonable should be done to guarantee its success.

WORLD VIEW: The relevance and state of US-Caribbean relations – Part 3

THIS is the final of a three-part commentary discussing the relevance and state of US-Caribbean relations against the backdrop of a publication by the Washington-based, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), entitled, “The Relevance of US-Caribbean Relations – Three Views”. CSIS deserves the Caribbean’s thanks for addressing the issue which has been ignored for decades by US agencies, except in the context of their preoccupation with drug trafficking and refugees.

'Imperfect' Grand Lucayan rescue needs top operator

A Freeport hotelier believes the Government’s Grand Lucayan ‘rescue plan’ can work provided it does not interfere in management and operations.Magnus Alnebeck, Pelican Bay’s managing director, told Tribune Business that the Minnis administration’s pr

Multi-million 'Galaxy' brings fun to Nassau

A multi-million dollar family entertainment centre will today complete its first month in business, after filling a market niche many parents and children were “crying out for”.FunGalaxy, effectively a mini-version of Nassau’s annual carnival, spent

Insurers in corporate governance concern

The Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) yesterday called for the industry’s governing law to be changed because it makes no provision for the independent chairman named by the Minnis administration.The BIA said it backed the appointment of an indepen

Fisheries hope for crawfish 'repeat'

Bahamian fishermen are hoping the imminent 2017-2018 crawfish season is a “repeat” of last year’s, according to the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA) vice-president.“Everyone is getting ready and hoping that we have a good season like we h

Sunday, July 30

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UPDATED: Woman dies after being hit by truck

An elderly woman died after being struck by a truck on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway on Sunday morning.

Man dies cutting down tree

An American man died after being hit by a tree in Eleuthera on Sunday morning.

Saturday, July 29

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Man being electronically monitored shot dead off Claridge Road

A man who was being electronically monitored was shot dead off Claridge Road on Saturday morning.

Friday, July 28

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Freeport taxi drivers 'livelihoods at stake'

Freeport taxi drivers claim their livelihoods are at stake, especially now that Grand Bahama's major hotel property has closed its doors.

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07282017 EDITION

Friday, 28th, 2017.

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07282017 WEEKEND

Friday, 28th July, 2017.

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Four refugees held without charge at Detention Centre are released

THE four refugees held without charge at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for more than two years, have been released by the government.

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New BPL chairperson urges 'patience'

NEWLY appointed Bahamas Power and Light chairperson Darnell Osborne has urged “patience” among consumers while tying the new BPL Board to a loose timeline of a “few months” to enforce changes to spark improvements with the electricity provider.

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Skiff in fatal Defence Force collision 'had no lights'

THE inquest into the death of 25-year-old Christopher Turnquest continued Friday with a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer testifying that Mr Turnquest's skiff should not have been at sea the night of the accident because it was devoid of lights and the weather conditions were deteriorating.

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Man 'known to police' shot dead

A MAN who was "well known to police" was shot multiple times and killed early Friday morning off Mason's Addition.

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Turnquest: Tough decision but public won't suffer

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday denied claims that the Minnis administration is seeking to inflict “pain” with its conservative fiscal measures, insisting the government will not participate in “any action that is going to further cause the Bahamian people to suffer”.

Boards blunder naming two deceased

A GOVERNMENT official yesterday confirmed the list of appointments to statutory boards and committees contained numerous errors, inclusive of erroneous names and at least two deceased appointees.

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Outrage over BPL's $1.1m bonus money

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday railed against PowerSecure’s reported performance bonus of $1.1m under the former Christie administration, calling it “inconsistent with the desire for improved results” in electricity service from Bahamian consumers.

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Bahamas sprinter 'fails' drug test

A POSITIVE drug test of the A sample from one of the Bahamas sprinters on the men’s 4x100m relay team at the IAAF World Relays in April means there will be a change to the line-up at next week’s IAAF World Championships in London.

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10% cut - that's just for starters

THE government expects to achieve even more savings than the 10 per cent reduction in spending ordered for each ministry, according to Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest.

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Shark savages woman's foot

A SHARK attack has left a woman from Switzerland nursing severe wounds in hospital, police reported yesterday.

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Lucaya tenant: Too late for me, I’m off to T&C

The Government’s planned Grand Lucayan intervention has come too late for one Port Lucaya Marketplace tenant, who will close his store on Saturday and move to the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Minister admits Baha Mar room discounts 'slightly worrisome'

The Minister of Tourism yesterday admitted the steep promotional discounts being offered by Baha Mar were “slightly worrisome”, and asserted: “We definitely don’t want a price war.”Dionisio D’Aguilar, acknowledging the concerns of the $4.2 billion pr

'Drastic change' needed to hit 10% Govt cuts

A former finance minister yesterday praised the Prime Minister’s bid to slash the Government’s recurrent Budget by 10 per cent, but warned that structural impediments made it a hard target to hit.James Smith, also an ex-Central Bank governor, told Tr

DPM: No return to Hotel Corp era

The Government’s proposed Grand Lucayan rescue does not mark a return to the Hotel Corporation era, the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday reassuring its involvement would “definitely be short-term”.K Peter Turnquest, the Deputy Prime Minister, said the

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'Death penalty is the wrong way to tackle rising crime'

THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association yesterday urged the Minnis administration to reconsider its intention to push for the death penalty to be enforced to ensure criminals are punished to the full extent of the law.In a statement released on Thu

Why the Catholic Church bans gluten-free communion wafers

(THE CONVERSATION) A recent letter from the Vatican reminded the world’s Catholic bishops of a rule mandating the use of wheat gluten for the celebration of the Eucharist, a Christian liturgical service called the Mass by Catholics.Reactions were imm

Women to be honoured at Mothers and Daughters' Global Conference

CHRISTIAN women from all around the world will come together in Nassau next week for the Mothers and Daughters Ministries’ ninth annual Global Conference. The Global Conference and honoree services will be held July 31 - August 6 at the Meliá Nassau

Am I a good seed?

EACH one of us will have to answer this question for ourselves, ‘Am I wheat or weed? Am I a child of the King or of the evil one?’In Matthew 13: 36-43 NIV we find the story of the weeds that are secretly sown in a wheat field. Here is the Lord’s expl

A tribute to the late Dr Bernard J Nottage

BECAUSE of Dr Bernard J Nottage I have full appreciation of the oft sung hymn, “Count your many blessings; name them one by one…”Bear with me as I count those blessings God manifested in me through Dr Nottage.It was a blessing to have been rector of

Bishop Jacqueline McCullough tovisit Nassau for 'Super Sunday'

World-renowned preacher Bishop Jacqueline McCullough aims to stimulate minds an souls when she appears as the featured guest speaker during Golden Gates Outreach Ministry’s first ever “Refresh” conference this Sunday. Bishop McCullough is fresh off h

Tribune is out of touch

I’m not sure what happened, but it seems as if The Tribune is a bit out of touch with the sentiment of the public lately. For example, what on earth was with their headline on Thursday?

NHI wastage

On May 31, you printed a letter from me questioning why government should continue with NHI. In that letter it stated...

No more tit for tat

Wayne Munroe seems to be gearing up to attempt to blackmail the FNM government and PM Dr Hubert Minnis by presenting his alleged list of corrupt FNM politicians, past and present, to the Anti-Corruption Unit. Based on my understanding of his comments to the media, his latest venture is not even sanctioned by the PLP top brass. With or without their approval, Munroe intends to flex his legal muscle by taking on the FNM government unilaterally.

EDITORIAL: GOVERNMENT SHOULD LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE

THE RECENT shake-up of the Trump administration’s communications team is a reminder of the importance, in a media-savvy world, of public presentation which can play a major role in determining the success or failure of any government.

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Tanzanian swimmers get personal bests in CYG swimming

EVERYBODY knows that their forte has been distance running, but Tanzania is also spreading their sporting prowess to swimming.

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Tongo’s team defies the odds to get to the Bahamas

SOME countries have the luxury of picking and choosing where to take their national team to train and compete. Not so Tongo, who defied the odds to get their three-member team here for the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games.

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Tek Team keeps things ticking over at CYG

TECHNOLOGY played a major role in the success of the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games last week and a group of local experts led by Trevor Moss had a lot to do with it.

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THE FINISH LINE: Low turnout, but a first class event

For six days, top athletes from more than 60 countries participated here in the sixth edition of the Olympic-style Commonwealth Youth Games.

SPORTS NOTES

SWIMMING: CARGILL ELECTED TO FINA BUREAU BAHAMAS Swimming Federation president Algernon Cargill has been elected to serve as a member of the FINA Bureau. The election took place at the FINA General Congress that was held in Budapest, Hungary over

Women's softball team beaten 17-0 by top ranked Japan

THE top ranked Japan team stomped the Bahamas 17-0 as the round robin segment of the XII Women’s Softball World Championship was completed yesterday in Clearwater, Florida.While Japan emerged on top of the Section B standings with a perfect 6-0 win-l

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Bahamas beaten by Mexico, 83-75

Team Bahamas suffered an 83-75 loss to Mexico in their second game of the FIBA Centrobasket Men’s U17 Championships in the Dominican Republic.Trailing by two with just over two minutes left to play, the Bahamas squandered several opportunities down t

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Buddy Hield to host basketball workshop

Buddy Hield’s busy offseason will include several stops back home for a series of community outreach initiatives.First on the schedule will be the inaugural Buddy Hield Workshop and Tournament today and tomorrow at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.The wor

Pirates Cove to host poker event

THE first annual Pirate’s Cove Car Poker Run event will take place in Grand Bahama on Saturday when some 100 competitors will be competing for cash prizes, ranging from $400 to $2,000. Other exciting events are also planned for August 5 and August 7.

Govt assistance for Port Lucaya Marketplace

KWASI Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, has indicated that the government will step in and help Port Lucaya Marketplace while continuing urgent dialogue into the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort. He did not give many details, but promise

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Bulldozers to move in to evict association

THE Ambassador Corral International Association (ACIA), which, at one point, cared for as many as 60 people on its Pine Barren Road property, is preparing today to leave the site after its eviction.ACIA managing director Michael Bullard said his fail

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Bombshells and mis-spells

So during his address to the nation this week, Prime Minister Minnis dropped a fiscal bomb; government ministries will have to cut their spending by 10% and no current contracts for workers making in excess of $100,000 will be renewed.

Demand for answers on plans for growth

THE Progressive Liberal Party has called on the government to articulate plans for economic growth, adding that the Minnis administration’s recently announced austerity measures in the absence of a growth plan that will likely trigger a double dip re

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Decide on reductions first - then the amount to cut

GOWON Bowe, president of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, yesterday said the government appeared to be “working backward” on its plans to cut back on the country’s expenses, claiming the reductions should have been announced during the

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Man awaits sentencing for $2,500 fraud

A MAN, who yesterday admitted to committing fraud, will return to Magistrate’s Court next week for sentencing.Renaud Bethel, 44, stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux facing charges of fraud by false pretences, possession of a forged documen

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Christie's call for judge recusal rejected

THE Court of Appeal has ruled there were no prospects of success for former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s application for leave to begin appellate proceedings into a judge’s decision not to recuse herself from judicial review cases involving constr

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Inquest begins at last into death after skiff struck by RBDF vessel

THE coroner’s inquest into the death of Christopher Turnquest got underway yesterday with the court presented with testimony on sea conditions, weather patterns and the varying extent of vessel damage after the October 2016 incident.Through nearly an

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Gray: I have nothing to hide

FORMER Minister of Agriculture V Alfred Gray yesterday denied tabloid reports that he was assisting police with any investigation into alleged wrongdoing in his ministry and related agencies.Mr Gray rebuffed speculation that he was involved in any an

Chamber chair tells Gov't to identify 'change' agents

The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday urged the Government to identify the timelines and persons for delivering “change in government”, adding that “value” in public spending is now key.Michael Maura told Tribune Business that the Minnis admin

Union seeks assurances on previous Govt deals

A senior Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) executive yesterday admitted the union was concerned over potential job and benefit cuts, given the Government’s pledge to slash spending by 10 per cent.Kingsley Ferguson, the BPSU’s executive vice-preside

IAN FERGUSON: The good and bad of trade unions

There is little doubt that the trade union movement in the Bahamas continues to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for workers. Great men and women in our history have laboured to develop organisations aimed at advancing the standar

DPM 'confident' 10% spend cut can be hit

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said he was “confident” that the Government will be able to slash recurrent spending by 10 per cent, and suggested even more savings could be realised through ongoing expenditure reviews.K Peter Turnquest, who is a

Ministers tour GB Shipyard

Cabinet ministers and senators toured the Grand Bahama Shipyard yesterday in their first official visit since the new administration took office in May.They met with company executives in a closed meeting about plans at the Shipyard, and then given a

BAMSI officers give Caribbean update on farming progress

A team from the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) gave presentations on its progress at the 53rd annual meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS) earlier this month.The annual gathering, which brings together scientist

Thursday, July 27

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07272017 EDITION

Thursday, 27th July, 2017.

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Govt to take stake in Grand Lucayan

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed in his national address last night the government is negotiating to become temporary joint owners of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama in a bid to boost the hotel until it can sell off its equity.

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‘Politicians can’t get rich leaving the poor behind’

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said last night it is “unfair and unjust” for politicians to accumulate considerable wealth from corruption, while the citizens of a country, especially the poor, are left behind.

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Family waits again as RBDF legal team not ready for case

GRIEVING family members of Christopher Turnquest, a 25-year-old who was killed in a boating accident involving the Royal Bahamas Defence Force last year, will have to wait until today for the inquest into their loved one’s death to begin as the matter was adjourned yesterday because the legal team for the law enforcement agency had not been properly briefed.

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Minnister of Pain: PM swings axe to turn round economy

MAKING good on his promise to slash government expenses in an effort to balance the country’s books, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last night announced a variety of conservative fiscal measures, including a ten per cent cut in spending in all government ministries and no new public sector hiring.

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Long Island swoop stops over 100 Haitian migrants

TWO days after some 60 migrants were apprehended on Little Inagua, Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrols on Tuesday apprehended more than 100 Haitian migrants near Long Island.

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Strategic approach as police starts anti-crime operation

IN the face of several recent shootings that have occurred in broad daylight, police in the capital yesterday formally introduced a new crime fighting strategy, Securing the Inner City Strategically, aiming to apprehend would be offenders in the act.

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PM says it’s no go for more NPO

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said his “mouth is on lockdown” as he sought to contextualise his use of the medical term “NPO” on Tuesday in response to questions over whether he would meet with Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis following the latter’s strongly worded letter to him regarding PLP arrests.

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Bail hearing next week for murder accused

A SUSPECT awaiting trial on a murder charge will have his bail application heard next week.Shawn McPhee and his lawyer Calvin Seymour appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs seeking pre-trial release for McPhee before his October 10 trial befor

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Audit to be launched for Gaming Board

NEWLY-appointed Gaming Board Chairman Kenyatta Gibson yesterday told The Tribune an audit of the board’s finances and a status review of the gaming house industry are first on the new panel’s agenda.

Sandals chief: Bahamas 'can't afford' discount war

Sandals Royal Bahamian’s top executive yesterday revealed that the all-inclusive chain shares Atlantis’s Baha Mar fears, arguing that the Bahamas “can’t afford” a rate discounting war.Gary Williams, the resort’s general manager, told Tribune Business

Govt urged: Cut spending to level before recession

The Government was yesterday urged to focus on cutting spending to pre-recession levels, with the Prime Minister’s plan for a 10 per cent across-the-board spending slash hailed as “a good first step”.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Acc

Realtor urges 'total rethink' of investor approval process

A prominent realtor has urged the Government to “completely rethink” the approval process for foreign real estate purchases, suggesting it had contributed to remote Family Islands becoming “economic wastelands”.John Christie, H. G. Christie Ltd’s chi

Mega hotels must collaborate to hit 'even keel' state

The Government and major hotels need to collaborate on a “brand Bahamas” strategy to prevent ‘cannibalisation’ and ensure the industry remains on “an even keel”, a former tourism minister urged yesterday.Obie Wilchcombe told Tribune Business that the

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Minister: We must stop the catastrophe of traffic deaths

THE Bahamas has already recorded just over half the number of road traffic fatalities in 2017 that it recorded last year, according to the latest traffic fatality statistics.The numbers, revealed by Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Cam

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Appeal court rejects woman's appeal over killing of husband

THE Court of Appeal has dismissed a woman’s appeal against her manslaughter conviction in relation to her husband’s killing.The court was not convinced that a lawyer being given an extra day to prepare his client’s defence would have increased the ch

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Twenty-one athletes are named for the IAAF Worlds

ALTHOUGH they are still waiting on the final approval of the remaining members of the team, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has released the names of 20 athletes for the IAAF World Championships.With the team scheduled to travel on M

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MENTAL HEALTH OF THE NATION: Our evolving understanding of issues of gender

“Gender equality is not a woman’s issue, it is a human issue, it affects us all.” – Unknown.“WHAT gender am I?” Most of us have not had to ask this question, but many have. The simplistic answer that there are two sexes and that is it, no longer sits

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An historic week of firsts for judo at 6th Commonwealth Youth Games

JUDO is a burgeoning discipline in the Bahamian athletic arena, and the skills of many competitors were on display in mega-fashion with the sport’s entrance to the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG).The international six-day event featured an historic we

Training begins for drug treatment professionals in Grand Bahama

TWENTY individuals from the public and private sectors on Monday began training to become certified drug treatment professionals in Grand Bahama.

QC brands Govt’s non-profit finance demand ‘unlawful’

A prominent QC yesterday branded the Registrar General’s demands of non-profit organisations (NPOs) as “unlawful”, having warned the Christie administration of regulatory deficiencies almost three years ago.

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Lucius Fox assigned to Charlotte Stone Crabs at the Single A-Advanced level

LUCIUS Fox is on the move in the minor leagues once again after he received another promotion in the Tampa Bay Rays franchise.Fox was assigned to the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League at the Single A-Advanced level.The 20-year-old sho

EDITORIAL: ‘Brave’ Davis predicts 2022 win for PLP

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, now leader of a four-member Opposition in the new House of Assembly, is confident that given time his party will return to lead the country.

Must We Handcuff All Defendants?

Since when did the pursuit of justice start with the public humiliation of an accused person? For too long we have sat on the sidelines and watched as defendants in criminal cases are brought before magistrates and judges handcuffed, shackled at the feet and escorted by the burliest officers on the Police Force.

Listen to the truth, Mr Davis

Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis likened PLP MP Chester Cooper to “a child who tells the truth no matter what the cost” for his very candid assessment of their party’s recent election loss.

Problems facing Harbour Island

I spent the past weekend in beautiful Harbour Island. The ride from Nassau to Harbour Island and back is a beautiful experience, especially if the boat is not too “jammed up”.

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Bahamas routs Guyana 114-63

The Bahamas delivered a statement to the remainder of the field with a dominant performance in the opening game of the FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Men’s Championship.Led by the Dominic Bridgewater and Grevaughn Goodman backcourt that accounted for 50

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Women's national softball team suffers 12-1 loss to Australia

Following an opening game win, the Bahamas’ losing streak at the WBSC’s XII Junior Women’s Softball World Championship was extended to three yesterday. The Bahamas lost 12-1 to Australia as group play continued yesterday at the Eddie Moore Softball

Stem cell centre names Bahamian as president

The new owners of a Freeport-based stem cell therapy clinic have named Vincent R. Burton as its president.Black Beret Life Sciences, the life sciences investment and management arm of the Houston-based Bosarge Family Office, named Dr Burton to head t

Royal Bahamian boost from Antigua closure

Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday said the temporary closure of the all-inclusive chain’s Antigua property had steered more business to the Cable Beach-based resort, with the “biggest impact” expected in early December.Gary Williams, Sandals Royal Bah

Tourism and partners honour July 'champion'

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and its partners have honoured John Ronald Darville, a public officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, as July’s ‘Tourism Champion’. This is the first time a representative from the public

SUPERGREEN SOLUTIONS: Avoiding cost, discomfort when BPL does its thing

How much does it cost when your power goes out? I know people who spent many hundreds of dollars running their generator after Hurricane Matthew last year. Since hurricane season is knocking at our door again, it is a question worth asking. Business

Bahamas First seminar aids hurricane readiness

Bahamas First recently held a free public education seminar to help Bahamians better prepare for this year’s hurricane season.Staged under the topic, Hurricane Prep 101, the event took place at the British Colonial Hilton and featured a presentation

Past Baha Mar 'missteps' undermining airlift growth

New resort developers should “bear the responsibility” for attracting new airlift to the Bahamas, Atlantis’s top executive warning: “You can’t wait until the last minute.”Howard Karawan, the Atlantis president and managing director, who also serves a

Wednesday, July 26

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07262017 EDITION

Wednesday, 26h July, 2017.

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350 jobs in RIU revamp

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes said yesterday more than 350 local construction workers will be engaged during the upcoming renovation of the Riu Palace on Paradise Island.

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PLP road back to power ‘not easy’

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis called Exuma MP Chester Cooper’s evaluation of the Progressive Liberal Party’s election defeat “a newbie assessment” and - while accepting some of the critique - likened him to a child who tells the truth, no matter the cost.

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Minnis rules out Davis’ call to meet

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he would not meet with Leader of the Opposition Philip “Brave” Davis as he dismissed concerns about being the subject of payback following a letter from the PLP leader.

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Vasyli retrial: Appeal judges throw out murder verdict

THE Court of Appeal yesterday ordered a retrial for Donna Vasyli, who was convicted of the 2015 stabbing death of her millionaire husband.

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Parliamentary Privilege appeal formally withdrawn

THE parliamentary privilege appeal that was previously lodged by the Crown under the Christie administration was formally withdrawn and dismissed in the Court of Appeal yesterday.

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Christian Council: Line crossed in demand for financial records

NEW Bahamas Christian Council President Delton Fernander said the government has crossed the line by demanding that churches produce their financial records in 14 days to comply with non-profit organisation (NPO) regulations.

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Reduction in violent incidents in schools

THERE has been a “downtick” in the number of reported incidences of school violence, Education Director Lionel Sands said yesterday, who attributed the decline to heightened school security measures and local police support.

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Atlantis chief admits Baha Mar 'cannibalisation' fear

Atlantis’s top executive yesterday admitted he fears ‘market cannibalisation’ as a result of Baha Mar’s opening, warning that pricing “into the Christmas season” has already been impacted.Howard Karawan, the Paradise Island resort’s president and man

QC demands DPM retract Freeport as ‘smuggling gateway’

A prominent QC yesterday demanded that the Deputy Prime Minister retract his assertion that Freeport is “a smuggling gateway”, arguing that it had “tarred every business with the same brush”.

Atlantis targeting $130m investment by end-2018

Atlantis’s top executive yesterday revealed that the Paradise Island destination resort is likely to invest a further $130 million to upgrade its amenities by 2018 year-end.Howard Karawan, its president and managing director, said “north of $80 milli

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Rolle takes NIB ministerial role

GARDEN Hills MP Brensil Rolle is now the substantive minister of the public service and the National Insurance Board more than two months after he was sworn in as a minister of state, confirmed Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday. Speaking to

Employer redundancy cap fears 'overblown'

Employer concerns over an increase in redundancy pay were yesterday branded as “overblown”, a senior trade union leader suggesting the current ‘cap’ should be doubled.Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, told Tribune Business tha

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CULTURE CLASH: Raising questions over the future of democracy

The results of the 2017 general election left The Bahamas in good spirits. Many of us have been in celebration mode for months, and insistent that we all temper our demands with patience and manage our expectations of the new FNM-led administration.

Legalise marijuana

I write in reference to a letter advocating for the legalisation of marijuana which was published in your daily on 20/7/17.

Threats to Minnis

Bahamians remember that in June PLP Chairman emeritus Errington “Minky” Isaacs threatened to strike PM Dr Hubert Minnis in the mouth after the PM had revealed in the House that Isaacs had received a very lucrative BPL contract under the Christie administration. The threat made national headlines.

WHISTLE WHILE YOU FLY A KITE

There is in this country a long-standing tradition of eloquent men who choose to share their opinions with the wider world behind a veil of anonymity. That is their choice and I do not harbour strong feelings one way or the other.

EDITORIAL: Trump blusters, while China fills void

EACH week brings a new and different Donald Trump departure from established and accepted norms. There are outrageous tweets, inconsistent and even contradictory interviews, claims that the establishment American media almost immediately brands as lies, and now, further evidence of personal behaviour that would be regarded as rude at a neighbourhood dinner party.

Chamber chief backs nationalising Grand Lucayan 'if all fails'

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday backed a Government takeover of the Grand Lucayan “if all else fails”, arguing that the Bahamas must do “whatever it takes” to secure its imminent re-opening.Mick Holding told Tribune Busines

Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina to host Wahoo Smackdown IX

ALICE TOWN, BIMINI — Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, host to some of The Bahamas’ most legendary fishing tournaments, is pleased to announce that Wahoo Smackdown IX is set for November 9-12.The ever-popular and authentic Bahamian offshore tou

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Sir Durward Knowles oldest living Olympic gold medallist in world

OUR very own national hero and philanthropist Sir Durward Knowles, who won the first ever Olympic gold medal for the Bahamas in 1964, is now the oldest living Olympic gold medallist in the world.Sir Durward, who sailed to a first-place finish in the

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Bahamas’ Stanhope 24th overall in World Rowing U-23 Championships

William Stanhope closed out his first 2017 World Rowing U-23 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Sunday.

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Team Bahamas all set for CBC U-17 boys’ tournament

AFTER winning the Caribbean Basketball Championship under-16 boys’ title last year, Quinton ‘Three Ounce’ Hall is hoping that the Bahamas men’s national basketball team will duplicate the feat at the CentroBasket Under-17 Tournament.

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Top swimmers get in gear for FINA World Juniors

FRESH off their silver-medal performances at the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games, Izaak Bastian and Lilly Higgs, along with Tyler Russell, are gearing up for their participation in the FINA World Jr Championships next month.

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Women's national softball team suffers two consecutive losses

After getting off to an impressive start, the Bahamas suffered two consecutive losses yesterday as round robin play heated up at the XII Junior Worlds Softball Championships in Clearwater, Florida.The team, posing with the Bahamian flag, was featured

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FNM 'taking steps to correct' problems in NHI scheme

NEARLY a week after he admitted the National Health Insurance scheme’s “non-existent checks and balances” have left taxpayers totally exposed to fraud, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday insisted the Minnis administration was in the process of

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Govt to make legal moves to make justice more efficient

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said on Tuesday the Minnis administration will be “moving a series of bills through Parliament very shortly” in an effort to “improve the efficiency of justice in the country”.In an interview with reporters ahe

Public board appointees named

THE government has finally released its list of appointments to public boards and committees, with several Free National Movement (FNM) backbenchers and former FNM members of Parliament getting top posts.The listing, which was obtained by The Tribune

Anti-corruption investigations 'must be fair'

WHILE the Bahamas Christian Council supports efforts to combat corruption, it is calling for investigative processes to be “fair and balanced,” BCC President Delton Fernander said yesterday, as yet unexplored avenues exist to investigate corruption in a way that removes the appearance of a witch hunt.

Commonwealth to help modernise Govt debt

The Central Bank has signed an agreement with the Commonwealth Secretariat to help modernise the legal framework for managing the Government’s multi-billion dollar debt. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides for the joint funding of technica

Redundancy pay cap revisit 'not great idea'

The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday said it was “not a great idea” for the Government to be talking about increasing the redundancy pay cap “so soon” after its predecessor abandoned similar plans.Edison Sumner told Tribune Business th

Tuesday, July 25

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07252017 EDITION

Tuesday, 25th July, 2017.

Kentwan Smith signs with top level basketball team in Slovakia

BAHAMIAN pro basketball player Kentwan Smith is on the move again as he signed with a new club in a new country to continue his career.Smith agreed to terms with BK Levicki Patrioti of the Slovak Extraliga (SBL) - the top level of basketball in Slova

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‘Where is the respect?’ family demands as coroner is absent

AN inquest into the death of a man following a boating accident with a Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel last October was yesterday delayed to Wednesday due to the absence of Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez.

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Grand Lucayan nationalisation is ‘not out of bounds’

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday did not rule out the Government ‘nationalising’ Freeport’s Grand Lucayan resort, after a prominent attorney said such action is “not out of bounds”.

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Insurers claim NHI’s Secretariat is likely acting 'illegally'

THE Bahamas Insurance Association yesterday said it supports measures by the Minnis administration to stop, review and get right all aspects of National Health Insurance, adding that it is likely NHI’s Secretariat is “illegally” acting as an insurance company.

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US guest fined for Atlantis assaults

AN American visitor was spared an immediate prison sentence yesterday after he admitted to assaulting two Atlantis employees over the weekend.

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‘Death penalty needed to stop the murders’

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday the Minnis administration will push for the death penalty to be enforced in an effort to reduce the violent crime in the country.

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Student loan debts block scholarships

SCORES of scholarship applicants will be turned away by the Ministry of Education in the coming weeks as the Minnis administration continues its push to cut government expenses amidst the country’s dire financial outlook.

Law partner Dr Colin Hughes dies, aged 87

DR COLIN HUGHES, the youngest and last of the original partners of the law firm, McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, died in Australia on June 30 at the age of 87.

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GOOD TO KNOW: The price of convenience

It’s all about convenience. We all live busy, stressed-filled lives where everything has to happen fast. Most of us opt for a quick and convenient fast food meal rather than patiently preparing and enjoying a healthy home-cooked meal. We rather order stuff online and have it delivered to us the next day than sourcing for locally made products. We prefer to purchase our kale wrapped in plastic at the grocery store rather than planting, growing and harvesting it in our gardens. But what is the price we are paying for convenience?

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Bahamians asked to go ‘dunking for polio’

Following last year’s success, the Rotary Club of New Providence will once again be hosting “A Dunking for Polio” in aid of the international service organisation’s mission to end polio.

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OFF THE SPECTRUM: Hope Rising

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a complex, neurodevelopment disorder characterised by repetitive patterns of behaviour and difficulties with social communication. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders)

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Dancing with heart

For many Bahamians, the love of dancing is ingrained in them. Whether we’re pointing our toes in dance class, getting down at every backyard party, or living vicariously through the Junkanooers parading down Bay Street, dance is embedded in our hearts and in our culture.

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Finding light in dark spaces

Abuse survivor shares her story

Cupboards have played an important role in Cheryl Ann Gajadhar’s life – they were the spaces which offered her refuge as a sexually abused and suicidal child.

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How can you get unstuck?

Many of us have probably never actually been stuck in quicksand, but we can surely imagine that it must be a suffocating and paralysing experience. It is said that when stuck in quicksand, the more you wiggle, the deeper you sink. Nobody wants to be

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THE PRESS BOX: Up close and personalin the NFL's AFC South

NFL Kick Off Sunday 2017 draws even nearer and, as promised, over the coming weeks I will preview each division in the NFL. As your favourite teams head into training camp, we will bring you up close to the action with the hottest camp battles for s

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Bahamas set to face guadeloupe in FIVB world qualifier

WITH a more youthful team this time around, head coach Jason Saunders said he’s still confident that the Bahamas will perform very well at the FIVB World Championship Qualifier Round 2 and Caribbean Volleyball Championship.Saunders, assisted by Marga

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Youthful Fed Cup teamdoesn't advance in Panama

THE Bahamas’ youthful team of Iesha Shepherd, Sydney Clarke, Elana Mackey and Sierra Donaldson didn’t advance out of the Americas Zone II Fed Cup tie after posting a 1-3 win-loss record last week in Panama City, Panama.The team, captained by Chelsea

Women's national softball team blanks Israel 10-0

THE Bahamas women’s national team went on a scoring rampage as they blanked Israel in their opening game of the XII Junior World’s Softball World Championships in Clearwater, Florida.The team, managed by Stephen ‘Bishop’ Beneby, pulled off a 10-0 win

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30th Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball camp gets underway

AS they approach another milestone, the 30th edition of the Jeff Rodgers Summer Basketball camp got underway yesterday and organisers expect it to be another landmark event.This year’s camp will operate from the courts on the outside of the Kendal Is

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Bringing home bronze: Martin Holland shines in long jump

THE Bahamas returned from the XIX Pan American Under-20 Track and Field Championships in Trujillo, Peru, with just one medal over the weekend.

PLP mismanagement

The former PLP Government’s actions will have a lasting impact on the minds of the Bahamian people of its mismanagement of the economy, crime, unemployment and increasing the debt with spending.

Apologies for the corruption

Two PLP apologists have come to the rescue of their scandal-ridden party: Rodney Moncur and one Andrew Allen. Moncur is nursing a grudge against the FNM after it decided not to give him a nomination before the election. The former Workers Party leader, DNA candidate and Loretta Butler-Turner Senate appointee appears to be suffering from political schizophrenia. He is a political opportunist and, in my opinion an impostor who will probably be begging the PLP for a nomination in 2022, life last.

EDITORIAL: Five Easy Pieces, Hold the Anger

IN THE 1970 movie Five Easy Pieces that catapulted Jack Nicholson from character actor to rising star capable of portraying emotions from tenderness to fury with equal and absolute perfection, the most famous scene depicts the full range of feelings.

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FNMs respond to Davis letter over corruption

STATE Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson yesterday cautioned against making arbitrary public statements based on emotions, as he called on aggrieved Bahamians and public officials to petition the Supreme Court should the actions of government officials constitute a breach in the law.

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Freeport Incentive Act tobe replaced with new plan

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest told business leaders on Grand Bahama the government will amend and replace the Freeport Incentive Act 2016 with a more progressive plan.Mr Turnquest was speaking at the Grand Bahama Cha

YOUR SAY: Stop the Blame Game

THERE has been a lot of agitation and blame about “foreigners” raping our marine and fisheries resources. In my view, this debate and blame game is misconceived and futile. Simply blaming the “foreigner” and focusing on “foreign” depletion and exploi

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Man in hospital after shooting in Abaco

ABACO police are investigating a shooting incident on that island that has resulted in one man being airlifted to the Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence.According to police reports, shortly after 10pm on Friday, a male employee was leaving

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Countdown to Olympic legend's 100th birthday

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling, One Bahamas, Rotary Club and Aliv met yesterday at Government House to announce the launch of a 100-day countdown to Sir Durward Knowles’ 100th birthday.Sir Durward is a Bahamian sailing legend.He, with the

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Man Accused of Giving False Statement To Police

A MAN appeared in court yesterday accused of giving a false statement to a police officer.Cerlderon Brown, 27, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing a charge of perverting the course of justice, which was brought under Section 426 of the Pen

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Man Jailed For Clothing Store Break-In

A MAN was sent to prison for three years yesterday for breaking into a clothing store.Eltario Munroe, 36, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney facing a charge of shop-breaking, an offence under Section 362 of the Penal Code.It was alleged that som

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INNER CITY VOICES: Hope in the inner city - as voters want change

THE Minnis administration’s promise of urban development and inner-city tax breaks have seemingly restored hope and optimism of a brighter future to residents in the Bain and Grants Town community, many of them telling The Tribune they believe “the veil has been lifted” which once separated elected officials from the common man.

CORRECTION

IN a photo caption printed on page one of Monday’s edition of The Tribune, under the headline “Commonwealth Gold For Mixed Relay Team” one of the gold medalists was incorrectly identified as Kayvon Higgs.However, Kayvon Stubbs was the gold medal winn

Non-profit ‘stress’ over Govt’s grant demands

The Government was yesterday warned not to treat non-profit organisations “like businesses”, although a civil society advocate said the sector was not necessarily opposed to greater regulation.

Minister overrides system for NHI patient equality

The Minister of Health has been forced to increase the stress on “an already over burdened” public healthcare system to ensure equality for National Health Insurance’s (NHI) 25,000-plus beneficiaries.

Doctors’ chief calls for NHI ‘scrapping’

The Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president says he “can’t understand” why the Government is so reluctant to “scrap” the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme and go back to the drawing board.

Realtor urges revival of ‘Economic Citizenship’

A prominent realtor has urged the Bahamas to again consider implementing an ‘Investor Citizenship’ programme, arguing that it will be “really beneficial” to the economy and local jobs.

Mixed non-profit reaction to Registrar General demands

Non-profit organisations yesterday gave mixed reactions to the Registrar General’s demand that they produce their financial statements, with some saying they had “nothing to hide” and others arguing it would be easier to “wind-up”. Leslie Vanderpool,

BISX prices go in opposite direction to global indices

Listed share prices on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) continue to move in the opposite direction to their global counterparts, with the exchange’s All-Share Index down 3.78 per cent for the half-year.The Index, which only measur

Monday, July 24

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07242017 EDITION

Monday, 24th July, 2017.

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Clean-up begins after blaze at Rand Memorial

CLEAN-UP efforts are underway at the Rand Memorial Hospital following Friday’s fire and some of the evacuated patients are now back in the hospital.

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Atlantis warns guests after cyber attack

A RECENT data security incident “may have compromised” the security of payment information of some customers who used debit or credit cards at food and beverage and retail locations at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island between November 1, 2016 and April 3, 2017, the hotel said.

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Police swamping streets to stamp out killings

POLICE are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of a man in Pinewood Gardens over the weekend.

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Mixed relay gold: Bahamas victorious in 4x200m

Denvaughn Whymns was so disappointed in himself with his two individual bronze-medal performances that he was more than determined to get the gold for the Bahamas’ mixed 4 x 200 metre relay team.

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Staff face 3-month layoff as RIU closes

MORE than 100 employees at the Riu Palace hotel are expected to retain their jobs notwithstanding a three-month $25m renovation scheduled to begin today which will require the property to close its doors temporarily.

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Officers suspended over booze video

TWO officers caught on video riding in a police squad car, one holding a bottle of Kalik while they appeared to ignore a call from the Police Control Room, have been suspended, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said yesterday.

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Davis lashes out over PLP arrests

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last week regarding criminal probes into Progressive Liberal Party politicians, warning: “When you set out to dig a grave for your enemy, dig two.”

Foreign debt breaching ex-minister's 25% 'goal'

Foreign holdings of the Bahamas’ sovereign debt are higher than “the manageable range” targeted by a former finance minister, who fears this could increasingly drain the external reserves.James Smith, also an ex-Central Bank governor, told Tribune Bu

Doctor non-payment complaints 'won't be last' NHI problem

The Minister of Health yesterday admitted that doctors’ complaints about not being paid by National Health Insurance (NHI) are “unlikely to be the last” revelation concerning the scheme’s woes.Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business that private doctors

Realtors: 'The recession has finally disappeared'

Major Bahamian realtors are reporting a “significant uptick” in business for the 2017 first half, with one telling Tribune Business: “The recession is finally gone.”John Christie, H. G. Christie Ltd’s chief executive, said the company was enjoying “o

Freeport abused as 'smuggling gateway'

The Minister of Finance says the Government will soon extend its crackdown on tax cheats to Grand Bahama, arguing that Freeport was being “used as a smuggling gateway to the rest of the Bahamas”.K P Turnquest told a Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce l

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INSIGHT: China asserts authority over Hong Kong

Following the 20th anniversary of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong to China, Peter Young offers a personal view about developments . . .

CORRECTION

IN Friday’s edition of The Tribune, it was erroneously reported in a headline on page five that Dino Nixon was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court for a recent killing in Fox Hill.

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FNM ‘spiteful’ to civil servants over politics

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts has accused the Minnis administration of being spiteful towards civil servants based on perceived political affiliation.

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INSIGHT: What do Bahamians know about cllimate change?

INTERNATIONAL experts consider The Bahamas to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, but what do Bahamians know about this issue?

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INSIGHT: Opening Pandora’s Box

ON the campaign trail, the mantra, “they gern’ to jail” reverberated throughout the islands. While some may have seen this as empty campaign rhetoric, the newly elected prime minister’s pledge on election night removed all doubt from the minds of the electorate. He indicated that anyone in government who was found to have been misusing or abusing their office would have something to fear from a Free National Movement Government. Bahamians sat back and waited with bated breath for what would come.

Use poor cyber rating to become 'top of food chain'

The Bahamas should use its “near bottom of the pile” cyber security ranking as motivation to become a “top of the food chain” hub for the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce a

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Mourners pay respects to Cleophas Adderley

HUNDREDS gathered at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday to say goodbye to Cleophas Adderley, the iconic Bahamian composer and choir director who died on July 5.

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‘Positive reviews after very successful games’

After six days of intense competition, Local Organising Committee chairman Romell Knowles was happy that the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games turned out to be the best ever.

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In its best showing ever, Bahamas 9th in swimming

ENGLAND and the Republic of South Africa finished with eight gold medals each to top the charts as swimming came to a close in the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Saturday night.

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Bahamas women 7th overall, men 11th and 12th in tennis

THEY may not have achieved their desired results in the final standings, but the Bahamas was able to end the beach volleyball competition with a pair of wins at the Commonwealth Youth Games.The women’s team finished seventh overall while the pair of

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England captures seven boxing finals

IN a dominating performance, England captured all seven boxing finals they competed in yesterday at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.As the competition came to a close, England secured five men and two women titles in

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India and Scotland take home tennis titles

ZEEL Desai and Hamish Stewart captured the women and men singles titles for India and Scotland respectively as the tennis competition at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games came to a close at the National Tennis Centre yesterday.Desai, the top seeded

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JONQUEL JONES STEALS SHOW IN ALL-STAR GAME

AMONG the shining stars of the WNBA, Jonquel Jones solidified herself as one of the top talents in the league by stealing the show at the 2017 All-Star Game.The Connecticut Sun forward finished with 24 points (three three-pointers), nine rebounds and

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Bahamas strikes for the bronze in men's beach soccer

WITH regulation time on the brink of expiration and the bronze medal on the line, Bahamas team captain Phieron Wilson provided the dramatic finish to secure a place in history for the men’s beach soccer side at the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games.Chadwi

Wonder woman

AS a PLP, I was devastated after the horrendous loss of May 10th 2017. Never before in The Bahamas has a party suffered such a loss. With my party holding just four seats in Parliament I was certain that the PLP, my party, would offer little or no opposition to the FNM with 35 seats in Parliament.

Setting an example

WHAT Island Country with seven letters beginning with “B” has a Standard & Poor’s rating as A Plus. Give up? It is Bermuda which, it has been said, is “a leading jurisdiction for re-insurance, capital markets”, etc.

BTC must be commended

YESTERDAY marked the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Games at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Toughen up law on phone use

The most mysterious phenomena of all times is the proliferation and saturation of the use of cellphones. Everyone has several, children as early as 2 years are playing games on the cellphone. iPad or kindle.

EDITORIAL: Cleophas Adderley achieved his grandfather’s dreams

FIFTY-SEVEN years ago, Christ Church Cathedral was filled with Bahamians from all walks of life —among them the leading citizens of the town — to pay tribute to a humble tailor considered by many to be the wisest man in town.

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WORLD VIEW: The relevance and state of US-Caribbean relations – Part 2

THIS commentary continues the discussion on the relevance and state of US-Caribbean relations against the backdrop of a publication by the Washington-based, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), entitled, “The Relevance of US-Caribbean Relations – Three Views”.

Iowa fiasco: Web shop patrons took 'no chance'

A web shop operator yesterday said it was not uncommon for players to attempt to ‘game the system’, asserting that the Iowa/Indiana lottery fiasco amounted to customers having “insider information”.“The customers should not get paid in this particula

JetBoat operator aims to match Disney experience

A newly-launched water adventure ride is aiming to expand and diversify the tourism product, having already received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback. Davia Saunders, Bahamas JetBoat’s manager, told Tribune Business that the company - whose officia

Saturday, July 22

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Three more medals take Bahamas total to 10

TEAM Bahamas picked up three more bronze medals on Saturday - two from Denvaughn Whymns and Shaun Miller Jr in athletics, and one from the beach soccer boys.

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UPDATED: Police search for two suspects after Pinewood Gardens murder

A man is dead after a shooting incident in Pinewood Gardens early on Saturday evening.

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Woman shot while driving on Blue Hill Road South

A woman is in hospital after she was shot while driving on Blue Hill Road South Friday night.

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Bronze medals for Bastian and Whymns

IZAAK Bastian collected his second medal – a bronze – for swimming’s third and Denvaughn Whymns claimed another bronze in athletics on Friday as the Bahamas continued their impressive showing in the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games.

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UPDATED: Rand Memorial Hospital patients evacuated after fire

A fire at Rand Memorial Hospital on Friday afternoon forced the evacuation of nearly 50 patients and left a physician hospitalised with mild smoke inhalation.

Friday, July 21

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07212017 WEEKEND

Friday, 21st July, 2017.

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07212017 EDITION

Friday, 21st July, 2017.

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Man charged with murder

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Friday afternoon facing a murder charge.

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$18m health information system to be launched next year

THE official launch of a new, multi-million dollar integrated health information system is expected to take place in the Summer of next year, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed on Friday.

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UPDATED: Man gunned down in fifth murder in six days

ANOTHER man on bail has been gunned down in daylight, with the fifth murder in six days occurring Friday afternoon.

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Former Senator Frank Smith facing 15 charges

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Senator Frank Smith appeared in Magistrate’s Court facing 15 criminal charges on Friday morning concerning the alleged solicitation of $65,000 in bribes from a woman he is said to have assisted in getting a contract.

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Fans missing out on great games as Bahamas lands two silvers

DESPITE reports of low attendance at some events associated with the Commonwealth Youth Games being hosted in the capital this week, federation representatives for the games yesterday applauded the Local Organising Committee for “enduring gracefully”.

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New offensive to tackle murder rate

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday admitted that there is a “significant amount of work to do” to reduce serious crimes in the capital, however he said he is “confident” that with the new policies the government plans on introducing, “things will begin to change”.

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Bastian, Higgs shine in 50m breast

While lightning forced a delay in the start of the swimming competition yesterday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, the weather conditions didn’t prevent national record breaker Lilly Higgs and Izaak Bastian from ascending the podium with Team Bahamas’ first two medals in swimming.

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Minister admits NHI wide open to fraud

The Minister of Health yesterday admitted that the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s “non-existent checks and balances” have left taxpayers totally exposed to fraud and other financial abuses.

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UPDATE: Frank Smith appears in court facing 15 charges

Frank Smith appeared in court this morning charged with one count of bribery, one of attempted extortion and 13 counts of extortion

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No moves to legalise marijuana

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday shot down any notion that the Minnis administration is currently considering the decriminalisation of marijuana or legalisation of the drug for medicinal or recreational purposes.

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‘No one above the law’

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday that no one is above the law, adding that if a complaint is made against someone “no matter who you are” police will investigate the claim and bring charges where warranted.

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Bahamas' beach soccer teams are still in medal contention

BOTH of the Bahamas’ beach soccer teams remain in medal contention after mixed results at the national beach soccer stadium last night.The boys’ team secured the first win of the tournament for the Bahamas, a dominant 7-3 decision over Antigua and Ba

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Sands Back to Support Second Annual Kappa Klassic

BACK for their second annual golf tournament, the Grand Bahama chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (KAY) will step and stroll into the Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament on Grand Bahama on July 29. The event is one of several planned as part of efforts

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Accreditation for Games has 'been rough,' says director

WHEN they originally got started, Kirsti Johnson and her accreditation team didn’t anticipate the massive turnout of persons to be accredited for the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games.By the time the games got underway, Johnson and her crew of about 20 vo

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Bahamas' beach volleyball teams relegated to non-medal rounds

A RAINY afternoon made for difficult conditions for beach volleyball and another round of losses as the trio of teams were relegated to non-medal rounds.The girls’ team lost in the quarter-finals, but one of the two Bahamian teams in the boys’ draw w

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Donte, Isabel fall short despite gallant effort

ON a day that was highlighted more by the rain delays, Bahamian tennis players Donte Armbrister and Isabel Donaldson gave it gallant efforts, but they both fell short in their men’s and women’s singles tennis matches at the National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Staff not back to full hours despite repairs to Ministry of Health HQ

THE air-conditioning unit at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters is now working, though it is still unclear when operations will return to normal at the Poinciana Hill complex, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.Dr Sands, in an interview

Lack of appointments leaves disclosures action in limbo

DESPITE the Minnis administration’s frequent indication that delinquent financial disclosures will no longer be tolerated, the work of the Public Disclosure Commission remains in limbo as its appointments have yet to be officially made, according to

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Man injured in drive-by shooting

POLICE are searching for a male suspect responsible for a shooting that left a man in hospital on Wednesday. Around 9pm, a man had just walked out of a business in the Kennedy Subdivision, when the occupants in a grey Honda CRV vehicle pulled up and

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Trio Face Court over Albany Lumber Theft

THREE men denied stealing lumber from a high-end resort at their arraignment in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.Theo Francis, 38, Jermaine Thompson, 37, and Gregory Doralis, 37, stood before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans facing a charge of stealing by r

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Grand Bahamians accused of gun and ammunition possession

THREE persons, including a pregnant woman, were charged with unlicensed firearm and ammunition possession in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Karame Styles, 32, his wife, Tanika Styles, 33, both of Freeport, and George Willie, 46, of Pin

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Man in court accused of recent shooting death

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of being the culprit behind a recent fatal shooting in the capital. Dino Nixon, 20, of Ridgeland Park stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a charge of murder which was brou

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Gomez hints at PLP anti-corruption move

DAMIAN Gomez, lawyer for the Progressive Liberal Party, said the Minnis administration’s directions for the Royal Bahamas Police Force to pursue corruption cases before legislation is passed establishing an independent anti-corruption agency has opened the system to abuse, bias and interference from the governing party.

NAD mulls RFP for airport hotel

Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) operator yesterday said the development of a 100-120 room hotel could be opened to all-comers via a Request for Proposal (RFP), after the initial developers elected not to “pursue” the project.Vernice Wa

NAD eyes solar to slash airport's $6.5m energy bill

The Nassau Airport Development (NAD) company is preparing to issue a request for information (RFI) on proposals for a solar PV system, in a bid to reduce the Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) annual $6.5 million energy bill. Vernice Walk

Non-profits slam Registrar General's 'bizarre' demands

The Registrar General’s demand for hundreds of Bahamian non-profit organisations to produce their annual financial statements was yesterday branded “crazy” and “bizarre”, with some pledging to resist. Paul Moss, a well-known financial services execut

Bahamas 'must do more'to combat cyber crime

The Bahamas must “recognise we’re not doing enough” to combat cyber criminals, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday revealing the threat had given him several “wake-up calls”.Michael Maura, who is also Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD)

Sands continues to slash NHI

AFTER discounting the tax contributions of Bahamians and describing standard universal healthcare benefits as being “free”, Health Minister Duane Sands now says that Bahamians simply cannot afford the “burden” of taxes needed to maintain NHI spending levels.

A cruel analogy

AS an animal lover, I find the analogy “many ways to skin a cat” alarming made by the Minister of Tourism in the Business Section of today’s Tribune.

Mitchell's bid for leadership

THE Progressive Liberal Party will be holding a convention this year in order to elect a substantive leader, deputy leader and chairman.

EDITORIAL: Mass migration in Europe and a growing threat closer to home

LARGE-SCALE migration of people from country to country or across continents is not new. America was a nation created by immigrants as was Britain in much earlier times, which, in common with other countries, also later provided a safe haven for refugees like the Huguenots in the 17th century and for threatened Jewish communities fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s. This was followed by the settlement in Britain of large numbers of immigrants from Commonwealth countries from the 1950s onwards who were legally entitled to enter and stay.

Rose-tinted view

Re: D’Aguilar: We’ll counter false information about country.

Legalising marijuana to cut crime

LEGALISING marijuana can reduce crime. Parents, guardians, siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles and friends mourn today because of the non-stop shooting deaths in New Providence. The cycle is all too familiar.

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Adrian Curry ‘pulls through’ for bronze in 100m

FRESH off his sixth-place finish at the IAAF World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya last week, Adrian Curry got the Bahamas on the medal chart on the first day of athletics at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games in the men’s 100 metres.

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Roberts calls for residents to take to the streets in protest

CHAIRMAN of the Progressive Liberal Party Bradley Roberts has called on residents to take to the streets and demonstrate against the Minnis administration. Repeating the PLP’s refrain of “witch hunts” being conducted against members of the PLP, Mr

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Rebuilding work begins at St Paul's Methodist College

THE rebuilding process has started at St Paul’s Methodist College campus, which closed several years ago due to major infrastructural damage that made it unsafe.The school, which was located on Clive Avenue in Grand Bahama, fell into a state of disr

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Double talk from the FNM

AFTER officially discontinuing the National Intelligence Agency in June, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said Tuesday a “modified” version of the controversial agency could be implemented in short order. Seriously? Dames revealed during an a

GB Chamber of Commerce partners up to clean up dumping areas

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce partnered with businesses, local government and a contractor to clean up three areas that have been used for dumping in east Grand Bahama.Rudy Sawyer, operator of Blue Green Outdoors, a nature-based company offeri

Labour director sees outsource dispute rise

The Director of Labour says employee outsourcing by Bahamian companies has provoked a number of disputes, particularly in the financial services and hotel industries.“There have been a number of matters from trade unions that had a small pocket of th

MInister: 'Questionable projects tie my hands'

The Minister of Health yesterday said he is unable to improve healthcare facilities used by thousands of Bahamians because “my hands are tied by projects of questionable value”.Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business that the contracts entered into by t

IAN FERGUSON: Setting the platform for your leadership

The first 90 days is your ‘get ready’ period when, in your journey to success, you have to prove your value and worth. It is a vital time to obtain traction. It is proven that most leaders are selected from within a company’s line staff. These person

Thursday, July 20

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Boyce 'runs out of steam', eliminated in opening bout

LENNOX Boyce international debut was a tough lesson in developing his stamina as he ran out of steam as he had to fight his way off the ropes and he ended up suffering a split decision in his opening match of boxing at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Ga

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07202017 EDITION

Thursday, 20th July, 2017.

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UPDATED: Frank Smith's arraignment adjourned till Friday

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator and member of Parliament Frank Smith was taken into police custody and questioned yesterday in connection with an ongoing fraud probe, The Tribune understands.

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Child porn suspect detained

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing a dozen child pornography charges.

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Empty seats as fans stay away

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard said it is too early to say if the Commonwealth Youth Games will yield a viable return on the government’s $7m investment despite a meagre turnout on opening night, adding: “Investments are not just financial.”

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Doors opened for 3,000 new citizens

MORE than 3,000 people were granted citizenship between 2012 and April of this year, according to statistics Financial Services and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette gave The Tribune.

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UPDATED: Bailed – to be gunned down

A MAN out on bail for murder, who was being electronically monitored, was shot multiple times and killed yesterday morning, marking the fourth murder in New Providence in five days.

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Bahamas 'falls too far': 129th on cyber security

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday conceded that the Bahamas “continues to fall too far down the scale”, after this nation was ranked 129th out of 164 countries for its commitment and effectiveness in fighting cyber crime.K P Turnquest acknowledged

Banking limitations restrict BISX model for crowdfunding

Banking system limitations are restricting the Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) development of crowdfunding and small business listing platforms, its chief executive has revealed.Keith Davies, in a recent interview with Tribune Busi

Attraction's 'zip-py' 20 job expansion needs dual GB resolutions

A Freeport-based attraction operator yesterday said the Grand Lucayan’s closure, and Carnival’s proposed cruise port, must be resolved to sustain an expansion that will create 20 jobs.David Wallace, a principal in the all-Bahamian group that has inve

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Nursing injury, Parker shuts down season as track starts today

WHEN the athletic (track and field) competition of the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games gets underway today in the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, missing from Team Bahamas’ line-up will be sprinter Devine Parker. The top junior sprinter in the co

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Donte Armbrister wins 1st-round match

DONTE Armbrister set the pace for Team Bahamas, winning his first-round match in the men’s singles yesterday as the tennis competition got underway at the National Tennis Centre.

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Higgs 6th in final of 200m breaststroke

While Zac Reid capped off day one of the swimming competition in the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games with New Zealand’s third gold medal, Lilly Higgs was the lone Bahamian to make it to a final.

BahamaHost graduates become tourism ambassadors for nation

FOUR hundred BahamaHost graduates received their certification on Tuesday evening and are now official tourism ambassadors for the Bahamas.Travis Robinson, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, commended the graduates and welcomed them

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MENTAL HEALTH OF THE NATION: Focusing on children's mental health

“Your child’s mental health is more important than their grades.” THIS is not the area of my greatest expertise, but one could argue that this subspeciality is the most important in the Bahamas today. The ever-growing young population, the failure

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PLP: Hospital changes a step in the right direction

PLANS by the government to have the “legacy challenges” of the Accident and Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital addressed this term were applauded yesterday by Shadow Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville, who called it “a step in the

Centreville MP speaks to residents about community issues

AT a recent town meeting held in the constituency of Centreville, the member of Parliament for the area Reece Chipman spoke to more than 200 residents about the economy, finances, job opportunities and how to physically and mentally prepare for hurri

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Pay as you go schemes planned for both water and power supply

THE government is moving closer to implementing a “pay as you go” metering and billing system for both the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Bahamas Power and Light, according to Works Minister Desmond Bannister.Expressing concern over the large per

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Union still waiting on deal to relocate post office

THE Bahamas Public Services Union is still waiting for the government to conclude a deal to have the General Post Office moved to the Town Centre Mall in an effort to alleviate the poor working conditions staff suffer at the facility’s present locati

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Roberts blames slow government for work being halted at The Pointe

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts blasted the Minnis administration yesterday, saying “the pot is boiling over” as Bahamians become increasingly frustrated with the time he thinks is being wasted by the government as he blamed this i

Only 'spend what you earn': Minister justifies NHI cuts

The Minister of Health yesterday defended the Minnis administration’s decision to cut National Health Insurance's (NHI) budget by two-thirds, telling this newspaper: “You ought to spend what you earn." “I wish we could spend $500 million, Dr Duane S

'Mr Fixit' finance minister urged: Avoid blame game

The Bahamas cannot afford for the Minister of Finance to undermine his standing as “Mr Fixit” by being caught up in a fiscal ‘blame game’, a leading businessman has warned.Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that “we all lose” if K P Turnquest,

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Bahamas struggles on day 1 of Rugby Sevens

OVERMATCHED by some of the more experienced teams in the draw, the Bahamas struggled on day one of Rugby Sevens competition at the VI Commonwealth Youth Games.The team finished the day 0-3 with lopsided losses to Fiji (59-0), Samoa (59-5) and England

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Lone Bahamas boxer LennoxBoyce to hit the ring today

WHILE boxing got started yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, Team Bahamas’ lone representative - Lennox Boyce - won’t compete until today.

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Team Bahamas still in search of first beach volleyball win

THE Bahamas is still in search of their first beach volleyball win of the VI Commonwealth Youth Games.Each of the three teams took to the sand yesterday but remain 0-2 in the preliminary rounds of the event hosted at the National Beach Soccer Stadium

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Mya Beneby and Karra Hanna soak up spotlight

One day after she and Mya Beneby were celebrated as the first medallists for the Bahamas at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games, Karra Hanna said she’s still experiencing a lot of pain. Hanna suffered an injury during her semi-final match of the wome

EDITORIAL: Beds lost in PLP sink-hole of stupidity

FREEPORT’S Dr Michael Darville, Shadow Minister of Health, has congratulated Health Minister Dr Duane Sands for his government’s plans to upgrade the Accident and Emergency and other sections of the Princess Margaret Hospital, noting that not only was it a “step in the right direction,” but that it was what the PLP had planned to do before it was voted out of office.

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Holowesko 7th in time trials, just 13 seconds off the winning time

WILLIAM Holowesko is the lone flag bearer for Bahamian cyclists at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and competed in the first of his two events as the discipline got underway.Holowesko finished seventh in the time trials, just 13 seconds off the win

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Beach soccer teams lose matches on opening day

Both beach soccer teams for the Bahamas lost opening day matches as the discipline began group stage play last night at the National Beach Soccer Stadium.

Wednesday, July 19

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07192017 EDITION

Wednesday, 19th July, 2017.

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Triple rapist guilty of attacks on girls

A FREEPORT man was found guilty on Tuesday in the Supreme Court of the rape and indecent assault of three underage girls – ages eight, seven and six.

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UPDATED: Man dead after double shooting

POLICE are investigating another homicide after two men were shot shortly before noon Tuesday, leaving one dead.

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The Bahamas lands first medals at Commonwealth Youth Games

THE 6th Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off last night in front of a sparse crowd at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, the start of the largest sporting event ever held in The Bahamas.

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Minnis pledges ministers won't line own pockets

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis assured Bahamians under his watch no minister of the Cabinet will seek lucrative contracts for themselves because they are “very sensible”, as Baha Mar executives eye the completion of another phase of the West Bay Street project.

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Surprise BOB rescue plan weeks away

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday pledged that “a comprehensive plan” to rescue Bank of the Bahamas will be unveiled by its August 2 shareholders’ meeting, the institution having “abandoned” its legal battle with the Central Bank.

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Baha Mar claims 50% occupancy and 2,100 local staff

THE SLS Lux at Baha Mar is on track for an October or early November opening having met specific markers, according to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Bahamas President Graeme Davis yesterday.

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Hands-off pledge over role of police anti-corruption unit

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has dismissed claims that the Minnis administration is ordering the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Anti-Corruption Unit to solely target members of the former Christie administration, as he insisted: “We’re not i

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Bahamas lands two bronze

Team Bahamas picked up its first set of medals - both bronze from Mya Beneby in the women’s -57 kilogram and and an injured Karra Hanna in the women’s +70 kg - as Judo completed the first sporting discipline on day one of the sixth Commonwealth Games.

My Story, My 2017 Journey: Holland Martin

My 2017 track and field season has been bitter-sweet, as I was faced with several minor injuries. I first made the qualifying standard for PanAmerican U20 Athletics Championships at the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Sports Meet when I leaped the dist

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My story, my 2017 Journey: Serena Brown

Competing in itself is hard: finding and maintaining the right mindset, executing the instructions drilled at you by coaches, and being fearless and doubtless as you step into the ring. But the glee of triumph arises when a standard is met, when rank

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My Story, My 2017 Journey: Jyles Etienne

After competing at Carifta I feel that it showed me what I needed to work on, in order to perform at the best of my abilities. I realized that it would be the small things that had the biggest impact on my performance level going forward. Whether it

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Florin Lascau: 'Two bronze medals is a very good start'

FLORIN Daniel Lascau, the former world judo champion from Germany, likes what he saw from the competitors in the judo competition at the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games.Lascau, who captured the title in 1991 in Barcelona, Spain, is in town working the

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Beach volleyball teams suffer lopsided defeats in prelims

CONSIDER day one a learning experience for Team Bahamas as beach volleyball play began yesterday on the opening day of the VI Commonwealth Youth Games.Both the girls’ and boys’ teams suffered lopsided defeats at the National Beach Soccer Stadium in t

Miller’s expertise

Re: Miller: Govt should consult predecessors in bid to lower electricity bills.

Time for a domestic terminal

The time is long past for air transport officials to recognise that there is such a thing as domestic air travel in this country.

EDITORIAL: PMH destroyed by ‘dumb’ decisions

DR Charles Clarke, former president of the Bahamas Doctors Union and defeated PLP candidate for St Anne’s in the recent general election, took issue with Health Minister Dr Duane Sands for the way in which he handled the recent flooding crisis at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

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TOUGH CALL: The nonsense of Leslie Miller

THE level of irrational and deceptive discourse from our political leaders can sometimes be stupefying.

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Pair face court over $50,000 boat theft

TWO Grand Bahama men, accused of the theft of a $50,000 vessel over the weekend, were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Kingston Saunders and Kirk Haven appeared in court three before Magistrate Rengin Johnson on charges of stea

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Man denied bail over rape allegation

A MAN was remanded to prison after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge.Nathaniel Julian Ferguson of Mermaid Boulevard appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on Monday afternoon facing a charge of rape con

Steps taken to introduce legal intelligence agency

DESPITE officially disbanding the National Intelligence Agency last month, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said Tuesday the public could see a revamped version of the controversial agency shortly.Making a clear distinction between the structu

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Man accused of break-in at Bahamas Mortgage Corporation

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of being the suspect behind a recent break-in of a government agency.Cleophus Smith, 25, stood before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis facing a charge each of shop breaking and damage, acts that we

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Hanna Martin looks to the PLP's future

ONE day after former Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister Loftus Roker characterised the party as being in the “worst state as it has ever been,” Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin said it was now time for the party to “prepare for the future”.S

STATE-RECOGNISED FUNERAL FOR ADDERLEY

THE Cabinet Office announced Tuesday a state-recognised funeral will be held for Cleophas Adderley Jr, OBE on Saturday.The service will be held at 10am at Christ Church Cathedral on George Street.A memorial service will take place on Thursday at 6.30

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Dames tells Cash to get the facts before criticising over Greenslade

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday dismissed suggestions by former Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash that Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s reported impending removal may be politically motivated, calling the claims “n

'Holding our breath' on public sector reforms

Private sector and governance reformers are “holding our breath” to see whether a $33 million project truly transforms public sector management, warning that “changing the culture” is as important as modernising systems.Matt Aubry, the Organisation f

Baha Mar contractor now claiming supplier 'misappropriated' funds

Baha Mar’s main contractor yesterday denied reneging on promises to make a supplier ‘whole’, and instead alleged it had “misappropriated” its $390,500 lounge chairs payment.Natalia Dwornik, China Construction America’s (CCA) Bahamas contract manager,

Bahamas needs 'much' more FDI than $522m

The Bahamas needs “considerably” more foreign direct investment (FDI) than the $522 million inflows it attracted in 2016, a governance reformer yesterday describing this as “critical” to faster economic growth.Robert Myers, a principal with the Organ

Baha Mar 'finalising' full occupancy permit

Baha Mar’s president yesterday said the $4.2 billion project was still “on target” to obtain a full certificate of occupancy (CO), with $75 million in group business now on its books.“We have our Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) and we are ju

'Full audit' urged for civil service

A trade union leader yesterday called for a complete human resources audit of the civil service, arguing that many “qualified” workers were deployed in areas where their skill sets are not applicable.John Pinder, the Bahamas Public Service Union’s (B

Tourism chief: 'Many ways to skin a cat'

The Minister of Tourism yesterday defended the decision to amalgamate four US tourist offices into two, telling this newspaper: “There are many ways to skin a cat.”Dionisio D’Aguilar was responding after his predecessor, Obie Wilchcombe, told Tribune

Bahamas islands in awards top spots

The Bahamas has gained four spots among the Caribbean’s top 15 destinations in Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s awards.The Exuma Cays, the Abacos and Harbour Island were voted ‘Best Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas’. Harbour Islan

Tuesday, July 18

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07182017 EDITION

Tuesday, 18th July, 2017.

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Travellers ‘extremely aggravated’ by dry runs for new airport security

WITH heightened security measures set to take effect today, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar Monday said he is certain airport officials across the country are “ready” to administer new screening techniques, but admitted waiting times could be an issue.

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VIDEO: PM tours Baha Mar

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and government officials have been touring the Baha Mar resort today.

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Overseas staff savings net $1m

TWELVE “non-essential” persons have been recalled from tourism offices in the United States, according to Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who said the move will save the government $1m annually.

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Settling scores not part of PM's agenda

AMID the Minnis administration’s crackdown on perceived wrongdoing, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday denied allegations the government was primarily concerned with “witch hunts” over executing plans to advance the course of the nation.

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'We’ll try to help contract workers’

THE public sector has been “burdened” with people with “legitimate expectations,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest said yesterday, adding that his administration will “unfortunately” have to address the problem.

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Police chief urged to fight removal

FORMER Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash has criticised his own party over reports that plans are underway to have Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade replaced as the head of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

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Roker: Arrogant PLP face oblivion

IN the face of allegations of corruption while in office and a lack of unity on the way forward, former Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister Loftus Roker said yesterday the party was in “as worst a state as it has ever been.”

'Red line must be drawn' at BOB AGM

A prominent Bank of the Bahamas investor yesterday said “a red line must be drawn” over its future at the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM), after it missed a second dividend payment to preference shareholders.Darron Cash, the former FNM chairman

Obie: 'Don't halt growth in middle of sowing seeds'

The former Minister of Tourism yesterday questioned his successor’s decision to amalgamate four US offices into two, saying: “You can’t stop growth in the middle of sowing the seeds.”Obie Wilchcombe told Tribune Business that Dionisio D’Aguilar shoul

Baha Mar chairs: 'CCA reneged on making us whole'

The Florida supplier at the centre of the Baha Mar ‘completion’ controversy yesterday hit back by accusing the project’s main contractor of reneging on promises to make it “100 per cent financially whole”.Gerald Shavartsman, Source Outdoor’s chief ex

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Cartwright advances to main draw of Iris Ladies Trophy on the ITF women's circuit

BAHAMIAN Kerrie Cartwright, playing on the International Tennis Federation women’s circuit, advanced to the main draw of the Iris Ladies Trophy in the $15,000 Brussels. Cartwright pulled off a 6-2, 6-1 win over Daria Kuczer of Poland on Monday in th

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Man guilty of shooting man dead as he sat on bench

A MAN was convicted of murder by a Supreme Court jury yesterday afternoon.Jason Simmons, 21, stood trial before Justice Bernard Turner for more than three weeks for the April 27, 2014 fatal shooting of Neko Lloyd at Gibbs Corner.Shortly after midnigh

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Former prison officer fined for illegal shotgun and drugs

A FORMER correctional services officer was spared an immediate prison sentence yesterday after he pleaded guilty to drug and firearm related offences in the Magistrate’s Court.Demetri Maycock, 25, of Sunset Park appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrat

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Two face court over separate murders

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned in connection with two separate murders.Dino Smith, 23, of Windsor Lane was brought before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt accused of being concerned with others and intentionally

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YOUR SAY: CCA has questions to answer during PM's tour

WE HOPE that as our new Prime Minister gazes upon Baha Mar’s unfinished buildings this week — alongside representatives from China Construction America (CCA) — that he remembers the Bahamian construction workers and hospitality professionals who rema

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Grand Lucayan sale still under way as govt aims to boost Grand Bahama

WHILE negotiations to sell the Grand Lucayan Resort in the nation’s second city continue, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest suggested on Monday that the Minnis administration is in the process of implementing strategies to temporarily boost Gra

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Boat theft suspects arrested

TWO suspected boat thieves from Grand Bahama were caught by police in Great Harbour Cay over the weekend aboard a 30ft Rybo runner vessel stolen from a residence in Freeport.The two men were in the process of taking the vessel apart and stripping off

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Conference to debate the future of democracy

THE University of The Bahamas (UB) is calling all Bahamians to contemplate the state of Bahamian democracy with the return of its much-lauded Future of Democracy Conference, to be held this weekend. The conference, back for its second year, is free

EDITORIAL: History made in Bimini, government are you listening?

ON July 14, history was made in North Bimini.

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Man Remanded Over Illegal Firearm

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned on firearms related offences. Ashano Knowles, 25, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a count each of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammun

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Exuma students take up role in youth ambassador scheme

SIX students from LN Coakley High School in Exuma have been selected by the US Embassy in Nassau to participate in the prestigious Youth Ambassadors Leadership Programme sponsored by the US Department of State through the embassy and implemented by W

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Baroness predicts 'best ever' Games

Before it gets started today, Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland predicted that she’s looking forward to the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games being the best ever.Scotland, who took office on April 1, 2016, was among the speakers

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'It's a great deal to be able to represent your country'

KEVIN Major Jr, back home for the summer break from college, clearly remembers when he and Jonathan Taylor represented the Bahamas in 2008 at the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India.“It’s a great deal to be able to represent your country beca

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Vanderpool-Wallaceresumes her training

THE country’s most decorated and accomplished swimmer officially announced her return to a full-time commitment to the sport and will do so in new surroundings.Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace took to social media to announce that her hiatus from the sport

The descent of cyber world

IN recent times especially during the previous election. Cyber world has descended to the lowest of the low.

Bahamas 'left behind' without transparency

The Bahamas will “continue to be left behind” unless it becomes fully transparent, amid suggestions yesterday that the Government could save $13 million annually through procurement. K Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of finance,

Near 40% of public workers 'temporary'

Almost 40 per cent of public sector workers are temporary employees, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive revealed yesterday, depriving them of job security and benefits.Edison Sumner, speaking at the launch of a $33 million project to reform th

McPhee-McCuin: Our ultimate goal is Olympic qualification

DESPITE a 5th place finish at this year’s Women’s Centrobasket Championships, national team head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin said the ultimate goal of the programme remains qualification for the 2020 Olympics. A shorthanded Team Bahamas, with limited

Assault on universal healthcare

Health Minister Duane Sands’ flippant and deeply ignorant observation that “nothing in life is free” in relation to universal healthcare gave me chills. It immediately brought to mind the thought that, one day, I could be robbed at gunpoint and, getting the attention of a passing policeman, I am saved from the prospect of gunshot injury and recover my goods, only to be told by the officer that my bill for his intervention is $250.00 plus VAT.

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Life after 40

It has been two years since Nicole “Nicc” Burrows documented turning 40 in her short film “Almost 40”.

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Out of the darkness

After being unemployed for over a year, popular local musician and artist Steve “Too Loose” Holden had to face yet another challenge – an unexpected medical condition which led to mounting treatment costs, but which ultimately restored some of his fa

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'Miracle Treat Day' spotlights Down syndrome community

WITH its fourth annual Miracle Treat Day, Dairy Queen turns its attention to those with special needs in the Bahamas who are seldom in the spotlight – children with Down syndrome .On this year’s Miracle Treat Day, scheduled for July 27, patrons of Da

Keep Montagu clean

Montagu is the only remaining public beach on the eastern end of the island. It’s used by a wide cross section of Bahamians, particularly from the Montagu and Free Town districts. It’s within walking distance of communities of diverse economic groupings and it provides recreation for many families, especially those without transport. Visitors also use the beach.

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Willie Mae Pratt girls enjoy end-of-term weekend

The Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls bid goodbye to its 2016/17 term with a fun-filled weekend for both its residents and officials.Organised by the centre’s 2016/17 committee, which was spearheaded by Chairwoman Krysta A Mason-Smith, the “Farewell

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Michelle Miller Motivationals: 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?As a life coach and therapist, many people come

Sands Beer Cup to be awarded to golfer with most net points

EARLIER in the year the Bahamas Golf Federation and the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company announced a new event called the Sands Beer Cup. The Cup, which is being specially designed by Sands Beer, will be awarded to the golfer with the most net

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THE PRESS BOX: As NFL training camps openthis weekend, let's kickthings off in the AFC North

TRAINING camps open this weekend and early next week, across the NFL. The most glorious time on the sports calendar is finally upon us. And as we creep closer and closer to KICK OFF SUNDAY 2017, over the coming weeks I will preview each division in

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NCAA basketball: Cornish todebut for Seawolves this fall

AN NCAA Division I programme will be the next step in the progression of the basketball career of Jaron Cornish.Cornish will debut for the Stony Brook Seawolves this fall as a junior college transfer, highlighting the programme’s 2017 recruiting clas

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Commonwealth Youth Games daily schedule

THE schedule of events for the 6th Commonwealth Youth Games: TODAY Beach Volleyball at Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility Court One 9am - Cameroon vs England (W) 9:50am - Australia vs Nigeria (W) 10:40pm - New Zealand vs Rwanda (W) Noon -

Imaging services resume at hospital after problems caused by flooding

IMAGING services have resumed at the Princess Margaret Hospital following a series of challenges at the main public health facility over the weekend. In a press release issued Monday, PMH said in view of recent flooding at the Radiology Department,

Darville: 'No concerns' over legality of NHI

The Opposition’s shadow Minister of Health yesterday asserted that the legal parameters were in place for the Christie administration to launch National Health Insurance (NHI), saying there was “no need for any concern”.Speaking with Tribune Business

Brewery shrugs off $10m storm costs

Commonwealth Brewery shrugged off more than $10 million in Hurricane Matthew-related damage and business interruption costs to post a 45 per cent year-over-year profits increase for 2016.The vertically-integrated, BISX-listed brewer foreshadowed an i

Monday, July 17

BAMSI responds to fitness surge

In an effort to fulfill its mandate to support local farmers, entrepreneurs and a healthy citizenry, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has teamed up several partners to promote smart choices when it comes nutrition and exer

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Man held in connection with Robinson Road shooting death

POLICE have a man in custody in connection with a late-night shooting that left a man dead.

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07172017 EDITION

Monday, 17th July, 2017.

VIDEO: PM joins in at Junkanoo Summer Festival

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis got into the spirit of the Junkanoo Summer Festival at the weekend when he joined Saxons at Arawak Cay . . .

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Project aims to reform public finance sector

EFFORTS to improve how the government manages its affairs gained a boost yesterday with the launch of the Public Financial Management & Performance Monitoring Reform Project, an ambitious project funded by a $33m loan from the Inter-American Development Bank that aims to transform a sector often resistant to change.

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BARBARIC: Man punched and threatened on video over alleged theft

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a video circulating on social media depicting a man punching and threatening another man with a machete over an alleged theft. The victim was tied to a tree.

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Mortgage relief scheme fails to hit targets

THE mortgage relief programme, which the Christie administration said helped at least 441 people, has not performed as well as expected and will have to be reviewed, Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest said.

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UPDATED: Gunmen slay new Fox Hill victim

A 32-year-old man was shot multiple times and killed Saturday night during a drive by shooting in front of his home.

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Greenslade offered UK diplomat role

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday refused to comment on recent speculation that plans are underway to have Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade replaced as the head of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. When contacted, Mr Dames directed The Tribune to speak to Commissioner Greenslade. He declined further comment.

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24-hour wait in A&E flood crisis

THE ACCIDENT and Emergency Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital experienced a series of challenges over the weekend, forcing some patients to be relocated to the South Beach Clinic and others to wait for more than 24 hours in some cases, according to Heath Minister Dr Duane Sands who described the public hospital as the Bahamas Power and Light of healthcare.

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$11m in clinics for six patients per day

The Minister of Health yesterday pledged to “maximise value for the Bahamian public” after revealing the former administration’s planned $11 million investment in new Cat Island clinics would benefit just six patients per day.Dr Duane Sands told Trib

Minister warns of 'casualties' from fiscal right-sizing

A Cabinet minister has warned there will be “some casualties”, and that Bahamians will suffer “some pain before there’s gain”, as the Minnis administration tries to combat the growing fiscal crisis.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation

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Bahamian accused of smuggling

A BAHAMIAN man was recently charged with bringing several undocumented migrants into the United States for financial gain, according to US officials.On July 11, Raymond Abdul Pritchard, 43, was indicted for bringing the migrants into the US at a plac

Only 10% of firms applied for Freeport tax breaks renewal

Just 10 per cent of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees applied for renewal of key tax breaks via the Christie administration’s Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act 2016, Tribune Business can reveal.The relatively low figure of

Minister: NHI legality concerns 'dead on'

The Minister of Health yesterday conceded that the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) was “dead on” over its assertion that much of National Health Insurance’s (NHI) roll-out and enrollment had no basis in law.Dr Duane Sands pledged to “clean up the

Judge warns CCA: Baha Mar chairs injunction 'rare'

Baha Mar’s contractor has been warned by a Florida judge that it is “rare” to obtain the injunction it views as vital to hitting the $4.2 billion project’s October 15 completion date.China Construction America (CCA) Bahamas, in new legal filings on F

EDITORIAL: Bahamians must concentrate on rebuilding their country

WE agree with former prime minister Hubert Ingraham that elections rather than a short time in prison settles ”scores between populations and politicians.”

Don't take a risk with hurricanes

Since June 1, efforts have been made to sensitise the public about the seriousness of disaster striking The Bahamas. Hurricane Preparedness has been stressed, because if we as a people are better prepared, then the blow could be lessened.

Applause for opening bare cupboard to pay extra for Nottage funeral

I BELIEVE it was the fictional character and nihilist Yevgeney Vasilevish Bazaro who stated in the 19th century Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev’s classic novel Fathers and Sons that death is a stale joke, but it comes fresh to everybody. The country continues to moan the passing of Dr Bernard Nottage, former Progressive Liberal Party MP and National Security Minister in the former Christie government. Nottage has gone on to his eternal reward. May his soul rest in peace.

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Sloop with 60 Haitians aboard detained

MORE than 60 Haitian migrants were apprehended in the southern Bahamas on Thursday morning during a joint exercise by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and immigration authorities. Shortly after 8.30am, a Haitian sloop arrived offshore at Ragged Islan

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Prison officer faces charges over seizure of marijuana

A 24-year-old correctional officer is expected to be formally charged in a Magistrate’s Court this week in connection with a drug seizure from his Sunset Park residence on Friday. That expected arraignment would be one of several involving correctio

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Man dies in suspected hit and run

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man, who was found lying in the road with “multiple injuries” early Saturday morning. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police “are leaning toward” classif

INSIGHT: A 'bazaar' state of affairs

Vendors lament the economic plight for business at the International Bazaar which was once the island’s premier tourist attraction . . .

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VIEW FROM AFAR: Happenings in Jamaica

OVER the decades, I have often said that The Bahamas can learn some things from Jamaica and then quickly added about what not to do. There are many mistakes we have made in Jamaica which I felt The Bahamas could avoid. However, Jamaica does some thi

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WORLD VIEW: Caribbean problems while facing a US void in policy

THE Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC has produced a publication entitled, “The Relevance of US-Caribbean Relations – Three Views”. The title is misleading.

Health HQ not fit

IN response to your front page story “health HQ not fit for workers” dated July 12, 2017, I cannot in good conscience sit any longer without voicing an opinion of completely resolving the mould issue facing government and their buildings where thousands of good Bahamians are complaining of various kinds of illnesses like allergies, red eyes, coughs, skin rashes and many more of unknown etiology.

Taxing a fledgling industry

It must indeed be The People’s Time if one looks at Tribune242.com Latest Business Headlines.

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Bahamas tops Guatemala 68-65

AFTER a disappointing showing with four consecutive losses, the Bahamas closed out the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket 2017 with a win in their final game.Leashja Grant delivered another dominant performance with 14 points and 21 rebounds in the Bahamas’ 6

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Miller-Uibo cruises to victory in 400m

With less than a month to go before the start of the IAAF World Championships, quarter-miler Shaunae Miller-Uibo continues to prove that she’s ready for the biggest showdown this year on the international scene.Miller-Uibo, who intends to go after th

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Tureano to square off with Ukrainian August 25

WE can now add the International Boxing Federation’s middleweight contender eliminator match to an already star-studded weekend for professional boxing.According to Golden Boy Promotions President Eric Gomez, Tureano Johnson will take on Serhiy Derev

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Kerrie Cartwright making her mark on ITF Women's Circuit

KERRIE Cartwright, now playing on the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Women’s Circuit, is hoping to make some inroads in singles this week after a successful showing in doubles last week in Knokke, Belgium.She won her second-round match yeste

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Commune Sports' evangelism outreach training programme

GRAND Bahamian ministers Ke’Dal Campbell and Androsian Denise Rolle are representing Commune Sports this week in Jamaica where they are participating in a “Ready, Set Go” Sports Ministry and Evangelism Outreach Training Programme.Commune Sports Direc

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Commonwealth Games baton on 388-day journey around world

ON Tuesday, the Queen sent the Commonwealth Games baton on a 388-day journey around the globe.Rich in its tradition, The Queen’s Baton Relay has great significance to the Commonwealth Games as it symbolises the calling on the Commonwealth to come tog

NPBA awards set for Thursday at the Pier

THE New Providence Basketball Association has announced that their awards presentation for the 2016/17 will take place on Thursday, July 20 at the Pier on Elizabeth Avenue North, starting at 7:30 pm.League president Eugene Horton released the list of

Donna wins 15k Sweepstakes package to IAAF london Worlds

DONNA Smith won big with a 15k Sweepstakes package to the IAAF World Championships London 2017. The London World Championships is scheduled for August 4-13, 2017 in London, Great Britain. For the second time the IAAF World Relays organisation launc

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Shopping from home made easy

Bahamian women are continuing to make major strides in the world of entrepreneurship, coming up with innovative ideas and utilising modern technology to unlock new businesses ventures.Two such women are Parris Barnes and Jerchovia Moxey, who have tak

Sunday, July 16

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Corrections officer held after drug seizure

An officer from the Bahamas Department of Corrections is in custody after drugs were seized at his home on Friday.

Friday, July 14

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07142017 EDITION

Friday, 14th July, 2017.

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07142017 WEEKEND

Friday, 14th July, 2017.

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Final respects paid to 'father figure' Dr Bernard Nottage

FAMILY, friends, and former political colleagues of former national security minister Dr Bernard Nottage on Friday paid their final respects to a man they all heralded as a "father figure", mentor, and a great "Bahamian patriot."

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Attorney: Dion Smith vindicated after police find no evidence of wrong doing

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe, QC, said yesterday his client, Dion Smith, has been vindicated, after police admitted on Thursday that their investigation of the former chairman of the Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation had "wrapped up with no evidence of wrong doing."

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Mitchell disappointed by lack of PLPs at court for Dorsett appearance

WHEN Former Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett was arraigned on bribery and extortion charges Thursday, few supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party were there to rally behind him, a fact that Senator Fred Mitchell regretted in a meeting of the PLP's liberal caucus Thursday evening.

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MP shares vision for Central Grand Bahama

IRAM Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, outlined plans to transform the area and create eco-parks that will attract cruise visitors and boost economic activity in various settlement communities along the southern coastline of his constituency.

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VIDEO: Kenred Dorsett granted $50,000 bail

FORMER Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett was granted $50,000 bail with two sureties in the Supreme Court on Friday.

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Dames: No witch hunt, police act on evidence

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands suggested yesterday additional bombshell arrests may be on the horizon once police are able to gather evidence on the myriad of allegations brought to officials.

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Davis: No corruption, this is pure vengeance

INTERIM Progressive Liberal Party Leader Phillip “Brave” Davis defended his party yesterday, saying it is “not a corrupt party” and “does not support corrupt practices.”

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CHARGED: Dorsett faces nine counts

FORMER Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of using his former ministerial position to extort and solicit $120,000 in bribes from Johnathan Ash.

Govt told: Boost debt transparency via BISX

BISX’s chief executive yesterday said the Government needs to list its $3 billion-plus local debt on the exchange “sooner rather than later” to boost financial transparency.Keith Davies told Tribune Business that the Bahamas International Securities

Govt's 'final word awaited' on $70m Aliv interest sale

Advisers are “still awaiting” the Government’s final go-ahead on the $70 million sell-of its majority interest in the Aliv mobile operator, with the terms unlikely to change.Gowon Bowe, one of those working on the placement, told Tribune Business tha

Economy to get 'worse before it gets better'

The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president yesterday warned that the economy “will get worse before it gets better”, with a turnaround still “a year or more away”.Fred Albury, speaking after half-year sales trends “unsettled” new auto d

Mitchell was right

Under ordinary circumstances, I would caution PLP members like Alfred Sears, Raynard Rigby and Chester Cooper to keep their criticisms of their party indoors, on the grounds that it is harmful to their party to permit its dirty laundry to be weaponized by its opponents. Under the present circumstances, however, these gentlemen (all of whom I hold in high regard) will only be harming themselves by joining the blame-Christie bandwagon.

EDITORIAL: US MUST TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

IT WILL have come as no surprise to many people that last week’s G20 meeting in Germany of the countries with the world’s largest economies attracted even more media attention than is usual for such a significant gathering.

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Athletes anticipate strong showing at home

TEAM Bahamas is eager to get the competition started when the Commonwealth Youth Games get underway next week in the capital.On Wednesday, the team was officially named by chef de mission Derron Donaldson and his assistant Emily Lowe during a press c

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Jamaica routs Bahamas 64-48

Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin said they are trying their best to adjust to the high level of competition the Bahamas is facing at the FIBA Women’s CentroBasket Championships.Coming off their 61-56 loss to Mexico the day before in UVI Arena in St Thomas,

Logos book boat to sail into Freeport on July 29

LOGOS Hope, the largest floating book fair, will sail to Freeport arriving on July 29, with 400 volunteers and thousands of books for sale. The vessel is operated by GBA (Good Books for All Ships) eV, which is an international, charitable organisati

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Court's Faulty Air-condition System Delays Human Trafficking Case

A WOMAN awaiting trial on allegations related to human trafficking had her case adjourned for a month because of a malfunctioning air-conditioning system at the Magistrate Courts complex.Abigail Wilson, 20, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Fer

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THE FINISH LINE: WNBA All-Star Game starter Jonquel Jones 'turning heads' for Bahamas

IT IS not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish.• The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to comment on the state of affairs in local sports, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and th

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Copper thieves blamed for latest round of power outages affecting Abaco

BAHAMAS Power and Light yesterday blamed “copper theft” and “distribution challenges” for the constant power outages that have plagued Abaco in the past few weeks. In a statement, BPL apologised for the frequent blackouts and said the company is “w

Staff down to three-hour days in hellhole post office building

ONE day after employees were forced off the job early by a failed air-conditioning unit and a leaking ceiling, Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder said Thursday workers at the General Post Office have now been divided between two, th

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Nine officers promoted, but no word on date for next overtime payments

WHILE nine police officers were promoted Wednesday, newly elected Police Staff Association Chairman Sonny Miller said no date has been identified for police officers to receive the second tranche of their long-sought overtime payments. Sergeant Mil

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Minister concerned after spate of officers facing court

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday said he is “concerned” about the number of law enforcement officers that have recently been taken before the courts on criminal charges, as he pledged to put a “greater focus” on “sifting out as many of the bad apples as possible” from the sector.

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FNM rejects 'hiding in the shadows' over nation's bills

THE FREE National Movement yesterday issued a scathing rebuke of the former Progressive Liberal Party administration as it rejected culpability for the recent downgrade threat by Moody’s credit rating agency.

Abaco outages 'dampen a very strong summer'

Abaco resorts yesterday said frequent power outages have “really put a damper” on what is shaping up as “an extraordinarily strong summer”, saying many frustrated guests have vowed to never return.Molly McIntosh, general manager of the Bluff House Be

Public finance reform can be Minnis Govt's 'crowning achievement'

A top accountant yesterday said it will be one of the Minnis administration’s “crowning achievements” if it can introduce accrual-based accounting to the Government’s finances before the next election.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Ac

Roads closed for Nottage funeral

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has announced the following road closures for the official funeral of former Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage today.

Delaporte Point concerns

Delaporte Point Limited (DPL) continues to use proxy votes to approve financial statements despite questions by owners.

Whymns 8th overall in long jump at IAAF Worlds Under-18

DENVAUGHN Whymns, performing double duties yesterday on day two of the IAAF World U-18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, finished eighth in the boys’ long jump, while qualifying for the semi-final of the 110 metre hurdles.Whymns, who is expected to be

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BAAA WILL HONOUR LATE DR BERNARD NOTTAGE

WHILE Minister of Works Desmond Bannister said the Bahamas Government would establish some type of memorial in honour of the late Dr Bernard Nottage, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Rosamunde Carey said they would honour their

Bahamas First to stage hurricane prep seminar

Bahamas First will hold a free public education seminar, Hurricane Prep 101, next Tuesday at 6 pm at the British Colonial Hilton.The event will feature a presentation on hurricane preparedness by the Bahamas Red Cross, followed by a panel discussion.

Gospel icon Babbie Mason set to perform in Nassau

In conjunction with the visit of the Logos Hope, internationally-acclaimed speaker and vocalist Babbie Mason will be live in concert in Nassau at 7pm on Sunday.Ms Mason, a member of the Christian Music Hall of Fame, multi-Dove Award winner, and singe

Govt urged: 'Restore faith of Bahamians'

A leading financial analyst yesterday said the Minnis administration appeared “acutely aware” that it needed to restore Bahamians’ faith and confidence in the Budget and other government institutions.Kenwood Kerr, Providence Advisors’ chief executive

Bank increases donations for the 'Emerging Leaders'

Commonwealth Bank has increased support for its ‘Emerging Leaders’ scholarship programme at the University of the Bahamas this week with a donation of $50,000.It was the seventh consecutive year that the BISX-listed bank lent its support to the progr

Plans to stamp out workplace corruption

Corruption seems to be the ‘buzz word’ in our political, corporate and social environment today. Even Bahamians have seemingly lost a sense of integrity regarding their dealings with people, and what belongs to others. The dictionary offers a simple

Galleria's Freeport location resumes 'usual business'

Galleria Cinemas’ Freeport location will return to “business as usual” today, its attorney confirmed to Tribune Business yesterday, indicating that the issues behind its temporary closure have been resolved.“All of the issues which led to the tempora

Thursday, July 13

Children are taught that God is their rock

REV Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer Union Baptist family of Exuma hosted their third annual Vacation Bible School under his auspices.The theme this year was “Mighty Fortress – In Jesus, the Victory is Won!” The scripture verse was 1 Corinthians 15:57,

Desiring a better country

THE following is a partial quote taken from Hebrews 11:13-16. It talks about a country that is not on earth and about faithful believers who have their eyes set on attaining God’s promise of a life beyond this one: “All these people were still living

Women called on to 'walk in holiness'

Believers attending last week’s Bahamas National Baptist Women’s Convention were sent out into their communities following their meeting to share with others what they have learned about walking with God. It was a time for Christian women to be instr

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07132017 EDITION

Thursday, 13th July, 2017.

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US Customs grab Nassau drug boat

UNITED States Customs and Border Protection officials in Miami, Florida, seized 150 pounds of cocaine on Tuesday on a vessel that originated from The Bahamas.

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CEO switch sparks BTC job fears

THE departure of Leon Williams as CEO of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company has reignited fears of staff cuts, according to Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union President Bernard Evans as he branded the parent company, Cable & Wireless Communications, as “unstable” and devoid of any regard for BTC’s employees.

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Staff sent home from hellhole headquarters

WORKERS at the General Post Office were forced off the job early yesterday by a failed air-conditioning unit and a leaking ceiling due to a broken pipe, according to Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder.

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UPDATED: Kenred Dorsett arraigned on nine charges, remanded in custody

Kenred Dorsett has been arraigned on a single count of misconduct in public office and four counts each of extortion and bribery totalling $120,000. He was remanded in custody until August 31, but he has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

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Davis pledges PLP support for Dorsett

INTERIM Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Phillip “Brave” Davis has pledged the party's full support behind former Cabinet minister Kenred Dorsett, while maintaining that the PLP is "not a corrupt party" and “does not support corrupt practices.”

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'Disclosure three’ may go unpunished

PUBLIC Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda yesterday distanced himself from the government’s pledge to prosecute non-compliant parliamentarians, telling The Tribune it is possible no penalties will be exacted.

Insurers demand political 'maturity' over junk threat

Insurance chiefs yesterday demanded “more maturity” from Bahamian politicians, warning that a Moody’s ‘junk’ downgrade could have a “devastating” impact on their own companies’ ratings.Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, urged th

'Nobody on gravy train' despite 7.59% auto sales growth

Bahamian auto dealers were yesterday said to be "unsettled" despite a 7.59 per cent year-over-year sales increase for the 2017 first half, with one saying: "I don't think anybody's on the gravy train." Rick Lowe, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Associatio

Chamber chief: Moody's 'a bit trigger happy' over threatened downgrade

The Chamber of Commerce's chief executive yesterday said Moody's was "being a bit trigger happy" over its threatened 'junk' downgrade, and should give the Government more time. Edison Sumner told Tribune Business that with the Minnis administration

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Don't give us a 'toothless' Freedom of Information Act

AN outspoken attorney has urged the government to enact nothing less than a “strong and powerful” Freedom of Information Act, as he called on the Minnis administration to do whatever is necessary to avoid presenting “toothless tiger” legislation to t

EDITORIAL: The Emperor is naked and the cupboard is bare

FOR THE first time Bahamians have been told the truth. No matter what they have heard over the years —particularly in the past five years under a PLP government— their Emperor is bare.

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SPRINTERSBURN UPTRACK ATU-18 1AAFWORLDS

SPRINTERS in the 100 metres and 400m yesterday took to the track first for Team Bahamas at the IAAF World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.Adrian Curry delivered the first standout performance for the Bahamas at the meet and advanced for a si

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Tight end Mavin Saunders gives back to Florida community

FLORIDA State tight end Mavin Saunders continues to receive accolades for his contributions to the community off the field and his work in the classroom.In consecutive weeks, Saunders has been named to the Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honour Ro

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Commonwealth Youth Games team named

DERRON Donaldson, chef de mission for Team Bahamas, said the country can expect the local athletes to perform at their ultimate best as they compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games.During a press conference yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, D

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Bahamas suffers 61-56 loss to Mexico in opener

The Bahamas overcame an 11-point fourth quarter deficit but their rally fell short, ultimately undone by a turnover problem that plagued them all game yesterday in the FIBA Centrobasket. Leashja Grant led the Bahamas with a game-high 29 points and s

Mr Miller, you are wrong in blaming BPL

The Tribune dated June 19th, reads “Miller blames power outages on the hiring of ‘foreigners’ – Former Bahamas Electricity Corp (BEC) Executive Chairman Leslie Miller has blamed the frequent power outages at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) on the former administration’s decision to hire ‘foreigners’ to run the power company rather than allow Bahamians to ‘fix the problems’.”

Back to the old routine

Pre-May 10, 2017, we were very used to sirens and out-riders and speeding official cars –were we not promised that that would stop?

Politicians and VAT

SOMETIMES it is by far the best for politicians to stay away from speaking on subjects. Seemingly they do not have an accurate understanding or opinion on.

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The derelict face of Grand Bahama

AS one drives through Freeport, derelict and dilapidated buildings stick out like a sore thumb in the city’s landscape, and once iconic landmarks have lost their lustre.Pineridge MP Fredrick McAlpine, who recently spoke out on the issue in Parliament

Zonta Club of New Providence Raises $10k for Ranfurly Home

THE Zonta Club of New Providence recently raised and donated $10,000 to assist in the construction of the country’s first transition home at the Ranfurly Home for Children.The donation was part proceeds from Zonta’s ‘Tapas N Jazz’ event. The ZCNP – i

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MENTAL HEALTH OF THE NATION: Dealing with dementia

“If you find yourself dealing with a relative with dementia, chances are you will need help,” Phyllis Logan.

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Nurses in Grand Bahama told that existing Act will be repealed

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Michael Pintard told nurses in Grand Bahama there will be a repeal of the existing Nurses and Midwives Act to ensure proper re-classification and recognition of the different professions in their field.He also assur

Galleria to reopen Freeport cinema after temporary closure

GALLERIA Cinemas in Freeport will be reopening on Thursday after a temporary closure, The Tribune has learned. A notice circulating on social media reportedly indicated that the establishment was permanently closing its Freeport (Galleria 5) locatio

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Walkabout seeks to tackle crime in Yellow Elder area

IN a continued effort to strengthen community links, senior police and Urban Renewal officials yesterday partnered with area representatives on walkabout in the Yellow Elder and Millennium Gardens communities.Described as areas of crisis over the las

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'Enact laws to save Bimini's environment'

TWO prominent environmental activists were yesterday up in arms over plans for the further expansion of a key development in Bimini, as they called for the Minnis administration to enact legislation to legally protect that island’s marine habitats.Fr

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Pair face court over attempted murder

A MAN and a juvenile appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing multiple criminal charges, including attempted murder.Dwight Lloyd, 23, and his 17-year-old co-accused stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing two counts of attem

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Man accused after 1,200 rounds of ammunition seized

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was charged in the Magistrate’s Court on almost a dozen firearm related offences.Silas Patrick Thompson, 33, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing five counts of possession of ammun

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Man seriously hurt in stabbing

A MAN is in hospital with serious injuries following a stabbing incident on Tuesday evening in Freeport. Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that the stabbing happened shortly before 8pm in the area of Frobisher Drive. She said the victim was at a re

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Minnis unveils 'smart' vision

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday announced his government’s intention to launch several technology driven pilot programmes, including a new emergency management alert system, the installation of free Wi-Fi in public parks and spaces and ‘pay

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‘I was victim of hit and run and police won’t give me a report’

TWO months after he was allegedly hit by a truck during the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Road Fever March, a 24-year-old man has claimed he has been unable to obtain a police report concerning the matter.

URCA chair wants electronic banking to 'fill the gap'

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) chairman yesterday said electronic banking services could "fill the gap" on Family Islands where commercial banks no longer have a physical presence. Randol Dorsett, who was speaking ahead

Corruption 'so ingrained it is national status quo'

Governance reformers yesterday moved to ensure there was "no wiggle room" on the Government's anti-graft pledges by proposing the creation of an Anti-Corruption Task Force (ACT). A group of civil society and private sector organisations said the ACT

YOUR SAY: There is too much political interference in doing business

Your Say By Frederick Smith QC THE Government has a unique opportunity to resurrect the Phoenix of Freeport from the ashes of political red tape and recession. This will require political courage to adopt a paradigm shift in foreign investment polici

Minnis Shines On Caricom Stage

EDITOR, The Tribune. Hot on the heels of his impressive domestic policy roll-out here at home, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis cut his teeth in foreign policy recently when he represented us at a turbulent but comfortably familiar Caricom family reunion

Activists call for anti-corruption taskforce plan

HOLDING Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to his word over his recent pledge to “brutally confront” corruption, a group of civil society and industry lobbyists have proposed a multi-sector Anti-Corruption Task Force to combat the problem. The proposal

Wednesday, July 12

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07122017 EDITION

Wednesday, 12th July, 2017.

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July 18 date announced for extra security on US flights

THE Nassau Airport Development Company yesterday confirmed plans to implement enhanced security measures for all commercial flights to the United States as of Tuesday, July 18.

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Health HQ not fit for workers

THE Ministry of Health has lost more than $150,000 worth of productivity because of “serious challenges” with a badly leaking roof and a faulty air-conditioner at its Meeting Street headquarters, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed yesterday.

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Three politicians missed deadline for disclosure

THREE parliamentarians have missed the deadline imposed by the government to file financial disclosures, but that list is not at the Office of the Attorney General just yet, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.

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Bran: Justify $722m borrowing demand

The Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) leader yesterday said both major political parties were to blame for the threatened Moody’s ‘junk’ downgrade, and called on the Government to better justify its $722 million borrowing needs.Branville McCartney

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Union allies ‘taken aback’ over BTC chief’s departure

Union leaders and key allies were yesterday “taken aback” after the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) confirmed that chief executive Leon Williams is leaving the communications provider.

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Christie: You can’t lie about Nottage now

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie last night told Progressive Liberal Party supporters that although people continue to spread mistruths about him, they can no longer tell “lies” of the late former National Security Minister Bernard J Nottage in death.

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BPL theft haul soars to $7m

THE amount of money missing at Bahamas Power and Light has skyrocketed to nearly $7m, The Tribune understands.

Minnis Shines On Caricom Stage

Hot on the heels of his impressive domestic policy roll-out here at home, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis cut his teeth in foreign policy recently when he represented us at a turbulent but comfortably familiar Caricom family reunion.

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Sleep gadgets

Pillows that track your snoozing patterns? A bed that adjusts based on how much you twist and turn? Companies are adding more technology into their products, hoping to lure customers craving a better night’s sleep.

Tech Talk

• Microsoft wants to extend broadband services to rural America by turning to a wireless technology that uses the buffer zones separating individual television channels in the airwaves.

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Drones to target lionfish

A potential game changer in the struggle to eradicate lionfish from the Gulf of Mexico is brewing in Pensacola.

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Residents issue the call to clean up our streets

RESIDENTS of East Street have complained about mounds of unsightly trash left indiscriminately in their area, as they claimed that calls to environmental health officials have fallen on deaf ears. The Tribune was told by residents who live near Hay

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Celebrations in Freeport for 44th Independence anniversary

THE need for unity among all Bahamians was stressed by Baptist minister Rev Dr Elvis Burrows during his sermon at the country’s 44th independence celebrations at Independence Park in Freeport. “We must recognise (we are) one people are living in one

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YOUR SAY: We cannot correct the ship of state in a blame game

I CAUTION the Minnis government that “official statements” of ministers, unlike statements of candidates during the general election campaign, can have negative legal consequences, talk down the economy and undermine the national interests of The Bahamas.

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CULTURE CLASH: Tackling the abuse of online harassment

“Talkin’ to people bad” is the Bahamian way. That’s what they want us to believe. We play into the narrative that to be Bahamian is to be abrasive, rude, and condescending without second thought, apology, or recompense. We imagine that adulthood give

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Opposition says FNM rhetoric has triggered Moody's alert

MEMBERS of the Official Opposition have accused the Minnis administration of triggering Moody’s looming review of this country’s credit rating with damaging rhetoric, saying the actions and words of the current government prompted the threat of a new

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Abaco bears brunt of power blackouts

ABACO residents, fed up with having to contend with frequent power cuts, have in some cases been without electricity for more than 24 hours at a time over the past several weeks.When contacted for comment, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) Pres

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Man jailed for 13 months over drug possession

A MAN who admitted to having custody of illegal drugs was sentenced yesterday to 13 months at the Department of Correctional Services. Andre Hines, 34, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing a charge of possession of dangerous

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Marine jailed over illegal firearm

A MARINE, who pleaded guilty to firearm and drug related offences, was sent to prison for 15 months yesterday by a magistrate who told him that he should have known better.Lloyd Carl Johnson, 24, reappeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbe

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Two accused of shop-breaking in Freeport

TWO men were charged with shop-breaking in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. James Rolle, 52, of no fixed addressed, was arraigned in court two before Magistrate Charlton Smith on five counts of shop-breaking, causing damage, and stealing

Six Chinese nationals held after overstaying

SIX Chinese nationals who overstayed their time in Grand Bahama were apprehended by Bahamian authorities at a resort in the Lucaya area on Independence Day. Bahamas immigration officials believe the group was taking steps to be smuggled into the Uni

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Jonquel Jones to start in All-Star game

Jonquel Jones continues to make Bahamian basketball history with each passing milestone.The second-year forward was one of 10 players selected by fans, current players and a select media panel as a starter for the 2017 WNBA All-Star game presented by

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Bahamian coaches, referees 'can operate at every level of basketball'

THE 2017 Basketball Without Borders Americas Camp was a tremendous benefit to the participants on the court, but the NBA and FIBA were also intent on the development of the local game as well.In addition to the four days of tutelage for the six stude

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After neck-breaking cycling accident, Farmer hits the road again

THREE months ago, Lee Farmer’s career was halted after he was knocked off his bike and left for dead during a practice session on the Frank Watson Highway. Over the weekend, he was back on the road competing again.“I got my neck brace off about two w

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Team Bahamas to face Mexico today

TEAM Bahamas is all geared up and ready to compete in their opening game of the CentroBasket Tournament today in the British Virgin Islands. The team, which left town on Monday, will be playing against five other teams for one of the three spots tha

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Lucius Fox shines in the midseason All-Star Classic

Lucius Fox was featured in the annual showcase of Major League Baseball’s top minor league prospects during the midseason All-Star Classic. Fox drove in one RBI, but his Futures World team fell one run short in their rally in 7-6 loss to team USA at

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NPSA All-Stars in Classic

Some of the future players, led by versatile Valencia Gibson and Jeffery Gibson, took the spotlight on Saturday night as the New Providence Softball Association hosted its All-Star Classic.And in a show of appreciation to their performances in the pa

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BUDDY HIELD STRUGGLES FROM BEYOND THE ARCH IN NBA SUMMER LEAGUE

BUDDY Hield struggled from beyond the arch in the first two games of the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League but the sharpshooting guard improved in his latest outing.Hield scored 22 points, including 6-9 from three-point range in the Kings’ 95-92 loss to t

Sports notes

TRACK IAAF WORLD U-18 CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE Bahamas’ eight-member team at the IAAF World Under-28 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya will begin competition today.

What goes around . . .

I rely on the Fourth Estate to continue to keep some semblance of decency and honour in this country. We have seen in the past election that people were not free to exercise their God-given right, but there was a hush from those who should protect us from that happening.

Top CIBC chief targeting Bahamas growth inroads

CIBC’s Caribbean corporate and investment banking chief is eyeing “a lot of opportunities” for growth in the Bahamas, having helped place over $100 million in financing over the past year.Pim Van Der Burg told Tribune Business in a recent interview t

Corruption abuses bring Bahamas to 'junk' brink

Transparency International’s Bahamian representative yesterday said economic abuses “by corrupt officials” had helped bring this nation to the precipice of its second ‘junk’ creditworthiness downgrade.

Abaco power outages driving tourists away

Abaco businesses have been “left in the dark” by frequent power outages, with tourists cutting short their vacation amid “grave concern” for economic and reputational damage.Vado Bootle, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce president, said there was “anger

Tuesday, July 11

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Man dies after Independence Day shooting

A 24-year-old man died in hospital shortly after he was shot multiple times on Independence Day during a backyard celebration with friends.

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07112017 EDITION

Tuesday, 11th July, 2017.

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Campaign pledge stays off agenda

DESPITE announcing intentions to seek the public’s consent through a referendum on instituting term limits for the prime minister, a recall system for non-performing members of Parliament and an independent Constituencies Commission and Electoral Commission, the Minnis administration has not decided on a timeline for this exercise, how it will be executed or what it might cost taxpayers.

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Govt raises status for Nottage funeral

THE Minnis administration has increased the government’s budget for the official funeral for Dr Bernard Nottage from $10,000 to $50,000, the Cabinet Office announced yesterday, while explaining why the former member of Parliament will not be given a state funeral.

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Doing business will cost us more and scare off investors

AS Moody’s prepares to review the Bahamas’ creditworthiness following the Minnis administration’s revelations about the country’s fiscal condition, former Central Bank Governor James Smith warned that a downgrade to ‘junk’ status would raise the cost of borrowing, increase the current costs of debt servicing and potentially scare off investors.

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UPDATED: Police open fire as man attacks officers with knife

POLICE shot a man after he allegedly attempted to attack officers with a box cutter during routine patrol on Marcus Bethel Way over the weekend.

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‘Blame PLP over new junk threat’

The Minister of Finance has blamed the Christie administration’s efforts “to hide the true extent” of the Bahamas’ fiscal crisis for Moody’s threat to downgrade this nation to ‘junk’ status.

Accounting reform key to restore Govt 'credibility and trust'

The Government must urgently move to an accrual-based accounting system to regain “credibility and trust” in its Budget projections, a governance reformer said yesterday.Robert Myers, a principal with the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG)

Moody's challenges Govt's fiscal forecast

Moody’s has warned the Government it will be “difficult” to slash the fiscal deficit to 1.1 per cent of GDP by 2019-2020, unless it achieves faster economic growth or alters policy.

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Police hunt for suspects after two men are shot

POLICE are appealing to the public for help in finding the suspects responsible for two separate shooting incidents that left two men in hospital over the weekend. According to a report from police, the first incident happened when four men, sitting

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Prime Minister's Independence message

FELLOW Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas, it is with a deep sense of pride and gratitude, in this my inaugural independence message as prime minister, that I extend a happy independence to Bahamians and friends everywhere.Bahamian pride is evident

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'Final touches' for Commonwealth Youth Games guests

WITH the Bahamas getting ready to host the biggest sporting event ever in just one week, Rommel Knowles, managing director of the CYG Association, said they are busy putting on the final touches for their guests.

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Will Jonquel start in all-star game?

JUST hours remain before we learn if Jonquel Jones is selected as a starter of the WNBA All-Star game and her Connecticut Sun continue to draw attention as one of the hottest teams in the league.The Sun overcame a 22-point third quarter deficit and r

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Ladies are off to the Centrobasket

THE Bahamas women’s national basketball team, with seven players returning from the CentroBasket championship team in the British Virgin Islands two years ago, are off to the 2017 CentroBasket Tournament. The team, coached once again by Yolett McPhe

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After wrong turn, Chad Albury wins the Cycling Nationals

CHRIS Curry didn’t have time to celebrate his first thrill of victory as a Bahamas Cycling Federation National Independence champion when it was all turned into an agony of defeat after a protest revealed that he inadvertently took a wrong turn on th

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Love and fitness

Weight-loss competition challenges engaged couples

HELPING couples build healthier bodies while also strengthening the bond that keeps them together is the goal of the third season of the popular ‘Fit For Marriage’ contest. The competition kicks off this September and seeks the participation of 10 en

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New website to serve as 'one stop shop' for HIV/AIDS resources

CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary General, Dr Manorma Soeknandan, on Friday officially launched a new website designed to be a ‘one stop shop’ for information and data on HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean.The Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANC

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GOOD TO KNOW: The dark side of plastics

Our toxic love of plastic might be sending us to an early grave. Prostate and breast cancer rates have risen exponentially over the past couple of decades, fertility rates in men and women have dropped dramatically, young girls have entered early puberty, young boys have become increasingly hyperactive, and children have become obese.

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Eliminating discrimination against women and girls

Over the last few years, the Bahamas has encountered a number of international challenges with regard to discrimination, and especially to discrimination against women and girls.

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Bernique Percentie says it with a song

A new trend is catching among Bahamians who are looking to do something unique for their loved ones on special occasions. Instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers or chocolates, people are choosing to have their family members and friends seren

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Young girls encouraged to find their purpose

IT was an uplifting and inspiring occasion for the young members of a local girls organisation who were honoured during a special awards ceremony which promoted living with purpose.The Purpose Driven Young Ladies Club (PDYLC) recently held its annual

Who are the debtors?

Merriam-Webster defines “nebulous” as relating to, or resembling, a nebula.

Where's the beef on NHI?

The discussion around the proposed NHI scheme brings to mind the now-iconic Wendy’s television commercial in which three elderly ladies were served a hamburger. Admiring the “big, fluffy bun” on the outside, they opened the bun to find a burger so small that one of them exclaimed, “Where’s the beef?”

Leave Montagu Beach & Park alone

THE desire to create greater visitor experiences and boost the local economy by opening new entrepreneurial opportunities is a worthy goal and has its rightful place in the planning and zoning of islands like New Providence that welcome millions of cruise and stayover guests a year. But that rightful place is not Montagu Beach.

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Basketball Without Borders champions crowned

NASSAU, Bahamas – The final day of the 9th Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Americas 2017 closed with a flourish as the top 66 boys and girls from 16 countries and territories competed in playoff games and a pair of All-Star games in front of cheering local Bahamian fans on Saturday.

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YOUR SAY: A bad case of déjà vu for the Bahamas CCA

IN a court filing last week, China Construction America (CCA) revealed what many Bahamians have been fearing for the past three years — that CCA is not currently in a position to complete Baha Mar on yet another schedule that the company itself estab

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Two arrested after drugs and firearms found

TWO men were arrested in Freeport after Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) officers discovered drugs, firearms and ammunition at a residence on July 5. Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that DEU officers executed a search warrant on a home at Weddell Aven

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Roberts: Why spend money on trip but not on Independence celebrations?

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday unfavourably contrasted the Minnis administration’s budget cut for the recent independence celebrations with the cost of a trip a government delegation took to Grenada for the Caribbean Co

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Resorts World targeted by environment protest

PROTESTS are planned in Bimini this week to object to developments on the island that some residents believe lack transparency and are destructive to the environment.The protests will take place Wednesday and Friday. The main target of the residents’

Residents 'incredulous' on 10-year Royal Oasis wait

Freeport residents are “incredulous” that the Royal Oasis’s owner has been permitted “to do nothing” with the property for 10 years, the island’s Chamber of Commerce chief says.Mick Holding backed the move by Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Gra

Doctors chief says NHI expansion 'inexplicable'

The Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) president says it is “inexplicable” that the Government is planning to expand National Health Insurance (NHI) at a time when it claims ‘the cupboard is bare’.Dr Sy Pierre, in a statement to Tribune Busines

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Flag raised for Grand Bahama celebrations

FLAG raising ceremonies were held in the three districts in Grand Bahama on Friday as part of the country’s celebrations for Independence Day. At 9am, all the local radio stations played the national anthem simultaneously. Minister of Youth, Sports

Ministers meet GB businesses, unions

The Minister of Labour met with several major businesses and trade union leaders last week during his first official visit to Grand Bahama.

BTC's $7.3m investment targets faster Net speeds

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) says its new Fiber-to-Home service will deliver Internet speeds 20 to 100 times’ faster than the current cable modem or DSL service that many customers use.It added that once completed, its $7.3 million i

Chamber issues advisory on Labour Dept concerns

Department of Labour inspections have generated “sufficient concern” for the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce to warn its members about the need for full compliance with the Industrial Relations Act.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Emplo

Sunday, July 9

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Governor General: Nation-building is an endless task

Bahamians of all ages gathered in Rawson and Parliament Squares on Friday for the 44th Bahamas Independence Anniversary National Pride and Flag-Raising Ceremony.

Friday, July 7

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Man charged over attempted purse snatching

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court on Friday accused of being the suspect behind an attempted purse snatching.

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DNA leader calls for action over impropriety allegations

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has criticised the Minnis administration for failing to take action against former government officials over allegations of impropriety, calling on the Government to "sue" members of the former Christie administration if criminal charges cannot be filed against them.

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Man spared conviction after apology for threat to senator

A MAN who threatened to knock out a senator in a heated exchange over damage to the senator’s car offered an apology to the public official in Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

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Funeral for Dr Bernard Nottage to be held on Friday, July 14th

THE official funeral for the late Dr Bernard Nottage will be held at St Agnes Anglican Church at 11am on Friday, July 14th, the Cabinet Office announced.

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Minnis administration 'remains dedicated' to promised relief

DESPITE presenting a budget that lacked many of its economic plans and revised tax policies promised on the campaign trail, Acting Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday insisted that the Minnis administration remains dedicated to the relief it pledged.

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Fight erupts after Dr Bernard Nottage memorial service

DESPITE the Progressive Liberal Party’s state of mourning for the death of former National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage, a fight among party supporters erupted on Thursday night following his memorial service.

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Miller: Govt should consult predecessors in bid to lower electricity bills

FORMER Bahamas Electricity Corporation Chairman Leslie Miller on Friday regretted the recent spike in electricity costs, calling on the Minnis administration to "do what is necessary" and consult "people who have some idea as to what needs to be done" to lower the price of electricity for Bahamians.

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07072017 Weekend

Friday, 7th July, 2017.

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07072017 EDITION

Friday, 7th July, 2017.

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‘Cocky and arrogant PLP’ must seek forgiveness

THE Progressive Liberal Party lost the general election because its members of Parliament became “cocky, arrogant and dismissive,” according to former PLP Cabinet minister George Smith, who said he believes the former government can bounce back from the crushing defeat.

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IDB bans companies for fraud and corruption

THE Inter-American Development Bank has sanctioned ten Bahamian entities for fraudulent and collusive practices, barring those companies and individuals from participating in IDB-financed contracts as well as other linked international organisations.

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Jackpot cheats won't be paid

PARADISE Games is defending its actions after patrons of the web shop complained about not getting their winnings.

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Ingraham: Something does not smell right

PAYING $8m to a contractor engaged in hurricane clean-up does not pass the smell test, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said.

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No escape from soaring bills

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said while it is unfortunate that consumers have seen a significant increase in their Bahamas Power and Light bills because of “faulty machinery,” the government cannot continue to absorb the cash strapped utility provider’s expenses.

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The Island Game pays power bill for home for the aged

THE operator of the Good Samaritan Home for the Aged yesterday praised a local gaming company for effectively erasing its $7,000 debt with Bahamas Power and Light, saying the possibility of having the home’s power disconnected almost gave him a heart

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Lawyer Requests More Time To Prepare Murder Appeal

A LAWYER representing a man who wishes to contest his murder conviction asked the Court of Appeal for additional time to prepare for the formal appeal.Rolin Alexis, 26, appeared in the Appeal Court yesterday for the expected substantive hearing conc

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Board appointments to be finishing 'within two weeks'

DAYS after reports suggested the Minnis administration were nearing a finalised list of government board appointments, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said yesterday aspects of the appointments were still being discussed and are now expected

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Targets in overhauling waste management haven't been met

EIGHT years after the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded the development of solid waste management infrastructure in the capital, key targets on building awareness have yet to be fully realised, according to IDB country representative Maria

Coke bottler targets 30% energy bill cut

Caribbean Bottling Company yesterday revealed it aims to slash annual energy costs by up to 30 per cent via a $1.8 million solar system, with installation work to kick-off this month.

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D’Aguilar: We’ll counter false information about country

THE Ministry of Tourism will “redouble” its marketing efforts to “counter” an inflammatory video encouraging prospective visitors to avoid New Providence to preserve their own safety, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

GB investment plans ‘continuation of insanity’

The Government’s goal of processing all Grand Bahama-related investment applications within one month “is just the continuation of insanity”, a Freeport-based QC blasted yesterday.

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'Trial by fire' on day two of Basketball Without Borders

The NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders Americas Camp has introduced its Bahamian participants to a myriad of new experiences to aid the development of their respective games.After an opening day of evaluations, players were drafted by the four

Well-known physician Dr Baldwin Carey dies

DR Baldwin Carey, a well-known physician, died Thursday of a heart attack.

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Buddy looks to take on leadership role with the Kings

IN just his second NBA season, Buddy Hield is looking to take on a leadership role with the Sacramento Kings and represent the “culture change” the franchise is eager to make.Hield turned down an opportunity to appear at this week’s Basketball Withou

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Turnquest and Anand finish 2nd in their divisions at the 30th Caribbean Junior Golf Championships

TEAM Bahamas produced a pair of top three finishers against elite junior golf talent in the region at the 30th edition of the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.The team concluded the final round yesterday following the three-day competition

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JonquelJones namedWNBA EastPlayer ofthe Month

WEDNESDAY was a milestone day for Jonquel Jones and the Connecticut Sun. Jones was named the WNBAs Eastern Conference Player of the Month and the Sun followed with their most lopsided win of the season as they continue to progress in the Associated

Call to support Run For Pompey

RUN for Pompey lead organisers yesterday called on Bahamians and visitors to come out and support the third annual event, which officials said promises to be a unique display of Bahamian history, sports and culture.

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Sentencing Delayed In Facebook Sex Assault Case

A MAN must wait an additional 11 weeks before he is sentenced for the sexual assault of a teenage girl whom he lured to his home through a fake Facebook profile.Jamal Daniels, 27, was due before Justice Bernard Turner yesterday for the penalty phase

Nursing students to begin training at Rand

TERREVE College has finally obtained a memorandum of understanding from the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) that will allow its nursing students to begin their practical training at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama. The institution’s nu

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A COMIC'S VIEW: Bimini in the balance

AS we approach our 44th Independence celebrations, I truly hope we gain ‘independence’ as a nation from certain types of foreign investors, investors with only their personal gain in mind, with little or no concern for Bahamians. Take for example th

Parker elected president of Bahamas Bar Association

AFTER a vigorous campaign, Kahlil Parker was elected president of The Bahamas Bar Association at its annual general meeting on June 30. J Denise Lewis-Johnson has been elected vice-president. The other elected officers are: Joan Dilworth, honourary

Customs won't be relocated to SkyBahamas

THE Minnis administration has ruled out renting the SkyBahamas building to relocate the Department of Customs warehouse after deciding its existing structure will better serve the needs of the government once repairs are done, according to Deputy Pri

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Bowe queries Izmirlian call to halt sale of Baha Mar

GOWON Bowe, president of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA), has questioned the basis of Sarkis Izmirlian’s call for a moratorium on Baha Mar’s sale to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd (CTFE), insisting concessions should not be the determining factor of whether the deal reached completion.

Slow post

Re: MAIL DELIVERED BY PONY EXPRESS?

Tough to do business

THE Bahamas is very well known for how hard it is to do business especially with government - flying to New York this week I sat next to two investors and after an hour conversation all I can say - nuttin change from May 10th.

Blind Mitchell

Hon Fred Mitchell must be the only and I mean only Bahamian who doesn’t understand why the PLP lost.

EDITORIAL: FORMER GERMAN CHANCELLOR A POLITICAL COLOSSUS

IN THESE columns last week we commented on the current uncertainty in the European Union (EU) and in Britain engendered by the start of the Brexit negotiations to determine the conditions of the latter’s departure from the bloc.

Open up solar power

Re: Solar Electricity Request for Proposal (RFP) in today’s Tribune.

Wake up, Mr Christie

Please allow me to address a brief letter to Mr Christie in response to your interview with him:

Cancel not privatise the carnival

Some time ago I drafted a letter to the editor to commend Bahamian musician and producer Fred Ferguson for withdrawing his support from carnival, but in the business of life, I did not finalise and send it. Recently, I saw Mr Ferguson at a funeral and was reminded of my unfinished task, hence this letter to you.

Customs still holds Fyre Festival assets

The Customs Comptroller yesterday said that while $10 million worth of sound stage equipment had been released, his department was holding other goods seized from the ill-fated Fyre Festival for auction.

Web shop: Players ‘gaming the system’

A web shop operator yesterday said it had detected fraud by players ‘gaming the system’, hitting back at accusations it was refusing to pay out winnings.

Govt placing $205m via two borrowings

The Government is placing $205 million in debt financing within a 16-day period prior to the credit rating agencies’ arrival in Nassau before July’s end.

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Chamber unveilsflag-themed logo

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) has unveiled its new logo, which sports the Bahamian flag’s official colours, in time for Independence Day.The Chamber said the move finalises the rebranding process that the BCCEC

Two new directors for Doctors Hospital

Doctors Hospital Health Systems (DHHS) has confirmed the appointments of Dr Barrett McCartney and Wayde Christie as directors following voting at its June 27 annual general meeting (AGM).The duo replace Dr K. Larry Carroll and Jeffrey Robertson, who

'No need for alarm' on aviation security

The Minister of Tourism yesterday reassured the Bahamas that “there is no reason for alarm” over enhanced US aviation security demands. Speaking at a press conference to announce ‘Run for Pompey 2017’, Dionisio D’Aguilar said: “I don’t think we shou

Port Authority pushes customer service focus

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is continuing to focus on customer service through the ‘My Grand Bahama’ campaign, an initiative of its Invest Grand Bahama Promotional Unit.The campaign is designed to address ways to improve customer service.

Bahari sees 63% spike in Independence sales

A Bahamian fashion brand yesterday said it has seen a more than 60 per cent jump in sales of its Independence collection compared to last year, telling this newspaper: “The response has been awesome.”Kyle Williams, Bahari’s brand manager, told Tribun

IAN FERGUSON: Getting a brand boost through social media

Within each company, regardless of size, industry or product and service offerings, people are using social media. Social media use engages employees, both on the social and professional level. Employers need to understand that employees who use soci

Thursday, July 6

Local government members are servants ofthe people and God, says Exuma church rector

AN Exuma church rector is encouraging local government members to be mindful of the fact that they are servants of the people and of God.It was time for family, friends and well-wishers to show their support as the newly elected representatives of th

A call to national redemption

FORTY-four years is not a long time when considering the birth of a nation, and is by no means comparable to countries like the United States and Canada currently celebrating 241 and 150 years respectively. The Bahamas is a young nation, not even com

Transfiguration Baptist Church celebrates choir reunion

Past and present members of the Transfiguration Baptist Church Choir joined voices last weekend as they celebrated at a special reunion concert.Church member Ingrid Sears said to hear the singers all in one place was “breath-taking” and brought back

Why we should remember the psalm 'By the Rivers of Babylon'

(THE CONVERSATION) – On the anniversary of America’s independence, the abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass made a biblical Psalm – Psalm 137 – best known for its opening line, “By the Rivers of Babylon,” a centrepiece of his most famous speech, “W

Sustainable development

THE definition of sustainable development offered by the Bruntland Commission is: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”This require

'A Night of Praise and Poetry'

Using her talents to spread the Word of God is something Ivaneccia Smith believes she has been mandated to do as a Christian. And with her gift of spoken word poetry, she decided to host a special event that will minister to the hearts of all those w

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07062017 EDITION

Thursday, 6th July, 2017.

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VIDEO: Reflecting on Independence

As the Bahamas prepares to celebrate 44 years of Independence, Bahamians at Potters Cay Dock tell Danielle Barnes what that means to them.

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FNM ‘must be humble’ to win re-election

TO succeed in the next general election, the new Free National Movement government must embrace humility and not become giddy with its recent landslide win, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday.

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Police warning after dramatic PI bridge gun battle

SENIOR Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean warned criminals “not to challenge the police” hours after an armed suspect was shot by officers following a high-speed car chase in New Providence.

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Tributes as music director Cleophas Adderley dies, aged 62

CULTURAL icon Cleophas Adderley Jr, 62, died Wednesday after a long illness.

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Leave Baha Mar deal alone

SARKIS Izmirlian is “dead wrong” calling for a moratorium on the sale of Baha Mar, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday.

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Fox Hill walkabout 'the first of many' to target crime hotspots

IN response to an increase in shootings in the Fox Hill area, Royal Bahamas Police Force officers conducted a walk-a-bout in the community yesterday morning, gathering information and giving residents safety tips.Senior Assistant Commissioner of Poli

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McCartney hasn’t ruled out standing again to lead DNA

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney said yesterday he has not determined if he will be putting himself forward for re-election as the party’s chief whenever its next convention is called.

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Death of man in collision with RBDF vessel is referred to Coroner's Court

THE case of a man killed in a Royal Bahamas Defence Force boating accident has been referred to the Coroner’s Court, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said yesterday.Christopher Turnquest, 25, was in the harbour in a 13-foot skiff ea

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Refugees challenge detention after being held for over two years

FOUR refugees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre are questioning the lawfulness of their detention after being held without charge for more than two years.One of the men has been in detention since 2013.In separate cases, an Eritrean man and thr

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Govt to make $234m binge 'near impossible'

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday pledged that the Government’s planned Fiscal Responsibility legislation will make it “near impossible” to repeat its predecessor’s $234 million pre-election deficit spending binge.K P Turnquest, sticking by his $50

Fyre organisers barred Ministry's officials from site

The Bahamas “is as much an unwitting victim” of the Fyre Festival fiasco as its attendees, the Minister of Tourism revealing that organisers kept ministry officials away from the event site.Dionisio D’Aguilar, in a recent interview with Tribune Busin

DPM: BOB rescue vehicle must be 'more aggressive'

Bank of the Bahamas’ bail-out vehicle must be “more aggressive” in liquidating the assets securing its ‘bad loan’ portfolio, the Deputy Prime Minister urged yesterday.K P Turnquest told Tribune Business that the Government was adamant Bahamas Resolve

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No Zika cases so far this year

THERE have been no documented cases of the Zika virus in the Bahamas since November 2016, the Ministry of Heath announced yesterday in a press release.All tests for the Zika virus this year have been negative.The Ministry of Heath recorded 25 cases o

Insurance industry 'keypartner' on health reform

The Minister of Health has pledged that the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) will be among the Government's "key partners" on healthcare reform. Dr Duane Sands called for meaningful input from the insurance industry during a recent courtesy call

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Lathaniel to join Proghorns on full athletic scholarship this fall

ANOTHER Bahamian basketball talent received an opportunity to further his academic and athletic career through basketball.Lathaniel Bastian is expected to join the Gillette Proghorns men’s basketball programme on a full athletic scholarship this fall

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Bahamian players looking to make impact at home

AMONG the scores of elite level prep talent at the Basketball Without Borders Americas Camp this week, Bahamian players are looking to stand out and make an impact at home.Players took to the court for the first time together as the camp opened yeste

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Davonn Mackey: 'It is a very special moment for me'

DAVONN Mackey had an opportunity to share his recent success with friends, family and supporters at the St George’s Gymnasium in Grand Bahama as he awaits his rookie ball assignment.Mackey was the latest Bahamian player to ink a deal with an MLB fran

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Top NCAA women in November Junkanoo Jam

The Junkanoo Jam traditionally features some of the top NCAA Division I women’s basketball programmes visiting the Bahamas during the Thanksgiving holiday and that trend looks to continue in 2017 as the new field was announced. This edition, hosted

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Bahamas can advance with win over Haiti in Cazova Sr volleyball

CONSECUTIVE losses at the CAZOVA Senior Championships for Men have Team Bahamas in an unfavourable position and out of contention at the group stage. Team Bahamas lost to Jamaica in three sets - 25-18, 25-19 25-18 - last night at the tournament host

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Basketball Without Borders Americas camp launched

The NBA and FIBA launched the ninth edition of the Basketball Without Borders Americas camp, featuring over 60 of the top student athletes from 16 countries in the region.

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MENTAL HEALTH OF THE NATION: The dangers of addiction to gambling

“Gambling: The sure way to get nothing for something,” Wilson Mizner. IN the wake of widespread acceptance of legal gambling in The Bahamas many of you may be surprised that it is also viewed as a potential addiction by psychiatrists.

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Minister still pursuing case in murder-for-hire lawsuit complaint

THE explosive murder-for-hire and harassment lawsuit waged against Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard and lawyer Keod Smith by Minister of Environment Romauld Ferreira, several Save The Bays directors and a local pastor was adjourned Tuesday.Acting

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Date Fixed For Sexual Assault Case

A MAN accused of raping a girl 40 years his junior will stand trial in Supreme Court next year.Reginald Sweeting, 57, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs on Wednesday morning for a fixture hearing concerning the unlawful sexual intercourse

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All options considered after RBC pull-out from Bimini

THE Minnis administration is “considering all options” to replace banking services on Bimini when the island’s only bank branch closes its operations next month, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest has confirmed.Mr Turnquest, also the minister of f

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Muzik Festival requests for meeting with Wilchcombe 'were ignored'

LEGAL counsel for principals of the Caribbean Muzik Festival denied reports the government was looking to reclaim money invested in the failed 2015 event, suggesting that government failed to live up to many of its contractual obligations.In a state

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Prison officer charged over drug possession

A CORRECTIONAL officer was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on drug-related charges.Brandario Miller, 25, of Pastel Gardens appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing two counts of possession

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'Making people pay for NHI will hurt those who need it'

A DAY after it was revealed the National Health Insurance Authority Board will consider introducing a co-payment system for primary healthcare, former Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville railed against the move saying it was bound to remove the

Minister: 'I won't issue contracts like candy'

The Minister of Works yesterday warned that he will “not issue construction contracts like candy at a child’s party”, emphasising that contractors must deliver ‘value for money’ to taxpayers.Desmond Bannister, addressing a Bahamian Contractors Associ

Contractors losing $100m annually as no Lien Law

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday estimated that local contractors were losing $100 million annually due to the absence of lien laws that would enable them to claim outstanding payments. “I would say that, conservativel

Wednesday, July 5

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07052017 EDITION

Wednesday, 5th July, 2017.

VIDEO: Man dies after three-car collision on New Providence Highway

ONE man is dead after he was thrown through the windshield of a vehicle in which he was a passenger during a three-car collision Tuesday afternoon.

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Old folks' home struggling to raise $7,000 to avoid having power cut

THE operator of an old folks’ home said yesterday his facility is now stuck “in the wilderness” after struggling to secure donations to beat a Friday deadline by Bahamas Power and Light to pay an outstanding bill of $7,000 or face disconnection.

THIS WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED: Heavy Rain: Freeport 2.00pm - 8.00pm Wednesday

Tribune / Accuweather SKYGuard® Weather Alert

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Post Office staff on four-hour delay

EMPLOYEES at the “mould and rat infested” General Post Office have been working four hour shifts for nearly a year, according to Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder, who said the “half days” have caused a significant back up in mail delivery.

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Fyre Festival vendors to lose out

BAHAMIAN vendors allegedly owed thousands of dollars in the wake of the botched Fyre Festival will likely get “nothing” as unsecured creditors, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

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Two held after high-speed chase, shootout with police

Two men were taken into custody following a high-speed chase and shootout with police early on Wednesday morning.

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NHI blow: ‘Nothing in life is free’

THE board of the National Health Insurance Authority will consider introducing a co-payment system for primary healthcare, pharmaceutical and diagnostic services under NHI, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands revealed yesterday as he warned: “Nothing in life is free”.

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CCA chairs threat ‘makes no sense’

BAHA Mar’s main contractor was yesteday accused of “insulting the intelligence of the Bahamian people” over its missed completion deadline warning, with local industry players urging the Government to investigate.

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PLP blew $234m in final months

An “horrendous” $234 million was added to the Government’s fiscal deficit during the May 10 general election quarter, Central Bank data released yesterday reveals.

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Gamblers say web shop failed to pay out thousands

IRATE patrons of Paradise Games, a local web shop, yesterday vowed to “take their business elsewhere” amid accusations the gaming house has refused to reward tens of thousands of dollars in winnings.

Port Lucaya Marketplace ‘holding on by a thread’

MERCHANTS at Port Lucaya Marketplace are holding on by a thread, hoping for a speedy reopening of the Grand Lucayan Resort which is so vital to the island’s survival.

Govt not proceeding with New Fortress deal

The Christie administration’s energy reform process “should have been a lot more transparent”, a Cabinet minister yesterday confirming the Government will not proceed with the proposal it left behind.

Baha Mar completion warning ‘an insult to Bahamian intelligence’

Baha Mar’s main contractor was yesterday accused of “insulting the intelligence of the Bahamian people” over its missed completion deadline warning, with local industry players urging the Government to investigate the matter.

‘Two to three weeks’ left to save Freeport

The Grand Lucayan must be sold within “the next two-three weeks to save” Freeport as a tourist destination and its upcoming winter season, a leading resort executive warned yesterday.

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Miller-Uibo and Gardiner are victorious in 400m

Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner continue their stellar seasons on the professional circuit and are positioning themselves as strong contenders in the 400m at the IAAF World Championships in August.Both national record holders ran to first pla

CAJGC: Bahamas looks to improve on 6th place

THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s team at the 2017 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships teed off competition yesterday at the St Andrews Golf Club in Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago and looks to improve on last year’s sixth-place finish.

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JBLN team has sights set on qualification forspot in Little League Baseball World Series

THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau will field a team with their sights set on qualification for a coveted spot in the Little League Baseball World Series.The team of 11 to 12-year-olds will participate in the Little League Baseball Caribbean Region

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Mark Knowles hired as coach of Raonic

BAHAMIAN tennis icon Mark Knowles continues to have an impact on the ATP Tour and on Wimbledon, these days from the sidelines as a coach.The four-time Grand Slam doubles champion was hired as the coach of Milos Raonic, the No.7 ranked player in the w

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Davonn Mackey signs deal with the Oakland Athletics

BAHAMIANS continue to garner attention and receive opportunities during Major League Baseball’s international signing period.Davonn Mackey was the latest to ink a deal with an MLB franchise when he signed with the Oakland Athletics in a deal that inc

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Prison officer held after drugs find

DRUG Enforcement Unit officers took a 25-year-old correctional officer from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services into custody following the seizure of a quantity of dangerous drugs allegedly found in his possession on Monday. According t

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Aviation investment may be needed to meet US screening measures

THE government may have to make a significant investment in the aviation industry as it looks to bring the country’s airports in accordance with new security screening measures announced by the United States last week.Tourism and Aviation Minister D

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BTVI launches new series of programmes for fall

AFTER a recent curriculum review, the Information Technology (IT) Department of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) will now be offering a set of new and optimised programmes come Fall 2017. The new programmes include associate of

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Tesla’s new electric car set to be completed on Friday

The first Tesla Model 3 electric car for the masses should come off the assembly line on Friday with the first deliveries in late July, the company’s CEO says.

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New mobile game takes Bahamas to the next level

A Bahamas-based mobile game in the style of popular apps Subway Surfers and Temple Run is now available on the Google Play and iOS stores.

Tech Talk: Pilots association voices drone concerns

• The British Airline Pilots Association is warning of a looming catastrophe unless drones are subject to tougher regulations.

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Airport robots to aid tourists, clean floors

Robots will start roaming South Korea’s largest airport this summer, helping travellers find their boarding gates and keeping the floors clean as the country prepares for its first Winter Olympics.

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TOUGH CALL: Why pay for advice if you never act upon it?

THERE has been a flurry of discussion lately over the $400,000 annual contract given to Ian Poitier by the former government.

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British man held after discovery of marijuana

A BRITISH man was arrested on Tuesday for alleged possession of marijuana. According to police, officers in Harbour Island arrested a man from London, England shortly after 1am. Officers in Harbour Island were on routine patrol when they saw a man

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Hair today, gone to court tomorrow

A MAN was fined $1,500 in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for being in possession of more than $6,000 worth of hair extensions and beauty products reportedly stolen from the original owner. Deon Bowleg, 40, of Rosedale Street appeared before Magistrate

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Jury selected for armed robbery trial

A SUPREME Court jury was empanelled yesterday for the trial of two men accused of being the suspects behind a gunpoint robbery that occurred three years ago. Lordson Allonce, 42, and Everton Wright, 32, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs

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No timeline on disclosures action despite deadline

DESPITE the firm deadline it imposed following the May 10 general election to have all outstanding disclosures filed by June 30, the Minnis administration remains unable to give a clear timeline on when it expects to move forward with plans to prosec

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Minnis makes his debut address at CARICOM meeting

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has urged heads of government in the Caribbean region to continue embracing the United Nations’ climate protocols to combat climate change, as he repeated his administration’s intention to launch an “ambitious” solaris

Delinquent bank loans push beyond $1bn mark

Delinquent bank loans pushed beyond the $1 billion mark in May, with net passenger departures through the Bahamas’ major airport down 3.4 per cent for the first five months of 2017.

Tourism targets local sourcing boost to reduce dollar 'leakage'

The Bahamian tourism industry yesterday said it was vital to source more product locally if this nation is to slash the ‘leakage’ of 85 cents from every visitor dollar earnedThe Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) said this objective is why

Insurers impressed by traffic safety system

A Bahamian technology provider has introduced its traffic safety system to Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) members, seeking their support for its introduction on New Providence.Intelligent Enforcement (IntelEnforce) principal, Donovan Paul, and h

Bahamas 'uniquely positioned' on ICT

The Bahamas is “uniquely positioned” to enhance its status as a centre for information and communications technology (ITC), sector regulators said yesterday, adding that their goal was to enhance its economic role.Stephen Bereaux, the Utilities Regul

Bahamas set to host large ICT conference

The Bahamas will next week host the largest annual International Telecommunications Union (ITU) conference, attracting more than 300 foreign regulators and industry stakeholders.To-date, just over 300 non-Bahamian participants from 60 countries have

Tuesday, July 4

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07042017 EDITION

Tuesday, 4th July, 2017.

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Man on bail shot dead off Bimini Avenue

A 25-year-old man out on bail for firearm possession was shot multiple times and killed Monday night.

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New warning over bad bank debts

THE chairman of Bahamas Resolve, James Smith, said that the government may have to pay interest costs for bad debts at the Bank of The Bahamas.

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Family seized in $4M cocaine bust

TWO men and four women appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of having custody of $4m worth of cocaine.

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69 migrants stopped in Haitian sloop

MORE than 60 undocumented Haitian nationals were apprehended in the central Bahamas early Monday morning by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

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Govt ‘almost there’ on Grand Lucayan

The Government feels it is “almost there” in resolving the Grand Lucayan resort’s fate, a Cabinet Minister yesterday saying negotiations had reached “a good but very sensitive” stage.

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FBI to probe Fyre fiasco

AGENTS from the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation received a permit from the government to conduct a probe in Exuma after the botched Fyre Festival went up in smoke on April 27, The Tribune understands.

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Fresh legal bid to claw back $650,000 Muzik festival funds

THE government is seeking to secure legal counsel in its quest to recover the $650,000 lost as a result of the failed 2015 Caribbean Muzik Festival, according to Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar.

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Four held by police after seizure of handgun

POLICE took four men into custody following the seizure of a handgun and a large amount of ammunition in two separate incidents on Sunday. In the first incident, shortly after 11am, officers assigned to the Selective Enforcement Team executed search

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Know your status - Bahamians take part in Regional HIV Testing Day

FOR some people it was the longest 15 minutes of their lives and for others it was simply a ritual they have become accustomed to – getting their fingers pricked, then waiting for the results from a rapid HIV test. Scores of Bahamians gathered in Raw

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Are Bahamian youths being prepared to live in a vocational climate?

At this time of year, when 17 and 18-year-olds all feel that the world is their oyster, and freedom from parental restrictions, the confines of academic institutions, along with the bliss of adulthood on the horizon, it seems fitting to explore a que

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Life through Melissa Alcena's lens

Some people know what they were born to do from a very young age. They dashed around with stethoscopes wrapped around their necks, “healing” everyone in sight, or walked behind mommy in the kitchen, helping bake cakes and tripping over an apron much

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MICHELLE MILLER MOTIVATIONALS: Are you treating yourself better?

While the idea of treating yourself better may sound simple as pie, many find this concept somewhat difficult. Simply because it is difficult to treat yourself better if you are stuck in a bitter place. More than this, in order to be better you must

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Bahamian beauties head to Nashville for pageant

FIVE Bahamian beauties are making their way to Nashville, Tennessee, this week to compete at the International Junior Miss Scholarships Programme.The local pageant, International Junior Miss Bahamas which was held in February of this year, crowned fi

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Bahamian artist reclaims image of the black woman

AS the only black woman in all of her classes at the Rhode Island School of Design, Gabrielle Banks is well acquainted with the feeling of isolation. And finding ways to share her experiences with a majority white community is something the artist is often tasked with.

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RBC pulling out of Bimini - leaving island without bank

RESIDENTS and visitors of Bimini will have no access to banking services on that island when the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) closes its branch operations there on August 2. Customers have expressed disappointment over the pull-out of such essential b

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Lucius Fox on World team in All-Star Futures

LUCIUS Fox has had a standout season thus far with the Bowling Green Hot Rods in Single-A and was rewarded with an opportunity to participate in Major League Baseball’s All-Star weekend festivities.

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THE PRESS BOX: Get ready for Fantasy Football

AS the NFL season approaches, Fantasy Football fanatics are emerging from their NFL hibernation.

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Bahamas ‘a country to definitely keep an eye on’ with baseball

THE recent impact of Bahamians on Major League Baseball’s International Signing Period prompted MLB.com international reporter called the Bahamas Jessie Sanchez an “emerging market in baseball and a country to definitely keep an eye on.”

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Buddy Hield weighs in on basketball without borders

THE Bahamas is set to become the focus of the international basketball community as the NBA hosts its vaunted Basketball Without Borders programme in the capital.

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Bahamian players are ousted in Junkanoo Bowl opening round

It was a difficult outing for Bahamian players yesterday in the Under-18 Main Draw of the 16th Annual International Tennis Federation’s Junkanoo Bowl hosted by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association.

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Cove Knights win two straight!

REUBEN Goodman scored 24 points and pulled in 11 rebounds while Livingston Munnings added 15 points and 12 boards as the Cove Knights won their second consecutive Atlantis Interdepartmental Basketball Championship with a 67-61 victory over the Banquet Bombers.

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Happy trails!

THE school year may have ended but learning continued for nearly 100 youths spending the week exploring Grand Bahama.“Lucayan Trails” is the name for this year’s Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), Bahamas Award Super Expedition (BASE) that runs f

25,000 now signed up to NHI scheme

THE enrolment phase of NHI Bahamas has seen nearly 25,000 Bahamians and legal residents enrol to date.While enrolment numbers have stabilised, enrolment remains open for persons who wish to select their doctor so they can receive primary care service

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'Stop this abuse of loading bay parking'

A LOCAL businessman has called for police officers to take a firmer stance against the “abuse” of loading zones in the downtown area, claiming that doing business in the area has now become a “nightmare” because officers are “only doing half the job.

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No decision yet on ministry to handle Freedom of Information

CABINET has not decided on which government ministry will have oversight of the Freedom of Information Act, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel, who confirmed yesterday that legislated protections for whistle-blowers have not been enacted yet.

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Man faces court on murder charge

A MAN appeared in Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of being the suspect behind a shooting that occurred more than 18 months ago.Wendell Rolle, 23, of Strachan’s Corner stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a charge of murder

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Two face court over gunpoint robbery

TWO men were remanded to prison yesterday after they were arraigned in connection with a recent gunpoint carjacking.Andrew Pyfrom, 25, and Leander Bell Jr, 22, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing an armed robbery charge conc

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Bethel plays down end of Laroda appointment on disclosures process

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel suggested yesterday that the expiration of Myles Laroda’s appointment as chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission does not affect the government’s ongoing process to have delinquent parliamentarians and senators file

Chamber chief: 'We don't want ghosts of Baha Mar past'

Fears of new Baha Mar construction delays are particularly ill-timed, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday warning: “We don’t want that ghost haunting us again.”

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'FNM criticised in opposition- but slow with appointments'

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday criticised the Minnis administration for its failure to complete government board appointments before the start of the fiscal year.In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Roberts said Prime Mi

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New BPL board to be in place tomorrow - and to be told to keep lights on

THE new Bahamas Power and Light board will “be in place on Wednesday,” according to Works Minister Desmond Bannister who said the group’s first priority is tackling the utility provider’s “inability to keep the lights on.” In an interview with The T

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More jobs to go as contracts with government expire

TERMINATIONS are continuing throughout the week in various government departments as workers’ contractual agreements expire, Brensil Rolle, Minister of State for the Public Service, told The Tribune yesterday.While Mr Rolle said he could not reveal s

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Caricom debut for Minnis

IN Grenada yesterday, ahead of the 38th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis shared his hope for discussions with regional partners on the stagnant tourism industry and factors that inhibit business growth.

Zip-line 'buccaneer' in approvals push

The Bahamian investor behind a proposed Arawak Cay ‘zip line’ attraction yesterday encouraged the Minnis administration to provide the necessary approvals for it to proceed and expand the tourism offering.

Dionisio: Other NAD tenants 'furious' at Mortimer treatment

The Minister of Tourism yesterday ‘doubled down’ on criticism of the former Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) Board, saying other tenants were “furious” over one store owner’s perceived favourable treatment.Dionisio D’Aguilar, while modifying

Sky Bahamas cuts US flights to assess new security rules

Sky Bahamas yesterday said it is slashing the frequency of US flights by two-thirds this month, in a bid to assess the financial and other impacts from aviation security upgrades.Randy Butler, the Bahamian airline’s president and chief executive, sai

Damianos Sotheby's adds to Nassau team

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty yesterday announced that Bryce Carroll has joined its Nassau sales team.Mr Carroll’s family has a deep-rooted history in the Bahamas, and he is licensed to sell real estate agent both here and in Texas, where h

E-commerce entrepreneur 'bridges Out Island divide'

The founder of a Bahamian e-commerce portal yesterday said he hopes to “bridge the divide” between Family island economies with the launch of an APP that will bring “new school innovation” to the mailboat system.Omar Isaacs, chief marketing officer/f

NAD to assist on security upgrade

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) yesterday said it would work with industry partners to implement new US aviation security requirements at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Jan Knowles, NAD’s marketing and communications mana

Monday, July 3

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Calling all moms-to-be

Under the theme “Ready To Pop”, the team at Parchomas Parents Choice Bahamas is hosting its biggest event to date.Called the Moms2B and Baby Expo, the fun goes down at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, July 30.Launched in 2013, Par

07032017 EDITION

Monday, 3rd July, 2017.

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UPDATED: Man on bail for murder shot dead

Police are appealing to the public for information after a man on bail for murder was shot dead in the Nassau Street area on Friday night.

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'Christie trying to distract' from poor record of PLP

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest has dismissed former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s recent defence of the former government, saying the former Centreville MP was attempting to distract the country from his party’s “many unfortunate acts of lack of judgment”.

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BPL puts three managers on leave during theft probe

SEVERAL managers attached to a department at Bahamas Power and Light have been placed on leave while a forensic audit is being carried out on the utility provider’s finances, Works Minister Desmond Bannister confirmed yesterday.

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Disclosures left ‘in the air’

DESPITE his critical role in an ongoing process to have delinquent parliamentarians and senators file their outstanding disclosures or face prosecution, Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda said yesterday that his appointment has expired, leaving aspects of the process “up in the air”.

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Passengers may face extra screening time on US flights

ENHANCED security screening measures announced by the United States for international flights heading to that country may increase screening time for passengers, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

CCA fearing Baha Mar completion miss

Baha Mar’s main contractor is raising the alarm that it will again miss the $4.2 billion project’s completion deadline, following the eruption of a legal dispute with a key supplier.China Construction America’s (CCA) Bahamian subsidiary, in legal fil

Bonded warehouses 'good business all around', say dealers

Auto dealers believe it will be “good business all around” if recent Customs visits mark the first step towards being able to establish bonded warehouses at their properties.Fred Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, said

Major bank's account used to launder $2.6m

The US authorities have been granted access to the financial records of a Bahamian company, and its account at a local bank, which were used to launder $2.632 million from an illegal Internet pharmacy scam.The Court of Appeal, in an unanimous verdict

Tourism Minister's 'concern' at airport security demands

The Minister of Tourism yesterday admitted that the short timeline given to meet enhanced US aviation security demands was “causing concern”, with the greatest impact likely to be felt at Family Island airports.Dionisio D’Aguilar told Tribune Busines

BJ Nottage’s Sporting Legacy

The Bahamas participated in its first Carifta Games in Trinidad in May of 1973, two months prior to independence.

Cultural development and The Bahamas

I have read the 58-page report on Bahamas Cultural Development by the talented young Ian Poitier that is being attacked from many quarters including the present Minister of Tourism, on grounds of excessive cost – either $400,000, or “over $1m” , depending on what you read.

EDITORIAL: If crime is to be reduced, stiffer penalties are needed

HOW many more bodies wearing ankle bracelets are to be picked up from the highways and byways of this island before our courts get the message?

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Trent Deveaux signs $1.2m deal with Angels

In January, when Trent Deveaux mulled his decision on which MLB club he would eventually sign to, he said one determining factor would be: “Any place with good weather.”

Special Passport Collection Facility Open for July

THE Passport Office has announced that a special collection centre opens today and will remain open during the month of July at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium at the school on Faith Avenue in Nassau. The special centre has been opened to promote and e

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Teenage boy stabbed

A TEENAGE boy is in hospital in Grand Bahama after he was stabbed during an attack by a group of men. Police said the incident occurred shortly after 11pm on Saturday when the 15-year-old was attacked by a group of men while in the area of Wild Cat

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Two charged in incest cases

TWO men were charged with incest in separate cases in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The first man, 55, appeared in court three before Magistrate Rengin Johnson on the charge of incest. The accused was not required to enter a plea to th

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WORLD VIEW: Venezuela reveals flaws

AMID the finger-pointing and blaming over votes at the Organisation of American States (OAS) on matters related to Venezuela, the fundamental problems of the Organisation have been overlooked.

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An Unsung Hero making his mark

ZHIVAGO McPhee, head of the audio-visual unit at the Public Hospitals Authority, was named the May recipient of the PHA Unsung Heroes Award.Mr McPhee has been with the PHA for two and a half years and has made an indelible mark on the organisation.He

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INSIGHT – The PLP Legacy: Crimes and Mistakes?

“IT IS worse than a crime—it is a mistake!” These were the words of alarm from the statesman Talleyrand after Emperor Napoleon ordered the summary execution of a popular rival in France.

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'Who's Next, I'm Next' Youth Games theme song

DYSON Knight, the charismatic and emotionally charged entertainer, has produced the theme song ‘Who’s Next, I’m Next” during the hosting of the sixth edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games.The Local Organising Committee indicated that it’s their int

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Police hunting for armed robbers

POLICE are asking the public to come forth with any information they may have in solving three separate armed robberies that occurred on Friday and Saturday. In the first incident, around 4pm Friday, a woman was sitting in her black 2007 Toyota Pass

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Organiser of Fyre Festival arrested and is charged with wire fraud

BILLY McFarland, one of the organisers of the failed Fyre Festival, was released on bail on Saturday after being arrested Friday on a fraud charge, according to international reports.The 25-year-old tech entrepreneur was charged with wire fraud in co

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PM Minnis to Attend 38th CARICOM Meeting in Grenada

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is scheduled to attend the 38th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in St George’s, Grenada.The meeting takes place July 4-6. It will be Dr Minnis’ inaugural CA

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'Inexcusable' 10-week break without tabling a single bill

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has said it is “inexcusable” for the Free National Movement to “take a 10-week vacation” without tabling “one single bill in Parliament.”At the PLP’s Eastern Region Service of Thanksgiving on Friday

Robinson inks his name with D-backs, Knowles joins in L.A.

MAXIMUM Development Academy continues to facilitate the progression of young Bahamian baseball players to major league franchises and another pair received the opportunity to further their careers yesterday.Kristian Robinson and D’Shawn Knowles offic

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Pintard: 'I'm committed' to supporting Chris Brown's meet

AS he gets ready to wind down his illustrious athletic career, quarter-miler Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown has been given the assurance that the Bahamas Government will throw their support behind his endeavours as the promoter of his Chris Brown Bahamas Invi

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Jones and Sun stay in WNBA playoff contention

CAREER highs have become routine for Jonquel Jones this season and she posted another such effort to lead the Connecticut Sun to a much needed win to remain in playoff contention.Jones posted a career high 29 points and 15 rebounds in her Sun’s 81-85

Adviser: Small Business Centre must be 'holistic'

A small business advisor has urged the Government to involve the sector in establishing the Small Business Development Centre, warning that the concept must be “holistic” and clearly define those it will help.Mark Turnquest, principal of Mark A Turnq

Union chief demandsa 'level playing field'

A trade union leader is urging the Government to lift the Employment Act’s redundancy cap, and demanding a “level playing field” for workers across the Bahamas.Obie Ferguson, the Trade Union Congress’s (TUC) president, told Tribune Business he suppor

Sunryse welcomes returningbusiness development chief

Sunryse Information Management has named Fabian Fernander as vice-president of business development for its document management business.Mr Fernander joined the company on June 6, and brings more than a decade of experience in marketing, sales and pr

Bahamas Minister urgesCaribbean trade linkages

A Bahamian Cabinet minister called for more regional co-operation on trade during the final leg of JAMPRO’s Caribbean Market Mission in the Bahamas.Thirteen Jamaican companies promoted their products for export to the Bahamas on one of JAMPRO’s large

Sunday, July 2

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Man dies swimming in Eleuthera

POLICE in Eleuthera are investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent drowning of a man on Sunday.

Vendors benefit through Junkanoo Summer Fest

Food and craft vendors said business was brisk at the opening of Junkanoo Summer Festival (JSF).Cherrel Rolle, of Da Point Island Delight, said she enjoys the opportunity of catering to Bahamians and tourists alike.“Business hasn’t been bad at all; I

Insurance chair brands NHI Authority's $10m 'excessive'

The Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman says the $10 million to create the NHI Authority is “quite excessive”, and suggested more money should be directed to front-line healthcare services.Emmanuel Komolafe, while questioning how the new g

Saturday, July 1

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Fyre Festival promoter arrested on wire fraud charge

NEW YORK (AP) — The promoter behind the failed Fyre Festival music event in the Bahamas was arrested Friday in New York on a wire fraud charge.