Stories for August 2018

Friday, August 31

Govt postpones gaming patron tax till court hearing

THE government Friday agreed to postpone the imposition of its new five per cent gaming house patron tax until there is a hearing on October 5th in the Supreme Court.

All but two buildings at Eva Hilton Primary School 'will be finished by September 3rd'

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd vowed all buildings, with the exception of two, at the Eva Hilton Primary School will be finished by September 3rd.

Calls for Lighthouse Point to be protected from commercial development

ENVIRONMENTALISTS are calling for the entire 700-acre peninsula comprising the area known as Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera to be protected from commercial development.

Man charged with possession of dangerous drugs

A 21-year-old man was charged with possession of dangerous drugs in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Body of man found in car in Eight Mile Rock

THE body of a man was discovered inside a vehicle in Eight Mile Rock on Friday evening, police reported.

Haitian man charged with illegal entry into the Bahamas

A Haitian man who arrived by boat only three weeks ago on Grand Bahama was arraigned on Friday in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court charged with illegal entry into the Bahamas.

A COMIC'S VIEW: A balance of power

IT was just January of this year that works Minister Desmond Bannister suggested that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) was on pace to deliver to the public its best summer on record.

Shaunae storms to victory in Diamond League Final

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Bahamian double national record holder Shaunae Miller-Uibo said her goal was to defend only her 200 metre title at the International Amateur Athletic Federation's AG Memorial Diamond League Final this year – and she did it in style.

'Be more creative to reach cruise ship market'

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday called for Bahamian entrepreneurs to be more “creative” and “aggressive” at penetrating the cruise ship visitor market. Mr D’Aguilar noted cruise visitors represent 75 percent of the annual foreign visito

Thomas fifth in Diamond League Final

BRUSSELS, Belgium: It wasn't the performance he anticipated, but Bahamian Donald Thomas was still satisfied with a fifth place finish, leaping 2.29 metres or 7-feet, 6-inches in the men's high jump at the IAAF's 2018 AG Memorial Van Damme Diamond League Final at the Roi Baudouin Stadium.

Web shops: Patron tax 'making us break law'

Web shops last night warned the five percent patron tax is effectively forcing them to break the law as they launched their long-promised lawsuit against the Government’s tax hikes.Sebas Bastian, Island Luck’s principal, told Tribune Business that th

D’Aguilar apologises for flights nightmare

AFTER Bahamasair experienced a “nightmare” weekend of protracted flight delays due to a plane needing mechanical work during a busy weekend, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said as the slow season approaches, the state-owned airline should be able to meet demand even with a plane out of service.

Lighthouse Point protected (well, almost)

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has addressed controversy surrounding proposals to develop Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, saying although the 700-acre property is privately owned, the government will not sanction the commercial development of the actual lighthouse site or the surrounding beach.

21 caught in police operation with US

AN early morning joint law enforcement operation resulted in the arrest of 21 people for various offences, police said.

No deals - BPL’s chairman off limits

CBI Mobile – the software company owned by Bahamas Power and Light Chairman Donovan Moxey – cannot be approved for any contracts with the power provider, at least not while he’s on the board, Public Works Minister Desmond Bannister said yesterday as he sought to downplay concerns that the matter has sparked.

NCAA: Sammy Hunter gets scholarship offers

FOR much of the summer, it was a relatively slow recruitment process for Sammy Hunter, but the Canadian-based prep basketball star has picked up five NCAA Division I offers in just under two weeks.

THE FINISH LINE: In the case of Steven Gardiner, ‘there’s more to life than money’

THE International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League Final will probably be one of those memorable meets for quarter-miler Steven Gardiner.

Motorcade sees archdeacon off in style

PARISHIONERS of the Anglican diocese in Grand Bahama held a farewell motorcade for Archdeacon Harry Bain who has relocated to New Providence to take up his new appointment as dean of Nassau.Archdeacon Bain was the former rector of the Pro-Cathedral o

Fox and Chisholm named to Arizona Fall League rosters

LUCIUS Fox and Jazz Chisholm continue their progression through their respective Major League Baseball organisations and reached another pair of milestones this week.

Clarke continues winning ways on ITF Junior Circuit

SYDNEY Clarke continues her winning ways during a very active summer in her latest stop on the ITF Junior Circuit.

Gardiner ‘cramps’ in 400m at the Diamond League Final

ZURICH, Switzerland — More concerned about his health rather than the wealth, Bahamas double national record holder Steven Gardiner took the precautionary measures in a freaky finish in the men’s 400 metres as he shut it down on the home stretch yesterday during the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s 2018 Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League Final.

When you look away...

WHEN the public does not watch things happen…been watching and report.

Public list of charities

CHARITIES and raising - a recent police alert concerning the social media raises an important issue - to be a charity surely you have to be registered with the Ministry of Finance? Probably a “not for profit” corporation.

A word of advice to Dionisio

THE Hon Minister of Tourism, Dinisio D’Aguilar (FNM-Free Town), is my favourite member of the Minnis cabinet and, indeed, the hardest working. I make no bones of my admiration; love and respect for him. Having said that, however, as a former practising attorney before the Bahamas Bar, I would caution the minister, et al, not to opine, as a member of the administration which has been sued by a particular web operator over certain actions taken by the Gaming Board, years ago.

EDITORIAL: Time for an end to the BPL mess

With a new board of directors in place at Bahamas Power and Light and its members having received from the Minister of Works clear and firm advice about their role and responsibilities, let us hope order has been restored. An official investigation into the events surrounding the earlier dramatic removal of the previous board is now pending, but that ought not to prevent the new leadership from getting on with the job.

Two years in jail for teen who had ammo in luggage

A 19-year-old man was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to two firearm-related charges in connection with the discovery and seizure of 100 live shotgun rounds found in his luggage earlier this week.Randall

Anger on the roads over new university crossing

MOTORISTS stuck in long lines of traffic were confused and angered yesterday by the newly installed HAWK pedestrian signal crosswalk on University Drive.As several students have been hit crossing the street between the Michael Eldon Building and the

Four crew saved as boat sinks

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force rescued four crew members from a sinking vessel in waters off the north coast of the capital on Wednesday night.Shortly after receiving a distress call, the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit’s Safe Response Boat, coxswained by

Sands pledge: We'll fix troubles at clinic

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands was adamant yesterday that all was being done to correct issues at the Blue Hill Road Clinic, after it was claimed the facility was being run on “limited resources.”Sources at the health facility contacted The Tribune y

Three arrests after marijuana find

Grand Bahama police arrested three men after suspected marijuana was discovered at a residence in Freeport on Wednesday evening.

Students get a glimpse into technology industry

IN keeping with the government’s vision to develop a technology hub in Grand Bahama, some 175 students participated in a six-week skills development programme at Bahamas Technology and Vocational Institute to prepare them for opportunities in the tec

Two businesses damaged in late night blaze

A FIRE at the Soldier Road Industrial Park on Wednesday night has destroyed two businesses operating out of the same building and affected at least eight jobs.An investigation has been launched into the cause of of the fire, which destroyed BumperTec

Rival landfill bids 'too ambitious' on waste-to-energy

Rival proposals were too ambitious over the “enormous amount” of waste-to-energy they believe the New Providence landfill can generate, the winning bidder argued yesterday.Kenwood Kerr, pictured, Providence Advisors’ chief executive, told Tribune Bus

Financial sector's 'two decades of punishing losses'

The Attorney General yesterday expressed confidence that The Bahamas can both meet EU demands and enable financial services to recover from “two decades of punishing losses”.Carl Bethel QC, speaking as the Government unveiled its legislative response

Transparency concerns from BPL Board battle

Anti-corruption campaigners yesterday said the corporate governance issues raised by the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) Boardroom battle create major transparency concerns.Lemarque Campbell, of Citizens for a Better Bahamas, the local Transparency In

Landfill bidder targeting Monday award sign-off

The winning landfill bidder yesterday pledged to “sign-off” on the contract award by Monday and begin talks on commercial terms with the Government in the same week.Kenwood Kerr, Providence Advisors’ chief executive, told Tribune Business: “The Provi

Tourism aiming to reverse 'poor job' on cruise visitors

The Bahamas is doing “a poor job” of extracting more spending from cruise visitors, a cabinet minister said yesterday, ahead of a workshop aiming to spur tourism entrepreneurship.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, was speaking as officials at h

IAN FERGUSON: Give employees a voice in the job

Employees need to have a voice in every company. We hear from them at the beginning of their engagement via the employee interview, but this is often the first and last time time this happens. There are also a few companies who insist that employees,

Fish-farmed tilapias to hit market in 2019

SOME 3,000 Andros-grown, fish-farmed tilapia will hit the Bahamian retail market in early 2019 to help meet demand following the Nassau Grouper season’s closure.Alaasis Braynen, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) chief exe

Thursday, August 30

Meditation - Who will be next?

We continue to hear the sad news of sudden deaths, or slower but still painful deaths. How can we help to prepare ourselves and others?When you have children you need to make plans for them in case you are the next traffic fatality, victim of crime o

Journey to 'Incredible' - In the fullness of time

I guess this is a re-introduction of sorts.You’ve gotten to know me as Ayanna with the voice note series, or Ayanna who sings. Let me introduce you to the hardest working Ayanna of them all – the recording artist. She has fought long and hard to add

A spiritual send-off for students - Christ The King hosts back-to-school prayer breakfast -

AS students and teachers all across the Bahamas return to school next week, Christ The King Church (CTK) is making sure it does its part to ensure the new term begins on the right foot.The Youth Ministry of CTK is hosting a Back to School Prayer Brea

08302018 EDITION

Thursday, 30th August, 2018.

Forbes: Low housing take-up shows flaws in programme

SHADOW Housing Minister Picewell Forbes yesterday raked the government’s low-cost serviced lots scheme over the coals, stating the low rate of eligible applicants evidenced a flawed programme.“We can’t believe the minister and the prime minister put

Accused faces court for killing at web shop

A 26-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered another man in an East Street web shop last Friday.William Etienne, of Balfour Avenue, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one

Gardiner pulls up in Weltklasse Zurich 400 metres

ZURICH, Switzerland: Misfortune followed Bahamian double national record holder Steven Gardiner for the second year as he pulled up in the International Amateur Athletic Federation's 2018 Weltklasse Zurich Diamond League Final men's 400 metres on Thursday night.

Super cinema sets opening target

FUSION Superplex, the $50m entertainment facility and movie theatre located at the junction of Gladstone Road and JFK Drive, is projected to have a November 2018 soft opening.

Landmark day in dump’s future

PROVIDENCE Advisors/Waste Resources Development Group Consortium is the government’s selected bidder for the investment and management of the New Providence Sanitary Landfill and the group estimates the total project will cost around $130m to complete.

WHY SO LITTLE AID AND WHY SO LATE?: Year from Irma, islanders insist govt does more

RESIDENTS of Ragged Island are calling for more government assistance than the $4,000 per household issued by the National Emergency Management Agency on Friday.

Dominican dies in Bimini crane fire

A Dominican crane operator was killed in north Bimini yesterday after a 40ft beam he was attempting to move snapped his machine’s cable and crashed on to the crane’s cabin, fatally pinning him inside as the crane was engulfed in flames.

Man dies after bar shooting

A MAN died in hospital Tuesday night after being shot multiple times outside a bar off Soldier Road.The incident marks the 63rd murder for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.Police said shortly after 11pm, the man was sitting in his vehicle

Saunders signs minor league baseball contract with Mets

WARREN Saunders became the latest local baseball talent to sign a minor league contract during Major League Baseball’s international signing period.

Get your golf clubs out and win a million!

THIS Friday at 2pm at the Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar, RMS Insurance Agents an Brokers is putting up a $1,000,000 prize for the lucky golfer (pro or amateur) who gets a hole-in-one.

Coach Evans pleased with quarter-miler’s progress

ZURICH, Switzerland — It has been two years since coach Gary Evans took over as the coach of quarter-miler Steven Gardiner and the American could not be more pleased with the progress of the Bahamian native from Abaco on and off the track and field scene.

Up close and personal with our 200, 400m national champion

ZURICH, Switzerland — In the last two years, Steven Gardiner has emerged as the Bahamian male track and field athlete to watch, having become the first to crack the 20 and 44-second barriers in the 200 and 400 metres respectively.

Train the RBDF

US Embassy donates new harbour patrol craft - boat trailer, etc…this is a US global policy, big deal, they do it all round the world.

BPL turbulence

BPL - good for you Ms Osborne let it all hang out if what has been said is not the truth - truth Madam never lies so you have a big advantage.

In tribute to James Catalyn

Bush crack and James Catalyn gone!

DIANE PHILLIPS: I’m going to sit right down and write myself a letter

Every woman could have written the beginning of this column. I did not. It was sent to me by someone close and special and it was too good not to share so I do so in the form in which it landed in my inbox.

Dominican accused of illegal landing

AN immigrant from the Dominican Republic was charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court this week with illegal landing. Manuel Hernandez Gomez, 31, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith and pleaded guilty to the charge.According to the particular

US research group to study cancer gene in GB

WITH high rates of prostate cancer in the country, a cancer research group from the United States is due back in Grand Bahama today to continue ongoing research of the BRCA gene in Bahamian men and its link to the disease.Don Mitchell, chairman of Us

'Businesses must help students for school year'

WITH the recent value added tax hike, cost of living increases and a 25 percent cut to the government’s school uniform assistance budget, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies is urging local companies to do their part to help more students from disadv

PHA: No new dialysis fee despite internal memo

THE Public Hospitals Authority said it has not implemented a new fee structure for wheelchair transport services for dialysis services at Princess Margaret Hospital, after concerns were raised about an internal memo made public proposing such a move.

Saunders: I’ll hold feet to fire over dump

TALL Pines MP Donald Saunders says he plans to hold the government and Providence Advisors/Waste Resources Development Group Consortium’s feet to the fire when it comes to the management and proper maintenance of the Nassau dumpsite.

IPO potential for $130m 'nightmare transformation'

Ordinary Bahamians may be able to invest in the $130m “transformation of an ongoing nightmare” within three to five years, the winning New Providence landfill bidder said yesterday.Kenwood Kerr, Providence Advisors’ chief executive, told Tribune Busi

Web shop 'cart before horse' may cost $40m

LicenCed web shops last night branded the five percent patron tax’s imminent introduction as “putting the cart before the horse” due to the Government’s failure to combat illegal operators.The Bahamas Gaming Operators Association (BGOA), breaking its

Bahamas 'will never hit' renewable energy target

The Bahamas “is never going to make” the National Energy Policy’s (NEP) goals, providers warned yesterday, with nine megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity required every year to hit target.Philip Holdom, Alternative Power Supply’s (APS) president, tol

IMAX Superplex eyes 'best launched theatre'

The Fusion Superplex’s developer is targeting a late November “soft opening” for the IMAX cinema-centred entertainment destination, telling Tribune Business over 400 jobs will be created.Carlos Foulkes, the Atavus Group’s chief executive, said more t

Landfill winner won't 'roll out' like Renew

A Cabinet minister yesterday expressed confidence that there will be no repeat of the “packing up and rolling out” experienced with the New Providence landfill’s last private manager.Romauld Ferreira, minister of the environment and housing, said the

BACO PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS CONFERENCE

A Bahamian financial services provider has met with the Securities Commission to discuss the enhanced qualification requirements for industry participants.The NASTAC Group, the financial services training provider headed by Reece Chipman, the Centrev

Mortgage market 'in very bad shape'

THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday said the “very low” number of qualifiers for the government’s low-cost serviced lot initiative was likely “not a true indicator” of the market.Leonard Sands argued that there would be a

Small Business Centre names Board chairman

Accountant Geoffrey Andrews has been named as board chairman for the tripartite venture intended to transform small and micro business development in The Bahamas.Mr Andrews will be joined on the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) board by dep

Tie digital B$ value to natural resources

As the Central Bank moves toward creating a digital currency, one local businessman has suggested it could be backed with The Bahamas’ natural resources to further increase its value.Wayne Johnson told Tribune Business: “Taking the Bahamian dollar di

Wednesday, August 29

08292018 EDITION

Wednesday, 29th August, 2018.

Gardiner feeling good ahead of Weltklasse Zurich 400m

ZURICH, Switzerland: Steven Gardiner likes the position that he's in going into the International Amateur Athletic Federation's 2018 Weltklasse Zurich.

ALICIA WALLACE: What must a woman do to convince people of her worth?

The BPL debacle has been interesting to watch. Every day, another layer is peeled back, exposing not only what has transpired behind the scenes, but the motivations of individuals.

Miller: I wouldn't have gotten away with Moxey admission

AS he railed against newly appointed Bahamas Power and Light Chairman Donovan Moxey, former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller questioned whether the rules have changed for the Minnis administration, adding BPL is in a “ridiculous” situation.“They would hav

Sands hails progress on nursing concerns

HEALTH Minister Duane Sands said yesterday his ministry has made significant headway on nursing concerns, particularly on outstanding payments.However, it remains unclear whether its most contentious point of dispute over changes to the nurses’ shift

Symonette: Sick teen not stateless

IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette yesterday denied recent reports identifying a sick teen as stateless, insisting people born in the country to Haitian parentage were entitled to register as Haitian citizens.“They are not stateless,” he told repor

Policing stepped up for pupils’ new term

NATIONAL Security minister Marvin Dames yesterday said the public can expect to see police stationed at schools and an increased police presence in and around school zones.

‘Build your own home’ - only nine qualified

THE Department of Housing has received about 60 applications for its serviced lot initiative but only nine have qualified, Housing and Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira said yesterday.

Family Island schools: Three aren’t ready

THREE Family Island schools will have delayed openings, with no definite date for when repairs will be completed, press secretary Anthony Newbold revealed yesterday.

Poisoned conch - just one case last week

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands yesterday pointed to a dramatic decrease in the number of conch poisoning cases - with just one reported last week.

Lucayan - we’ll hit a home run

The $65m Grand Lucayan deal "is not a cataclysmic event" for the Government's finances, a Cabinet minister argued yesterday, insisting: "We think we've hit a home run."

Three years in jail for gun offence

A 20-year-old man was sentenced to three years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday in connection with the seizure of a firearm and three rounds of ammunition, allegedly used to commit a serious offence.Teniro Minnis, 20, init

Two accused of sex attacks on girls

TWO men were yesterday arraigned on separate charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with young girls, one being charged with the offences against two dependents.Ramal Colebrooke, 32, of Great Habour Cay, Berry Islands, stood before Chief Magistrate J

Ayton rookie of the year?

DEANDRE Ayton was recognised by his peers and by his new Suns teammates as one of the difference makers in the 2018-19 NBA rookie class.Ayton, the former Arizona Wildcats centre selected No.1 overall by the Phoenix Suns, was considered one of two fro

Blatant discrimination

In reading the recent articles related to the change of the BPL Board, and as a woman in the workplace, the complaints of the Chairwoman resonate like a scratched record that continually repeats itself and I can no longer remain silent.

BPL saga concerns

THE ongoing saga of BP&L raises some primary issues - a Board is appointed by Government - a Board if asked to ‘resign’ is required to resign no questions asked and no exemptions. So why hasn’t the whole Board resigned?

14-year-old girl missing

POLICE are looking for a 14-year-old girl reported missing by her family.Inez Francious, pictured, of Carib Road, is 5”, has a slim build and a dark brown complexion.Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call police at 919, the Centr

Cancer screening in Grand Bahama

CANCER awareness group Us TOO and the Cancer Society of the Bahamas is aiming to screen 800 men on Grand Bahama at its annual free prostate cancer screening event next month.Some 700 men participated last year, and this year they are hoping to reach

Do you want local government for New Providence?

THE government is conducting widespread consultation on the implementation of local government in New Providence. A national advisory committee was launched in April, according to a press statement, which explained the Minnis administration was hopi

Man injured in street shooting

A MAN is in hospital after being shot while driving on Tuesday afternoon, police said.The incident occurred shortly after 1pm, when two men were driving on Florida Court off Robinson Road. The men noticed another man standing on the side of the stree

Three arrested in Abaco over marijuana and cash seizure

THREE men were arrested in Abaco earlier this week after they were allegedly caught with cash and what is suspected to be marijuana.According to ASP Terecita Pinder, shortly after 5pm on Monday officers went to an area of Forest Drive, Murphy Town wh

Contractor who used marijuana for anxiety fined $750

THE lawyer for a 27-year-old contractor battling anxiety yesterday told a magistrate his client uses marijuana to self-medicate.Stefan Hall, of Fox Hill, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney and admitted he had planned to smoke the quantity of dru

Henry Rolle to go full time with Puma MVP International Track Club

AFTER spending the past 20 years as an assistant coach at Auburn University where he helped to nurture and develop a number of Bahamian athletes as members of the Tigers athletic team, Henry Rolle is now venturing full time in the elite field of trac

Seeking young artists from 50 years ago

THE Mexican government is inviting the four Bahamians who participated in the 1968 Global Children’s Painting Festival to be part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the event.Artwork from four Queen’s College students was selected to represent

Summer SLAM for a better Bahamas

THE eighth Summer SLAM, FOCUS – a programme of the Lyford Cay Foundations – engaged 169 students this summer in grades five to nine in creating solutions aimed at building a better Bahamas.Summer SLAM took place from June 22 – August 3 on the campus

Pulse Boys and Girls clubs in spotlight

PULSE Boys and Girls Club, a community mentorship programme that caters to youth in Bain and Grants Town, Englerston and East Street, recently performed very well at the Space Coast Karate League in Orlando, Florida.The results of the tournament are

Augustine, Smith sign letters of intent to join the Knights

NOBLE Preparatory Academy continues its mission of facilitating student athletes to paths of higher education in Canada.Stephone Augustine and Pilar Smith were the latest additions to sign their letters of intent to join the Niagara College Knights m

Summer League: Moss, Smith and Rangers take early series lead in round 1

MINOR league baseball playoffs opened in the Dominican Summer League with Keithron Moss, Courtney Smith and the DSL Rangers 1 taking an early series lead in round one.Moss finished 2-3, including one triple, one RBI and two runs scored in the Rangers

Amateur boxing could face suspension

Amateur boxing in the Bahamas could be facing suspension from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) if the upcoming elections fail to comply with the international governing of the sport.Ronn Rodgers, founder of the Strikers Boxing Club and one

The VAT gamble

MAY 2017 brought a lot of hope but the subsequent 12-16 months that hope has been converted to anxiety - anxiety in that does Government really understand the complexities of governance?

Bahamas just 17% ready for disasters

The Bahamas is just 17 percent prepared to cope with major disasters, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report highlighting its “low progress” despite exposure to hurricanes.The multilateral lender, using its iGOPP governance and public policy

Aliv: We're gaining what BTC's losing

Aliv’s top executive yesterday said it has seized one-third of the Bahamian mobile market by gaining the business its rival is losing, as it switches focus to its “innovation agenda”.Damian Blackburn told Tribune Business that the mobile upstart curr

Govt planning quarterly fiscal reporting move

The Government will move to quarterly budget reporting before year-end to match the Fiscal Responsibility Bill’s “ethos” and better inform Bahamians about the fate “of their tax dollars”.Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secr

Poultry producer's 40% sales decline the 'worst in years'

AN Abaco-based poultry producer said yesterday that August could be its “worst month in years” with sales down 40 percent compared to July’s figures.Lance Pinder, Abaco Big Bird Poultry Farm’s operations manager, told Tribune Business that while Augu

Minister clarifies $2.5m aragonite fee estimate

A Cabinet minister yesterday clarified that the Government could earn $2.5m annually from a single aragonite mining licence, with that figure not representative of its true value to The Bahamas.Romauld Ferreira, minister of the environment and housin

Retailers aim to match US prices 'as close as possible'

BAHAMIAN retailers are aiming to get “as close to US prices as possible” to encourage more local consumer spending and benefit the economy “tremendously”.Tara Morley-Nolan, the Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR) co-chair, told Tribune Business yes

Tuesday, August 28

08282018 EDITION

Tuesday, 28th August, 2018.

YOU GO GIRL: Bahamian teen beats the odds and receives international honour

“Gifted, determined and with an indomitable spirit to excel against all odds” is how her loved ones describe Hezrona Moxyz-Currie, who overcame life-threatening medical issues to become somewhat of an academic prodigy.

FACE TO FACE: Teenage twins on a mission for ‘everyone’s grammy’

Deaconess Esther Elizabeth Neely-Brown left such an indelible mark on the lives she touched that her legacy lives on even though she died in November 2016.

Payment details revealed for Grand Lucayan purchase

THE government intends to write a promissory note to Hutchinson Whampoa to complete the $65m purchase of the Grand Lucayan, The Tribune was told.Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed the government made a $10m down payment towards the p

Bannister tells board: Set the policy, and stay out of running

IN his charge to the new Bahamas Power and Light board of directors yesterday, Minister of Works Desmond Bannister told appointees their focus is to implement policy and not to interfere in the day-to-day operations of the electricity provider.The ne

NEMA hands out cash to Ragged families

WEEKS ahead of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Irma, which devastated Ragged Island, the National Emergency Management Agency issued more than $70,000 in financial assistance to affected residents.

Stranded whale found mutilated

A LIVE pilot whale was sliced open and left to die on a beach in Abaco by someone suspected to be looking for ambergris, a highly-sought after substance found in the intestines of some sperm whales and used in making perfume.

Oban technical report imminent

GOVERNMENT officials expect this week to receive a technical report on the proposed Oban Energies deal for Grand Bahama, The Tribune was told yesterday.

Taranique still trapped in limbo

SICK, stateless teen Taranique Thurston is still in limbo as her family struggles to secure funding to treat her life-threatening brain cyst.

Three accused over armed robbery

THREE men including a teenager were yesterday arraigned in Magistrate’s Court in connection with an armed robbery offence. Teniro Minnis, 20, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on one count each of armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed fir

New MacFit360 centre aims to help Bahamians live healthier, active lives

Touted as “the ultimate fitness centre” in the Bahamas, MacFit360 will officially opened the doors to its 16,000-square foot fitness facility on Saturday.Located in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, the MacFit360 Fitness and Performance Centre is the

Medical Pavilion performs groundbreaking breast implant surgery

THE team of professionals at the Medical Pavilion led by Dr Conville Brown recently performed a pioneering breast implant surgery – a first, groundbreaking procedure for advanced medical tourism in the Bahamas.The successful procedure was done on an

The fast food struggle

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

It ain't about the juice

Hidden deep in much of public debate around respectability is the erosion of rights. We like to blame ‘de juice’ for everything and that justifies people being ‘cut off’ for bad behaviour, especially when we can say they be ‘juicin’ in public. We are

Former Miss Bahamas enjoys the 'Pampered Life'

SINCE launching her mobile grooming company Pampered Life in 2013, Raquel Horton has been steadily spreading her vision of nature-based wellness throughout the islands of the Bahamas.It was Raquel’s love for the beauty industry and her experience as

Lookin' cute for Back to School

Although ‘hair’ may not be on the official back-to-school list, for the mothers of young girls ensuring those tresses are prepped for the big first day is just as important as securing new uniforms, shoes and other supplies. After all, what is cuter

THE PRESS BOX: Three late round steals for Fantasy Football Drafts

WITH Fantasy Football Drafts fast approaching, here are three late round steals that could bring you a championship. Just have a look at the first name on my list. I put my money where my mouth is. I took Tampa Bay RB Peyton Barber in the 9th round

LETTER TO EDITOR: What is happening at the National Sports Authority?

WHAT is happening at the National Sports Authority?In an era when government appointed boards are getting so much attention, there is more trouble on the board horizon as the National Sports Authority (NSA) seems to be in a state of total chaos.On th

Whitfield receives his first Division I offer from Panthers

AS he continues to make his transition to American football, Devanno Whitfield has begun to field Division I offers.Whitfield, a defensive end in the class of 2019, has received his first offer from the Florida International University Panthers of Co

More men than women in inaugural Family Fun Run/Walk

NOT as many competitors as anticipated showed up to participate in the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention men’s department inaugural Family Fun Run/Walk Race.The early morning riser on Sunday was opened to the general publ

Jones No.45 consensus four-star recruit

BAHAMIAN prep basketball star Kai Jones has become one of the fastest rising prospects on the NCAA recruiting circuit and has now been listed as a consensus four-star recruit.Jones was one of 11 new prospects on the list for ESPN’s updated rankings f

Valente jumps for gold: 42-year-old mother hopes to inspire others

One Bahamian athlete hopes to inspire others to continue their fitness regimen and competitive nature in sports, irrespective of age.

11 Bahamians receive Chinese scholarships

ELEVEN Bahamian students have received scholarships from the government of the People’s Republic of China for study in that country to pursue various programmes of study.“These students all are a shining example of high aspirations,” permanent secret

Four years in jail for gun charges

A 21-year-old man was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison after pleading guilty to four firearm-related charges, stemming from the seizure of two unlicensed weapons over the weekend.Deon Ferguson, of Asphalt Street in Pinewood Gardens, was se

Residents alarmed at plan for Soldier Road cemetery

SOLDIER Road residents are expressing concern over plans to develop a cemetery in the area.The cemetery is reportedly to be built immediately northeast of Kennedy Subdivision, next to Superwash on Soldier Road.Local resident Gloria Wallace expressed

Officials take a closer look at ministry project

OFFICIALS from the National Insurance Board recently conducted a site inspection of the proposed Ministry of National Security Building on John F Kennedy Drive with the new contractor, Inline Project Co Ltd.

'We want answers on school repairs'

WITH public schools opening in less than a week, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday called for the Minnis administration and Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd in particular to “come clean” on the state of school repairs.In a st

Moxey: We must build public confidence in BPL

BAHAMAS Power and Light Chairman Donovan Moxey yesterday said the newly appointed board’s biggest challenge was working to instill public confidence in the company and stabilise operations.Mr Moxey also tackled controversy surrounding published revel

Cuban migrants held

MORE than a dozen Cuban migrants discovered in Bahamian waters were brought to Grand Bahama last week by the US Coast Guard. According to reports, the group consisted of 12 men and one woman. They were turned over to Bahamian authorities and transpor

Ground broken for $2.5m maritime centre project

AFTER 10 years in operation, Elnet Maritime Agency Limited broke ground yesterday for construction of its $2.5 million maritime centre that will provide about 80 to 100 new jobs on Grand Bahama.Elbert Hepburn, CEO, along with his mother and business

D'Aguilar backs web shops on 'woefully unfair anomaly'

A Cabinet minister yesterday slammed Bet Vegas’s continued operation as “woefully unfair” to rival licensed web shops because it was creating “an anomaly in the market”.Dionisio D’Aguilar, who has ministerial responsibility for gaming, told Tribune

Bannister urges move on Shell deal

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) incoming board was yesterday urged to close an agreement for more reliable, cheaper energy with Shell North America as “quickly as possible”.

BPL board process overhaul called for

A former Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) director has called for an overhaul of board processes after finding “many glaring deficiencies” with the proposed $4m purchase of key parts.

Rejected landfill bidder: Beat our $400m offer

A rejected landfill bidder last night urged the Government to ensure the winner offers “the same or more” as its $400m investment, up to 200 jobs and two renewable energy solutions.

Grand Lucayan chairman blasts 'lack of co-operation'

The Grand Lucayan’s new chairman yesterday blasted Hutchison Whampoa’s “lack of co-operation” for threatening to delay the creation and release of a full sales prospectus for the resort.Michael Scott, who heads the Government-owned special purpose ve

Tourism unveils its new Florida marketing team

The Ministry of Tourism has launched a series of events to introduce its new Florida sales and marketing team to that state’s travel industry.Betty Bethel-Moss, newly-appointed director for marketing in Florida, told travel executives from Dade and B

Realtors partner with yacht chartering firm

Two Bahamas Realty agents have teamed with a yacht charter firm to marry high-end real estate with luxury cruising through this nation’s islands.Elite Bahamas Team, formed by Ana Wassitsch and Silvina Andrews, has partnered with Island Yachts to fill

Monday, August 27

08272018 HOME BUYERS' GUIDE

Monday, 27th August, 2018.

08272018 EDITION

Monday, 27th August, 2018.

INSIGHT: Two sides to a story, but who’s telling the truth?

LAST week’s headlines continued to air dirty laundry at the nation’s power company. Since the appointment of a new board following the “resignations” - as purported by Minister of Works Desmond Bannister - were publicised, the Bahamian people have received a lot more insight into what may have happened.

INSIGHT: Five years of shattered dreams

AFTER waiting nearly five years for a response on her citizenship application, a Bahamas-born woman is petitioning the courts for a judicial review and constitutional relief amid allegations of abuse and harassment by immigration officers.

'Punish hit and run drivers more'

ACTIVIST Troy Garvey has launched an online petition calling for an amendment to the Road Traffic Act following the death of his son in a traffic accident last month in Grand Bahama.Mr Garvey is seeking the inclusion of the words “vehicular homicide”

Dames 'excited' about new GB fire station

AFTER a long wait, firefighters in Grand Bahama will soon be moving into their new home – a state-of-the-art fire station that can also house law enforcement officers. According to Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, the firefighters could mo

Tributes to Stephen Isaacs, a patriot and a good Bahamian

TRIBUTES poured in for Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs, 63, who died on Friday just two weeks after he was formally sworn in to the post.Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis described his death as a cruel irony.Mr Davis said Isaacs was a “good

Final warning: Union boss threatens BPL chief

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union president Paul Maynard said yesterday while he never intended for a letter he wrote to Bahamas Power & Light’s CEO Whitney Heastie to become public, he stands by “every word” written.

Watkins to serve as acting CJ

JUSTICE Vera Watkins will serve as acting chief justice of the Supreme Court until a successor to the substantive post is named, according to Press Secretary Anthony Newbold, who said the prime minister will take his time in making the decision.

We’re ready to take a hit on sale price

THE government has given itself a little over a month to close bids for the sale of the Grand Lucayan, according to Hotel Corporation chairman Michael Scott.

Me, extinct? I don’t think so

One of the rarest birds in the western hemisphere, the Bahama Nuthatch, has been rediscovered by research teams searching Grand Bahama.

Davis demands minister stands down

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis has called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to immediately remove Bahamas Power & Light from the portfolio of Minister of Works Desmond Bannister and have CEO Whitney Heastie and executive director Patrick Rollins placed on administrative leave until an investigation into the energy provider is complete.

Movement aims to help families

During August and September, civic and charity organisations are in full swing with back to school drives, all looking to assist families in need.One organisation though - The Movement - has been making its presence felt throughout the entire year br

Robinson shows flashes of potential in seven games with Osprey

KRISTIAN Robinson will miss the playoff run with the team he spent the bulk of his rookie season with, but his progression in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system provided a new opportunity late in the season.

Bahamas 5th at FIBA Centrobasket Championship for women

WITH a pair of wins against Costa Rica, the Bahamas finished fifth at the 2018 FIBA Centrobasket Championship for women and missed qualification for the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2019.

Sydney Clarke wins titles

Sydney Clarke made good use of her top ranked entry to walk off the court at the Tacarigua National Racquet Centre as a double champion in the ladies’ singles and doubles, but Donte Armbrister fell short in both his two men’s divisional outings last week at the Tobago Junior International Tennis Federation Championships.

WORLD BEATERS: New Moon clinches 5.5 Metre World Championship

(5.5class.org) Mark Holowesko and his team of Christoph Burger and Peter Vlasov won the 2018 International 5.5 Metre World Championship on board the New Moon at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, UK on Friday – one of two Bahamian boats to finish in the top five.

Governing with bad priorities

The prevailing narrative that brought the FNM to office and has sustained it in campaign mode for the last 17 months is that the previous administration left the treasury bare. This, in turn, explains the cutbacks and tax increases that have characterised their tenure to date.

Bad form, Ingraham and Christie

Last year, the Government of Australia practically begged a former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, to accept their highest honour, a Companion of the Order of Australia.

EDITORIAL: Nixon packed and left - but not this guy

For virtually anyone else, the legal, moral and ethical troubles that continue to accumulate around Donald Trump would lead to introspection and serious examination of the ways and means to leave office with at least a scintilla of self respect and dignity intact.

INSIGHT: How do you pay for your healthcare?

Meet Maureen. Maureen is a single mother. She teaches at a public school in Nassau but her true calling is church mission work. Like 70 percent of Bahamians Maureen has doesn’t have health insurance. She was sharing about her situation at Church outreach seminar in Atlanta, Georgia.

INSIGHT: Why won’t Washington just play fair?

Last month, Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States, sought support in a speech before a meeting of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in Geneva, Switzerland. He lamented his country is “losing all hope” that its 15-year-long trade dispute with the United States will be amicably settled through private, bilateral negotiations. Sanders is, furthermore, considering asking the WTO’s head to mediate a solution.

A glimpse of working life at port authority

SOME 40 high school and university students on Grand Bahama gained valuable real work experience during the summer student employment programme at the Grand Bahama Port Authority. The 12-week programme was held from May to August. The purpose of the

Two rescued from disabled vessel

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force rescued two boaters last Thursday after their vessel broke down.Jerome Burrows, 37, and Sasha McPhee, 37, left Riverwatch Marina in Stuart, Florida around 9.30am on Wednesday heading for Abaco. A relative called the U

Police seek assistance after armed raids

POLICE have appealed to the public for assistance in solving three armed robberies that occurred on the weekend, including theft of deposit bags from an armoured truck.Two of the robberies happened in New Providence, the third in Grand Bahama. In the

BPL Board battle ‘like Nightmare on Elm St’

A rival Board member is accusing Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) ex-chairman of “making mischief where none exists” over aborted efforts to give Bahamians early relief from high energy costs.

Lucayan director predicts one-two years over exit

A newly-appointed Grand Lucayan director is predicting the Government may have to own the resort for one to two years, suggesting that its exit “won’t happen overnight”.Carey Leonard, pictured, a former Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) in-house cou

Lucayan chair: 'Do you want another Oasis?'

The new Grand Lucayan Board will meet this morning to determine if a hotel operator is needed, its chairman asking critics of the Government’s deal: “Do you want another Royal Oasis?” Michael Scott, also chairman of the Hotel Corporation, told Tribun

BTC in a 'fight for its survival'

A “yearning for better” Internet and TV services means the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) can reverse recent revenue declines if it deploys its latest infrastructure more rapidly, its past union president believes.Bernard Evans, pictured, w

Works ministry can't save developer held in contempt

The Philip Davis-led Ministry of Works’ failure to follow the law means that a Rum Cay developer has no protection against claims he is in contempt of court, a judge has ruled.Justice Rhonda Bain, in an August 16, 2018, ruling found that David Cummin

Bahamas contests top family, regional award

The Bahamas has been chosen as a finalist for the Best Caribbean and Family Destination categories in AFAR magazine’s travel awards.This nation is going up against the British Virgin Islands; Saint Lucia; Bermuda; Antigua and Barbuda; Cancun/Riviera

80 Bahamians buy into crypto start-up

BAHAMIANS are “eager” to explore cryptocurrency opportunities, a local businessman says, suggesting this was highlighted by 80 locals purchasing tokens from a cryptocurrency start-up’s Australian offering last week.Wayne Johnson, who with Parrish Sim

Natural resources group challenges $2.5m royalty for aragonite mining

A Bahamian natural resources lobby group believes the Government can reap more than $2.5m a year from aragonite royalties, and urged it to publicly disclose all economic impact studies.Dana Munnings, an attorney and president of The Bahamas Natural R

Minister reviews 250 job biomass plant proposal

A Cabinet minister has reviewed a Bahamian start-up’s proposal to create up to 250 jobs through an Abaco-based biomass plant that will generate 24 megawatts (MW) of energy.Michael Pintard, newly-appointed minister of agriculture and marine resources,

Saturday, August 25

Man in critical condition after Fox Hill shooting

A man sustained serious injuries after being shot in Fox Hill early on Saturday morning.

US Senator John McCain dies age 81

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain, who faced down his captors in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp with jut-jawed defiance and later turned his rebellious streak into a 35-year political career that took him to Congress and the Republican presidential nomination, died Saturday after battling brain cancer for more than a year. He was 81.

Friday, August 24

08242018 EDITION

Friday, 24th August, 2018.

08242018 WEEKEND

Friday, 24th August, 2018.

Pedestrian struck and killed in Eleuthera

A PEDESTRIAN was struck and killed in Eleuthera early Friday morning.

UPDATED: Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs dies age 63

CHIEF Justice Stephen Isaacs died in hospital on Friday.

Man wanted by police in Grand Bahama

POLICE in Grand Bahama are seeking the public’s help with locating a wanted man from New Providence.

'Serious structural issues' at two schools in Grand Bahama

SERIOUS structural issues were found at two schools on Grand Bahama, according to Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson during an update on Thursday on the island's school repair programme.

Man killed after shootout with police

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander issued a strong warning to “bold” criminals at the scene of the latest police shooting.

Man shot dead in East Street web shop

POLICE are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at an East Street web shop on Friday morning.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Random reasoning from our roads

Every weekday morning at 4.20am my day starts. I’m on the road by 5am and on air by 6am. Thankfully, I am spared the torture of morning traffic. I do, however, live vicariously through my throng of loyal listeners. Quite frankly some of their sto

Woman jailed who 'didn't know' gun possession was illegal

A 20-year-old woman who claimed she was unaware that possessing a gun she had retrieved from her home and intended to transport to her boyfriend was a criminal offence, was yesterday sentenced to two years in prison. Shakeitra Ferguson, who was 19 w

Catalyn’s funeral - in his own style

PLAYWRIGHT and poet James Catalyn was remembered yesterday as an icon who contributed significantly to the development of Bahamian arts and culture.

Aragonite real value just $2.5m

CABINET is close to reaching a conclusion that could increase the country’s aragonite mining revenue, Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira said.

Lucayan purchase ‘a waste of money’

OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday stressed the government’s purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort was a “waste of money” without a proper plan to justify how the money would be recouped.

Why we’ve turned down our honours

FORMER Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie yesterday explained they deferred acceptance of the country’s national honours for separate reasons, with the latter saying his decision was a considered response to the criminal charges brought against several members of his former Cabinet.

‘BPL inquiry set-up should include Davis’

DARRON Cash, former chairman of the Free National Movement, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis should solicit recommendations from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis concerning who should investigate the disintegration of Bahamas Power & Light’s board last week.

Port controller says Exuma leak 'completely cleaned up'

THE diesel fuel leak in Exuma has been completely cleaned up, acting Port Controller Dr Raymond King told The Tribune yesterday. Dr King said the leak was caused by a ruptured fuel line that became damaged through “normal wear and tear”. He added the

Armbrister and Clarke advance after wins in Quarters

BAHAMIAN junior tennis players Donte Armbrister and Sydney Clarke continue their impressive run through the Tobago Junior International Tennis Federation’s Championships.

Jones and Sun beaten in Playoffs

The rematch produced the same result for the second consecutive year as the Connecticut Sun were eliminated at home by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the WNBA playoffs.

Bahamians make the playoffs in minor league farm system

Another pair of Bahamian players earned playoff berths with their team in the minor league farm system.

THE FINISH LINE: Boxing election results KO’d

THE Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation has confirmed that they have to go back to the election polls next Friday to elect a new executive team for the next three years.

First win for Bahamas in Puerto Rico

A late three pointer from Brea Forbes was the go ahead score for team Bahamas and led them to their first win over the 2018 FIBA Centrobasket Women’s Basketball Championships.

Theft and laundering case delay

A 23-year-old man awaiting trial on three counts of theft and one count of money laundering in connection with more than $60,000 his girlfriend stole from her employer over a seven-month period, had the case against him adjourned to September 4 yeste

Still no word on date to reveal landfill manager

THE Office of the Attorney General is still evaluating matters relating to the government’s selection of a New Providence Landfill manager, according to Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira.An announcement of the new manager was expected as early as

EDITORIAL: Through the years of conflict Kofi Annan fought for peace

DESPITE the issuance of an official statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the death last week of the distinguished former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Laureate Kofi Annan, there has been little media coverage here at home of his passing.

'Don't just rely on hotel - become entrepreneurs'

THE government's purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort will certainly boost economic activity on Grand Bahama with local MP Iram Lewis encouraging residents to be prepared not just as job seekers, but as entrepreneurs to service the property. Grand B

Our finest sons

FORMER Governors General Sir Orville Turnquest and Arthur D Hanna were yesterday heralded as the country’s “finest sons” as they were bestowed the Order of the Nation national honour.Both men were recognised for their historic contributions to the co

RBDF, do your job

Defending our borders - why can’t the different agencies carry out their prescribed mandate? What is this smart talk of Task Force? Too American for me!

Bet Vegas plays fair

I have always supported and still do the so-called gambling, wagering or numbers industry. In fact, the first media personality to advocate for the legalisation and regulation of the same. During the assorted opinion polls, I stood tall and proud to support the “yes” vote. A number, pardon the pun, of individuals and corporate entities supported the same, inclusive of myself and several prominent clerics, et al.

Grand Lucayan deal is ‘economic suicide’

The Government’s $65m Grand Lucayan purchase was yesterday branded “economic suicide” by a Freeport-based QC, who warned: “The Bahamian people will pay dearly for decades.”

Ex-BREA chief eyes $45-$50m govt lot boost

An ex-Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) president is anticipating a $45-$50m economic boost when the Government releases 300 more plots into its low-cost serviced lots initiative.Pat Strachan, pictured, told Tribune Business he had been informed

'Cart before horse' on Grand Lucayan

THE DNA’s ex-leader yesterday said government was “putting the cart before the horse” by acquiring the Grand Lucayan, as potential buyers will be deterred by Freeport’s economic plight.Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that the Minnis adminis

BICA chief: Cut external debt to 25%

The Bahamas must cut its external borrowings to 25 percent of total debt, a top accountant urged yesterday, warning that this nation is “not out of the woods” with the credit rating agencies.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants

Bahamas-bound banker’s guilty plea to $1.2bn scam

A Bahamas-bound private banker has pled guilty to his role in a $1.2bn money laundering scheme that sparked an investigation by local financial services regulators.

Realtor upgrades to 4k video showings

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty yesterday announced its website has been upgraded to support 4K video on its property detail pages.The Bahamian real estate firm said the feature will now be rolled out through its entire website, SIRbahamas.co

Bran: 'Nothing new except tax increases'

THE Democratic National Alliance’s (DNA) former leader yesterday said Moody’s recent Bahamas assessment was “no real surprise”, arguing: “There’s nothing new except taxes.”Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that “I expected nothing different”

IAN FERGUSON: Don't be a doormat for weak managers

Persons are promoted for their loyalty, connections or technical strength, rather than an ability to lead a team and process, far too often in this corporate environment. This usually results in unnecessary workplace friction and, sometimes, office m

Sun Oil: 'Swift action' over Exuma spillage

Sun Oil yesterday said it had taken “swift action” to contain and remediate the diesel fuel spillage that contaminated the marina at Exuma’s Emerald Bay Resort.The company, a subsidiary of BISX-listed FOCOL Holdings, said it would co-operate fully to

Thursday, August 23

08232018 EDITION

Thursday, 23rd August, 2018.

Religious happenings

• A Quantum Leap of FaithTime: August 24-26Venue: City Of Israel International Covenant Church, Lightbourne AvenueCovenant Keepers Kingdom Fellowship International Apostolic and the City of Israel International Covenant Church host their annual conve

Rastafarians are humans

A radical change in the way we perceive and treat those who embrace the Rastafarian way of life is urgently needed.Too many Bahamians, especially some conservative Christians, allow the Rastafarian customs, beliefs and attire to override the fact tha

Meditation - Wisdom and knowledge

We all agree that education is the key to much success. We believe in children receiving a solid academic foundation in order to be eligible for advanced professional training. We may send them abroad to gain more experience and exposure even as we d

A game of death - an act of love (Part I)

We’re playing a very dangerous game of life and death here in the Bahamas. It’s a very tenuous disposition to reside in. Believe you me, my Bahamian people, that to write on this most important subject is very poignant for me: HIV/AIDS.Dr Duane Sands

Obstacles, overcome them

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

A prophet lends a helping hand

In keeping with its mission to impact the whole person, Stephen C Munroe International Ministries (SCMI) is bringing back its “Help a Child” event this weekend.This is the third back-to-school extravaganza for the ministry and is meant to extend a he

Missing 70-year-old woman found dead

AN elderly woman who was reported missing by family this week was found dead yesterday.Yesterday afternoon police said they were waiting on an official identification to confirm the woman’s identity but said they suspect she is 70-year-old Icelyn Fow

Wilson: Talk to teachers union

Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson yesterday called on the Ministry of Education to consult and collaborate with the union more while also encouraging new teachers to join the BUT.Mrs Wilson’s appeal came at yesterday’s orientation ex

Struggling straw vendors back purchase

MANY struggling straw vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace support the government’s decision to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort and believe it would boost sales for them and others small businesses.While in Grand Bahama yesterday, Prime Minister Dr H

We’re in the hotel business . . . for now

THE government has made a $10m down payment to acquire the Grand Lucayan resort at a price tag of $65m and expects to complete the purchase from Hutchinson Whampoa within the next 30 days, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis confirmed yesterday.

PM orders probe into BPL board meltdown

THE government will launch a formal investigation into the saga at Bahamas Power and Light and the circumstances that led to the shock dissolution of its board of directors and a bitter war of words with top officials.

Three years jail for US cocaine smuggler

AN American man was convicted yesterday and sentenced to three years in prison in connection with a drug seizure at the Lynden Pindling International Airport over the weekend.

Web shops: Unlicenced rivals exploit patron tax

Legal web shops yesterday expressed fears that unlicenced rivals are expanding to exploit the imminent five percent patron tax without any interference from impotent law enforcers.

Wins for Gardiner and Barry in Poland

Steven Gardiner continued an outdoor season of milestone accomplishments while Trevor Barry returned to form in their latest appearances on the athletics circuit.

Toppling Trump

TODAY’S startling headlines in the US about two simultaneous criminal convictions, of Messrs Manafort and Cohen, hit me just as I was finishing a brilliant book about the sufferings and emotional reversals of the Italian populace during Word War II.

Political interference

There has been a lot of foolish talk about “political interference” during the public debate over events at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), and some people who should know better have participated in this misrepresentation. It is a pity that journalists covering the story did not take this opportunity to educate the public on this point.

Gambling that hurts our nation

While driving on Wulff Road recently, I could not help but notice that a building that was previously occupied by a commercial bank is now occupied by a gambling house. In my view, it is a further prophetic sign of the new Bahamas. And it is a vivid reminder of how numbers gambling is destroying the economy of The Bahamas and the industry of Bahamians. Numbers gambling is an economic parasite that sucks the financial life blood of legitimate businesses, and it is an economic vice that destroys the industrial drive of Bahamians.

DIANE PHILLIPS: He brought fame to The Bahamas and when he died few noticed

As The Bahamas prepares for yet another state funeral and honours are bestowed on new deserving recipients, a man who brought joy and wonder to tens of thousands and fame to The Bahamas slipped quietly away almost unnoticed.

Suspect accused of taxi driver killing

A 20-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered a taxi driver in Hollywood Subdivision, off Cowpen Road in June.Donte Riley stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with one count each

Conference to tackle child exploitation

ADVOCACY group Bahamas Against Crime is hosting a conference next month to address the exploitation of children.“The high level of crimes against children and the exploitation of children in The Bahamas is cause for great alarm,” the group, led by Re

Chevening Scholarships awarded

THE British high commissioner to The Bahamas has announced that two Bahamians have been awarded Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK.The 2018-19 Chevening Scholars are D’Andra Johnson and Therell Smith.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to indiv

Body found after blaze hits building

POLICE in Grand Bahama found human remains in a wooden structure that was destroyed by fire yesterday morning.Shortly after 1am, police from the Fire Department were called to a building fire in Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock on I-95 corner where they met

Mitchell: All PLPs have made disclosures

AFTER it was announced on Tuesday that two senators have failed to make their annual disclosure of assets and liabilities in accordance with the Public Disclosure Act, the Progressive Liberal Party confirmed all of its senators and members of Parliam

$1,000 for students with drive

FOR the second consecutive year, the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas has invested in the training of future mechanics with a $1,000 scholarship donation to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).In memory of Charles Johnson - a skille

Row breaks out in FNM over meeting cancellation

A ROW has erupted over the cancellation of the Free National Movement’s monthly council meeting, according to a letter obtained by The Tribune.The open letter was reportedly sent to FNM chairman Carl Culmer by national deputy chairman Brad McPhee, wh

Man’s body pulled from sea

POLICE pulled a man’s body from waters at Potter’s Cay Dock after 9am yesterday.

Jones and sun open playoffs tonight

Jonquel Jones and the Connecticut Sun will open the WNBA Playoffs and their prospective title run tonight.

High Major offer for Sammy Hunter

Prep basketball star Sammy Hunter has received his first high major offer from an elite Division I programme.

Coleby makes Belgium move

National basketball team standout Dwight Coleby will begin his pro basketball career in Belgium.

UB Mingoes open season against strong opponents

The University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team starts its season today against Penn State Altoona in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Bahamian players advance in junior ITF Championships

HAVING recovered from the shock of being close to an earthquake in Trinidad & Tobago, top ranked Bahamian players Sydney Clarke and Donte Armbrister advanced from their first round set of matches at the Tobago Junior ITF Championships on Wednesday.

BFA names squad for CONCACAF nations league qualifying

The Bahamas Football Association has named the side to represent the country in qualification for the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League and essentially the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Nation's 'vulnerability increases' via $750m foreign borrowings

The Bahamas’ “vulnerability” to global market changes has increased as a result of foreign currency borrowings accounting for more than one-third of government debt, Moody’s is warning.The international credit rating agency, in its annual in-depth an

Govt warned: Don't try running Grand Lucayan

The Government “must under no circumstances” get involved in operating the Grand Lucayan, a top hotelier warned yesterday, adding: “It’s not an attractive asset to buy.”Magnus Alnebeck, Pelican Bay’s managing director, told Tribune Business that whil

Ex-beauty queen accuses tourism of 'abusive tactics'

A former Bahamian beauty queen has accused the Ministry of Tourism of “abusive tactics” in a bid to scare her and other artists from seeking damages for “stolen works”.Khiara Sherman, pictured, the former Miss Bahamas Universe, is accusing the Minist

Small Business Centre inundated with demand

Some 600-650 persons have signed up for the proposed Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) services in the past fortnight, with sessions already extending into February 2019.Davinia Blair, pictured, the SBDC’s executive director, told Tribune Bu

BOB's $168m bail-out no 'near term' taxpayer fear

The $168m Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) bail-out is unlikely to become a liability for Bahamian taxpayers within the next three-five years, Moody’s believes.The international credit rating agency, in its annual in-depth analysis of the country’s economic

Chamber elects new directors

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) has elected three new members to its board of directors with effect from July 12.The newcomer trio for 2018-2019 are:• Keith Beneby, Scotiabank (Bahamas) - director• Sandy Morley, BA

NIB unveils its new chairman

The Government yesterday confirmed that has been appointed chairman of the National Insurance Board (NIB).Mr Smith has 29 years’ experience in life and health insurance, having served in many management and executive positions. In recent years, his p

New Development Bank chief named

The Government has named Dave Smith as the Bahamas Development Bank’s (BDB) managing director as the institution celebrates its 40th year anniversary.The Ministry, in a statement, said Mr Smith has already begun work to strengthen the BDB’s relations

Wednesday, August 22

08222018 EDITION

Wednesday, 22nd August, 2018.

Cyber criminals posing as public figures net thousands

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday warned the public not to give money to people posing as politicians online as police revealed Bahamians have lost more than $100,000 to cyber criminals this year.Mr Dames said an individual was recent

Govt purchases Grand Lucayan resort

THE Minnis administration has purchased the Grand Lucayan resort in Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced after a tour of the property on Wednesday.

Disclosure files will go to AG

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has instructed the chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission to give the Office of the Attorney General information on the officials who have failed to make their annual disclosure of assets and liabilities in accordance with the Public Disclosure Act, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.

OUCH! Bannister savages axed BPL chair with finance revelations

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister has admitted to political interference in the functions of the Bahamas Power and Light board - however, he claims it was only to block alleged directives to pay the personal bills of its former Chairwoman Darnell Osborne.

Police hunt for robbers after two raids

POLICE in New Providence are investigating two armed robberies which occurred on Monday.Shortly after 9am, a man was in the parking lot of a local bank on Prince Charles Drive when he was approached by a gunman who robbed him of a bag containing cash

Special Olympics Torch run/Fun Day

ALIV sponsored and volunteered at the annual Special Olympics Bahamas Torch Run/Fun Day at the Stapledon School on Dolphin Drive held this past Saturday.During the opening ceremony, Chief ALIV Commercial Officer Gravette Brown said ALIV believes in w

Bahamas Judo Federation prepares for junior World Championships

The Bahamas Judo Federation is hard at work preparing to host the World Junior Judo Championships.The event will take place October 17-21 in the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which has been designated as the Games Villa

SPORTS NOTES

The New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association will continue its regular season action this weekend at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds with a full slate of games on tap.• Here’s

Former World Champion Riddick Bowe meets with boxing community

Former amateur boxing president Vincent Strachan said it was a pleasure for the boxing community to meet and interact with former two-time world heavyweight champion Riddick ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe and his I Fight Promotions Group.During a visit to the Baha

Bahamian trio set for Diamond league finals

Elite athletes are now focussing on the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League Finals.The much anticipated championships-style winner-take-all format is set for the weekend of August 30-31 at the Weltklasse in Zurich, Switzerland

New elections called for the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation

AFTER occupying the chair as the new president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation, Vincent Strachan will have to vacate office as new elections have been set for Friday, August 31.According to outgoing president Wellington Miller, the Internati

Bahamas beaten by Mexico in Puerto Rico

THE women’s national basketball team suffered its second straight loss at the Centro Basket, this time falling 74-52 to Mexico at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Auditorium in Puerto Rico.Coming off their 95-50 loss to Puerto Rico in their opening game o

Lloyd not asleep at the wheel

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd has been one of the more productive ministers in the Minnis Cabinet. Education is a massive challenge to any government in this country.

Drama over shanty towns

The furor surrounding the shantytowns has created a whole lot of drama in the country. Threats of civil unrest. Courtroom showdown looms. Family members and friends on opposing sides of human kindness. One side being sympathetic and the other without compassion with both sides standing their grounds. No compromise.

EDITORIAL: Who is going to fill vast chasms left by those who leave us?

Senator Telator Strachan. Dr Patricia Bazard. Dr Cecil Bethel. Cleophas Adderley. Bobby Symonette. E Clement Bethel. Ronnie Butler. James Catalyn. Sir Clifford Darling. Paul Adderley. Sir Clement Maynard. Norman Solomon. Basil Sands. Harry B Sands. David Johnson. Sir Durward Knowles.

ALICIA WALLACE: Service second to none? More like second rate

We all need service and we want it to be fast and inexpensive. Some of us want it to be friendly too and responsive to our every need. For any given service in The Bahamas - and in Nassau in particular - we would be fortunate to get two out of four.

Summer in Mt Moriah

THE Mount Moriah constituency’s summer camp held from August 13-17 at the Central Church of Christ in Yellow Elder, catered to more than 70 youngsters and teenagers.Campers engaged in art and drama classes and were treated to a field trip at the Adve

Dog Days race raises $22,000

THE fourth annual Dog Days Marathon held in late March raised thousands of dollars for the Grand Bahama Humane Society and the Grand Bahama Children’s Home.The animal shelter received $17,000 while the children’s home received $5,000.This year’s even

BNT: Impact of diesel leak in Exuma marina 'small'

THE impact from the diesel fuel leak in Exuma over the weekend is going to be “small”, Bahamas National Trust Executive Director Eric Carey estimated yesterday. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Carey said while the accident had the potential to b

Treat Grand Bahama as a special case - Lewis

MEMBER of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis said yesterday Grand Bahama has to be viewed “as a special needs case” by the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.“Business, as usual, does not exist in Grand Bahama presently and mo

'Govt purchase of hotel will help union members'

THE Commonwealth Union of Hotel Services and Allied Workers believes the decision by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to purchase the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama is good news for the union and its hundreds of members. President Michelle Dors

Man guilty of drug possession

A 23-year-old man yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of drug possession with intent to supply.Kevin Rolle, of Sugar Hill Road, Fox Hill, appearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain, admitted to possessing 3.875 ounces of suspected mari

1,000 scholarships available at BTVI

THE government, through the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, is offering 1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in full-time programmes inclusive of preparatory, certificate, diploma and associate degrees.Named The Bahamas Be Your Own Bos

Davis: Why did Bannister reappoint Osborne if there were problems?

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis has said revelations Works Minister Desmond Bannister made yesterday about former Bahamas Power & Light Chairwoman Darnell Osborne are “disingenuous,” questioning why Mr Bannister reappointed her to the board in July if he felt her conduct had been egregious.

Five years in jail for ringleader in housebreaking and theft group

A 35-year-old man was convicted and sentenced yesterday to five years in prison in connection with a five-month long housebreaking and theft ring which netted an estimated $13,916 in stolen property.Tiffalo Johnson, of Native Yard, East Street North,

BPL boardroom battle sparks power outages

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) former chairman was yesterday accused of exposing New Providence residents to power outages by blocking the purchase of critical parts.

Govt's Grand Lucayan deal to close Sept 11

The Government’s $65m Grand Lucayan purchase is due to close on September 11, with the Hotel Corporation’s chair pledging: “This is not going to be a haemorrhage of taxpayer funds.”Michael Scott, confirming the acquisition price remains the same as t

Moody's: Faith shaken in Bahamas' fiscal credibility

Moody’s yesterday revealed that faith in The Bahamas’ fiscal policy credibility had been shaken by the Government’s revelation of $760m in total unfunded arrears over the past two years.The credit rating agency, in its annual full country analysis, s

BPL Board turmoil delays Shell deal

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) boardroom turmoil has already delayed completion of a deal to provide Nassau with cheaper, more reliable energy by a month, it was admitted yesterday.

BPL battle exposes governance reform need among SOEs

Governance reformers yesterday argued that the Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) board turmoil highlights why The Bahamas must overhaul how state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are run.

Bahamas 'seizes' greater tourism, aviation business

The Bahamas has “seized additional business opportunities for its tourism and aviation sectors” at the world’s largest international aviation conference.Captain Greg Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s senior director of vertical markets an

BPL outage performance 'better than any summer'

A Cabinet minister yesterday asserted that Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) performance this summer relative to power outages is “still better than any in the past”.Speaking outside Cabinet yesterday, Desmond Bannister, minister of works, said: “I’m h

Sterling names senior analyst

Sterling Global has named Aniska Rolle to the post of senior analyst at the financial services business with nearly $10bn under administration or management.“Aniska brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in banking and finance, having worked wit

Tourism reconnects with Florida travel community

The Ministry of Tourism recently held a joint dinner and mini tradeshow for 60 members of South Florida’s largest travel agent association.The event, targeted at the Travel Industry Association (TIA) of South Florida, was held at La Jolla in Coral Ga

Tuesday, August 21

08212018 EDITION

Tuesday, 21st August, 2018.

FACE TO FACE: Novie - deep down and soulful, on stage and off

For many years, she was a lead singer in the popular local band “Visage”. She has that signature voice you know the moment you hear it – it’s soul stirring, deep and meaningful. A few years ago, she became a solo artist and continues to make her mark, not only as one of The Bahamas’ beloved entertainers, but as an educator who guides hundreds of Bahamian students in the field of music.

No student turned away because of background

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd yesterday reiterated that it is against policy and prohibited by law for educators to deny students’ entry into schools based on their ethnic background or nationality. He added he had no “proof” this was occurring, but

Case of pit bull dog's death at a standstill

THE case involving the death of Whitehead, a pregnant pit bull that died as a result of an illegal caesarian performed by an unlicenced “street vet” in Freeport earlier this year, is at a standstill due to the absence of a complaint and lack of suffi

Three jailed over seizure of marijuana

A BAHAMIAN man and two Jamaican men were sentenced to three and a half years in prison yesterday for last week’s seizure of 375 pounds of marijuana at a residence on Meadow Street.Two additional people - a Jamaican woman and a Bahamian man - were als

BNT: Poaching 'greatest threat to seafood resources of nation'

THE Bahamas National Trust has described poaching by commercial fishermen from the Dominican Republic as “the greatest single threat to Bahamian seafood resources”. The BNT said this was based on a report produced for the Bahamas Lobster Fisheries Im

Split sparked by row over power generation

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) Board split was sparked by disputes over generation technology for the new, low-cost power plant and executive appointments, Tribune Business can reveal.

‘Tell us what’s gone on at BPL’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis yesterday called on Works Minister Desmond Bannister to answer “damning” allegations of government interference at the Bahamas Power and Light board.

‘Dr Minnis’ hypocrisy is simply staggering’

RIGHTS Bahamas has criticised recent comments Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made about eradicating shanty towns, saying “the level of hypocrisy” involved in Dr Minnis’ remarks regarding Haitian ethnic communities is “simply staggering”.

Premiers’ rejection of honour avoidable

THE decision of former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie to reject the government’s national honour award is an “embarrassment” for the Minnis administration, Reverend Sebastian Campbell, chairman of the National Heroes Committee, said yesterday.

Doors open for 1,000 pre-schoolers

IN an effort for the Bahamas to attain universal pre-school education, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd yesterday said starting this year, and each year thereafter, 1,000 pre-school students will enter the school system.

Police probe body find

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man’s partially decomposed body found in a cemetery on Sunday night. The Caucasian man’s remains were found shortly after 7pm at St Matthew’s Cemetery on Church and Shirley Str

FIVE FACE COURT OVER IMMIGRATION OFFENCES

A Bahamian and four immigrants were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Monday for breach of the Immigration Act.Hugh Walkin, 48, appeared in Court One before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson on the charge of harbouring an undocument

Former world champ to help develop boxing in the Bahamas

A former world heavyweight champion is prepared to lend his assistance to boxing development in the Bahamas. Riddick Bowe and I Fight Promotions have announced their plans to provide a boost to the profile of the sport locally. “I’ve done some things

Class of '78 get the Big Red Machine into gear

IT maybe a little too early to start talking about high school sports, but for the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine, this is the best time to get some financial support for their dominating athletic programme.On Saturday, vice principal Benedic

Bahamas to host Caribbean Tip Off Classic

A new basketball initiative for high school boys teams called the Caribbean Tip Off Classic has been launched by the Bahamas Basketball Federation in conjunction with the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.Federation first vice president Mario Bowleg, accompan

THE PRESS BOX: Randy Gregory and his second chance

I’ve seen substance abuse derail many a superstar athlete, even savagely cutting some down in their prime. So when I see an athlete rebound from their addictions, and return to the playing field, focused and prepared to make the most of a second cha

Miami Dolphins donate youth football equipment

The relationship between the Bahamas and the National Football League’s Miami Dolphins continues to produce dividends for the country’s youth development in American football.Longtime Miami Dolphins player and executive Nat Moore presented local foot

UB Mingoes find positives in loss to Northern Arizona University

Justin Smith hit seven three-pointers to lead the UB Mingoes with 27 points in the loss to The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks 92-82 in Summer of Thunder action on Sunday at The Kendal Issacs gym.The Mingoes got within single digits of the di

Bahamas beaten by Puerto Rico

Team Bahamas was on the receiving end of a 45 point rout in the opening game of the 2018 Centrobasket Women’s Championship.The senior national women’s basketball team made their tournament debut in a 95-50 loss to the host country last night at the C

Teacher-turned-author breathes new life into schools’ health science subject

FRUSTRATED with health science textbooks that are lacking in readability, accuracy, clarity of diagrams and overall appeal, Bahamian educator Ezralee Rolle decided to write her own book.

Supplementation

Is your marriage as stale as old bread?

Have you ever pulled a slice of stale bread from the bag and just could not bring yourself to eat it? That once delicious baker’s delight which used to tantalise your taste buds is no longer appealing. In fact, you are so bored with it, you leave it

Don't get stressed, get organised

Moms combat back-to-school woes with next-level planning

It’s that time of year again. Kids have to switch gears from late night TV binge-watching to going to bed early so they can get a fresh start for the 2018/19 school year.And if you are like a lot of Bahamian moms out there, you are already dreading t

Look sexy, feel comfy: Undergarment essentials for every woman

It’s a fact that many Bahamian women do not know their correct bra or panty sizes. Some wear undergarments that are either too small, too big, or just ill-fitting.

Bahamian band of brothers unites as new fraternity branch chartered

IT was a historic day on the campus of the University of The Bahamas on Saturday, as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated chartered its first international undergraduate chapter.After 107 years of existence, the organisation officially established

BUSINESS BITES: Two Huberts with different visions

The disputed future of the Grand Lucaya Hotel complex is more than a business debate. It could well mark the opening political shot for control of the FNM. Incumbent Prime Minster Hubert Minnis and predecessor Hubert Ingraham have each visibly tied his flag to a radically different solution for the hotel’s continued viability - and the future of Grand Bahama.

Lessons to learn, Mr Minister

‘OH Mr Minister’, the BBC programme should be constantly shown on ZNS as it will educate all of us as to the process and procedure of The Westminster system.

Farewell to James Catalyn

It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of my fellow writer and thespian, James Catalyn.

Is it really the People's Time to beg?

I understand our country is in an economic crisis and the said government is trying, in their opinion, to fix and balance the budget. But living in the state we’re in, we see families are struggling more so than ever. On top of this, the increase of value added tax has caused the cost of living to become for some, unaffordable.

EDITORIAL: Bully boy tactics and ‘hogwash’ denials

Government service in Western democracies is often coveted by citizens who seek a stable, secure position with a regular pay cheque and a sense of serving the greater good of the nation. Government service is also often reviled and ridiculed by those outside government who are supposed to be the clients of public servants.

Cleaning up Over-The-Hill

THE third phase of the Over-the-Hill programme’s clean up campaign took place over the weekend, with 80 people and 20 heavy duty companies working to remove litter in the Nassau Street and Collins Avenue areas.The effort saw cooperation between the D

Aliv teams up with govt to promote farming

MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard yesterday unveiled a joint project with Aliv and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to assist in the development and promotion of self-sufficient farming in the co

BTC revenue revival after 10k client loss

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) owner is targeting a 2018 second half turnaround for its slumping top line, after it lost another 10,400 mobile customers due to “competitive intensity”.Balan Nair, Liberty Latin America’s (LiLAC) chief

$10m damages against Bimini developer upheld

A damages award of $9.67m has been upheld against the Bimini Bay resort’s original developer over its demolition of a tenant’s beach club in defiance of a Supreme Court order. The Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 majority verdict, reinstated $6.8m in “gener

Ginn developers eyes ten-year VAT 'deferral'

The $2.8bn developer of the former Ginn project may be in line for a ten-year VAT “deferral”, two decades of property tax breaks and “special fuel concessions”, according to leaked papers.A draft copy of the Government’s heads of agreement with Skyli

Owning home 'impossible for some' after hike

The VAT rate increase has made home ownership “almost impossible for some and a lot harder for others”, a prominent developer said yesterday.Franon Wilson, pictured, Arawak Homes president, told Tribune Business: “From where we sit right now, the dem

Auto repairers demand Japan report's release

THE Bahamian Auto Repair Association (BARA) yesterday called for the release of a promised report on Japanese auto import inspections, questioning if some industries have a “hidden agenda”.Dwaine Scavella, the BARA president, said: “What happened to

Monday, August 20

08202018 EDITION

Monday 20th August, 2018.

INSIGHT: This pill could end up being too bitter to swallow

FACED with the crumbling of an imminent sale of the Grand Lucayan, the government’s decision to purchase the resort has polarised the public. Some Bahamians have been very vocal in expressing their bewilderment via social media and on local radio talk shows. Concurrently, others have praised the government for its decision to purchase the beleaguered resort and save the jobs of those that would have been affected.

New BPL chair - we'll review Shell deal

A REVIEW of the tender process for Bahamas Power and Light’s generation supply contract is high on the agenda for its new board, according to incoming Chairman Donovan Moxey.Mr Moxey told The Tribune board members will work to establish a baseline at

A life full of laughter: James Catalyn dies age 78

CELEBRATED playwright, poet and actor James Catalyn died on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of sympathy from the cultural community.

American caught with $43k coke in luggage

AN American man found with more than $40,000 worth of cocaine in his luggage was one of several people arrested for drug offences over the weekend.

Sandals transfers guests to new hotels

SANDALS Royal Bahamian has diverted large groups of guests to other hotel properties as the resort continues to battle an outbreak of gastroenteritis, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.

Osborne bites back at BPL dismissal

THREE former members of Bahamas Power and Light’s board of directors said their work was hindered by “political” interference, adding the board, in particular former chairwoman Darnell Osborne, was “continually disrespected and undermined”.

Passengers’ fury over Bahamasair flight delays

EXTREME delays at Bahamasair angered customers at home and abroad over the weekend when a mechanical issue grounded one of the airline’s eight jets on Saturday.

Now name and shame non-disclosure MPs

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis called yesterday on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to live up to his pre-election promises and identify those who have not declared their assets and liabilities to the Public Disclosure Commission in accordance with the Public Disclosure Act.

Unjust and unfair: PM insists shanty towns must go – to improve lives

NOTWITHSTANDING a court injunction blocking evictions, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said it would be “unjust and unfair” to allow shanty towns to remain and recommitted his government to the task of clearing those communities.

In tribute

It would be greatly appreciated if you would print this letter to remember a fallen colleague and friend, David Livingston Johnson.

EDITORIAL: A question of honour

Where does Bahamian pride stand today?

WORLD VIEW – Maintaining independence: the imperative of diplomacy

EXCEPT at time of crisis, many countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) credit their foreign ministries and their embassies or high commissions abroad with little value.

INSIGHT – The future of healthcare is here now: be bold

Picture this: you have just been in a car accident. You’re lying on a gurney in the ambulance, sirens blaring as they rush you to the hospital. There’s a family member in the ambulance who’s grasping your hand, terrified. The paramedic asks: “Are you allergic to any medications? Has anyone in your family ever had a bad reaction to their medicine? Have you ever had trouble with anaesthesia?” He’s looking at you and glancing at the family member as he asks. What do you say? Can your family member answer his questions?

INSIGHT: Lining up for another, unnecessary own goal

It is difficult to understand what the FNM is trying to achieve with its increasingly extreme and desperate stance on immigration. Not mentioned at all on the campaign trail, the issue has somehow ballooned into a top priority, an urgent challenge – a crisis in fact! But a crisis of their own making and the source of repeated blunders and embarrassments which must rattle so insecure and self-conscious a government to its very core.

Stop punishing our children

Since May 2016, we have seen a consistency of destruction either by omission or commission. For purely petty political reasons, the economy has been slowed down until the “masters” regrouped to now suck the very lifeblood out of the country. We believe that what is not tied down would be blatantly taken into the coffers of the gluttonous elite class.

Police hunt for missing man in Acklins

POLICE are looking for Fletcher Moss of Acklins, who was reported missing.Mr Moss is 37 and his last known address was in Salina Point. He has a dark brown complexion, a slim build and is about 5’6” to 5’8”.Anyone with information on his whereabouts

Man and child rescued after falling into sea from jet ski

A MAN and a young child are counting their blessings after they were rescued from waters near Potter’s Cay on Thursday afternoon by Royal Bahamas Defence Force military divers and marines attached to the RBDF’s Harbour Patrol Unit.Shortly after 4pm o

Davis demands to know how much govt is paying foreign QCs

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis is urging the government to say how much it is paying foreign Queen’s Counsel to help prosecute cases against Progressive Liberal Party members.He said from his experience as a lawyer, foreign QCs are paid betwe

Shaunae surges to victory

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo, running with a heavy heart, relied on some extra external help from her late spiritual leader to boost a fantastic comeback victory in the Muller Grand Prix women’s 200 metres as the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League’s 12-race series came to a close on Saturday in Birmingham, England, and with the finals looming in two weeks.

Tributes paid to 'industrious, distinguished' Harry Sands

NOTED attorney Harry B Sands, 92, died peacefully at his home last Wednesday, his family announced.Mr Sands was one of the founding partners of the noted law firm Harry B Sands, Lobosky and Company.Called to the English Bar, Mr Sands was admitted to

Colebrook back as president

ROY Colebrook, a vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, was returned as president of the Bahamas Amateur Cycling Federation.

Aiming for a Puerto Rico slam dunk

The Bahamas women’s national basketball team, fresh off their bronze medal performance at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Cup Championships, is now in Puerto Rico where they hope to at least duplicate or surpass that performance at the Centro Basket Tournament.

Puerto Rico welcomes teams for Centro Basket

The road to qualification FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2019 begins in earnest tonight for team Bahamas.

Sun blazing hot as Jones heads for the playoffs

Jonquel Jones and the Connecticut Sun will enter the WNBA Playoffs as one of the league’s hottest teams.

New club, new country as Kentwan heads to Denmark

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.

Union asks for BPL to bring back redundant staff on contract

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) president Paul Maynard yesterday suggested that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) bring former employees back on contracts until they can be adequately replaced, telling this newspaper: “I’m tired of my members bei

Tourism numbers enjoy double digit growth

INTERNATIONAL arrivals to The Bahamas grew 10.2 percent year-to-date, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) yesterday.The ministry expects tourism growth to continue as bookings are up 6.7 percent over the Au

Architects call for govt to draw up plans for Family Islands

THE Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) is calling for a Family Island development plan to establish the parameters for development in the out islands, while backing calls for government to purchase Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera.The IBA in a state

Here's how to stop the ratings pendulum

CONCERNS over potential credit downgrades will become “a thing of the past” once this nation can realise real economic growth, a top private sector executive said yesterday, noting that commitments to improve the ease of business and transparency in

Wendy's time to move - but just down the road

WENDY’S Bahamas is set to relocate its Mackey Street restaurant next month, its franchise operator telling Tribune Business “upwards” of $1.7m had been invested in the new outlet. Terry Tsavoussis, who heads Aetos Holdings along with his brother Chri

Friday, August 17

08172018 EDITION

Friday, 17th August, 2018.

08172018 WEEKEND

Friday, 17th August, 2018.

Judge recuses herself from murder trial

A SUPREME Court judge on Friday discharged a jury empaneled to hear the murder trial of Ashley Hield, taking the necessary steps to recuse herself of the case on the grounds of potential bias.

Appeal in drive-by shooting death case dismissed

THE Court of Appeal has dismissed a man's appeal to have his conviction and sentencing overturned on the grounds that he had no case to answer for his involvement in a 2010 murder.

BPL appoints new board of directors

A NEW board of directors has been appointed at Bahamas Power and Light following its shock dissolution earlier this week.

UPDATED: Defence Force pulls body from waters near Potter's Cay Dock

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force divers pulled a body out of waters near Potter’s Cay Dock on Thursday.

'Bahamian patriot' Telator Strachan laid to rest

FORMER senator Telator Strachan was laid to rest on Friday as a nation builder who paved the way for Bahamian women in politics.

A COMIC'S VIEW: The good, the bad and the ugly

I must admit this is going to be a quick read this week.

Wilchcombe: Lighthouse Point must be preserved

FORMER Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday called for Lighthouse Point to be protected from cruise ship development and “preserved” for the people of The Bahamas.Describing the 700-acre peninsula located at the southern tip of Eleuthera as “th

Three face court on murder charges

THREE men were arraigned yesterday in Magistrate’s Court accused of two separate murders.In the first matter, Jameine Bethel, 22, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subsola Swain faced with one count of murder concerning a Saturday, August 4, incid

Bahamian singers pay tribute to Queen of Soul

YESTERDAY, the world paused to mourn the loss and honour the legacy of Aretha Franklin.Although Franklin was born in Tennessee and raised in Michigan, the impact of her music spanned continents and inspired generations of artists, including local mus

GIBSON TRIAL: Witnesses’ testimony ‘coached’ by police

LAWYERS for former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson filed documents in the Supreme Court yesterday alleging the statements of two key prosecution witnesses have been “tainted” and are not reliable, painting a picture of “unprecedented levels of witness coaching and evidence alteration” at the hands of lawyers and the Anti-Corruption Unit.

Ingraham and Christie decline national honours

FORMER Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie have declined the government’s national honour awards, according to three sources familiar with their action.

John Mosko dies, aged 62

JOHN George Mosko of the prominent Mosko family died at his home in Nassau yesterday.His funeral will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on West Street on Monday at 10.30am.“It is with great sadness that I notify you of the passing of

Nygard told to pay up $2.2m in legal costs

CANADIAN fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay non-profit environmental advocacy group Save The Bays a combined total of $2.2 million in legal costs.The costs were ordered in four separate certificates of taxation, o

Teenager accused of sex attack on ten-year-old

A 19-year-old boy was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with the indecent assault of a ten-year-old girl at her residence and the early morning burglary of the home.Peter Estamble, of Watkins Street, stood before Magistrate Samuel M

'Trust us' says Minnis - but wait for hotel deal details

FULL disclosure of the proposed Grand Lucayan deal for Grand Bahama will not come until the purchase is complete, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.Despite this virtually meaning the details will be shielded from public view until such t

Revised Imigration Act to be released to public soon

THE government anticipates a draft of a revised Immigration Act will be released to the public “shortly”, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette told reporters yesterday.Mr Symonette said the existing act has not been substantially amended since this c

Dear Bahamas, Glad I was here, Shaquille O'Neal

RETIRED NBA star Shaquille O’Neal stopped by a local bicycle store while on vacation to pick out a bike to cycle around town.Workers at Cycles Unlimited on Mackey Street were in for a pleasant surprise when the basketball legend came in this week to

Bishop defends appointment to marijuana committee

BISHOP Simeon Hall yesterday defended his position on the government’s marijuana committee, reiterating his belief in the medical benefits of the plant.Bishop Hall said while he has not experienced any negativity from the religious community, he anti

Executions and the word of God

It is commonly accepted among Christians and a lot of non-traditionalists, that if an individual takes the life of another without legal justification, he/she must in turn be executed by the state. This is the law of God Himself as laid down in the Bible. This eons-old concept of an eye for an eye forms the very basis of most jurisprudence thesis universally.

Public service

TEN, fifteen, twenty years. That’s the amount of time it takes for some hardworking, dedicated public servants to receive their first promotion.

AG on death penalty

HOW strange was the comment of the AG on the PM’s comment and commitment to capital punishment. Such a controversial issue as only 53 countries globally still adhere or have execution on their law books - The Bahamas is in some strange company!

Team Bahamas won silver 'against all odds'

AS the 17th edition of the Men’s CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Championships closed out on Tuesday night in Parimaribo, Suriname, the men’s national team had to settle for the silver.The team arrived home late Wednesday night and he

Roy Colebrook seeks another term as cycling president

WHEN the Bahamas Cycling Federation heads to the polls on Saturday to hold their election of officers, incumbent president Roy Colebrook will be seeking another term in office.Colebrook, who assumed the top post after the death of former president Be

Healthy Van Hutchinson Jr eager for Knights return

After playing much of last season recovering from an injured ankle, Van Hutchinson Jr is healthy and eager to return his Niagara Knights to the top of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.Despite the injury setback, the 6’5” guard averaged 16.9

Saunders family hold court over volleyball skills

THERE’S a lot of debate over who is the most talented family when it comes to the sport of volleyball in the country. There’s an even bigger argument in Gleniston Park Avenue where the Saunders family resides. Pioneer in the sport Jason Saunders, his

THE FINISH LINE: Organising funding for our athletes

DO you think it’s time for our sporting bodies to come together and form one organisation that will be solely responsible for finding the necessary funds to assist our national teams when they travel? Or do you think these individual sporting bodies,

Saequan dives into training

Saequan Miller hit the pool for the first time as a collegiate water polo athlete this week.In a history-making move for Bahamian water polo, Miller, a graduate of CR Walker, signed his letter of intent earlier this summer to join the Salem Universit

LAUNCHED: Dept of Labour investigates Club Land'Or debacle

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes yesterday confirmed he has launched an investigation into claims workers at Club Land’Or are not being paid, stating: “If you work you should be paid”. Speaking with Tribune Business, Mr Foulkes said: “I actually met pre

Symonette: 'Public needs to be cautious' with ATMs

FINANCIAL Services Minister Brent Symonette said yesterday that Bahamians will have to exercise greater “caution” when utilising ATMs, calling the recent Royal Bank of Canada “skimming” incident “unfortunate”.Mr Symonette said that while the incident

Growth targets could be "very difficult" to reach

THE Government will find it “very difficult” to hit its projected growth targets given the impact of the value-added tax (VAT) rate rise and steep expenditure cuts, a former finance minister has suggested.James Smith, also a former Central Bank gover

Peak periods only pressure on flight availability to Exuma

THE Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said yesterday the total number of international airline seats available to Exuma this year is “comfortably above” the number required to fill available rooms, while acknowledging challenges of “higher and higher

IAN FERGUSON: Employers and educators - partnering for better business

As students and teachers prepare to return to the classroom, there are some parallel truths regarding the educational and business systems in The Bahamas that should be studied and addressed. We often hear lament of the national “D” average in the sc

Palm Cay picks Amedu

Palm Cay has announced the expansion of its sales team with the appointment of 34-year-old Bahamian-born Ahmahl Amedu.Amedu, is a successful restaurant manager with a track record of identifying opportunities and bolstering sales at a trio of restaur

Thursday, August 16

08162018 EDITION

Thursday 16th August, 2018.

DIANE PHILLIPS: Let perfection be . . . leave Lighthouse Point alone

Some things are perfect just the way they are, even when we don’t understand why they are the way they are.

It's time to clean up our eyesores

THERE isn’t a resident of New Providence or cruise ship tourist who doesn’t shake their head every time they travel downtown and see the rundown state of the nation’s capital.A million words have been written on what needs to be done to put things ri

Central Bank to be catalyst for area

THE new Central Bank facility will be an “iconic structure” and a “one-of-a-kind building” Central Bank Administration Department Manager Ian Fernander said yesterday. Mr Fernander also expressed his wish that the new premises, to be located in the R

Another escapee from Simpson Penn caught

ANOTHER escaped inmate of the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys was captured by police.

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dies at 76

NEW YORK (AP) — Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul" who sang with matchless style on such classics as "Think," ''I Say a Little Prayer" and her signature song, "Respect," and stood as a cultural icon around the globe, died Thursday at age 76 from pancreatic cancer.

BPL - I had to pull the plug: Bannister says board was in total collapse

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister conceded yesterday Bahamas Power and Light needed new leadership after its board of directors in recent times remained “locked” in dispute on every critical issue at great cost to the company.

Davis: Meltdown shows lack of plan

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he was surprised by the dissolution of the entire board of Bahamas Power and Light on Tuesday.

Crash hacker pilot’s licence had expired

AN unqualified pilot carrying four passengers in a plane that was not airworthy crashed off the Berry Islands in January, days before a fatal plane crash off South Andros that killed six people, according to a new report from the Air Accident Investigation Department.

Poachers decimate southern crawfish

THE crawfish season has gotten off to a rocky start for fishermen in the southern Bahamas according to Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) vice-president Keith Carroll, who blamed poachers for leaving the fishing grounds “almost completely dead”.

Police up patrols in wake of robberies

POLICE are investigating three separate incidents of armed robbery, home invasion, and break-ins that took place in the western district of New Providence on Tuesday.

Wildcats end Bahamas tour with 4-0 record

The winningest programme in men’s college basketball history recently completed its second foreign tour in the Bahamas hoping that the early tests will set the tone for the team to fulfill the lofty expectations of the preseason rankings.

Who's in the Skin?

Finding the positive in the negative

This week I begin with a question:Is there such a thing as being too positive?If we are honest with ourselves there are times when we don’t want to smile; or see the brighter side of things. There are times when we want to do a little wallowing in se

Presbyterian College beat UB Mingoes in thriller

Kemsy Sylvestre lead the UB Mingoes with 25 points and 10 rebounds in their 85-76 loss to Presbyterian College Tuesday at The Kendal Issacs Gym in Summer of Thunder action.

MJ seeking assistance to pursue his professional football dream

Having to run nearly three miles in the heat every day for training did not deter him from his passion for football, neither did being held up by robbers three times. No matter the challenges – financial or otherwise – Medwelth “MJ” Curry Jr is determined to pursue his love for the game and one day maybe even play as a professional.

Isnord heads to Connecticut for 2018-19 season

Wilkenson “Kenny” Isnord continues to boost his recruitment stock this offseason and is now headed to an elite prep school programme this fall.

Great Exuma Classic winners

The Bahamas Golf Federation held it’s annual Great Exuma Classic last weekend at the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course and extends congratulations to the following winners.

Jones leads Suns to victory with 27 points

For the second consecutive game, Bahamian WNBA star Jonquel Jones posted another season-high total.

Prince George Wharf

I write to wholeheartedly agree with the chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, Michael Maura: the urgent redevelopment of the Prince George Wharf must be a priority of this government. In general, The Bahamas tends to fail at identifying and taking advantage of emerging economic opportunities. Well, in this instance, Arawak Port Development seems to have identified a great one.

Potholes are a nuisance

THE streets of New Providence are filled with potholes. They are everywhere.

'Liberalise cannabis now - and lead rest of world'

LEADING Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe is urging Bahamian officials - and those in the Caribbean - to liberalise cannabis for medical and scientific use to cement the region’s stake in the industry.Dr Lowe projected cannabis-based products will be

Scholarships for study in UK

APPLICATIONS for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open until November 6, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have

Drugs case delayed by lack of translator

A SENIOR magistrate yesterday had to adjourn the drug case against five foreign nationals involved in the discovery and seizure of 100 pounds of suspected marijuana after her court was unable to secure a Spanish translator for the duration of the hea

Oncology unit needed 'desperately'

AN oncology unit is desperately needed in Grand Bahama and cancer patients and advocates are hoping one is established soon so patients won’t have to travel to New Providence for chemotherapy treatment.In July 2017, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands pro

Three of the best are honoured by Queen

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling conferred awards on three distinguished Bahamian citizens during a Queen’s Honours Investiture ceremony at Government House yesterday. The exercise marked completion of the recognition of those honoured in th

UB students to join hall of fame

UNIVERSITY of the Bahamas (UB) alumni, who are making vast contributions to the development of the public and private sector, embody the scholarly, social and innovative vitality of the academy.In November, UB will honour former students who have dis

Two arrests over marijuana find

TWO men were arrested after police seized marijuana from them in two separate incidents.In the first incident, shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, Mobile Division officers, acting on information went to Potter’s Cay Dock, where they saw a man standing in

Meditation - encouraging you to succeed

When you speak to children about success you can use the following images to explain why you regularly remind them to do homework and pay attention in class:1. Running a race with the coach, the fans and team members cheering you on, motivating you t

City of Israel Church asks Bahamians to take a leap of faith

Annual convention to feature speakers from Nigeria, US

MEMBERS of the City of Israel International Covenant Church are encouraging Bahamians to take a “Quantum Leap of Faith” at this year’s convention.For seven days, beginning Monday, August 20, and ending Sunday, August 26, the convention will take plac

Fiscal promises must be kept - or else

THE Government must deliver on its commitment to fiscal responsibility the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) urged yesterday, describing as a “fortunate result” Moody’s decision to maintain this nation’s Baa3 rating.Moody’s on Tuesday

RBC silent on claim scam netted $800k

ROYAL Bank of Canada (RBC) executives said yesterday they could not comment on the total dollar exposure or number of Bahamian customers affected by the recent “skimming” fraud, telling Tribune Business however the bank is “co-operating fully” with t

Months ahead "critical", warns Cooper

THE Opposition’s finance spokesman said yesterday Moody’s latest assessment should serve as a “wake-up” call to the Minnis administration, warning the next few months will be “critical”.Chester Cooper, the Exuma MP, said in a statement: “Despite the

Wednesday, August 15

The chef who served Sir Lynden Pindling

RAYBERTHA’S Senior Citizens Centre in Grand Bahama is home to some 12 residents, including a former hotel executive chef who made cooking history in the United Bahamian Party-era and served as a private chef to Sir Lynden Pindling and Dame Marguerite

08152018 EDITION

Wednesday, 15th August, 2018.

RBC customers concerned after card skimming alert

THE Office of the Data Protection Commissioner yesterday expressed “grave concerns” over Royal Bank of Canada’s confirmation that some of its Bahamian Visa debit and Visa credit card holders have fallen victim to “skimming,” as it called on the bank

ALICIA WALLACE: Time after time all Grand Bahama has received is neglect

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis confirmed on Monday the government intends to buy the Grand Lucayan hotel properties — Memories, Breaker’s Cay, and Lighthouse Pointe — which closed for repairs following Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Close to 1,000 people lost their jobs and Lighthouse Pointe was the only property to reopen, now employing approximately 320 people. The decision to purchase, of course, has drawn mixed reviews from the Bahamian people. The announcement comes at an odd time, following the 60 percent increase in Value Added Tax and the $90,000 cut in school uniform assistance.

Impact of buying Grand Lucayan 'like aftermath of a hurricane'

THE government will have to revamp its fiscal projections with its purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday, conceding that buying the hotel is akin to dealing with the aftermath of a major hurricane.“It ha

Sandals praised for action on illness

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday praised the “excellent” mitigation plan implemented by Sandals Royal Bahamian in the wake of reports a gastrointestinal illness has affected scores of the all-inclusive resort’s guests and staff. Speaking

Davis: Funds to buy hotel could help Bahamians instead

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis says he doubts the government has properly thought about its plan to purchase the Grand Lucayan, adding any funds expended for this purpose could be best used to enhance the lives of Bahamians in

Moody’s still has the blues

MOODY’s said yesterday strengthening in The Bahamas’ tourism sector and continued foreign direct investment projects will help sustain growth in the range of 1.5 to two percent over 2018-2019.

$3 a patient - truth of hospital bills crisis

THE Princess Margaret Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department collected less than $200,000 in revenue for services provided in 2017, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands, who said the figure amounted to an average bill of just $3 per patient.

BPL WIPEOUT: Resignations lead Bannister to ask all board to quit

BAHAMAS Power and Light plummeted to a state of uncertainty and chaos yesterday after the entire board of directors resigned following several months of “dysfunction” and purported infighting, stagnating the action needed to turn things around for the electricity provider.

Students: Just 1 in 7 chance of finance

THE government is considering an increase to the allotment for scholarships and tuition assistance in the next fiscal budget after less than 15 percent of applicants received funding for the upcoming school year, according to Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd.

Closure threat forced our hand

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday the government was forced to act to save the Grand Lucayan hotel properties because its owner Hutchison Whampoa has been threatening to shut down the property.

Community service for cosmetics thief

A MAGISTRATE yesterday ordered a 29-year-old woman to serve 120 hours of community service after she pleaded guilty to stealing $632 in premium cosmetic products from a Paradise Island outlet.The order by Magistrate Samuel McKinney came after the acc

Hooping by the Park ‘a tremendous success’

The inaugural Hooping by the Park Basketball Tournament, held over the Emancipation holiday weekend at Freedom Park in Fox Hill, was termed a tremendous success by organiser Jabari Wilmott.

Thomas aims to sparkle in Diamond League

IN what has turned out to be his most productive season in quite a while, Donald Thomas has secured back-to-back medals at the two major international track and field competitions this year.

Silver for national volleyball team

The Bahamas men’s national volleyball fell short in their bid to regain the CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Championships that they last held in 2012, losing to host Suriname in the championship game on Tuesday night at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sporthal in Parimaribo, Suriname.

Why no loans?

I saw in one of the dailies about two weeks ago a statement regarding Bahamians doing more to pay their bills.

Guard our borders

I am offended when an agency like the Royal Bahamas Defence Force uses straight-up public relations releases to pat themselves on the back that they can defend our borders and resources, fishing sector. Reality is they can’t.

Small acts of love

No matter how much love we give away there’s more than enough left.

EDITORIAL: Where are the funds to be found for the PMH?

“WHY did they sign a contract with us when they knew that there were not enough funds to honour it?”

Two boys centre escapees still loose

TWO inmates of the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys remained at large up to press time last night, according to Police Superintendent Anton Rahming. Thirteen juvenile inmates escaped the centre on Saturday night after gaining access to the building’s cei

Government seeks to end contract worker system

EDUCATION Minister Jeffrey Lloyd yesterday revealed the government has decided to bring an end to the contract worker system by the end of the next fiscal year.He told media at Cabinet his ministry is conducting an audit of contract workers to get a

Car importer told to pay back clients or face jail

A 30-year-old used car importer was yesterday ordered to fully reimburse two of her clients after she was unable to provide a Magistrate’s Court with an account of their funds or produce the vehicles she was paid to import.Cecelia Ford, of Cowpen Roa

Joint agency task force planned to guard borders

THE government will soon propose the creation of a “multi-agency task force” whose focus will be protecting the nation’s borders, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday.“We’re looking at probably proposing very shortly – we have al

Ready or not - Sept 1 deadline for new gaming taxes

THE twin five percent levies on customer deposits and over-the-counter (OTC) lottery sales will take effect on September 1, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, confirmed yesterday while at the same time acknowledging some gaming houses wer

RBC scam shows direct downside on debit cards

A leading accountant and fraud expert yesterday urged Bahamians to be aware of the fraud risks associated with debit card usage, noting its duel benefit has been a “blessing and a curse”.Kendrick Christie, a Grant Thornton partner and certified fraud

Family Islands need planned airlift strategy

THIS nation must develop and implement a “sustainable airlift plan” for the Family Islands using Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) as the hub, a tourism executive said yesterday arguing the “opportunity is ripe”.Kerry Fountain, the Bahamas

Tuesday, August 14

08142018 EDITION

Tuesday, 14th July, 2018.

'No one disenfranchised' by uniform budget cuts

AFTER criticism from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and others on the government’s cuts to its school uniform assistance programme, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell was adamant that no one has been disenfranchised as a result of the b

Police investigate video of officer punching woman

POLICE are investigating the circumstances behind a recent video circulating on social media where a police officer can be seen punching a woman during a heated altercation with several people. One of several videos of the incident posted to Facebook

Four face court over murders

THREE men and a juvenile were arraigned yesterday in Magistrate’s Court accused of two separate murders.In the first incident, Omar Thompson, 23, stood before Magistrate Subsola Swain faced with one count of murder concerning a Saturday, July 28, inc

Escapees: Two still on the run

SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday expressed concern that the government has not “lived up to (its) responsibility” regarding security at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys as two escapees remained at large.

‘Lucayan deal must have guest guarantee’

WITHOUT iron-clad agreements in place to ensure private companies will manage the Grand Lucayan resort and bring in guests, it would make no sense for the government to buy the resort, a former Cabinet minister said yesterday.

RBC customers hit in ATM scam

ROYAL Bank of Canada (RBC) yesterday confirmed some of its Bahamian Visa debit and Visa credit card holders had fallen victim to “skimming”, with some irate customers reporting “thousands of dollars” having been wiped off their accounts.

PLP eyed stake in GB Port Authority

FORMER ministers in the Christie administration said they privately pushed the Hayward and St George families to sell their interests in the Grand Bahama Port Authority, though it was never an option for the government to obtain a majority stake in the port.

Sandals hit by stomach bug outbreak

NEARLY 100 people have been afflicted with a gastrointestinal illness at Sandals Royal Bahamian all-inclusive resort in New Providence, Health Minister Duane Sands confirmed to The Tribune yesterday.

Schools should not turn away any child

EDUCATION Director Marcellus Taylor yesterday reaffirmed the government’s policy to register all school-aged children regardless of legal status.

Medical student seeks funding for opportunity of a lifetime

A BAHAMIAN student needs the public’s help in seizing the opportunity of a lifetime as he pursues a double Master’s degree in Public Health.Charles Hamilton has started a Go Fund Me campaign to rally financial support from family, friends and anyone

Rotaract mobilises community in HIV/AIDS fight

On Saturday July 28, the Rotaract Club of East Nassau set out to make a difference within the community by hosting an HIV/AIDS mural painting open to both members and non-members. This community service initiative served as a reminder to persons of a

Thirst trap

Fighting lupus, finding hope

FAMILY, friends, loved ones and other supporters all gathered last Saturday at the Goodman’s Bay Beach for a fun run/walk for Jonique Webb who is battling lupus.Jonique said her fight against lupus has led her to not only find hope, but to also dust

The queen of two runways

For the past year, Onesha Adderley has juggled being the queen of two runways. She is the reigning Miss Plus Beauty Bahamas International and is also currently pursuing a career as a pilot.Her reign as Miss Plus Beauty since being crowned last Novemb

'Step It Up' to get out of your rut

The New Image Ladies are calling on all Bahamian women who feel stuck in their lives to “Step it Up” at a workshop designed for those aged 20 to 30.“Feeling stuck, tired? Want to do more?” The New Image Ladies workshop aims to provide a passionate

Chisholm continues hot streak in Single A-Advance baseball

Jazz Chisholm continues to garner international media attention for a hot streak at the plate since his progression to Single A-Advanced baseball.The Diamondbacks No. 2 prospect was recognised by several outlets for a standout performance Sunday nigh

THE PRESS BOX: The ‘ACL’ rears its ugly head in the NFL

This NFL preseason, the feared, torn ‘ACL’ is being diagnosed at an alarming rate. Veterans and rookies alike can’t seem to escape the dreaded injury.

UB Mingoes face Presbyterian College tonight

The University of Bahamas Mingoes Men’s Basketball team will face Presbyterian College tonight in the team’s second game of The Summer of Thunder Series.The Migoes play Presbyterian College 6pm Tuesday at The Kendal Issacs Gym after losing to Marshal

Runners come out in support of Jonique Webb

On Saturday, persons from all walks of life showed up to lend their support to former Jordan Prince Williams High School multiple athlete Jonique Webb in her battle against lupus.A ‘Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope - Jonique’s Beast Mode’ run/walk race w

Bahamians help Diamondbacks reach playoffs

With a pair of Bahamian players on its roster, the AZL Diamondbacks clinched its first-ever playoff berth in the Arizona Rookie League.Kristian Robinson and Dominique Collie helped the Diamondbacks to secure the playoff spot when they swept Sunday’s

National volleyball team bounces back with victory over Haiti

AFTER losing a marathon five setter to hosts Suriname the night before, the Bahamas men’s national volleyball team regrouped and took care of Haiti in four sets on Monday to keep their hopes alive for a shot at the gold medal at the CAZOVA (Caribbean

Tributes to softball executive Greg Christie

LONG time Grand Bahamian softball executive Greg Christie, a class of 2003 World Softball Hall of Fame inductee, died on Monday morning at the Princess Margaret Hospital as a result of heart complications. The former media consultant, 70, was a forme

Jones shines for Suns in playoff push

Jonquel Jones recorded her first double-double of the season as the Connecticut Sun continue to wind down the regular season and continue their playoff push.Jones finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds in the Sun’s 82-75 win over the Chicago Sky Aug

A kick to the balls: How to deal with chronic scrotal pain

Chronic scrotal pain is described by sufferers of this affliction as the equivalent of being kicked in the testicles several times a day, often with lingering, long-lasting pain.

Straight answers on BPL bidding

I have in front of me an article by Natario KcKenzie of November 21, 2017…BPL studying nineteen bids from power generators.

Stop killing society in Mayaguana

August 7th saw the return of the National Employment & Empowerment Programme (52-Week Skills Empowerment Programme) to the southern islands and with it, a huge upset throughout the island of Mayaguana.

EDITORIAL: The truth behind the real property tax debacle

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar was right on two counts when he spoke out at the end of last week about the government’s decision to backtrack on a real property tax definition that had the luxury market in full-blown panic mode.

Queen's College Student is 2018 All-Bahamas Merit Scholar

AARON Edgecombe has earned the coveted 2018 All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship Award.The prestigious award was bestowed on the Queen’s College graduate by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd on August 9, durin

Ailing teen's dream of swimming with Eleuthera pigs comes true

SEVENTEEN-year-old Grayson Richardson is battling a rare type of brain cancer called anaplastic astrocytoma.About 1,200 children under 19 are diagnosed with glioma (brain tumour) per year in the United States with a fraction of those being astrocytom

Importer jailed over gun found in his car

A 31-year-old man was convicted and sentenced to two and half years in prison yesterday after he was found guilty of two firearm-related charges stemming from the discovery and seizure of a pistol and ammunition in May.Kevin Wright, the operator of a

Police hunt for robbers after cash grab at mall

POLICE are searching for the thieves who robbed a store employee of an undetermined amount of cash in the parking lot of the Marathon Mall. Shortly after 9am yesterday, a male employee of a clothing store was in the mall’s southwestern parking lot wh

More than 60 migrants arrested in Eleuthera

A JOINT team of police and immigration officers have arrested more than 60 irregular migrants in Eleuthera following reports of an illegal landing in South Eleuthera on Sunday. Superintendent Peter Joseph, officer in charge of the Carmichael Road De

Drug case delayed by accused's illness

WITNESS testimony in the $280,000 Dwight Major drug case was yesterday adjourned to September 4 after Major’s attorney submitted a sick certificate to the court on his behalf.Major, 50, who is on trial for conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with i

FACE TO FACE: Life’s lesson - give it everything you’ve got and don’t be afraid

THE Rev Dr James S Sweeting is one of those men who has lived several lives and is still around and ready to do more. Many people touch just one or two professions in their lifetime. Often, it is advised to stick with one career. But Rev Sweeting proves it is possible to be successful in several careers and as a business owner – all in the same lifetime. The key to it, he says, is to give each goal you set everything you’ve got and to know when its time to move on to another level.

BCA chief: Grand Lucayan purchase to mark Minnis’ ‘single biggest success’

THE Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president yesterday backed the Government’s plan to purchase the shuttered Grand Lucayan resort, telling Tribune Business the property’s revival would create “hundreds” of local construction jobs and mark the “single biggest success” for the Minnis administration.

Property tax U-turn played to the privileged, says Davis

OPPOSITION leader Phillip Davis yesterday slammed the Minnis administration’s over its recent decision to revert to the previous definition of owner-occupied properties, arguing that this was a “stark contrast” to the treatment of Bahamians.

$12m upgrade on Windsor water plant nears completion

BISX-listed Consolidated Water is in the “final stages” of commissioning its Windsor Plant, its chief executive telling shareholders yesterday approximately $12m has been spent on the upgrades.

Monday, August 13

Band on the run: Police hunt two still missing

9.30am UPDATE: After another escaped inmate was handed over to police by family members, the number still on the run stands at three.

08132018 EDITION

Monday, 13th August, 2018.

08132018 HOME BUYERS' GUIDE

Monday, 13th August, 2018.

INSIGHT: More than a case number - the families fighting to save their homes

In the ongoing battle between the government and human rights activists over the threatened demolition of shanty towns too often the individual stories of the families involved are forgotten.

Only one school late for new term

GOVERNMENT officials suspect that only one public school - the Eva Hilton Primary - may not be ready on opening day come next month.

Minnis to lay out Lucayan proposal

THE Minnis administration is intent on buying the Grand Lucayan resort, despite objections from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Revisiting port authority past

The following letter was written to Fred Sturrup, Editor Freeport News, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.

EDITORIAL: US holds its breath to see how the mid-terms blow

Too many Americans remain flummoxed about how they wound up with Donald Trump as their president. They can conjure up dozens of reasons why he shouldn’t be president, but how he got elected remains fundamentally mysterious for many. While the Robert Mueller investigation and the evidence of Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election offer a partial explanation, few serious students of American politics believe Russian interference tipped the balance by itself.

WORLD VIEW – Barbados, Dominica and Ross: Debating the wrong issue

THE debate, particularly on social media, following the decision by Ross University School of Medicine to relocate from Dominica to Barbados, is about the wrong issue.

INSIGHT: Jobs for a generation - creating innovation in an age of rising unemployment

Four billion “new minds” will be connected to the world wide web in four to seven years. This means that every person on earth will have access to the world’s information in a split second and at near zero cost. So what?

INSIGHT: Nothing’s changed - second class citizens in our own country

SHOULD we really be surprised by how quickly the government acquiesced to the threats made by the Lyford Cay Association? A letter obtained by local media last weekend that was penned by the association’s chairman, Henry Cabot Lodge III, expressly indicated that homeowners in the exclusive community would sell and leave The Bahamas. These threats were made as a result of what Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest called an “unintended impact” of changing the property tax laws.

Bimini man held after drug find

A BIMINI man was arrested on Friday night after he was found in possession of a quantity of suspected marijuana after 10pm. He is expected to be arraigned early this week. In a second incident, shortly before noon on Saturday, officers acting on in

Concern grows over Lighthouse Point plans

OUTCRY has increased against a proposal for Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera to be developed into a cruise port, with two more activist groups worrying the planned project will have a detrimental effect on the country’s natural resources. Lighthouse Poin

Committee to be set up in weeks on cannabis issue

WITHIN the next “week or two,” representatives of a cannabis committee that Cabinet has established will receive their terms of references and begin exploring public opinion on the issue, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Saturday. The committee

Poachers hit with $3m fines

FORTY-SIX Dominican poachers were fined over $3 million during a special sitting of the Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The poaching vessel’s captain was also convicted of two additional charges relating to possession of weaponry and sentenced to a tot

Shooting victim identified

POLICE have released the identity of the man who was killed on Thursday night in a double shooting that also injured a woman in Bamboo Town.Superintendent Anton Rahming confirmed to The Tribune yesterday the murder victim was Jerome Pinder, 66.Accord

Rising star Clarke a double finalist in St Lucia

Sydney Clarke, who has the distinction of being the only junior ranked under 500 in recent times in the under-18 juniors, attained multiple successes this weekend in St Lucia.Clarke, who was ranked number one in girls singles in the tournament, was t

Seymour back to double-a with Miami Marlins

Anfernee Seymour continues to alternate levels through the Miami Marlins organisation and has returned to the Double-A baseball.Seymour was re-promoted to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the Double A’s Southern League from the Jupiter Hammerheads of

Fighting through

COACH Mike Brey looked positively at the way his Notre Dame Fighting Irish responded to the challenges they faced in pulling off their three exhibition games against local-based teams in the Bahamas Basketball Federation’s 2018 Summer of Thunder over

Freedom Farmers bring pride in World Series

The Bahamas (Freedom Farm Baseball League) was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Cal Ripken Baseball Major 70 World Series but the team was still recognised for its efforts as a unit and with several individual awards.Team Bahamas won the “Sportsm

Ayton and Hield learn clash dates

The NBA released its full regular season schedule over the weekend, and several marquee games highlight the matchups for the league’s Bahamian players.Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield will face each other four times over the course of the regular season

Bahamas pulls off Barbados victory

THE Bahamas men’s national volleyball team pulled off a big victory over Barbados on Sunday to get their play started in the Men’s CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Championships, but they won’t have much time to celebrate at the Ismay

Shining silver

AFTER falling short at the recent Central American and Caribbean Games, the Bahamas men’s 4 x 400 metre relay team redeemed themselves with a silver medal to join high jump bronze medalist Donald Thomas in getting on the podium at the North American

Shanty towns

I commend this government on its decision to rid our country of the Shanty Towns, but I respectfully disagree with the methods and action being taken, which is causing the delays being experienced.

Government denies it will pay teen's bills

THE Cabinet Office announced on Friday that contrary to comments made by the mother of a stateless teen seeking medical treatment in the United States, the government has made no offer or promise to foot the teen’s bills.The teen’s mother, Ginette Ca

Land'Or workers claim they're owed 49 weeks unpaid wages

EMPLOYEES at Club Land’Or claim they are owed as much as 49 weeks pay according to Labour Director John Pinder, with the resort’s attorney acknowledging the property is having “challenges”.Mr Pinder told Tribune Business: “Some of the staff have comp

'Virtual' initiative will aid over-the-hill project

A “virtual bonded warehouse” concept is being “fine tuned” to facilitate the importation of duty free goods under the Over-the-Hill Economic Empowerment Zone initiative, the project’s lead executives have confirmed.Kemie Jones, project manager, told

'Give us licence to prove medical marijuana works'

A group advocating for the development of a marijuana industry in The Bahamas is seeking a “three to five year” research and development licence to grow and research certain medical attributes of marijuana.According to the BACARI, given current tren

Helping hands for small businesses

SMALL businesses will soon have access to a suite of “hand holding” services aimed at ensuring their viability, according to the head of the Small and Medium Business Development Centre (SBDC) who noted access to capital was not the only “major” chal

Sunday, August 12

scholarships for star students

BAHAMIAN students Jasmine Bethel and Ravyn Maycock are the 2018-2019 recipients of PwC Bahamas’ Remelda Moxey Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to Bahamian students pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate degrees in accounting at any accre

State-recognised funeral for Senator

THE Cabinet Office has announced that a state-recognised funeral will be held for former Senator Telator Strachan on Friday at 10am at Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Faith United Way, off Baillou Hill Road South.Interment will follow at Wood

Friday, August 10

Man found hanging in Blue Hill Heights home

Police are investigating the death of a man who was found hanging in a home in Blue Hill Heights off Tonight Williams-Darling Highway on Friday night.

08102018 EDiTION

Friday, 10th August, 2018.

Nurses hopeful after meeting with PM

A FRIDAY meeting with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has given the Bahamas Nurses Union “high expectation” their concerns will be resolved in their favour, union president Amancha Williams said Friday.

PLP leader slams govt over BPL

IN the face of Bahamas Power and Light’s continued generation instabilities, Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis on Friday criticised the Minnis administration’s decision to “go away from all” the plans left by the Progressive Liberal Party.

Justice Stephen Isaacs sworn in as Chief Justice

JUSTICE Stephen Isaacs was officially sworn in as Chief Justice in a ceremony held at Government House on Friday.

Rights Bahamas plans to take shanty town case international

HUMAN rights group Rights Bahamas is planning to take its shanty town case to the International community, attorney Fred Smith, QC, told the Tribune on Friday.

08102018 WEEKEND

Friday, 10th August, 2018.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Left in the dark - again

AS much as I would like to address several issues affecting Bahamians this week, I’m forced to go with one, BPL, again!!

EDITORIAL: So, how did we get here?

“I’m going to build a wall, a big one, and keep these people out.” So promised Donald Trump and in doing so pulled on the cord of white America’s deep seated fear of immigration and won himself a seat in the White House.

Man killed, woman injured in Bamboo Town shooting

Police are investigating after a man was killed and a woman injured in a shooting incident on Thursday night.

Lights out as island hit by power outages

AS a foreign expert assesses Bahamas Power and Light’s instabilities, residents in several areas of New Providence were plunged into darkness on Wednesday night after an engine at the Clifton Pier power plant malfunctioned, resulting in a load shedding exercise - with a further power outage last night.

UPDATED: 'Gov't not paying Taranique's bills'

10am UPDATE: THE Cabinet Office has announced that contrary to claims made by the mother of a stateless teen seeking medical treatment in the United States and published in The Tribune on Friday, the government has made no offer or promise to foot the teen’s bills.

Forensic audit on finance ‘complete’

AN American firm’s forensic audit of the Ministry of Finance is complete, The Tribune understands.

'What a waste of money’

HUMAN rights group Rights Bahamas is blasting the government’s intention to pay lawyers outside the Office of the Attorney General for representation in a major judicial review case about shanty towns, calling it a “waste” of money at a time when the government is cutting back on its school uniform budget for the less fortunate.

SHOW US SOME RESPECT, PLEASE: Nurses threaten new action after press blunder

BAHAMAS Nurses Union President Amancha Williams yesterday criticised the Ministry of Labour for its “disrespect” and again threatened industrial action, ratcheting up the fight between the bargaining union and the government over various disputes.

Lighthouse Point must be saved as national park

THE Bahamas National Trust yesterday confirmed its efforts to secure Lighthouse Point as a national park and a “model for sustainable” development.

‘I’m guilty’ - jailbreaker gets three more years

ONE of two men arraigned yesterday in a Magistrate’s Court in connection with a thwarted escape plot at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services admitted he used a piece of steel from a prison bathroom to cut a hole in his cell’s ceiling over a two-month period.

Tech Talk, 8th August, 2018

• A facial recognition system will be used across an Olympics for the first time as Tokyo organisers work to keep security tight and efficient at dozens of venues during the 2020 Games.

Breaking evil cycles at this year's Woman at the Well conference

Back for another instalment, this year’s Woman At The Well conference is set to take place for three days at the Southland Church of God, starting August 29.For the last five years, the conference’s host and main speaker, Minister Felicia Archer, has

Emancipation still comin'

Emancipation in 1834 was a beginning. But we all as a country are still in mental bondage. Shackles are still holding us, Lord, we continue to pray for deliverance, total deliverance. Let’s sift through some of these shackles:1. Inferiority complexFa

Meditation - Broken chains -

Through the centuries, innocent people have been degraded in unspeakable ways. Our history tells a tale of suffering. Our story is one of slavery, piracy, torture and violence.Is this why we are murdering one another? Is this why domestic violence, i

Christian singles discover the purpose of marriage

Single Christians in the Bahamas are hungry for practical information to help them make sound decisions when it comes life-long unions.This was the main takeaway from last weekend’s panel discussion on “The Next Step: Marriage”, hosted by the Young A

THE FINISH LINE: 'Hooping by the Park' a success

IT’S not every day that you see former athletes come back into their communities where they got started and promote events to help uplift the spirits of the people. Jabari Wilmott was one of those rare gems who should be commended, along with his or

Inaugural 'Hooping by the Park' Tournament also about giving back

THE inaugural Hooping by the Park Basketball Tournament was not just about playing the game, but it was also about giving back to those persons who would have made a contribution to the growth and development of the sport over the years.Accomplished

CONCACAF U-15 SOCCER: Bahamas girls suffer 3-2 loss to Guyana

THE Bahamas suffered a heartbreaking loss yesterday and remained winless at the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Girls’ Under-15 Championship.The Bahamas surrendered a second-half lead to Guyana in

Jones and Sun clinch second straight WNBA playoff berth

JONQUEL Jones and the Connecticut Sun continue to click at the right time and clinched their second consecutive WNBA playoff berth.The Sun defeated the Dallas Wings 101-92 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday night.It was the

Navajo robotics team heads to international competition

A team of Navajo high school students from a remote town in southern Utah is building a robot to represent North America in an international robotics competition.

One professor working to make robots more social

Heather Knight wants to make robots more charismatic.

Funeral donation

FUNERALS - what is the respectable length of them?

Wrong to back down

Imagine a government so hard up for revenues that it raises consumption taxes on its poor and middle classes by 60 percent, then heroically ignores the outcry of the whole population for a reconsideration. Imagine the fiscal situation getting so dismal that the government cuts assistance for (mandatory) uniforms to the children of its most vulnerable, again boldly ignoring all pleas.

Full speed for summer

NOTHING quite compares with that adrenaline rush sweeping over you as you sit in an open-air car raring to go – pitting your wits, reflexes and motor skills against an unrelenting course.That’s exactly the experience participants attending EduKarting

North Andros plant hit by blaze

PORTIONS of North Andros were without electricity for some time yesterday after a fire at Bahamas Power and Light’s plant on the island. In a press release, BPL said the company was working to restore power after a fire started around 3.45am yesterda

Empowerment zone could also help Family Islands

THE government wants the Economic Empowerment Zone Act’s provisions to surpass the confines of New Providence and aid the advancement of Family Island economies where there is an urgent need for support.However, it is unclear how the new law, which w

lions club helping senior citizens home

Freeport Lions Club has donated a number of items to the Raybertha Senior Citizens Home in Freeport.President Gwen Symonette-Pinder said the Lion’s Club is committed to assisting people in the Grand Bahama community, especially organisations that cat

Family Island airport upgrades need $200m

TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday lamented the “woefully inadequate” state of many of this nation’s Family Island airports, noting that government is now eying roughly $80m upgrades to two of their busiest airports.Mr D’Aguil

Cannabis group argues for clearer path forwards

A group advocating for the development of a marijuana industry in The Bahamas is calling on the government to develop a “regulatory pathway” to a clearly defined approach to its development.According to Terry Miller, chairman of the non-profit Bahama

CIBC says - make that a double

For the second year running CIBC FirstCaribbean has been named “Best Wealth Management Provider” in The Bahamas by World Finance magazine.“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Brent Haines, centre manager, private wealth management.He stressed that clien

New funding sources vital for fishing and farming

THE government over the next fiscal year will be “extremely aggressive” in seeking to help fisherman and farmers access funding opportunities, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said yesterday describing the effort as a “major

Getting around made easy - in Kroozzy control

A new ride-share application aiming to “revolutionize Bahamian transportation” and provide ease of transport for locals and visitors alike is set to launch in New Providence in October, with its president telling Tribune Business the company already

IAN FERGUSON: If you're a woman and the boss think about this

Men and women work side by side, tackling the same business problems, sitting through the same meetings and walking the same hallways. On the leadership front, however, that is usually where the common ground ends. Men and women experience very diffe

Thursday, August 9

08092018 EDITION

Thursday, 9th August, 2018.

DIANE PHILLIPS: We’d better hope it’s not already too late

On the front page of this past Sunday’s New York Times was a photo of a large green area that at first glance could be a grassy knoll.

Search to begin for prison chief

THE Ministry of National Security is preparing to advertise internationally and locally to fill the post of commissioner at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, National Security Minister Marvin Dames told reporters yesterday.Although he

Public takes advantage of 'Meet Minnis' open sessions

SCORES of Bahamians have taken advantage of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ summer break offer to open his doors to questions direct from the public.But the schedule is already “pretty tight” for the next several weeks, said Press Secretary Anthony

Govt recruits lawyers to fight shanty town action

THE government has hired a team of high-powered lawyers to fight the legal action meant to stop the Minnis administration’s eradication of shanty towns, Attorney General Carl Bethel said.The legal team is led by Harvey Tynes, QC, to assume carriage o

Tougher penalties plan for poachers

THE Fisheries Act is currently being reviewed by an advisory committee which will present recommendations to the government in October over possible stiffer penalties for poachers, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard said yesterday.

Uniforms assistance - ‘put the cash back’

BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson has said the government should reverse its budget cut for school uniform assistance, the first Free National Movement parliamentarian to criticise the move.

‘Protocol flawed for fatal fire officers’

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force’s protocol for officers involved in police-involved killings demonstrates a stunning lapse of judgement, lawyer Christina Galanos said yesterday.

Taranique - now there’s some hope

THE government is working assiduously to ensure stateless teen Taranique Thurston is able to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States, The Tribune has beens told.

Nationalise GB Port? Not for now

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday said the nationalisation of assets was not currently on the agenda as he responded to a recommendation by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for the government to purchase the Grand Bahama Port Authority instead of the Grand Lucayan hotel.

YOUR SAY: Talk but no action on downtown

John Issa, the astute Jamaican hotelier of the Breezes chain, has written his umpteenth column of acute criticism about down town’s dilapidation. While fully accepting the Chinese renovation of the western segment with the completed parking structure

SUN OIL LIMITED SHOOTS TO WIN WITH CYBOTS BASKETBALL CAMP

SINCE 2002, Wayde Watson, a former Bahamian basketball player and product of Bain and Grants Town, has headed the Carry Your Brethren On The Shoulders (CYBOTS) Basketball Club, headquartered at the ‘George Brown Park’ on Dumping Ground Corner.The clu

Bahamas First Junior Open takes the spotlight

TEN-year-olds Aidan Gorospe and Kaydence Yepa shot a team score of 74 to be the low round for the 2018 Bahamas First Junior Open. And Riya Miller and partner A’Marie Smith won the 18-and-under division on her 15th birthday, according to a press relea

Edukarting Bahamas hosting 6th summer camp at BTVI

EDUKARTING Bahamas is hosting the sixth edition of its summer camp programme, aimed at bringing greater awareness to motorsports through “stealth education.”The Edukarting Summer Kart Club will host two independent sessions at the BTVI campus.The fir

FRANCO MILLER AND REBELS ON TOUR IN CANADA

FRANCO Miller had his first opportunity to suit up as an official member of Ole Miss Rebels Basketball as the team continues its preseason foreign tour through Canada.The Rebels played the first two games of the tour in Montreal with wins over the Mc

NBA tip-off: Ayton and Suns to face Mavs

DEANDRE Ayton will be showcased on national television to highlight the NBA’s opening week schedule for local fans eager to see this year’s top overall pick.The NBA announced its national television schedule for the opening week of the 2018-19 regula

Wildcats top Bahamas 85-61 in Big Blue debut

The Bahamas’ national select squad gave the Kentucky Wildcats all they could handle through 30 minutes, but the visitors separated themselves late in the second half to win their Big Blue Bahamas Tour debut.The Wildcats won 85-61 last night in front

Death penalty

We understand the position of the highest Civil Court - the Privy Council…the death penalty can only be considered in the worst of the worst scenarios. The death penalty remains an active item of law.

The BEC shackles

There is no doubt if there is a single economic shackle around all of our necks it has been BEC-BP&L high electricity bills.

What tests on water pollution?

Since the recent resurgence of conch poisoning I have been observing the government’s response, or lack thereof, to the possibility of sewerage pollution in the harbour.

$1.4m gift from united states to fight corruption

THE Bahamas is set to receive $1.4m from the United States to support law enforcement professionalisation and anti-corruption reform.The aid was finalised with the signing of the eighth amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and La

Contracts awaited for repairs on GB justice centre

THE Ministry of Works is awaiting tender documents from local contractors on Grand Bahama for roof repair at the Garnet Levarity Justice Centre which has a severe mould problem.While in Freeport recently, Works Minister Desmond Bannister had indicate

Attorney seeks to leave drug suspect's case

THE attorney for Dwight Major yesterday submitted a recusal application in his ongoing $280,000 drug case, seeking to have Magistrate Samuel McKinney recuse himself and transfer the matter to another judge.Ian Cargill, Major’s attorney, in his applic

Nation to host two marijuana conferences

THE Ministry of Health has given formal approval for two medical marijuana conferences to be hosted in the country, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands confirmed yesterday.The medical marijuana conferences are being organised separately by Dr Lynwood Brow

Work programme to help build skills of youth

ADDRESSING the issue of unemployment among the nation’s youth, Minister of the Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle announced that the government introduced a restructured employment programme this week in which participants will recei

Haitians arrested for immigration breach

FOUR Haitians were recently arrested in Grand Cay for breach of the immigration laws, according to Bahamian authorities.The men were allegedly discovered diving for crawfish in Bahamian waters. Three of the men possessed work permits to be employed a

Pintard promises 'urgency' in helping farmers

AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said yesterday government is taking steps with “urgency” to help build capacity in the local agricultural sector, acknowledging there were far too many “gaps” in discussions with local farmers

BPL exodus leaves up to 60 roles vacant to fill

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) needs to fill 50-60 key positions vacated during its voluntary separation exercise, its chief executive has confirmed to Tribune Business.The VSEP exercise opened to all employees of BPL on May 18 and closed on June 8. O

Realtors applaud property tax U-turn as Turnquest seeks to clarify position

THE government’s decision to revert to the previous definition of ‘owner occupied’ properties may have saved ‘hundreds of millions of dollars’ in real estate value and helped to preserve investor trust in The Bahamas the Bahamas Real Estate Associati

National lottery - Wilchcombe argues for full steam ahead

THE establishment of a national lottery could provide the additional revenue to address budgetary shortfalls in areas such as education and social assistance according to an ex-tourism minister who urged the government not to hesitate.Obie Wilchcombe

Outback unveils plans to head out West

Outback Bahamas plans to invest some $2 million on a second restaurant on New Providence.Since July 2013, the Outback Steakhouse Brand has been serving up Aussie inspired food favourites with a Bahamian twist. Through the continued support of its lo

Art of Graphix: Deisha really is the genie outside the bottle

If you have never met a “genie outside of a bottle” I would say you have not met this brilliant and creative young lady who answers to the name Jerdeshia Moxey. This assertive gal does not own a magic wand, rub a bottle, nor does she pull rabbits fro

High schoolers dive into Technology at BTVI

Young Kwsaind Turnquest made one of the best decisions when he decided to sacrifice his summer vacation to participate in the Information and Communication Technology Summer Youth Programme at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).Kws

Wednesday, August 8

08082018 EDITION

Wednesday 8th August, 2018.

Davis: I would not have let govt buy Grand Lucayan

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said if he were the country’s leader, he would not let the government buy the Grand Lucayan hotel properties, likening Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ intention to do so to his ridiculed pre-election promise to

Shanty town residents' joy at injunction on evictions

SHANTY town residents expressed joy yesterday at a Supreme Court injunction barring the Minnis administration from moving ahead with its August 10 deadline eviction deadline for unregulated New Providence communities.Despite the injunction, the gover

Turnquest U-turn over property tax increases

THE government intends to revert to the previous definition of owner-occupied properties that was in effect up until June of this year, Finance Minister Peter Turnquest said yesterday.

‘Injunction wrong - but so is plan’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis says the Minnis administration’s shanty town eradication policy lacks resolution, sensitivity and coherence.

Unlawful killing No. 2 - by the same officer

A CORONER’S Court jury yesterday ruled the 2013 police involved shooting death of Terrique Fowler, 22, was an unlawful killing.

John Bull rolex robbery: Two charged

TWO New Providence men were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the brazen robbery at the John Bull store in Grand Bahama.

Dwight Major drug case delayed over date mix-up

WITNESS testimony in the $280,000 Dwight Major drug case was yesterday adjourned for 24 hours following an apparent mix-up in the appearance date for Major and the man with whom he was arrested.Major, 50, who is on trial for one count each of conspir

Two pedestrians killed in traffic accidents

TWO pedestrians are dead after they were killed in separate traffic accidents, including a hit-and-run.According to police shortly after 9pm on Monday a man walking on Carmichael Road around Boatswain Hill was struck by a vehicle and seriously injure

Five percent web shop stamp duty 'may not be forever'

WHILE the government will forge ahead with its new five percent stamp duty on web shop deposits, it does not mean this tax will forever remain at this rate, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.It comes as FML Group of Comp

School uniform assistance 'will be done by need'

PEOPLE wanting school uniform assistance will be assessed according to need, Social Services and Urban Development Minister Frankie Campbell said yesterday.The minister further insisted there was no “hard and fast rule” at the Department of Social Se

Police hunt for robbers after three separate raids

POLICE on New Providence are seeking the public’s assistance in solving three recent armed robberies.The first incident occurred shortly after 4pm on Monday when two men, one armed with a firearm, entered a wholesale liquor store on West Bay Street,

57-year-old accused of attempted unlawful sex with ten-year-old girl

A 57-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with attempted unlawful sexual intercourse with a ten-year-old girl. Kirk Moss, of Grant Street, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with the one count concerning

Woman who stole from employer ordered to pay back $55k

A 23-year-old woman was yesterday ordered to repay the $55,005.90 she stole from her employer between November 3, 2017 and June 5, or serve a three-year prison sentence. Magistrate Samuel McKinney ordered Krystal Rolle, a former assistant who had re

ALICIA WALLACE: We should applaud our judges for defending everyone’s rights

Following the holiday weekend the country is abuzz with news of the injunction granted by Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson. The injunction pauses utility disconnections and evictions by the government until there is a judicial review of the government’s plan to bulldoze shanty towns.

Fox Hill children get free shoes thanks to Wildcats

THE Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball programme launched their Big Blue Bahamas Tour with a community outreach initiative.The Wildcats partnered with Samaritan’s Feet International to conduct a free shoe distribution to children in the Fox Hill area

Bahamas 4th, 6th in 62nd Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships

THE Bahamas concluded the 62nd Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships with a fourth-place finish for the George Teale Trophy, and sixth place in the standings for the Hoerman Cup.Hosted at the North Sound Golf Club in the Cayman Islands, the nine-membe

CONCACAF U-15 SOCCER: Bahamas falls 2-0 to St Lucia

TEAM Bahamas is off to an 0-2 start at the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Girls’ Under-15 Championship.The team lost 2-0 to St Lucia yesterday in the second preliminary at the IMG Academy campus

Team Bahamas suffers 8-3 loss to Puerto Rico

TEAM Bahamas (Freedom Farm Baseball League) suffered their first loss of the preliminary round at the Cal Ripken Baseball Major 70 World Series.The team is now 2-1 after an 8-3 loss yesterday at the BallParks of Americas Field in Branson, Missouri. T

'Storm' earns pro bodybuilding card

Grand Bahamian Charnice Bain became the latest Bahamian to earn her professional bodybuilding card, although it went under the radar in the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and not highlighted like the other accomplishments of Bahamian bod

Grand Bahama hotel a gamble

In the 1970s, the Pindling government embarked on its disastrous programme of hotel ownership to create jobs for Bahamians.

Wrong model

I write today in reference to recent comments from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources stating that they would boost wholesale exportation of the Bahamian lobster. There won’t be any marine resources left to have a ministry of if we do that!

More patrols to save lives

RULES of the road for drivers of motor vehicles have to be followed to the tee unless we want headlines of more victims from accidents.

Be careful buying the Grand Bahama hotel

It is unfortunate that the deal to sell the Lucayan hotel in Grand Bahama didn’t work out. The hotel has been closed since Hurricane Matthew late in the hurricane season of 2016.

EDITORIAL: May be there’s another way for our shanty towns

THE Bahamas is not the first country to experience the dilemma presented by what in some places is called squatters’ settlements or slums or what we have come to call shanty towns. As immigrant populations grow around the world and where it is difficult for those immigrants to assimilate or afford standard housing, communities of substandard housing pop up.

Blessing ceremony held for maternity unit

THE Princess Margaret Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology held a blessing ceremony yesterday for its newly renovated Maternal & Child Health Labour Unit, and also revealed the introduction of a Maternal & Child Health Day Assessment Unit.

Car stolen near Oakes monument

A gray-coloured 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan, licence #AM1405, parked near the Oakes Monument, was stolen around noon yesterday.The theft was reported to the police and an all points bulletin was issued. Anyone seeing the vehicle is asked to call the

Nurses could be poached if dispute cannot be resolved

AS nurses pressure the government to resolve longstanding industrial issues, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands admitted he is concerned that an approaching recruitment exercise could syphon public sector nurses out of the country.It seems foreign entiti

A one-stop shop for all financial services

A BAHAMAS-based Fintech firm is aiming to accelerate the inclusion of the “under-banked and unbanked” across The Bahamas via a platform which will unite all financial services into a singular platform, its founder and chief executive revealing plans

BPL’s new philosophy begins to bear fruit

BAHAMAS Power & Light’s top executive said yesterday he envisages at least five islands operating as “stand-alone” operations, describing such a move as ‘healthy’ for the utility.

Wilson 'firing' is part of 'PLP witch-hunt' claims Davis

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis says the Minnis administration’s witch-hunt against the Progressive Liberal Party is continuing, with its most recent target being former Financial Secretary Simon Wilson.Contrary to a report in The Punch yester

Bannister briefs tourism chiefs on power plans

Public Works Minister Desmond Bannister addressed key senior tourism officials and executives at a recent BHTA meeting.Minister Bannister provided attendees with an insight into the “short, medium and long-term goals to address the cost and reliabili

Tuesday, August 7

08072018 EDITiON

Tuesday, 7th August, 2018.

08072018 HOME BUYERS' GUIDE

Tuesday, 7th August, 2018.

Police hunt for missing girl, 14

POLICE are looking for 14-year-old Patrianna McKenzie who has been reported missing. The girl’s last known address was in Gamble Heights in New Providence. Patrianna is 5’4”, has a medium brown complexion and a slim build. Anyone with information on

Challenges ahead - but new-look hospital wards a sign of the future

Major challenges to the operation of Princess Margaret Hospital still need to be overcome, Health Minister Duane Sands warned yesterday.But to prove the situation is improving, Dr Sands pointed to key projects which are about to come to fruition whic

Cops quiz GB Urban Renewal official

AUTHORITIES have questioned a former Urban Renewal official as part of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Guards foil Fox Hill jailbreakers

PRISON officers thwarted an escape plot by two inmates at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on Friday.

Two dead in holiday shootings

TWO men are dead following separate homicides in the capital and Grand Bahama over the weekend.

Injuncted: Judge orders govt to halt all shanty town clearances

THE Supreme Court has ordered the government and utility providers to halt any planned service disconnections or evictions in shanty towns pending a judicial review of the Minnis administration’s policy to eradicate those communities.

We want truth over generators

Serious allegations have been thrown at BP&L over the process of the questioned RFP for the placement of Aggreko standby generators and we read today a statement-comments from the GM and we have to ask – which world is he living?

HeadKnowles prepares to face hurricane season

IN addition to raising funds to assist the Princess Margaret Hospital with much-needed machines, an upcoming Family Festival hosted by the HeadKnowles will feature a blood drive, fun games, raffles and live entertainment, and help Bahamians prepare f

Clean your plate? A habit that may do more bad than good

Swimmers set for 24th Goodwill Games in Barbados

FOR the fourth consecutive year, coach Shirley Mireault will be taking Team Bahamas to participate in the 24th edition of the Goodwill Games Swim Meet, scheduled for August 17-19 in Bridgetown, Barbados.This year, the Bahamas will join six other coun

The stage is set for modernised Miss Universe Bahamas

New team to spearhead 2018 pageant

A new Miss Bahamas Universe team, headed by Anthony Smith, is set to prepare a true 21st century Bahamian beauty queen to represent the country in Thailand this December at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.Mr Smith, who is the pageant’s presiden

Brushes out, palettes open for Eye Candy's makeup boot camp

When thinking of a boot camp, you will probably envision some sort of military or harsh disciplinary training programme. This is certainly not the case for the popular Eye Candy Summer Makeup Boot Camp.With two sessions being held this month, organis

Trail-blazing female priest releases new devotional book

THE route to ultimate intimacy with God looks different for many people. Some take this journey of developing closeness with God by attending church regularly, connecting through praise and worship, singing hymns and praying. Others also seek connect

Rays' Lucius Fox assigned to Biscuits in Double-A

LUCIUS Fox continues his progression through the Tampa Bay Rays organisation and has ascended to the Double-A level for the first time in his young career.Fox was assigned to the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League.Based in Montgomery, Alabama

THE PRESS BOX: 'Only President Trump could get me to defend LeBron James'

ONLY the President of the United States Donald Trump could get me to do something that no one, including my priest, had gotten me to do...Defend LeBron James! DEFENDER For the longest I’ve always claimed you can’t deny LeBron James ‘greatness’ of

Thomas to lead team at NACAC Sr Track & Field Championships

FRESH off his gold medal performance at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games last week in Barranquilla, Colombia, high jumper Donald Thomas will lead the 17-member team that will represent the Bahamas at the North American and Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Senior Track and Field Championships.

Bahamas wins two straight in World Series

Team Bahamas (Freedom Farm Baseball League) opened with consecutive wins in the preliminary round of Cal Ripken Baseball Major 70 World Series.The team moved to 2-0 after a dominant 12-1 win over New Zealand yesterday at the BallParks of Americas Fie

CONCACAF: Bahamas suffers 4-1 loss to Cayman

IT was an unfavourable start to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Girls’ Under-15 Championship.The Bahamas suffered a 4-1 loss to the Cayman Islands in their tournament debut yesterday at the IM

The Striker's Quest

LIVE Mixed Martial Arts made a spectacular return to the country with Bahamas Open Martial Arts Championship 4: The Striker’s Quest.Bahamian Giovanni Johnson made his successful pro debut at home and Matthew Colquhoun of Jamaica continued his dominan

My media life, for the record

My independent contract with the Verizon Media Group, parent company of The Real Deal, radio and televised talk show, rated number one, has been terminated by management for cause, relative to the manner in which I would have conducted the same.

Danger of unwise taxation

There is much written about the sanctity of a man’s home and in particular, that it is considered to be his castle and last refuge. One such poignant reference:

EDITORIAL: It’s the economy which could keep Trump in the White House

AUGUST is political vacation time in North America and perhaps even more so in Europe. With the politicians out of time, commentators are able to devote some more attention to matters other than the increasingly seamy but nonetheless diverting circus that democratic politics has become.

FACE TO FACE: A mission to tell the story of a stolen people

A few weeks ago, one of the most renowned Pan-Africanists in the world graced our shores. He is so well known, not only for his booming voice and strong delivery, but also for the hard-hitting messages he brings which aim to empower people with the knowledge he feels would liberate them from mental slavery.

Star student hopes red tape won't halt his dream

FOR six years, seventeen-year-old Johnson Davilma lived in a home without electricity and running water.His financial situation was exacerbated when his single mother became unemployed, leaving the teen barely able to afford bus fare. Despite having

Activist wants MP to intervene over court mould

LOCAL activist the Rev Glenroy Bethel believes the severe mould issue at the courthouse building in Grand Bahama poses a danger to both staff and the public and is calling on Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine to ensure the situation is addressed.Worker

Marijuana worth $20,000 seized

NEARLY $20,000 worth of suspected marijuana was seized during a police search of a home off Fox Dale Road, police said.Shortly after 3pm on Saturday, Drug Enforcement Unit officers conducted a search of a home on Mosquito Drive and recovered two five

Architects demand planning process must apply to shanty town buildings

GOVERNMENT is acting on poor advice and setting a terrible precedent over its decision not to demolish some shanty town buildings simply because they are up to code, Bahamian architects have warned, telling Tribune Business that all developments shou

Banker's US arrest sparks Securities Commission probe

THE Securities Commission of The Bahamas is investigating possible Bahamian links to the arrest in Miami, Florida of German private banker Matthias Krull, who was recently charged in the United States in connection with an alleged scheme to launder m

URCA sets ultimatum over resale broadband

THE country’s two major communications players have been given until month’s end to “amend and resubmit” revised resale broadband offers to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA).The regulator in its recently released Final Determi

Quality and costs key for tourism in fourth quarter

THE country’s major resorts are looking to a “healthy” fourth quarter, having witnessed positive gains over the first six months of the year. Carlton Russell, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, speaking on the sidelines of

Scotia withdrawals limit sparks calls for intervention

AN advocacy group is blasting what it describes as a “disconnect” between the Canadian commercial banks and the needs of their customers, while urging the Central Bank to facilitate a system which addresses the needs of both sides. Dr Denotrah Arche

Monday, August 6

Unemployed women find hope with Zonta workforce programme

The Zonta Club of New Providence recently wrapped up its fifth Workforce Readiness Programme, furthering the empowerment of women through scholarships and certifications awarded to several of the 18 participants in this year’s three-week skills train

UPDATED: Man dies of shooting injuries on Grand Bahama

A man died early on Monday at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama from shooting injuries he sustained on Saturday night.

Saturday, August 4

Man shot dead in Fox Hill

A man is dead after a shooting incident in Fox Hill early on Saturday morning.

Friday, August 3

Ministry investigates designer's use of modified Bahamian Coat of Arms

THE Ministry of National Security has launched an investigation into the use of modified versions of the Bahamian Coat of Arms and motto by British designer India Hicks, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold told The Tribune on Friday.

Haitians charged with breach of Immigration Act

TWO Haitians were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court with breach of the Immigration Act.

Police officer charged with possession of dangerous drugs

A POLICE officer and another man were charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply in separate matters yesterday.

AG: Coroner's Court ruling that police officer unlawfully killed man 'up in the air'

THE Coroner's Court ruling this week that a police officer unlawfully killed a man in 2013 is “up in the air”, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.

Davis dismisses 'gratuitous' criticism of PLP from Paul Wynn

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis has dismissed criticism levelled by developer Paul Wynn on the Progressive Liberal Party’s efforts to get him to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort as "gratuitous".

Grand Bahama's unemployed speak out

ALTHOUGH economic activity has increased on Grand Bahama as a result of new businesses that have opened, many persons are still unemployed as the island’s unemployment rate still remains one of the highest in the country.

08032018 WEEKEND

Friday, 3rd August, 2018.

08032018 EDITION

Friday, 3rd August 2018.

'Reverse changes to school uniform support'

ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday called for an immediate reversal of changes to social assistance policy, limiting aid for school uniforms.Mrs Hanna Martin, shadow minister for social services and urban development, said the drastic shift

A COMIC'S VIEW: Stop stealing parking spaces for handicapped

My late Aunt Kay, who was like my second mother and who also happened to be wheelchair bound in the latter portion of her life, was a source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to me throughout my life. In fact it has long been said that she’s where I get my “hard mouth” from.

Cop held in airport coke bust

A POLICE officer is expected to be arraigned in Magistrate’s Court today after he was found on board a charter flight at Lynden Pindling International Airport with eight pounds of cocaine in what is suspected to be his suitcase.

Final farewell to ‘leader and patriot’

FORMER Cabinet minister Phenton Neymour was remembered yesterday as a leader and patriot who died too soon.

‘Please - answer my girl’s prayers’: Mum still waits for govt to help sick daughter

A STATELESS teen suffering from a life-threatening brain cyst who needs to travel to the United States for treatment remained hopeful yesterday that officials will move swiftly to regularise her status.

Reasons to be proud?

RECENTLY, much was proclaimed unthinkingly about how far The Bahamas has come in 45 years of independence.

Beach vendors

Goodman’s Bay…has Parks given permission for Arawak Cay style beach concessions?

THE FINISH LINE: Congrats to the BBFF on bodybuilding medal haul

CONGRATULATIONS to the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. With only 12 athletes in Mexico City for the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games, the Bahamas collected nine medals, including three gold. That eventually resulted in the Baha

Bahamas ends up 5th in 4 x 400m relay final

Team Bahamas was hoping to add at least one more medal to its tally before the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games came to a close in Barranquilla, Colombia.But in the final of the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay on Thursday night, the quartet of Alo

'Hooping by the Park' in Fox Hill tonight

IT was a dream of Jabari Wilmott and Keron Pratt when they went to college in the United States that they would return home to give back to the local community of Fox Hill where they got to hone their basketball skills.The two have combined their ski

D'Shawn Knowles, Reshard Munroe on the rise

D’SHAWN Knowles and Reshard Munroe advanced within their respective franchises after a stellar season of production at the plate thus far.After 30 games in the Arizona League, Knowles received his first promotion within the Los Angeles Angels farm sy

Around the world with FIBA basketball referee Wilmore

IT has been a busy time this past few weeks for Bahamian FIBA basketball referee Christian Wilmore, who has been on a worldwind tour officiating in four international tournaments.Wilmore’s latest trip was to Minsk, Belarus, July 21-29 where he offici

Deandre Ayton and 'buddy' Hield head-to-head

WHEN the NBA preseason tips off, a matchup of Bahamian players will highlight the schedule right away to announce the 2018-19 season.Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield will have their first head-to-head game in the NBA when Ayton’s Phoenix Suns host Hield

Jonquel Jones on fire

JONQUEL Jones has found her shooting stroke and the Connecticut Sun are set to make a late-season push toward the WNBA playoffs.Jones finished with a game-high 21 points, 7-13 from the field including 4-8 from three-point range in just 18 minutes of

Child rapist Birbal sent from country

CHILD rapist Andre Birbal was repatriated to Trinidad and Tobago following the completion of his prison sentence at the end of June.The former art teacher’s release from prison follows a plea deal earlier this year where he admitted two counts of unn

Suspect accused of killing activist's son in hit and run

A Freeport man accused of a recent fatal hit and run accident in Grand Bahama was arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.Roberto Davano Taylor, 29, appeared in Court One before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson. He was not repre

Haitian Ambassador in hospital

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Jeffrey Williams, Bahamas ambassador to Haiti and non-resident ambassador to the Dominican Republic, is in hospital after he experienced “a medical episode” on Tuesday morning while working at the Ba

Air conditioning relief for clinic

THE staff and patients at the Eight Mile Rock Community Clinic should begin to feel some relief from the heat as a technician has been dispatched to deal with the air conditioning problem, according to an official at the Public Hospitals Authority in

A CARIBBEAN PERSPECTIVE: Tax rules we can’t meet, unity we must not avoid

The financial services sector of Caribbean jurisdictions - and other parts of the developing world - have been under continuous assault by the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since the mid-1990s.

Tackling the air hackers

The long-awaited aircraft accident report of the fatal January 2018 crash has been released by The Bahamas’ Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID). Incidents like these rehash national focus on the pervasive aviation issue of “hacking” in The Bahamas. A reference to hacking in short refers to the carriage by air of passengers by operators not licensed to conduct such services for reward.

VIEW FROM AFAR: What are we waiting for?

I can’t remember when I wrote my first article on the renewal of Bay Street. Nor can I remember how many times I have written on this subject. The answers are, however, long ago and very many times.

Jamaican on drug charge

A 34-year-old Jamaican national has been charged with a drug seizure at Grand Bahama International Airport earlier this week.Clifton Garth Tomlinson stood before Magistrate Subsola Swain faced with one count each of possession of dangerous drugs with

Reaching out to help youth group

DUDLEY and Katie Seide, founders of Reach Out Youth Organisation (ROYO), received a generous donation from a local business in Freeport that has pledged its support to help them with their breakfast programme for underprivileged kids. The Seides than

Woman accused of stealing $66,000 from her employer

A 23-year-old woman was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with theft and laundering of more than $60,000 from her employer over a seven-month period.Krystal Rolle appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a total of 11 theft and m

Processing delay confirmed for scholarship payments

SCHOLARSHIP payments from the Ministry of Education have been delayed due to processing irregularities, The Tribune was told.Payment cheques were due to be sent out in July, according to a senior official in the Scholarships and Education Loans Divis

Labour chief tells nurses leader to quit threats

LABOUR Director John Pinder has told Bahamas Nurses Union President Amancha Williams to stop her threats now that the government has committed to start paying nurses overdue funds this month. A day after the BNU renewed its strike threats, Mr Pinder

Lyford Cay blasts 500% hike in tax

The Government is moving to reinstate the $50,000 property tax “cap” after The Bahamas’ wealthiest community slammed “punitive taxation” that threatens “500 percent or greater” tax hikes.KP Turnquest, deputy prime minister, yesterday told Tribune Bus

Central Bank targeting digital B$ in 30 months

The Central Bank is aiming to roll-out a trial digital Bahamian dollar “within 30 months”, with the move central to its efforts to “accelerate” payments system modernisation.The regulator, launching an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the design and

PHA targeting '$20m-plus' boost from extra revenue

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is targeting “$20m-plus” in extra revenue this fiscal year, a Cabinet Minister revealed yesterday, adding: “Health can’t be run on a wing and a prayer.”Dr Duane Sands, pictured, minister of health, told Tribune Bu

'No hope' as new auto sales off 16%

New car sales maintained their decade-long plunge with a near-16 percent decline during the 2018 first half, as one dealer revealed he “sees no hope” for a short-term revival.Speaking after the latest Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA) figures

Why govt 'hell bent' on reviving Oban?

An ex-tourism minister yesterday questioned why the Government appears “hell-bent” on the Oban Energies deal, suggesting it instead focus on Carnival’s planned cruise port to revive tourism.Obie Wilchcombe, pictured, told Tribune Business: “I do beli

Cruise line targeting National Trust tie-up

Royal Caribbean is exploring a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to provide new experiences for its passengers visiting The Bahamas.The cruise line is also seeking to re-affirm its commitment to marine conservation and preservation, f

IAN FERGUSON: Marrying health and wellness with work

Over the past few decades, mind and body wellness has had a noticeable impact on the corporate landscape. Businesses, both large and small, have been integrating a holistic approach to wellness and productivity for their employees and business models

Govt dives in to boost fisheries

The Government has unveiled measures to boost the $78m crawfish industry, with increased wholesale profit margins and greater Bahamian dive participation among the key targets. Michael Pintard, minister of agriculture and marine resources, speaking j

Contractor chief: 'Show me numbers' on Pointe

The Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday demanded to “see the numbers” showing Bahamian participation on The Pointe project has increased 100-150 percent.Leonard Sands called on the government to show just how many Bahamians a

Thursday, August 2

Meditation - We are the Gentiles

The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans the following sentences concerning his call to ministry: “Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the G

Preparing Christians for marriage to foster stronger unions

THOSE who are single or engaged may find an upcoming panel discussion to be insightful as it relates to their current season of life.The Young Adults Ministry of Christ Community Church will be giving singles and those who are about to enter the cove

Run Jeremiah, run!

You might be pondering in your minds exactly where I am coming from with this seemingly vague topic. But there is nothing vague about. This came to me as I was considering that once upon a time were a Christian nation, but now we are just a religious

Christian Council's prayers for Exuma boat tragedy

IN remembrance of the deadly boat explosion in Exuma in June, members of the Exuma Christian Council recently hosted a service of prayer and thanksgiving at the St Margaret’s Baptist Church.Families, friends, religious and community leaders, second h

Dean Adderley demits office at Christ Church Cathedral

In thanksgiving, members of Christ Church Cathedral will be hosting a series of special events to honour Rev Patrick Adderley upon his retirement from the position as Dean of Nassau and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral.Dean Adderley is the son of th

Massive '4 Jesus' movement comes to The Bahamas

World for Jesus is an international ministry on a mission to win nations for Christ. According to the ministry, it has already led two million people in the Philippines to Jesus and brought Catholics and Protestants in Ireland together.The next stop

Jubilee team reaches out to sick and shut-in

The Jubilee West Outreach Team, led by Minister Joyce Smith along with Pastor Armbrister and other members, recently visited the sick and shut-in in the neighbourhood of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, and distributed food care packages. They team th

zonta club scheme seeks to empower women

THE Zonta Club of New Providence recently wrapped up its 5th Workforce Readiness Programme, furthering the empowerment of women through scholarships and certifications awarded to several of the 18 participants in this year’s three-week skills trainin

Safety belts and texting warning after traffic deaths

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands said the recent trend in traffic fatalities has raised public health concerns regarding how drivers practice road safety.His comments came hours after a motorcyclist in New Providence died in a traffic accident on Tuesd

Police examining environment at dock after conch poisoning

SEVERAL factors at the Potter’s Cay Dock could be creating an environment for the bacteria which leads to conch poisoning to thrive, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard said yesterday.

Shell deal will cut fuel bills

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) top executive yesterday said “the country could not have a better partner” than Shell, with the deal’s “transformational” impact extending well beyond the energy sector.

Families beg court ‘Save our homes’

SHANTY town residents have filed a suit against the government over its plan to eradicate “unregulated” communities and have asked the Supreme Court for an injunction to block looming evictions or any form of interference until their case is heard in court.

'Unlawful killing’ cop will fight verdict

ONE day after a Coroner’s Court jury ruled Police Corporal Adrian Miller unlawfully killed an armed man at a party, his lawyer said he intends to appeal the inquest’s verdict.

Foulkes reveals some houses already safe

PARTS of two shanty towns in New Providence will escape the government’s demolition exercises this month because of the code worthiness of its buildings.

Spay and neuter campaign launch

AFTER leading a major spay campaign this year in Puerto Rico, spearheaded by Helping Paws Across Borders, Grand Bahama veterinarian Dr Chante Wildgoose is giving back in the same way here at home.Dr Wildgoose, of Freeport Veterinary Hospital (FVH), i

Man shot in struggle as robber took cell phone

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot during an armed robbery, police said.Shortly after 8pm on Tuesday, a man and woman were walking near the canal in Coral Harbour when they were approached by a man armed with a firearm, who robbed them of cell ph

Tourist 'didn't know' marijuana was illegal

AN American man was fined $2,000 for possession of one gram of marijuana found on a nightstand in his hotel room.Claudio Louis Evangelista II, 22, of Underhill Road in Locust Valley, New York, appeared before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on the sing

Missing teen girl found by police

THE teen who was reported missing on Grand Bahama was found alive and well late Tuesday evening, police reported. Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder said 16-year-old Timmia Kemp was discovered shortly after 10pm in the Malibu Reef ar

Inmates to be trained at BTVI after deal signed

A CONTRACT was signed yesterday to provide 600 inmates and seven officers from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services with training and certification from Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.Present at yesterday’s signing included Nat

Man accused over $1m blaze at brewery

A 41-year-old man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of intentionally setting fire to Commonwealth Brewery resulting in nearly $1m in damage.Darrell Neely, of Marshall Road, stood before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged in

Students chosen for annual internship awards

THE Alf Thompson Memorial Scholarship (ATMS) Committee has selected two students from Nassau to be the recipients of its annual internship awards.This scholarship, started by the Bahamas Marine EcoCentre in 2011, was initiated to honour the memory of

Thomas wins gold in high jump at CAC

High jumper Donald Thomas won the Bahamas’ fourth gold medal of the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Nesbitt will become first local player signed by McPhee-McCuin and Rebels

BAHAMIAN national team standout Valerie Nesbitt will become the first local player signed by Yolett McPhee-McCuin in her tenure as the head coach of the Ole Miss women’s basketball programme.Nesbitt, a sophomore at Chipola College, committed to join

Makers wanted Bahamas Bowl

ELK Grove Village, using its business slogan – Makers Wanted – has been announced as the title sponsor of the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, to be played December 21 here in New Providence.The Makers Wanted tagline serves as a call-to-action for Elk Gro

Amateur golfers take the spotlight in Cayman

THE 62nd Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships continued at the North Sound Golf Club in the Cayman Islands and several Bahamian golfers lowered their scores from the opening rounds.Team Bahamas includes nine golfers - Richard Gibson Jr, Pablo Nahmias

Tahnaj Thomas on Indians' Top 30 Prospects list

THE Cleveland Indians were busy at Major League Baseball’s trade deadline and the transactions within the farm system allowed Tahnaj Thomas to enter the organisation’s Top 30 Prospects list.Thomas was listed as the Indians’ 30th ranked prospect on th

Hacker pilots

CIVIL Aviation has to be joking….CCTV around General Aviation is not going to prove anything.

No to Oban

RUMBLINGS of an OBAN-2…Version one-two-three-four.

Traffic laws

In my humble opinion if the traffic laws in this country were being enforced, there would be a drastic decrease in the country’s overall debt. I am appalled at the many traffic violations that are seen on our streets daily.

DIANE PHILLIPS: For all the words I’ve loved before . . .

Every time I hear the Willie Nelson song “For all the girls I’ve loved before”, I find myself transposing the word “words” for girls. I am not sure why and it probably doesn’t matter. I am not denouncing the right to love girls and Willie has my blessing. Personally, I have loved a few myself – my daughters and granddaughters and had I thought of my late mother as a girl instead of a mother, I would have included her.

Jack Thompson reassigned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs months after transfer

AFTER being transferred to the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture a little less than a month ago, Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson was again reassigned, this time to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield confi

$3m shortfall in Ministry's school repairs budget

DESPITE the Ministry of Education’s school repair budgetary shortfall of around $3m, Jeff Lloyd says officials will “make it work”.The Minister of Education was also confident yesterday public school repairs would be finished before the start of the

PMH accused of union busting

THE Bahamas Nurses Union’s executive board demonstrated yesterday outside Princess Margaret Hospital regarding its ongoing issues with the Public Hospitals Authority and Ministry of Health, accusing the government of “union busting”. One major source

Oban committee awaits expects technical report this week

THE Cabinet sub-committee examining the Oban Energies project will receive a key technical report this week, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes said yesterday.“We are awaiting the report from our technical committee which is chaired by our Mrs Carol Young

BPL ‘five to seven years’ out from global standards

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) is “five to seven years away” from hitting global utility standards, but its chief executive yesterday said improvement “has zero to do with money.”

Ex-Grand Lucayan buyer: $200m 'better' in Nassau

The Grand Lucayan’s former purchaser yesterday said he “feels much more comfortable investing” $200m in Nassau than seeking “massive subsidies” to make that deal work.Paul Wynn, the Wynn Group’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that Freeport’s

Bankers warn BPL: No more roll-overs

Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) lenders have warned they will not permit any more debt roll-overs as it readies a $450-$550m restructuring of its long-term finances.

Consumers face 2019 wait on BPL fuel costs

Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) will move “aggressively” to return its Clifton Pier power plant to 80 per cent capacity by summer 2019, in a bid to relieve consumers from increased fuel costs.

‘Dumping ground’ fear on used autos

The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday warned that the Bahamas is serving as a “dumping ground” for vehicles that have been rejected as unsafe by other nations.

'Over 80%' of food products VAT-free

The Government yesterday urged consumers to be “patient” as they familiarise themselves with the VAT-free breadbasket, with the industry suggesting “80 percent” of products fall into this category.The Ministry of Finance, in a statement yesterday, sa

'Dumping ground' fear on used autos

The Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday warned that the Bahamas is serving as a “dumping ground” for vehicles that have been rejected as unsafe by other nations.Edison Sumner said more than 17,000 vehicles are being exported to the Bahama

ART OF GRAPHIX: The role of gender in graphic design

It is often said that graphic design is, by and large, a boys’ club. Many believe it has not always had the best reputation for gender equality, but we should all be on an even playing field when it comes to artistic talent and knowledge.John Gray, a

Minister: 100-150% increase in Bahamians at the Pointe

The Labour Minister yesterday said the number of Bahamians employed on downtown Nassau’s Pointe project has increased by between 100 to 150 percent. Dion Foulkes, pictured, said: “I have received two reports recently, one from the Department of Labou

Wednesday, August 1

08012018 EDITION

Wednesday 1st August, 2018.

Thief was caught red-handed - returning stolen tyres

A SECURITY officer at the Customs Department was yesterday sentenced to six months in prison after he admitted to stealing the rims from a 2009 Nissan Note registered to the department.Laraino Moxey, 29, of Culmers Lane, appeared before Magistrate Sa

150 families still living in shanty town homes

MORE than 100 families are believed to still reside in shanty towns across New Providence with the government’s eviction deadline less than two weeks away.Haitian Pastors League President Dr Jean Paul Charles told The Tribune he expected that number

Murders down by a quarter, says top cop

HOMICIDES in the first half of 2018 declined by 26 percent when compared with the same time last year.According to Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson yesterday, investigators recorded 54 homicides from January to June. Comparatively in the first ha

Wynn Group offer for Grand Lucayan 'unacceptable'

THE Wynn Group’s proposal to purchase the Grand Lucayan hotel in Grand Bahama was “unacceptable to the government” press secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.During his press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Newbold admitted

Man dead in late-night shooting

A MAN was shot dead last night in a late-night incident.

Officer guilty of unlawful killing

THE 2013 shooting death of Girred Clarke at the hands of police at a party was ruled as an unlawful killing by a Coroner’s Court jury yesterday.

Fees revolution to help fund $50m health deficit

Health officials will meet today to decide on the implementation of up to 500 fees at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) as they seek to narrow a $50m funding shortfall.

PILOT TO BLAME: Not qualified in crash plane, nervous when flying in clouds, 129 illegal flights in 11 weeks

THE six people who died in January when the pilot of their plane lost control of the aircraft had zero chance of survival, according to the Air Accident Investigation Department’s report of the crash.

No plans to shut down auto business after fire

THE government does not have any current plans to shut down or relocate Strachan’s Auto Repair, press secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday. The blaze on Sunday night when more than 200 cars burned was not the first time a fire has broken out at t

YOUR SAY: 'New horizons' ahead for reformed PLP party

OUR party has entered an era of historic responsibility requiring us to retool, reshape, and transform to preserve the fabric of our democratic tenets. That responsibility begins with renewing our social and economic contract with the Bahamian people

Make a better first impression

ALICIA WALLACE: So what really does frighten us about immigration?

Immigration is a tough topic.

Staff and patients suffer with no air conditioning

PATIENTS and staff at the Eight Mile Rock Rock Clinic are struggling in extremely hot conditions because of the lack of air-conditioning at the public health facility.

An answer for Brave

Although it was not his intention, Guardian cartoonist Sideburns very effectively provided the answer to Brave Davis’ question about where the money was coming from to buy the Grand Lucayan Hotel in Grand Bahama.

Drone helps to locate stolen boat

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force tracked and recovered a stolen vessel on Monday morning.After receiving information from security at Lyford Cay of a 21ft blue and white open-hull pleasure craft being stolen from the Lyford Cay Marina around 3am Monda

Funding needed to send national volleyball team to CAZOVA Men's Sr Championships

ALTHOUGH they are scheduled to travel to Suriname on August 9, head coach Lloyd Davis said it will all depend on whether or not the Bahamas Volleyball Federation receives the funding in order for the men’s national team to participate in the CAZOVA S

CAC Games: Men's softball team knocks off Guatemala 5-3

While the men’s national softball team closed out round robin play at the 23rd Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, with their only victory, the men’s national basketball team suffered their second straight loss.The two tea

Band Camp wins Sprite Basketball title

AFTER four weeks of intense competition, the Band Camp has been named the 2018 Sprite Basketball Tournament champions with a score of 98-78 against the Southwestern Division team. Demargio Taylor was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Mark

Bishop Curry not faithful

Bishop Michael Curry is an engaging communicator. This is evident from his Royal Wedding sermon and, more recently, his sermon at Christ Church Cathedral on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE). But more important than being engaging, a preacher of God’s word must be faithful to God’s word. Sadly, by this more important measurement, Bishop Curry falls far short.

EDITORIAL: Tougher legislation against poaching overdue

ON Friday of last week, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard announced in Grand Bahama that legislation was going to be introduced with stiffer penalties for poaching, the illegal taking of fish, conch and crawfish from Bahamian waters by non-Bahamians or non-Bahamian owned vessels.