Stories for February 2018

Wednesday, February 28

Tributes paid as Lady Laurie Miller dies, aged 93

LADY Laurie Miller, the widow of the late Sir Albert Miller, died at her home in Freeport yesterday. She was 93.

CULTURE CLASH: Time to face up to the reality of mental health

Last weekend, I spent several hours at a book club meeting. We chose Kei Miller’s The Last Warner Woman as our February read, and it gave us more to think and talk about than we expected. Half of us did not even expect to like the book, but quickly realised it was a reflection of some of our own experiences, far-fetched as it seemed at first glance. Mental health was a dominant theme and it was easy to talk, at length, about the stigmatisation of mental health issues and the urgent need to address the inadequacies of health services, family support and often debilitating stigma.

Shock at loss of 'giant of a man'

THE sudden death of activist Pierre Parisien on Monday has been described as a “stunning blow” to Bahamian civil society and the Haitian-Bahamian community.

Students take up the challenge in essay competition

THE second annual essay writing competition, organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in collaboration with The Nassau Institute and sponsored by the Templeton Religion Trust, took place at the Anatol Rodgers High School in New Providence. Some 70 students from a dozen different schools participated.

Progress along the waterfront

IT seems the leadership of Ed Fields something might now happen along the Nassau Harbour waterfront.

Former first lady to join celebration of women

FORMER first lady of the United States of America, Laura W Bush will make an official visit to the nation’s capital during the month of June to participate in Celebrating Women’s International’s Nobel Women’s Luncheon.

Honouring Billy Graham

ON Monday, February 19, The Nassau Guardian published a quote by renowned American evangelist Billy Graham. Interestingly, a few other Graham quotes appeared in that publication during the previous week.

Lawyer questions absence of DNA evidence at murder scene

DNA from none of the five co-defendants was found at the murder scene in Deadman’s Reef, the Supreme Court heard on Tuesday as a defence counsel continued his questioning of a lead police investigator in the case.

Bid to recruit nurses as Bahamians head to US

HEALTH officials have contracted 100 locally trained nurses to fill positions throughout the public health sector left vacant by American recruitment.

BPL asks Arizona company for help in Abaco power crisis

BAHAMAS Power and Light has asked the Arizona-based company that produces the submersible pumps being utilised in its Abaco repairs for help with installation amid that island’s latest power crisis.

Remembering Sir Durward, a national hero

THE Bahamas lost a great citizen on Saturday when Sir Durward Knowles passed away at age 100. So much has been written about the man known affectionately as “Sea Wolf” in the days since and in the year of celebrations leading up to his 100th birthday that you might think it would be hard to add anything more. Yet such was the mark of the man that the more you know, the more there is to know; the deeper you dig, the greater his spirit shines; the more records you realize he holds, the better you understand that Sir Durward was far more than a sports hero. He was a national icon, the father figure for a nation eager to find a symbol of all that is good.

Wrongful arrest victim wins $60k

A SUPREME Court judge has ordered the government to pay over $60,000 to a civil servant after finding that two police officers were wrong for breaking into his Yellow Elder Gardens home in 2015, putting a shotgun to his forehead and subsequently arresting him in their search for someone who did not live there.

Immigration detentions again ruled unlawful

A SUPREME Court judge has ordered the unconditional release of five persons and two minors from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre after ruling they were all “unlawfully detained” by immigration officials between November and December of last year.

$200m PLP contracts escaped any tendering

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said yesterday the former administration issued $200m worth of contracts without going through bidding, as he announced that there will be changes to the tender and bidding processes at the Ministry of Works.

Teachers hold sit-out to oust principal

TEACHERS of Stephen Dillet Primary School are trying to oust their principal, with Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson threatening industrial action if their demands are not met.

'It's time to stop school beatings'

WEST Grand Bahama and Bimini public educators are moving to eliminate corporal punishment within schools, a move The Tribune was told is part of a wider effort to stamp out the practice nationally.

'Miss Florida' must wait as trial adjourned

HANDEREA “Miss Florida” Rolle’s trial over alleged drug possession with intent to supply was adjourned by over a month after the court was informed that her co-accused was not brought down from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services to attend the proceedings.

Tuesday, February 27

‘Fleeing’ driver in second fatal crash

A man was killed yesterday when a woman suspected of fleeing the scene of an earlier car crash collided into his vehicle.

All change - new prosecutor parachuted into Smith trial

FORMER PLP Senator Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial was adjourned to Wednesday after his lawyer lamented the “shoddiness” surrounding the Crown’s intent to produce additional documents at such a “late stage” in the proceedings connected to its case against the accused.

Mother and daughter’s ordeal in detention

THE Jamaican wife of a Bahamian man and her 11-year-old daughter were left traumatised and degraded after spending 10 days in detention at an immigration safe house for women and children, according to a court filed affidavit.

Plane crash families ‘kept in the dark’

THE son of one of the North Andros plane crash victims has said the news that officials have found the debris field from the accident is the “latest and hardest” hit in a series of stunning blows.

Monday, February 26

02262018 EDITION

Monday, 26th February, 2018.

INSIGHT: Dealing with the devil

LOCAL media exploded last week upon the startling revelations surrounding Oban Energies’ non-executive chairman, Peter Krieger. The government’s initial announcement of a $5.5bn oil refinery project in Grand Bahama initially seemed like a proactive step towards getting Bahamians back to work. However, as last week unfolded, the citizenry has become widely sceptical and Prime Minister Minnis, who seems to can’t win for losing and is yet again looking as though he is out of his depth.

The man who sailed to gold

FROM the beginning to the end of his life, Sir Durward Randolph Knowles lived his philosophy, “fish or cut bait – either you will choose to be a part or be one way or another, whichever one it is, a decision has to be made.”

Donation to emergency teams will help save lives

THE Public Hospitals Authority’s National Emergency Medical Services received a donation of 15 fully equipped trauma bags donated by the Aidan Roger Carron Foundation.

Wreckage IS from crash plane

CRASH investigators yesterday confirmed a debris field recently discovered by fishermen in waters off Andros is that of the ill-fated flight which crashed last month.

LONE KILLER SHOOTS DEAD VICTIM, 26

A 26-year-old man became the country’s latest murder victim when he was shot early Saturday morning at an intersection.

Two sacked in Baha Mar probe

TWO high-level executives at Baha Mar were fired last week on “suspicion of impropriety” after an internal investigation was launched at the resort.

Farewell, Seawolf: Remembering Sir Durward Knowles

BAHAMIAN Olympic icon Sir Durward Knowles died Saturday afternoon, three months after the country and global sailing community commemorated his life and legacy in the celebration of his 100th birthday.

‘Pay $3,000 and you can go free’ – Bishop Hall makes Immigration ‘corruption’ claim

IMMIGRATION officers have been accused of soliciting thousands of dollars in bribes from migrants, according to allegations in a court filed affidavit which were echoed by a prominent religious leader yesterday.

Team Bahamas suffers 113-67 rout to Canada

Different venue, same result as the Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team lost the rematch to Canada and their fourth game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup – Americas Qualifiers.

Fear of Walmart

Open letter to Mike Maura, Chairman of BCCEC

Clean-up praised

I drove by Clifton Heritage Park yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find a cleanup of the Sacred Space underway.

Secretary should not be signing

IS there no one in the Office of the Prime Minister or the Attorney General’s Office who can advise that the Cabinet Secretary has no signing authority on behalf of Government and all documents - MOU’s - Heads of Agreement she may sign are worthless as are all those in the past from Kerzner forward.

Sir Durward – humanitarian par excellence

Sir Durward Knowles, the last “pure example” of what a real Bahamian should be like, has sailed his last race, which he won “going away”.

EDITORIAL: Broadcasting sector on verge of collapse

DESPITE the warnings on August 4, 2004, of then Cabinet Minister Obie Wilchcombe that “while government had 50 applications for additional broadcast licences for New Providence, it would have to proceed very carefully, if at all, as the market is overcrowded.” That was 14 years ago,

SPORTS NOTES

THE St Augustine’s College Alumni Association has announced that the Annual Uncle Lou Road Race is all set for Saturday, March 17.

Simonet teams up to host 2-day scouting tour

MAHERSHAL Simonet, an American professional basketball player who has played in 15 countries, will continue to lend his expertise to the local sporting community.

Troubled Arizona loses 98-93 to Oregon

AMID controversy, Bahamian collegiate basketball star DeAndre Ayton produced one of his best games of the season, but his Arizona Wildcats fell short in their bid to claim a share of the PAC-12 regular season title.

Trent gives some tips at 31st Mario Ford Baseball Camp

TRENT Deveaux, one of the 20 Bahamians now in the pipeline of Major League Baseball, returned to the Mario Ford Baseball Camp where he imparted to the campers how he got started right where they were on Windsor Field.

Falcons to face Cobras in Hugh Campbell championship tonight

THE 28-team field is down to two and the championship matchup in the 2018 Hugh Campbell Basketball Invitational will feature a familiar New Providence- Grand Bahama rivalry.

Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles dies

NO matter who you asked, everybody had a different version of how they remembered the legendary Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles.

Passenger killed as car in collision with SUV in Abaco crash

A MAN died early Saturday morning after he was ejected from the passenger seat of car that collided with a SUV.

Talks in Haiti on tackling migration

A high-level meeting was held at Haiti’s National Palace between Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Haitian President Jovenel Moise yesterday, where both leaders committed to undertake joint initiatives that could contribute to reducing the flow of migration to The Bahamas.

Moody's predicts deficit 'overshoot' above $350m

Moody’s has forecast that the 2017-2018 deficit will overshoot the Government’s $323 million target due to the “overhang” from the Christie administration’s unpaid bills.The international credit rating agency, in an update to the global markets follo

BTC loses 60,000 mobile subscribers

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has lost over 60,000 mobile customers, almost 20 per cent of its market, in just over one year as a result of competition.Data released by BTC’s ultimate parent, Liberty Latin America (LiLAC), reveals that

BPL ‘nowhere close on any of the islands’

BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) is “nowhere close to where we want to be on any island”, its chief executive has admitted, as it seeks to avoid a repeat of last summer’s outages in Nassau and three other markets.

GB Power invests $8min solar battery storage

GRAND Bahama Power Company is investing $8 million in constructing a battery storage facility before year-end, as it moves to introduce utility-scale solar and other renewable energies.The utility monopoly, in response to Tribune Business’s questions

Bran: 'Horse already bolted' on Oban deal

THE Government must “move forward post haste” with the Oban Energies refinery if it concludes the Bahamas will benefit, the DNA’s former leader arguing: “The horse has already bolted.”Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that the $5.5 billion oi

Dairy Queen opens fifth Nassau outlet

DAIRY Queen (DQ) has expanded its presence in New Providence with the official opening of its fifth location in the Seagrapes Shopping Plaza on February 9.The location, on Prince Charles Drive, became the fifth DQ location in New Providence, joining

ISLAND INSIGHTS: Abaco shows what Bahamas can be

WHEN people think of the Bahamas they tend to have this idea of enjoying warm weather accompanied by a great cocktail, and a place to stay where the beach becomes their backyard. While this is all true and available, Abaco offers a more unique produc

$1.6m maritime broker launches in Freeport

A $1.6 million customs broker and port agent opened in Grand Bahama on Saturday, employing 16 Bahamians.Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, congratulated the owners of Fowlco Marine and Logistical Management company, Curtis Fowler, fo

'Smart city' must support tech hub

GRAND Bahama cannot become a technology hub without a ‘smart city’ to support it, a Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) executive has argued, while stressing the need to develop local expertise.Andre Knowles, BTC’s chief commercial officer, told

Ex-minister: Foreign investment 'as often as we can get it'

GRAND Bahama needs an influx of foreign investors and international residents to generate economic prosperity, a former Cabinet Minister has argued.Zhivargo Laing, former minister of state for finance under the last Ingraham administration, told the

Bahamas seeks increase in airlift

BAHAMIAN officials recently attended the annual Routes Americas conference in a bid to lure increased airlift to the Bahamas.The event, held in Quito, Ecuador, attracted 650 delegates, 70 airlines and 150 airport representatives.It pairs tourism offi

Saturday, February 24

Bahamian icon Sir Durward Knowles dies age 100

Bahamian Olympic icon Sir Durward Knowles died on Saturday afternoon at Doctors Hospital. He was 100 years old.

Friday, February 23

Bahamas’ advance delegation to CARICOM arrives in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Bahamas’ advance delegation to the 29th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the CARICOM heads of government arrived in Haiti Thursday afternoon.

Foreign nationals charged and fined with overstaying

TWO foreign nationals - a Jamaican and Irishman - were charged separately in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court with overstaying their time in the Bahamas.

02232018 EDITION

Friday, 23rd February, 2018.

02232018 WEEKEND

Friday, 23rd February, 2018.

Adrian Francis to file lawsuit over cancellation of ZNS Radio show

AFTER his talk show was cancelled as it aired on ZNS Radio earlier this week, host Adrian Francis said he intends to file a law suit against the station for the manner in which he was handled, insisting this could affect future employment prospects.

Video of nightclub shooting 'not a new murder'

DESPITE recent social media circulation of a video featuring a fatal shooting in a nightclub, police are advising the public that this footage is from a murder that occurred more than two weeks ago.

Minister of Health opens GB Family Medicine conference

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands opened the first Grand Bahama Family Medicine Conference held at the Pelican Bay Resort on Thursday for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Opposition to cemetery proposal grows

A proposal to create a cemetery on Bernard Road is being met with backlash from residents of the surrounding communities.

BTC outsources '916' operator assistance

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company has confirmed the outsourcing of its '916' operator assistance platform to an external partner.

'Let's lead the way on medical marijuana'

A SENIOR executive at the Public Hospitals Authority and leading pharmacist is urging government and local health officials to set the standard for medical marijuana research in the region. Dr Marvin Smith, who serves as PHA deputy director and chie

Accused 'admitted being at crime scene'

ONE of three men accused of the murder and armed robbery of a Grand Bahama couple admitted to being at the scene of the crime with the other defendants, lead investigator Detective 772 Lorenzo Johnson told the Supreme Court yesterday.

Killer of child's mother has appeal rejected

THE COURT of Appeal has dismissed the case of a man seeking to contest his 41-year sentence of hard labour for murdering the mother of his child at their workplace on a Family Island almost seven years ago. Appellate Justices Jon Isaacs, Stella Cran

Oban boss’ $650k debt to US taxman

PETER Krieger, non-executive chairman and the face of Oban Energies, was not only in problems with the Securities Exchange Commission, but also faced a federal tax lien for more than half a million dollars in unpaid taxes.

40 years for brutal grandma’s murder

A CARETAKER who had worked for an 86-year-old woman, who he had brutally stabbed to death in her Dannottage Estates home a decade ago, was yesterday sentenced to 40 years in prison by an acting Supreme Court judge.

Cemetery plan - over our dead bodies

AN online petition has been started to stop the creation of a proposed cemetery on Bernard Road.

Job fair hopefuls ‘hired on the day’

LAST weekend’s “Labour on the Blocks” job fair in Grand Bahama resulted in some people being “hired on the spot,” Labour Minister Dion Foulkes said in the Senate yesterday.

Tech Talk

• Spacewalking astronauts wrapped up months of repair work Friday on the International Space Station ‘s big robot arm.

EDITORIAL: Brexit’s ripples will reach all the way here

DESPITE the continuing opposition in Britain of so-called ‘remainers’ following a referendum in 2016 in which a small but decisive majority voted to leave the European Union (EU), the process of Brexit is moving forward inexorably.

Activist wary after Oban revelations

GRAND Bahama environmental activist Shuffel Hepburn has expressed shock over revelations uncovered about Oban Energies just days after the signing of a heads of agreement with the government for the development of a $5.5 billion oil refinery in East

Officials say Krieger just small part of project

GOVERNMENT officials yesterday were tightlipped about who the beneficial owners of Oban Energies are, though some quietly described Peter Krieger, the public face of the project so far, as a small player in the grander scheme. Two top officials in t

Marijuana stash discovered in Bimini

BIMINI police discovered a quantity of dangerous drugs on the island this week, a senior police official reported.

PM heads to Haiti for conference

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will lead a delegation to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Saturday for the 29th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. Dr Minnis will be accompanied by his wife, Patricia

Security guard found dead after break-in at shop

POLICE are investigating the death of a security guard at a seafood processing centre on Fire Trail Road. Police were called to investigate a shop breaking and stealing complaint at the establishment when they discovered the unconscious man. Police

Youth in action

DYNAMIC Youth in Action, a youth organisation, held a march yesterday to raise awareness about diversity and bullying. The group marched from Carlton Francis Primary School, along East Street South, through the Golden Gates community and returned to

Winter Olympics showcases Korean self-driving vehicles

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (AP) — There’s a competition at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that has nothing to do with sports, and plenty to do with jousting between automakers and tech companies over autonomously driving vehicles.

Concern for Aliv's funding

IN March 2017, ALIV raised an astonishing $60m from investors, twice the amount they were looking for. That they require more money now, less than a year later, suggests that something has gone badly wrong.

Hockey Puck and player tracking being tested at Olympics

GANGNEUNG, South Korea (AP) — Finland players looked at the numbers and laughed.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Say no man to NOban

Once again - to paraphrase the Red Queen from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass - it takes all the running Bahamians can do to keep in the same place.

Sports Notes

UNCLE LOU ROAD RACE THE St Augustine’s College Alumni Association has announced that the annual Uncle Lou Road Race is all set for Saturday, March 17. It’s a 10 kilometre run and fun walk that will start from Rawson Square. The entry fee is $25 fo

THE FINISH LINE: Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn Jr 'made us proud as a Spartan'

I REMEMBER when Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr was running cross country for Carlton Francis Primary School. In his younger years, he had what was considered to be a promising career in track and field. Could you imagine where he would have been had h

Five get set for the IAAF World Indoors

WHEN the IAAF World Indoor Championships gets underway next week in Birmingham, Great Britain, the Bahamas will be represented by a five-member team. Although only four athletes have outright qualified to compete in the championships, scheduled for

Hugh Campbell: More teams eliminated on day 4

THE 2018 Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic moved into day four featuring another series of eliminations and the first matchups between teams in the winner’s bracket.In the opening session of the day at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, one of two Abaco teams

Bahamas 0-3 after 96-63 loss to Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic caught fire from beyond the arch in the second half and, in particular, during a third-quarter run where they took control for good en route to a win in the latest World Cup qualifier.

LNG pipeline plan is madness

NEW lower cost electricity generation the 80KW RFP at Blue Hill Road, I read with considerable interest that APD, Arawak Port Developments, are now part of the group headed by the US-based group who was close as a millimetre of getting the franchise of BEC from the PLP, New Fortress Group as seemingly the planned depot for LNG.

'Wake up, smell roses' over sanctions threat

The Attorney General yesterday warned the Bahamas to “wake up and smell the roses” over the threat of financial sanctions unless it corrects regulatory weaknesses.Carl Bethel QC told Tribune Business that this nation has until June to satisfy interna

Gov't needs 'high gear' to reverse corruption slide

THE Government was yesterday urged to “go into high gear” and deliver on its anti-corruption promises, after the Bahamas fell it its “lowest spot” in Transparency International’s rankings.Lemarque Campbell, of Citizens for a Better Bahamas, the local

DPM urges: Focus on Oban's benefits

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday urged Grand Bahama to look beyond the controversy and focus on the $5.5 billion Oban Energies project’s benefits, saying: “There’s more to the story than what you see.”K Peter Turnquest, addressing the 20th annual

Let Oban project move 'without sailing through'

THE Government should let Oban Energies’ $5.5 billion project proceed “without sailing through”, balancing job creation and growth with its chief promoter’s controversial background.Craig A. ‘Tony’ Gomez, the Baker Tilly Gomez accountant and partner,

Enterprises Act gives 'early success signs'

THE Commercial Enterprises Act is already showing “early signs” of success with the Government giving “favourable consideration” to two applications, it was revealed yesterday.K Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister, speaking at the 20th Grand Baham

Bahamas urged: Target H-1B visa for tech boost

THE Bahamas may need to implement an initiative similar to the US H-1B Visa programme if Grand Bahama is to fulfill its ‘technology hub’ dream, it was argued yesterday.The US initiative facilitates the hiring of specialist foreign workers and entry o

Attorney: Tie education to industry development

A GRAND Bahama-based attorney yesterday suggested that “industry-targeted” education programmes be established ‘in tandem’ with the island’s development of local industries.Erica Paine, head of Graham Thompson’s Grand Bahama office, while addressing

LETTER: A 'Cable' to investors: Be Aliv to possible risk

IN March 2017, Aliv raised an astonishing $60 million from investors - twice the amount they were looking for. That they require more money now, less than a year later, suggests that something has gone badly wrong.This sudden need for funds has likel

Thursday, February 22

Managing the cycle of worker progress

MANY leaders and managers agree that the most effective way to increase productivity and efficiency is to ensure performance management instruments are being used effectively in their companies. At its most basic, performance management is an ongoing

02222018 EDITION

Thursday, 22nd February, 2018.

Turnquest points to growth despite debt handicap

DESPITE increased revenue and a real economic growth of 1.8 per cent, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said there are still tens of millions of dollars in remaining commitments left behind by the previous Christie administration that need to be satisfied.

New police probe at water board

ALLEGED theft of water pumps and the brazen trick used to disguise it have prompted the Royal Bahamas Police Force to be invited yet again to launch a criminal investigation into irregularities at the Water & Sewerage Corporation.

PM dismisses Oban Energies concerns

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis dismissed concerns yesterday about Peter Krieger, the non-executive chairman of Oban Energies and public face of the multi-billion-dollar project, who has faced a Securities Exchange Commission lawsuit alleging misappropriation of millions in investor funds, saying the revelations are “not new.”

Cave calamity

I read with some trepidation the Antiquities, Monuments & Museum Corporation and Ministry of Tourism’s plans to establish Preachers Cave in Eleuthera as a National Heritage Tourism Park.

The illegal immigrant problem

I would be grateful if you would publish this letter in your column in order to convey my sentiments as a tax payer, a nationalist and a proud Bahamian. Here are some recommendations which I would like to offer at this time to solve the Haitian problem.

BTVI president gets a close-up look at work of students

PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, Dr Robert Robertson, recently conducted a walkabout to visit classrooms, workshops and labs at the Old Trail Road campus, giving him the opportunity to further connect and get first-hand fe

Reading programme helps children to learn every day

AS a part of the BTC Learning Everyday initiative, Centreville Primary’s Grade 3C class enjoyed a morning of laughter and entertainment last week. BTC’s endorsed talent Tyrone Burrows led an engaging reading session of “The Elephant’s Boast” by Susan

Court to appoint appeal lawyer

A MAN seeking to challenge his 40 year sentence for murdering a retired 88-year-old Canadian physician on a Family Island three years ago will receive a court appointed lawyer for his appeal application. Moses Morris stood before appellate Justices

Refinery 'a death knell'

THE signing of a heads of agreement for the Oban oil refinery in East Grand Bahama is being characterised as a “death knell” for the environment and the people of the island, according to one environmental activist.

EDITORIAL: America's easy gun laws affect The Bahamas

AMERICAN politicians seem conflicted as to whether their second amendment right to carry firearms is more important to them than the lives of citizens who are being mowed down by those same firearms in the hands of mentally disturbed persons.

'Tum Tum' and Spartans win Big Ten championship

AFTER four years as the emotional leader of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball programme, Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr bid farewell to the MSU faithful at his final game of his collegiate career in the Breslin Center.

Cooper dismisses ‘voodoo economics’ of budget report

EXUMA & Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper yesterday dismissed the government’s mid-year budget communication as nothing more than “voodoo economics” devoid of plans and policies to improve the country’s financial outlook.

Cooper: Why no environment assessment yet?

EXUMA & Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper said yesterday the government must explain why it entered into a heads of agreement with Oban Energies ahead of the company submitting an environmental impact assessment and evidence of adequate funding.

Govt seeks extra $100m for Bahamas resolve

THE Minnis administration is seeking approval from Parliament for a new loan of $100m to invest in Bahamas Resolve Limited, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest announced yesterday.He said the government remains committed t

Sage Morris awarded spot on NCAA Division One Equestrian Team

SAGE Morris, the daughter of Jeremy and Cathy Morris, has been recruited by The University of Tennessee -Martin and awarded a spot in their NCAA Division One equestrian team. Interestingly, her grandfather Dr Raymond Sawyer, was involved with Hobbie

Falcons rout Stingrays 58-28 on day 3

DAY three of the Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic traditionally produced the first group of eliminations and the introduction of Family Island teams in the annual tournament as the field starts to dwindle headed into mid-term break for most schools.T

Tyler Russell commits toswim at Emory University

TYLER Russell of Nassau, a senior at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, USA, has announced his commitment to swim at Emory University.Russell is a member of the Bahamian national team and has represented the Bahamas at the FINA Junior

Shockersget 94-88 win over Rockets in NPBA

THE NPBA hosted its final double header before the league took a break from action as attention shifts to the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and the Hugh Campbell Invitational.The JD’s Seafood Shockers (Division I) and the Aliv Bucket Team (Division II) t

Suriname man arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling

A MAN from Suriname was arrested at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Tuesday after he was suspected of smuggling drugs into the country. Police said the man arrived from Jamaica shortly after 1pm when he was arrested by local officials.

Homicides ‘down by over half’

DESPITE several recent murders, homicides are still “down more than 50 percent” compared to last year, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said yesterday.

Fake Facebook accounts created in MPs' names

THE government has advised that there are fake Facebook accounts in the names of Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest and Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, set up by persons who are asking for money. Any messages received in either man

DIANE PHILLIPS: We cherish excellence yet tolerate so much that falls short

Like thousands in The Bahamas, we have been glued to the TV since the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang started on February 9.

Stop 'looking in mirror' on fiscal blame game

The Government was yesterday urged to “get past looking in the mirror”, as it again blamed the Christie administration’s “overhang” for exceeding the prior year’s fixed-cost spending.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) p

Lawsuit threat to $5.5bn oil refinery

THE $5.5 billion Oban Energies oil refinery project was last night threatened with legal action, with the controversy involving its principals described as a “wake-up call” for the Prime Minister.Fred Smith QC, the Freeport-based attorney, told Tribu

50% capital spend cut drives $92m deficit fall

THE Government’s struggles with its fixed costs resulted in a half-year deficit equivalent to 61 per cent of the full-year target, forcing it to cut capital outlays by 50 per cent to restrain spending.K P Turnquest, deputy prime minister, in unveilin

Gov't mulls pre-election hire and spending freeze

THE Government is mulling the imposition of a deficit ‘ceiling’ and ‘cap’ on recurrent spending growth, the Deputy Prime Minister revealed yesterday.K Peter Turnquest said temporary hiring freezes, together with limits on capital projects above a cer

Central Bank teams with BIA on Internet processing portal

THE Central Bank is working with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) to create a single electronic Internet portal for foreign investment processing, the Central Bank’s Governor said yesterday. “We are also liaising with the Bahamas Investment Aut

Chamber chief opposes Wal-Mart 'type' arrivals

THE private sector “like it or not” must be actively engaged in the Bahamian workforce’s training, the Chamber of Commerce’s chairman said yesterday, arguing that constant criticism is “inappropriate”.Mike Maura, delivering remarks at the Chamber’s ‘

Chief WTO negotiatorto 'fight' for retailers

GRAND Bahama has not been able to realise its full potential because potential exporters have no market access protection, the Bahamas’ lead World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiator said yesterday.Raymond Winder, during a presentation at a ‘State of

$100m BOB bail-out borrow won't hit deficit

THE Government’s newly-announced $100 million borrowing to facilitate the Bank of the Bahamas bail-out will not add to this year’s deficit, a top official said yesterday.Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secretary, told Tribu

Wednesday, February 21

02212018 EDITION

Tuesday, 21st February, 2018.

Man shot dead as he visited family member

A MAN was shot dead shortly after 8pm last night as he was visiting a relative in the Wilson Tract area, police said.

UPDATED: Full disclosure – Inside story on the men behind $5bn refinery deal

The Government was last night facing serious questions over Grand Bahama’s proposed $5.5 billion oil refinery, after the project’s chief promoter confirmed his involvement in two lawsuits alleging misuse of investor monies.

Jean Rony ‘lost automatic right to citizenship'

IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette, right, has hit out at “sensationalised” reports about Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles, left, saying commentary on the matter seems to have missed the fact that not every person born in The Bahamas is an automatic citizen.

Smith trial to resume next week

FORMER PLP senator Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial will resume in a week’s time after revelations the virtual complainant’s health has improved to a level suitable enough for her to continue giving testimony.

Minister speaks on plane 'wreckage'

TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has responded to a video purportedly showing the wreckage of the Piper Aztec plane that crashed off the coast of Andros last month. Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar emphasi

Timberwolves rout the Knights 65-41 on day 2

With the return of point guard Dominic Bridgewater in their line-up, the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves feel as if they can shake off the disappointment of losing the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s senior boys championship title and w

Ministry recognises BTC as National Sponsor of the Year for Sports in 2017

WITH an investment of over $1m in sports in 2017 alone, The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has recognised BTC as the National Sponsor of the Year for Sports in 2017.The year was an epic one for the country, as it hosted a number of major inter

Busy weekend of tennis for promising young players

IT was a very busy weekend of tennis for the most promising young tennis players in The Bahamas with every contestant playing five or more matches at the National Tennis Centre.The first in a series of five 2018 events in The Winterbotham IC Junior S

FIBA: Team Bahamas looks to focus on defence

WHEN the second leg of the FIBA World Cup is played on Thursday and Sunday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the key word for Team Bahamas against the Dominican Republic and Canada will be defence. Team Bahamas, with a 13-member team selected, will pl

Norris Bain: 'Winning 6 Hugh Campbell titles was a tough order'

NORRIS Bain stands alone as the winningest coach in the history of the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic. He has coached his Tabernacle Baptist Falcons to a record six titles.But for Bain, who has passed the coaching mantel onto his former

Quiet, please

WHY do Political Party Chairpersons think they have to comment on everything and be so irrational let alone who really cares do you expect anything more than praise for their “master”?

Moultrie Loses in the Court of Public Opinion

THE Speaker of the House of Assembly believes that his river of crocodile tears can wash away his egregious transgression but he has done irreconcilable damage to a hallowed institution that he cannot now be trusted to help heal.

NIB staff anger over payments

IRATE employees of the National Insurance Board gathered in anger outside the entity’s Baillou Hill Road headquarters yesterday after learning they would not receive increments owed to them since January.

CULTURE CLASH: Justice for all - it takes work

Social justice is, at the moment, an imagined future where wealth and opportunities are justly distributed. It is a world free of oppression and barriers due to gender, race, class, sexuality, religion, nationality, or all other identity markers.

Culmer tells PLP not to hold country back

FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer Sr has lashed out at the Progressive Liberal Party, accusing the opposition of campaigning against the country’s progress.

Govt happy with Oban project

PRESS Secretary Anthony Newbold stressed yesterday the $4.5bn Oban Energies project for East Grand Bahama satisfied government criteria for deals of this magnitude.

RBC executive retires after blasting education of nation

TIM Rider, the Royal Bank of Canada executive who faced backlash from Bahamians after lambasting the educational standards of the country, yesterday announced his intention to retire from the institution.RBC’s senior vice-president of sales’ decision

Newbold: No timeline on appointment of chief justice

PRESS Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday there is no timeline for when Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will appoint a chief justice.His comment came as a small protest planned by a senior magistrate highlighting Dr Minnis’ failure to appoint a

'On target' for March 1 disclosures deadline

AS the deadline for members of Parliament and senators to file financial disclosures approaches, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said everyone is on target to meet the timeline of March 1. “The Public Disclosure Commission continues to meet and the

No decision yet on office of the spouse proposal

CABINET has yet to take a formal position on the proposed Office of the Spouse, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ wife, Patricia Minnis, promoted the idea as a way to address women’s issues in the countr

Call for more applications by Bahamian-born people

THE Citizenship Committee has tentatively requested an increase in the number of applications it reviews during its meetings, according to Trade and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette.

'Alarming increase' in scams warning

Bahamians face being “hit very hard in the pocket” from an “alarming increase” in potentially fraudulent transactions, a local money transfer business warned yesterday.Harvey Morris, Omni Financial Group’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that

Gov't urged: Focus on distressed homes for housing recovery

THE Government has been urged to focus on distressed properties, rather than new housing developments, in its “daunting task” of reviving the Bahamian mortgage market.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president, told T

'Labour on Blocks' event registers 2,500 job seekers

THE Department of Labour has registered 2,500 job seekers through its ‘Labour on the Blocks’ events, as it moves to aggressively dent the Bahamas’ 10 per cent unemployment rate.Robert Farquharson, director of labour, told Tribune Business yesterday t

BPL to invest $4-$5m in Abaco ‘hardening’

BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) will invest $4-5 million in “hardening” its Abaco network prior to peak summer demand, in a bid to prevent outages that have frequently plagued the island.

'Unnerving' Abaco power woes end after four days

BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) restoration of full power to Abaco following four days of “unnerving” outages was greeted with relief yesterday as businesses and residents began to determine the cost.Darnell Osborne, BPL’s chairman, told Tribune Busine

Business Outlook to focus on GB revival

THE 20th Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference will focus on how to revive the island’s economy when it is held at the Grand Lucayan resort tomorrow.Joan Albury, president of The Counsellors (TCL), and founder of the seven-island Business Outlook

Tuesday, February 20

02202018 EDITION

Tuesday, 20th February, 2018.

DNA breakthrough shows Taino lived on after Columbus

AN international team of scientists, led by Dr Hannes Schroeder and Professor Eske Willerslev from the University of Copenhagen, successfully reconstructed the full genome of a Lucayan-Taino individual from a thousand-year-old tooth discovered at Preacher’s Cave on Eleuthera.

COB clerk guilty of $640k theft

FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs was unanimously convicted by a Supreme Court jury yesterday for stealing over $600,000 from the college over a seven-year period.

Refinery project good to go

THE multi-billion dollar Oban Energies project for East Grand Bahama has passed the government’s due diligence assessments, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and officials of the oil refinery and storage company said yesterday.

Gunned down as they played cards: Residents deny Pinewood victims linked to drugs

PINEWOOD Gardens residents have been left shocked and in fear following the weekend shooting spree which left two people dead and four injured.

Trump’s Bahamas pick says: I’m sorry

DOUGLAS Manchester, the billionaire and real estate developer who was nominated by US President Donald Trump for the post of Bahamas ambassador, has issued an apology after accusations of having an unsettling management style that allegedly made some female employees uncomfortable.

‘Sin tax’ sacrifice needed to fund NHI

HEALTH officials will recommend to Cabinet that a sin tax be imposed to pay for National Health Insurance, possibly impacting the cost of items like alcohol, tobacco, lard and substances containing high-fructose corn syrup, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

YOU GO GIRL: Young entrepreneur opens luxury nail bar

Freeport, Grand Bahama – “Life is too short to wear boring nail polish,” say many of ladies who support the $786 million-dollar nail polish industry. Which is why Grand Bahama’s newest nail artist is bringing the bling back to nail design. Bling’d 11

Author encourages women to 'walk the talk'

With a passion to see Bahamian women enjoy a satisfying and fulfilling life that comes from being empowered, Tanya Sweeting, under the umbrella of the New Image Ladies organisation, hosted a special symposium in Cat Island last week.With the theme “

FACE TO FACE: The Mayor and his raccoons

When I was asked to pay a visit to the man they call “the mayor of Fox Hill” as he prepares to be consecrated to the Bishopric, I wasn’t ready for the surprise. No flashy car and lofty mansion here.

Man accused of nightclub murder

A 25-year-old man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered a man and attempted to kill two others at a nightclub earlier this month. Vernal Johnson, of Dumping Ground Corner, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate S

Four charged with defrauding RBC of $26,000

THREE men and a woman were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with collectively defrauding several persons and/or entities of over $27,000 in just over a month. Kaisprintina Munnings, Jamaris King, Duran Mackey and Chrispen Johnson

Back to the same old

ON May 10, 2017, many Bahamians forgot party loyalty as they voted for a change in government, a step they felt was needed for the good of the country. A change was in order they thought, and, given various promises made by the new government it was felt that a change would come.

Show your true self

The events that transpired in the House of Assembly on February 7th are well documented.

Is Oban deal all it seems?

GOVERNMENT transparency in how Government is doing business was one of the big election issues for the FNM - remember all the noise almost blaspheming that went on over the privacy of the Agreements on Baha Mar and The Pointe now two projects which the FNM - Minnis/D’Aguilar have taken as theirs and never speak bad about them.

EDITORIAL: Imagination is first step to ‘fixing’ Grand Bahama

POWERFUL images of hundreds of hopefuls lined up for a government-led job fair in Grand Bahama over the weekend delivered an unmistakable message. Grand Bahama is hurting.

Rattlers rout Suns 60-41 in Hugh Campbell Invitational

The 35th Hugh Campbell Invitational tipped off yesterday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium with the traditional inter-league matchups between BAISS and GSSSA schools highlighting day one.

Hunt for armed robbers after series of raids

POLICE are looking for the suspects responsible for three armed robberies which occurred in New Providence over a 24-hour period.

From a ‘one-bedroom shack’ to cover girl glamour

Bahamian spotlighted by international magazine

The experience of gracing the cover of an international magazine has been nothing short of amazing for Bahamian Felicia Archer.

Five in hospital after stabbing at Freeport nightclub

A STABBING at a nightclub in Freeport left five men in hospital, police said.

Worker cleaning cement mixer dies as it turns on

A MAN died in hospital shortly after being injured during an industrial accident at a hardware store, police said.

Lawyer claims shotgun in court not one in video

THE murder and armed robbery trial of three men – Paul Belizaire, Devaughn Hall, and Kevin Dames - continued on Monday in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama.

Passenger suffers broken arm as car and jitney collide

POLICE are investigating the circumstances behind a traffic accident involving a jitney and another car, which left a female passenger of the car with injuries.

Mantas water polo teams warm up for Carifta in South Florida tourney

THE Mantas water polo teams, in final preparations for CARIFTA, competed in the South Florida International Water Polo Tournament (SFIWP) February 16-18. Head coach Laszlo “Lotty” Borbely used the tournament as one of the final measures for selectin

SPORTS NOTES

VOLLEYBALL NPVA FINALS THE New Providence Volleyball Association is slated to begin its championship series at the DW Davis Gymnasium on Wednesday night. In the ladies’ opener at 7:30pm, the Lady Defenders will play the Scottsdale Vixens, while th

Ministry of Health launches HIV education for physicians

To reinforce its policy to "Treat All" of the more than 8,500 people living with HIV in the Bahamas, the Ministry of Health has launched a new programme to promoted the continued education of physicians on the virus. The national “HIV Continued Medi

THE PRESS BOX: Resigning D-Law is the law in Big D

THE Cowboys reportedly will use the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason, with the goal of working out a long-term contract extension before the July 16 deadline, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. Moore

ALIV and Freedom Farm hit fresh creek

ALIV has announced that its partnership with the Freedom Farm Baseball League has officially been extended and launched in Fresh Creek, Andros.Boys and girls from throughout the community packed the St John’s Chrysostom Catholic Church before marchin

5 time super heavyweight 'Cyborg' lends a hand to Jiu-Jitsu Academy

WHEN Michel Eduardo Giacomotti and Janvier Chalopin decided to establish the Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the Bahamas, they knew that they could use a world famous competitor to inspire the local competitors.After starting the academy in November, the offici

Lady Nathalie caught despite head start

NOT even an 11-minute head start was enough for the Lady in Red, Lady Nathalie to hold off the A Class boats in the Annual “Catch Me If You Can” St Valentine’s Massacre in Montagu Bay over the weekend.In the special challenge race on Sunday, the B Cl

"I am disabled but able" - Entrepreneur overcomes spina bifida challenges

People often assume that those with disabilities mostly lead unhappy, unfilled lives. However, research conducted over the years and testimonials by individuals like Edvenna Major prove the opposite to be true – that many disabled people experience s

'Sweethearting' victims urged to get tested for HIV, STDs

Couples event seeks to debunk transmission myths

WITH the practice of “sweethearting” being a common facet of Bahamian society, married and dating couples who suspect infidelity are being encouraged to get tested for HIV/AIDS, even if they do so unbeknownst to their partner.While the ideal scenario

Improve your heart health in 2018 with these tips

(BPT) - When it comes to maintaining and/or improving your heart health, it’s the little things you do day after day that can have a big impact on your immediate and long-term health.A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are naturally the first thing

Women and heart disease- Knowing your risk -

As February is observed worldwide as Heart Month, Registered Nurse Celestine King-Dorsett is drawing attention to women’s heart health in particular.

Kingdor Foundation rolls out the red carpet

APRIL will be commemorated as Parkinson’s Awareness Month around the world. Here in the Bahamas, the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation has planned several events to educate and sensitise the population regarding the devastation of this debilitat

Arawak port joins in BP&L LNG bid

Arawak Cay’s port operator has joined a bid to supply Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) with liquefied natural gas (LNG), as it seeks to diversify from 100 per cent reliance on cargo shipping.

Proper governance needed to protect multi-million MPAs

THE multi-million dollar benefits generated by the Bahamas’ Marine Protected Areas (MPA) will be endangered unless proper management systems are implemented, a study has warned.An economic valuation of ecosystems in the Bahamas’ 40 MPAs, conducted fo

$5.5bn refinery: 80% of jobs for Bahamians

THE developer behind the proposed $5.5 billion oil storage terminal and refinery for Grand Bahama yesterday pledged that 80 per cent of jobs will go to Bahamians. Peter Krieger, Oban Energies’ non-executive chairman, speaking at the signing of a Memo

Abaco's power woe 'too much' to bear

FED-UP Abaco businesses yesterday blasted the island’s latest power crisis as “too much” to bear, with visitors leaving or “threatening to leave” due to the extended outages.Don Cash, a Hope Town council member whose company manages between 115-120 v

Insurers challenge Gov't over 'rewriting the rules'

THE Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman yesterday again challenged the Government’s desire to “rewrite the rules” on the industry’s anti-money laundering requirements.Emmanuel Komolafe told Tribune Business that his own “extensive research

Monday, February 19

02192018 EDITION

Monday, 19th February, 2018.

Anger over Black Panther’s rating

PATRINA Farquharson, who works with children and charitable groups, is raising money to take young people to see “Black Panther,” the cultural phenomenon hailed for its rare and empowering portrayal of blackness on the silver screen.

Abaco suffers power crisis

A weekend-long power outage sparked by a blown pump was yesterday said to have caused “havoc” for Abaco and its tourist economy.

Questions raised over refinery deal

AHEAD of an anticipated signing of a heads of agreement today, the Progressive Liberal Party is raising questions about Oban Energies, the company involved in a proposed $4.5bn oil refinery project for Grand Bahama, asking if the developers have their funding in place.

Two dead, four injured in Pinewood shootings

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding two separate shooting incidents that occurred in the Pinewood area between Friday and Saturday, one of which resulted in one person dying on the scene and another in hospital.

We need work – now: Hundreds left waiting hours in GB jobs fair

HUNDREDS of job seekers attended the “Labour on the Blocks” job fair in Grand Bahama over the weekend in hopes of finding employment and to be registered in the Department of Labour’s databank.

The face of misogyny

GLENYS Hanna Martin single handedly took on the thirty-four at every sitting of the current session of the House of Assembly. She was doing such a good job fighting for the little man, that Halston Moultrie, the Speaker, of the House of Assembly decided to help them.

NPWBA: Temple Christian Suns top Sparks to win title

THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association, which was scheduled to be played over two days at the CI Gibson Gymnasium, was reduced to just one day after only five of the eight registered teams showed up to participate on Saturday.

Bowleg, Cobras eye Hugh Campbell crown

COACH Mario Bowleg doesn’t just want to settle on his Cobras winning the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association senior boys’ basketball title. He wants to take another Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic championship crown back to CC Sweeting as well.

FIBA: Bahamas to host Canada, Dominican Republic

THE Bahamas Basketball Federation men’s national basketball team will have their hands full this weekend when they host the Dominican Republic and Canada in the second leg of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Buddy Hield leads World past USA 155-124

IT was an active weekend for Buddy Hield during the NBA All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, California.

SAC reclaims BAISS track and field title

St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine reclaimed their top spot in the standings and won their second consecutive BAISS Track and Field Championship title.

Where’s the Bahamians?

CABINET took a break and I suggest wasted their time visiting The Pointe site at the British Colonial as they did not discover that there are very, very few Bahamians working on the construction as we speak.

Parliament tit-for-tat

WE have had three one term governments since 2002. One of the reasons for this has to do with the politicians’ disconnect with the electorate. They do not understand the things which matter to the people, like jobs and the desire for visionary leaders who could take the country to the next economic and socially secured level.

EDITORIAL: Tug-of-War between Trump and FBI

LAST Saturday had the potential to be one of the great news days of 2018, and it delivered on that promise. In the continuing, deepening battle between Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the US Department of Justice and the FBI on one side and American president Donald Trump and his scarred administration on the other, last Saturday could have represented a home run for either side.

AK-47 rifles and ammo seized by police

POLICE seized two AK-47 rifles, dozens of rounds of ammunition and marijuana from a home on Market Street on Friday.

Appeal court allows extradition move

THE Court of Appeal has ordered extradition proceedings to continue against a man wanted in the United States on a drug charge after dismissing his appeal of a Supreme Court judge’s decision not to transfer the matter to another magistrate on the grounds of alleged bias.

Mortimer and Game of Thrones producer at movie event

PRODUCERS and directors who have mastered the art of filmmaking will help boost production standards in The Bahamas through the Movie Masters series presented by the Ministry of Tourism’s Film Commission and the University of The Bahamas set to begin tonight.

GAIN AN EDGE: Lifting the burden of education costs

For the tender age of 18, Tyric Mcphee is a mature young man. His mother never complained about paying the tuition and fees to attend the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), but Tyric “knew it was a struggle”.

WORLD VIEW: Firing up a furnace in an igloo – the OAS

A NEW report has been produced on the Organization of American States (OAS), a body that began with ideals appropriate to the geo-politics of the 1940s. Those old ideals were enshrined in a Charter that now traps the Organization and immobilises it.

INSIGHT: Stamping out crime can be a dirty, risky job

ARE we hard to please as a people? For the last few years, the cries have been similar: What is the government going to do to stop the scourge of crime? How are we going to be made to feel safe again in our communities?

Foulkes confirms five made redundant at Melia

FIVE people have been made redundant at the Melia, according to Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of government and external affairs.

Aliv capital raising ‘3x oversubscribed’

Aliv’s $15 million capital raising has been more than three times’ oversubscribed with a full working week left before closing, its advisers have revealed.

DPM: 'Don't bully' Tax Department

THE Deputy Prime Minister has pledged to review the property tax valuation system’s accuracy, while warning Bahamians and residents: “Don’t bully the taxman.”K P Turnquest told Tribune Business that aggrieved taxpayers needed to use the appeals proce

'Amazed' at auto imports 29% higher than budget

THE Nassau Container Port’s (NCP) operator is “amazed” at auto import volumes that are 29 per cent above forecast, as it unveiled half-year profits slightly ahead of expectations.Michael Maura, Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) chief executive,

Fidelity targeting 10% profits rise

FIDELITY Bank (Bahamas) is targeting 10 per cent profits growth for 2018, following a year in which the “cost of business” exceeded staff payroll and benefits.Gowon Bowe, the BISX-listed institution’s chief financial officer, told Tribune Business th

$25m PPP given 'Cabinet approval'

THE public-private partnership (PPP) project subject to a $25 million capital raising has received “Cabinet approval”, the Attorney General has confirmed.Carl Bethel QC told Tribune Business that the new Eight Mile Rock administrative complex had bee

INSIGHT: A simple way to boost the bottom line - training

2018 is fully underway and by now many of us have reviewed last year’s performance, outlined our goals for this year and recommitted ourselves to our New Year’s resolutions. It’s an exciting time of the year filled with endless possibilities. We are teeming with new ideas, armed with lessons learned from past mistakes, and optimistic this year will be better than the previous one.

Sunday, February 18

Blockchain solution for land registry woe

BLOCKCHAIN technology could provide the solution for an efficient, digitised Bahamian land registry, an attorney and technology entrepreneur suggesting it could also transform the Crown Land application process.Marvin Coleby, co-founder of the blockc

Saturday, February 17

Two killed, one injured in Pinewood Gardens shooting

TWO men were killed and another was injured after a shooting incident in Pinewood Gardens on Friday night.

Friday, February 16

02162018 EDITION

Friday, 16th February, 2018.

02232018 WEEKEND

Friday, 16th February, 2018.

Man found dead with 'stab wounds' at Potters Cay

A MAN was found dead with apparent stab wounds in his body on Potters Cay Dock Friday morning.

Video said to show plane wreckage being investigated

THE legitimacy of a video purportedly showing discovered parts of the Piper Aztec plane that crashed in waters off Andros last month is being investigated, the Air Accident Investigation Department’s Chief Accident Investigator, Delvin Major, said Friday.

Junkanoo season set for expansion

THE 2018-2019 Junkanoo season will be expanded from the “traditional two parades” to more than a week of activities, Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Michael Pintard said Friday.

Grand Bahama hosts 'Labour On The Blocks' job fair

SOME 21 companies are expected to attend the 'Labour On The Blocks' job fair in Grand Bahama, which opens at 11am at the Susan J Wallace Park in Freeport today.

Workers fired from Melia

SEVERAL persons were fired from the reservations department at Melia on Friday, the hotel confirmed.

Rights Bahamas to file suit against govt before international bodies

RIGHTS Bahamas president, attorney Fred Smith yesterday pledged his organization would file a suit against the government before two international human rights bodies, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and the United Nations’ Human Rights Commission, over what he characterized as repeated abuses by the Immigration Department.

Suspected cocaine found in abandoned building

POLICE discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine in an abandoned building in North Bimini, a senior police official reported.

Davis forgives Moultrie – but angry at FNM

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said he has “forgiven” House Speaker Halson Moultrie for the personal attacks he launched in the House of Assembly last week, but said he remains appalled by Free National Movement MPs who appeared to justify the Speaker’s behaviour Wednesday.

Judge grants partial stay of his Jean Rony ruling

SUPREME Court Justice Gregory Hilton granted a partial stay of his landmark ruling in the case of Jean Rony Jean-Charles on Friday, releasing the government from his order to grant the Bahamas-born man status pending its appeal of his judgement.

Lawful killings: Officers justified in shooting two men dead

THE jury in a coroner’s inquest into the shooting deaths of Jeffrey Smith and John Aristotle found yesterday their deaths were “lawful” and committed in “self-defence”.

Credit the room? That’ll do nicely

TWO Canadian exotic dancers were yesterday fined $1,000 by a magistrate for using the room key of a man they met at the Atlantis resort to fraudulently obtain over $4,500 worth of meals, drinks and merchandise from various outlets at the Paradise Island destination.

Pintard: Speaker did go too far

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard, one of seven parliamentarians who were absent for Wednesday’s vote of confidence in House Speaker Halson Moultrie, said yesterday Mr Moultrie “went too far” in some of his comments last week.

Ferguson: Our focus is fighting crime

POLICE Commissioner Anthony Ferguson was yesterday noncommittal about rising concerns of increased fatal shootings by the police, insisting the Royal Bahamas Police Force adheres to its mandate to prevent and detect crime.

CGI to Host Hurricane Preparedness Exposition

FOR nearly a decade, insurance giant Colonial Group International, a Bermuda-based insurance conglomerate with global operations, has taken the terms disaster preparedness and customer service to a higher level with its temporary, portable, post-disa

First ever 3D Archery tourney a hit in Nassau

HISTORIC Clifford Park on West Bay Street, New Providence, lit up with excitement recently as enthusiastic archers, cheered on by family, friends and spectators, squared off in competition in the first ever 3D Archery Tournament in The Bahamas.

COUNTDOWN - 41 days to go . . .

Denvaughn Whymns

THE FINISH LINE: UB Mingoes look to prove that they can represent in judo too

IN just two short years, the University of the Bahamas Athletic Department, under the directorship of Kimberley Rolle, has made great strides as they prepare for their inclusion into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Big Red Machine lead the Comets by 14.5 points

JUST 14.5 points separate the teams atop the leaderboard at the BAISS Track and Field Championships, setting the stage for a thrilling finish in today’s finale.

GSSSA CHAMPIONS: Doris Johnson senior girls and HO Nash junior girls win title

The Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins and the HO Nash Lions three-peated as the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s senior and junior girls champions respectively.

Speaker’s non-apology

THE Vote of No Confidence brought by the erstwhile “Magnificent Four” of the new PLP, led by our leader, the Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, QC (PLP-Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador), against the Speaker of the House of Assembly, has been debated and defeated. Of course, no sensible observer of this whole exercise expected such a motion to succeed in view of the excessively large majority commanded by the governing Free National Movement in the House.

Stagnation of The Bahamas

I would appreciate my letter being published as an open letter to the Deputy Prime Minister.

EDITORIAL: The increased isolation of America

WE make no apology for returning in these columns to the issue of parochialism in some of the mainstream US media at a time when so many parts of the outside world are in turmoil.

A COMIC'S VIEW: It’s another fine mess in the House

After a “vote of no confidence” that the governing Free National Movement government shrewdly turned into an amended “vote of confidence”, the status quo remains in the House of Assembly.

'Don't hurt Long Island to spite MP Gibson'

A LONG Islander yesterday appealed to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis not to begrudge the island out of spite for its MP Adrian Gibson, expressing fears over its depressed economic climate. Bernard Adderley, 61, expressed dissatisfaction over the le

Davis joins calls for permanent appointment of chief justice

OPPOSITION Leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday called on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to act immediately to confirm someone for the substantive post of chief justice amid heightened concerns from the judiciary.Mr Davis’ comments follow an intern

$4bn oil refinery project a 'game changer' for GB

THE $4 billion oil refinery project will be a “game changer” for Grand Bahama, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said yesterday. According to the East Grand Bahama MP, the multibillion dollar project will create 1,200 construction jobs and 600 pe

McAlpine 'free to speak out'

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said the Free National Movement respects the right of Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine to speak his mind, adding he did not feel the latter lashed out against the governing party during his address in the House of

Cash for gold raid appeal lost

THE Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of a man seeking to contest his 15-year sentence for the role he played in the fatal armed robbery of a Cash for Gold employee in Grand Bahama five years ago. Former appellate president Dame Anita Allen,

US donates ballistic equipment to help the fight against crime

THE United States Embassy in Nassau yesterday handed over more than $245,000 in ballistics equipment to the Royal Bahamas Police Force that is expected to assist in the fight against crime.James Denver Herren, US Embassy chargé d’affaires, said the e

Developer seeks $25m for ‘election’ PPP deal

A government complex now subject to a $25 million capital raising was approved just 24 hours before last year’s general election, its developer yesterday branding the timing “unfortunate”.

Gov't eyes 'short-term' work permit reforms

THE Government is proposing to exempt “certain categories of people” from needing short-term work permits when entering the Bahamas in a bid to eliminate border mishaps.Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry, and Immigrat

Island Luck sees 90% money transfer drop

ISLAND Luck yesterday said it has seen a 90 per cent reduction in money transmission activity across its system, as it bids to position itself in the “vanguard” on ‘Know your Customer’ (KYC) requirements.Neil Major, Island Luck’s chief compliance off

Gov't to pay $34min 10-year PPP lease

THE Government will pay a gross $34.089 million over 10 years to rent the Eight Mile Rock administrative complex being constructed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.Details of the deal struck by the Christie administration with PPP

Minister to renegotiate cruise ship incentives

The Minister of Tourism has served notice of his intention to change tax ‘rebates’ for all cruise lines to a system based on passengers that “come off the boat and spend money”.Dionisio D’Aguilar said he has scheduled meetings with all the major crui

Accountability culture key to business wins

WORKPLACE accountability is vital to success. Accountability is where a person is expected to take ownership of their actions or decisions. It is particularly important for corporate leaders to have a high degree of accountability as they manage huma

DPM urges Bahamians: Exploit raw conch shell

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday called on Bahamians to capitalise on the true value of conch shell raw material and generate more revenue for the country.K P Turnquest, speaking at a signing ceremony for a grant from the Inter-American Developmen

Thursday, February 15

02152018 EDITION

Thursday, 15th February, 2018.

Davis slams Moultrie for 'wilful, malicious attacks'

BEFORE the governing party rebuffed his motion yesterday, Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis urged parliamentarians to condemn House Speaker Halson Moultrie for his “wilful, malicious and personal attacks on private citizens” .He e

Web hit’s tears after drug bust

INTERNET sensation Handerea Rolle and two other men were charged in a Magistrate’s court yesterday with a single drug related charge stemming from the seizure of $1,700 worth of drugs from a house earlier this week.

Moultrie wins - then says sorry

SEVEN days after his controversial comments helped push policy debates in the House of Assembly to the sidelines, House Speaker Halson Moultrie apologised yesterday for his attacks.

Immigration to trial bodycams

THE Department of Immigration yesterday announced the trial acquisition of a suite of surveillance equipment to bolster its enforcement services.

Inquest vital on police shootings

EXPRESSING concerns over public discourse on police-involved killings, a former Court of Appeal president yesterday urged officials to “speed up” coroner’s inquests into such cases to foster “the needed peace”.

Adoption stall traps Arthur at PMH

HIS STORY shocked the country last year but sadly the Princess Margaret Hospital’s five-year-old boarder “Arthur” is still living at the Paediatric Ward.

Freeport rugby developing well

WITH the popularity of rugby rising around the world, the Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) is working to expand its own rugby programme. The success of its Saturday developmental league has created a surplus of players and now a full women’s and y

DIANE PHILLIPS: Why Bahamians defy the retirement odds

Many of my friends are of retirement age. But they don’t, retire that is. Why would you choose to work when you could choose to not work, a question that assumes the choice is not based on a need for money, but is strictly a personal one? The question intrigued me so I began to a totally non-scientific study. I asked about ten people, ten being a large enough sample to provide a clue that would have one of two outcomes – reaffirm my guess or be such an eye-opener as to qualify for revelation status.

Shame on PM

WHY couldn’t Prime Minister Minnis take the positive initiative in the House this morning and apologise for the issue with the Speaker, Moultrie and his MP Ms Emmanuel?

Speaker planned comments

MR Speaker’s outburst was politically planned... there is no doubt.

Symonette has to go

IT is truly agonising watching people major in minor issues while minoring in major issues.

Cleaning company hands donation to school

TRINITY Ultimate Cleaning Services Ltd, a local business on Exuma, recently made a donation to the L N Coakley High School on that island. Principal Don Barr highlighted a goal to outfit the school’s junior block with air-conditioned classes along w

PLP 'were ready to give Nygard what he wanted'

ATTORNEY Fred Smith, QC yesterday accused the previous administration of having a “pre-determined” motive to grant Canadian fashion mogul whatever applications he was seeking to allow him to reconstruct his Lyford Cay home before public consultation

McAlpine is only FNM to oppose speaker

The lone FNM voice who failed to back the Speaker yesterday was Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, who argued the events of February 7 took the parliament to an “all-time low”. He said what has taken place reflected much of what Bahamians have disdain

Full automation for Immigration department by July, says director Russell

THE IMMIGRATION department will be fully automated by July, according to its director Clarence Russell. Mr Russell revealed training had already commenced for the new system with assistance from CBN, the Canadian Bank Note Company, which facilitated

Oil facility Heads of Agreement to be signed

THE first of three Heads of Agreement for the development of an oil refinery and oil storage facility in Grand Bahama will be signed on Monday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday. The Oban Energy project is estimated to be worth mor

Buddy ‘Buckets’ 12 but Harden, Rockets get 10th straight win

HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden had 28 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, and the Houston Rockets fought off a late rally to get their 10th straight win, 100-91 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

SAC Big Red Machine in the lead after day 1

The race between the perennial track and field powerhouses took centre stage early on day one of Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championships.The meet opened yesterday in the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium a

Bahamas Interschool Equestrian League puts on first show of year

THE CAMPERDOWN Equestrian Centre teemed with energy last weekend as parents and teachers from schools across New Providence crowded ringside to cheer on their teams in the Bahamas Interschool Equestrian League’s first show of the year. 25 riders comp

NPBA ACTION HEATS UP

THE New Providence Basketball Association continued play at the DW Davis Gymnasium Tuesday night.Division IThe JD’s Seafood Shockers kept pace in the Vince Ferguson division and improved their record to 7-3 with a 74-67 win over the Leno Regulators.T

McMinns to take part in 'Diamond In The Rough' Football Combine

BAHAMIAN collegiate gridiron star Eugene McMinns is looking to make the transition to professional football with an upcoming trial next month.McMinns is expected to participate in the “Diamond In The Rough” Football Combine. The event will be hosted

Hope Town 'won't settle' for property tax 'floor'

Hope Town is warning the Government it “will not settle” for the ‘floor’ on its real property tax collection deal, which could prove a “model” for the entire Bahamas if better structured.Jeremy Sweeting, the district’s chief councillor, told Tribune

'Seeing is believing: Lucayan hotel buyer urged to reassure

THE Grand Lucayan’s prospective buyer must next week confirm the deal will close imminently to rescue Freeport “from the intensive care unit”, a prominent attorney warned yesterday.Carey Leonard told Tribune Business that the Wynn Group’s chief execu

DPM: $4bn refinery to help eastern GB reach 'full potential'

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said the $4 billion oil refinery that the Government plans to approve on Monday will help his constituency “reach its full potential”.K P Turnquest, the east Grand Bahama MP, urged his constituents to equip themsel

Bay Street taxi drivers face Kelly Dock move

TAXI drivers operating in downtown Nassau yesterday backed “relocation” to facilities at the Kelly Dock - a move that will affect 150-175 persons and their vehicles.Ed Fields, the Downtown Nassau Partnership’s (NDP) managing director, said: “The Down

BOB profits near $2m for half-year

BANK of the Bahamas (BOB) yesterday provided further evidence that its $167.7 million bail-out may provide the foundation for a sustainable future, as half-year profits neared $2 million.The troubled BISX-listed bank enjoyed two consecutive profitabl

ART OF GRAPHIX: To crop is more than just a chop

Cropping is an easy yet important step to consider when editing photos. Every image editing program has a crop tool. This is used to crop or clip an image, and it works on all layers of images, visible or invisible. This tool is often used to remove

BCA calls forproof over 150 Pointe contractors

THE Bahamian Contractors Association’s (BCA) president yesterday called for proof that 150 local contractors are currently employed at The Pointe, expressing scepticism over that figure.Leonard Sands, emphasising that he was not criticising China Con

Wednesday, February 14

Speaker apologises after winning vote

SEVEN days after his controversial comments helped push policy debates in the House of Assembly to the sidelines, House Speaker Halson Moultrie apologised Tuesday for his attacks.

02142018 EDITION

Tuesday, 14th February, 2018.

Gunman kills at least 17 people at Florida high school

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — A former student opened fire at a Florida high school Wednesday, killing at least 17 people and sending scores of students fleeing into the streets in the nation's deadliest school shooting since a gunman attacked an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.

Nygard ‘outright bribery’ of PLP

ATTORNEY Fred Smith, QC, has accused Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard of “unadulterated outright bribery” of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Building plots to cost below $30k

THE low-cost lots to be made available as part of the government’s plan to boost access to affordable housing for Bahamians will be offered at a cost of less than $30,000, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed yesterday.

Farmers demand ‘meet us, Dr Minnis’

THE Farmers United Co-operative, the small group of farmers skirted by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis earlier this week, have demanded a meeting, “vitally important to our survival” still takes place.

Moultrie secure in confidence challenge

THE Free National Movement’s wide majority in the House of Assembly is clear indication of the expected failure of today’s no confidence vote in Speaker Halson Moultrie, Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells suggested yesterday.

Students Run Marathon Bahamasshool relay winners are rewarded

Scotiabank – title sponsor of the Students Run Marathon Bahamas – recognised and rewarded the stellar performances of the winning school relay teams who participated in Marathon Bahamas last month.Students from schools who placed in the Straight and

Royals, Cobras are champions

While the senior and junior boys’ championships have been decided, the Government Secondary Schools Sports association’s senior and junior girls’ title will go to a third and deciding game on Thursday.On Tuesday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the CC

Mother left distraught at son's death

THE mother of a 36-year-old male pedestrian, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in Freeport last week, is devastated at losing her only child to a horrible accident, after having survived a similar incident several months ago from which

NPWBA: Consolidated Water sponsors junior programme

THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association (NPWBA) is the only remaining female league, formed out of the New Providence Basketball Association in 2003 when Mynez Cargill-Sherman spearheaded a breakaway when she found the women leagues lacked

Virtual-reality field trips give students advanced adventure

NEW YORK (AP) — On a February afternoon in a Brooklyn classroom, 16-year-old Taylor Engler came face to face with a cow. But it was all in her head.

Tech Talk

• From 100 feet in the air, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge ecologist Mark Laker can find a piece of smoldering ash or a tiny spot of excess heat that could spark a wildfire.

Baha Mar seeks a new recruit - to look after flamingoes

BAHA Mar has launched an international search for a new CFO - chief flamingo officer - according to a release from the mega resort this week.The global search, which is open to Bahamians as well, is inviting candidates with a passion for wildlife, co

Bar Association also concerned over Acting Chief Justice role

THE Bahamas Bar Association, in a letter to Attorney General Carl Bethel, has expressed “deep-seated concern and alarm” that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has failed to recommend someone for the substantive post of chief justice. The letter, dated

Murder trial resumes

TWO of the weapons used by suspects in the double murder and armed robbery of a Deadman’s Reef couple were never recovered by police, the Supreme Court heard Tuesday as the trial of three accused men resumed in Grand Bahama. Although one of the weap

Bahamians in Trinidad for Carnival are robbed

A DOZEN Bahamians and a taxi driver were robbed at gunpoint while on their way to a Carnival event in Trinidad, according to news reports.Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday reported the group was robbed of cash, cell phones, and jewellery sometime around

Trying to stop the anger before it becomes killing

CHILDHOOD trauma, anger, dysfunction and abuse are some of the reasons behind prevalent teen violence in The Bahamas, according to members of The Family: People Helping People, an interventionist organisation.According to distinguished psychiatrist D

A birthday wish to find lost grandfather

LOVED ones have sent out tearful but hope-filled birthday wishes this week for a 91-year-old patriarch who has been missing for nearly two years.Yesterday, Martin Lundy told The Tribune his family clings strongly to the faith his grandfather Charles

Nema team visits rebuilt homes

DIRECTOR of the National Emergency Management Agency Captain Stephen Russell led a technical team to three islands to inspect recently-built homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. The team comprised personnel from the structural, plu

Four robots that teach your kids to code

LAS VEGAS (AP) — You’ve seen apps and toys that promise to teach your child to code. Now enter the robots.

Soup kitchen and stores team up to feed Grand Bahamians

BENIA Dean has started a sidewalk soup kitchen that feeds hundreds of people on Grand Bahama every week, and now she is partnering with two local food stores to have collection bins placed at their establishments.

EDITORIAL: The scandals of Trump's government

READERS with especially long memories will recall the many political or personal scandals which in recent decades have brought down or destabilised parliamentary democratic governments in England, France and Italy among other places.

Constitution cannot back illegal act

In February 2012, using easy to follow examples, I explained why children born to illegal migrants are not constitutionally entitled to be registered as citizens of The Bahamas.

Replace the Speaker now

The following is an open letter to the Prime Minister.

CULTURE CLASH: Black Lives Matter - in The Bahamas too

It’s open season, but don’t worry. They’ll only kill the people they recognise, and only if they’re afraid. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is on a mission and no one cares to intervene.

High jumper Wilson wins title, ready for World Indoors

JAMAL Wilson feels his consistency in the men’s high jump this year will enable him to go to the IAAF World Indoor Championships and compete very well against the rest of the top-notch competitors next month. Over the weekend at the 2018 Samford Inv

Bahamian connection and Golden Eagles off to good start

THE Bahamian connection of Eugene Stuart and Rajahl Moxey have helped the University of Charleston Golden Eagles men’s volleyball team to an impressive start to their 2018 season.The Golden Eagles pushed their front-running overall win/loss record to

Joel Stubbs re-elected as BBF boss

THE Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation held its election of officers on Saturday, February 10 when Joel Stubbs was returned as president. Stubbs, in his second two-year term, will serve with Kenny Green, who was returned as vice preside

Farmers' $60m request branded 'astronomical'

A Cabinet Minister yesterday slammed the $60 million assistance being sought by farmers as “astronomical”, and said just 3 per cent of this sum would be forthcoming. Renward Wells, minister of agriculture and marine resources, said the Government was

Bay Street owners to fund boardwalk

THE Prime Minister yesterday promised downtown Nassau’s revival will have a a Bahamian “flavour”, with Bay Street property owners to fund construction of a harbourfront boardwalk.Dr Hubert Minnis, speaking after a site tour of The Pointe development,

Pointe developer targets $100m economic boost

THE Pointe’s developer yesterday forecast the project will inject $100 million into the Bahamian economy when finished, with over 300 Bahamians employed since construction began.Daniel Liu, vice-president of developer China Construction America (CCA)

Farmers: 'We're not waiting for $60m to drop into lap'

FARMERS yesterday defended their request for $60 million in government assistance, saying: “We’re not lazy people waiting for money to drop into our lap”.Caron Shepherd, president of the Farmers United Association (FUA), the body that sought the now-

Minister: No decision yet on Bay Street height restrictions

A CABINET minister says no decision has been made on calls to revise downtown Nassau’s height/zoning restrictions, amid fears they are deterring investment to spark the city’s revival.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business in

'Banner year' forecast for real estate market

A local realtor is predicting “a banner year” for the Bahamian property market in 2018, due to growing millennial demand and improved investor confidence stemming from recent US tax cuts.Ryan Knowles, the HG Christie realtor who handled $28 million w

Tuesday, February 13

02132018 EDITION

Tuesday, 13th February, 2018.

Hospital rats’ $30K repair bill

MORE than $30,000 in repairs were ordered on mobile X-ray machines at the Princess Margaret Hospital due to damage caused by rodents last year.

Moultrie promises: I’ll be impartial

WITH the Official Opposition expected to move a motion of no confidence in the chair tomorrow, House Speaker Halson Moultrie said he is prepared to live with whatever the outcome of the vote at Parliament brings as he vowed to be “impartial” in overseeing proceedings in the lower house.

Jean Rony seeks $1m damages

BAHAMAS-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles will seek over $1m in damages from the government over his unlawful arrest, detainment and subsequent deportation to Haiti last year, his lead attorney said yesterday.

Police kill armed man near school playground

POLICE shot and killed another armed assailant near a school playground yesterday, marking the 11th fatal police-involved shooting since November 2017.

Police responding ‘in kind’ to criminal violence

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames dismissed concerns yesterday over a spate of fatal police-involved shootings just hours after another suspect was gunned down.

Jiu-Jitsu academy to host five-time Super Heavyweight 'cyborg'

AFTER introducing the sport to the Bahamas in November, the Jiu-Jitsu Academy will get a big boost this weekend when they host five-time Super Heavyweight world champion Roberto ‘Cyborg’ Abreu.He is an ADCC Absolute champion, four-time No-Go world ch

EDITORIAL: Our beautiful spaces need funding

FOR years, Bahamians have used parks throughout the country without paying a penny.

Inquest into Oswald Rolle shooting adjourned

A Coroner’s Court inquest into the police-shooting death of Oswald Rolle has been adjourned to February 26. Rolle was killed on February 12, 2015. Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez announced the adjournment yesterday, reading a letter from a lawyer in th

Speaker dismisses threats by Mitchell

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie is not concerned about Senator Fred Mitchell’s threats to seek compensation for what Mitchell called a “blood libel” against him. “When Jesus walked the face of the earth even as the saviour, people said things about hi

Junior Junkanoo winners revealed

THE City of Freeport Council’s 19th Junior Junkanoo Parade was a huge success and officials are looking forward to even more schools participating next year. Monique Leary, cultural affairs officer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said

Commodore denies tabloid reports of sloop collision

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel has vehemently denied a tabloid report that a Haitian sloop crashed into a RBDF ship last Friday. He also dismissed the tabloid claim that over 100 illegal immigrants managed to escape ashore New Pr

$16,000 of hash oil found

POLICE in Abaco are investigating the discovery of $16,000 worth of suspected hash oil found on a beach. Shortly after 6pm Sunday, police received information of the discovery of a suspicious package along the beach area on Crossing Rock. Officers re

Missing transcripts delays COB trial

FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs’ trial over allegations she stole more than $500,000 from the college was adjourned by a week due to the lawyer for the accused not being in possession of the transcripts of a previous sitting.Just

Concerns raised over Acting Chief Justice role

RATHER than appoint someone to the substantive chief justice post, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis appointed Justice Stephen Isaacs as acting chief justice in December, sparking concerns among some senior lawyers that he has undermined the independen

Say VAT? It's voodoo ecomomics

I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with the path this country is on. Our leaders seem to have no clue about how to run a country or more simply, how to prioritise their responsibilities. They are failing at managing the economy, crime, health and immigration, just to name a few.

Electric supply holding us back

The World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report, 2017, for the Latin American and Caribbean Division shows certain rankings.

Clifton correction

In an article “Ruining Our Heritage,” I incorrectly referenced the historic steps of Clifton to the plantation era.

Wulff Road query

Can you (or a member of the public) shed some light on the following:-

Love is in the details

Seeing the love and attention to detail that went into planning her own nuptials a year ago has inspired Larissa Burrows to launch a one-stop bridal resource to help give Bahamian couples the wedding of their dreams.She describes her new company, c

Pressing life's reset button

It was a time for participants to slow down, reflect, dig deep and “Reset” their lives as Sharell Carroll presented her latest motivational event. Sharell, who is known as the “Inspired Coach”, said she hosted the “Reset” programme to help Bahamians

Getting older younger

Dedicated to Rena Sands Roberts and Alvina Butler Taylor “A man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Dr Myles Munroe I was born and raised in the United States. I’m not officially a citizen of the Bahama

Design your lifestyle - A small loss

Victoria Sarne continues her examination of life-changing moments and daily challenges

I am one of those annoying people (despite my best attempts not to be) who are meticulously on time to the second, or early, no matter how busy the traffic. I often have to keep driving to whittle away the time before I turn around so that I will at least not be too early and throw the host/hostess into a tither. I seem to have a built-in atomic clock so it takes a serious effort to make myself late for anything.

Consensual sex is key to happiness and good health, science says

(THE CONVERSATION) – As we approach Valentine’s Day, it’s nice to celebrate love and, one the best parts about it, sex. As a doctor and epidemiologist who studies sex, I bring good news for Valentine’s Day. It’s not just that sex is fun – it’s also

Consider alternatives to opioids to manage pain after surgery

(BPT) - If you’re having surgery, you can expect to be sore and uncomfortable for a few days, whether you’re recovering at home or in the hospital. But it’s best to limit opioids or avoid them altogether, opting for alternatives to manage pain and di

How sweet are you? Diabetic Research Institute hosts Valentine's Day screening

This Valentine’s Day, under the theme “How Sweet Are You”, members of the Diabetic Research Institute will host an all-day free screening for locals.The Diabetic Research Institute is a nonprofit organisation that has been in operation for the past 1

Got kidney pain? Are you stoned?

Kidney stones are relatively common across all age groups, occurring in approximately 12 per cent of men and six per cent of women. The higher rate of occurrence in men is influenced by diet.Higher incidences are also seen in tropical climates, as i

Royals, Lions take early leads in best-of-3 finals

Perennial title contenders in both Government Secondary School Sports Association junior divisions began their bids to repeat as champions.Both the DW Davis Royals and HO Nash Lions took early series leads as the best-of-three finals tipped off yeste

31st 'Catch Me If You Can' Regatta in Montagu Bay this weekend

THE stage is set for the biggest local regatta to take place on New Providence as the 31st Catch Me If You Can St Valentine’s Day Massacre is staged in Montagu Bay this weekend.“I thank God for allowing me to see another year, 2018, to host the St Va

UB Mingoes set for first judo competition

THE University of the Bahamas will continue to spread the wings of its Mingoes’ Athletic Department on the collegiate scene in the United States this weekend when a five-member team will travel to Texas to compete in their first judo competition.The

THE PRESS BOX: Relax Cowboy Nation!

WITHOUT a doubt, Kellen Moore is one of those guys folks either really like or believe he’s overstayed his time in Dallas by a country mile. When this was in the wee stages of just a rumour circulating around social media, lots of folks voiced their

BFA: Cavalier FC gets win over Eagles FC

THE Cavalier FC defeated the Eagles FC in an exciting match as the Bahamas Football Association continued its regular season in the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Sunday.Behind a hat trick (three goals) fr

Grand Bahama basketball players of the year get their awards

GRAND Bahama Sports.com, in collaboration with GBSSAA coaches and officials, held its sixth annual awards ceremonies for the Players of the Year in basketball at Tabernacle Baptist Academy on Friday.Four players from the Falcons were named to the tea

FACE TO FACE: The singer with words to say about the law

She is a Gospel recording artist who shares her gift at churches and events throughout The Bahamas and the world. She was a school administrator for 32 years, helping to nurture the lives of Bahamian children. Yet Lenora Taylor was treated with such disrespect by police, even in her senior years, that she felt obliged to share her story and call on the leaders of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to ensure the officers who deal with the public act with more professionalism.

Eight-fold property tax hikes to 'kill' Exuma

Realtors yesterday warned that property tax valuations up to eight times’ greater than market value are threatening to “kill” Exuma’s growing second home economy.They revealed that “at least 50 per cent” of foreign homeowners on the island were unhap

NAD's rating upgrade a 'glimmer of change'

A Cabinet minister yesterday hailed the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) return to investment grade status as “a glimmer of change” in the Bahamas’ financial fortunes.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Busine

Minister: Bahamasair's Florida promo 'may be a bit misguided'

A CABINET Minister yesterday admitted that Bahamasair’s ‘shop in Florida’ discounts may have been “a little misguided” by ignoring the impact on Bahamian retail merchants.Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and who has responsibility for the nati

Minister pledges 'no retreat' over breadbasket reforms

THE Minister of Health has pledged to stand firm on the proposed ‘breadbasket’ food reforms, ruling out a similar retreat to that made a year ago over “sugary sweet drinks”.Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, told Tribune Business that the Government

Southern island airlift partner now 'pending'

THE Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board (BOIPB) is eyeing an airline partner to address the “terrible” connectivity undermining tourism in the southern Bahamas, its director revealed yesterday.Kerry Fountain revealed to Tribune Business: “We do have a

Airline chief: Bahamasair taking spend from nation

BAHAMASAIR should not be used as a tool to undermine Bahamian businesses, a local airline executive warned yesterday, arguing that it should be playing a greater role in national development.Sky Bahamas chief executive, Captain Randy Butler, echoed c

Choose the best coverage for life

By Ramon SimmsLIFE insurance used to be big business, sold door-to-door with thousands of representatives covering a vast geographical territory. Even though such sales are not as visible as they once were, the product still exists and thrives in the

Monday, February 12

02122018 EDITION

Monday, 12th February 2012

Smith welcomes immigration changes - with a few ideas

THE revelation that the Minnis administration is actively exploring an “entirely new” immigration law was yesterday welcomed and applauded by attorney Fred Smith, QC, who offered several points for consideration and inclusion.

Nightclub killing suspects hunted

ONE man is dead and two others are in hospital after a shooting at a nightclub on Friday night.

Mitchell blasts ‘dumb’ speaker

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie’s recent comments in Parliament have drawn the ire of opposition Senator Fred Mitchell, who accused the Speaker of committing a “blood libel” against him, adding he would seek “adequate compensation” for this grave injustice.

‘Dealer’ dies in police gun battle

POLICE shot and killed a man suspected of perpetrating a drug deal after he opened fire on officers attempting to apprehend him just off Cedar Way, near Carmichael Road, yesterday.

Tamara Myers sets national indoor record in triple jump

While Tamara Myers got another Bahamian national record, Devynne Charlton and Pedrya Seymour, the country’s two premier female hurdlers, turned in almost identical times for second in two separate races and twin brothers Latario and Lathone Collie ma

INSIGHT: Ruining our heritage

I wanted to weep. 

Debasing the office

I watched and listened in disbelief on Wednesday, 7th February 2018, as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Halson Moultrie, debased the Office of Speaker, the Honourable House of Assembly, the Parliamentary process and the people of the Bahamas, by using the historic Chair in which he sits to launch an emotional rant in defense of his actions. It was more than a sad performance; it was pathetic.

Moultrie speaks out of turn

Vernon Joseph Symonette and Dewitt Halson Moultrie were both born in Mathew Town, Inagua, about 15 years apart. Both would become members of the FNM and both would be elevated to the post of Speaker of the House of Assembly.

EDITORIAL: Haitians must be treated fairly

IT SEEMS ironic that almost 40 years later Sir Roland Symonette’s son, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette, should be one of those faced with the “Haitian problem” and the need to amend the law to control the growing crisis.

Hundreds flock to Junior Junkanoo

HUNDREDS of students displayed their cultural pride on Saturday, putting on a spectacular show for Junior Junkanoo fans who lined the parade route along Pioneer’s Way, downtown Freeport.Some 26 schools from Grand Bahama participated in the event.Mini

Hitchhiker robbed at gunpoint

A MAN has claimed he was robbed at gunpoint after soliciting a ride from a man and woman on Friday. According to police, the man said he asked for a ride with a woman driver and a male passenger of a grey Honda vehicle shortly after 7pm. While on Ya

Press Club helps rebuild

THE Bahamas Press Club and its partners launched a new initiative called “Labour of Love” on Saturday, rebuilding the home of Elizabeth McPhee, an elderly resident of Nassau Village.Mrs McPhee’s home was extensively damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and

Ministry denies Facebook claim

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed a report circulating on Facebook alleging there was a demonstration outside the Bahamas Embassy in Haiti as false. “The ministry advises the general public that this information is false and that there h

PM satisfied with apology in domestic violence row

THE Free National Movement and by extension the government does not condone any form of domestic violence, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.This follows intense backlash in the country with many criticising Dr Minnis for not taking a po

PLP intend to move no confidence vote in speaker

IN letter sent to the House of Assembly, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis served notice of his or another minority member’s intention to move a vote of no confidence in the chair, days after the entire opposition was suspended from the

INSIGHT: Losing focus with Parliament’s pantomime

THE last few weeks of Parliament had the makings of daytime television, or as many Bahamian women would call it, “the stories”. However, this storyline tells of something much more horrific.

Fastest stage ever completed in Tour De Grand Bahama

ONE word describes Stage 3 of the GBCC 2018 Tour De Grand Bahama. It was Fast. It was a day that would go down in the history of the Tour De Grand Bahama as the fastest stage ever completed in the Tour. “I know I tend to exaggerate the speed of our c

Munnings has game high 26, career high 20 rebounds

AN historic night for Travis Munnings highlighted the weekend for Bahamian players in NCAA Division I basketball.Munnings posted a monster stat line with a game high 26 points and a career high 20 rebounds in his ULM Warhawks’ 66-64 win over Georgia

BAISS annual track & field championships on this week as planned

THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) annual track and field championships will go on as planned this week, but organisers have decided to stage the first two days of competition on Wednesday and Thursday in the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium before moving to the TAR National Stadium for the final day on Friday.

CAFL: Nassau jets win 3rd straight boil fish bowl title

MAKE that three consecutive Commonwealth American Football League “Bowl Fish Bowl” titles for the Nassau Jets.The Jets concluded a perfect season with a 32-6 win over the Orry J Sands Pros in the league’s championship game at the DW Davis Gymnasium o

'Deathly afraid' for local ownership under WTO

Arawak Homes’ chairman is “deathly afraid” that WTO membership will undermine Bahamian economic ownership because many locally-owned firms cannot compete internationally.Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that “a high percentage” of Bahamian b

Unhealthy eating to 'destroy' economy if left unchecked

DISEASES linked to unhealthy eating will “destroy” the Bahamian economy if left unchecked, a Cabinet Minister has warned, admitting that planned ‘breadbasket’ food reforms may be viewed as “blasphemy”.Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, told Tribune

Unions warned: Put house in order or face 'strike off'

TRADE unions were yesterday warned to put their finances in order or face being ‘struck off’ if they fail to file their annual returns by June 1.The Department of Labour, in a statement, served notice of its intention to enforce the Industrial Relati

Bahamasair discounts undermine local retail

BAHAMASAIR has been accused of undermining local retailers through its ‘shop in Florida’ specials, with Customs facing an “almost impossible” task to prevent tax evasion and smuggling.The Bahamas Federation of Retailers (BFR), in again calling for th

Be 'even handed', unions tell Gov't on enforcing law

A UNION leader last night demanded that the Government be “even handed” and enforce the law requiring employers to meet and negotiate with recognised bargaining agents within 45 days.Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, told Trib

WORLD VIEW: Structure not ad-hoc agendas key to US-Caribbean relations

MUCH has been said about the government of the United States of America cutting off aid to countries which do not support that country’s position in international organisations.

DPM: Opposition finance chief slamming own party

THE Deputy Prime Minister last night said the Opposition’s finance spokesman was effectively indicting his own party by describing a $25 million project as “a slush fund”.K P Turnquest told Tribune Business that Chester Cooper’s criticism of the Gove

Insurance Brokers reveal new Board

THE Bahamas Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has announced the appointment of its new Board members for 2018.Pictured from left to right are: Tamara Boyd-Prosa, assistant secretary (Star General Insurance); Michael Cooper, immediate past presiden

Friday, February 9

25 Haitians apprehended

MORE than 25 Haitians were apprehended Friday.

Jean Rony case adjourned again

THE Jean Rony Jean-Charles case was adjourned again on Friday as lawyers for the Bahamas-born man and the Office of the Attorney General were unable to agree to terms that would fast-track the case to the Court of Appeal.

Junkanoo conclave to convene next Thursday

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Junkanoo conclave, proposed to address the overall quality of the 2017-2018 season, will convene next Thursday.

Traffic accident damages Market Street’s historic Gregory Arch

MARKET Street’s historic Gregory Arch was damaged on Friday as a result of a traffic accident on East Hill Street.

02092018 WEEKEND

Friday, 9th February, 2018.

Organization for Responsible Government condemns events in Parliament

THE Organization for Responsible Government has condemned the events that took place in the House of Assembly in the past three weeks.

Human rights group Rise criticises MP, speaker

DESPITE Attorney General Carl Bethel’s declaration that the country has zero tolerance when it comes to domestic abuse, another human rights group urged Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to distance himself from MP Miriam Emmanuel's comments and clearly state the country’s position when it comes to gender-based violence, discrimination and inequality.

Man dies after being hit by truck

A MAN died early Friday morning after being hit by a pick-up truck.

UPDATED: Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle in Freeport

A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Freeport early on Friday morning.

02092018 EDITION

Friday, 9th February, 2018.

Sailor survived wild hogs, tree fall and near starvation

SAMUEL Leroy Moss Jr, 23, was stranded at sea for 16 days, surviving on nothing but cookies, chips and sheer determination.His experience included fleeing wild hogs in Andros, being guided by dolphins in the Atlantic, and starving after his food supp

Law firm fraud: Five charged

A WOMAN supervisor of a local accounting and business firm was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations she made false entries into the records of her workplace to show that five people were collectively entitled to over $280,000 in payments.

Speaker stands firm on outburst

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie, pictured, stopped short yesterday of offering an apology for the personal attacks he launched at Progressive Liberal Party members and former parliamentary clerk Maurice Tynes Wednesday, but admitted he now regrets how his words may “affect the operations of the institution” moving forward.

‘Zero tolerance on domestic abuse’

AS HE denounced MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel’s “ill-advised” comments yesterday, Attorney General Carl Bethel said no form of domestic violence is tolerated by Bahamian law, adding the country is beyond the days of patrimonial control of the family.

Parents panic at TB report

HEALTH and education officials were called in at Garvin Tynes Primary School after an errant social media post suggested the school was concealing a tuberculosis outbreak, leading to mass panic among parents who showed up in droves to collect their children yesterday.

Events team demands: Where’s our money?

SOME 150 members of an organising committee established to manage national events on behalf of the government are reportedly demanding payment, stating they were fired but never given termination letters or severance.

Three detainees freed after being held unlawfully

A SUPREME Court judge yesterday ordered the unconditional release of three detainees from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre after ruling they were all “unlawfully detained” by immigration officials between October 2017 and January of this year.Jus

The lowest day of the low

Yesterday was a difficult day. There have been quite a number of “low” days in the House of Assembly in recent times when the behaviour of Members on both sides, failed to meet even the most basic of standards of conduct expected of parliamentarians in our tradition.

Rivers of Living Waters revival promises to be 'life-changing'

Under the theme “Crossing Over”, the members of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries International will host the church’s 2018 revival this week.The event will take place at Rivers of Living Waters on Soldier Road, beginning tonight at 7.30pm and conti

Sounding the spiritual battle cry

BELIEVERS from all throughout the Bahama Islands came together last Friday at the Gathering of Prophets Conference to pray for the nation.Change Bahamas Ministries, founded by Prophet Leo Adderley, hosted the conference under the theme “Waging War Fo

Setting young hearts ablaze for Christ

Christ the King Anglican Church hopes to inspire a nurturing love of God and people “that burns like fire” during tomorrow night’s youth conference.The event is being presented by the church’s youth arm and will be held at the Murillo A Bonaby Parish

Cursillo executives receive leadership training

In order to enlighten members of the Cursillo Secretariat on the function and responsibility of each elected position, the first order of business was the training of all officers.On Saturday, January 6, a training workshop was conducted at the Angl

THE FINISH LINE: Record breakers speak volumes for future of international track, field

THE record-breaking performances by quarter-milers Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner should bode well for the future of track and field for the Bahamas on the international scene.

BAISS senior girls soccer season kicks off

THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) senior girls soccer season kicked off yesterday with some very competitive matches taking place across the island.

BAISS ANNUAL TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT TAR STADIUM NEXT WEEK?

IS the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) going to hold their annual track and field championships at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium next week?

Farrington honing his skills as international tennis coach

JOHN Farrington has succeeded as a player and captain of the Bahamas Davis Cup team. Now he’s honing his skills as an international coach.

Ken Mullings Day: University of the Bahamas honours most versatile athlete

It was the Ken Mullings Day yesterday at the University of the Bahamas as they honoured their most versatile athlete for breaking the Bahamas men’s heptathlon national indoor record as a member of the Mingoes’ track and field team.

Tree pruning

WEST Bay section immediately after the last round-about at Baha Mar heading west towards residence of Perry Christie and One Cable Beach Condos - what can only be described as the massacre of the Casuarina trees ...

Moncur and marijuana

WHILE I do not agree with Rodney Moncur on many things, I am in total agreement with his stand on marijuana.

EDITORIAL: What were they thinking?

There is no excuse for the undignified, low-brow exchange that took place in and outside of the House of Assembly this week.

A COMIC'S VIEW: Madness in the House of Hades

WHAT can we say about what happened in the House of Assembly this week that hasn’t already been said about conch slop? It stinks to high Heaven.

The sixth grader who inspired the creation of a new school library

LOWE Sound Primary School students can enjoy a brand new, fully equipped library inspired by sixth-grader Zaria Stapleton.Zaria is an avid reader. Her parents Myriam and Brian Stapleton fostered her love of reading by providing her with ample books t

Seven companies in running for proposals to run landfill

ENVIRONMENT and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira yesterday announced that his office has issued requests for proposals to seven companies for the remediation and management of the New Providence landfill.Speaking at a press conference at the Minist

Exchange control push is a 'devaluation hedge'

A well-known businessman yesterday questioned the motives driving exchange control relaxation, arguing that many advocates support it as a ‘hedge’ against devaluation rather than boosting economic growth.Sir Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes chairman

Aliv’s $15m offering could ‘double’ goal

ALIV’s advisers yesterday expressed confidence that its latest $15 million capital raising, which launches Monday, could raise double the target despite lower-than-forecast revenue margins.

Retailers slam PM's Over the Hill plans as 'terrible policy'

BAHAMIAN retailers last night blasted the Prime Minister’s ‘tax free zone’ and VAT exemptions plan as “terrible policy”, warning it could create increased “fraud and corruption”.A Bahamas Federation of Retailers spokesman, in a statement, warned that

Bahamian honorary consul in landfill bid

A BAHAMIAN Honorary Consul is among the principals in a consortium named as one of the seven bids to qualify for the next round of the New Providence landfill management tender. Cedric Scott, the actor, producer and uncle of former Cabinet minister,

Aliv chief 'confident' BTC sharing woes 'now behind us'

ALIV’s top executive yesterday said he was “confident” obstacles to sharing infrastructure with its main rival had been overcome, with the mobile upstart poised to “conquer” its targets.Damian Blackburn told Tribune Business that many co-location and

IAN FERGUSON: Shedding 'dead weight' to boost sales efficiency

“The ability to sell is the number one skill in business.” So says Robert Kiyosaski, who argues that those who have not mastered this art should reconsider business ownership and entrepreneurship. Every sales executive seeks the ‘Midas Touch’, where

Festival provides window into 'Tru' Bahamian culture

SCORES of international visitors received a taste of Bahamian culture at the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival last weekend.The event, produced by the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), was a mixture of cultural activities, products and music held

Minister challenges tourism industry to 'stop the talking'

A CABINET minister yesterday challenged the Bahamian resort industry to find more “innovative” ways to counter the loss of business to the cruise ships.Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, told the Baha

'Poor justification' for high costs hits tourism marketing

THE Bahamas will continue to face an uphill battle in its tourism marketing efforts unless the industry commits to improving the tourism product and providing value, a senior official said yesterday.Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-gen

Thursday, February 8

Shot dead outside his own home

A MAN died in hospital after he was found outside a home with gunshot wounds Wednesday night.

02082018 EDITION

Thursday, 8th February, 2018.

Davis: You’re a bullying buffoon, Mr Speaker

IN a surprising and unusual speech from the chair yesterday, House Speaker Halson Moultrie launched personal attacks against members of the Progressive Liberal Party while defending his decision to suspend Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin last week.

‘Didn’t we do this last week?‘

THE Official Opposition has been suspended from Parliament for two House sessions.

MP attacked for condoning abuse of women

A WOMEN’S rights activist yesterday called for the resignation of MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel after she insinuated there is nothing wrong if a woman is “manhandled” by her husband who might also decide to “slap,” “shake,” or “punch” her in the mouth as punishment for challenging him.

Are we worth $12,000?

THIS morning’s Tribune and Fridays, which arrived late, both have unbelievable headlines.

Church on Sunday

IF I might use your columns to ask whomever the cap fits to wear it. Minister of Heath, the Hon Dr Duane Sands or Dr Charles Diggiss, President of Doctors Hospital.

Get to The Point(e)

I write in total agreement with, and in full support of, the recent letters appearing in your paper, notably from Abraham Moss and Pamela Burnside, regarding that hideous, crass, architectural insult known as “The Pointe”.

EDITORIAL: Man tries to crack marijuana’s secret

LAST year Jamaican scientist Dr Henry Lowe made history when his drug, developed from cannabis, to treat acute myeloid leukemia was granted “orphan-drug” designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

COUNTDOWNCONTINUES...

WITH just 50 days to go before the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosts the CARIFTA Games for a record eighth time, the focus of attention on the pre-qualifiers for Team Bahamas is on sprinter Jaida Knowles and thrower Tarajh Hudson.JAI

Nassau Street Hockey League 'pucks up'

IT was hockey night on Wednesday as the Nassau Street Hockey League featured two great games.The first game at 7:30pm saw the Sharks take on the Reefs. Game two at 8:45 pm pitted the Hurricanes against the Pirates. Both games were played at the Sand

Masters Softball League regular season continues

THE Masters Softball League continued its regular season action over the weekend at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.• Here’s a summary:Corner Boyz 24, Tiki Hut 0Jayson Sweeting had a huge day, going 4-

City bowling league: Sonith Lockhart named MVP

SONITH Lockhart of Carib Construction was the men’s most valuable player from the City Bowling League bowling competition Monday night at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Center. Lockhart toppled the pins for a 244 men’s high game and a 649

GSSSA Basketball title games set in all four divisions

THE GSSSA Championship matchups are set in all four divisions setting the stage for next week’s final series to decide division champions for the 2017-18 season.The final set of game threes took place Tuesday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium featur

Archers compete in first ever 3D Archery tournament in Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas: Historic Clifford Park on West Bay Street, Nassau lit up with excitement over the weekend as enthusiastic archers, cheered on by family, friends and spectators, squared off in competition in the first ever 3D Archery Tournament in Th

CARIFTA mascot 'Iggy' the iguana a blast at Palmdale Primary

THE tour for Iggy, the mascot for the 2018 Flow CARIFTA Games, continued yesterday with Palmdale Primary as the latest host school. The Local Organising Committee, headed by IAAF Councilwoman Pauline Davis-Thompson, presented Iggy to the Palmdale Pr

National High School Soccer Championships set for April

The Bahamas Football Association, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, announced that the Samuel P. Haven National High School Soccer Championships 2018 will be held fro

Fishing Hole Road project moving 'at a snail's pace'

EVEN though government officials have said the Fishing Hole Road project could be completed by early January, the road bridge is nowhere close to being finished. Work appears to be moving at a snail’s pace at the causeway that has been under constru

Police seek help in finding missing woman

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating 53-year-old Patricia Cluzeau of West Bay Street, who was reported missing on Monday. Ms Cluzeau is Caucasian. She is about 5’4” and has a medium build. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is as

Hunt for armed robber

POLICE are looking for a suspect who robbed a man at gunpoint outside his home Tuesday night. Shortly before 8pm, a man had just pulled up to his residence off Lamumba Lane, when he was approached by a man armed with a firearm who robbed him of cash

Taxi drivers demand meeting amid fair treatment concerns

TAXI drivers who service Prince George Wharf have demanded a meeting with tourism officials following a small demonstration in the downtown area yesterday.Shortly after 10am, several drivers banded together and demanded to meet with officials at the

Into the deep blue with new sub site for Bahamas

THE Bahamas could become the future home of one of the world’s leading manned submersible operations, with the country’s education and tourism sectors acting as a launching point for several key initiatives.Stockton Rush, chief executive officer and

Haiti agents sent to centre - but no record of Jean Rony

DESPITE having no record of Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles being deported, the Haitian Embassy in Nassau yesterday confirmed it delegates two consular agents to notify individuals at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre of their impending deport

$90m in loans to improve coast and airport

THE government yesterday presented a resolution to Parliament to facilitate loans from the Inter-American Development Bank to finance some $90m in projects in support of coastal management, airport infrastructure and various skill development initiat

Two teens accused of murder attempt

AN 18-year-old man and a juvenile were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with attempting to murder a pump attendant during the course of an armed robbery at a service station in Central Eleuthera last month.Lamar Wilchcombe and a 17

US warning after woman attacked at Goodman's Bay

THE US Embassy in Nassau issued a security alert yesterday after an American woman was attacked during an evening jog on West Bay Street.The incident took place near Goodman’s Bay Park shortly after 8pm, according to the embassy, and a later crime re

Different versions of House rules exist

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie has ordered an enquiry into why multiple, divergent versions of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament are in circulation.His revelation came as he defended his decision to suspend Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin from Pa

DIANE PHILLIPS: The least among us can inspire so long as we have a dream

Local drama aside for a moment, this was a very good week to watch history unfold and think about why some events move us, others shake us to our core and still others make us so proud we have to contain ourselves or we might just burst.

Govt aiming to 'stop bread basket poison'

A CABINET minister yesterday pledged to “stop poisoning our people” by totally changing the Government’s ‘breadbasket’ food line-up in time for the 2018-2019 Budget year.Dr Duane Sands, minister of health, told Tribune Business that the Minnis admini

Tolls, not taxpayer, will fund PI bridge 'deficit' if needed

THE Bridge Authority’s $9.4 million “deficiency” will “not be put on the taxpayer”, a Cabinet Minister pledged yesterday, saying any financing needs would have to be met by increased toll fees.Desmond Bannister, the minister of works, told Tribune Bu

80% of motorists exposed torogue, uninsured drivers

A SENIOR insurance executive yesterday said it would not take “a heavy lift” to crack down on uninsured drivers who threaten to inflict a substantial loss on 80 per cent of Bahamian motorists.Patrick Ward, Bahamas First’s president and chief executiv

Chamber urges 'safeguards' for Gov'ts tax-free zone plan

THE Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday urged the Government to “put in safeguards” to prevent abuse of its promised Over-the-Hill ‘tax free zones’. Edison Sumner told Tribune Business that unless the necessary controls were implemented t

Contractors 'not at odds' with Minister

THE Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) yesterday said it is “not at war” with the Minister of Works, and will resubmit its nominees for the Contractors Board before the the week’s end. Leonard Sands, the BCA president, told the Association’s mont

Labour minister leads wage equality group

THE Minister of Labour led a Bahamian delegation to Panama for the recent United Nations’ Regional Conference on Wage Equality.Senator Dion Foulkes was accompanied by government, trade union, private and public sector representatives to the event, wh

Bahamas promoted at key travel shows

THE Ministry of Tourism took advantage of the cold US winter to promote the Bahamas at two major east coast travel shows.The Travel and Adventure Show, in Washington D.C., and the New York Times Travel Show were used to showcase this nation’s attract

Bank exit, money flows to boost local ownership

A BAHAMIAN businessman says the weekly multi-million dollar money flow through the Family Islands, coupled with commercial bank exits, has created an opportunity for greater local ownership in the financial services sector.Barry Malcolm, chief execut

Wednesday, February 7

02072018 EDITION

Wednesday, 7th February, 2018.

VIDEO: Opposition MPs suspended for two sittings

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie recommended in a motion that Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin be suspended for two sittings of Parliament

$500k college theft trial: Defendant stays silent

FORMER College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs yesterday opted to remain silent over allegations she stole over $500,000 from the college over a seven year period.

Minnis sets date on VAT promise

PLEDGING to fulfil at least one part of a key campaign promise, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said value added tax (VAT) will be removed from bread-basket items in the next budget cycle.

‘Not wise’ to play politics in govt job

TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has suggested the political leanings of two Progressive Liberal Party supporters may have played some part in their firing from airports in Eleuthera.

AG - Jean Rony case exposes ID loophole

THE case of Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles has unearthed a significant and far-reaching legal challenge over the verification of birth certificates, Attorney General Carl Bethel confirmed yesterday.

Bid to jail senior members of govt

LAWYERS for Jean Rony Jean-Charles are seeking constitutional relief over his re-arrest and detention over the weekend, and have asked the court to commit executive members of government to prison for contempt.

Bud Light celebrates with NFL Lovers

BUD Light did something that I didn’t think was possible this football season.No, I’m not referring to the inevitable feeling of euphoria you get when you enjoy a few of their products - that definitely happened – but in addition to that, they made S

Immigration law must be changed

EDITOR, The Tribune.I just finished reading a letter to the Editor dated January 31st by JC attorney. I am in total agreement with all that he said. Why on earth do we allow those immigrants born here to have an automatic right to apply for citizensh

EDITORIAL: Donald Trump's constant state of confusion

OBSERVING the behaviour of the current US President can evoke a wide range of emotions. Donald Trump can inspire disdain, disbelief, mockery, infuriation and even weariness. To be fair, he can also inspire intense positive passion and genuine admirat

Minnis predicts great year as GB unemployment dips

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Grand Bahama’s unemployment rate is trending in the right direction, noting a slight decrease from 12.4 percent to 12.1 percent in 2017.He believes 2018 will be a “great year” for Grand Bahama and forecasted the i

Davis blames FNM after latest fires at dump site

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis was adamant yesterday that the former administration left preventative measures in place to avoid recurring fires at the New Providence Landfill as residents continue to struggle with the toxic sm

Top quarter-milers uncertain over World Indoors

Fresh off their banner year in 2017, talented Bahamian quarter-milers Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner continued their trend by turning in fantastic times in their indoor debut for 2018.Over the weekend at the 111th running of the NYRR Millros

Big bang policing

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr Anthony Ferguson, has started off his 2018 Crime Suppression/Fighting Initiative with a refreshing twist. Technology, never before used, is being deployed viz-a-vie drones and helic

Committee to present plan on dealing with shanty towns

THE government’s shanty town committee will soon present an action plan to deal with the longstanding problem, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes, who said the issue will be handled humanely.Mr Foulkes is a part of the 30-member committee, com

Just dropping in to visit Grand Bahama

SOME 60 licenced skydivers are in Grand Bahama for the first Bahama Beach skydiving event at West End, performing daily parachute jumps until February 12.The group makes jumps from 14,000ft above the clear waters between 10am and 5pm, landing at the

CONCACAF targets Bahamas for primary schools soccer pilot programme

THE Bahamas has been selected by CONCACAF for a pilot programme to develop grass soccer in the primary schools.Bahamas Football Association technical director Gary Markham confirmed that CONCACAF will have two representatives in town to meet with the

Sentences quashed of airport workers

THE COURT of Appeal has quashed the sentences of two Nassau Flight Services employees previously convicted for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and conspiracy to commit that offence concerning a 2016 incident at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Campbell: Unfair to speak ill of taxi drivers

TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell has defended taxicab drivers in the wake of reports they were defecating and urinating in their vehicles while parked overnight at Prince George Wharf.

Pot patchers to the rescue as nine more crews hired

THE Ministry of Works has approved contracts for nine additional road patching crews to help address the vexing problem of potholes in New Providence, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said yesterday.

Probe after viral firearm post

AUTHORITIES are investigating the circumstances surrounding a condescending and controversial social media post made by an international boater, where he scoffs at the ease in which he was able to transport firearms into The Bahamas.

'Fantastic Four' are hoping to crack into Major League Baseball

THE Bahamas has been blessed to have had six players who played in the Major League of Baseball. There were quite a number of them who made it to the minor leagues.After the retirement of Antoan Richardson last year, there are no more players in the

Bridge Authority's $9.4m bond repayment deficit

The Paradise Island Bridge Authority requires $3.5 million in ‘emergency’ annual funding over a five-year period to cover a $9.4 million “deficiency” in its bond repayment fund.The Authority’s 2016 financial statements, tabled recently in the House o

Driver protection fund hit by 40% 'uninsured' ratio

INSURERS yesterday warned that the Bahamas’ 40 per cent “uninsured driver ratio” is a significant obstacle to the creation of a ‘rogue motorist’ protection fund.While agreeing that the havoc caused by uninsured and ‘unauthorised’ motorists is “unacce

'Get fiscal house in line' for exchange control freeing-up

THE Government must “rapidly bring its fiscal house into line” to facilitate greater exchange control liberalisation, a well-known accountant warned yesterday.Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) president, told Tribune B

Enterprises Act will attract new business 'in next 12-18 months'

A TOP accountant yesterday said client feedback suggested the Commercial Enterprises Act and other reforms will attract new businesses to the Bahamas “in the next 12-18 months”.Prince Rahming, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Bahamas territory manager,

Governor urges 'new ways' for unlocking $1.8bn liquidity pile

THE Central Bank’s governor has called for the development of “new private sector mechanisms” to put the banking system’s $1.8 billion surplus liquidity to more productive use.John Rolle, addressing the regulator’s Monday exchange control seminar, sa

Speaker: I don't expect to see Hanna Martin

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie does not expect to see Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin in Parliament when it convenes today after he named and suspended her last week. If Mrs Hanna Martin does show up for the session she could be sensationally escor

SAFE & SECURE: Going beyond the data on interpreting crime

WHAT better way to resume our discussion on crime and its prevention than to look at its reporting, and the recent release of police statistics for 2017 in the Bahamas. If you have not seen the report then you are doing yourself and your company a di

DPM moving 'quickly' on creation of VAT Tribunal

THE Government yesterday said it was hoping to fully populate the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Tribunal “quickly” in a bid to resolve long-standing disputes and uncertainties.K Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of finance, confirmed the mo

Chamber to take up VAT pricing concern

THE Chamber of Commerce’s (BCCEC) chief executive said yesterday said the organisation plans to take-up concerns over Value-Added Tax (VAT) inclusive versus exclusive pricing.Edison Sumner told Tribune Business that while the Chamber had not received

Tuesday, February 6

02062018 EDITION

Tuesday, 6th February, 2018.

Taxi drivers: We’re clean

BAHAMAS Taxicab Union President Philip Watkins has dismissed a tabloid report that taxicab drivers are defecating and urinating in their vehicles while parked at Prince George Wharf as “old news” and “irrelevant”.

Life under the dump’s smoke

RESIDENTS who live in the communities near the New Providence Landfill find themselves, yet again, going through the “routine of recovery” as smoke continues to emanate from the dumpsite.

Free at last

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday stressed the case of Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles has placed the government in a position uncovered by law or the Constitution, and urged the country to exercise restraint and let the law take its course following Mr Jean-Charles’ release from custody yesterday.

Labour Minister: No truth in claims of political motive for BAIC sackings

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes has emphatically denied recent terminations at the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation were politically motivated, telling The Tribune to suggest otherwise is “totally inaccurate and baseless”.

THE PRESS BOX: My Super Bowl 52 in the 'bold north'

I LOVE it when a plan comes together. My trek to the “Bold North” frozen Minnesota, for Super Bowl LII (52) as the Bud Light and Bud Light Caribbean brand ambassador was an awesome experience, from start to finish. The game between the Eagles and P

Bahamian players on wrong side of upsets in NCAA

IT was a weekend on the wrong side of upsets for several high profile Bahamian basketball players in NCAA Division I conference play.Charles Bain had one of his best shooting performances of the season, but it was not enough to prevent his Robert Mor

Ministry congrats to Shaunae for world record feat

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture extends congratulations to Mrs Shaunae Miller-Uibo for her outstanding, record-breaking, gold-medal performance at the 2018 NYRR Millrose Games. “Shaunae has cemented her status as one the Bahamas’ greatest

Top teams advance to final round in GSSSA basketball

THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association saw several teams advance to the championship round while others forced a third and deciding game. In the Junior Boys’ division, the CH Reeves Raptors completed a two-game sweep over the SC McPhers

Astwood to represent Bahamas in CARIFTA Games

St Anne’s High School’s Acacia Astwood has been one of the most consistent local field competitors as she prepares to represent the Bahamas in the CARIFTA Games here over the Easter holiday weekend.And if she is successful in making the team, the Blu

Wrestlers ready for Commonwealth Games

THE Bahamas Amateur Wrestling Federation has confirmed that Sean Wrinkle and Rashji Mackey will represent the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia.The games are scheduled for April 4-15 and wrestling will be among the list o

Three formerly misunderstood foods now a part of a well-balanced diet

(BPT) - Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced people’s eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for y

Living with disability

McPhee family finds triumph in the face of adversity

Brigitte McPhee remembers vividly the day her two-year-old son Andrew McPhee Jr began having seizures.“I handed him over to his teacher at his day care and she noticed his eyes rolling over. I then felt him shaking in my arms. Immediately I knew some

Bell rings for wife schoolNew programme helps women find and keep "Mr Right"

People go to school to learn all kinds of skills. But what about so-called “wifely skills” – skills to find the perfect man and keep the relationship successful and fulfilling over the years.Local entrepreneur Kosha Johnson believes that she can prov

Viral video star ‘Boss Lady’ makes U-turn to success

FOLLOWING the rise to fame by people like the ‘Cash Me Outside’ girl and the BBC dad who got interrupted by his kids, the Bahamas now has its very own viral video star in Hendera Rolle, known as ‘Boss Lady Florida’.

Are we serious about dealing with immigration?

Why do we spend $149m on each Defence Force boat, if the 100,000.00 plus square miles of Bahamian waters could perhaps be covered more efficiently, safely and with less cost, by drones?

The learning crisis

In recent days the effects of the failure of many students to successfully learn Maths and English skills have been highlighted by an RBC Royal Bank executive.

The rule of law

WE should not be so myopic as to believe the ruling in the case of Mr Jean-Rony Jean Charles only has implications for immigration matters. Instead, we should look to the greater issue which is that none of us are above the rule of law – not even the government, its departments or the civil service.

EDITORIAL: How Much is a Human Life Worth?

ON Thursday, January 31, Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans fined a woman $10,000 on a charge of killing a man in the course of dangerous driving and another $2,340 in additional charges related to the hit-and-run accident that took the life of 52-year-old Sunshine Park resident Malcus Ashe.

Not just boy and girl; more teens identify as transgender

Far more teens than previously thought are transgender or identify themselves using other nontraditional gender terms, with many rejecting the idea that girl and boy are the only options, new research suggests.

An early start on dental care

Dentist warns of sugary snacks and drinks

By the time your baby hits the 12-month mark, he or she would have reached a number of developmental milestones like saying “mama” or “dada”, crawling on their belly, and growing their first set of teeth. It is recommended by local dental professionals that during this first year parents should set up an appointment with a paediatric dentist.

Goodbye is the saddest word

Roxanne Chipman closes doors on Gleniston Learning Centre

Roxanne Chipman has announced her retirement from education and the consequent closure of her preschool, the Gleniston Centre for Learning.

Zip line off to a flying start

A zip line has been opened at the Pirate’s Cove Water Park at Taino Beach on Saturday in Grand Bahama and plans are to open a similar adventure park in New Providence.Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia Minnis; Deputy Prime Minister

Back to business

February now truly starts the business year, after January’s blip when most of our citizens twiddled their thumbs to celebrate that historic holiday (Age: two years), Majority Rule Day.

20 vehicles destroyed as fire hits tour bus business

A FIRE at the Priscilla Forbes Building in Grand Bahama destroyed at least 20 vehicles, including three mass transit buses at the tour establishment on Queen’s Highway on Sunday evening.The fire occurred sometime around 7.45pm at the rear of the buil

Rassin takes San Diego bow

BEFORE hundreds of assembled international Rotarians in San Diego, California, the Bahamas’ Barry Rassin, who appeared on stage with his wife, Esther, was presented as the president-elect of Rotary International, 2018-19.Me Rassin will represent over

FACE TO FACE: A life helping others then Michelle faced her own battle to survive

When a doctor tells you to say your final goodbyes to loved ones, sometimes there’s no coming back. It can be a harrowing moment. The anaesthesiologist asks you to count backwards from ten to one, and the doctor has already told you that you may not survive. But when you have faith, be it as small as a mustard seed, you can overcome anything – and Dr Michelle C Major did just that.

Cable Bahamas says Fox News watched by less than one percent of its viewers

LESS than one percent of Cable Bahamas’ monthly viewership came from people watching Fox News, and among news-watchers, only five percent watched the conservative channel, Cable Bahamas’ vice president of marketing and media, David Burrows said yeste

Taxicab plates are still being leased despite Minnis pledge

Leasing of taxicab plates remains a rampant issue in the industry despite the Minnis administration’s promise to regulate the area,In May 2017, the government announced in its Speech from the Throne that it would “review and give consideration to the

Misogyny claims over Glenys ban 'laughable'

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie said yesterday it is “laughable” to suggest misogyny played a part in the disciplinary action he took in naming and suspending Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin in Parliament last week. He also insisted he did not breach

Murder victims identified by police

POLICE have released the identities of two recent murder victims. The man who died in hospital on Saturday has been identified as Okel Solomon, 45, of Laird Street. According to police, Solomon showed up at the Southern Police Station shortly after 1

Three accused of killings

THREE men were arraigned on murder charges yesterday for two separate killings.Donnovan Rolle, 23, and Berkley Belfat, 22, are accused of killing Chamico Mackey, 34, on January 24.Mackey was shot dead while on the porch of his home at Irish Spring Co

'Someone out there helping me, helped me not go crazy'

LAST week, Jean Rony Jean-Charles was living a nightmare, trapped in abject poverty in a Haitian slum he defined as “hell”.

Appeal president renews driver protection fund plea

The Court of Appeal’s president yesterday renewed her call for a fund to compensate victims of uninsured and ‘hit and run’ drivers, after rejecting a $654,000 claim against Bahamas First.Dame Anita Allen, in overturning a previous Supreme Court verdi

'Insatiable desire' for benefits large fiscal reform bar

THE Bahamian people’s “insatiable desire” for government benefits is a bigger obstacle to reforming the public finances than economic policy, the Deputy Prime Minister is arguing.K P Turnquest, in an interview with Tribune Business, suggested that ch

Central Bank handles 24k approval papers annually

EQUITY investments in international financial institutions and investment companies are among the most common areas where Bahamians have invested abroad, the Central Bank’s Governor said yesterday.John Rolle, giving a presentation at a half-day Centr

Bahamas 'must have' gradual liberalisation of exchange controls

THE Bahamas “must have” a gradual approach to exchange control liberalisation, an Argentine economist said yesterday, adding that it was “critical” to have a well-developed economic framework in place.Miguel Kiguel, speaking via Skype at a half-day s

GB Power buy-out approval in face of fight ‘regrettable’

A well-known QC has slammed the Government’s “regrettable” decision to proceed with approving the GB Power buy-out despite knowing his legal challenge was already filed.

MONEY MATTERS: Early training start right on the money

Of all the things parents decide to have a serious conversation with their children about, money rarely makes the list. That is understandable but unfortunate. Understandable because of the significant negative consequences associated with many of th

Central Bank admits 'poor resource use' on exchange control

THE Central Bank yesterday pledged it was moving to eliminate “frustrations” surrounding exchange control approvals, revealing it has committed to a five-to-seven working day turnaround.Tiffany Carter, deputy general manager for the exchange control

Bahamian energy start-up teams with solar provider

A BAHAMIAN green energy start-up has entered into a partnership with a Florida-based solar provider.Global Energy Solutions last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a clean energy technical partnership with Orlando-based Sybac Solar,

Minister pledges new Nassau power plant

THE Government is planning to soon launch a bidding process to construct a “state of the art” power plant for New Providence, which will also include a solar energy component.Desmond Bannister, minister of works, speaking at a ceremony to mark the si

Monday, February 5

02052018 EDITION

Monday, 5th February, 2018.

John Mahoney, who played cranky dad on 'Frasier,' dies at 77

LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Mahoney, who as the cranky, blue-collar dad in "Frasier" played counterpoint to pompous sons Frasier and Niles, has died at age 77.

Jean Rony released from custody

BAHAMAS-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles has been released from custody pending the full hearing of the government’s stay applicaton.

Jean Rony in court after being thrown back in detention (video)

BAHAMAS-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles was sensationally arrested and taken to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre having returned to the country on a court-ordered and state-issued travel document this weekend.

St. John’s College classes cancelled due to smoke

All classes at St. John’s College have been cancelled today due to excessive smoke on the school’s campus and immediate vicinity

Motorist dies after carjacker opens fire

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident that left a man dead on Saturday night.

Jubilee Gardens families file suit

MORE than 100 residents of Jubilee Gardens have filed a class action lawsuit against the government and Renew Bahamas for causing them to be “sickened to near death” as a result of the “toxic and hazardous” emissions caused by the recurring fires at the New Providence Landfill.

Glenys to defy Speaker's ban

ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin will attend the next sitting of the House of Assembly despite being named and suspended indefinitely by House Speaker Halson Moultrie, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis announced yesterday.

Dames: We must identify the causes of crime

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames recently said that over the past decade, escalating crime and violence numbers have presented challenges to the economic and social development of The Bahamas.“Much of the violence and crime that we are seei

‘Golden girl’ Miller-Uibo ties indoor 300m world record

OLYMPIC golden girl Shaunae Miller-Uibo, in a celebratory weekend with her husband, added her name to the women’s world indoor 300 metres record.

Outfoxing Cable

GREETINGS to my fellow Bahamians.

Migration

IT is my opinion that we are in a serious national security dilemma as a result of years of unchecked illegal migration coupled with a depressed economy where options are increasingly limited for a large segment of the ‘indigenous’ population where anger, frustration and resentment are mounting.

EDITORIAL: Clumsy handling of the ‘Haitian problem’

WE couldn’t believe the news that was filtering back to us from the Lynden Pindling airport on Saturday afternoon. Under court orders, Bahamian-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles, 35, was on his way home after being deported to Haiti — a land he had never visited and whose language he barely understood. He was being returned on the orders of Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton.

Newly formed Makos win 'Cudas' Annual Swim Meet

THE newly formed Mako Aquatics Club emerged as the champions of the Barracudas’ annual Atlantic Medical Swim Meet held at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex over the weekend with a number of the high point winners surpassing the CARIFTA Games qualifying standards. At the end of the two-day meet on Saturday, Mako Aquatics Club, headed by Travano McPhee, accumulated a total of 1,103 points to take the title from host Barracudas, who had 838. The Alpha Aquatics finished third with 509.50.

NPBA: Regulators get 72-66 win over Stingers

ALEXANDER Rolle came off the bench and scored 15 points to help power the Leno Regulators to a 72-66 victory over the PJ Stingers as the New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action on Saturday night. It was one of three games played at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

EAGLES FLY: Foles, Eagles outshoot Patriots for 1st Super Bowl, 41-33

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As their delirious fans sang their theme song and their owner lifted the Lombardi Trophy, the Philadelphia Eagles finally could breathe freely.

March date for Ride for Hope

RIDE for Hope will be hosting its 11th annual charity cycling event in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera on March 10. Since its inception in 2006, the Ride for Hope has raised close to $3m to aid cancer research, care and treatment. It is also one of th

Former PM press aide seeks dismissal answers

FORMER press secretary for Prime Minister Perry Christie, Latrae Rahming said yesterday he has written to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis seeking answers over his dismissal from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation.Mr Rahming was among

Meet the country's first female Senate Chaplain

SHE is a woman of firsts.It’s been almost four years since Reverend Eileen Johnson was installed the first female senior pastor of Lighthouse Fellowship Church of God “City on the Hill,” in Pinewood Gardens, achieving her first major feat.Today, she

GAIN AN EDGE: Scholarship helps Ryan’s journey roll on

As a beach attendant at a local hotel in Bannerman Town, Eleuthera, Ryan Romon Rolle vividly recalls long, hot days in the scorching sun dragging beach chairs in the sand while serving guests with a smile. The 2014 high school graduate was determined to save enough money to allow him to one day attend the then College of The Bahamas (COB).

INSIGHT: Fifty years and still lost on immigration

THE Haitian exodus to The Bahamas has arguably become as Bahamian as conch salad. Haiti’s precipitous decline has truly become a legend in the Western hemisphere. Geographically positioned in the worst place possible, they have become a nexus for natural disasters, which does not do anything to help a nation already mired in catastrophic conditions.

Vehicle with ten inside overturns

GRAND Bahama police are investigating a traffic accident in east Grand Bahama that resulted in a number of people being hospitalised with various injuries. Police received a report of an accident on January 31 shortly after 3pm off east Grand Bahama

Back to The Bahamas - the email trail behind Jean Rony’s return

Over the course of 72 hours, attorney Fred Smith attempted to negotiate with the Government over Jean Rony’s return to The Bahamas. In addition to numerous telephone calls with the government officials involved, the trail of emails between the two sides show how fast the situation developed - and how for Jean Rony how his dream of returning safely to the country of his birth ended in him again being detained.

'No sacred cows': All taxes up for review

A top Finance official has pledged there will be “no sacred cows” as the Government embarks on a wide-ranging review of all tax laws, regulations and procedures.Marlon Johnson, the Ministry of Finance’s acting financial secretary, told Tribune Busine

DPM 'questions' corporate veil piercing tax law

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday questioned how the former government “got away” with ‘piercing the corporate veil’ to hold businesses hostage over shareholders’ personal tax liabilities.K P Turnquest told Tribune Business he had asked Marlon John

Money transfer business faces regulatory 'review'

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said he has requested a regulatory “review” of the money transfer industry to ensure there are no loopholes that can be exploited by financial criminals.K P Turnquest, describing the sector as “the next big thing”,

'Grease' economy by ceasing non-resident B$ loan restrictions

THE Central Bank has been urged to “revisit” restrictions on Bahamian dollar lending to non-residents as a way to “grease” the economy and release $1.8 billion in excess banking liquidity.James Smith, a former finance minister and Central Bank govern

MP 'cold shouldered' by Schooner Bay

SOUTH Abaco’s MP has revealed he was ‘cold shouldered’ by a foreign developer when he attempted to resolve the dispute it sparked by evicting a Bahamian farmer from Crown Land.James Albury, who is also parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister’s

POLICE ADVICE: Showing by example will help our children become adults to be proud of

Raising your children to be law abiding citizens is one of your biggest responsibilities as a parent. This will help you make sure your children do not follow the wrong path in life.

Western Union unveils service, expansion plan

WESTERN Union has pledged to expand beyond its existing 20-plus Bahamas locations, as it unveiled a new service designed to increase money transfer efficiency.The cross-border payments solutions provider, in an effort to drive traffic to its growing

Saturday, February 3

Jean Rony arrested on return, taken to Detention Centre

Bahamas-born Jean Rony Jean-Charles was sensationally arrested and taken to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre this afternoon having returned to the country on a court-ordered and state-issued travel document.

Friday, February 2

02022018 EDITION

Friday, 2nd February, 2018.

02022018 WEEKEND

Friday, 2nd February, 2018.

13 workers terminated from BAIC

THE Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation terminated 13 employees on Friday, with the dismissals ranging from longstanding employees to recently confirmed workers.

High level of success for University of the Bahamas North in 2017

The University of the Bahamas North achieved a high level of academic success at the Grand Bahama campus, with one-third of its student body achieving a 3.0 GPA and higher for the 2017 school semesters.

Woman has bid to contest firearm sentence dismissed

A HAITIAN woman who was reportedly in the country illegally has had her bid to contest her four year sentence for possession of a firearm dismissed after the Court of Appeal found her excuse that she wasn't aware she could appeal her sentence "unsatisfactory".

Govt files urgent appeal against Jean Rony ruling

THE GOVERNMENT on Friday filed an urgent appeal against Justice Gregory Hilton's landmark ruling on Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles, making its case that the administration of good governance could be significantly affected.

Land ahoy! Too late, Rolly runs aground

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force vessel, the HMBS Rolly Gray, sustained damage in an accident on Tuesday.

Jean Rony come home

THE Passport Office has issued an emergency travel document valid for one year for Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles.

‘Grads only’, RBC boss ‘uninformed’

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said some recent criticisms of the Bahamas from Tim Rider, Royal Bank of Canada’s senior vice president for sales, were “unfortunate” and “uninformed”.

Killer hit and run driver fined $12k

A WENDY’S employee was yesterday fined more than $12,000 for hitting, rolling over and consequently killing a 52-year-old man with an unlicenced and uninsured vehicle on Monday night before leaving the scene.

Two women arrested and shooting suspect hunted after separate incidents

POLICE arrested two women after seizing drugs and and a gun and are hunting a shooting suspect following two separate incidents yesterday, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander.In the first incident, officers responded to re

University students protest against reckless drivers

AFTER a university student was hospitalised following a car accident nearly two weeks ago, some University of the Bahamas students launched a protest against reckless and inattentive drivers yesterday, prompting the university to make a plea to motorists.

Falcons, SAC in win column

JORDAN Prince William Falcons and St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine each placed multiple teams in the BAISS Championship final and each had two teams win yesterday as the series tipped off in the four divisions.

RUGBY ACTION THIS WEEKEND

THE Bahamas Rugby Union will continue its regular season action this weekend at the Winton rugby pitch in Winton Meadows.

THE FINISH LINE: Kudos to International Elite, Max D for helping our baseballers get to next level

IT’S one thing to talk about what you can do, but it’s another to actually go out there and do it.

Guest appearance

THIS is an Open Letter to Bishop Delton Fernander, et al, from the so-called Bahamas Christian Council.

Recreational marijuana and medicinal marijuana

WAS anyone else around here and the Islands during the early 1980’s with the Drug Scourge through those long days, months, years to recover?

Who has a right to be a citizen?

THE recent ruling to the Supreme Court regarding a person born in the Bahamas to illegal parents has stirred the ire of Bahamians everywhere. An immigration Pandora’s box of sorts has been opened and who knows where this might lead.

A COMIC'S VIEW: The FNM government and the marijuana legalisation debate

WHILE appearing as a guest on the talk show “Political Review” with host Quincy Parker, last Sunday on Guardian Radio, Attorney General Carl Bethel said he will not support the legalisation or decriminalisation of marijuana in The Bahamas.

GB activist slams govt over 'public safety' remarks

A Grand Bahama environment activist is accusing the Minnis administration of being “hypocritical” when it says “public safety and national security is a high priority” of the government.In response to a national address by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Mi

Viewers complain after Fox News is removed by Cable Bahamas

CABLE Bahamas has removed Fox News from its channel package and some Bahamians who like the network’s infamous brand of conservative news are not pleased.Several older male viewers called The Tribune yesterday to question and complain about the chang

Anglican priest found dead at rectory in GB

THE Grand Bahama community and the Anglican Diocese is mourning the loss of Father Michael Gittens who died Thursday morning in Freeport.According to reports, Fr Gittens was expected to attend morning mass at the Church of the Ascension, where he is

Workers protest over mould at Clifton Pier

A MOULD infestation at one of Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier buildings led workers to refuse to suit up for work yesterday morning as a form of protest over BPL’s failure to address the issue.According to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEW

Mitchell: Immigration dept ‘perplexed’ by lack of clarity on ruling

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday suggested the Immigration Department is “perplexed” by the lack of clarity in the government’s position on the recent landmark Supreme Court ruling on Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles.

Christian Council president apologises to AG over email

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander has blamed an “unintentional error” for his oversight of an email from Attorney General Carl Bethel that contained the proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, w

Prosecution closes its case in COB theft trial

THE prosecution yesterday closed its case in the trial of former College of the Bahamas employee Chimeka Gibbs over allegations she stole thousands of dollars from the institution by virtue of her employment.Prosecutor Al-Leecia Delancey indicated to

Date for GB Junior Junkanoo Parade

THE Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has announced the 19th annual Junior Junkanoo Parade will be held on Saturday, February 10 in downtown Freeport at 5pm.Some 29 schools are lined up to participate, incl

Talks are underway to bring Bank of Bahamas branch to Long Island

LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson confirmed yesterday discussions are underway to establish at least one Bank of the Bahamas branch on that island in the coming months.Royal Bank of Canada last month notified residents on Long Island that effective April

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Higgs & Johnson

THE noted law firm Higgs & Johnson is celebrating 70 years as a trailblazing Bahamian law company with the launch of a scholarship at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.

Taxation 'veil piercing' endangers businesses

Private sector representatives yesterday warned that the Government’s ‘piercing of the corporate veil’ to force tax compliance could “place businesses in jeopardy”.Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) c

Gov't warned: 'Don't tie yourself too tight' over spending cuts

The Government must not cut spending so deeply that it chokes off essential infrastructure investment, the Chamber’s chairman warned yesterday, as its deficit fell by over one-third.Michael Maura, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confede

$250m Hurricane Hole project to 'go vertical' by January 2019

A BAHAMIAN developer yesterday said it plans to “go vertical” on its $250 million Hurricane Hole redevelopment within 12 months, after completing the property’s purchase from Atlantis’s owner.Bill Green, president of Sterling Global Financial’s devel

Mortgage approval rate drops to 43%

MORTGAGE loan approval rates have been slashed in half to 42.6 per cent in just two-and-a-half years, highlighting the commercial bank retreat from the vital Bahamian housing market.Data produced by the Central Bank of the Bahamas’ research departmen

PM promises reforms for Business Licence

THE Prime Minister yesterday said the Government will allow companies to pay and renew Business Licence fees when their financial year ends, rather than the current end-March deadline.Dr Hubert Minnis, addressing a Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Emp

IMAX 'Superplex' eyes April 20 open

CONSTRUCTION on the $42 million IMAX-centred Fusion Superplex will today “ramp up” to 24 hour shifts, with the all-Bahamian investor group behind the project eyeing an April 20 opening.Dominic Richards, the Atavus Group’s chief operating officer, sai

Sustainable Nassau targets $450m spend

THE ‘Sustainable Nassau Action Plan’ calls for $450 million to be invested in 10 projects across two decades, it was revealed yesterday, as communities were urged to play a greater role in solving their problems.Frankie Campbell, minister of transpor

Insurance Commission names Conduct chief

THE Insurance Commission of the Bahamas has named Tamika S. Dean as manager of intermediaries and its Market Conduct unit.Mrs Dean has more than 15 years in combined insurance industry and regulatory experience, having previously served as analyst/re

IAN FERGUSON: Labour specialists key to workplace harmony

MAINTAINING a strong relationship between employer and employee can be key to a company’s ultimate success. If such a relationship is in place, employees will be more productive, loyal, efficient and create less conflict. Yet for many years, even be

Bahamas 'a dinosaur in space travel age'

BAHAMASLocal.com’s top executive yesterday likened this nation to “a dinosaur in a space travel age” through the Government’s continued reliance on paper-based systems.Jason McDowall, head of a company now seeking to export the model it has pioneered

Thursday, February 1

Finding purpose Conference to uncover God's will for your life

WITH the goal of inspiring people to find their god-given purpose in life, Minister Sherika Brown is hosting the three-day Prayer, Purpose and Prophetic Conference starting tonight at 7pm.Under the theme “It’s Time to Succeed in Purpose”, the confere

Pope forced to do an about-face

Just how well informed is Pope Francis about the goings-on in his 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church?That question is making the rounds after the pope seemed completely unaware of the details of a Chilean sex abuse scandal that soured his recent trip

Cursillstas charged to be more active in the ministry

On behalf of the Secretariat and members of the the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cursillo Ministry (BTCAC), I would like to bring greetings to all.I pray that this year will be one where love, friendship and care will bloom and grow among us;

In search of inspiration: Sir Sidney Poitier

What inspires you? We can receive inspiration from a whole lot of things; watching ordinary people accomplish great things, observing people overcome life’s adversities and listen to great motivational and inspirational speakers like Les Brown, Zig

Meditation - Adding to the number

“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, wh

Police officers told: Turn your hearts to God

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Exuma branch recently held their annual church service under the theme “God Is King, We are Dependent Upon Him”.The service was held at Mt Olive Union Baptist Church in Hartswell, Exuma. It was a joint effort between th

Silver trails - Lessons from a lowly creature

It’s 5.30am. My heart is pumping and my muscles straining as I run (trot, really) along the winding, concrete path in Cable Beach. Suddenly, the moon escapes its cloudy constraints and the lane is bathed in moonlight. I look down and gleaming up from

We lead by example

Social media has changed how we communicate. You can send an e-mail across the world and the recipient receives it in seconds. We have video calling where you can see the person you are talking to. We are in chat groups where we talk to numerous peo

All pastors, church leaders called to unite in prayer - Conference to 'wage war for the islands' -

A domestically travelling ministry is calling all pastors, teachers and church leaders to unite and join in prayer for the country tomorrow night.Change Bahamas Ministries, founded by Prophet Leo Adderley, is hosting the Gathering of Prophets Confere

02012018 EDITION

Thursday, 1st February, 2018.

Fraudulent papers now central issue

AS HE confirmed plans to speedily facilitate Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles’ return to the country, Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette yesterday said his case will bring the longstanding issue of fraudulent documentation to the forefront.

Promotions rate soared under PLP

PUBLIC sector promotions increased by 233 percent from 2014 to 2016 under the Christie administration, according to a Public Service Commission report that says promotions are too often recommended even when vacancies do not exist.

Jean Rony’s ruling impacts thousands

ATTORNEY Fred Smith believes the landmark Supreme Court ruling on Bahamas-born deportee Jean Rony Jean-Charles has now paved the way for people born in the Bahamas to non-nationals to seek protection from unlawful expulsion.

The Mud inferno: suspect charged

A 42-year-old man was arraigned in Abaco’s Magistrate’s Court yesterday on ten counts of arson related to Sunday’s destructive fire in The Mud shantytown.

Six charged with stabbing death of teenage mother

UNDER heavy police guard, four women, one of whom is pregnant, and two juvenile girls were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the stabbing death of a teenage mother in the Englerston constituency last week.

S.O.S. - Save our (city’s) soul

IN the late 1900s my late husband, architect and Bahamian advocate Jackson Burnside III, wrote a newspaper article under this same title, bemoaning the burgeoning loss of pride and appreciation for our country’s soul – i.e. our unique, rich Bahamian Art, Culture and Heritage. Although he is no longer physically with us, I will intersperse this letter with several of his quotations, which are still so very relevant today.

'Iggy' and CARIFTA team visit Temple Christian

THE Flow CARIFTA Games Bahamas 2018 team was at the Temple Christian School on Tuesday to continue its campaign’s message to be “The Best You” in line with the theme of the games: “Faster, Further, Higher.” The students were encouraged to be student

Race weekend: Bank awards top finishers of student run/relay

SCOTIABANK awarded the top finishers of the Student Run Relay segment of the Annual Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend.The top finishers, in the straight and mixed divisions, were presented with trophies and giftbags yesterday during a special ceremony

The countdown begins: 54 days to go!

IT is now 54 days and counting as the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations gets set to host the CARIFTA Games for the eighth time since the biggest regional track and field meet got started in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1972.The Bahamas first h

Smith signs with Rangers

Versatile Courtney Smith, who made the transition from a shortstop and outfielder to catching, is the latest Bahamian to sign a professional contract, inking his name on the dotted line with the Texas Rangers yesterday at the Courtyard Marriott.Flank

Butler named GB basketball Player of the Year

DESMOND Butler, of the Tabernacle Baptist Academy Falcons, has been named Grand Bahama Sports.com’s senior boys basketball Player of the Year, giving the basketball powerhouse back-to-back Players of the Year.He was already a great player last year,

Civil Aviation Authority to clamp down on Illegal charters

FOLLOWING the fatal plane crash off Andros last month, the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority is pledging an unprecedented effort to clamp down on illegal charter operations by embracing technology, involving law enforcement and increasing surveillance

Freeport set for 'Labour on the Blocks' job fair

AFTER a successful launch in Nassau, the Ministry of Labour will kick off the “Labour on the Blocks” initiative in Freeport to bring job seekers and employers together on Grand Bahama.The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, at the Susan J W

Govt: Renew Bahamas 'abruptly' terminated landfill contract

THE government maintained yesterday that former New Providence Landfill manager Renew Bahamas “abruptly” terminated its contract to remediate the dumpsite, while insisting ongoing challenges at the site do not place it in breach of Baha Mar’s heads o

Temporary closure of cabbage beach access for stairway repairs

OFFICIALS at Atlantis yesterday confirmed the “temporary closure” of the main public access path to Cabbage Beach, as the resort looks to repair a collapsed stairway.Senior vice president of public affairs Ed Fields said the resort thought it best to

PM's trip to Texas cost almost $40,000

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ recent trip to Texas to drum up investment and promote the country overseas cost taxpayers nearly $40,000, according to a document tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday.In keeping with a promise to be transparent

Pilot RISE programme 'self destructed'

THE pilot RISE programme reportedly suffered “irreparable defects” and self-destructed, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Social Services.The ministry’s RISE public relations campaign and the Conditional Cash Transfer project w

The Bucket List: Is it really all it’s hyped up to be or should we kick the bucket down the road?

Bucket Lists interest me. I also feel threatened by them or maybe intimidated is a better word because I don’t really have a full bucket list and that makes me think I must be a pretty boring person.

Main challenge to the viability of society

EARLIER this month, a letter of mine appeared in your column wherein I suggested that Acting Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs’ plea for more judicial discretion on the issue of bail (specifically for Magistrates) should be regarded as merely the wrongheaded opinion of the spokesman for an interest group.